Chapter 15: Who Dares to Challenge?

The burly man’s figure disappeared through the conference room door, but no one spared him a glance. A fiercer battle had erupted inside. The moment he left, six shadows lunged at Lin Xiao.

By now, everyone understood—Lin Xiao was the strongest among them. If they didn’t act fast, he would claim the only spot available. And so, the most powerful man in the room became everyone’s common enemy.

To win, Lin Xiao had to go down first.

The six attackers surrounded him, striking from every direction.

Three fists tore through the air. Three vicious kicks swept in from sharp angles. One of them even flipped mid-air, aiming a brutal double-fist smash straight for Lin Xiao’s head.

It was a full-circle ambush—an onslaught with no blind spots. No matter how skilled Lin Xiao was, no one could possibly withstand such a siege.

Or so they thought.

Lin Xiao didn’t dodge. Didn’t move.

A faint, cold smirk tugged at his lips.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Their strikes landed. But instead of triumph, panic spread across their faces.

It was like hitting solid stone.

Lin Xiao didn’t budge, but they felt it—the recoil jarring through their bones, pain shooting up their limbs.

By the time they realized the danger, it was too late.

Lin Xiao’s hands shot out like lightning, grabbing the two attackers closest to him. Before they could react, he spun and hurled them away like rag dolls.

Without pausing, he pivoted. The two who had gone for his legs found themselves hoisted into the air, spun around, and tossed aside with shocking ease.

“We surrender! We surrender!”

Upon witnessing the swift and ruthless takedown of four of their comrades, the remaining two quickly lost their nerve and shouted their surrender.

Lin Xiao stopped in his tracks, halting just half a meter away.

They stared at him, barely an arm’s length away, and exhaled in relief. Thank God they surrendered in time—any later, and they’d have joined the others flying through the air.

The man before them possessed strength beyond reason. They had never imagined someone could dominate so decisively.

What they didn’t know was that Lin Xiao hadn’t even used his full strength. He had held back. Had he gone all out, they wouldn’t have even landed a single blow.

And yet, even this fraction was enough to crush them all.

The fight had ended in a flash. But what Lin Xiao left behind was a room full of shocked faces.

They looked at him not as a man—but as something monstrous in human skin. His power defied everything they thought they knew.

Unfazed by their stunned silence, Lin Xiao glanced around and asked coolly, “Anyone else unwilling to concede?”

“I surrender! I surrender!”

“Brother, your strength is unmatched. I’m out.”

“We couldn’t compete even if we tried.”

One by one, the others gave up, their earlier bravado shattered. It would be foolish to challenge him now—they’d only be asking for pain.

“The security position is all yours, Brother. We’ll take our leave. Until next time.”

One by one, they bid farewell to Lin Xiao.

Even though they were unsuccessful in competing for the position, they harbored no resentment, only admiration for Lin Xiao. The chasm between their abilities and Lin Xiao’s was vast, as if one was in the sky and the other on the ground.

As they walked away, they talked amongst themselves.

“I previously considered my skills to be quite capable, but I hadn’t expected such a powerhouse to exist.”

“Who would have known, right? I’ve spent over a decade in the security industry, yet I didn’t expect…”

“Same here. I’ve earned several gold medals at national martial arts competitions, but I’ve never encountered such a tough opponent.”

As everyone gradually dispersed, only Ning Xi and Lin Xiao were left in the conference room.

With a smile gracing her face, Ning Xi walked elegantly over to Lin Xiao, “Congratulations, Lin Xiao. To be frank, I hadn’t imagined you as the last man standing. We’re colleagues now.”

“Thank you.”

“Alright, let’s head to my office. There are a few things I need to brief you on,” said Ning Xi.

Lin Xiao nodded and accompanied Ning Xi to her office.

Everyone they passed on the way treated Ning Xi with the utmost respect while also casting curious glances at Lin Xiao. They couldn’t fathom who this unimpressive-looking man was to warrant the president’s distinguished assistant to personally escort him.

Being the president’s assistant was not just any assistant position. It was the closest role to the CEO. Especially Ning Xi, who was the president’s right hand, to whom all documents must first pass before reaching the president.

None of the company’s vice presidents dared to underestimate Ning Xi.

Walking behind Ning Xi, Lin Xiao couldn’t help but notice her perfectly sculpted figure wrapped in her professional office attire, a sight that left him somewhat flustered. Fortunately, they arrived at Ning Xi’s office shortly.

Once seated, Ning Xi asked, “Lin Xiao, are you familiar with our company’s background?”

Lin Xiao responded, “I have a rudimentary understanding, but it’s not comprehensive.”

“Our company is a fully owned subsidiary of the Brilliant Group, known officially as Brilliant Aya Limited. Our primary operations involve research, development, and sales of cosmetics, shampoos, and other chemical products, with annual sales surpassing 50 billion yuan.”

Lin Xiao indicated his understanding with a nod.

“Recently, the former CEO of our company was transferred to the group’s main office. The new president has been in position for just a month. Due to some unique circumstances, we have been searching for a bodyguard to ensure the president’s safety.”

“Are you saying that my job is to protect the CEO?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao’s brows furrowed slightly. This wasn’t what he had anticipated.

“That’s right, that will be your main responsibility. How does that sound? Not bad, right? Our president is a stunning woman. Being a personal bodyguard to a beautiful president, isn’t that what most men dream of?” Ning Xi teased.

In her eyes, this job was perfectly suited for Lin Xiao, and she didn’t anticipate him having any reason to decline.

To her surprise, however, he responded, “I’m sorry, I need to give this job some thought.”

“What?” Ning Xi was momentarily taken aback. “Why? Lin Xiao, this job is ideal for you, and the salary and benefits are among the highest in Jinghai City. You won’t find a comparable offer elsewhere.”

Lin Xiao was generally pleased with the job offer. Despite not revealing his identity, the compensation package was top-tier. However, he came to Jinghai City to care for Yuan Yong’s family.

This job, though, was about providing close protection to an individual, which meant that he would have little to no personal time. This would inevitably hinder his ability to care for Yuan Yong’s family. So, Lin Xiao felt somewhat hesitant.

However, when Ning Xi learned of Lin Xiao’s concerns, she reassured him, “Don’t worry. Although it’s termed as close protection, it’s only required during certain special circumstances. On a regular day, it’s just like any other job, perhaps even more flexible, so it won’t disrupt your daily life.”

Relieved by her words, Lin Xiao responded, “That sounds good. When do I start?”