"I've seen him in television dramas before." Ning Yunhuan's eyes showed visible disgust. Her poor opinion of Bai Mingyu was clear on her face. She seemed to force a look of pleasantness that amused Lan Lingyan:

"This person still has some use. Lan Biao did well. If he's sensible, we'll give him a chance. If not, we'll see if he's worth anything—kidnap him, take him overseas for a hefty ransom, and then kill him." Lan Biao wasn't exactly a good person himself, so he readily agreed with Lan Lingyan’s words, though he recalled what he had investigated and added with a forced smile, "The master is right. I checked this person; besides the savings he's accumulated from years as a star, he also has a brother who should be able to cover the 'hardship fees' for my subordinates..."

Though she disliked Mingyu, Ning Yunhuan could no longer remain calm witnessing Lan Lingyan's cold-blooded ruthlessness. The feeling of stripping someone bare and then silencing them for good sent a tremor through her; her eyelids twitched. Seeing Lan Biao look utterly convinced, she stiffly turned her face away.

"In that case, it depends on what he chooses," Lan Lingyan said, his eyes turning colder as he recalled Ning Yunhuan’s reaction upon hearing Mingyu’s name. "If he's not sensible, we'll proceed as I just outlined."

This was the first time Lan Biao had done something for Ning Yunhuan, and having his pride wounded by Mingyu put him in a foul mood. He hadn't originally intended to let Mingyu off, only wanting to teach the arrogant young man a lesson, not planning anything as extreme as Lan Lingyan suggested. Now, with his master's direct orders, even though Mingyu had a somewhat famous elder brother with ties to the Tang family—a lineage of imperial physicians in the capital of Huaxia—and Lan Lingyan was ready to back him up, Lan Biao would naturally not refuse.

Ning Yunhuan couldn't help but let out a small laugh. She offered no opinion on the matter. Her silence, a lack of pleading for Bai Mingyu, satisfied Lan Lingyan. He took her hand and led the way out of the office. Lan Biao and the others followed, watching as Lan Lingyan and his wife got into their car. Only then did the younger man next to Lan Biao lean in, "Brother Biao, that Bai fellow will probably be a while longer. Why don't you grab some food first and then have some 'fun' with him?"

Even if they had managed to abduct Mingyu without delay and get him on a plane, the flight from Hawaii to Huaxia would take at least twelve hours. Although the group had boarded several hours ago, calculating the time, they still had a while to wait. Lan Biao readily agreed.

After a bumpy journey, Mingyu woke up to a body aching all over. His hands were tied tightly behind his back, and it seemed his legs were immobilized too. The slightest movement sent a searing pain through him, eliciting an involuntary groan. As soon as the sound escaped, there was a soft splash. Ice-cold water was poured over his head, instantly snapping his groggy thoughts into sharp focus. Water droplets streamed down his face, and the sheer indignity of his state enraged Bai Mingyu. He shook his head to clear it completely and couldn't help but shout:

"Huo Xi, what are you doing?" With only his manager beside him, he hadn't expected anyone daring enough to splash water on him. Waking up just now, he assumed his sleep was too deep and Huo Xi had resorted to using water to rouse him for some work. Bai Mingyu grew increasingly furious, resolving that the moment he was fully conscious, he would call the company to fire Huo Xi and ensure the man never worked in the industry again!

"Mi-Mingyu." Contrary to Bai Mingyu's expectations, Huo Xi’s voice was trembling violently. Annoyed, he frowned. After years of working together, he had only tolerated this spineless man because his temper was usually mild and he was obedient. To think he'd had the gall to throw water on him earlier, and now he was terrified!

"Are you looking to die?" As his mind cleared, Bai Mingyu, through his dripping hair, finally grasped his surroundings. He appeared to be bound, his legs held at an unnatural angle for a long time—no wonder every movement felt like needles. Huo Xi hadn't just dared to splash water; he'd tied him up like this. Bai Mingyu wasn't a fool; he knew his preceding unconsciousness hadn't been natural, realizing now he had walked right into a trap.

To have been drugged right in front of him—Bai Mingyu sneered inwardly, yet found the situation somewhat amusing. Overly confident in himself, he felt no fear at this stage, only a surge of perverse entertainment.

"Awake?" Lan Biao sat on a sofa, observing Bai Mingyu, who was bound on the floor like a drowned dog. He smiled, taking a puff from a pipe, and then chuckled to the young man beside him, "Young Master Bai is awake. Don't just sit there; help him up." Lan Biao’s words startled Bai Mingyu, whose eyes snapped wide open. He shook his head, fighting the dizziness, and surveyed the room. It was an opulent office, perhaps thirty to forty square meters. Five or six young men in black suits and glasses occupied the sofa. Huo Xi, whom he’d assumed had splashed the water, sat dejectedly on the floor, his clothes crumpled, his expression anxious, his hands tied behind his back—not much better off than he was.

A useless wretch! After cursing Huo Xi inwardly, Bai Mingyu suppressed the discomfort wracking his body. Two tall, imposing young men lifted him as easily as holding a chicken. He tried to struggle, but bound like a zongzi, he couldn't even twitch a finger. He was helpless and let them drag him up, then roughly toss him onto the sofa. Bai Mingyu tumbled awkwardly, trying several times to sit up but finding himself completely unable to move. After a moment, he gave up, catching his breath before demanding,

"Who are you people?" A cold, venomous glint appeared in his eyes. He had never endured such hardship in his life. These people dared to treat him this way! A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind, but none offered a solution in his current predicament.

"We’re just inviting the big star for a visit. It seems our previous phone contact was a bit presumptuous. This time, I sent men personally to fetch you. Young Master Bai, sign this document, please." Lan Biao smiled, retrieving a thick stack of papers from the desk, and walked toward Bai Mingyu.

In an instant, Bai Mingyu grasped Lan Biao’s identity. He recalled Huo Xi mentioning before their Hawaii vacation that the person arranging the meeting was someone not to be trifled with. At the time, he hadn't taken Lan Biao seriously. As a celebrity, he was the darling of the public, and countless sponsors sought his favor. No one had ever dared to treat him so rudely before; he assumed everyone would come bearing money and deference. He hadn't expected someone as unreasonable as Lan Biao. A wave of panic struck him, but upon realizing who Lan Biao was, he assumed the man must need something from him, which brought a measure of calm.

"Untie me first," Bai Mingyu said, his heart chilling at the realization of being kidnapped. Finally, he curbed some of his arrogance, nodding at Lan Biao and asking him to loosen the ropes binding his limbs.

Lan Biao seemed perfectly amenable, smiling as he set down his pipe. A young man beside him quickly took out a cigarette and offered it to Lan Biao, then lit it for him. Only then, at Lan Biao's gesture, did someone approach and cut the ropes binding Bai Mingyu with a dagger.

Bai Mingyu rubbed his hands, which were cold, bruised, and purple from being tightly bound for so long. Blood circulation had stopped, leaving his palms a dreadful shade of purple, and his finger joints numb and icy. Had they been tied much longer, he feared his hands would be permanently ruined. Knowing a little about medicine from his doctor brother, Bai Mingyu endured the needle-like pain as he massaged his hands to restore circulation. Once he felt a little better, he motioned for Lan Biao to hand him the document that clearly looked like a contract.

The moment he glanced at it, Bai Mingyu’s face darkened. It was a contract from an entertainment company called 'Lan Ning'—a name he’d never heard before—that shamelessly wanted to sign him. It wasn't just for one variety show appearance; it demanded he stay with the company indefinitely. He read further. Seeing the twenty-year term of the contract, his face went completely ashen. He flung the papers onto the floor, roaring,

"Impossible! Sign me for twenty years!" This was nothing short of a labor indenture contract. Even the most desperate newcomers trying to claw their way up would balk at such terms. For someone of his status and reputation to be treated this way by a company he hadn't even known existed—he didn't need to read the rest. He stomped his foot on the contract, declaring proudly,

"I will not agree."

Lan Biao took a breath, exhaling a plume of smoke that partially obscured his refined face. His voice was gentle, almost smiling, "Young Master Bai, shouldn't you reconsider?"

Huo Xi, huddled not far from him, trembled as he noticed the murderous intent in Lan Biao’s eyes. Having navigated the fickle world of entertainment while managing someone like Bai Mingyu, Huo Xi’s personality was naturally polished and adaptable. Unlike Bai Mingyu, who was aloof and unyielding like a flower on a high peak, Huo Xi hadn't reached god-like status. He had heard rumors about Lan Biao’s identity as a powerful figure: mysterious origins, possibly involved with the underworld, wielding enormous influence that made him untouchable in the capital. But Bai Mingyu, having been idolized for so long and confident in his own backing, had ignored Huo Xi’s earlier warnings. Now, having dragged them both into this disaster, Huo Xi felt that his own death would be easier to bear than being implicated by Mingyu.

The thought stoked a flicker of resentment in Huo Xi, despite his usual good temper. After years of dedicated service, only to be treated worse than a dog in Mingyu’s eyes—a slight confirmed by Mingyu calling him a dog in Hawaii—Huo Xi’s dignity was wounded. Malice surfaced, hardening into bold hatred.

Even if he were just a dog, now that he was being dragged down by Bai Mingyu, he wanted to bite back. So what if he lost his job? He was sick of the life he’d been forced into, where years of effort had ground away his self-respect. Bai Mingyu’s recklessness was now dragging him down, and Huo Xi felt he couldn't take it anymore. He decided that even if he couldn't thrive, he would take someone down with him in his final moments.

Huo Xi’s eyes hardened. Finally unable to endure Bai Mingyu’s arrogance, he prepared to kick a man when he was down. He knew Lan Biao, who had arranged the meeting, was no ordinary person. Furthermore, Bai Mingyu had tried to hide while vacationing in Hawaii, but Huo Xi had found out and kept it secret. The sheer efficiency with which Lan Biao had spirited Bai Mingyu back to Huaxia without a trace testified to his capability.

Bai Mingyu, with his proud and arrogant nature, hated being ordered around. He must be furious about being kidnapped. If Huo Xi advised him to compromise now, his temper would surely explode. With that thought, Huo Xi spoke tentatively,

"Mingyu, Mr. Lan is sincerely inviting you; perhaps you should just agree." He feigned a worried expression. As expected, Bai Mingyu immediately flew into a rage. He struggled to stand up, his tall frame radiating stubborn defiance, sneering, "What kind of thing are you to suggest I join..."

Lan Biao laughed at this. "Talk to Young Master Bai properly. We aren't inviting him; we are notifying him." Several young men immediately pinned Bai Mingyu down. Though he looked robust, his muscles were concealed beneath his clothes. To these young men, his strength was like an ant trying to shake an elephant. His meager Taekwondo skills were useless; before he could land two moves, he was forced back onto the sofa.

"Understood?" Lan Biao picked up the contract from the floor and flipped through it. He removed the cigarette burning in his mouth; the ash had grown quite long but hadn't fallen yet. Seeing his movement, one of the young men pulled out Bai Mingyu's hand. Lan Biao smiled, shook the ash into Bai Mingyu's palm, and then pressed the still-lit cigarette tip into the center of his palm.

With a sharp hiss, the ember extinguished, releasing the smell of burnt flesh. Bai Mingyu gasped, instinctively trying to pull away but finding himself utterly unable to struggle. The searing pain in his palm brought a rush of cold sweat to his forehead. Though arrogant, he had never suffered such pain. Even though he didn't cry out, his face turned deathly pale.

"In my presence, I least tolerate arrogance from young men. I give you two choices. One: honestly sign this contract. Considering you’ve learned your lesson, I always enjoy dealing with young people and am willing to give you a chance. If you refuse, there’s an adult film producer in Japan, a friend I knew years ago. I can arrange for you to enjoy a year of 'bliss,' filming with all sorts of curvaceous actresses. What do you think?" Lan Biao smiled, observing the hatred in Bai Mingyu's eyes and his unyielding expression. A savage glint flashed in his own. "Neither appeals? If you refuse both, then I’m afraid, young man, you must understand that fortune and misfortune are closely linked."

Lan Biao lost patience with Bai Mingyu, whom he deemed hopelessly arrogant. He even began contemplating who he could find to replace him. Why waste more words on him? There were plenty of stars in the world, and with his own means, he could certainly secure another. This boy’s personality simply grated on him.

As a killing intent flared in his eyes, Bai Mingyu's expression turned grim. "Do you know who I am?"

"The famous genius surgical doctor in America now, hailed as the youngest 'Hand of God' in history?" Lan Biao scoffed, then continued, "Or perhaps in Huaxia, where you are known by the Tang family, the lineage of imperial physicians?"

He dismissed his twin brother's status long ago; Bai Mingyu felt he was no inferior to his elder brother. Perhaps certain people didn't even know Bai Mingchun's name since he wasn't in the same specialized field, whereas Bai Mingyu's own fame was far greater. That Lan Biao had investigated the Tang family didn't surprise Bai Mingyu at all. It was bound to happen if someone dug deep enough, especially since Lan Biao could pull him from Hawaii back to Huaxia, implying he possessed considerable skill.

The capital held many hidden dragons and crouching tigers, but for Lan Biao to disregard the Tang family's status—this meant either Lan Biao intended to kill him, or his power was so vast that the Tang family meant nothing to him.

If it was the former, he wouldn't dare gamble with his life now. He sometimes engaged in risky behavior, claiming it was stress relief, but in reality, it was just to savor the thrill of acting willfully and finding an excuse to verbally abuse Huo Xi later. Watching these people, humble as ants, grovel before him gave Bai Mingyu an extraordinary sense of superiority.

But if real danger loomed, he wouldn't risk it. Huo Xi was now useless and likely couldn't save him anyway. If he truly angered this powerful boss enough to incite murder, and if Lan Biao indeed had underworld ties as Huo Xi suggested, Bai Mingyu feared they might actually do it.

If his second guess was correct—that Lan Biao feared the Tang family not at all—then protesting was pointless. A wise man doesn't fight battles he can’t win. He decided it was better to temporarily agree to the situation and seek help from the Tang family once he was free, before settling scores for today.

Although his twin brothers weren't biologically related to the Tang family, the family had always treated them exceptionally well. Aside from the difference in surname, the entire Tang household never viewed them as outsiders. He couldn't believe the Tang family would stand idly by if they knew he was in distress! While the Tang family was primarily one of medicine, Lan Biao himself had acknowledged they treated the privileged elite of Huaxia, effectively serving as imperial physicians. Even if the Tang family wasn't directly powerful in other spheres, they knew many influential figures. He couldn't believe they couldn't suppress Lan Biao.

This thought allowed Bai Mingyu to swallow his deep-seated malice and decide to endure for the moment, planning revenge later. He nodded, took the contract from Lan Biao's hand, and accepted the pen offered by an attendant. After signing his name and stamping his handprint onto the ink pad held by another young man, he watched as Lan Biao took the contract back.

"Trust me, this was a wise decision for you," Lan Biao sighed, looking at the signed document. He felt a slight regret that he couldn't kill Bai Mingyu right now, but with the contract signed, Bai Mingyu was effectively trapped in his grasp, with plenty of time later to exact revenge. As for Bai Mingyu's thought of backing out of the deal later—that was just his wishful thinking!

With that, Lan Biao sneered, tucked the contract away, and lost interest in Bai Mingyu. He simply waved his hand. "Let him go."

Bai Mingyu initially couldn't believe his ears. It wasn't until several burly young men released him that he managed to push himself upright, still looking disheveled. As he cautiously stood up to leave and saw no one stopping him, a wave of relief washed over him, immediately followed by a prickle of unease. Whether the powerful boss was careless or truly overconfident, letting him walk away without so much as an extra warning struck him as odd. He instinctively felt something was wrong, yet he was ecstatic. He couldn't worry about Lan Biao’s potential schemes; he needed to rush back, secure help from the Tang family to resolve this mess, and then he would deal with today’s debt!

The people in the office watched Bai Mingyu scramble out, completely abandoning the still-bound Huo Xi. Lan Biao chuckled twice. "Your turn."

Although Huo Xi had harbored the intention of dragging Bai Mingyu down with him from the start, seeing him turn and flee without a second thought for their shared history still sent a chill through him.

He had served him like a beast of burden for years; if he didn't deserve praise, he deserved consideration for his hard work. Yet, Bai Mingyu treated him like this. And now, having been implicated because of Mingyu, to be abandoned while Mingyu escaped—Huo Xi didn't dare contemplate what fate awaited him.

"Cough, whatever Lord Lan wishes to do with me, it is all my fault. However, if Lord Lan chooses to spare me, I am still perfectly willing to work for you." Though his heart felt leaden, Huo Xi forced a strained chuckle, still desperately trying to plead his case. While his mouth refused to give up, a look of utter despair flickered in his eyes. Unexpectedly, Lan Biao had no intention of punishing him.

In stark contrast to Bai Mingyu’s miserable state, Lan Biao merely ordered Huo Xi to be released, stating coolly: "I know you aren't the one in charge. I’ll give you one chance. Since Bai Mingyu has officially signed over to our company, you, his accustomed manager, will come along too. Do a good job, and don't disappoint me."