Chapter 0036: Call Me Brother Fan

"Boss."
The lobby manager bowed in greeting, and upon seeing the newcomer, Jiang Haichuan's expression shifted from anger to disbelief, then turned a deep shade of purple.
He could never have imagined that the person who had arrived was his grandfather...
"Grandpa..."
Jiang Haichuan regretted everything. The Jiang family was indeed powerful, but much of its influence relied on the aura of the Ye family. Without his father, they could never have achieved their current status.
He truly hadn't expected that the student before him possessed such influence, enough to bring his grandfather here in person...
"You little brat, do you know who this is? You dared to cross him?" Ye Zhantian looked at Zhang Xiaofan, then turned to admonish his grandson.
"Isn't he just a high school student..." Jiang Haichuan muttered softly.
"Still talking back?" Ye Zhantian snapped angrily, "Go, call him Brother Fan and apologize."
Jiang Haichuan's face was dark; his attempt to show off had backfired, and now he had to apologize—calling him Brother Fan, no less. Where could he hide his face now?
Yet, he dared not defy Ye Zhantian. If his father found out, he'd be in serious trouble.
"Brother Fan... I apologize for my offense, please forgive me..."
Though utterly unwilling, Jiang Haichuan yielded.
"Since you're Old Ye's grandson, I'll let it go. But one thing—don't bother Sister Wenwen again," Zhang Xiaofan said.
"Yes, yes... I promise never to bother her again," Jiang Haichuan replied, trying his best to look like a good boy.
"Wow, Xiaofan, you're amazing..."
She was completely fed up with Jiang Haichuan. Seeing his demeanor, she knew he wouldn't dare harass her anymore.
Moreover, Zhang Xiaofan actually knew Old Ye; her friend's student was truly remarkable...
Song Wenwen was overjoyed, and couldn't help but give Zhang Xiaofan a quick kiss. "Come, that's your reward."
"Say, Sister Wenwen, could you give me a little warning before you kiss me next time? I'd like to be prepared," Zhang Xiaofan said with a wry smile.
"Hmph, do you think there'll be a next time? You little rascal." Song Wenwen's expression shifted, leaving Zhang Xiaofan utterly puzzled by her thoughts.
"Xiaofan, shall we go up to the top floor? Let me host today," Old Ye suggested.
"It was just a matter of pride, and we've all eaten enough. Perhaps next time, Grandpa," Zhang Xiaofan replied.
"Heh, very well. My grandson is spoiled by his mother. I hope you won't take it to heart," Ye Zhantian said, wanting to reiterate his apology.
"As long as he doesn't try to get back at me in secret, there's no issue," Zhang Xiaofan replied.
"He wouldn't dare!" Ye Zhantian's face darkened, turning to Jiang Haichuan. "You little brat, you'd better behave yourself. If I find out otherwise, you'll be hauling bricks at the construction site."
Jiang Haichuan had indeed thought of taking revenge quietly.
But after Ye Zhantian's warning, he dared not entertain the idea anymore. He realized now that this was someone he truly couldn't afford to provoke...
"I wouldn't dare..." Jiang Haichuan replied in a small voice, his expression genuinely subdued.
"All right, Old Ye, we'll be on our way. Thank you for your trouble today," Zhang Xiaofan said after a pause, bidding farewell to Ye Zhantian.
"Very well, I won't keep you. Come visit the Ye family when you have time," Old Ye replied.
"Certainly."
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, then turned to Ouyang Xue and Song Wenwen, "Ladies, let's go."
Ouyang Xue glanced at Old Ye, hesitating to speak. She truly wasn't acquainted with him. The Ouyang family's current predicament could be resolved with a single helping hand from Old Ye.
But what position did she have to ask him for help?
Zhang Xiaofan? He was only her student... Their relationship wasn't close enough for such favors.
After considering for a moment, she decided to let it go.
"You're the girl from the Ouyang family, aren't you? Go back and tell your father that I wish to invest in your company," Old Ye's gaze was sharp as ever. He had heard about the Ouyang family's troubles recently.
Since this girl was familiar with Zhang Xiaofan, he might as well do her a favor.
"Thank you, Old Ye," Ouyang Xue replied sincerely, bowing deeply.
Zhang Xiaofan said nothing about this, nor did he wish to inquire about the reason. He walked out, with Song Wenwen and Ouyang Xue following close behind.
"Xiaofan, thank you for today. I'll treat you to dinner another time," Song Wenwen said heartily as they walked, her demeanor very much like a heroic lady.
"It was nothing, Sister, no need to worry about it. If you must thank me, I think a hug or a kiss would be more meaningful," Zhang Xiaofan teased, raising his eyebrow.
"Keep dreaming... You little rascal, you never behave," Song Wenwen rolled her eyes. "I have to go now. Give me your number, so if I run into trouble, you can come protect me."
Zhang Xiaofan took Song Wenwen's phone and entered his number.
Song Wenwen smiled as she saved it, then waved goodbye to Zhang Xiaofan and Ouyang Xue before getting into her beloved car and driving away.
"Xiaofan, let me take you home,"
In the parking lot, Ouyang Xue stood beside Zhang Xiaofan, speaking softly.
"Home..."
Zhang Xiaofan felt a pang of melancholy, but it passed quickly. He nodded and got into the car with Ouyang Xue.
"Where do you live, Xiaofan?" she asked as they drove.
"Blue Sky Gardens," Zhang Xiaofan replied quietly.
Ouyang Xue started the car, and twenty minutes later, they arrived at the entrance of Blue Sky Gardens. Zhang Xiaofan got out, unusually refraining from teasing Ouyang Xue, simply saying goodbye before heading into the neighborhood.
Tonight, he would say a proper farewell to Aunt Yun...
Going upstairs and entering the room, he found Aunt Yun and Wang Yuqing eating dinner. The usual cheerfulness was gone, replaced by a somber mood.
"Xiaofan, you're back. Have you eaten?"
Aunt Yun greeted him warmly.
"I've eaten, Aunt Yun," Zhang Xiaofan replied.
"Then why did you come back?" Wang Yuqing's tone was unfriendly.
"Yuqing, what are you saying?" Aunt Yun immediately reproved her.
"I came to say goodbye and pack my things," Zhang Xiaofan said softly, looking at Aunt Yun. "Thank you for taking care of me these past days."
"Silly child, don't listen to Yuqing's nonsense. Without you, we wouldn't know if we'd be alive or dead right now," Aunt Yun said.
"But if not for me, you wouldn't have been in danger. Aunt Yun, you don't need to keep me here. I've thought it through, and I won't stay in Jinghai much longer anyway. I'll be leaving sooner or later," Zhang Xiaofan replied seriously.
"All right, I know you're not an ordinary person. If you must leave, I won't make it difficult for you. Take care of yourself," Aunt Yun gently straightened his clothes, her words tender and caring.
Zhang Xiaofan was moved, but didn't wish to linger any longer in this emotional entanglement. He went into the room, packed his things, and after bidding Aunt Yun farewell, left the apartment, stepping into the bustling night.
Under the flickering streetlights, the city was alive with cars and people, a vibrant scene.
In this vast city, he walked alone without direction.
"Forget it. I'll go have a couple of drinks, then find a place to stay."
At that moment, Zhang Xiaofan genuinely wanted a few shots of white liquor, then a good night's sleep.
After walking for a while, he stopped in front of a bar called "Spark."
Even before entering, he could hear the booming music inside. At the door were several young women dressed provocatively. Though Zhang Xiaofan looked young and was plainly dressed, guests were always welcomed warmly.
Tonight, Zhang Xiaofan was quiet, wanting nothing but a drink.
He went to the bar and ordered a bottle of white liquor. Drinking alone, he pondered his future. Old Qingyun had said his fate was tied to Jinghai, but what exactly did that mean? Here, he couldn't even find his own path.
Was he to drift aimlessly at school?
His academic achievements were already at the doctoral level, fluent in eight languages—what meaning did school hold for him?
Return to the Dragon Soul?
No, he'd rather not see certain people again.
Before he realized it, he'd finished a whole bottle of white liquor.
Just then, Zhang Xiaofan noticed a familiar figure in the corner. Looking closer, wasn't that Bai Qi...?
At the moment, he was being viciously beaten by several men, not even trying to fight back.
Bai Qi, after all, was his little brother. Since they'd met, Zhang Xiaofan couldn't ignore it.
He took a swig, then walked over to Bai Qi.
As he approached, he heard angry shouts.
"Smack..."
"Damn you, because of you, I spent two days in the hospital."
"Liu Qiang, let Yun go," Bai Qi roared, his eyes bloodshot.
"Let her go? Hell no. Smack..."
Bai Qi knelt on the ground. Nearby, a man with his left hand bandaged sat on the sofa, his face twisted with malice—none other than Liu Qiang.
He had been beaten up by Zhang Xiaofan at school, and as soon as he recovered, he came for revenge. Knowing he couldn't afford to offend Zhang Xiaofan, he vented all his anger on Bai Qi instead.
He had kidnapped Bai Qi's ex-girlfriend Yun, and right in front of Bai Qi, had his men take turns abusing her. Someone else threatened her with a knife, warning that if she resisted, they'd use it.
On the phone screen, the scene was unfolding live.
Using this as leverage, Bai Qi dared not move.
To be honest, the woman on the screen seemed to shift from panic to enjoyment... the infamous degradation.
For such a shameless person, Bai Qi was truly foolish.
"What will it take for you to let her go?" Bai Qi asked, red-eyed and on the verge of madness.
"Simple, kill Zhang Xiaofan. I'll guarantee her safety and let you two be together," Liu Qiang said coldly.
"Impossible! Xiaofan is my big brother, my mentor. I'd rather die than do such a disgraceful thing," Bai Qi declared passionately.
"How noble," Liu Qiang spat, then told his men, "Break his limbs. As for that bitch, once you're bored, sell her to the clubs."
"Bang!"
At that moment, Bai Qi's emotions exploded. He sprang up, kicking one thug to the ground, then charged straight at Liu Qiang.
Bai Qi's gaze was terrifying, as if he wanted to kill Liu Qiang.
"Shit, stop him! Kill that brat!" Seeing Bai Qi's bloodshot eyes, Liu Qiang panicked.
Around them were more than ten thugs hired by Liu Qiang, who immediately grabbed beer bottles and swung them at Bai Qi's head.