Chapter 85: A Grand Surprise!

"Of course, my reputation as Fang Huahui is renowned throughout River City," Fang Huahui replied.

As a killer for the Black Web, Fang Huahui was deeply shrewd and not easily intimidated by a young man. He could see through the other party's deliberate attempt to scare him—clearly just a tactic to drive down the price. He had seen such tricks more times than he could count.

"So, I want to know what substantial material you have in your hands," Qin Mu said coldly.

Hearing this, Fang Huahui couldn't help but smile. As expected, this fool was just putting on a front; now he was obediently asking for information.

He pulled out a chair in front of him, sat down openly, and began to speak with composure.

"Since you transferred the money first and showed some sincerity, I'll tell you this: I have enough evidence in my hands to completely shatter Luoshui's public image!"

"Oh? Let's hear it," Qin Mu asked deliberately.

"Don't be fooled by Luoshui's icy goddess persona on screen, as if she’s indifferent to men. In reality, she's a wanton woman who has coveted Han Ziyu for a long time. That day, after Han Ziyu confessed to her at the flower market, she couldn't wait to climb into his bed," Fang Huahui said, pausing for effect. "Through some connections, I secretly took some photos and videos. The scene was one of endless revelry—utterly depraved!"

As he spoke, Fang Huahui even rubbed his hands together as if relishing the memory, his expression feverish.

"Of course, for the specific content, that will cost you a bit more," Fang Huahui added with a sly smile. Naturally, he had none of these things, but if he could just get the money first, this windfall would be enough for him to escape River City for good. At worst, he could simply kill the man in front of him and be done with it.

But Qin Mu did not play along and obediently hand over the money—instead, he let out a few cold laughs.

"What are you laughing at?" Fang Huahui frowned.

"These past few days, Luoshui has been sleeping beside me every night. Tell me, where did your so-called evidence come from?" Qin Mu's words struck like lightning, and Fang Huahui could no longer remain seated—he leapt from his chair.

"What do you mean by that?" Fang Huahui demanded.

Qin Mu did not reply. He simply gestured to the side.

From out of the night, Wu Mu emerged soundlessly and handed a photograph to Qin Mu.

Fang Huahui's eyes widened in shock.

As a killer for the Black Web, he was extremely sensitive to others' presence. How had he failed to notice Wu Mu before?

Qin Mu slid the photo across the table until it stopped in front of Fang Huahui.

"Was this photo taken by you?" Qin Mu asked.

Fang Huahui focused on it. It was indeed a shot of Han Ziyu embracing Luoshui at the flower market.

"That's right, I took it," Fang Huahui replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

"When you took this, did you realize who Luoshui was actually embracing?" Qin Mu raised an eyebrow.

"Wasn't it Han Ziyu..." Fang Huahui began, but his throat suddenly clenched, and he couldn't finish.

"It was you!" In the faint moonlight, he finally recognized the man. That day, as Han Ziyu orchestrated his grand confession to Luoshui, it was this very man at Luoshui's side who effortlessly dismantled the scheme with a single violet.

"What are you planning to do?" Fang Huahui stepped back, readying himself to fight. It was clear the other party hadn't come for evidence, but for retribution!

"Do you remember your own words?" Qin Mu said coldly. "If there’s a single lie, may you die a miserable death."

As Qin Mu finished, Fang Huahui, who had already been prepared, suddenly sprang forward, hands curved like claws, aiming to seize Qin Mu's head in one swift motion.

Yet he hadn't even taken two steps before his body froze in place, unable to move forward an inch.

Before him, Wu Mu stood silently, a pistol fitted with a custom silencer pressed firmly to Fang Huahui's forehead. The cold, dark barrel gleamed icily in the silver moonlight.

"Who... who are you?" Fang Huahui stammered. At first glance, he recognized that this was no black-market knockoff. This was genuine military issue.

"Does it matter who I am?" Qin Mu sneered.

"Wait, don't kill me! I really do have what you want!" Fang Huahui pleaded, sweating profusely.

Though the Black Web prided itself on its code of silence, the oppressive force of a gun barrel pressed against one’s head was more than most men could endure.

"You must be Han Ziyu's enemy! I have photos and videos of him frequenting all sorts of illicit places, fooling around with women!" Fang Huahui babbled. "And as long as you give me a small reward, I can even help you clear Luoshui's name!"

Even in the face of death, Fang Huahui could not resist trying to swindle Qin Mu out of some money.

Qin Mu merely slipped his hand into his pocket and locked eyes with Fang Huahui. Then, turning away, he replied coldly,

"Her innocence needs no proof from you."

"No—!"

Bang!

With a dull gunshot, Fang Huahui didn't have the chance to utter another word. His body collapsed instantly.

Wu Mu holstered the gun, glanced at his watch, and grinned. "It's not midnight yet, so it doesn’t count as New Year’s."

Qin Mu waved his hand. "Find whatever he has on Han Ziyu."

"At tomorrow’s press conference, along with Luoshui’s evidence, let’s give him a grand gift."

...

The next day.

New Year's had come, and the streets were bustling with noise. Even though Swallow's Return Garden was a top-tier residence, children still sneaked out to light firecrackers, their popping echoing through the air.

But on all the major social forums, there was little talk of celebrating the New Year. Instead, everyone's eyes were glued to the press conference scheduled for noon.

As the hour neared eleven...