Chapter 112: Gao Ran, the First to Become a Hands-Off Boss

During irrigation season, everyone knows that villages often fight over water.

When Zhang Tianfeng was fifteen, something similar happened in his hometown. There were no homemade guns or cannons, but the scene was still utter chaos, with adults and children alike joining the fray.

Among the children, Zhang Tianfeng was the undisputed king. With a few of his buddies, he wiped out the neighboring village’s little guerrilla force in one stroke.

He had seen big scenes before, so he never panicked.

If Gao Ran had not been there just now, he could have made Xu Maocai kneel and call him grandfather on the spot.

Now that Gao Ran was safe, it was time for Zhang Tianfeng to step in.

He grabbed two bottles and smashed them against the heads of the two men on the left, then immediately grappling with the other two.

The three girls were terrified and huddled in a corner, trembling all over.

Xu Maocai’s cries of pain drew the attention of passersby outside, and soon the security staff inside the karaoke club rushed over.

Those people had all been instructed by their boss to come and help pull dirty tricks, but when the tall man standing in the doorway—his eyes glaring like a bull’s—glanced over at them, that bunch of lazy security guards instantly lost their nerve.

It was only when a bystander could no longer stomach it and called the police that the matter finally came to an end.

At midnight, Zhang Tianfeng had just walked out of the police station when Gao Ran flew into his arms.

“I was scared to death just now. It’s lucky you’re all right.”

“This little scene wasn’t enough to rattle me.” Zhang Tianfeng grinned. “But you’ll definitely have to change dormitories. I’ve completely offended your roommates.”

“It’s fine. They’ll be transferring schools soon anyway.”

Thinking of those three plastic-friend roommates, Gao Ran’s gaze turned cold in an instant.

She did not care that they had sold her out for money, but joining outsiders to kick someone when they were down, forcing an honest girl into prostitution—that was something she could not tolerate.

As soon as Zhang Tianfeng went in, Gao Ran’s father called.

With the help of his extensive connections, getting Zhang Tianfeng out and punishing those three female roommates was handled in one smooth sweep.

As for Xu Maocai, no one paid him any mind.

This was Harbor City, not Deep City. Even if it had been, a collateral branch like him couldn’t stir up much of a storm. Much less when he was facing a ruthless figure who had left even the direct heirs of the Xu family, Xu Kuangdao and his son, disgraced and frustrated.

Afraid that Zhang Tianfeng might seek further revenge, Xu Maocai insisted in the police station that the injuries on his face had been caused by a fall, and the five buddies who had helped him could only use the same excuse to get off.

“Fine, as long as you’ve settled it. What about Xiang Chen?”

“He’s waiting for you in the parking lot. Let’s go.”

When they entered the parking lot, they saw a towering figure standing beside a car.

“Why did you come all of a sudden, and not even tell me?”

“Actually, I followed you when you came back from the island country. I’ve been investigating you ever since.”

Xiang Chen said, “Does what you said last time still count? If I had trouble, I was supposed to come to you.”

“Of course it counts, but we’re all adults now. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. You understand that better than I do, right?”

“Absolutely. I need five hundred thousand. I’ll do whatever you want.”

Xiang Chen’s mother had become seriously ill, and this time the doctor had specifically told him it had to be cured all at once; if it was dragged out any longer, it would ruin her body.

Five hundred thousand was no small sum. Xiang Chen thought about it for a long time before finally deciding to ask Zhang Tianfeng for help.

Years in the military had given him a habit of caution, and he was particular about employers.

First of all, he would never seek out some spoiled second-generation rich kid like Xu Maocai. He had to make sure his actions were worthy of the medals of merit he had once earned.

After accidentally running into Zhang Tianfeng upon his return from the island country, he had followed him here.

After these days of investigation, he had confirmed that Zhang Tianfeng was not some idle rich wastrel, so he chose today, chose this moment, to appear.

“Sure. Work as my bodyguard, mainly follow me around and take care of my safety.”

“Just that?”

“Just that. Five hundred thousand for three years. When the contract expires, we’ll renew it and talk about salary then.”

“All right. Let’s sign the contract.”

“Let’s deal with your mother’s matter first.” As he spoke, Zhang Tianfeng tossed over a bank card. “There’s one million in it. The password is six zeros. Spend as much as you need. If it’s not enough, let me know.”

Looking at the gleaming card in his hand, Xiang Chen felt a swirl of mixed emotions.

After a long silence, he nodded and said, “Thank you, Boss. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Watching Xiang Chen get into the taxi, Zhang Tianfeng finally returned to the car.

“You’re not afraid he’ll just take the money and run?”

“Have you ever seen me do a losing deal?”

“Not really. Thanks for tonight.”

“Being entrusted with something means seeing it through.” He gave a small laugh. “Besides, you paid your price too. I got to stay in your room for free.”

Gao Ran shot him a glare. She had thought Zhang Tianfeng would say something touching, but this was all she got. He was infuriating.

After a moment of thought, she said, “Then maybe we should...”

“Don’t. I have no intention of settling down right now. There will definitely be plenty of beauties in my future. If you stay with me, you’ll suffer.”

“What are you talking about? I was asking whether we should eat something now or head back.”

Zhang Tianfeng patted his chest. He had thought a heroic rescue had awakened Gao Ran’s hidden desire to pursue him, and nearly scared himself to death.

“Let’s eat. I’ve had nothing but alcohol in my stomach, and I just fought a battle. If I don’t eat something, I’ll feel awful tonight.”

“Then sit tight. I’ll drive and take you to a place with great food.”

Turning to face forward, Gao Ran finally let the loneliness in her eyes surface.

Just now, she really had wanted to confess to Zhang Tianfeng. But the moment he mentioned there would be many other beauties in his life, she suddenly thought of her mother’s experience.

Growing up, she had seen Qin Lin many times, but hardly ever her mother.

After following Qin Lin, her mother had not even dared to find a man at home to help with things.

And with this restless society, once a person had money—man or woman alike—they would inevitably be surrounded by many so-called beauties.

Gao Ran did not want to go through the same suffering her mother had endured.

She would wait and see. Maybe later on, she would no longer have feelings for him.

With all the anger in his heart poured into his foot, Zhang Tianfeng slammed the accelerator, and the car shot forward with a whine.

The next morning, the two of them were already in Harbor City, since they still had to film an advertisement for the toy factory.

With the sudden appearance of the father and daughter from the Yun family, Zhang Tianfeng had to finish the commercial shoot within these two days.

Since they were making an advertisement, they naturally needed performers. Conveniently, he had an agency under his name and a future breakout star at hand, so there was no reason not to use them.

After founding Idol Entertainment and settling the office space, Zhang Tianfeng had practically stopped managing anything, leaving everything to Gao Ran.

By now, nearly a month had passed, and the company’s development was even better than he had expected.

The receptionist at the company was especially pretty, and a poster reading “Star Training Camp” had been posted on the main entrance. There were many people inside the office, and as the two of them walked in, everyone’s eyes fell on them.

Zhang Tianfeng felt that two of the girls looked oddly familiar, though he could not quite remember why. He only had the vague feeling that he had seen them somewhere before.

“Two bosses, what would you like to drink?”

“Give him green tea, and give me a latte.”

“Right away, please wait a moment.”

When they walked into the office and saw the clean desks and immaculate arrangement, Zhang Tianfeng sat down in a chair and nodded. “Not bad. You’re quite capable.”

“Of course. You don’t put your heart into this at all, so I had to do everything myself.” Gao Ran gave him a resentful look.

Zhang Tianfeng chuckled. “I’ve just been busy, that’s all. Keep up the good work. If you manage things well, I’ll raise your share.”

“Don’t try to fool me with the same routine you use on employees. I’m not falling for that.”

Gao Ran lounged lazily on the sofa. “I simply like this line of work. As the boss of an entertainment company, getting to interact with big stars—just thinking about it makes me excited.”

“You really do have talent. You even set up a Star Training Camp.”

“That wasn’t my idea. It was the girl who just asked what you wanted to drink.”

“Her idea?”

“Yes.” Gao Ran stretched. “That girl is very hardworking and capable. I only pay her ten thousand a month, and she handles everything perfectly.”

“Damn. My dream of being a hands-off boss, one I’ve been working toward for months, still hasn’t come true, and you’ve already done it.”

“That’s only natural. The smaller the operation, the fewer the problems.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the girl came in carrying tea.

“Boss, your tea.”

“Thank you. What’s your name?”

“Boss, my name is Huo Wenxi.”