38: Chapter 38 Stealing my listings? I'll beat you down first!

The newcomer kicked the door open and stared at Lin Chen with an arrogant expression.

The leader had a scar running across his face; he was David's most capable subordinate, and everyone called him Scarface. He had a chain slung across his chest, and behind him, four thugs brandishing iron bars blocked the doorway, sealing the room tight.

The room was already cramped, with a dilapidated wooden table leaning against the corner and a three-legged stool overturned on the floor. The paper and pen used to sign the agreement earlier were still spread across the tabletop. Dust swirled wildly from the wind of the kicked door, and a musty smell mixed with the scent of sweat wafted through the air.

Scarface's gaze swept over the two house sale agreements on the table, a cruel smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he pointed a finger at Lin Chen's nose.

"You're Lin Chen? You've got some nerve, daring to snatch a house that Brother David has his eyes on. Tired of living?"

Lin Chen stood his ground, his eyes as cold as ice, his tone not yielding an inch.

"Who The Homeowner chooses to sell their house to in the Slum District—what does that have to do with David?"

"Nothing to do with him?" Scarface took a step forward, the chain in his hand clattering loudly. His face was full of arrogance. "Brother David has had his eyes on the houses in this area for a long time. Anyone who dares to make a move first is picking a fight with us!"

He tilted his chin, his tone carrying an unquestionable threat: "Be smart. Hand over the two houses you just signed for, pay a penalty fee, and we'll let this matter slide. Otherwise, don't expect the two of you to walk out of this door on your feet."

The two elderly people nearby turned pale with fear and shrank back, not daring to make a sound.

Lin Chen sneered, his eyes full of disdain.

"I acquired these houses based on my own ability. They are signed and thumbprinted, legal and compliant. Why should I give them to you?"

"You're asking for death!" Scarface's face instantly darkened. Just as he was about to move, Li Wei suddenly stepped forward, firmly blocking the way in front of Lin Chen.

Li Wei clenched his fists, his arms tensed and solid. The old injuries on his face hadn't faded yet, but his gaze was fierce as he roared at Scarface's group.

"You dare touch Brother Chen, you're dead! If you've got the guts, come at me!"

Scarface laughed out of anger. He glanced at Li Wei, then back at Lin Chen, his tone sinister.

"Fine, so you two kids are both tough guys, huh? Since you refuse to hand over the houses, then don't blame us for being impolite!"

He suddenly waved his hand back and hissed at the thugs behind him.

"Beat them! Beat them to death! I'll take responsibility for whatever happens!"

The four thugs rushed forward at his command, their iron bars swinging through the air toward the two men. The small room instantly descended into chaos.

Lin Chen's eyes sharpened. He stepped aside to dodge a swinging iron bar, grabbed the opponent's wrist, and twisted it.

With a soft 'crack,' the thug screamed and fell to his knees, the iron bar slipping from his hand and hitting the floor.

Li Wei wasn't slacking either. He charged at two thugs, relying on his brute strength to tank the hits. His fists slammed hard into their faces. Although he took a couple of blows, he didn't retreat an inch, firmly protecting Lin Chen's flank.

Scarface hadn't expected the two of them to be such good fighters. His expression changed, and he personally grabbed his chain and rushed forward, intending to ambush Lin Chen from behind.

Lin Chen had sensed it long ago. He ducked suddenly to avoid the attack and kicked Scarface in the knee. Scarface staggered and crashed into the dilapidated wooden table, smashing it to pieces.

In just a few short minutes, the thugs who had been so overbearing just moments ago were sprawled across the floor. They were either clutching their stomachs or holding their legs, their wails filling the air. The ground was covered in footprints and wood debris from the fight.

Scarface lay on the ground, baring his teeth in pain. The gaze he directed at Lin Chen was full of fear, his previous arrogance completely gone.

Lin Chen walked over slowly and stepped on his wrist, his tone terrifyingly cold.

"Go back and tell David that he can't steal the houses in the Slum District."

Scarface trembled with pain and hurriedly nodded, begging for mercy.

"I understand... I won't dare do it again..."

Lin Chen released his foot, not bothering to give him another look.

"Get out."

Scarface felt as if he had been granted a divine reprieve. He scrambled to his feet, called his subordinates, and fled outside in a panic. When he reached the door, he suddenly turned back and threw out a parting threat.

"Lin Chen! You just wait! Brother David won't let you off. He's coming here personally in a moment, and then you'll get what's coming to you!"

As the words fell, the group vanished without a trace.

Li Wei was panting heavily. He walked to Lin Chen's side and checked him over. Seeing that Lin Chen wasn't injured, he let out a sigh of relief.

"Brother Chen, are you okay? If David really is coming personally, should we prepare in advance?"

"Prepare for what?" Lin Chen bent down to pick up the house sale agreements from the table and brushed off the dust, his tone flat. "Since he wants to come, then that's perfect. I've been wanting to meet him too."

Only then did the two elderly people dare to step forward, their faces full of worry.

"Young man, that David is very sinister and has many men. You must be careful."

"Don't worry, Uncle, it's fine." Lin Chen offered a few words of comfort and had Li Wei escort the two elders away first. He then stood at the doorway, looking toward the entrance of the Slum District.

He knew clearly in his heart that just now was only a minor skirmish. The real opponent was about to show his face.

The AI gave no pop-up warning, indicating that David had no intention of making a move for the time being and just wanted to come over personally to apply pressure.

Lin Chen leaned against the doorframe, waiting quietly.

Not long after, the roar of a car engine grew louder as it approached. A black sedan slowly drove into the Slum District and finally came to a steady stop at the most prominent spot at the street entrance.