Chapter 83: There’s a Chance—Time to Visit the Little Island

Most people born in the 1980s, and a few from the 1990s, were still cultivating their inner strength; going back to those born in the 1970s, the passion for martial arts was even stronger. It was in this environment that Xiang Chen was born. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable talent for martial arts, mastering every move of his family’s traditional Bajiquan.

As he grew older, his family feared he might use his skills for unlawful deeds, so they sent him into the military. After more than ten years of service, Xiang Chen emerged with a body forged of iron and skills that could not be underestimated.

After being discharged, he returned home and saw his parents bedridden. Thinking of earning money, he realized it would be difficult inland, so he set out to the coastal regions in search of fortune. After many trials and setbacks, he finally caught the attention of the Li family and became the bodyguard of Li Chaoren’s son. At that time, the Li family had just experienced a kidnapping incident.

In the days that followed, Xiang Chen distinguished himself, climbing ever higher, even serving as the temporary bodyguard for Little Ma and Big Ma. His presence was noted at several important occasions. These tales were all read in magazines—perhaps exaggerated, but Xiang Chen truly had the strength, as Zhang Tianfeng had seen with his own eyes.

“No wonder you seem familiar. In my past life, you saved me; in this life, I’ll repay you with a lifetime of wealth and glory.” Muttering to himself, Zhang Tianfeng strode forward, seized the hand of the friend from the Japanese archipelago, and smiled, “What do you intend to do on our territory?”

“He damaged my car door and hit me. I demand compensation—is that wrong?”

“There should indeed be compensation, but you should compensate him! I saw with my own eyes that you opened your car door and struck his goods, wasting so much time. He lost wages and was scolded by you; shouldn’t you compensate him?”

“Who are you?”

“He’s my man. Do you have a problem with that?” Gao Ran walked over and wrapped her arm around Zhang Tianfeng’s.

Li Qing followed, saying, “Mr. Takeda, it’s clearly your fault—pay up.”

“Hana, even you won’t help me?” The friend from the Japanese archipelago was furious.

Hana was Li Qing’s name in the archipelago. She shook her head. “I’d help you in Japan, but not here. I won’t help you bully my compatriots.”

“So, you’re all teaming up to bully me? Just you wait!” His mustache trembling with rage, the friend slammed his car door, ready to leave.

Zhang Tianfeng blocked him with his foot, saying, “Trying to leave without paying? Planning to swim back across the ocean?”

His words and gaze brimmed with dangerous intent. Takeda Kinichiro trembled, pulled out his wallet, and poured out all his money. “Is this enough? Ah!”

“Pick it up and hand it to him respectfully, or I’ll beat you!”

Zhang Tianfeng’s attitude was forceful; Takeda Kinichiro dared not utter a word, obediently collected the dollars, and placed them in Xiang Chen’s hand.

“Remember this: here, you’re the outsider. You’d better tuck your tail between your legs. Now get out!”

The vehicle departed, and the gathering shrank to three. Zhang Tianfeng was left to handle two women.

“Thank you for your help,” Xiang Chen said, offering the money. “This is a token of my appreciation.”

“Keep it, it’s not even as much as my pocket money.” Zhang Tianfeng took out a business card and handed it to Xiang Chen. “I admire your spirit. If you ever need help, call this number—I’ll definitely help you. Farewell.”

Will he really help me?

Watching the young man’s retreating figure, Xiang Chen was lost in thought.

Takeda Kinichiro’s departure caused no stir; Li Qing even thanked Zhang Tianfeng for driving away an annoying fly.

Amid laughter, the three boarded a boat for the Peninsula Hotel.

Everything proceeded smoothly. After food and drink, when they were nearly finished, Zhang Tianfeng suddenly said, “Li Qing, I heard from Ranran your family deals in factory machinery. Why are you dressed like this?”

“Fellow townsman, you’re being prejudiced. My family deals in machinery, but I can’t go out dressed in work clothes, can I?”

“That’s not what I meant. I’m asking about your hobbies and places you frequent.”

“Oh? Why ask? Are you captivated by my beauty and planning to switch allegiances?” Li Qing glanced at Gao Ran and asked, “Ranran, how are your boyfriend’s skills? If he’s not good, I don’t want him.”

“If you don’t stop being so wild, you’ll die, won’t you?” Gao Ran glared.

Li Qing shrugged helplessly. “What are you thinking? I mean his skills. In Japan, I have many suitors—if he’s not capable, he won’t keep up with me.”

Women truly are formidable. Even Zhang Tianfeng dared not interject.

After some playful banter, Li Qing returned to normal, tossed her hair, and smiled, “Handsome, why do you ask?”

“I personally enjoy comics and plan to enter the entertainment industry. I hear Japan’s manga scene is impressive—do you have contacts there?”

“You’ve come to the right person! I’m a veteran manga fan; I collect every ongoing manga in Japan and know many artists.”

“Can you connect me with Akira Toriyama and Takehiko Inoue? I want to purchase the domestic rights to Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk.”

Dragon Ball, the pioneer of hot-blooded anime in Japan, has inspired countless classics, and remains one of the most lucrative IPs, beloved for both its comics and merchandise. As for Slam Dunk, the national tournament arc was something Zhang Tianfeng had awaited for years.

This decision was both to fulfill his own wishes and to prepare for future plans. He had already started with toy factories, and IP freedom was paramount.

This was already part of Zhang Tianfeng’s long-term agenda, originally intended for after the toy factory stabilized, but now that he had met Li Qing, he decided to give it a try—perhaps there would be a surprise.

“Oh, you mean Toriyama? I know him! I bought the first volume of his manga. As for Takehiko Inoue...” Li Qing pondered, then said, “Why don’t you go to Japan yourself? Their manga was adapted into anime, and I don’t know what contracts they have with the TV stations.”

“Fine. As long as you’re willing to guide me, I’ll go.”

“Don’t worry, you’re Ranran’s husband—I’ll definitely help you. If I don’t, she won’t let me off!”

“You’re thinking too much; we’re not going to Japan.” Gao Ran crossed her arms and grumbled.

Seeing Li Qing and Zhang Tianfeng chatting so happily, she felt a bit jealous.

“That’s even better. I’ll take care of your boyfriend’s meals, three times a day.” Li Qing sneered.

Gao Ran glared, and the two started bickering again.

Meanwhile, Zhang Tianfeng was deep in thought. Securing the copyrights must be done quickly, lest things change.

With that in mind, he resolved to settle the current predicament, clear out all inventory, and then head to Japan.

Yes, that’s settled—swift and decisive action!