Chapter Twenty-Five: Adding Fuel to the Fire

If the assassination attempt was a mere spark, then the hospital’s destruction was a barrel of gasoline—fuel poured onto the blaze, making the consequences inevitable and severe.

The call came from Zhang Dong, the bald-headed boss of the Baldhead Gang. As the local tyrant overseeing several streets, Lin Yang had spent no small sum to keep him satisfied, and in return, the Baldhead Gang had always looked after the Thirteen Blades Cosmetic Hospital. There had been disturbances before, but never to the extent of smashing up the place.

Tonight was like any other. The Baldhead Gang’s men were making their usual rounds of the businesses under their protection. But around midnight, two silver vans charged aggressively down Fengyang Street, screeching to a halt outside the Thirteen Blades Cosmetic Hospital. Without hesitation, dozens of men armed with clubs leapt from the vehicles and, without a word, began to mercilessly smash everything in sight. In the blink of an eye, the hospital was unrecognizable.

A few of the Baldhead Gang’s patrols happened to be passing by. They hurried forward to intervene, announcing their affiliation in hopes of intimidating the assailants. But the numbers were against them—four against dozens was a fool’s gamble. The attackers showed no sign of backing down. Outmatched and outnumbered, the four brothers were battered and bruised, lucky to escape with their lives. The mob seemed intent only on destruction, not murder.

News of the incident reached the lower ranks quickly, and when Zhang Dong heard, he was furious. To have his territory violated in such a way was an intolerable insult. He immediately rallied his men for revenge, but the attackers were swift and efficient, disappearing into the night before any retribution could be exacted. Zhang Dong was left seething, his pride in tatters. To be brazenly humiliated on his own turf—no one could tolerate such an affront.

He ordered his men to scour the city, vowing to turn over every stone to find the perpetrators. Once his arrangements were complete, he phoned Lin Yang, offering profuse apologies. After all, the incident had happened on his watch, and he could hardly shirk responsibility.

When Lin Yang hung up, his expression was as dark as night, every inch of him radiating a murderous aura. The attack on the hospital infuriated him far more than the attempt on his life. His fists clenched, his eyes blazing, he looked like a man on the verge of eruption.

“What’s wrong, Lin?” Ni Ni, ever sensitive to shifts in mood, noticed instantly. Her concern was genuine, though Lin Yang tried to mask his anger with a forced, bitter smile.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go downstairs,” he replied, suppressing his fury. He didn’t want Ni Ni to get involved—he knew all too well how reckless she could be, as she had shown by breaking off her engagement and defying her family.

Lin Yang grabbed several large bags and headed downstairs. After all, several others were waiting for them—keeping people waiting was impolite.

Compared to Lin Yang, Ni Ni was far more fussy, carrying only two small bags yet complaining incessantly. Lin Yang could barely resist the urge to snap at her.

In the underworld, Tiger was no pushover. Within half an hour, all traces of the bloody battle at North Hill Park had been wiped clean, and even the identities of the dozens involved were uncovered.

When Tiger saw Lin Yang come downstairs with his arms full of luggage, he was momentarily puzzled. But seeing Ni Ni grumbling behind him, he understood.

“Boss Lin, we’ve got some leads. Those fifteen men weren’t from Jinhai—they’re from Jiangning, part of a hitman organization under the Tiger Shark Gang, professionals who take money to handle business. The Tiger Sharks are a powerful group—this could get complicated,” Tiger reported gravely.

If the perpetrators had been locals, Tiger might have been able to handle it, but sending men into another gang’s territory would be tantamount to declaring war. With Wolfkill’s current strength, confronting the Tiger Sharks would be as futile as an egg hitting a rock. Jinhai was only a county-level city, while Jiangning was at the prefectural level—a world apart. That was why, after seeing Ni Ni’s respect for Lin Yang, Tiger had been so deferential. If he excelled at anything, it was adapting to circumstances.

Lin Yang listened carefully, not speaking, but calculating his next move.

“Let’s set that aside for now. I just got word—the hospital’s been smashed up.” Lin Yang’s voice was calm, but no one could mistake his indifference for lack of concern.

On the contrary, the calm before a storm is often the most ominous.

“Have the boys investigate who did it. Just because the tiger hasn't roared, do they take me for a sick cat?” At last, Lin Yang’s anger erupted after a brief, tense silence. His bloodshot eyes betrayed the fury within.

Sensing the terrifying murderous intent radiating from Lin Yang, even the usually arrogant Tiger was forced to submit. Not even Lin Yang’s barehanded defeat of fifteen trained assassins—one armed with a pistol—had moved him before, but now he was cowed. There are some men whose very presence can dominate a room, and at this moment, Lin Yang was undoubtedly one of them.

Tiger issued orders to his men and led Lin Yang and Ni Ni to a villa in the Tianchen District. They needed a new place to stay—no matter what measures he took, Ni Ni’s safety had to come first.

Tianchen was adjacent to Nanxiang, not far away. In the dead of night, after an hour’s drive, the car stopped in front of a uniquely designed, luxurious villa surrounded by fresh greenery. It didn’t have the grand, imposing air or spacious grounds of the Lin family estate, but it was elegant and, more importantly, quiet—a quality Lin Yang appreciated. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors when refining pills in the future. His only concern was Ni Ni.

He worried about her attempts at seduction—about her wandering into his room at night, scantily clad, tempting him to make mistakes he couldn’t take back.

Once out of the car, Tiger’s men helped carry the bags, easing Lin Yang’s burden. But despite the appealing new residence, he couldn’t muster any joy. Assaults, destruction—anyone would be roused to anger, let alone Lin Yang.

He dropped his bags carelessly and collapsed onto the sofa, chain-smoking until the entire living room was shrouded in smoke.

Ni Ni, sitting nearby, watched him with concern. Wrinkling her delicate nose, she gently urged, “Lin, please smoke less—it’s bad for your health.”

Lin Yang didn’t answer, only blowing smoke rings until the pack was empty. At last, he stopped and turned to Tiger. “Thank you, brother.”

“Don’t mention it,” Tiger replied. After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “So what’s your plan now?”

“We’ll find out who’s behind this first. No point confronting Jiang Tao without proof.” Though anger clouded his mind, Lin Yang remained lucid enough to avoid rash action. Still, in his heart, he had already marked Jiang Tao for death.

After a brief conversation, Tiger left a few men behind for protection and took his leave; he had plenty of matters to attend to.

With Tiger gone, the atmosphere grew heavy and silent. Lin Yang and Ni Ni sat on the sofa, lost in their thoughts, the living room as still as a tomb—until Lin Yang suggested she head upstairs to rest.

Sensing his mood, Ni Ni wisely withdrew, though she was already plotting her own moves. A woman’s wrath can be truly terrifying.

Lin Yang had no inkling that his father, a man of formidable means, was already aware of the night's events.

Compared to his indifferent response after the assassination at the East City Bridge, Lin Cheng’s reaction this time was like night and day. In the same study, wearing the same suit, Lin Cheng’s face was now etched with fury. No matter what strife his son had with the family, to be humiliated so in public had crossed Lin Cheng’s final line.

“Uncle Li, teach that Jiang boy a lesson—but don’t go too far. As for Tiger Shark, I don’t want to see any trace of them tomorrow. Do whatever you think best with the president of the Jinhai Medical Association,” he said, his instructions clear and concise.

“Yes, sir,” Uncle Li replied, bowing as he left the study. His aged face was a mix of joy and worry—glad that his master was finally taking action, but anxious about what trials the young master might yet face.

“The Jiang family grows bolder by the day. We still haven’t settled accounts over the leather factory, and now they dare lay hands on my son? Are they declaring war?” Once Uncle Li had gone, Lin Cheng turned to gaze out the window into the night, his face dark as thunder, muttering to himself in tones that brooked no argument.

…………………………

“Useless, all of you! So many men and you can’t handle one brat?” The sound of objects crashing and furious roars echoed through the bedroom. Jiang Tao, clad in pajamas, was beside himself with rage, his phone crushed beyond repair in his grip.

Tong Yu had called again to report their failure. It was as if the dawn of victory had been snatched away at the last moment—a fury that only those who have tasted it can understand.

But before he could continue his tantrum, the bedroom door was kicked violently open, splintering under a massive boot. Two burly figures stormed in, followed by a stunningly beautiful girl.

She had a slender waist, a lovely face, flawless skin, curves in all the right places, a striking purple jacket, and tight jeans—a woman beautiful enough to make heads turn. But her face was cold, and her eyes burned with lethal intent.