No wings of a colorful phoenix to fly with, yet our hearts connect with a single thought?

Before Liu Ergou could ponder any further, his phone's ringtone abruptly ceased. Only then did he realize he had been overthinking and had missed the call.

Just as Liu Ergou was about to call Lu Shuangyue back, the phone rang again. This time, he didn't hesitate and answered immediately.

The moment the call connected, before Liu Ergou could even speak, Lu Shuangyue's anxious voice came through.

"Er Gou, where are you right now?"

Liu Ergou was about to answer but was interrupted before he could get a word out.

"Oh, never mind where you are, get over here right now! There's been an incident—it's about the Snow Skin Cream!"

"I'm waiting for you in my office at the Baozhi Hall headquarters. Hurry over!"

Lu Shuangyue hung up as soon as she finished, not giving Liu Ergou a chance to say anything.

Staring at the disconnected call, Liu Ergou sighed helplessly.

Why is there another problem? Can't I just get a moment of peace? This is just too much for me.

Grumbling aside, Liu Ergou hailed a taxi and headed straight for Baozhi Hall.

A dozen or so minutes later, Liu Ergou arrived at Lu Shuangyue's office.

The moment Lu Shuangyue saw him, she rushed over, her face fraught with anxiety. "Er Gou, you're finally here! We have a problem!"

Seeing how anxious she was, Liu Ergou immediately tried to calm her down.

"Shuang Yue, I know you're anxious, but try not to be. Worrying about it won't help."

Lu Shuangyue was speechless.

Liu Ergou sure has a way with words...

She rolled her eyes at him and then explained what had happened.

"Er Gou, it's like this: our Snow Skin Cream has been targeted. Not only is the approval for the batch number being held up, but Orange Bear is in big trouble too."

"His live-streaming company was reported for tax evasion and a host of other issues. Now, his company's operations have been suspended, so the product launch we had planned has to be postponed."

Hearing this, Liu Ergou's brow furrowed.

Targeted... I don't even have to think about it. It must be Mi Xiaoying. It couldn't be anyone else. As for Yuan Wenkang... even though his family is powerful in Jingdu, a mighty dragon can't crush a local snake. It would be difficult for him to stir up any major waves here.

While Liu Ergou was contemplating the situation, the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Then, Yuan Wenkang strode into the office.

Seeing Liu Ergou's frown, he remarked, "Well, if it isn't Liu Ergou. Why the long face? Run into some trouble?"

"Tsk, tsk. Weren't you so impressive before? What, no comeback now? Looks like these problems are just unsolvable, eh?"

Before Liu Ergou could respond, Yuan Wenkang turned to Lu Shuangyue.

"Shuang Yue, I know you're facing difficulties, so I came specifically to help you!"

As he spoke, Yuan Wenkang pulled a file folder from his briefcase and handed it to her.

"Shuang Yue, this contains the batch number approval for your Snow Skin Cream. With this, you can start production normally."

He paused, then continued, "I must say, Shuang Yue, with a product as good as your Snow Skin Cream, why didn't you bring it out sooner?

"If you had, things would have been so much better! With the Yuan Family's influence, I could have promoted it for you. You would handle production, and I would handle sales. Our strengths combined! We'd definitely..."

Yuan Wenkang was cut off before he could finish.

"Get out!"

Lu Shuangyue, who rarely ever cursed, couldn't hold it in any longer.

Yuan Wenkang was stunned, not expecting such a response from her.

Seeing him standing there dumbfounded, Lu Shuangyue thought he hadn't heard clearly and repeated herself.

"I said, get out of here! Did you hear me, Yuan Wenkang?"

"You're not welcome at Baozhi Hall! If you don't leave right now, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Lu Shuangyue's words made Yuan Wenkang's face turn green with rage, but he couldn't lash out at her. Instead, he redirected his anger toward Liu Ergou, who was still standing there frowning.

"Liu Ergou, are you just going to stand there frowning and say nothing?" Yuan Wenkang's face was livid as he glared at Liu Ergou.

"Let me tell you, a country bumpkin like you stands no chance against me! See? With just a little effort, I can make it impossible for you to get by in this city! Now, kneel and beg for my forgiveness. It's not too late! I might even consider letting you off the hook!"

However, Liu Ergou remained silent.

Seeing that Liu Ergou still wouldn't speak, Yuan Wenkang didn't get angry. Instead, he strode over to him and whispered, in a voice only the two of them could hear, "See, Liu Ergou? The lives of country bumpkins like you are worthless in my eyes."

"How did your brother die? I'm sure you know, don't you? I advise you to know what's good for you. Don't think you're so tough just because you can fight. You have a family. You have friends. You'd better watch your step, or I can't guarantee what might happen!"

Finished, Yuan Wenkang gave Liu Ergou a taunting smirk.

Looking at Yuan Wenkang's face, Liu Ergou could no longer hold back. He lifted his foot and kicked Yuan Wenkang squarely in the stomach.

Yuan Wenkang was sent flying, crashing hard against the door.

THUD!

Kicked so hard, Yuan Wenkang slumped to the floor, clutching his stomach and unable to get up.

Liu Ergou had no intention of stopping. He strode forward, grabbed Yuan Wenkang by the collar, and hauled him to his feet.

"Yuan Wenkang! You're really courting death!" Liu Ergou said coldly. "Did you really think I wouldn't dare to touch you? Since you're so eager to die, I'll grant you your wish today!"

With that, Liu Ergou raised his sandbag-sized fist.

Seeing the fist, Yuan Wenkang panicked. He suddenly recalled his father's advice.

Father told me never to push someone too far, lest a common man, in his fury, spills blood five steps away. My life isn't like theirs. My life is incredibly precious!

But now, it seemed too late for regrets.

Yuan Wenkang desperately wanted to beg for mercy, but facing Liu Ergou's murderous gaze, the words stuck in his throat.