Even someone as arrogant as Xue Zong, upon seeing Tang Yuyao, wore a face full of smiles and an obsequious demeanor, not daring to raise his voice in her presence.
Sang Biao, while not particularly bothered, quietly lowered the rope as a sign of respect.
Tang Yuyao said, "Xue Zong, I'm hosting a meal here today. Your shouting is making me lose face. For my sake, why don't you come back another day?"
Uh... this...
Xue Zong hesitated, glaring hatefully at Lu Ming. He didn't want to let Lu Ming go, but he also dared not offend Tang Yuyao.
After much deliberation.
Xue Zong snorted coldly and said, "Of course, I must give Miss Tang face. Sang Biao, we'll wait outside!"
He couldn't go against Tang Yuyao, nor could he let Lu Ming leave.
The best approach was to wait outside with Sang Biao. Once Tang Yuyao left, or when Lu Ming came out, it wouldn't be too late to act.
Evidently, Tang Yuyao also saw through Xue Zong's intentions.
From the second floor, she said to Su Wanran, "Wanran, your grandfather just passed away, and you're out here feasting and drinking? You show no filial piety! Hurry back."
This was a blatant move to protect Su Wanran and ensure her departure.
After all, Tang Yuyao had a connection with Old Master Su and they had collaborated before. Now that Su Wanran was in mortal danger, Tang Yuyao stepping forward to help was a way to comfort Old Master Su.
Su Wanran nodded gratefully and got up to leave.
Xue Zong became a little anxious.
This wouldn't do!
Xue Zong had brought Sang Biao today to thoroughly beat up Lu Ming and Su Wanran, letting everyone in Fog City know that those who offended him, Xue Zong, would have no good end.
But now, Tang Yuyao was trying to let Lu Ming and Su Wanran leave. Wouldn't Xue Zong's revenge be thwarted?
If this got out, Xue Zong would become a complete laughingstock.
Xue Zong gnashed his teeth in anger. He wanted to stop Su Wanran but dared not act rashly due to Tang Yuyao's presence. One had to know that even the Dragon Warlord of Fog City treated Tang Yuyao with deference, let alone Xue Zong.
Su Wanran's face showed a joyful smile. Today, thanks to Miss Tang, she had escaped disaster and averted a calamity.
Everyone else also felt fortunate for Su Wanran.
However!
Just as everyone thought Su Wanran and her group would leave and Xue Zong would be disappointed, an accident occurred.
Lu Ming did not get up to leave. Instead, he picked up a piece of beef roll and started eating. He said as he ate, "The large pot of meat has just finished cooking, the perfect time to start eating. Leaving now would be a waste, wouldn't it?"
Su Wanran rolled her eyes, utterly speechless.
What time was it, and he was still thinking about eating meat? Sang Biao and Xue Zong had already come for them, and their lives were on the line, yet he was still thinking about food? How could his heart be so big?
Su Wanran's face darkened and she said, "What's there to eat? Let's go quickly! If you like it, I'll have someone pack it for us to take back. Come on, let's go."
Awkwardly, Lu Ming's backside seemed glued to the chair; he didn't move at all.
He calmly put down his chopsticks, pointed at Sang Biao, and asked, "If we leave like this, are we just going to ignore this bad guy?"
Su Wanran asked, "What do you want to do about him?"
Lu Ming smiled and said, "He's done so many wicked things, how can we let him off so easily? I said before that I would bring him to justice on the spot today! Today, I will capture him and escort him to the police station."
Heh, such arrogant words.
Everyone around was amused.
"This guy really doesn't know his place. Him, trying to capture Sang Biao? A pipe dream."
"It's good enough if he can stay alive, and he's still acting tough."
"This kind of person will get ahead if you give them an inch. Xue Zong and Sang Biao didn't dare to make a move because of Miss Tang. He actually thinks others are afraid of him?"
"First time seeing such an idiotic fellow."
Even Tang Yuyao on the second floor frowned, quite displeased.
She had kindly tried to help them and save their lives, yet he was foolish enough to provoke a fight with Sang Biao and refused to leave. Wasn't this a betrayal of Tang Yuyao's good intentions?
However, someone was very happy.
Xue Zong!
He burst into laughter and said, "Lu Ming, if I understand you correctly, you don't intend to let us go?"
Lu Ming nodded, "Of course. I don't care about anyone else, but this utterly wicked Sang Biao absolutely cannot leave today."
"Hahahahaha!" Xue Zong was delighted. He turned to the second floor and said, "Miss Tang, you've heard it too. It's not that I don't want to listen to you, but I'm helpless. He refuses to let me go, what can I do?"
Truly speechless.
Tang Yuyao snorted coldly and said to Lu Ming, "Why are you so foolish? I told you to leave, so leave! I'm hosting a party here today. Don't spoil my mood!"
Lu Ming coughed and said, "I'm sorry, Miss Tang, I don't want to spoil your mood either. It's just that a true man knows what he must and must not do. Once I've spoken, I cannot go back on my word! A wicked and evil person like Sang Biao must be brought to justice today!"
Hopeless.
Truly beyond saving.
Tang Yuyao waved her hand, "Heaven's wrath can be survived, but self-inflicted suffering is inevitable. Fine, you've chosen your path, walk it yourself. I'm not involved anymore."
With that, she turned and entered the private room.
She was no longer concerned with what happened downstairs!
Instantly, the smile vanished from Su Wanran's face. The flame of survival that had just ignited was completely doused by Lu Ming with a whoosh.
She truly couldn't understand.
Why was there such a foolish and stubborn person in the world?
Su Wanran glared at Lu Ming, reproachfully saying, "Are you crazy? You have a way out but refuse to take it, insisting on walking a dead end! Lu Ming, I really want to pry open your skull and see what's inside."
In the hot pot restaurant, everyone else also shook their heads.
Their attitude towards Lu Ming was one of confusion, ridicule, pity, and disdain.
Xue Zong, however, was very satisfied with this turn of events.
He chuckled and said, "I thought I wouldn't be able to catch you today, you scoundrel. I never expected that you would walk right into my trap."
Xue Zong stepped back a couple of paces and said, "Sang Biao, do it."
Sang Biao straightened the rope once more and walked towards Lu Ming, saying, "Kid, you're truly different from anyone I've met. You're the first one to dare to defy Miss Tang with your own life. Out of respect for you, I won't torture you. I'll snap your neck in one go and send you off painlessly."
This was considered Sang Biao's greatest 'favor'.
Watching Sang Biao approach step by step, Su Wanran trembled all over, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't want to die.
It was all Lu Ming's fault! If not for Lu Ming, she wouldn't have been pushed to this point.
Sang Biao lunged forward, holding the rope horizontally in front of Lu Ming's neck. He then clasped his hands together, ready to use the rope to strangle Lu Ming.
"Kid, rest in peace!"