Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

SMACK!

Two of Zhang Xingze's teeth were sent flying as his body was knocked backward, crashing hard onto the ground. He cried out in pain, wailing on the floor as half of his face swelled up.

Zhao Dong shrugged helplessly. "I told you to keep that filth out of your mouth. You can't blame me for this."

Nearby, the corner of Song Qingwan's mouth twitched. She glanced at Zhao Dong, her expression complex. Is this guy… really that violent?

Shen Yana shrieked and rushed over to help Zhang Xingze to his feet. Pointing a finger at Zhao Dong, she raged, "You bastard, do you have any idea who I am? How dare you touch my man? I can make you disappear from East Sea!"

"Go on," Zhao Dong said with a faint smile. "You're welcome to try."

Song Qingwan quickly tugged on Zhao Dong's sleeve. "Zhao Dong, this Zhang Xingze has serious connections," she said nervously. "He supposedly knows a lot of powerful people. You shouldn't have hit him."

"Who cares?" Zhao Dong replied dismissively. "I wasn't about to stand by and watch someone bully you."

At his words, Song Qingwan shuddered. She stared at Zhao Dong, a flicker of an unreadable emotion in her eyes. For so many years, this was the first time a man had ever said he wouldn't let her be bullied. For a moment, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. As she looked at Zhao Dong, the way she saw him quietly began to change.

Just then, Zhang Xingze pushed himself to his feet. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glared at Zhao Dong with venomous hatred. "You son of a bitch," he said hoarsely. "You dare hit me? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

"Oh? Why don't you enlighten me, then?"

"You're going to regret this, you bastard!" Zhang Xingze pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

When the call connected, his tone immediately became fawning. "Hello, is that Brother Long? I've run into a bit of trouble and need you to bring some men over. That's right, third floor of the Central Square in East Sea! Okay, I'll be waiting!"

Hanging up, Zhang Xingze sneered ominously. "Just you wait. I've got the Black Dragon of East Sea on his way. I'll have him break both your arms and your legs today!"

Song Qingwan's pupils shrank, and her face turned pale. "Black Dragon? The one from the underground fighting ring?"

Zhang Xingze licked his lips, his eyes glinting with a cold, sinister light. "Heh, so you've heard of him. But it looks like this kid is just too foolish to be scared, daring to lay a hand on me. Today, I'm going to teach him the meaning of the word 'agony'!"

Zhao Dong suddenly chuckled. Black Dragon? The same one who was groveling at my feet yesterday? This is getting interesting.

Beside him, Song Qingwan's face was ashen. She gripped his sleeve tightly. "Zhao Dong, you have to go! We can't afford to offend Black Dragon. If he gets here, we're really done for!"

But Zhao Dong simply comforted her. "It's fine. When he gets here, I guarantee he won't dare to let out a fart."

Song Qingwan froze, shocked. "Zhao Dong, this is no time for bravado! Do you even know what you're saying?"

"If I say it's fine, it's fine. Don't worry," Zhao Dong said with a smile.

"But…"

Zhao Dong raised a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, leaving Song Qingwan bewildered. Does he really have a plan, or is this just an act? She was completely lost.

Across from them, Zhang Xingze laughed darkly. "Still talking tough? Looks like Brother Long won't be letting you off today. You're going to be beaten to death! Song Qingwan, some man you've picked. He looks useless, but he sure can brag. You've really stooped low, choosing a man like him."

Song Qingwan frowned. "That's none of your business!"

Zhang Xingze shrugged. "Fine. In a little while, I'm going to make you watch as this guy gets beaten to death!"

Pale-faced, Song Qingwan looked at Zhao Dong, her eyes pleading. "Zhao Dong, please go. I'm begging you."

"It's okay," Zhao Dong reassured her again. "Just relax. I'm not that stupid."

"But…"

"No 'buts.' Just take it easy."

Song Qingwan felt helpless. Her face was a mask of despair, as she had no idea how to help Zhao Dong. She could only hope that Black Dragon wouldn't be too brutal.

The commotion in the store had already drawn a crowd, with many onlookers gathering outside. Upon hearing that Black Dragon himself was coming, they were even more shocked. A mix of fear and curiosity kept them clustered at a distance, all eyes fixed on the store to see how the drama would unfold.

Zhang Xingze cracked his neck and pointed at Zhao Dong. "My big brother is Black Dragon. If you know what's good for you, get on your knees and kowtow an apology right now. If you do, I might consider leaving you with one leg."

"You should be more concerned about your own fate. Seriously," Zhao Dong replied calmly.

Shen Yana snorted. "Xingze, don't waste your breath on him. He has a death wish. Just wait until he sees your connections. The second Brother Long appears, he'll be scared to death!"

Zhang Xingze nodded, his gaze on Zhao Dong filled with mockery and disdain as he fell silent.

Before long, a large group of men strode toward them from a distance, their imposing presence filling the entire mall corridor. There were dozens of them, all clad in black suits with cold expressions on their faces.

Everyone in the mall was stunned. Many people scrambled to get out of the way, having recognized the newcomers.

It was Black Dragon! Who in the East Sea underworld would dare to cross him?

Zhang Xingze spotted Black Dragon and immediately waved. "Brother Long, over here!"

Black Dragon led his men over, radiating an intimidating aura. Zhao Dong's back was to him, so he didn't see his face. Instead, Black Dragon looked at Zhang Xingze and said indifferently, "Xingze, which blind fool gave you trouble? I brought my men. Just say the word, and we'll cripple him."

Zhang Xingze immediately pointed at Zhao Dong and shouted angrily, "Brother Long, it's this son of a bitch! You have to get justice for me! Please, cripple him!"

Black Dragon's gaze instantly shifted to Zhao Dong and Song Qingwan.

Song Qingwan bit her lip so hard it nearly drew blood. Her face was ashen, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Black Dragon's oppressive presence was terrifying, and his stare was even more menacing. She shot a desperate look at Zhao Dong, signaling for him to run, but he acted as if he didn't understand.

Song Qingwan felt a wave of despair, wanting to cry but finding no tears. It was over. They were truly finished today. Zhao Dong… was probably going to be crippled.

Not just her, but the entire crowd of onlookers fell dead silent. Not a single person dared to make a sound.

Then, Zhao Dong slowly turned to face Black Dragon.

The instant Black Dragon's eyes landed on Zhao Dong's face, his mind went blank. In a flash, all the blood in his body seemed to rush to his head, threatening to make it explode.

Am I seeing things? Did I get the wrong person? Isn't that… the formidable Mr. Zhao from yesterday?! Oh my god… how did I provoke this monster?!

In an instant, Black Dragon's body went rigid. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead and streamed down his face as he began to tremble with uncontrollable fear.

Unaware of the change, Zhang Xingze urged him on, "Brother Long, tell your men to do it! Cripple this bastard!" He then turned proudly to Shen Yana. "See, Yana? Didn't I tell you I was friends with Brother Long?"

Shen Yana looked at him with newfound admiration. "I can't believe you really know Brother Long. You're amazing, Xingze."

Zhang Xingze laughed heartily, wrapping an arm around Shen Yana. He smiled at Black Dragon and said, "Brother Long, you can make your move. No time to waste!"

Black Dragon whipped his head around to face Zhang Xingze, his expression contorted with fury. He raised his hand and brought it down in a vicious slap across Zhang Xingze's face.

"Fuck you, Zhang Xingze! Are you fucking blind?!"

Zhang Xingze cried out as his nose was knocked sideways and another two teeth were sent flying. He was smashed to the ground once more. Clutching his face, he wailed, looking at Black Dragon with utter bewilderment. "Brother Long… why… why did you hit me?"

"I'm hitting you! Open your goddamn eyes and see who this is! This is Mr. Zhao!"

Zhang Xingze was instantly baffled, staring blankly at Zhao Dong. Shen Yana was just as stunned; her handbag slipped from her grasp and hit the floor with a thud.

Song Qingwan was also frozen in place, gazing at Zhao Dong as if she were turned to stone, completely and utterly dumbfounded.