The long-distance bus hummed steadily along the mountain highway toward Jefferson County, carrying its passengers through scenic countryside. Anna Young dozed peacefully against Jack Sullivan's shoulder while he gazed out the window, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility.Suddenly, the bus driver slammed on the brakes with such force that passengers were thrown forward in their seats."What's happening?" Anna Young jolted awake, gripping Jack Sullivan's arm.Through the windshield, they could see several motorcycles and a pickup truck blocking the road ahead. Armed men were dismounting from their vehicles, shotguns gleaming in the afternoon sun."Oh no," the bus driver whispered in terror. "It's Hedgehog and his gang."The bus door hissed open, and a stocky man with wild hair and multiple facial piercings swaggered aboard. His leather jacket was covered in metal studs, and he carried a sawed-off shotgun with casual confidence."Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen!" Hedgehog announc

Aunt Susan marched to the front door and called out loudly, "Paul! Come in and meet Anna!"A moment later, a well-dressed young man in his late twenties entered the modest living room. Paul Young wore an expensive suit, polished leather shoes, and carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to being the most successful person in the room. In his hands were beautifully wrapped gift boxes."Mr. and Mrs. Young," Paul said with practiced charm, bowing slightly. "Thank you for welcoming me into your home. I brought some small gifts—premium tea from the hotel and imported chocolates."Mrs. Young looked flustered by the expensive presents. "Oh, you shouldn't have! This is too much!""Nonsense!" Aunt Susan beamed proudly. "Paul is a room manager at the Four Seasons Hotel! He can afford to be generous!"Paul Young's eyes swept the room and settled on Anna Young, who was still sitting close to Jack Sullivan on the sofa."Anna," Paul said smoothly, "your aunt has told me so much ab

The commotion at the buffet table had drawn a growing crowd of elegantly dressed guests, all curious about what was disturbing the exclusive birthday celebration. Through the circle of onlookers, a young woman in an expensive designer gown pushed her way forward, her face showing clear irritation."What is going on here?" Grace Chang demanded, her voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to immediate obedience. "This is my birthday party, and I will not tolerate disruptions!"Grace Chang was strikingly beautiful, with perfectly styled hair and jewelry that probably cost more than most people's annual salaries. More importantly, the tiger-shaped brooch on her dress marked her as a member of the Tiger Martial Arts Association—a detail that immediately commanded respect from everyone present.Paul Young quickly composed himself, seeing an opportunity to salvage the situation. "Miss Chang, I sincerely apologize for the disturbance. This man here," he pointed dramatically at Jack

The tension in the banquet hall reached a breaking point as Steven Turner continued his furious tirade against Jack Sullivan. The party guests watched nervously, expecting violence to erupt at any moment."You worthless nobody!" Steven Turner screamed. "I'll destroy you for insulting my family! You have no idea what you've done!"Just as Steven Turner raised his hand as if to strike Jack Sullivan, the banquet hall doors opened and a distinguished man in a military-style uniform strode in. His presence immediately commanded attention, and conversations died as guests recognized the newcomer."Vice President Baker!" Grace Chang exclaimed with obvious relief. "What brings you here tonight?"Marcus Baker, Vice President of the Tiger Martial Arts Association, surveyed the tense scene with sharp eyes. His uniform bore the distinctive tiger insignia that marked him as one of the most powerful martial arts officials in the region."I came to personally deliver some important news," Marcus Bak

Jack Sullivan continued his meal with complete composure, occasionally glancing at Steven Turner who remained kneeling on the blood-stained marble floor. The young man's face was a mask of pain and humiliation, but his eyes burned with the promise of revenge."Jack," Anna Young whispered nervously, "maybe we should leave before his father arrives. This Steven Harris sounds very dangerous.""Dangerous to some people," Jack Sullivan replied calmly, cutting another piece of meat. "Not to me."Grace Chang paced anxiously near the windows, checking for any sign of approaching vehicles. "Mr. Sullivan, Steven Harris is known as the Smiling Tiger for a reason. He's incredibly powerful and has never been defeated in this region.""How interesting," Jack Sullivan said with mild curiosity. "I look forward to meeting him."Twenty miles away, Steven Harris sat in the back of his private helicopter, his face grim as he processed what Marcus Baker had told him over the phone. The Smiling Tiger was a