Chapter 131: Your Man

By the time the bus from Hanlin Ecological Park dropped off the entire class and Su Ruoran at Melody KTV, the scene had already been tidied up. The injured thugs had helped each other to a nearby hospital, and Zhao Meng had vanished without a trace; he dared not remain, fearing that Zhang Wenhao had not yet vented his rage and might take it out on him, so he had fled far away.

Zhang Zhi had personally accompanied the group on the bus as he did before. Seeing Chen Feng there, he walked up with pleasant surprise and said respectfully, "Brother Feng, I heard you went to the Ecological Park earlier, but I missed you."

Chen Feng smiled slightly. "I had an urgent matter to discuss with Wenhao. When I saw he wasn't there, I left, and I didn't get a chance to greet you." He then added sincerely, "Old Zhang, I really troubled you today, arranging Wenhao's class reunion so thoroughly."

Zhang Zhi felt flattered and quickly replied, "Brother Feng, what are you saying? Wenhao's affairs are my own; it was my duty to handle it well." He then added, "Whenever you have time, do come to the park for a visit."

Chen Feng nodded. "Don't worry, I'll bring Wenhao over another day."

Zhang Zhi nodded repeatedly, feeling immense joy. Chen Feng held great influence in Jiangcheng and possessed an even more intimidating background in Yanjing; no one in Jiangcheng would pass up the chance to get closer to him. The fact that he spoke so sincerely today proved he was very satisfied with the arrangements.

Knowing that staying any longer might be counterproductive, Zhang Zhi tactfully said, "Brother Feng, Wenhao, I won't disturb your fun any further. I'll head back to the park. Whenever you two have time, just give me a call, and I'll handle everything."

After Zhang Wenhao thanked him, Zhang Zhi boarded the bus and returned to the park. Seeing that Zhang Wenhao was with his classmates, Chen Feng bid farewell to him and Su Ruoran, excusing himself on the pretext of having other matters to attend to.

Before leaving, Chen Feng told him, "Wenhao, remember to call me tomorrow afternoon."

Zhang Wenhao nodded, his mind occupied by what Chen Feng had previously discussed. "Don't worry, I'll contact you tomorrow."

Once Chen Feng left, Zhang Wenhao gathered his class into room 6888. The staff had already cleared the room, and the long, spacious coffee table was filled with snacks, fruit platters, and drinks. Half an hour ago, Zhang Wenhao would have ordered these removed and handled the expenses himself, but now he understood that this was a gesture from Zhou Xinquan. Since his subordinates had erred, it was only right for him to make amends; there was no reason to refuse.

The group partied in the KTV until past midnight, everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. Zhang Wenhao, whose singing was mediocre, was egged on by his classmates to sing a few familiar duets with Su Ruoran. Her voice was a thousand times better than his; in his eyes, she was more than qualified to be an idol singer.

Throughout the night, Zhou Xinquan remained at Melody, frequently entering the room with staff to deliver snacks and drinks. Zhang Wenhao remained silent, letting him curry favor as he pleased, though he had no intention of accepting his goodwill.

Zhou Xinquan was suffering in silence. His men at the hospital reported that the medical bills for over twenty people would cost thirty to fifty thousand yuan, and those with serious injuries would need weeks or months of recovery. He knew he had to cover these costs, even if the trouble was caused by Zhao Meng. He could fire Zhao Meng, but he couldn't afford to let his loyal subordinates lose heart.

With other losses, he was out over a hundred thousand yuan tonight. Furthermore, District Chief Xing Jiaqiang was displeased that he had angered Zhang Wenhao on their turf, fearing it would bring them trouble. Even though the matter was resolved, their relationship had cooled, likely requiring more money to smooth over—an additional indirect loss.

The greatest loss, however, was the loss of control over the alcohol supply. His accountant had estimated that based on current sales, Zhang Wenhao could siphon off ten to thirteen thousand yuan in net profit daily. With July and August approaching—the peak season—the daily loss could reach twenty thousand. If Chen Feng kept him under his thumb like this, he stood to lose four or five million yuan a year.

Zhou Xinquan was desperate, pinning all his hopes on Zhang Wenhao, determined to find an opportunity to apologize and minimize his losses.

At 1:00 AM, Zhou Xinquan arranged for twenty taxis to wait outside, paying each driver three hundred yuan with a single task: wait for the students to emerge and drive them home. The drivers, thrilled by the easy money, parked in a line along the street, ignoring the late hour.

Zhang Wenhao and his group left at 1:30 AM. Zhou Xinquan had been waiting at the entrance and approached them as soon as Zhang Wenhao appeared.

"Mr. Zhang, could we step aside for a moment?" Zhou Xinquan asked politely.

Zhang Wenhao, who was holding Su Ruoran’s hand, stepped a few paces away. "What is it?"

"It’s like this," Zhou Xinquan said. "I’ve prepared twenty taxis outside. Your classmates can take any of them, and I’ve already paid the fare, so they don't need to worry."

Zhang Wenhao nodded once without saying a word, not even bothering to thank him. He knew that the seemingly courteous Zhou Xinquan was actually a cunning old fox acting solely in his own interest.

Seeing Zhang Wenhao’s cold reaction, Zhou Xinquan smiled awkwardly. "Mr. Zhang, what you and Brother Feng discussed tonight puts me in a very difficult position. Could you put in a good word for me? Ask Brother Feng to spare me this once, I would be very grateful."

Zhang Wenhao smiled. "You shouldn't be asking me; you should talk to him directly. I’ve already seen your way of 'talking'—not only is it unpleasant, but it’s also unfriendly. I’m not a saint who returns evil with good, so you’d better save it and try disciplining your subordinates properly in the future."

He added coldly, "I'm leaving now. I'll be back the day after tomorrow."

As he watched Zhang Wenhao and Su Ruoran head downstairs, Zhou Xinquan’s heart bled. It was clear that the incident with Zhao Meng had truly angered Zhang Wenhao. Negotiating was impossible, and he dared not cross someone like Chen Feng, who could ruin him with a flick of his finger. All he could do was endure.

Walking behind Zhang Wenhao, Su Ruoran asked curiously, "Wenhao, do you have a grudge against the owner of this KTV?"

Zhang Wenhao did not hide it, summarizing the day's events. "People like him and his goons are bullies who fear the strong and prey on the weak. They aren't worth sympathy; they need to be taught a lesson."

Su Ruoran nodded. "That was indeed too much. It’s only right to make them pay."

Zhang Wenhao chuckled. "I thought you might object."

"Why would I?" Su Ruoran replied earnestly. "In this society, you can make a living honestly, but no one who makes a fortune is truly clean. I understood that long ago. Those who don't harm others for their own gain are good people; those who harm the public for their own gain are villains; those who harm villains to serve their own interests are heroes."

"And what about a hero?" Zhang Wenhao asked with a smile.

Su Ruoran smiled faintly. "Someone who never harms others and works for the benefit of all while achieving great things—that is a hero. But such people only exist in movies and novels; you almost never see them in real life."

Zhang Wenhao nodded. It seemed Su Ruoran understood more than he had previously thought. By then, they had reached the entrance. Zhang Wenhao directed the students to the taxis. Li Nan, staying behind to help send everyone off, asked, "Wenhao, the bill must have been high tonight. Do you need me to chip in?"

Zhang Wenhao took the remaining few thousand yuan from his pouch and handed it to Li Nan. "The singing didn't cost anything; the only expense was the 188 yuan per person for dinner. Take this, and when we fill out our applications, return the three hundred yuan everyone contributed."

"What?" Li Nan asked, surprised. "Return it all? What about the dinner? That's over ten thousand yuan."

Zhang Wenhao smiled mysteriously. "Go home and wait for my call. I've found a way to make money."

Li Nan was skeptical. As a high school graduate who had never earned a cent, he wondered what kind of path to wealth could exist. "What is it? You have a way to make money?"

Zhang Wenhao nodded. "It’s not much, but enough for pocket money. Once it's confirmed, I'll call you."

Li Nan, though burning with curiosity, nodded and said, "I'll head home then, waiting for your call."

After sending Li Nan off, Zhang Wenhao looked at Su Ruoran. "Ruoran, let's walk to the First High School. It’s not far. I'll pick up my bike and take you home."

Su Ruoran nodded and took his arm as they walked along the sidewalk. On the way, she asked, "How do you feel about what happened today?"

"I wouldn't say I have a 'feeling' about it," Zhang Wenhao replied honestly. "I just learned some things."

"Oh?" Su Ruoran blinked curiously. "What kind of things?"

Zhang Wenhao sighed softly. "What a man needs to stand his ground in this society, what he needs to have, and what he needs to sacrifice. There are many ways to live, and none are easy, but the hardest of all is living well."

Su Ruoran nodded silently, deep in thought. Since they had become a couple, she had never wanted to change him. She was willing to accompany him regardless of the path he chose, but today’s events gave her a different feeling.

Born into an elite family, she didn't care for power or money. She was content with an ordinary life, but she didn't want Zhang Wenhao's future to be unremarkable. In her eyes, he possessed potential most lacked; he shouldn't be ordinary—he should achieve greatness. She had thought he wouldn't pursue such things, but today, she caught a glimpse of that ambition.

She felt a sense of relief. She was content to be ordinary, but she didn't want the man she loved to be. She had been waiting for a sign that he wasn't content to be average, and today, she finally saw a crack in the stone.

"Wenhao," she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Hmm?" Zhang Wenhao turned to look at her. "What's wrong?"

Su Ruoran smiled softly. "Just remember, no matter what difficulties you face, I will be by your side. Just like now—whenever you turn your head, you will see me. And I will support you in everything you want to do."

Zhang Wenhao understood her meaning, a warmth spreading through his heart. He pulled her into his embrace and said firmly, "From now on, I will do my best to play this role."

"What role?" she asked curiously.

Zhang Wenhao chuckled, his expression serious. "Your man."

Su Ruoran pursed her lips, a look of tender obedience on her face. "And I, yours."

She began to look forward to the future. If he was her man, she would play her part as his woman. For a man like him, Jiangcheng was far too small—it was not a stage worthy of him. Yanjing, however...