Chapter Seventeen: Chu Yuxi’s Bodyguard

But now, seeing that Chu Yuxi was about to arrive and their security team was still not in place, his anxiety only grew. There were eight positions at the venue, each requiring a guard, and most importantly, a bodyguard with outstanding skills for close protection. Without a doubt, that person was Han Feng, a seventh-dan black belt in Taekwondo.

"Alright, let's do as you say. Who's going to spar with me?"

Shen An’s voice suddenly rang out.

Old Lao looked at Shen An in disbelief, and Zhou Wang was momentarily stunned.

Shen An’s gaze swept around before finally settling on the buzz-cut youth. The young man was sharply dressed in a suit, resembling the men in black from television—clearly not an ordinary person.

“You want to fight me?” he asked calmly.

He Zhouzhou and her companion could scarcely believe their eyes.

“Oh my god, it’s him, it’s really him!”

They had both seen Shen An when he got out of the car.

“Alright, stop shaking, my hand’s already sore.”

A group of streamers asked, “Who is it? Who?”

There were only two or three female streamers at the scene, and the most eye-catching were He Zhouzhou and her friend, so naturally, everyone had gathered around them.

Hearing their excited shouts, curiosity spread among the crowd. People whispered to each other, occasionally glancing at Shen An.

Some male streamers eyed Shen An with jealousy, others with outright hostility.

It was one thing not to know, but once they heard about Shen An, it became clear that not only was he a fan of Zhouzhou, he had left a lasting impression on her—hardly a good sign.

Then they heard Shen An speak, and all eyes turned toward him.

He strode straight to an open space. “It looks like everyone’s pressed for time, so let’s get on with it.”

Han Feng was momentarily taken aback by this straightforward move, then smiled and stepped forward.

“You’ve never heard of me?” he said, smiling.

Shen An replied coolly, “I’ve seen you. You look impressive.”

Han Feng smiled at that.

But Shen An continued, “You may look impressive, but to me, it’s just flashy moves.”

His words wiped the smile from Han Feng’s face in an instant. He hadn’t expected the young man before him to be so blunt.

Zhou Wang’s expression changed; he thought Shen An really knew how to stir things up. How would this end?

Some were delighted, others worried. Old Lao had a smile on his face, while Zhouzhou and her friend watched the scene anxiously.

“You’re good with words. I was going to take it easy, but it looks like I can’t. If your skills don’t impress me today, I won’t accept you,” Han Feng said as he took off his jacket. When things got serious, clothes could get in the way.

Shen An stood still as both men separated, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

A few seconds passed before Han Feng suddenly kicked.

Taekwondo emphasizes leg techniques; his foot moved with lightning speed.

This was a killing move—if it hit, an ordinary person would be unable to withstand it.

Zhouzhou cried out, and even Zhou Wang found it hard to watch.

Han Feng’s speed was remarkable, and his reputation was well established.

Suddenly, Shen An moved.

He simply raised his leg. As Han Feng’s kick approached, Shen An bent low and countered with a side kick straight to Han Feng’s thigh.

Han Feng was sent flying.

He landed right where Old Lao stood, crashing into him.

In an instant, Old Lao was knocked to the ground by Han Feng.

Both men were down.

Han Feng’s thigh ached from the kick, but he hadn’t been hurt badly—thanks to the human cushion beneath him.

“Get up, get up—ow!” Old Lao, clearly not used to exercise, cried out as Han Feng pressed down on him, his face contorted in pain. He moaned for a long time before feeling better.

He got up, and when he looked at Shen An again, his expression had changed from disdain to something darker.

A biting dog doesn’t bark; Old Lao said nothing, his face grim as someone helped him away.

“Do you acknowledge me now?” Shen An asked Han Feng with a smile.

Han Feng gave a wry grin.

“Don’t mock me. Compared to you, it seems I really am just a showman.” He spoke earnestly, “Since you’re so skilled, the job of close protection can only go to you.”

No one had expected him to be so magnanimous.

Zhou Wang came over, clearly pleased.

Shen An had helped him regain face. He said, “Alright, it’s settled. Shen An, you’ll handle close protection, and I’ll inform Old Lao.”

By “inform,” he meant discussing it with Old Lao. With so many witnesses, Old Lao would have no reason to refuse, especially since Han Feng had already conceded.

He Zhouzhou and her companions were delighted.

The other male streamers looked crestfallen.

Some had previously been sour, others hostile, but after witnessing Shen An’s skill, most admitted they weren’t his equal—no more comparisons.

What they didn’t know was that after Old Lao left, he headed to the Moonlight Pavilion Hotel. He didn’t take the elevator, but entered through the security stairwell.

He checked to make sure no one was around, then dialed a number.

“How’s the situation over there?”

The call connected, and a voice answered.

“It’s not the right time to act, we’ll wait until the event is over. Things have changed. I told you last night—my man was replaced. I wanted him to defeat Han Feng and become the close bodyguard, but now this new kid has messed up the plan.”

As he spoke, Old Lao nodded and bowed, barely daring to raise his voice. He seemed extremely respectful, beads of sweat streaming down his forehead—more than respect, it was fear.

“So this newcomer beat Han Feng?”

The other side sounded surprised.

“Yes, he was introduced by Zhou, one of the organizers, so…”

“Alright, proceed as you’ve said. Act when the event ends. Old Lao, you know who you’re working for.”

Hearing those words, Old Lao broke out in a cold sweat. “Yes, I obey the organization’s orders and will not defy them.”

The caller grunted and hung up.

Old Lao breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as he hung up, the phone rang again—it was Zhou Wang.

He was calling to arrange for Shen An to be the close bodyguard; Old Lao had already guessed as much.

Having reported in, Old Lao no longer obstructed and readily agreed.

Back at the square, a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up before the crowd. Zhou Wang led the staff forward.

The car door opened, and out stepped a stunning beauty with snow-white skin and a proud figure.

Her assistant immediately blocked Chu Yuxi from the crowd, shielding her from their hands.

At that moment, Shen An stepped forward, appearing before Chu Yuxi.