Chapter 18: Damn You

Nalan Che’s sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, fixed coldly on the impeccably dressed man at the forefront. “Liu Yan, are you sure you want to stop me? Hm?”

That dangerous gleam in his gaze was like an X-ray, piercing right through him.

Liu Yan, in his early thirties, was ruggedly handsome and served as the captain of the Imperial Sha Group’s military team, answering directly to the old chief. He was a trusted confidant of the patriarch and also a friend of Nalan Che.

Scratching his head awkwardly, Liu Yan said, “If I let you pass, I’ll have a hard time explaining it to the old chief.”

The old man and his grandson wouldn’t let him off easily. Caught in the middle of their relentless demands, he was on the verge of collapse—trapped, helpless, and with no way out.

Nalan Che glanced coldly at the trembling soldiers behind Liu Yan and sneered, “You think you can stop me?”

Of course, they couldn’t. Everyone knew how formidable their chief was. He had once infiltrated a terrorist headquarters alone, achieving unprecedented feats. He was the youngest and most promising chief in history—a core pillar of the Imperial Sha Group.

“How about this,” Liu Yan said, winking, “we just put on a little show. You leave with style, and I’ll have an easier time explaining things to the old chief.”

Nalan Che’s keen eyes narrowed, a bloodthirsty smirk curling at the corner of his lips. Perfect. He didn’t rule out the possibility that this time, someone was scheming against him too. Now, they could settle old scores all at once. He tore off his formal coat and threw it toward Tong Xiaoman.

Having already given up on explaining herself, Tong Xiaoman instinctively caught his coat, then immediately scowled. Why on earth did she catch his coat?

A chill of foreboding rose in Liu Yan’s heart, and feeling a wave of cold dread, he hurriedly said, “Keep it brief.”

“Of course…” Nalan Che grinned coldly, baring his teeth. “If I don’t beat you down to the ground, I won’t be able to get past this grudge in my heart.”

Liu Yan was horrified, clutching his rifle as he swiftly dodged aside. “Boss, you should go. If you don’t leave now, the old chief will come after you.”

“Hmph. I’ll settle this with you when I get back.” Seeing Liu Yan step aside wisely, Nalan Che stopped wasting time. His large, firm hand grasped Tong Xiaoman’s small one, and they ran toward the shore.

Tong Xiaoman had no choice now but to follow him.

This man was utterly devious. They barely knew each other, yet he had dragged her out here as a human shield. Staring at his broad back, she wished she could shoot two holes through it.

A custom-made, exquisite yacht was anchored on the restless, wavering sea.

Tong Xiaoman planted her feet firmly, refusing to move any further. “Hey, Nalan Che, are you crazy?”

“I’m not crazy. I’m perfectly clear-headed,” Nalan Che said, glancing back. His fathomless black eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence.

“Leaving the bride behind and making me the unwitting scapegoat—you’ve seriously messed me up,” she said, glaring at him in anger.

She had come to watch the drama unfold, not to be part of the act.

“I never intended to marry her. Sorry for dragging you into this, but you have to come with me.” Nalan Che’s palm gripped her wrist like iron.

“Have to?” Whether he wanted to marry her or not was his business—what did it have to do with her, an outsider?

If she followed him just like that, wouldn’t she lose all dignity?

“That’s right.” Nalan Che said no more. Holding her wrist firmly, he headed toward the yacht’s gangplank.