Chapter 133: Ordinary Folk

After departing from the men’s clothing store, Wan Caixuan seemed to have had her fill of shopping. Lin Xiao and Wan Caixuan walked side by side as they exited Longhua Mall.

Lin Xiao’s hands were weighed down with bags—the aftermath of Wan Caixuan’s extravagant shopping spree.

It appeared as though Wan Caixuan was using her shopping spree as an outlet for the stress accumulating within her heart. She effortlessly spent millions, buying a mountain of luxury items, yet her appetite seemed unabated.

Lin Xiao was genuinely perplexed. Why did Wan Caixuan purchase so many luxury items, especially when he had seldom seen her use any in the past?

Additionally, there was already an array of untouched luxury items in her villa.

When Lin Xiao voiced his questions, all he got was Wan Caixuan briefly pursing her rosy lips, choosing not to elaborate further.

Raising her eyes to the gleaming sky and then glancing at the sweat-drenched Lin Xiao, burdened with bags, a shade of brightness returned to Wan Caixuan’s previously somber mood. A fleeting smile graced her face.

However, that smile was short-lived. Realizing that the passersby were casting their gazes upon her, her sunny demeanor dissipated, replaced once more by her usual icy, impassive countenance.

A short distance away, Le Fangyun, sitting in his Lamborghini, had his eyes fixated on Longhua Mall’s entrance.

The moment Lin Xiao emerged, excitement surged within Le Fangyun, almost making him leap out of his car. However, his attention quickly shifted to the entrancing Wan Caixuan by Lin Xiao’s side, making it impossible for him to look away.

While Le Fangyun was no stranger to women–quite the contrary, given that he had been surrounded by them ever since the incident with a female classmate at the age of thirteen–he had also had his share of nights with numerous renowned celebrities. Yet, comparing them to Wan Caixuan was like contrasting the earth with the heavens. She was in an entirely different league.

Could there truly exist such exquisite beauty in this world?

More significantly, Wan Caixuan exuded an inherent noble aura that made Le Fangyun’s heart skip a beat.

From the moment he laid eyes on Wan Caixuan, Le Fangyun scrapped his initial plan. He resolved to personally intervene. First, to captivate the heart of the ravishing beauty, and then to ruthlessly humiliate Lin Xiao.

Le Fangyun held immense confidence in himself. In comparison to Lin Xiao, be it wealth or physical appearance, he believed himself to be vastly superior. He thought that as long as the enchanting lady had functioning eyes, she’d know the right choice to make.

Once he secured the affection of the unparalleled beauty, exacting revenge on Lin Xiao could wait. Given his substantial wealth and power, he was certain Lin Xiao would be easily manipulated.

Adjusting his clothes using the rearview mirror, Le Fangyun inhaled deeply, opened the car door, and boldly walked toward Lin Xiao and Wan Caixuan.

Lin Xiao, ever observant of his environment, instantly spotted and recognized Le Fangyun. He was confident that Le Fangyun hadn’t forgotten their previous encounters.

Subtly narrowing his eyes, Lin Xiao assertively positioned himself in front of Wan Caixuan, shielding her. Yet, he refrained from speaking or reacting, allowing Le Fangyun to draw closer. He was curious about Le Fangyun’s intentions.

Oblivious to Lin Xiao, Le Fangyun’s mind was preoccupied. His thirst for vengeance took a backseat to winning over this exquisite beauty.

His gaze intense and unwavering, he focused on Wan Caixuan, hidden behind Lin Xiao, and courteously asked, “Miss, I am Le Fangyun. Would I be privileged enough to know your esteemed name?”

Upon saying this, Le Fangyun flashed what he believed was his most charming smile.

However, in response to Le Fangyun’s fervent advances, Wan Caixuan remained indifferent, not even deigning to grant him a mere glance. She had encountered countless men of this sort, too many to even keep track.

“Lin Xiao, what kind of bodyguard are you? Allowing such riffraff to bother me?” Wan Caixuan remarked coldly.

‘Riffraff? She’s calling me riffraff?’

A wave of indignation swelled in Le Fangyun, nearly making him choke on his own rage.

To his astonishment, what he believed was a confident advance was perceived as mere harassment by her. It felt like a slap to his face, causing Le Fangyun’s cheeks to redden with embarrassment. This incident seriously dented his pride.

Since his employer had spoken up, Lin Xiao couldn’t remain passive. He shot Le Fangyun an indifferent glance.

“Mr. Le, I’d appreciate it if you’d step aside.”

Upon saying this, Lin Xiao advanced, narrowing the gap between himself and Le Fangyun. If his hands weren’t preoccupied, Lin Xiao might not have even bothered with words, opting to push Le Fangyun away directly.

Lin Xiao was no fool. It was evident to him that Le Fangyun harbored malicious intent. And when faced with such malice, he never held back.

Le Fangyun’s expression shifted. Recognizing he could no longer engage with Wan Caixuan, he discarded his facade of civility and scoffed, “Lin Xiao, remember me? I thought you were something special, but you’re just a mere bodyguard.”

“If that’s the case, what does it make Young Master Le, who was bested by just a bodyguard?” Lin Xiao retorted, his voice steady yet piercing.

Le Fangyun, momentarily taken aback, struggled to find words. His face flushed with anger, he spat, “Don’t get too cocky. It was mere luck. Do you know the consequences of crossing me?”

His restraint broken, Le Fangyun’s tirade grew increasingly coarse.

Upon hearing Le Fangyun’s crude outburst, Wan Caixuan displayed a look of revulsion, her curiosity piqued.

She wondered what Lin Xiao could have possibly done to infuriate this second-generation young man so deeply. In her understanding, there should’ve been no intersection between their worlds.

Lin Xiao’s gaze turned icy. “Are you threatening me?”

Le Fangyun took a few steps back and raised an arm. “Do you take this as merely a threat? No, no, no. This is just a forewarning of what’s about to unfold. Later, don’t plead for mercy.”

At Le Fangyun’s cue, the doors of a parked van swung open. A group of masked men leaped out, charging menacingly toward Lin Xiao.

These men, bare-chested and sporting buzz cuts, wielded crude weapons like steel pipes and bricks.

Suddenly, screams echoed throughout the area. Pedestrians scattered in all directions, hoping to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

All this while, Le Fangyun had retreated to a safe distance, standing with his arms crossed. With a malicious glint in his eyes and a smug, sinister smile on his face, he watched the scene unfold.

Seeing the men charging at him, Lin Xiao’s first instinct was to shield Wan Caixuan. Even if he engaged in combat with this group, no matter Lin Xiao’s prowess, there was no guarantee of her safety.

Protecting Wan Caixuan was his primary duty. With that thought, he immediately dropped the bags he carried, scooped Wan Caixuan into his arms, and sprinted away.

Wan Caixuan, though startled, remained composed. She clung to Lin Xiao, wrapping her arms around his neck. The warmth and strength of his embrace sent her heart racing, leaving her torn between fear and a flush of excitement.

Even with the added weight, Lin Xiao’s speed was remarkable. In mere moments, he covered significant ground, reaching a Rolls-Royce parked nearby.

He swiftly opened the car door, settled Wan Caixuan inside, and slammed it shut. Only then did he pivot, face set with a steely resolve, to confront the oncoming mob.

Moments later, the group finally closed in on Lin Xiao, their eyes burning with hostility and murderous intent.

With a guttural grunt, the lead attacker swung a thick steel pipe, aiming straight for Lin Xiao’s head. The pipe—heavy, as thick as a man’s arm—cut through the air with frightening force. A direct hit wouldn’t just hurt; it could be fatal.