Chapter 249: A Fierce Confrontation with Xu Liansheng

Chapter 249: A Fierce Confrontation with Xu Liansheng

When Shen Qing received the call, she was genuinely worried. "Was she kidnapped or has she gone missing?"

They were all aware of the kidnappers around Lu Nanxing. In fact, it was Lu Nanxing who had initially proposed using the kidnappers as part of a long-term plan to catch bigger fish.

Both Lu Xuanjing and Shen Qing had arranged for people to secretly protect Lu Nanxing. However, considering Xu Liansheng's craziness and psychopathy, it would be a lie to say they weren't concerned.

Hearing the worry in Shen Qing's tone, Lu Xuanjing quickly reassured her, "It should be considered a kidnapping, but we'll announce it as a disappearance."

Lu Xuanjing continued, "I've already arranged for someone to leak the news that the Star Ocean Goddess, Lu Nanxing, has been abducted by criminals. When the time comes, the entire population of Star Ocean will be aware of Nanxing's kidnapping."

Before Shen Qing could ask further, Lu Xuanjing added, "Don't worry, there's someone on my side among the kidnappers. They've confined Nanxing in an abandoned fishing ground at the moment."

Although everything was under control, the mere thought of the pampered Lu Nanxing being stuck in a filthy, disordered abandoned fishing ground made Lu Xuanjing's heart ache.

"Shen Qing," he called out to her, his voice low and earnest, "I'm very grateful that you informed me about the possibility of Nanxing being kidnapped beforehand. That allowed us time to set up our strategy and do everything in our power to ensure Nanxing's safety..."

Shen Qing didn't expect Lu Xuanjing to express his gratitude to her.

She replied instinctively, "Uncle Lu, there's no need to thank me. I only care for her and wish her a better and happier life."

"I understand," Lu Xuanjing's voice was soothing. "You've always been a good child, but..."

The moment Shen Qing heard 'but' from Lu Xuanjing, she knew that what followed might not be pleasant.

Sure enough, Lu Xuanjing continued, "Nanxing has suffered too much in the past. No matter what you think, I still hope that she can live happily without being bound by her past."

Shen Qing fell silent instantly.

She understood Lu Xuanjing's intention - he didn't want her to acknowledge her relationship with Lu Nanxing and disrupt the peaceful and joyful life the latter now led.

If Lu Nanxing were to recall the past because of her, discovering that she had been victimized by a scoundrel and his mistress, that her true heiress status had been stolen by Lu Xiangjun, and that even after the truth came to light, Lu Family's second master still favored Lu Xiangjun...

How devastated would she be?

And if the Lu Family elders then asked Lu Nanxing to let go of her past grievances, claiming that Lu Xiangjun was just a child who knew nothing back then, blaming Li Xiulian and others for the wrongdoings, urging Lu Nanxing to get along well with Lu Xiangjun...

Just thinking about it made Shen Qing feel suffocated!

"Uncle Lu, don't worry. I'll return to Hong Kong once this matter is settled," Shen Qing assured. "Miss Nanxing and I... we're just friends."

Hearing this, Lu Xuanjing felt a sense of relief wash over him. After a long moment, he replied, "Thank you for considering her feelings."

Regardless of how Lu Xuanjing felt about Shen Qing, he was a responsible and caring older brother when it came to Lu Nanxing, ensuring she was shielded from any harm or injustice.

"Mr. Lu, Old Xu and Xu Liansheng are here..."

Upon hearing through the phone that Old Xu and Xu Liansheng were visiting Lu Xuanjing, Shen Qing's brows knitted together. However, Lu Xuanjing quickly hung up and went downstairs to probe the reason behind their unexpected visit.

"I have this nagging feeling that something's off," Shen Qing turned to Jian Yao and said, "I can't shake it off. I need to investigate."

"I'll accompany you."

In perfect unison, Jian Yao and Zhong Ziguang finished speaking. Zhong Ziguang, fearing that Shen Qing might leave him behind, hastily added, "Master, take me with you. I'm now a somewhat renowned feng shui master in Xingzhou. If you take me along, I can be of assistance."

When Jian Yao glanced sideways at Zhong Ziguang, he straightened his posture and declared, "I am truly useful."

Shen Qing chuckled. "I never said I wouldn't take you along."

At seven in the evening, Shen Qing arrived at the Lu residence with Jian Yao and Zhong Ziguang, just as Lu Xuanjing's arranged journalists had also reached their destination.

Upon encountering each other, the journalist recognized Shuang Fan Dong.

"Mr. Shen, this journalist is the one who assisted in exposing Old Xu," Shuang Fan Dong introduced.

Since they were all on the same side, things would be much simpler.

Inside the reception room of the Lu household, Lu Xuanjing was currently staring coldly at both Old Xu and Xu Liansheng. "I, Lu, cannot agree with Elder Xu's proposal."

"Brother Lu, don't rush to decline," Old Xu chuckled. "In Malacca, besides the Green Dragon Gang, my Xu family possesses the largest territory. Brother Lu, you're a businessman, making an honest living with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. But with how chaotic Singapore is, don't you need friends?"

"Our Xu family is particularly willing to be friends with Brother Lu," Old Xu smiled amiably. "With our Xu family by your side, your people in Singapore will remain unharmed."

As Lu Xuanjing's face turned grim, Xu Liansheng sneered. "I heard that our Singapore goddess has been kidnapped? Aren't you worried about your sister's safety, Lu Xuanjing?"

While Old Xu attempted to entice with benefits, Xu Liansheng resorted to outright threats. "If you want to save Lu Nanxing, time is of the essence. A beautiful woman like her, in the hands of kidnappers, means more danger with each passing day. It's already dark now, a moonless and windy night – who knows what heinous acts the kidnappers might commit..."

"Are you threatening me?" Lu Xuanjing's voice was deep and grave. "Did you kidnap Nanxing?"

Though it was an open secret, neither Old Xu nor his son would acknowledge it now that Lu Xuanjing had brought it up.

"Well, Brother Lu, that's a bit much. We're here to assist you," Old Xu continued, his smile unwavering. "We've heard that Miss Nanxing went missing this morning? Knowing the deep bond of sibling affection between you and our Star Island Goddess, we've come specifically to lend a hand. If you agree to collaborate with the Xu family, we pledge to mobilize all of our resources to help you find Miss Nanxing."

"What if I refuse?" Lu Xuanjing asked, his face tense and ashen.

Aware that the scheduled journalists had arrived, he intended to extract more information from the Xu father and son. This way, when the time came to bring down the Xu family, he would have evidence at hand.

"Not agree?" Xu Liansheng was initially surprised, then he chuckled. "Miss Nanxing, our Xu family won't be able to find anyone like you."

"So you kidnapped Lu Nanxing and then came here to force the Lu family into collaborating with you?" The angrier Lu Xuanjing appeared, the more arrogant the Xu father and son became.

"Lu Xuanjing, don't be ungrateful," Xu Liansheng was the most brazen of them all. He even propped his feet up on the table in front of Lu Xuanjing. His blind eye was covered with black leather, while the remaining one gleamed with hostility.

"When did the blind in Singapore become so audacious?" Shen Qing entered, followed by the reporters who immediately started snapping pictures of Old Xu and Xu Liansheng.

Upon seeing the journalists, Xu Liansheng quickly jumped up. "Stop taking photos." He pointed at the reporter, who continued clicking away. Xu Liansheng strode over, attempting to snatch the camera from the journalist's hand and check if they had a voice recorder.

However, Shuang Fan Dong and Dapu Hei intervened. Despite being blind in one eye, Xu Liansheng was skilled and quite capable in combat.

Faced against Shuang Fan Dong and Dapu Hei, the man surprisingly appeared to have ample room to spare.

However, Xu Liansheng was truly arrogant and overconfident, even slightly underestimating his opponents. In the next moment, Shuang Fan Dong seized an opening and landed a punch on his thigh...

Lu Xuanjing watched with a stern gaze, remaining silent.

Only when Xu Liansheng was defeated and pushed onto a chair did his bodyguards, who had been held back by the Lu family's guards, manage to break free and rush in from outside.

"Lord Xu!"

The bodyguards of the Xu family stood in front of Xu Liansheng, forming a tense standoff. Yet, Old Xu remained seated, his expression unwavering.

"Why? Is Brother Lu planning to use force?" Old Xu asked in a grave tone, his gaze fixed on the still-snapping journalists, a menacing glint in his eyes. "Did you bring reporters here to sabotage my son and me?"

"It seems Old Xu is crying thief when he himself is the thief," Xu Xuanjing remarked with a sardonic tone, his skill in verbal sparring equally impressive. "My sister has just gone missing, and here you are, showing up at my door with a cohort, not so subtly implying that if I don't cooperate with your Xu family, my sister's safety will be in jeopardy."

"It's a pity that you thought your plan was flawless, yet it was full of holes," Lu Xuanjing remarked, casting a glance at Shen Qing before continuing, "But you forgot how clever Shen Qing is and overlooked whether the leverage you hold has been seized by someone else."

Shen Qing played along with Lu Xuanjing's act, unsettling the Xu father and son. "Of course, I've had people keeping an eye on you. I've already leaked to the reporters in Xingzhou about how you had Miss Nanxing kidnapped. It's likely that the secret of the Xu family fathers and sons abducting the divine maiden of Xingzhou to cover up their trafficking of women and drugs is no longer concealed."

The materials Xu Xiangling provided contained all the evidence of Xu Liansheng's crimes, as well as disturbing photos of the victims.

During the day, Shen Qing had secretly photographed some of these images and was now ready to use them to provoke Xu Liansheng and Old Xu.

Xu Liansheng was ruthless in both his actions and demeanor. Initially, he thought he was coming here to keep an eye on his prey, but to his surprise, he found himself becoming the prey instead.

How could someone so arrogant tolerate being hunted down? Xu Liansheng's immediate reaction was to draw his gun, targeting Shen Qing, who posed the greatest threat to him.

Shen Qing, ever vigilant against Xu Liansheng, pulled the photographer aside behind a bookshelf the moment Xu Liansheng reached for his weapon.

"Bang!"

As Xu Liansheng fired, Brother Biao silently aimed his own gun at him.

Two shots rang out simultaneously. One bullet shattered a teacup on the table, while the other grazed Xu Liansheng's gun-wielding arm, narrowly missing Old Xu behind him.

Huoniu immediately positioned himself to protect Mr. Shen. The bodyguards Xu Liansheng had brought along drew their guns upon seeing Brother Biao shoot.

"Cease fire!" Old Xu barked coldly. The Xu family's bodyguards immediately stopped, but Xu Liansheng continued firing at Shen Qing.

Bang!

As Brother Biao and Shuang Fan moved in unison to knock the gun out of Xu Liansheng's hand, a bullet pierced through Xu Liansheng's arm, splattering blood.

Shen Qing, shielded by Huoniu and Brother Biao, rushed out and swiftly climbed into the bulletproof SUV that had been parked purposefully in the courtyard.

Upon seeing that the journalist was also dragged into the car by Shen Qing, Xu Liansheng knew that his leverage still lay with her. How could he tolerate her escape right under his nose?

"Chase after them!"

Gunshots echoed from behind, accompanied by bullets hitting the bulletproof glass.

Seeing that the glass remained intact, Xu Liansheng gritted his teeth, "That woman can't be allowed to escape alive."

With his bleeding arm pressed against his chest, Xu Liansheng jumped into his own car. As his bodyguards drove, they continued firing at Shen Qing's vehicle.

Fortunately, Lu family's servants and passersby had been evacuated beforehand, otherwise, who knew how many would have fallen victim to Xu's stray bullets?

It wasn't until Shen Qing, drawing Xu Liansheng's attention, lured him away from the Lu residence that Lu Xuanjing finally came to his senses.

Shen Qing, this child, is as impulsive as the wind itself. Having decided to divert Xu Liansheng's attention and reveal the truth about Lu Nanxing's abduction by the Xu family, he actually took along the reporters I had arranged.

Where would Shen Qing lead Xu Liansheng at this moment? Naturally, it would be that abandoned fishery – the very place where Lu Nanxing was kidnapped.

Old Xu surveyed the chaos with a grim expression, then suddenly chuckled coldly. "Brother Lu, your family has truly nurtured an extraordinary junior."

If not for Shen Qing, how would the scandal of Xu Liansheng and Brother Bear trafficking women have come to light? Now, thanks to Shen Qing, even Xu Liansheng's drug dealings have been exposed.

Recalling Xu Liansheng's reckless arrogance, Old Xu's eyes flickered, and he forced a smile, addressing Lu Xuanjing with a mix of amusement and disdain. "Come on, Brother Xu. Let's see what kind of trouble these two youngsters can stir up."

Old Xu was a man of profound schemes and deep calculations; no one could fathom the true intention behind his invitation to Lu Xuanjing to witness the commotion.

On the road, Lu Xuanjing and Old Xu were traveling in the same vehicle.

When Old Xu saw Xu Fu, bustling about the street to clean up the aftermath, his gaze fell heavily upon the Deputy Director's industrious figure, his expression inscrutable.

Lu Xuanjing, too, was naturally aware of Old Xu's gaze. He turned his head slightly and caught sight of Deputy Director Xu, who was coincidentally assisting Shen Qing in tidying up the scene.

"Actually, Deputy Director Xu is the most promising member of the Xu family. He's righteous, filled with passion, and is willing to stand up for the people of Xingzhou to seek justice!"

Old Xu scoffed coldly, "In Syzur, justice doesn't hold any sway. After all his efforts, what has he truly done for the people here? If not for this old man holding the fort, he would've been dead a hundred times over."

Withdrawing his gaze from Xu Liansheng, Old Xu turned to Lu Xuanjing and declared, "In today's Syzur, only those with guns in their hands will be heard and respected."

"So you've tolerated Xu Liansheng's lawlessness in Syzur?"

Lu Xuanjing's counter-question caused Old Xu's expression to shift. He snorted heavily and turned away, refusing to engage Lu further.

On Shen Qing's side, it seemed as if she was being relentlessly pursued by Xu Liansheng with nowhere to hide. Yet, every time Xu was about to catch up, Shen Qing, seated in the car, would narrowly escape danger thanks to Brother Biao's exceptional driving skills and intimate knowledge of Syzur's roads.

The sharp screech of tires against pavement mingled with the sounds of gunfire, echoing through the streets of Malacca. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians around, allowing Brother Biao to drive fearlessly at whatever speed he desired.

Suddenly, a bullet struck the car's tire, causing the vehicle to lurch sideways. Shen Qing nearly flew out, but her seatbelt saved her from harm.

"Damn, it's really a gun battle!" The reporters hiding in the wilderness, witnessing the onslaught of bullets, were all stunned.

"I've long heard rumors that the Xu family kidnapped the Celestial Maiden of Nanyang and intended to silence her. I didn't expect it to be true."

The silent reporters, cameras in hand, were hidden in the shadows, initially skeptical of the anonymous tip they received.

It turned out that the informant was the renowned Temple Street fortune teller, who claimed that if they dared to broadcast live, they would witness Xu Liansheng's predicted seven-day death prophecy come true on site.

Thinking they had nothing to lose, the journalists decided to give it a shot. If there was indeed a sensational scoop, it would be a major breakthrough.

They all gathered near the abandoned fishing ground as instructed by Zhong Ziguang, who had been waiting for them. Initially, some grew impatient and left, only to be startled back by the sound of gunfire. They then witnessed an exhilarating gunfight unfold before their eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you're witnessing now is the scene of the kidnapping of the Celestial Maiden of Nanyang, Lu Nanxing."

Those vying for the headline news had already set up their cameras, with colleagues holding antennas behind them, striving to ensure a clear transmission of the live broadcast to the television station.

"The shooter at this moment is the kidnapper of the Celestial Maiden. Let's zoom in and see what the culprit looks like."

Whether in Hong Kong, Nanyang, or anywhere around the world, journalists were a group of people who would risk their lives for a sensational story.

To capture the gunfight scene more realistically in the dead of night, they had actually set up lights.

In that instant when the lights illuminated the area, Xu Liansheng's terrifying face was vividly captured on the television screen.

"F*ck, did the Xu family abduct the Divine Daughter of Singapore?" Not only did the journalists in hiding on site erupt with excitement, but the Singaporean citizens who had just finished their dinners and were watching TV also became feverish.

At that time, Singapore's economy was not as developed as Hong Kong's, and televisions were a luxury only the wealthy could afford. Nonetheless, news of Xu Liansheng kidnapping the Divine Daughter of Singapore spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of the country.

Families without TVs rushed to their neighbors' houses to catch a glimpse of the event.

On the scene, Xu Liansheng, suddenly illuminated by the high beams, abruptly fired at the headlights that were shining on him.

A tremendous crash, accompanied by the sparks flying, startled both the journalists lying in wait at the scene and the viewers watching from their television screens.

Even the Serenity Broadcasting Network hurriedly aired the news report about #Divine Maiden Lu Nanxing being abducted by Xu Liansheng to an abandoned fishing ground#.

Originally, in the original story, Lu Nanxing was destined to be quietly killed off, her demise unnoticed, only to be mourned by Su Qilan with a tragic remark about her fate.

Not only did he not meet his end in this life, but he also drew the attention of everyone in Singapore, becoming one of the key figures in exposing Xu Liansheng's misdeeds.

Meanwhile, Lu Nanxing, who had been gagged and bound, thrown into a dried-up fish pond, instantly heard the gunshots echoing through the desolate wilderness.

Her eyes sparkled with resolution, and she promptly used the blade hidden within her bracelet to cut through the ropes binding her wrists.

"Miss Nanxing, Miss Shen has led Xu Liansheng here," someone said as they emerged from the shadows. With deft movements, they untied the ropes binding Lu Nanxing's hands and handed her a hunting rifle: "Those kidnappers have all been knocked out and tied up by our brothers."

"Well done. Tonight, we'll cooperate with Shen Qing to set a trap for the fish in the jar." Lu Nanxing's eyes sparkled as she said, "Come on, let's find a spot to ambush and see if I don't crush Xu Liansheng's dog skull tonight!"

As Lu Nanxing hurried to her vantage point for the ambush, Shen Qing was also being escorted by Brother Biao and Huoniu, alighting from the armored vehicle to lead Xu Liansheng into the rising fish farm.

Though the fishery was abandoned, its surrounding walls still stood. When the rusted iron gate was shut and the area surrounded, it would serve as a perfect ambush site.

As for the journalists whom Shen Qing had pulled into the car, Dapu Hei escorted them to safety through another route before they reunited with the rest of their colleagues.

Upon seeing her emerge from Shen Qing's vehicle, the reporters excitedly inquired, "How did you end up with Miss Shen? Do you have an exclusive scoop to reveal?"

The female journalist, initially terrified by the gunfire, perked up at the mention of an 'exclusive scoop.' She loudly declared, "I have an exclusive on Xu Liansheng kidnapping Miss Nanxing to force Mr. Lu into helping them. Furthermore, I possess evidence of Xu Liansheng trafficking women and dealing drugs."

In her hands were the evidences that Shen Qing had presented at the Lu residence. As she displayed them before the cameras, she even turned on a flashlight to ensure a clearer view for everyone.

"Dear listeners, for more exclusive revelations, please tune in to FM 88.3 on your radios," the female journalist announced, ensuring she promoted her radio station amidst the chaos.

The audience in Singapore, who had been watching television, hastily searched for their radios at home. They switched to FM 88.3 as instructed and indeed, heard the journalist continuing her exposé, including the threats made by Xu Liansheng and his son to Lu Xuanjing.

Everyone was left dumbfounded, and it seemed that tonight would be a sleepless night in Singapore. Not only were the common folk engrossed in the gossip, but even the high-ranking officials found it impossible to rest.

In his car, Old Xu's face turned ashen when he heard the playback of the recording, a look more miserable than if he had swallowed a fly.

Lu Xuanjing, however, remained composed, sitting there unruffled. The bodyguards assigned to protect both men now found themselves in a tense standoff in their vehicles.

Gunshots pierced the night sky, followed by Xu Liansheng's furious roar, vowing vengeance.

Old Xu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Liansheng, that boy, lacks composure."

If he had kept his cool, he wouldn't have fallen for Shen Qing's provocations to this extent.

Now that the fishing ground where they held hostages has been exposed, even though the Xu family and the Green Dragon Gang share equal power in controlling Malacca's affairs,

with the media exposing all of Xu Liansheng's ugly deeds tonight, the Xu family won't be able to protect him after this.

Upon hearing that his elder brother Xu Liansheng was involved in drug trafficking, Deputy Director Xu, who was rushing to the scene in his car, was overwhelmed with disbelief, sorrow, and rage.

As an upright and passionate officer, he was utterly stunned. All he could do was press down hard on the accelerator, speeding towards the abandoned fishing ground with the intent of intercepting the impending gunfight.

He knew how ruthless Xu Liansheng could be – he wouldn't hesitate to exploit even his own family members, let alone care about the lives of journalists or bystanders present.

Moreover, Old Xu was there too. Given his merciless character, it was likely that Shen Qing and Lu Nanxing would be silenced to cover up tonight's scandal. Then, they would attempt to suppress any news of this incident.

Deputy Director Xu wasn't certain if the Xu family could successfully bury the scandal, but he knew that after tonight, Old Xu would spare no one who dared to expose the family's affairs!

He couldn't afford to risk such a grim outcome.

Indeed, when Old Xu arrived at the scene after Xu Liansheng, he intended to silence Shen Qing and Lu Nanxing...