The clash between the Arad family and the underground trading market was like throwing a huge stone into a calm lake on the outskirts, creating not ripples but towering waves.
The struggle for control of the port is becoming increasingly fierce.
There are countless forces of all sizes in the outer areas, and every day there are constant clashes, frictions, and even bloody battles between them.
In just one week, nearly ten factions mysteriously disappeared.
If it weren't for the fact that the two giants, the Hunter Alliance and Interpol, have remained silent, the entire periphery might already be undergoing a major reshuffle.
Amidst this chaos, a banquet jointly hosted by the second tier of forces in the outer areas, excluding the Hunter Alliance and the Criminal Police Center, arrived as scheduled.
February 11th was Chinese New Year's Eve.
Of course, it's just a coincidence.
People in the outer areas don't celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Although the port being contested is located in the outer area, those participating in the contest are not only forces from the outer area, but also large families and powerful forces from all over the world.
After all, the ports on the outskirts are major ports connecting all over the world, and anyone with a bit of ability and confidence in their own strength would want to give it a try.
What if I get incredibly lucky and succeed?
With so many and diverse forces involved, a clash between powerful forces is highly likely, presenting a perfect opportunity to profit from the chaos.
Even if you can't compete with those big shots, it's still good to get to know them and build relationships.
Qin Sheng's family also participated, of course.
Qin Sheng refused the evening gown her mother had somehow acquired, and instead wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, with a matching black women's blazer over it.
Yes, the cool and somber design and color scheme made the girl's already aloof face appear even more cold and stern, which was incredibly intimidating.
Gu Yueming was particularly conflicted.
She looked at the pale yellow dress in her hand, then at Qin Sheng's black suit, her face scrunched up like a bun: "Sheng, are you really not going to reconsider?"
"It's not that Mom is saying your outfit is bad, it's just that girls your age should dress in brighter colors to look more energetic and vibrant."
She held the evening gown out to her again, tentatively saying, "Why don't you reconsider?"
Qin Sheng refused.
Faced with her mother's sour face, Qin Sheng's brow twitched incessantly, and she could only explain, "Today's banquet is not like the previous ones; there were too many people and it was too chaotic."
Wearing formal attire is fine, but: "It would be inconvenient if a fight broke out."
Gu Yueming felt a chill run down her spine and immediately tossed the dress aside.
That's no longer wearable.
Wearing that dress, what if her daughter does a backflip in mid-air? Wouldn't that expose her?
This is absolutely unacceptable!
Gu Yueming scolded herself for her carelessness while rushing back to her room and changing her long dress into a pantsuit.
When Gu Yueming arrived at the banquet venue and saw countless women showing off their shoulders, backs, and waists—looking beautiful but actually quite cumbersome—she couldn't help but wink at her daughter.
The smug look in his eyes seemed to say: Look, I'm not the only stupid one, everyone's pretty stupid.
Qin Sheng, who inexplicably understood what her mother meant, was speechless.
Why does this mother seem a bit silly?
I couldn't help but glance at it.
Unexpectedly, this glance revealed someone I had almost forgotten.
—Qiao Yihan.
At this moment, Qiao Yihan also noticed her and subconsciously tightened his grip on the wine glass in his hand.
The next moment, suppressing the complex emotions welling up inside him, he smiled and walked towards her.
Qin Sheng frowned, a sense of unease rising within him.
It really is like a leech.
There were too many people at the banquet, and the crowd density was very high. There was nowhere to hide if you wanted to... Of course, Qin Sheng didn't intend to hide either.
The trouble that's bound to come will always come; rather than avoid it, she prefers to take action.
Looking at Qiao Yihan, who was already ten steps away from her, Qin Sheng clenched her fingers, her eyes turning cold.
"Sheng Sheng, I didn't expect to run into you here. It's been so long since I've seen you..."
Before he could finish saying "You're getting prettier and prettier," the girl raised her eyes and said calmly, "Have you forgotten what I said?"
talk?
If you ever jump in front of me again, I'll break your leg.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Qiao Yihan slowly recalled the scene when he met Qin Sheng for the second time at Xichong Pavilion. He recalled that Qin Sheng had kicked him far away and then left without looking back after saying that sentence.
Qiao Yihan's smile faltered, turning slightly pale.
Qin Sheng's gaze fell on his legs, as if she was about to make a move.
Qiao Yihan couldn't help but take two steps back: "Sheng Sheng..."
It would have been better if she hadn't called him Sheng Sheng; the moment she did, Qin Sheng's gaze turned even colder.
"Joe, what are you doing here?"
Just then, a surprised voice came from ahead. Qin Sheng paused slightly and looked in the direction of the voice.
The person who arrived was a white man.
With short brown hair, striking and handsome features, and a slender and well-proportioned figure, he was quite outstanding in appearance.
That's right, something's not quite right in some ways.
Then he strode forward, stood directly next to Qiao Yihan, and then... put his arm around Qiao Yihan's waist.
Qin Sheng: "?"
Imagine what it would be like if two men, both over 1.8 meters tall and with similarly sharp features, put their arms around your waist.
Well, although I've heard of many similar situations on Earth these days, this is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes, so Qin Sheng couldn't help but take a second look.
I'm a little curious.
Then Qiao Yihan's face darkened under her gaze, a sense of humiliation welled up within him, and he involuntarily turned slightly to avoid the man's hand around his waist.
The brown-haired man's face instantly darkened: "Joe, what do you mean by this?"
Qiao Yihan's expression stiffened slightly, and his gaze involuntarily drifted towards Qin Sheng's direction.
The man noticed and looked over as well, then sneered, "So you've run into your lover?"
"What, you're feeling upset now? Who was it that came up to me for a letter of recommendation to get into the outer areas?"
Qiao Yihan's face turned pale and red. He couldn't help but want to retort, but he couldn't think of a suitable answer for a moment.
But nobody really cares about him.
Qin Sheng and Gu Yueming's expressions turned cold at the same time. Gu Yueming immediately stepped forward to protect her daughter behind her and said sarcastically, "Mistress, are you talking about yourself?"
Bernard's face darkened, and he narrowed his eyes, saying, "Do you know who you're talking to, Chinese woman?"
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