Slap, the table was suddenly smacked by the bully, scattering the dishes on the table.

"Yo, Brother Song, what's wrong?" The proprietress, swaying her curvy hips, came out with a beaming smile, not the least bit panicked, clearly very adept at handling such situations.

The bald bully, known as Brother Song, had a fierce look in his eyes. He pointed at his own table's food and then towards Lin Hai's table, questioning: "Why is our food different, and why does theirs look more appetizing?!"

The proprietress smiled gracefully and hurriedly explained: "Brother Song, those specialty dishes at the opposite table were made by that guest himself; I couldn't do anything about it."

Brother Song pointed at Lin Hai and said menacingly: "You made it? Go to the kitchen and make me another one exactly the same."

Lin Hai was unwilling and stood up, his eyes wide as he retorted: "Why should I?"

It's not that he liked to fuss, his culinary skills were seldom displayed. Back in Europe, except for a few exceptionally close beautiful superstar females and a few specially privileged individuals, others didn't qualify to taste his cooking.

Seven or eight thugs suddenly stood up.

"Oh dear, Brother Song, calm down, it's my fault, let me apologize," the proprietress cooed hastily, trying to soothe him.

"Apologize? Proprietress, how about letting us guys have some comfort?" Brother Song said with a sinister smile, his gaze lingering greedily on the exposed cleavage of the proprietress as he swallowed his saliva.

The proprietress chuckled: "Why talk about such pleasant topics in broad daylight, I'm afraid I'll exhaust you guys. Let's eat first, I'll make a few specialty dishes."

"Ha ha, you know just what to say, I like such naughty women like you," Brother Song laughed.

"Since that's the case, why don't you show some sincerity, proprietress? I don't need any specialty dishes anymore," Brother Song added.

"What kind of sincerity would Brother Song like?" The proprietress blinked her seductive eyes.

"As for sincerity, how about this, see the food that fell on the floor? Kneel down and lick it clean in front of the brothers, and today's incident will be forgotten," Brother Song said jokingly.

The other bullies also burst into unrestrained laughter, their eyes carrying a menacing threat as they stared at the proprietress.

The proprietress's expression changed momentarily, then she chuckled coyly, slapping Brother Song on the chest, saying: "Oh, Brother Song, you've gotten quite the joker, that serious expression really scared me just now."

"Heh, who the fuck is joking with you? Show some sincerity, kneel down and lick it clean, otherwise don't even think about keeping this joint open, damn it!" Brother Song's expression changed instantly.

The proprietress's complexion turned pale, and she quickly smiled apologetically: "Calm down, Brother Song. It wouldn't look good for a woman like me to kneel and lick, today's meal is on me."

"A meal my ass, giving face but not wanting face, you slut, will you lick or not!" Brother Song bellowed.

The proprietress's face turned utterly unpleasant.

Seven or eight strong men glared menacingly.

"Brother Song, I've always paid the protection money on time, can't you spare me in consideration that I'm a weak woman?" the proprietress asked, biting her red lips.

Brother Song snorted coldly: "If that's the case, I'll give you a chance then, you don't have to lick."

"Really? Thank you, Brother Song, the meal's on me, I'll go and fry a couple of small dishes," the proprietress smiled.

She often encountered such local bullies and thugs, occasionally squeezing them for what she could, but she always managed to cope.

"Hold on!" Brother Song's voice rose again.

"Please speak, Brother Song?" the proprietress said cheerfully, although it was a smile, in Lin Hai's eyes, it carried a sense of helplessness towards life and the harsh realities of the world.

He slowly clenched his fists, ready to act should the bullies dare to step out of line. He didn't mind contributing to a harmonious social environment for the local community.

"Isn't there a herb field behind your house? Recently, Boss Lu plans to build a detached villa complex on the hill, which requires land acquisition. Compensation for a large field is fifty thousand, and small ones from ten to thirty thousand. Considering we're old acquaintances, I'll offer you fifteen thousand, just give up the herb field," Brother Song said.

The lady boss's face changed dramatically this time.

The herb field provided a substantial supplement to her household income each month, and even covered her brother's schooling.

Moreover, a one-time compensation of fifteen thousand wouldn't even cover her brother's annual tuition and living expenses, let alone match the real value of the land.

"Why won't you agree? Don't force me to make you drink a penalty drink."

"Brother Song, that herb field was left by my late husband, and no amount of money can make us sell it," the lady boss firmly shook her head.

"Damn, giving face but don't want face, what a cheap trick!" Brother Song immediately turned hostile and reached for the lady boss's hair.

At the critical moment, Lin Hai abruptly took action.

Ouyang Xiaoya's voice also called out at the same time: "Lin Hai, help quickly."

Seeing Lin Hai act swiftly, Ouyang Xiaoya breathed a sigh of relief, her impression of this otherwise seemingly cowardly guy improved significantly. She never expected him to be so courageous in times of danger and actually be a warm-hearted good person.

Brother Song only felt his arm freeze mid-air, as if clamped by an iron grip, no matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't free himself.

"Kid, you're looking for..." before he could finish.

Lin Hai's eyes suddenly flashed with a fierce light, cutting Brother Song's words off.

Such a terrifying gaze.

The lady boss looked at Lin Hai's silhouette at that moment. Seeing him single-handedly lifting Brother Song startled her immensely. This guy was incredibly strong.

The rest of the bullies looked ready to take down Lin Hai with murderous intent.

"Looking for death?" Lin Hai's gaze turned icy cold, his deep eyes seemed to carry a terrifying force.

The bullies hesitated, unsure whether to step forward to help Brother Song.

"I am Boss Lu's man, buddy. As a foreigner, you better not meddle in these matters," Brother Song struggled to speak, noticing Lin Hai's grip getting stronger rendering him breathless.

"Boss Lu? Humph, this is a society ruled by law," Lian Hai casually threw him aside, and Brother Song fell to the ground gasping for air, his eyes wide with fear.

Lin Hai's murderous look was evident, and he knew clearly that this foreigner had killed before.

"Better scram!" Lin Hai's voice was commanding, leaving no room for doubt.

"You, you just wait, Boss Lu won't let you off," Brother Song and his gang, terrified, stumbled as they ran out of the restaurant.

"Thank you, big brother," the lady boss gratefully said.

Lin Hai showed a gentle smile: "It was nothing, no need for thanks."

"Big brother, you better leave quickly. This Brother Song has Boss Lu behind him, a bigwig in Huadu. He has significant local influence, don't get yourselves in trouble," the lady boss expressed her concern.

Lin Hai laughed, his face calm and composed, and told the lady boss, "I quite like trouble, it makes life exciting."