Chapter 689: Fight to the End!

In contrast, those dozen or so leaders who had been taking turns forcing drinks now no longer had their initial arrogant vigor……

The leaders, each staggering, faces flushed.

Their speech also became slurred……

Some leaders had even slumped over the table, half-asleep……

The remaining few merely forced themselves to stay awake, their gazes scattered as they looked at Lin Yuan.

These leaders' faces were filled with disbelief——

They never imagined Lin Yuan's drinking capacity could be this good??

With so many taking turns, not only did they fail to get him drunk, they themselves ended up dead drunk??

Ning Xue, who had originally been weak all over and dazed, was now…… somewhat awakened by the scene before her.

The drowsiness from alcohol on Ning Xue…… gradually faded, replaced by…… deep worry.

She watched Lin Yuan…… cup after cup of strong liquor……

She watched the table piled high with empty liquor bottles、

Ning Xue's heart…… clenched tightly together.

She feared Lin Yuan would ruin his health^……

Ning Xue could no longer hold back, struggling to step forward to dissuade him.

But as she took a step, two leaders beside her who weren't completely drunk…… grabbed her and stopped her.

One of the leaders…… swayed his head drunkenly, his tone overbearing, a hint of impatience as he barked:

"Don't…… don't come over! Can't you see we're…… still drinking with Director Lin? Stop…… stop ruining our fun here!"

Another leader chimed in, slurring: "Just…… just, Director Lin hasn't said anything, you're just a little secretary, what right do you have to speak? Keep…… keep drinking!"

Ning Xue was held in place, her delicate body trembling slightly, her beautiful eyes full of anxiety and helplessness.

Yet she dared not rush forward——

She knew these leaders, drunk, had lost control of their emotions.

If she confronted them head‑on now, it would only make things worse.

Ning Xue could only watch helplessly as Lin Yuan kept drinking.

The worry in her eyes…… was almost spilling over.

Beside him, the factory director watched Lin Yuan still drinking nonstop.

The director…… watched the leaders' various drunken antics…… yet still refused to let up.

The director sighed, he could no longer hold back.

The director once again summoned courage to step forward, his face still wearing a fawning smile.

The director's tone, however, carried a hint of pleading:

"Leaders, leaders, please show mercy! Director Lin has already drunk four bottles of Maotai—any more and something will really happen! Let's stop here, okay? No more drinking!"

But the director's pleading had no effect at all……

Instead, it completely enraged those already‑drunk leaders.

One of the Industry and Commerce leaders slammed the table, making the wine cup tremble slightly.

Liquor splashed across the table.

That Industry and Commerce leader glared with bloodshot eyes, his tone fierce, laced with threat as he roared:

"What trouble? What trouble? If we don't drink our fill today, we won't approve your Pharmaceutical Factory and Su Group cooperation! You forgot? Your cooperation contract still needs our compliance review! Dare to spoil our fun, and we'll scupper your cooperation!"

Those words struck like a bolt from the blue, instantly hitting the factory director's heart.

The director's body stiffened, the smile on his face freezing instantly.

The pleading in the director's eyes was replaced by deep fear; he dared not utter another word.

The director knew better than anyone that these leaders held the approval power.

As long as they utter a word, the cooperation between the Pharmaceutical Factory and the Su Group will be completely ruined.

By then, the factory would suffer heavy losses, and he would be ruined and disgraced.

Other leaders also chimed in, their tones overbearing and arrogant, thick with threat:

"Exactly! Don't want to cooperate? Then stop drinking!"

"Be sensible—let Director Lin keep drinking with us to our heart's content, or else don't even dream of getting your approvals through!"

Emboldened by drink, they grew ever more reckless, caring nothing for Lin Yuan's health or the factory's plight.

These leaders' minds were fixed on getting Lin Yuan drunk so they could seize Ning Xue.

Lin Yuan looked at these leaders before him, drunk in every way, arrogant and domineering.

A flicker of cold chill passed through Lin Yuan's eyes……

Yet he did not stop the cup in his hand.

Lin Yuan merely lifted a freshly filled cup of Maotai and slowly tilted his head back to drink.

Lin Yuan's movements…… were calm and unhurried.

He knew clearly that these leaders…… were using cooperation and approval to threaten the factory director, essentially…… trying to force Lin Yuan to compromise.

But Lin Yuan would never let them succeed, nor let Ning Xue fall into danger, nor let the Su Group's cooperation be affected.

Ning Xue stood aside, hearing the leaders' threats……

She also watched Lin Yuan continue to drink calmly……

Ning Xue's inner worry…… grew ever stronger.

Her tears welled in her eyes, yet she could do nothing.

Ning Xue could only bite her lip hard, watching this breath‑taking scene before her……

She secretly prayed that Lin Yuan would be safe and sound, and prayed that this absurd banquet would end soon.

The atmosphere in the private room grew even more tense……

The leaders' drunken curses and the clinking of wine glasses…… sounded especially harsh.

The factory director stood to the side, watching the leaders' arrogant demeanor and watching Lin Yuan down one cup of strong liquor after another; his inner anxiety burned like fire……

The factory director could no longer hold back, quickly stepping up to Lin Yuan's side.

The factory director lowered his voice and urged: "Director Lin, why not… just give in, apologize to the leaders and yield. These leaders all insist on getting their way; if you keep being so stubborn, should things really reach an impasse, not only will the collaboration fall through, but you might also suffer injustice!"

The factory director's face was full of anxiety, fine cold sweat beading on his forehead.

The factory director spoke while furtively glancing at the leaders not far away, afraid they might overhear.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan slowly set down his wine cup.

Lin Yuan raised his hand and lightly wiped the corner of his mouth; his composure remained, his eyes clear, showing no trace of alcohol-induced haze.

Lin Yuan said calmly: "It's fine, Director, no need to worry. Since the leaders are enjoying their drinks, I'll see this through to the end—it's not a big deal, I won't back down."

Lin Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it carried enough resolve; he was not at all intimidated by the leaders' threats or their pressuring him to drink.

On the contrary, the icy coldness in Lin Yuan's eyes…… deepened a bit more——

Have Lin Yuan back down? Impossible.

Ning Xue beside him watched Lin Yuan's continued composure.

Ning Xue's inner worry…… grew ever stronger.

She hurried forward, gently taking hold of Lin Yuan's arm: "Director Lin, please don't drink, I beg you not to drink! They're just deliberately making things difficult for you; don't stoop to their level—even if the collaboration falls through, it's fine. I don't want to see you harm your own body like this again!"

Ning Xue's voice…… was thick with sobs.

Her eyes were full of heartache and helplessness, she gripped Lin Yuan's arm tightly, refusing to let go.

Lin Yuan lowered his head…… looking at Ning Xue's reddened eye sockets…… and the tears sliding down.

The icy coldness in Lin Yuan's eyes…… softened slightly in an instant.

He gently patted the back of Ning Xue's hand, speaking softly to reassure her: "Don't worry, I'm fine; trust me, I can handle this."

Having said that, he lightly withdrew his arm, picked up the wine cup on the table again, and calmly gazed at the still-arrogant leaders.

Those drunk leaders paid no heed to the quiet conversation between Lin Yuan, Ning Xue, and the factory director.

The leaders, meanwhile, kept taking turns approaching with their wine cups, brusquely urging Lin Yuan to drink……

The leaders' eyes…… would occasionally flick to Ning Xue beside them, their lust undiminished.

One leader with a fleshy face, emboldened by drink, grew bolder and bolder.

That fleshy leader, taking advantage of the crowd's uproar and the moment Lin Yuan lifted his cup to drink……

The fleshy leader furtively reached out his hand toward Ning Xue's leg——

He had long coveted Ning Xue's beautiful legs in silk stockings; seeing her defenseless, he now sought to take advantage and cop a feel.

Ning Xue was lowering her head to wipe her tears, utterly unaware of the approaching danger.

Only when that rough hand was about to touch her leg did Ning Xue instinctively lift her head……

Seeing that salty-pig hand reaching out, Ning Xue was frightened and her delicate body stiffened.

Ning Xue instinctively tried to retreat, but it was too late.

This scene happened to be seen by Lin Yuan, who had just finished a cup of wine.

Lin Yuan hesitated not at all; his fingers twitched imperceptibly……

A tiny silver needle…… shot out from his sleeve.

The silver needle struck precisely and accurately the leader's outstretched palm.

"Ugh——! My hand!"

That leader…… suddenly let out a shrill scream, his whole body jerking violently.

The lecherous leader…… the hand he had extended froze instantly, a piercing pain shooting through his fingertips.

Immediately afterward, the leader's entire palm went numb, unable to move a finger.

He could only hold it stiffly aloft, but due to the pain and numbness he couldn't see the tiny silver needle embedded in his palm.

The clamor in the private room came to an abrupt halt……

Everyone's gaze turned in unison toward the leader who had screamed.

Everyone's faces were filled with shock and bewilderment.

"What's wrong? Leader Zhang, what happened to you?"

"Yeah, Leader Zhang, what's wrong with your hand? It hurts this badly?"

The other leaders gathered around, their tones full of curiosity, yet no one noticed the silver needle on his palm.

Lin Yuan, seeing this, immediately set down his wine cup and hurried forward.

Lin Yuan's face…… showed just the right amount of concern.

He seized the leader's numb hand in one grip and spoke earnestly: "Leader Zhang, what's wrong? Did you drink too much and get a cramp? I know a bit of traditional Chinese medicine; let me have a look—I might be able to ease it."

Lin Yuan's tone was natural, his demeanor open, with no hint of a flaw.

Lin Yuan spoke while lightly rubbing the leader's palm with his fingers……

Though Lin Yuan appeared to be examining, he actually…… used his fingertips to…… pinch the tiny silver needle and gently pull it out……

Lin Yuan, taking advantage of the others' inattention, furtively slipped the silver needle into his clothing pocket.

That Leader Zhang…… still grimaced in pain, his palm numb to the point of feeling nothing.

Leader Zhang simply didn't notice…… Lin Yuan's small maneuver.

Leader Zhang just kept wailing: "It hurts…… so much! My hand's numb, I can't move it—quick…… please help me check it!"

Leader Zhang's face was twisted in pain, veins bulging on his forehead; there was no trace of his former leaderly arrogance left, only anguish he could barely conceal.

Other leaders gathered around, chattering away, yet no one noticed anything amiss...

The factory director also hurried over, his face full of panic, fearing the situation would escalate and affect the cooperation.

Ning Xue stood to the side...

She watched Lin Yuan respond calmly, the fear in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by several points of doubt and incomprehension—

She had clearly seen Zhang Lingdao reach out to touch her just moments ago, so why did he suddenly scream in pain?

And Lin Yuan seemed to have done something, yet showed no trace of a flaw.

Lin Yuan gripped Zhang Lingdao's numb hand, his face still showing sincere concern.

Lin Yuan spoke gently: "Zhang Lingdao, you've drunk too much, and your qi and blood are stagnant, causing joint spasms. You need to have it set right away, or you may suffer lasting effects. Bear with it—I'll be gentle, and it'll be fine soon."

As his words fell, before Zhang Lingdao could react...... %

Lin Yuan's fingertips exerted slight force...

Taking advantage of everyone's attention...... all focused on Zhang Lingdao's pained expression......

Lin Yuan suddenly jerked his wrist joint hard.

Ah—! It kills me!

Zhang Lingdao let out a cry...... even more horrific than before!

Zhang Lingdao's whole body shook violently, veins bulging on his forehead, cold sweat streaming down his cheeks!

Zhang Lingdao's eyes teared from the pain, his whole body nearly collapsing to the ground...

Zhang Lingdao kept wailing, 'It hurts...... too much! Director Lin...... go easy, I can't take it!'

That piercing pain was worse than being struck by the silver needle earlier...

It stripped Zhang Lingdao of any semblance of leadership dignity in an instant, leaving only extreme agony.

Lin Yuan's face...... remained unchanged.

Lin Yuan pretended...... to focus on helping the leader set the joint.

But in fact...... Lin Yuan deliberately slowed his movements, his fingertips occasionally pressing lightly and manipulating Zhang Lingdao's joint......

Each of Lin Yuan's movements...... precisely struck Zhang Lingdao's sore spot.

He tormented Zhang Lingdao to the brink of death.

The surrounding leaders and the factory director watched, hearts pounding, yet no one dared step forward to stop him—

First, Lin Yuan carried out the act under the pretense of treatment...

Second, Zhang Lingdao was in so much pain he could hardly speak, only able to groan incessantly...

Everyone could only assume...... it was the normal pain of joint reduction.

Thus, Lin Yuan deliberately tormented him for a while......

He watched Zhang Lingdao's face turn ashen, his breath faint, on the verge of passing out......

Only then did Lin Yuan slowly cease his movements.

Lin Yuan gently reset Zhang Lingdao's wrist joint.

The next second, the numbness and intense pain in Zhang Lingdao's wrist...... vanished instantly.

His previously stiff hand...... could now move slightly.

That feeling of returning from hell to the living world let Zhang Lingdao instantly exhale, his groans ceasing, leaving only heavy breathing.

Zhang Lingdao rested for a while before barely lifting his head.

In Zhang Lingdao's gaze toward Lin Yuan, the earlier arrogance and greed had long vanished, replaced by overwhelming gratitude.

Zhang Lingdao expressed his gratitude: 'Th...... thank you, Director Lin, thank you so much! Just now I was out of line; thanks to you, otherwise this hand would have been ruined!'

Zhang Lingdao spoke while repeatedly cupping his hands toward Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan gave a faint smile, waved his hand gently: 'It's no trouble, Director Zhang, no need for courtesy—just drink less and look after your health.'

Lin Yuan's expression was open, as if the person who had just tormented Zhang Lingdao wasn't him......

Lin Yuan showed not the slightest flaw......

Ning Xue, watching from the side, grew more doubtful, yet dared not ask further.

The other leaders, seeing this, also retracted some of their arrogance, their gazes toward Lin Yuan now tinged with wariness—

They never expected Lin Yuan to have such astonishing alcohol tolerance and also know traditional Chinese medicine?

Even Zhang Lingdao's 'emergency' could be easily cured?

But the leaders still hadn't given up, their greed undiminished......

They still planned to get Lin Yuan drunk so they could seize Ning Xue at the opportunity.

After a brief lull, the remaining leaders who weren't yet drunk again raised their cups......

Everyone, taking turns approaching Lin Yuan, continued to urge him to drink:

Director Lin, your medical skill is superb! Come, let's toast you a cup, wishing smooth cooperation between the Su Group and our Pharmaceutical Factory!

Director Lin, you can hold your liquor and you're capable—you can't skip this drink!

Lin Yuan still refused no one, picking up his cup and drinking one after another......

Lin Yuan's demeanor remained composed, his eyes clear.

It seemed as if he were drinking plain water rather than strong liquor.

In contrast, those leaders urging him to drink were already stumbling drunk......

At this moment, they were still forcing themselves to raise a toast.

The leaders had downed just a few cups when they could no longer hold up......

The leaders, one by one, slumped onto the table, half-conscious......

Some even began to snore, and suddenly several collapsed on the spot.

The remaining leaders looked at their passed‑out companions on the table, then glanced at Lin Yuan, whose expression remained unchanged.

This?

The leaders' eyes were filled with disbelief and a hint of panic.

They never imagined Lin Yuan could hold his liquor this well.

Over a dozen people took turns plying him with drink, yet instead of getting him drunk they ended up knocking a large number of their own under the table.

Among the crowd, Wang Lingdao and Ding Lingdao slipped quietly to the corner of the private room.

Their faces were dark, their eyes full of resentment and calculation.

They were the two worst among the leaders, and also the two who most lusted after Ning Xue's beauty.

Seeing Lin Yuan stay sober while their own people were knocked out in droves, the two...

The two panicked, thinking that at this rate they could never get their hands on Ning Xue.

Ding Lingdao lowered his voice and leaned close to Wang Lingdao's ear.

Ding Lingdao said in an urgent, petty tone:

"Old Wang, this won't work—this kid Lin Yuan can drink like a fish; we can't get him drunk. If we keep going, we'll all be passed out before we get any chance!"

Wang Lingdao frowned, his gaze sinister as he glanced at Lin Yuan not far away and at Ning Xue, still limp beside him.

Wang Lingdao curled the corner of his mouth into an evil, cold smile and said softly:

"What's the rush? I've already prepared. See that waiter over there? We'll slip her a little something to put this packet of powder into Lin Yuan's and Ning Xue's cups—it's an incapacitating drug. Once they drink it, they'll pass out soon, and then Ning Xue will be ours to do with as we please."

Saying this, Wang Lingdao pulled a packet of white powder from his pocket.

Wang Lingdao gripped the powder carefully in his hand, eyes wary as he scanned the surroundings.

Seeing no one paying attention, Wang Lingdao quietly waved to the waiter not far away.

The waiter hurried over, wearing a respectful smile.

"Sir, may I ask what you need?"

Wang Lingdao grabbed the waiter and dragged her to the corner.

Wang Lingdao lowered his voice, his tone mixing threat and temptation:

"Hey girl, do me a favor: when you later pour drinks for Director Lin and Secretary Ning, slip this packet of powder into their cups. If you pull it off, I'll give you five thousand yuan—don't tell anyone, or you'll never work in this trade again. Got it?"

The waiter stared at the white powder in Wang Lingdao's hand, then at his sinister eyes…

A flicker of fear rose in the waiter's heart; she instinctively wanted to refuse.

But hearing the lure of five thousand yuan and thinking of Wang Lingdao's threat…

She hesitated a moment, then nodded, took the powder, gripped it carefully, and whispered her assent:

"I… I understand, sir. I'll make sure it's done."

Wang Lingdao nodded approvingly and patted the waiter's shoulder.

Wang Lingdao warned in an icy tone:

"Remember, no slip‑ups—or you'll regret it!"

Ding Lingdao chimed in from the side, his eyes sinister: "Exactly—keep it clean, don't get caught, or you'll be in trouble and we won't let you off either!"

The waiter nodded repeatedly, her face paling.

The waiter's hand trembled slightly as she held the powder, then she turned and hurried away.

The waiter… pretended to tidy the empty bottles on the table.

But her eyes kept darting furtively toward Lin Yuan's and Ning Xue's cups.

The waiter's heart was full of tension and unease.

Meanwhile Wang Lingdao and Ding Lingdao returned to their seats, pretending to keep drinking.

But their eyes were locked on the waiter's every move.

Their eyes brimmed with anticipation and greed, waiting for the drug to take effect so they could seize Lin Yuan and Ning Xue.

Nearby, the factory director caught a glimpse of Wang Lingdao, Ding Lingdao, and the waiter's little maneuver.

The director felt a twinge of unease but dared not step forward to ask.

He couldn't afford to offend these leaders, so he could only pray silently that nothing major would go wrong.

Otherwise the cooperation between the pharmaceutical factory and the Su Group would be completely ruined.

Ning Xue remained limp, her eyes full of worry.

She stared fixedly at Lin Yuan, unaware that a plot against her and him was quietly brewing.

Lin Yuan held his glass, appearing to drink calmly.

In fact, he had long noticed something off about Wang Lingdao and Ding Lingdao…

Lin Yuan also noticed the waiter's odd behavior.

A flicker of cold intent flashed in his eyes, and the corner of his mouth twitched into a barely perceptible cold smile.