The old man saw his disdainful expression and lack of response, his temper flaring instantly. "You damn fool, put that stinking woman down right now—she's mine!"

"Your woman?"

The man scoffed coldly, his brows furrowing as an overwhelming aura radiated from him, sending chills down the spine. "What if I don’t?"

His voice was low, yet commanding.

But the old man’s eyes were fixed solely on the beauty in his arms, oblivious to the tension. Seeing that the man showed no intention of releasing her—instead holding her even tighter—he nearly lunged to snatch her away.

Yet, the man’s tall, muscular frame exuded raw masculinity, and the old man, barely reaching his armpit even on tiptoes, hesitated, a hint of cowardice creeping in.

Still, he spat vulgar insults. "Don’t you know who you’re messing with? The Zhu Corporation—mine. My family’s wealth could crush you. You dare defy me? You’re as good as dead."

The man remained calm, his extraordinary demeanor exuding nobility and aloofness, unwilling to waste another word on the old fool.

The old man mistook his silence for fear, growing even more brazen. "Boy, if you’re playing hero, weigh your worth first. Don’t be a fool."

He pointed an arrogant finger. "Last chance—hand over the woman, apologize, and call me ‘grandpa,’ and we’ll call it even. But if you insist on being stubborn, one phone call from me, and you’re finished."

With that, he burst into manic laughter.

"Damn it..."

The man slowly tightened his grip around the girl’s waist while rolling his ankles. flawless side kick exploded with explosive power, his robust right leg aimed directly at the old man’s throat—fast enough to leave onlookers gasping.

The strike was meant to crush the old man’s carotid artery, a fatal blow.

But having just showered, he recoiled at the last second, unwilling to soil his foot.

Even so, the old man froze in terror, collapsing to the ground like a puppet with cut strings.

Hearing the commotion, the hotel manager rushed up with four or five security guards, only to freeze at the sight of the half-paralyzed old man.

"Boss Zhu?!"

The manager scrambled to help him up. "Boss Zhu, what happened? Who dares to bully you?"

Only then did the old man spot reinforcements. Grinding his teeth, he snarled, "That thug—don’t let him get away!"

The corridor lights were dim, and the man stood sideways, cradling the woman, his face obscured from the manager’s view.

The manager, who had often taken bribes from Boss Zhu, saw an opportunity to repay the favor.

With a gesture, the guards surrounded the man.

Unfazed, the man’s cold gaze swept over them.

It had been ages since he’d last used his fists, and today, without his bodyguards, was as good a time as any to limber up.

It was only when their eyes met that the manager recognized him—and his legs turned to jelly, his words stumbling.

"M-M-Mu Shao... i-it’s y-you...?"

"W-when did you arrive? Why wasn’t I informed?"

Mu Yuting’s piercing gaze carried an icy chill. "Too many words."

His voice was clear and melodious, yet it emerged from a block of ice, sharp and bone-deep.

The M Hotel was his family’s property. Since its inception, Room 1818 had been his exclusive domain.

Did he need to report his presence to the hotel staff? What a fool.

"Y-yes, my mistake!"

The manager slapped himself, cursing the day he crossed paths with Boss Zhu. Why provoke someone like Mu Shao, the young master of the Mu Group? man who ruled the pinnacle of society, managing the Mu Corporation at a young age, his wealth beyond measure. Not only rich, but ruthless in business—no one in Jiangcheng dared cross Mu Shao.

"Mu Shao?!"

Boss Zhu’s jaw dropped.

The Mu family’s heir was notoriously low-profile, never appearing in the media. Boss Zhu had never seen him before.

The manager had caught only a fleeting glimpse at a hotel event.

"Mu Shao, I was blind, I know my mistake. Please, just let me off the hook!"

Boss Zhu trembled as he dropped to his knees.

Just then, a dozen black-suited men marched down the corridor in perfect unison.

Mu Yuting’s voice was frigid. "Deal with him."

"Yes, Mu Shao!" the leader replied. "He won’t see tomorrow’s sunrise."

...

Back in the room, Mu Shao dumped the woman onto the soft sofa.

At 29, he had never been with a woman, his discipline stricter than a monk’s. And yet, here he was, carrying home a drunken stranger?

Even he found it perplexing.

Due to the drug’s effects, Lin Xiaonuan lay on the sofa, her body burning, her face flushed crimson.

It was as if flames licked at her skin...

Overcome by the heat, she rose, shedding her jacket and the torn skirt the old man had ruined.

Staggering, she sought relief from the suffocating warmth.

One misstep—and she crashed into the man, who had been fetching her water, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

So cool...

Clutching him, her small hand instinctively squeezed his abs.

Hard as steel...

The man froze.

This woman was insane—not only clinging to him but touching...

Damn it.

"Let go," he barked.

"No, no, just a little longer!" Lin Xiaonuan mumbled, refusing to release him.

Exasperated, he yanked her soft hand away and flung it aside.

Too rough—the sudden force nearly sent her tumbling.

Quick as lightning, he caught her slender waist, pulling her back into his arms.

Lifting her effortlessly, he intended to toss her back onto the sofa.

Enough of her nonsense.

But Lin Xiaonuan wriggled against him, her hands daringly exploring his body.

"Damn woman, behave," he growled.

"No, no!"

Defiant, she pressed closer, her drug-fueled body aflame, beyond control.

Her arms looped around his neck, her supple frame molding against his.

Her bare, unpainted skin glowed with a tempting pink hue, her lips slightly parted as she murmured softly, stirring his primal instincts.

Staring at that near-perfect face, his breathing grew ragged.

He couldn’t let this woman run wild any longer...