"What do you want?" Lin Fan asked calmly.
He and Lan Xi dared not gamble on whether the gun was real or aimed at them. It was better to feign obedience while looking for an opportunity.
Of course, Ling Qingyu knew what they were thinking based on their personalities. Neither of them was ready to surrender and offer their heads to someone else.
"Have a seat, please." Ling Qingyu acted like a host, making it seem as if she were the owner of the house treating her guests politely.
The corners of Lin Fan and Lan Xi’s mouths twitched fiercely. Despite the darkness, the two managed to scurry over to the sofas.
Seeing their struggle, Ling Qingyu leaned forward and pulled the string of a nearby antique lamp, illuminating the darkness.
Although not as bright as a typical lit room at night, the lamp, which provided enough light to read, revealed Ling Qingyu’s figure.
Due to the holographic mask, Lin Fan and Lan Xi couldn’t recognize Ling Qingyu, but her full curves, gentle face, and cold eyes could easily place her among the beauties.
Now, Ling Qingyu was visible, sitting lazily on the sofa, her crossed legs slanted at a golden angle.
Her elbow rested on the sofa’s arm, with her palm supporting her chin. Her other hand lay over her thigh, pressing the purse beneath it, while she grasped the Glock.
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Her finger was off the trigger, the muzzle pointed at a slight angle away from the duo. A mere twitch was all it would take to land accurate shots. Stay updated with freewebnovel
Lin Fan knew the woman threatening them was highly capable. Even his countermeasures and defenses seemed vulnerable.
She didn’t twirl or play around with the gun like most arrogant villains who assumed they had total control.
The muzzle was steady yet relaxed, ready to unleash projectiles accurately at their figures.
Facing such an opponent, Lin Fan realized they needed to lower her vigilance gradually before making a move.
Besides, he didn’t sense any malice from her, and the unfriendly meeting seemed to be solely for the purpose of communication.
"I thought you would ask who I am," Ling Qingyu chuckled and looked toward Lan Xi.
"No matter how I ask, you won’t answer, will you?" Lin Fan replied calmly, unfazed by the teasing.
Usually, he would joke around, especially when the enemy was a woman, making them blush and lose control.
However, for some reason, his gut told him he wouldn’t succeed this time and might even worsen the situation.
Furthermore, he wasn’t alone—Lan Xi was nearby. Hmm, the woman’s target seemed to be his lover.
Good gracious, what on earth had Lan Xi done to attract a monster like this?
"You’re right, I won’t answer," Ling Qingyu stated plainly. "Now, let’s get to the main topic, shall we?"
"Does your excellency need anything from us?" Lan Xi asked. She had already understood that the woman’s primary target was her from the way she looked at her.
"Well, I really admire your ambition and your means of stabilizing the Vermilion Gang," Ling Qingyu praised. "It’s a pity that we’re destined to be on opposite sides, regardless of my personal feelings."
"I want your Vermilion Gang to move out of Province N. No gangs, from low to high level, should remain," Ling Qingyu stated her demand.
"Just by threatening us?" Lan Xi shot back.
"No, you can do whatever you want once you leave Province N, but here, you will meet no good end unless you disband your gang."
"The underground world and its rules exist because society requires it," Lan Xi argued.
"Society?" Ling Qingyu mocked. "I reckon it’s more like greedy people who can’t let go of their power and try to control ordinary people through fear."
"Let me guess. You’re from Spirit Fox," Lin Fan interjected.
Ling Qingyu merely smiled, neither denying nor confirming his words. Lan Xi had also realized the woman’s identity when she showed such determination to eradicate every last gang.
"You don’t really think that removing us won’t backfire on everyone, do you?"
"I think that phase is already over. It’s just a matter of time before the downfall," Ling Qingyu replied with a scornful expression. "Besides, Spirit Fox is ready to handle any crisis immediately. It’s just a brief moment of a rabbit jumping over the fence."
"I don’t think we’ve done anything that constitutes a crime," Lan Xi remarked, avoiding discussions about laws and regulations.
Her intelligence network had already proven that Spirit Fox would go to extreme lengths to achieve its goals. They had no reservations or moral constraints.
There was no way to play politics with them since they were a completely independent organization. Plus, with Yang Qingyue’s current thorough cleanup, corrupt officials at lower and intermediate levels had lost their heads.
"I dare you to swear a vicious oath that you haven’t done anything in the past," Ling Qingyu waved her hand. "I’m not talking about killing rivals, collecting protection fees, or loan sharking. I’m asking—are you sure the Vermilion Gang has never harmed innocent people?"
"Every organization has its dirty deeds. Under my control, the Vermilion Gang promotes peace and security in our region," Lan Xi stood her ground. "There must be a group willing to serve the government in the underground world to prevent chaos."
"No need. Spirit Fox will gladly replace them," Ling Qingyu sneered. "I wouldn’t bet on a gang whose conduct is always disorderly."
"There will be many deaths, young—"
"It’s just trash that society needs to dispose of."
"Family members will be sad."
"That’s why I suggest you prepare to leave Province N. I’m sure more families will rejoice and cherish the new reality."
Lan Xi pursed her lips. There was nothing to argue. Spirit Fox was issuing an ultimatum, not a suggestion.
"You’re leaving us without any choice. Compared to others, Vermilion Gang—"
"Which is why I’m giving you a chance. Otherwise, do you really think Spirit Fox would sit down and discuss this politely at the table? Next time, it’ll be with bullets."
Lin Fan and Lan Xi silently complained. Polite? Breaking into someone’s house and holding them at gunpoint? If that was politeness, Spirit Fox redefined it.
"What if I don’t listen?" Lan Xi refused to back down.
"Then be prepared for our crackdowns later." Ling Qingyu stared at the stunning charmer and sighed inwardly—if only Lin Fan hadn’t overreach this gangster lady boss.
As a fellow harem member who should have been her sister—ahem—a beautiful woman, Ling Qingyu felt reluctant, but she knew her priorities when her wife was involved.
Dealing with the Vermilion Gang was only a matter of time, and she had already given them the best chance possible. Of course, Ling Qingyu was even more reluctant to deal with Lin Fan, the child of destiny.
She couldn’t afford to offend or kill him yet. Not that she was afraid, but when it came to luck-based protagonists, it was best not to gamble without absolute certainty.
Additionally, Ling Qingyu hoped Miss System wouldn’t intervene directly—not that she believed the tsundere system wanted to.
She had already received an enormous golden finger. If she still needed help, what was the point of living? She might as well reincarnate immediately to save herself from embarrassment.
Lin Fan gulped as he stood in the midst of the silent battlefield between the two women. He didn’t particularly care about the Vermilion Gang, but he understood how much effort Lan Xi had put into it.
Having to retreat just because of someone’s words—who would willingly accept that?
Moreover, Lin Fan knew they could never afford to provoke the authorities in broad daylight. Now, even the underground world was becoming more dangerous with Spirit Fox’s involvement.
He had personally witnessed Spirit Fox’s prowess during the bank robbery. Lan Xi’s subordinates had compiled witness accounts of other battles between Spirit Fox and their enemies, showing skills comparable to special forces.
Though the Spirit Fox member was undeniably beautiful, Lin Fan had no mood for flirtation.
"Miss, do you know that knives in the dark are the sharpest?"
"Of course, I’m aware, Lin Fan." Ling Qingyu narrowed her eyes, her voice turning colder. Even though she knew Lin Fan wasn’t truly threatening her but merely hinting, she was still infuriated.
Lin Fan was directly targeting Yang Qingyue. Other than her, who else could Spirit Fox truly be vulnerable through? Only Yang Qingyue and her confidantes had weaknesses.
As for Spirit Fox itself, they welcomed any challenge. With Athena’s overwatch, their skills, and their cheats—heck, Ling Qingyu didn’t even consider failure a possibility.
"You can try, but you’ll only get one opportunity if you truly believe you can survive our hands later." Ling Qingyu snickered. "We welcome your challenge, anytime. But do keep in mind—actions have consequences. The best-case scenario? Death. The worst-case scenario… hahaha."
Each chuckle shrouded over Lin Fan and Lan Xi, who exchanged glances with a slight trepidation. Yang Qingyue seemed to be a dragon reverse scale of Spirit Fox.
Ling Qingyu adjusted her posture and leaned forward, her gaze locking onto Lin Fan’s in a fierce contest of wills.
"Lin Fan, Spirit Fox overlooking your past deeds and negotiating is the greatest courtesy we can offer. Don’t overstep your boundaries—or your worth."