This is too much!
Chen Jianhai slammed the phone down with a loud "smack."
Could this damn "Who Knew There Was One Here" film company from Chunyang Province not find anyone decent?
They keep fishing in his pond every single day!
According to Wen Zifan, the boss of that film company wanted to meet him in person tomorrow to talk.
Damn it!
Fine, let's talk!
At the thought, Chen Jianhai immediately called Xie Zhulongxiong.
The call was picked up after just two rings.
"Minister Xie, what are you up to?"
Chen Jianhai's voice carried a hint of resentment, startling Xie Zhulongxiong.
"I—I'm in my room."
Chen Jianhai got straight to the point: "Minister Xie, there's something I need. Find me a bodyguard when you have time."
Xie Zhulongxiong: "Huh??? What?? Boss, what did you say? A bodyguard???!!"
Chen Jianhai replied, "Yes, a bodyguard."
Last time, he had gone alone to Digital Dynamo Game Development Company and walked out trembling, worried he wouldn't survive a fight.
Tomorrow, he was supposed to negotiate with the boss of "Who Knew There Was One Here" film company from Chunyang Province.
Who knew if the other side might bring along a couple of actors with martial arts backgrounds to intimidate him?
For his own safety, he figured hiring a bodyguard was the prudent move.
Hearing Chen Jianhai's request, not only was Xie Zhulongxiong stunned, but even Xiao Lang was baffled.
Xiao Lang scrutinized Chen Jianhai from head to toe.
The man stood over 190 cm tall, with arms thicker than some girls' legs, and those muscular thighs could propel him halfway across the pool with a single kick.
If he ever landed a kick on someone, breaking bones would be the least of their worries.
And this guy needed a bodyguard??
Forget protecting him—most bodyguards wouldn't stand a chance against him in a fight.
Xie Zhulongxiong fell silent for a moment before responding, "Understood, Boss. I'll start looking for a bodyguard tomorrow!"
Chen Jianhai nodded and added his requirements:
"Also, while combat skills are important, they must be excellent swimmers."
"And they've got to be brave—someone who'll actually step up when things go south!"
Xie Zhulongxiong nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Boss. I'll make sure it's handled ASAP!"
...
After hanging up, Xie Zhulongxiong let out a long, troubled sigh.
This job was getting harder by the day.
His talent pool consisted mostly of graduates and faculty from Nanjiang's major universities. Sure, there were some from the sports departments, but they weren't exactly bodyguard material!
A bodyguard... Where was he supposed to find one for Chen Jianhai?!
Just as Xie Zhulongxiong was racking his brain, a sudden thought struck him. His eyes lit up, and he immediately dialed Zaomen Headhunting's consultant, Liu Jiale.
After Chen Jianhai had given him Liu Jiale's contact, he'd told him to keep in touch with the guy.
He hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now it was coming in handy.
The call connected, and Liu Jiale's professional greeting came through.
"Hello, this is headhunting consultant Liu Jiale. How may I assist you?"
Xie Zhulongxiong relayed Chen Jianhai's requirements in detail.
The line fell silent for a few minutes—clearly, even Liu Jiale had never heard such a request before.
Hearing the silence, Xie Zhulongxiong asked dejectedly, "So... you can't help with this either?"
Another pause.
But then, Liu Jiale's optimistic voice came through.
"...We do! Our headhunting firm has extensive resources."
"Sir, may I ask if there are any gender preferences for this bodyguard?" Liu Jiale inquired.
Xie Zhulongxiong pondered. "Preferably male?"
After all, their boss was already intimidating just standing there. A female bodyguard might blur the lines of who was protecting whom.
"Understood. Next, sir, are there any specific requirements for height or physique?"
Liu Jiale's voice was accompanied by the rapid clacking of a keyboard, clearly filtering through profiles while talking.
Impressed by his professionalism, Xie Zhulongxiong answered,
"For physique and height, the taller the better, and definitely muscular."
Ideally, someone who could physically overshadow his boss.
More keyboard clattering followed.
"Sir, another question—are there any age restrictions or preferences for this role?"
Xie Zhulongxiong hesitated.
Professionally, he wanted to say "under 35."
But for a bodyguard, age might not be the limiting factor.
Experience often meant better handling of emergencies, and in martial arts, seniority could trump youth. A seasoned fighter might easily overpower a younger one.
After careful thought, Xie Zhulongxiong said,
"Age isn't a strict requirement. As long as they're experienced, meet the physical demands, can take a hit, and step up when needed."
About 20 seconds later, Liu Jiale responded,
"Understood, sir. I've noted all your requirements. Lastly, may I ask the exact title of this position?"
Xie Zhulongxiong didn't hesitate. "Personal bodyguard for Chen Jianhai, owner of the Lang'ai Hotel."
"Compensation... will be generous. Open to negotiation."
"Understood, sir. We'll recommend candidates as soon as we find suitable matches."
Liu Jiale's tone was enthusiastic.
*Click.* The call ended.
In the dark office, cubicles were cluttered with computers and messy files.
In the deepest corner, Liu Jiale stared at the filtered list on his screen, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.
Voluntary overwork was the deadliest kind!
As a workaholic, Liu Jiale's ultimate dream was to single-handedly push the entire headhunting firm into relentless hustle.
Ideally, one day, his influence would make his colleagues live at the office—even working through New Year's Eve!
The night had given him dark eyes...
And he would use them to pierce the shadows, hunting down trembling talents in the job market like a predator, delivering them to needy companies!
As a professional headhunting firm, no one's database was more comprehensive or powerful than theirs!
So, it was only natural for Xie Zhulongxiong to enlist Liu Jiale's help in finding a bodyguard for his boss.
What he never expected was that such firms also had profiles on high-level executives and company owners.
Just as Xie Zhulongxiong thought his job was done and he could quietly wait for recommendations...
Liu Jiale's predatory gaze locked onto a profile on his screen.
"Age不限, male, burly, muscular, can take a hit and step up..."
"You're the one!!!"
Liu Jiale stared at the screen, his face a mix of deep contemplation and impending victory, as he dialed a number.
Talented individuals were often hard to reach.
It took Liu Jiale five attempts before the call finally connected.
"Hello, may I speak to Mr. Xu Bamo of Ripple Swimming Ring Industrial Co.?"
"This is Liu Jiale from Zaomen Headhunting."
"...No, Mr. Xu, we're not recommending talent to you."
"We're helping Nanjiang's Lang'ai Hotel find a bodyguard—male, burly, muscular, can take a hit and step up."
"Compensation is generous, negotiable in person."
"Our screening suggests you're an ideal fit."
"Yes, Lang'ai Hotel. You heard right—the one on Huanhai Road."
"You're asking who the bodyguard is for?"
"It's for Chen Jianhai, the owner of Lang'ai Hotel."
"Ha, you're hilarious. Sorry to bother you. Goodbye."
"Wish you well."
...
"Rejected... next!"
Liu Jiale crossed out Xu Bamo's name on his talent map and moved on to the next candidate.
*Latest updates on 六9书吧!*
"Hello, is this Xu Yong of Zaomen Brilliant Aquatic Products?"
"This is Liu Jiale from Zaomen Headhunting."
"We're helping Chen Jianhai, owner of Nanjiang's Lang'ai Hotel, find a bodyguard—male, burly, muscular, can take a hit and step up."
"Compensation is generous, negotiable in person."
"What? Tell him to die?"
"Sir, I might not have been clear—"
"We're hiring a bodyguard, not a hitman."
...
Late at night.
The silver moon cast its glow over the sea as winds from the land swept across the waves, pushing the dark waters into the distance.
Had it not been for Xie Zhulongxiong's call, this would have been just another ordinary, peaceful autumn night.
Since Chen Jianhai had to meet the boss of "Who Knew There Was One Here" film company the next day,
he logged off early that night. After finishing the faction war and his dailies, he bid Xiao Lang goodbye,
returned to his hotel room, silenced his phone, and collapsed into bed.
Yet, for some reason,
Chen Jianhai's sleep was far from restful. One nightmare after another plagued him.
At one point, he even dreamed of Xu Bamo and his gang charging at him with clubs, jolting him awake multiple times.
By the time his alarm woke him the next morning, Chen Jianhai lay in bed gasping, his back drenched in cold sweat.
"Damn it!"
"Did Room 1703's haunting move here?!"
"Is my Lang'ai Hotel not safe anymore?"
It took him a while to calm down and regain his senses. He dragged himself out of bed, took a shower to wash off the sweat,
got dressed,
and checked his phone—
only to be greeted by a flood of missed calls.
Chen Jianhai's eyes widened.
The callers included Xu Bamo, Cui Meng, Xu Yong, Wang Bocai, and even Xiao Lang... practically every notable figure in Nanjiang had tried to reach him.
Even Wan Rong, the old chairman of the Coconut Umbrella Hotel Association, had called.
What the hell happened?!
Chen Jianhai was baffled.
"Did something happen at my hotel?"
He immediately called Wen Zifan to ask if there'd been any incidents overnight.
After confirming there hadn't,
Chen Jianhai, who was about to meet the film company's boss, didn't have time to message everyone.
He simply sent a "?" to Xu Yong, then headed downstairs to grab some congee at the hotel's Chinese restaurant.
By now, the breakfast rush was over.
Most guests had finished eating, the tables were cleared, and the staff were mostly in the kitchen.
Only Xu Qiaoni was meticulously reviewing the dishes.
But the staff knew their boss's habits and always kept warm congee, pickles, and sausages ready for him.
Spotting Chen Jianhai, Xu Qiaoni crossed his arms and loomed over him with a menacing grin.
In a low voice, he said,
"Jianhai, heard you're looking for a bodyguard?"
Chen Jianhai, mid-scoop with his congee bowl, froze.
"Yeah..."
He was a little annoyed with Xie Zhulongxiong.
How could he blab about the bodyguard search so quickly?
If the kitchen knew, the whole hotel probably did.
Confidentiality needed work!
Xu Qiaoni's grin turned even more sinister upon hearing the confirmation.
"Also heard your requirements are: male, burly, muscular, can take a hit and step up?"
Chen Jianhai: "...???"
That wasn't exactly what he'd asked for...
But admittedly,
Xie Zhulongxiong's additions did capture the spirit of his request.
"That's roughly what I meant," Chen Jianhai admitted, then frowned.
"Did Xie Zhulongxiong tell you all this?"
Xu Qiaoni smirked. "Nope. Here, the congee's hot—set it aside."
As he spoke, he took the bowl from Chen Jianhai and placed it on the counter,
rolling up his sleeves with an odd intensity.
Chen Jianhai stared at him, baffled. Xu Qiaoni had been acting weird since he walked in.
"If he didn't tell you, who did? How'd you know?"
"How'd I know?"
Xu Qiaoni looked up, his eyes burning with murderous intent.
"You called my dad to be your bodyguard—that's how I know!!!"
"I ought to kick your ass!"
With that, Xu Qiaoni swung a foot at him.
Though Chen Jianhai's brain was still booting up, his fight reflexes kicked in.
He twisted his waist with almost balletic grace, narrowly dodging the attack.
"I never called your dad!"
Chen Jianhai was indignant. What the hell? He'd just woken up, and Xu Qiaoni was already trying to kick him.
But as the words left his mouth,
the memory of those dozens of missed calls sent a chill down his spine.
Oh no...
No way?!
"Who told you this?" Chen Jianhai began to panic.
Xu Qiaoni gritted his teeth. "My dad, of course!"
"He also asked me to apologize to you."
"He's too old to take hits, so he can't accept the job."
"But his son is young and sturdy—not much of a fighter, but great at taking punches."
"If Boss Chen really needs a bodyguard, his son can take his place."
Chen Jianhai was dumbfounded. "Your dad's son... is who?"
Xu Qiaoni roared, "It's your damn daddy—ME!!!"