Kang Xiaoji's expression was incredibly dramatic. Astonishment, shock, disbelief, reverence, and a host of other emotions flickered across her delicate face.

Although she had only glanced at the man's photograph that morning, his face was etched into her mind as if carved by knife and axe, impossible to erase. The man's identity was terrifying. With heroic deeds too numerous to count, he stood as the most dazzling figure in the entire country.

After that day's television broadcast, his name was known to all under heaven, from the highest mountains to the deepest seas.

He was the Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince!

He was a pillar of the state, his might equivalent to a million-strong army. It was because of him that the nation's borders had expanded outward by eighty li, and the Barbarian Military Guards of Hanyun Valley had voluntarily retreated thirty li.

He was a living legend!

And today, Kang Xiaoji had insulted him, misunderstood him, and nearly tried to arrest him. One could only imagine her current state of mind.

Hmm?

Chen Yang furrowed his brow. He was certain he had never met this woman before, yet she seemed to know him.

Kang Shuai also paused, asking in confusion, "Sister, you know Chen Yang?"

"Since you know him, that's perfect!" Kang Shuai said with a laugh, not giving it a second thought as he gestured for Kang Xiaoji to take a seat. "Chen Yang, now that you've left Qin Corporation, I'll arrange a job for you at one of my family's companies. I guarantee you an annual income of over one million. What do you think?"

It sounded like a kind offer, but it was actually a veiled insult. Imagine the man pursuing your girlfriend offering you a job. What was it if not a humiliation? It was a subtle but vicious attack, a bloodless assassination—utterly sinister.

Chen Yang couldn't help but find it amusing. He's not actually planning to put me in a position where we have to see each other all the time, is he? That would be the most blatant humiliation of all.

As expected.

"How about Deputy Manager of the Marketing Department? You've worked in sales, so it's a good fit for your skills. Besides, you'll be my subordinate, which will make communication very convenient for us!" Kang Shuai said with a smile.

"Mr. Kang, you truly live up to your family's prestigious reputation. Such a generous offer," Chen Yang replied, also smiling.

Kang Shuai waved his hand dismissively. "We're all acquaintances here; I wouldn't treat you like a stranger. So, Mr. Chen, does that mean you accept?"

Beside them, Kang Xiaoji was petrified. Consumed by the shock of Chen Yang's identity, she had completely forgotten why she was even there.

Arranging a job for Chen Yang? Competing with him for a woman? This!!!

At the mere thought, all the color drained from Kang Xiaoji's face, and a cold sweat drenched her entire body. She tried to step forward but found her limbs stiff and her legs as heavy as lead. Grabbing Kang Shuai, she shouted, "Agree my foot! Shut your mouth, right now!"

Her sudden outburst startled not only Kang Shuai but also left Chen Yang and Zhou Yufei baffled and dumbfounded.

What is with this woman?

Kang Shuai frowned, visibly annoyed. He was a man of status, after all. Being yelled at like this in front of so many people was outrageous. Where was his dignity?

Forcibly suppressing his rage, Kang Shuai said in a stern voice, "Kang Xiaoji, what are you doing! Have some consideration for your image! It's bad enough at home, but we're in public."

Leaning close to her ear, he hissed, "You foolish girl, have you forgotten why I asked you to come here? Hurry up and help me pressure him. Make him understand he should back off!"

However, to Kang Shuai's shock, Kang Xiaoji shoved him away fiercely.

He staggered back a few steps, his expression instantly darkening. But before he could explode, Kang Xiaoji erupted in fury. "Kang Shuai, do you have a death wish? Do you have any idea who you're offending?"

"Do you know who he is? Pressure him? I'm telling you, he is someone you can absolutely never afford to offend!"

Despite her words, Kang Xiaoji didn't point at Chen Yang. For one, she didn't dare. For another, it would have been rude.

But Kang Shuai knew exactly whom she was talking about. He shot a stunned look at Chen Yang before pointing a finger at his sister. "Kang Xiaoji, are you insane? It seems you're in dire need of discipline!" he said coldly. "That piece of trash? You're telling me I can't afford to offend him? Hah..."

Publicly undermined by his sister again and again, Kang Shuai completely lost his temper and blurted out what was on his mind, no longer caring about the consequences.

Instantly, every diner on both floors of the restaurant turned to stare, watching the scene unfold in astonishment. Under their collective gaze, Kang Shuai felt his shame turn to rage. He pointed at Kang Xiaoji's nose and snarled, "Get out of here, now! When we get home, I'm having Grandpa lock you up!"

SLAP!

Kang Xiaoji, seeming even more furious than him, slapped him hard across the face. "I order you," she commanded in an icy tone, "apologize to him this instant!"

The slap left Kang Shuai stunned. Has the world turned upside down?

Just as he was about to retaliate, Kang Xiaoji rushed in front of him. "Brother!" she pleaded anxiously. "He is someone our Kang Family cannot afford to offend! To put it bluntly, he could destroy our Kang Family with a single word!"

Her words stopped Kang Shuai cold. His raised hand froze in mid-air.

The Kang Family can't afford to offend him? What kind of person must he be?

Kang Xiaoji lowered her voice. "His identity is a top-level secret! I can't say anything more!"

"But he..." Kang Shuai was incredulous. An utterly unremarkable guy with a top-secret identity? Was this some kind of joke?

"Brother, this is about your life and the survival of our Kang Family. Do you really think I would lie about this?" Kang Xiaoji pressed on. "You're trying to steal his woman. If he killed you in a fit of rage, you'd just be dead. No one could ever avenge you."

"This..." Kang Shuai's expression changed drastically as cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Apologize! Now!" Kang Xiaoji urged.

Kang Shuai's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. He wanted to die. Him, a man of his stature, apologizing to someone in such a public place? In his thirty-odd years of life, such a thing had never happened.

"Brother!" Kang Xiaoji prompted him again, then took the lead by turning to Chen Yang. "I... I'm sorry! My brother didn't mean any offense. Please, forgive him."

Chen Yang looked completely bewildered. What is this all about?

Gritting his teeth, Kang Shuai finally forced the words out. "I'm sorry!" After spitting out the apology, he spun around and stormed away.

"I'm truly sorry. I hope you won't take it to heart," Kang Xiaoji said before quickly following him out.

In an instant, the entire restaurant erupted in a commotion.

The esteemed Mr. Kang actually apologized to someone?!

And what about Miss Kang's terrified demeanor...

Who on earth was that guy?

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