On the internet, the video was quickly uploaded. The media outlets under the Wang Family's control naturally sprang into action, broadcasting it everywhere. As for the major platforms, they were desperate for a big story to attract traffic and certainly wouldn't stop the Wang Family from publishing articles.

In the news comment sections…

"Wow, that guy is actually drooling."

"Seriously, these reporters are inhuman. They're like vultures feeding on misery, throwing away all their dignity for a story."

"That Xu Ke has it rough. All he did was date Wong Qifu, and it blew up into a city-wide scandal. He's been cornered by reporters ever since. If someone hadn't died, those reporters probably would've camped out here all night."

"Rough? That guy gets to live in the lap of luxury with a gorgeous rich woman, while we're stuck as office drones, slaving away at a 9-9-6 job. Instead of pitying him, you should pity yourself, you pathetic loser."

"Stop arguing…"

Discussions were happening everywhere.

However, aside from the hired trolls, most people were just watching the drama unfold. They weren't defending Xu Ke, nor were they looking down on him with any real malice. After all, whether Xu Ke lived or died was nothing more than a ripple in the endless stream of information—hardly anything important. No matter how tragic his situation was, he was merely fodder for their after-dinner conversations. By tomorrow, everyone would have forgotten.

「But some people wouldn't forget.」

"This bastard…" Qian Hong, the landlord from the urban village, gritted her teeth. "Why won't he just die! Why did he have to come to my building!" she roared with anger.

Just ten minutes earlier, Li Lang had called her. Still fuming after being berated by Li Shiping, Li Lang had blamed Qian Hong for failing to handle something as simple as kicking Xu Ke out. He had hurled insults at her and threatened to have someone target her property if she didn't get rid of Xu Ke immediately.

Having already taken Li Lang's money, Qian Hong was on shaky ground to begin with. The thought of the formidable Li Family targeting her made her turn pale with fright. She hastily agreed, guaranteeing that she would drive Xu Ke away. Only then did Li Lang hang up.

Now, utterly humiliated by Li Lang, Qian Hong could only redirect her fury toward Xu Ke.

In truth, having been a landlord in Tianhai City for so many years, Qian Hong was no fool. She feared the Li Family, but she feared the Wang Family behind Xu Ke even more. However, someone from the Li Family had told her that as long as she publicly humiliated Xu Ke, a different great family—one just as powerful as the Wangs—would protect her. It was only under these circumstances that Qian Hong dared to act so recklessly. Besides, she had already boarded a pirate ship; if she didn't target Xu Ke, she didn't know what else she could do.

With a grim expression, she walked out of her room, intent on making trouble for Xu Ke.

「」

After taking a shower, Xu Ke put on a baseball cap to hide his identity and went downstairs to buy some food.

When he returned with his food, he found Qian Hong already standing at the entrance, watching him with a cold stare.

Qian Hong, still looking as unpleasant as ever, had just been up to Xu Ke's room. She had knocked for a long time before one of his neighbors told her he'd gone downstairs. That was why she had come down to wait for him. As she stood at the entrance, a thought crossed her mind. Perfect! With so many passersby watching, I can use this to my advantage.

"Sister Hong, you seem to be in high spirits this evening," Xu Ke said, the corners of his mouth curving into a slight smile.

"Cut the crap, Xu Ke! When exactly are you moving out?" Qian Hong berated him.

The name was like a trigger, and it instantly drew a wave of attention from the crowd.

"Xu Ke?"

"He's out?!"

"It really is him! He's wearing a baseball cap! No wonder we didn't recognize him."

"What's going on? Isn't that the landlord, Qian Hong? Why is she trying to kick Xu Ke out?"

Everyone looked over, their eyes fixed on Xu Ke. Only the tenants on Xu Ke's floor knew she had tried to evict him last night, so the people from other floors gathered downstairs were naturally confused.

Hearing Qian Hong's words, Xu Ke gave a cynical smile. "Sister Hong, haven't I already told you? The lease isn't up. What right do you have to kick me out?"

Qian Hong scoffed. "Lease? What lease? I'm telling you, I'm kicking you out for the sake of my other tenants, for the stability of my building! Even if that worthless lease of yours isn't up, you still have to get the hell out."

Xu Ke said nothing, just watching her quietly.

The crowd first stared in shock, then grew angry.

This is a forced eviction! That's completely unreasonable!

Most of them had dealt with shady landlords before, so Qian Hong's tyrannical behavior instantly ignited their collective anger.

Qian Hong watched as Xu Ke remained silent, his gaze fixed on her. She grew unnerved by his stare and snapped, her voice sharp, "Say something! Are you mute?! Why are you staring at me for?"

In response, Xu Ke still didn't speak. Instead, he took a few steps forward until he was about a meter away from her, studying her face even more intently.

A chill went down Qian Hong's spine. She took two steps back. "Wh-what do you want?"

The crowd was baffled.

What is Xu Ke doing? Has he been possessed?

The next moment, Xu Ke's lips curled into a smile. He took two steps back and said casually, "Sister Hong, you've really got more and more cheek lately!"

At his words, Qian Hong's face instantly froze.

He stared at me all that time just to insult me?!

The crowd immediately burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, does this guy have to be so methodical even when he's insulting someone?"

"That was a good one!"

"Serves that heartless landlord right! Kicking someone out before their lease is even up..."

Qian Hong's face flushed a visible shade of red. She screeched, "Xu Ke, are you done?! Stop changing the subject and just tell me when you're moving out!"

At that, Xu Ke's smile vanished. He said coolly, "Qian Hong, when I said you had a lot of cheek, it wasn't a compliment. I was telling you to shut your mouth. The lease is legally binding. If you terminate it without cause, I can sue you."

"Sue me?" Qian Hong scoffed. "On what grounds? Xu Ke, let me ask you, have you seen the enormous mess you've caused today? If you don't move out now, are you trying to get everyone in this entire building killed?!"

Her words left the onlookers stunned.

What does she mean by that?

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