Chen Zheng made his decision without a moment's hesitation. As for the mysterious evidence collection card, he didn't give it much thought.

He straightened his back and reached out to take Yan Lili's hand. "Lily, if you don't want to go, then stay. Come, sit by my side."

His voice was gentle but firm, and a current of True Qi pulsed from his fingertips. The power flowed into Yan Lili's hand like a gentle stream, effortlessly prying Huang Yingying's grip away.

Huang Yingying's eyes filled with confusion; she had no idea why her hand had suddenly let go. By then, Chen Zheng and Yan Lili were already seated.

"Yingying, I really don't want to go. My brother and I will be leaving shortly," Yan Lili said, her voice calm and resolute, as if her mind was already made up. Still, anxiety gnawed at her heart.

Just then, Zhong Jiang walked over. "Lily, why haven't you come? We've been waiting for a long time."

Huang Yingying replied, "Honey, Lily ran into her brother and doesn't want to come with us."

Zhong Jiang glanced at Chen Zheng, his brow furrowing. "This is Lily's brother? Didn't he sneak in?"

His voice echoed through the air, causing both Chen Zheng and Yan Lili to stiffen.

Sneak in? Chen Zheng was confused. Do I look like I need to sneak into a place like this?

Yan Lili was just as surprised. My brother would never do something like that.

"Of course he did! Lily, let's go quickly! We won't tell anyone about your brother," Huang Yingying urged.

"Yingying! What are you talking about? My brother is not that kind of person!" Yan Lili retorted, her voice sharp with displeasure.

"Lily, what Yingying said is an undeniable fact. Your brother did indeed sneak in without an invitation," Zhong Jiang's tone was calm and measured.

The words struck Yan Lili like a bolt of lightning, and her eyes clouded with bewilderment. Even if others had supposedly witnessed it, she believed with all her heart that her brother would never act so dishonorably.

Zhong Jiang's gaze shifted from Yan Lili to Chen Zheng. "Lily's brother, I'll pretend I didn't see anything. But I must remind you that an important figure is waiting for your sister. Please don't let your recklessness harm her. Let her come with us."

A faint smile touched Chen Zheng's lips. "And what if I refuse?"

Zhong Jiang didn't seem surprised. "That would be my decision, and it would have nothing to do with you. However, I must warn you, the temperament of that important figure is not something to be taken lightly."

"Oh? In that case, I'd be happy to find out," Chen Zheng said casually.

His gaze then fell upon Yan Lili, who looked like she was about to speak. "Jiu'er, just stay put. No one can force you to do anything."

"Mm!" Yan Lili bit her lip, holding back the words she wanted to say. Chen Zheng's assurance was a balm to her frayed nerves.

"Lily, are you sure you want to stay? Do you have any idea what the consequences will be if Young Master Wei finds out?" Huang Yingying's voice turned cold.

Zhong Jiang stared silently at Chen Zheng before turning back to Yan Lili. "Yan Lili, you must come with us. As for your brother, he'll be kicked out on his ear." His words were final.

Understanding his intent, Huang Yingying immediately reached out to grab Yan Lili again. "Let's go!" she said firmly.

SLAP!

A sharp sound cut through the air.

"Ah!" Huang Yingying shrieked in pain.

"Don't touch her," Chen Zheng's voice rang out, cold as ice.

"You dare to strike me?" Huang Yingying's expression twisted with fury, her voice laced with threat.

"You're just a freeloader who sneaked in to eat and drink, and you have the audacity to get physical? Are you looking to die?!" Zhong Jiang's voice boomed like thunder as he turned to glare at Chen Zheng.

Chen Zheng met his furious gaze with a look of profound indifference. Then, he pressed his foot lightly against the floor.

BANG!

Zhong Jiang cried out in agony as an invisible force sent him flying backward. He crashed through table after table before landing in a heap on the ground.

The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the hall, and all eyes turned toward the scene.

"Brother!" Yan Lili screamed, her heart seizing with panic.

This is a banquet hosted by the Li and Liu families! Making a scene here will lead to serious trouble!

"Don't be afraid," Chen Zheng said softly, looking at her. His words, however, failed to soothe her and only made her more anxious.

"You damned fool, do you have any idea who I am?" Zhong Jiang roared as he struggled to his feet, his face burning with uncontrollable rage.

"You're finished! No one can save you now!" Huang Yingying shrieked. She then turned to Yan Lili. "Lily, your brother is done for! He caused a disturbance! If you don't want to see him suffer, you need to go beg Young Master Wei! He's the only one who can save your brother now!"

"Heh, still thinking about how to use Lily? What kind of secret deal did you and that Young Master Wei cook up?" Chen Zheng asked calmly, his tone conveying genuine curiosity.

"You're talking nonsense!" A flash of panic crossed Huang Yingying's eyes, but she quickly masked it.

"You just wait! I'll make you pay!" Zhong Jiang snarled, though he didn't dare get any closer to Chen Zheng. That single kick had left him thoroughly intimidated. He had no idea that Chen Zheng had held back; otherwise, that kick could have easily ended his life.

"I know exactly what I'm talking about." Chen Zheng didn't bother arguing with Huang Yingying. He turned to Yan Lili. "Lily, you need to be more careful about the friends you keep. People like this will sell you out in a heartbeat."

"Brother!" Hearing Chen Zheng's words was like a light cutting through a dense fog, and everything suddenly clicked into place for Yan Lili.

All those times Huang Yingying and Zhong Jiang had invited her to drink with them, constantly pushing another glass on her... At first, she thought nothing of it, but now, the memory of those wine glasses seemed to reveal everything.

"Yingying, what are you really planning?" Yan Lili's face flushed with anger as the realization dawned on her.

"Lily, what are you talking about? Don't listen to your brother's nonsense! Get over here right now!" Huang Yingying's heart pounded with fear. Betraying her best friend for personal gain wasn't exactly a noble act, even though she kept telling herself it was for Lily's own good.

"Huang Yingying, why would my brother lie to me? You... you snake! And I trusted you! I thought you were my best friend!" Yan Lili stared at her, seeing right through to her heart. She finally understood the trap that had been hidden within tonight's banquet.

"What's going on here?" a deep, steady voice echoed through the air.

Hearing it, Zhong Jiang and Huang Yingying looked as if they had been thrown a lifeline. The tension on their faces vanished instantly, replaced by absolute confidence.

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