Special Forces Medic

Chapter 980 949: Become My Man

Palermo! West District!

The territory of the Kromop Clan covers nearly a third of the city's center. The housing prices here are twice the normal market value, yet people willing to gamble on real estate speculation here are endless.

As night fell, a taxi pulled up in front of a building. From the outside, it looked like any ordinary residential building, but in fact, Palermo's most famous 'Lei Mengda' was housed within its floors. Guests like Xiao Lin, arriving by taxi, would typically receive disdainful looks from the valet, so when Xiao Lin stepped out of the car, no one was there to specially greet him.

Feeling those contemptuous glances, Xiao Lin dusted off his clothes. Compared to those dressed in luxury, he appeared rather shabby. The saying that "clothes make the man," is quite universal, so it was not surprising when Xiao Lin was stopped before he could step through the door.

"Sorry, sir, this is a private venue. If you don't have an invitation, I'm afraid I can't let you in!" The politeness was on point, yet the tone was arrogant. Being part of the Kromop Clan as a small-time member was a matter of pride, so the arrogance in attitude was understandable.

"Haha... is that so! Does having an invitation mean I can enter?" Xiao Lin chuckled.

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, well, does this work?" Xiao Lin took out a slightly crumpled card and handed it to the gatekeeper. "Though it's a bit wrinkled, the text is still readable."

The gatekeeper hesitated momentarily after seeing the embossed name, then gave Xiao Lin a few appraising glances and signaled to his partner, letting Xiao Lin in without a word. These small, subtle details didn't escape Xiao Lin's notice.

"Thank you!"

'Lei Mengda' spread across the fifth to eighth floors of this building, within a bar that had been reconstructed by breaking through the load-bearing walls—a testimony to the designer's boldness. The building stood fifteen stories tall, and demolishing the load-bearing walls to rebuild with steel framework posed certain risks. Xiao Lin couldn't help but admire the engravings on the supports.

Unlike 'Bessade,' this place was bright and spacious, not like the usual bars that begin in dim tones and end in darkness. In overly bright areas, hidden spots become even more discreet. That's the peculiarity of light and dark—complementing rather than contrasting.

Xiao Lin ordered a drink, realizing he was a bit early. Without Hua Qingyi by his side, it felt relatively quiet. Hiding in a bright environment was unrealistic, so he deliberately chose the most conspicuous spot and sat down. The card on the table listed the performances for the night.

The content was surprising as if he had arrived at the wrong time. Tonight's theme made Xiao Lin uncomfortable—SM night, which was bold enough to be censored domestically. Just as he considered leaving, a soft laugh made him stay.

"Hi, Xiao, you came here too?" Xiao Lin hesitated for a moment before sitting back down. Jessica, with several girls, was already walking toward him. Francis walked among them, a petite figure not easily noticed but undeniably present. "Isn't Hua here?"

"We don't always hang out together!" Xiao Lin put the card back on the stand, shaking the bottle in his hand.

"Xiao, we have seats in our private booth, come join us for some fun!" Jessica intentionally shoved Francis toward him. "As you people from the East would say, it's fate that we meet here, don't refuse our goodwill."

Xiao Lin shook his head; he wasn't keen on staying longer.

"Xiao, if you're sitting here alone, you might be invited on stage for improvisational performance due to your beauty!" Francis winked at Xiao Lin. "Tonight's theme is unique, so you'd be safer with us."

Improvisational performance? Xiao Lin lowered his head. As the crowd grew, the lights dimmed, and the already set-up stage began filling with props. The hour-long thematic event was about to commence.

Throughout, Xiao Lin watched the stage in cold detachment; it was not so much a performance as a live drill. To his surprise, some guests entered with human pets, both male and female. He had indeed come at the wrong time, frowning, his eyes involuntarily glancing at the pillars.

"Let's go outside for some air!" Francis, cheeks slightly flushed, leaned close to Xiao Lin. "You seem a bit uncomfortable."

Should we be grateful for this child's kindness and empathy? For the first time, Xiao Lin showed a kind smile to Francis, making the young girl shyly lower her head. "Follow me!"

Francis held Xiao Lin's hand. They didn't leave through the main entrance but took the passage through the kitchen. "Our family invested quite a bit into this place; the designer is my cousin. Isn't it spectacular?" Francis led Xiao Lin through the kitchen, pointing at the transparent glass partitioned kitchen. "The food here is delicious, though during theme nights, we order more drinks than snacks. Jessica loves it here, and every time I come, I soak in the kitchen eating."

"You've maintained your figure very well!" Xiao Lin glanced at Francis's chest; its abundant fullness always drew men's gazes. Compared to her, Lian's chest was smaller, and Xiaoxue's... ha ha ha! Xiao Lin suddenly laughed, leaving Francis feeling inexplicably strange.

"Xiao, did I say something amusing?" Francis, walking ahead, stopped, turned her head, and in the dim light, her silhouette accentuated her beauty, revealing an unspeakable charm on closer inspection.

"Nothing, just thought of someone! My apologies."

"Is it your girlfriend?" Francis lowered her head; a handsome guy like him not having a girlfriend would be unthinkable. "In your country, what kind of girl is she?"

"A strange woman!" The suddenly hardened tone made Francis realize she'd asked the wrong question. She shrugged and, after crossing a door, they found themselves on an open space.

"Two floors up from here are reserved for special guests. My cousin warned us not to come here casually, but I love it here; it's quiet and offers a panoramic city view."

Following Francis's words, Xiao Lin looked up. The two floors above seemed much dimmer by comparison. "I'm curious; if I wanted to visit inside, what should I do?"

Francis tilted her head, her big eyes flashing with a special light. For a moment, Xiao Lin felt she understood everything, but he quickly dismissed the thought. "I mean to say, I think your cousin is a bold designer. Breaking through three floors' load-bearing walls to design here requires amazing courage and extensive knowledge of design and dynamics. Plus, the carvings on the columns attract me greatly."

"Those carvings tell stories of the mafia here. They recount the feats of the former Godfather and also the current one." Francis sprawled carelessly on the chair. "After we left that day, we heard you were attacked, is that true?"

"Perhaps we offended someone!" Xiao Lin lit a cigarette. "You should know, here there's always a chance that even a small act or a careless word might offend someone."

"Xiao, come to my place! I can guarantee your safety." Xiao Lin showed Francis a puzzled expression while hesitating inside. "I think my father still has some influence here."

"Francis!" Xiao Lin suddenly approached, making the girl exclaim softly. She felt the man's breath heavy, sensing a special fragrance in his exhale. Not as intense as perfume, it carried a herb-like freshness, initially somewhat bitter, turning sweet with prolonged exposure. "Thank you for your kindness, but I fear I may bring misfortune to your Genovese Clan. I doubt your father would agree with your suggestion."

"Xiao?!"

"Lovely girl, being with me would be dangerous for you. I'll return you to your friends. Even if we meet again, it's best to pretend to be strangers. We truly cannot be together; it's for your sake and your family's."

She embraced him from behind with her soft body. Xiao Lin hesitated before attempting to push her hands away. "If Xiao becomes my man, then Genovese would be your strong support."

"Let's go, Francis. I'll take you back."

The refused girl pushed Xiao Lin away. She didn't cry like ordinary girls but spoke with a trembling voice and a sweet smile. "I can go back by myself. If Xiao wishes to view the architecture here, there are good spots. See the white decorations on the side? If you have the ability to stand on them, you'll see a different view."

Something seemed to soften within his heart as Xiao Lin watched Francis's silhouette jump onto those white decorative walls. The well-concealed stepping points, without insider information, were unlikely to be noticed for hiding Xuan Ji.

If you have the ability to stand up there, you'll see a different view. That's what Francis meant! Xiao Lin stood on it, his hand hooked on the iron flower rack, left foot already stepping onto the edge of the aerial garden. The view here was chilling.

A bullet penetrated the carpet after piercing the eyebrow, leaving no sound, and the person lay silently on the ground. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)