Song Qiao stopped in his tracks inside the banquet hall.
"Heh, so what do you want to do?"
He looked at Jiang Chuan standing before him, feeling quite surprised.
This guy had suffered so much at his hands, yet he dared to step forward at this time?
Jiang Chuan also smiled.
"Song Qiao, I know you're very powerful, but no matter how strong you are, you're still just one person."
As he spoke, he lightly clapped his hands. Immediately, dozens of men in black rushed in from both sides of the hall, each holding a black handgun!
The situation in the banquet hall instantly descended into chaos, with many people panicking and rushing towards the exits.
A triumphant and provocative smirk spread across Jiang Chuan's face.
"Song Qiao, you're not afraid of one gun, but what about this many?"
"If you don't compensate me for my losses today, you won't be leaving. I'm warning you, don't test my limits!"
Suddenly, over a dozen handguns were aimed directly at Song Qiao, creating an incredibly tense atmosphere.
Xia Xueqing gasped in fear and quickly grabbed Song Qiao's arm.
"Let's go quickly. With so many people, he definitely wouldn't dare to shoot."
After all, this was a public place. Even if Jiang Chuan was lawless, he wouldn't act in such a setting.
However, Song Qiao remained completely calm, showing no intention of leaving.
His demeanor made it seem as if he was truly scared and afraid to move.
Watching this, Du Qin felt a surge of satisfaction. Times had changed, after all. No matter how powerful Song Qiao was, could he be more powerful than bullets?
She was, however, somewhat surprised by Jiang Chuan. She hadn't expected him to step forward so boldly at this moment.
This situation was not what she wanted to see. She hadn't gained any favor from Young Master Tao's visit and had even lost face.
Instead, Jiang Chuan had seized this opportunity.
At this moment, Tao Yingcai was being helped up, his eyes fixed on Song Qiao with hatred.
However, he also knew that killing someone in this setting was unlikely; at most, it would be a scare tactic.
Jiang Chuan himself was a bit uncertain about Song Qiao's reaction, given his previous unyielding attitude.
He indeed couldn't kill someone in a public place; it was a major taboo, and any exposure could lead to severe repercussions.
Therefore, his only option now was to force Song Qiao to yield.
"Song Qiao, I warn you not to act impulsively. There's only one life, and no chance for regret."
Song Qiao seemed genuinely frightened, standing still and making no move to leave.
"Of course, I know there's only one life. So, how much do you want?"
These words instantly relieved Jiang Chuan. It seemed Song Qiao was just like any other person, succumbing to fear when faced with guns.
"Heh, I thought you'd stand your ground until the end."
He sneered, feeling emboldened. Then, he held up a finger.
"I won't ask for much. Ten million. As long as you pay me ten million in compensation, we'll consider this matter settled."
"Ten million?"
Xia Xueqing's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Jiang Chuan, are you crazy? You just broke a few tables, and you want ten million?"
This was sheer extortion; even a common swindler wouldn't be this outrageous.
"Your entire hotel might not even be worth ten million!"
This was too much. Xia Xueqing was both anxious and angry, wanting to step forward and argue.
But Song Qiao grabbed her arm.
"It's alright. It's just ten million."
Saying this, he actually took out a check from his embrace, casually wrote down the amount of ten million, and signed his name.
"Here is ten million. Take it if you want it."
Song Qiao appeared truly scared, filling out the ten-million-dollar check without hesitation.
"Hahaha, Song Qiao, I thought you were something special, but you're just like everyone else."
Jiang Chuan was brimming with arrogance, finally getting his revenge.
His entire hotel wasn't even worth ten million.
Demanding ten million for a few broken tables and chairs was blatant extortion, yet Song Qiao had backed down.
He was afraid.
Du Qin, watching from a distance, shook her head slightly. He was too young, after all.
She had expected Song Qiao to be more resolute. But it turned out he was just like this. Anyone with a bit of experience should have known that Jiang Chuan wouldn't dare to kill anyone here.
This was a public venue. No matter how audacious Jiang Chuan was, he wouldn't order his men to shoot.
Unfortunately, this Song Qiao clearly lacked experience and was willing to pay to be extorted.
"We can't give it to him!"
Xia Xueqing's expression was anxious as she turned to Song Qiao.
"Are you really going to give them ten million?"
"Jiang Chuan is just extorting you. They're bullying us!"
Her voice was filled with indignation.
Although Xia Xueqing was afraid Song Qiao would get hurt, she firmly believed Jiang Chuan wouldn't dare to pull out a gun and shoot here.
After all, there were reporters present in the banquet hall. If it were just weapons, it could be suppressed with influence, but shooting someone dead was something that absolutely couldn't be covered up.
Yet, Song Qiao said nothing more. This scene caused the surrounding crowd to erupt in laughter.
"Heh, I say, Song Qiao is just a young man. He should back down when he needs to."
"Exactly. How could someone like him possibly go against Boss Jiang?"
"Just watch, this is only the beginning. Jiang Chuan might even make him kneel and apologize later."
...
The crowd sneered. Most of the attendees today were on good terms with Du Qin and Jiang Chuan.
And indeed, as some had predicted, Jiang Chuan's original intention was to extort money and then force Song Qiao to kneel and apologize, thoroughly humiliating him.
Since this guy was so obedient about handing over money, there was no reason for him to be polite.
"Give me the check. Once you give it to me, the matter of the broken hotel will be considered closed."
As Jiang Chuan spoke, he reached out his hand to take the check.
"Song Qiao, don't give it to him!"
"I don't believe he dares to make a move. There are reporters here. No matter how arrogant Jiang Chuan is..."
Xia Xueqing was urgently trying to stop him, but before she could finish, Song Qiao had already handed the check to Jiang Chuan.
"Heh, you're quite obedient. I thought you were more formidable."
Jiang Chuan's expression was arrogant, a cold sneer and smugness gracing his face.
After today, Young Master Tao would surely value him more. Would Du Qin still be qualified to compete with him for the position of faction leader?
But as Jiang Chuan took the check, Song Qiao's expression suddenly turned cold.
"Jiang Chuan, think carefully. My money isn't so easily taken."