Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Second-Generation Circle of a Past Life

Guo Lang left home at one in the afternoon, bringing Xiaoting along, who was always eager for a free meal. Uncle Xie’s residence was in a government housing building at the city center of the Central China district. Given Uncle Xie's status, C City had arranged for him a standalone villa—five bedrooms and three living rooms—a rare sight in the housing compound, with only a handful of such homes. Though Guo Lang seldom visited, finding the way was easy enough.

As they were nearly there, Guo Lang sensed someone approaching from behind, the movement suggesting an attempt to pat him on the shoulder. Given Guo Lang’s connections, only one person would dare to greet him so familiarly. The corners of Guo Lang’s mouth lifted in a smile, and he struck back with an elbow, carefully controlling both force and speed so as not to harm the newcomer, yet not to appear weak.

A thud sounded—his elbow firmly caught by a broad, strong hand. From an ordinary perspective, the grip was powerful. Guo Lang smiled, and soon laughter mixed with mockery sounded from behind. “Damn, are you trying to murder me?”

Turning with a grin, Guo Lang punched the other’s shoulder. “Chao, what brings you here?”

In front of him stood a young man with rugged, handsome features, dressed in a suit. Though his attire was refined, he radiated youthful energy. This was Guo Lang’s childhood friend—the only one, really—the son of Uncle Li from the Southern Military District of Central Asia. Uncle Li and Guo Lang’s father were old comrades; now Uncle Li had reached the rank of deputy general. Guo Lang’s father once relied on Uncle Li’s father, the chief of Central Asia’s logistics department. The Li family had always held a prominent place in the military.

Li Chao was two years older than Guo Lang and had always looked out for him. Guo Lang was timid by nature, often relying on Li Chao to stand up for him. Back in school, whenever Guo Lang was bullied, Li Chao would seek justice for him. Later, Li Chao went to military academy, and they hadn’t seen each other for a long time.

In his previous life, Li Chao disappeared while helping Guo Lang’s father search for clues about Guo Lang, leading to a confrontation between the Li and Gong families. The Li family, lacking any members involved in the game, moved slowly and eventually declined, unable to compete with the thriving Gong family led by Gong Shaolin.

This was only natural. When the new era arrived, not all traditional powers could keep pace—most were eliminated by the times. Later, when the Federation realized that game warehouses could be reused, ordinary soldiers became valuable. The Federation encouraged many military personnel to join the game, new stars rose, and traditional senior officers were gradually replaced by players with real power. Few traditional military families managed to retain their status, and unfortunately, the Li family was among those that declined.

“Not bad, you’re as quick as ever,” Li Chao said, stepping forward and thumping Guo Lang’s chest. “But your force is a bit weak—you really should get some exercise.”

Guo Lang was speechless. Was Li Chao just putting on a show? Guo Lang’s vision was sharp enough to see Li Chao’s trembling hand and the strained look on his face. If he used any more strength, Li Chao might be sent flying.

“So, Chao, what brings you here?” Guo Lang changed the subject to spare Li Chao’s dignity.

“Well… uh…” Li Chao hesitated. “My old man came to the city for a meeting, so I tagged along. It happens to be Xiaoqin’s birthday, so I thought I’d drop by and say hello.”

Guo Lang rolled his eyes. “Just say you’re here to court her—‘happens to be’ my foot! But isn’t Xie Xiaoqin only eighteen? I’m twenty, not quite twenty-one, a perfect match. You’re almost twenty-five—how dare you call yourself a cradle-snatcher?”

Li Chao’s face flushed. “You little rascal! Don’t you know how to talk properly? I’m telling you, Xie Xiaoqin is your future sister-in-law, so stop thinking about her!”

Guo Lang smirked. “Oh, already staking your claim? Confident, aren’t you? Hope you don’t get slapped down!”

Li Chao’s expression darkened. “You’ve gotten mouthier over the years—looks like you need a lesson.” He looked ready to start a scuffle.

“Hey, isn’t that Chao? Why aren’t you at the Shu Military District—what are you doing here?” A grating voice interrupted their banter. Guo Lang looked over and saw a group slowly approaching. The speaker, a portly man in a shirt, was instantly recognized by Guo Lang as Huang Kai, grandson of Director Huang from the Jiuhua district.

Director Huang was the most senior of all deputy directors and seemed to dislike Guo Lang’s father. His grandson often bullied Guo Lang when they were young. Guo Lang’s expression turned cold. “Why are you here?”

“Oh?” Huang Kai acted as if he’d discovered something remarkable. “Isn’t this Young Master Guo? What a rare guest. I should ask what you, an outsider, are doing here.”

Guo Lang replied icily, “Uncle Xie invited me to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. What about you, Young Master Huang—were you invited as well?”

Huang Kai hesitated. Xie Xiaoqin was sought after in both Yanjing and C City, and her birthday naturally attracted many admirers. But Huang Kai was uninvited, unlike Guo Lang, who had a legitimate reason. He felt less confident.

The atmosphere grew tense. Li Chao, standing behind Guo Lang, was about to say something to ease the mood when a young man at the front of the group stepped forward. He appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six, dressed in a Korean-style casual suit, exuding cultured elegance. Adjusting his glasses, he extended his hand. “You must be Guo’s son? My name is Chen Kaimin.”

Chen Kaimin? Guo Lang’s pupils contracted. The eldest son of the mayor—C City’s true number one young master.

Why? Though Gong Shaolin was the son of the chief councilor, his father had only recently taken office, whereas Mayor Chen was a three-term veteran, deeply rooted in C City and a native. Gong Shaolin was more of a Central Asian capital playboy; although his father held the top post in C City, he rarely visited. He was hardly familiar with the city’s third-generation circle, whereas Chen Kaimin had grown up in C City and was the quintessential local elite—the true number one young master.

“Brother Chen!” Guo Lang responded with a laugh, quickly reaching out to shake his hand. “Forgive me—I didn’t recognize you right away. Are you also here for Uncle Xie’s daughter?”

Guo Lang’s playful demeanor dispelled the earlier tension.

Chen Kaimin cleared his throat. “It’s Xiaoqin’s birthday, after all. We all grew up in the compound. Haven’t seen her in a year, so we’re throwing her a proper birthday party. Come tonight, Guo—I’m hosting!”

“How can I impose…” Guo Lang fiddled with his hands, inwardly thinking he could pocket the money his father had given him. Xiaoting, standing by, excitedly rubbed her hands and signaled to Guo Lang: “Share the spoils, fifty-fifty!”

Damn, for someone so petite, her ambition is enormous! Guo Lang’s face stiffened, signaling a seventy-thirty split.

Xiaoting pouted but, seeing the crowd, didn’t argue further. Yet her gaze became fierce.

Just then, the Xie family villa’s door opened, and out walked a man in pajamas. Despite his attire, he carried an air of refined elegance. Guo Lang’s eye twitched. “Xie Lin? What are you doing here?”

Xie Lin smiled politely. “I do need to come home occasionally, and today is my sister’s birthday…”

“Are you brain-damaged, Guo Lang?” Huang Kai seized the opportunity to ridicule. “This is Xie’s house—you ask why he’s here? Did you get your head caught in a door?”

Guo Lang tilted his head, ignoring him entirely.

“Lin, it’s been a while!” Chen Kaimin greeted Xie Lin with refined courtesy.

Guo Lang frowned. Although Chen Kaimin might be a bit older, it wasn’t by much, yet his address placed himself above Xie Lin. They didn’t seem particularly familiar, but nobody in the circle found the formality odd—it was simply the way things were.

“Yes, it’s been a while, Young Master Chen.” Xie Lin spoke warmly, with a gentlemanly air. Still, Chen Kaimin frowned slightly, sensing that Xie Lin was less cordial with him than with Guo Lang. Were they close? It didn’t make sense.

“Where’s your sister?” Guo Lang asked bluntly, causing the crowd to freeze in embarrassment. Though everyone was here for the girl, wasn’t Guo Lang a bit too direct?

Surprisingly, Xie Lin didn’t take offense. “That girl… I heard Gong Shao from Yanjing is visiting today, so she’s gone to the airport to pick him up.”

“Gong Shaolin?” Chen Kaimin’s face darkened, as did everyone else’s. They’d come eagerly to court her, only for the girl to personally fetch another man from the airport—a slap in the face.

Guo Lang was relieved that there were others to share the embarrassment; had he come alone, it would have been truly awkward.

So, Gong Shao, huh? Guo Lang’s eyes narrowed as he leaned toward Chen Kaimin. “Brother Chen, is the Gong Shao Xie Lin mentioned the son of Councilor Gong?”

“Yeah…” Chen Kaimin replied, a bit displeased. “Who else could it be?”

“How would I know!” Guo Lang slapped his thigh, then casually put his arm around Chen Kaimin’s shoulders, fanning the flames. “Brother Chen, when it comes to C City’s beauties, let’s rely on our own abilities. That Gong guy, an outsider, has no business coming all the way from Yanjing to snatch our prize. He doesn’t understand the rules. Brother Chen, tonight, let’s not let him show off!”

Chen Kaimin’s eyes brightened. Guo Lang wasn’t as the rumors in the circle suggested—he had the flair of a true playboy. Chen Kaimin agreed wholeheartedly; he was the city’s real number one, while Gong Shaolin was just an outsider.

The others reacted with various expressions. Though they agreed with Guo Lang, wasn’t it improper to say such things in front of Xie Lin?

“Xie Lin, wouldn’t you agree?” Guo Lang turned to ask. Everyone was stunned—did he really think Xie Lin was made of clay, with no temper?

Yet, to their astonishment, Xie Lin pondered for a moment, then nodded. “That does seem reasonable.”

“Damn!” No one could fathom how these two’s minds worked. But now, with Xie Lin’s approval, the group’s morale soared—they were united against the outsider.

Even Huang Kai, who had always clashed with Guo Lang, agreed, though he wondered when Guo Lang had gotten so savvy.

Li Chao, standing behind Guo Lang, opened his mouth in surprise. It seemed Guo Lang had changed a lot over the years—though with some personality, it was refreshing.

“Alright!” Chen Kaimin declared, full of spirit. “Let’s go meet this Gong Shao!”