THE REAL PROTEGE

It was a bumpy ride to their destination because it was raining hard, and it took them almost two hours to navigate through. The dark clouds loomed overhead, and the sound of thunder echoed through the air, adding to the sense of urgency. Cars were already lined up, waiting for their turn to approach the makeshift helipad created due to the adverse weather conditions. Their choppers could only land one at a time, causing a delay in the arrival of Ling Li and her entourage. The bodyguards, dressed in sleek black suits, stood stoically in the rain, their eyes scanning the area for any potential threats as they awaited their Madams' arrival.

As they finally arrived at the port where the accident occurred, the scene was chaotic. Several thousand individuals filled the area, creating a sense of urgency and commotion. The flashing lights of emergency vehicles illuminated the surroundings, with ambulances constantly arriving and departing, ferrying the injured to nearby hospitals.

The presence of Ling Li's group's massive tents, adorned with the Red Cross logo, dominated the scene, creating a sense of organized chaos. Volunteers worked tirelessly to provide aid and comfort to the victims, while food stalls generously offered unlimited food to all those in need. Security personnel, identifiable by their high-visibility vests, diligently ensured order and safety throughout the area, directing the flow of people and vehicles with precision and expertise.

As the entourage approached the main office, the Governor and several Mayors hurried to greet them. The Governor, his suit drenched from the rain, stepped forward to welcome Ling Li and her group.

"Madam Li, we heard you have just arrived from abroad and flown directly into the city. You must be exhausted," the Governor remarked with genuine concern, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the bustling port.

"Madam, we have tried our best to send all the most severely injured to the hospital first," one of the mayors said, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"Thank you for all your hard work," Ling Li replied politely, her eyes scanning the area, taking in the enormity of the scene before her.

"Can I have a copy of the manifesto? Do we have a VVIP on Board?" Ling Li asked, her tone firm and authoritative.

"Indeed, we have, Madam, the two Young Mistresses of the Chanto family," the Port Manager declared, his voice carrying over the din of activity—and three other tourists with their families.

"The Chanto Family of the Chanto?" Ling Li inquired, her curiosity piqued.

The Chanto family also runs a shipping line company, their most significant and sole competitor. As the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place, Ling Li's expression remained unreadable, her mind already at work, carefully calculating her next move in this unexpected and high-stakes situation.

"Yes, Madam, they are the young mistresses of the Chanto family of the Chanto Shipping Company." The Port Manager confirmed.

"Hmmm. Interesting. The Chanto's were on board our biggest vessel and suddenly got into an accident. Where are they?" Ling Li asked

"They were in our VVIP suite, so they were immediately sent to the best hospital for a check-up." The port manager replied.

"I received an update a few minutes ago that one of them seems to have broken her ankle while the other had a concussion." The Governor reported.

"Yes, I heard that too." One of the mayors said it as well.

Ling Li glanced at her two most reliable companions, whom she affectionately called 'Mushu' and 'Pharsa.' With just a single look, they understood exactly what their Madam expected of them.

They went out to fulfill the command. And that is, given the Chanto family's desire for a challenge, they will demonstrate the true meaning of trouble.

Mushu organized the transfer of the Chanto sisters to the Li family's most prestigious hospital in the capital city and ensured that it had round-the-clock security and strict visitor restrictions.

Pharsa instructed the hospital's President, as per Ling Li's order, to give the two sisters a 'comprehensive check-up' before discharging them because they are VVIPs, after all.

The President of the hospital got the point. "I know what to do."

"Make sure everyone is well compensated and signs the proper affidavits. Are our lawyers here?" Ling Li asked her manager while returning the papers.

"Yes, they are all here and are working hard." The port manager politely replied.

"Governor, is this your assistant?" Looking at the man beside him, Ling Li asked the Governor with her brow raised.

"Yes, yes, Madam, this is..."

Before the Governor could finish his sentence, Ling Li cut him off.

"The election is just around the corner. I don't think your assistant is any good for you. An assistant like him will bring you down." Ling Li said it directly.

"But…" The Governor wants to point out that his assistant is his brother, but he never got the chance.

"Your popularity is currently in a tough situation. It would be best if you worked it out. Otherwise,

I have no choice but to let my nephew run in your position." Ling Li directly told the Governor; without waiting for any reply, she stood up and walked out of the office to look around at the passengers still in the queue.

Ling Li's three guests followed her wherever she proceeded. The enormous size of the vessel and the sizable port area added to their surprise when they learned that the Li family owned the port privately.

Just before sundown, Ling Li signaled to her assistant that they were leaving.

After a brief forty-five-minute journey, their helicopters landed on a secluded island. The stunning sunset served as a perfect backdrop for their arrival, creating an unforgettable scene. The entire island staff, alongside extra security personnel, were eagerly gathered to ensure a warm and secure reception.

The sight left the guests absolutely flabbergasted. It's no wonder the place is named 'Pink Sand Castle.' The sands on the shore sported an authentic pink hue, with a grand structure nestled in the midst of the towering trees.

"Goodness, it's a genuine castle!" exclaimed one of the gentlemen as they made their way toward the magnificent structure. It became apparent that their luggage had already been set out for them, patiently awaiting their arrival.

"Welcome, Madam. It has been a long time since your last visit.

Young Masters, welcome to Pink Sand Castle." The Butler cheerfully greeted them.

The three guests were amused when the Butler addressed them as 'Masters.'

Ling Li realized that she didn't even know their names, but she had mentally given them nicknames. The guy who spoke English and talked a lot she called 'Chatty' because he was a chatterbox. The other guy, who was tall and fat, she called 'Fatty.'

The last guy was somewhat attractive, tall, and masculine, with wavy hair and eyeglasses. Ling Li was surprised at finding someone attractive and shook her head, thinking, 'Wait, since when did I find anyone attractive?'

Ling Li, with an exasperated huff, shook her head as she looked at the man wearing eyeglasses, whom she referred to as 'Four Eyes.' She had already checked with Mushu and confirmed that they were all law-abiding citizens of China.

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Ah! Do you think the relationship between Ling Li and Four Eyes will blossom?