Eight men dressed in all black with sunglasses descended from two Mercedes', a clear sign that they were the eight bodyguards from Zhang Qixiang's personal security team, all former special forces.

But Liu Zhizhong could tell from their builds that the four he had fought last time were among them, suggesting a full deployment of Zhang Qixiang's private security.

When the eight men got out, they lined up on either side, clutching baton-like objects in their hands, coldly eyeing Liu Zhizhong.

Liu Zhizhong had no choice but to get out of his car too. Behind him, Zhang Qixiang had already stepped out, standing by her Big Lao with a haughty and ice-cold expression beneath her gold-rimmed glasses.

She indifferently said, "Vermin, are you going to make a scene here, or will you come with me?"

Liu Zhizhong cracked a slight smile. "All right, Sister Qixiang, you've won again. Lead the way then!"

"Humph!"

Zhang Qixiang snorted coldly before climbing back into her car and leading the way.

Liu Zhizhong also reluctantly got back in his car and followed.

Behind him, the eight former special forces members got into their Mercedes' and drove behind him, effectively escorting Liu Zhizhong's car.

Liu Zhizhong wasn't bothered; he would have sought out Zhang Qixiang had she not come for him.

Zhang Zhenglong, that bootlicker, would surely not protect him any longer, leaving Zhang Qixiang as his only card to play.

Ten minutes later, Liu Zhizhong was brought to the back hills of the West Mountain Scenic Area.

There, the water babbled in brooks, the creek wound gently, and the air was deliciously cool.

Since it was a weekday, there weren't many citizens around to enjoy the area's refreshing appeal.

Those interested in more festive activities would likely have gone to the front hills of the West Mountain Scenic Area, which offered mountains, water, and entertainment facilities, bustling with more people and convenient for both leisure and spending.

The four cars stopped on a spacious grassy area by the side of a creek.

Not far off was a vast Baihua Forest, with the breeze rustling through the birch leaves.

The moment Liu Zhizhong stepped out of the car, he was blocked by the eight robust ex-special forces men.

Knowing Liu Zhizhong's fighting prowess, they all flicked their batons menacingly.

The shiny black steel batons were about 90 centimeters long and seemed perfectly balanced in their grasp.

Zhang Qixiang stepped out from her car, standing less than ten meters opposite Liu Zhizhong, staring at him with an icy gaze.

Liu Zhizhong glanced at her, then at the eight baton-wielding guards, spread his hands helplessly, and said with a wry smile, "Sister Qixiang, are we fighting again? What's the point?"

Zhang Qixiang replied coolly, "I thought you were tough? What's the matter? Chickening out?"

"It's not about being tough or not. We're adults here, let's solve the problem with words, not fists! We should all preserve some dignity; fighting and killing is unbecoming, isn't it?"

"Are you instructing me on how to handle my affairs?"

"No, just speaking to the issue at hand. After all, some things need to be resolved between us privately. Making a scene and letting others hear it isn't good!"

Liu Zhizhong said this with a smile, mischief twinkling in his eyes.

Zhang Qixiang read the meaning behind his smile almost instantly, her face flushing with heat as she gritted her teeth and commanded, "Come with me!"

With that, she turned and strode toward the Baihua Forest.

Liu Zhizhong watched her shadow, thinking damn, she really was tall and flawless.

She wore a light purple miniskirt that day, which clung to her figure, accentuating her slender waist and the beautiful curves of her shapely behind. Her legs were long and straight, her skin tone set off to creamy perfection.

Her hair, not tied up in its usual professional style, was loose, flowing freely in the mountain breeze, adding to her natural elegance and charm.

Liu Zhizhong swallowed hard, cursing to himself that this was Zhang Hongyang's estranged sister, a woman he had been with, thrilling!

The memories of what had happened at Villa No. 9 were still vivid; now in the wilderness, his blood was surging with the urge to take her right there in the Baihua Forest.

Zhang Hongyang, you fool, you probably have no idea how much trouble you've inadvertently caused your sister, huh?

Considering Sister Qixiang couldn't reach me these past few days and has now sent baton-wielding bodyguards to fetch me, haha...

Before long, Liu Zhizhong and Zhang Qixiang were inside the Baihua Forest.

Zhang Qixiang glanced back; even her own security men were out of sight. She gauged the distance, maybe fifty or sixty meters.

Private conversations here, kept at a moderate volume, would go unheard by the bodyguards. But should Liu Zhizhong try to take advantage of her, she could scream, and the guards would quickly arrive.

Zhang Qixiang didn't believe it; eight armed ex-special forces men, and Liu Zhizhong could still get the upper hand?

If the batons weren't enough, what about the knives they carried? And if that failed, were the guns just for show?

Suddenly, Zhang Qixiang noticed something off in Liu Zhizhong's gaze, her face flushed with anger as she snapped, "You filthy rogue, what are you staring at?"

Liu Zhizhong laughed, eyes still fixated on her ample chest, and nodded, "I was admiring Sister Qixiang's fierceness. Truly formidable, even more so than your temper!"

"Bastard, so vulgar!"

"Heh, in front of such a beautiful and powerful woman like Sister Qixiang, I just can't keep it classy! Sometimes I think, having the fortune to spend one night with a woman as beautiful and influential as you... it must be the blessing of my last eight lifetimes..."

"Shut up, you scoundrel! Stop talking!" Zhang Qixiang fumed, her teeth clenched, stomping her foot, nearly on the verge of screaming, "I'm here to discuss business with you, not to be seduced by you!"

"But since you came to me, what if I want to seduce you? This place has such a lovely view, and with people standing guard outside, it's quite thrilling, heh heh..."