Standing outside the warehouse at the Busan dock, Park Bucheng felt the sea breeze wrap around him, carrying a salty tang that slapped against his face like an invisible hand. He squinted against the dim light of the streetlamps, which cast mottled shadows across his features, mirroring the complexity of his current emotions. Li Zhenghao's meaningful gaze felt like a fishbone lodged in his throat, making him acutely aware of the precariousness of this trip to Busan. He knew he was walking on a knife's edge; one misstep could lead to irreparable consequences.
A waft of fragrance, laced with a hint of perfume, brushed lightly against his nose like a feather. Park Bucheng looked up to see a stunning woman striding towards him in high heels, the sound of her footsteps echoing sharply in the stillness. Her form-fitting black dress clung to her curves, accentuating an alluring silhouette that stirred something primal within him. Her waist, delicate and inviting, swayed gently with each step, while her rounded hips hinted at hidden treasures beneath the hem of her skirt, reminiscent of ripe peaches exuding an irresistible allure. The fullness of her chest rose and fell with each breath, creating an enticing rhythm in the dim light that made it hard for him to look away.
"You must be Park Bucheng?" The woman stopped before him, her red lips parting slightly as she spoke in a lazy, seductive tone that teased at his heartstrings like a playful kitten. "I'm Li Zhenghao's associate; you can call me Xiao Mi."
Park Bucheng's heart skipped a beat—Li Zhenghao's woman? What scheme was this old fox concocting? He feigned modesty, nodding slightly while discreetly assessing the captivating figure before him.
"Come on; I'll take you to meet some people." Xiao Mi turned on her heel, her high heels clicking rhythmically against the ground, creating a lively beat that resonated with Park Bucheng's heart.
He followed behind her, appearing nonchalant while secretly observing his surroundings. He noticed several shadowy figures lurking around the warehouse, their eyes glinting with greed and menace like predatory beasts waiting for their prey. It seemed Li Zhenghao was genuinely wary of him pulling any tricks and had sent numerous watchers to keep tabs on him.
Inside the warehouse, the lighting was dim and the air thick with a musty odor that felt suffocating. Xiao Mi led him through mountains of stacked crates, her heels producing sharp sounds that echoed in the vast emptiness. They arrived at a partitioned area just as hurried footsteps shattered the silence.
"Watch out!" Park Bucheng reacted swiftly, pulling Xiao Mi behind him and shielding her with his body. In an instant, several men in black surged from the shadows, brandishing gleaming knives that reflected cold light under the dim bulbs—like the fangs of wild beasts radiating danger.
"What the hell is going on?" Park Bucheng feigned panic while secretly channeling his inner strength; warmth coursed through him, filling him with vigor.
"Stop pretending!" The leader of the black-clad men sneered, his face twisted into a menacing snarl like a predator ready to pounce. "Li Zhenghao sent us to test your mettle!"
Understanding dawned on Park Bucheng; this was indeed a trap set by Li Zhenghao to gauge his abilities. He deliberately displayed an expression of alarm while holding Xiao Mi tightly against him and stepping back cautiously. The softness of her body pressed against his chest sent a wave of intoxicating fragrance into his nostrils, stirring desires he struggled to suppress. He could feel her rapid heartbeat and sensed her fear radiating from her.
"Don't be afraid; I'll protect you," he whispered softly in her ear, his tone teasing yet imbued with undeniable assurance.
Xiao Mi shot him a playful glare but did not pull away from his embrace. She could feel the immense strength hidden within this seemingly frail man, and that sense of security brought her an inexplicable comfort.
The men in black brandished their machetes, closing in on them and surrounding them. Park Bucheng's gaze sharpened, and with a gentle wave of his right hand, an invisible sword aura sliced through the air, emitting a sharp whistle. Six Meridians Divine Sword!
"Ah!" one of the black-clad men screamed as his machete shattered in his grip, clattering to the ground with a crisp metallic sound. The others' faces changed dramatically, fear flashing in their eyes.
"W-What kind of martial arts is this?" Xiao Mi exclaimed, her beautiful eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration as she looked at Park Bucheng.
Park Bucheng did not respond; instead, he flashed forward into the midst of the black-clad men. His movements appeared clumsy but were actually filled with hidden intricacies. Each strike was perfectly timed, neither lethal nor lacking in power. He moved like a nimble leopard among the black-clad men, each attack precise and effective.
In the blink of an eye, several black-clad men lay on the ground, howling in agony. They groaned in pain, clutching their injuries, their eyes filled with fear and despair. Park Bucheng clapped his hands innocently and said, "I... I don't know what happened; maybe they were just too weak?"
Xiao Mi covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Park Bucheng, you are quite amusing."
At that moment, the warehouse door swung open, and Li Zhenghao entered with several subordinates. He glanced at the fallen black-clad men and then at Park Bucheng, a meaningful smile spreading across his face.
"Not bad, very good," Li Zhenghao nodded. "Looks like I didn't misjudge you."
Park Bucheng quickly lowered his head, feigning surprise. "Boss, you're too kind; it was just luck."
"Enough with the act," Li Zhenghao waved his hand dismissively. "This was my arrangement; I wanted to see your true abilities. Now I believe in you; just follow me and work hard from now on."
Park Bucheng smirked inwardly while maintaining a grateful expression on his face. "Thank you for your trust, Boss!"
"By the way," Li Zhenghao pointed at Xiao Mi, "she will be following you from now on. Consider it a reward."
Xiao Mi smiled charmingly and gracefully walked over to Park Bucheng, linking her arm with his. Park Bucheng could feel the warmth radiating from her and the faint scent of her perfume, yet his heart remained calm. This woman was likely another one of Li Zhenghao's arrangements to keep an eye on him.
"Let's go, I'll treat you to drinks tonight," Li Zhenghao said as he turned to leave. "Tomorrow, there’s an important task for you."
Park Bucheng followed behind, his eyes flickering. In this game, he not only cleared his name but also gained Li Zhenghao's trust and the company of a beautiful woman. However, he knew this was just the beginning. The real competition was only starting.
Watching Li Zhenghao's retreating figure, Park Bucheng's lips curled into a cold smile. Since they were playing a game, he intended to play it to the fullest. He was eager to see what tricks this old fox had up his sleeve.
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