Chapter Twenty-Two: The Storm Approaches

In Zhang Wenhao’s eyes, everything he did tonight was nothing but legitimate self-defense. First, Chen Chong had someone ambush him; then Chen Chong himself came with a group to cause trouble. For his own safety, Zhang Wenhao injured those five men—so wherever the matter goes, he believes he is in the right. This was precisely why he kept trying to draw Chen Chong out.

Yet to Chen Ru, the situation was quite thorny. Objectively speaking, the fault lay entirely with his son. So if he simply wanted to cause trouble for Zhang Wenhao, it wouldn’t be so easy. It would be simple enough to have someone rough him up and make him suffer, but Chen Ru disdained such petty tactics. What he wanted was for Zhang Wenhao to pay a price so steep that he could never have dreamed of it.

“Dad,” Chen Chong, lying on the hospital bed with tears streaming down his face, choked out, “I can’t let anyone see me like this. If I don’t recover, I won’t go back to school, not even if it kills me. If my college entrance exam scores suffer, please don’t blame me. Give me another year—I’ll study hard and take the exam again next year.”

Hearing these words, Chen Ru’s anger only deepened. The college entrance exam was imminent, and at this critical juncture, Zhang Wenhao had beaten his son so badly. His son had always been proud and cared deeply about his appearance—Chen Ru knew this better than anyone. Asking him to return to school in this state might as well be a death sentence.

Chen Ru also knew his son’s personality mirrored his own: unable to endure even the slightest humiliation, unwilling to let anyone step over him. If this matter wasn’t handled properly, it would have a profound psychological impact on his son. If he couldn’t give his son, his wife, and himself a satisfactory resolution, his son might lose all motivation to study.

“Xiao Chong,” Chen Ru finally softened his stern expression, speaking gently, “Dad promises you’ll be satisfied with how this is resolved. For what Zhang Wenhao did to you, I’ll make him pay a thousandfold. You just focus on recovering in the hospital. I’ll arrange for teachers to come here and tutor you, so you won’t fall behind in your studies. Su Ruoran is certain to get into Yanjing University this year—if you don’t work hard and have to repeat a year, catching up to her will be even harder. Do you understand?”

Chen Chong was dazed for a moment before he nodded lightly and whispered, “Dad, I understand.”

Chen Ru smiled at his son, stroked his hair, and said, “Leave it to me. You just focus on the college entrance exam. Soar high—get into Yanjing University. As for Su Ruoran, don’t let her slip away so easily. Trust me: if you catch up to her, you’ll save yourself thirty years of struggle, and even I could save twenty years!”

Beside them, Chen Chong’s mother kept comforting him, “Baby, you must stay strong. The college entrance exam and Su Ruoran are the two most important things in your life—don’t let either slip away. Mom believes in you!”

Chen Chong nodded earnestly, his eyes burning with renewed determination.

“Old Xing,” after a while, Chen Ru spoke to Xing Jiaqiang, “Tomorrow, contact the principal and the director of academic affairs at No. 1 High School. Tell them my son Chen Chong was seriously injured by Zhang Wenhao on the school field—give them a heads-up, but insist on strict confidentiality. No leaking the information to anyone. I’ll have the hospital prepare an injury report citing moderate concussion as the main diagnosis for you. Tomorrow, have the police come to take Xiao Chong’s statement. On Monday morning during class, bring officers to No. 1 High and take Zhang Wenhao directly to the sub-bureau, detaining him for intentional assault.”

Jiaqiang nodded immediately. Then he asked, “District Chief, what about the gangsters next door?”

Chen Ru replied coldly, “Tell them to stay put in the hospital and not step outside, not see anyone, not mention tonight’s events to anyone. They were never there. When this happened, only Xiao Chong and Zhang Wenhao were on the field. If any of them cause trouble now, I’ll make sure none of them can stay in Jiangcheng.”

“Understood,” Xing Jiaqiang said promptly. “Leave it to me, District Chief.”

Chen Ru continued, “You must confirm Zhang Wenhao’s statement within forty-eight hours. I don’t care what methods you use—the statement must be enough to convict him! Also, make sure the No. 1 High principal understands: once Zhang Wenhao is detained, immediately start the expulsion process and remove him from No. 1 High!”

He paused, his face sinister. “Zhang Wenhao isn’t yet eighteen, but he must be at least sixteen. This time, do whatever it takes to get him sentenced to at least five years! No less than three! Let him regret offending my son within prison walls and pay for it for the rest of his life!”

Xu Hongxia’s expression finally relaxed upon hearing this, but Xing Jiaqiang involuntarily furrowed his brows. He thought to himself: Chen Ru’s scheming is truly ruthless—he wants to completely destroy a child’s future, and all the fault lies with Chen Chong. To do this to Zhang Wenhao seems excessively harsh.

Still, as Chen Ru’s trusted confidant, even if he felt a twinge of pity, he had to follow orders to curry favor. If he did well, his relationship with Chen Ru would deepen; if not, Chen Ru would surely be displeased. Chen Ru appeared cultured and upright, but his heart was vicious—crossing him meant disaster.

Jiaqiang straightened and declared solemnly, “Rest assured, District Chief—I’ll get it done!”

At this moment, Zhang Wenhao had no idea that a huge conspiracy was quietly closing in on him. Early Saturday morning, Song Yanni called Zhang Wenhao as usual and invited him to her home for English tutoring. Zhang Wenhao gladly accepted—he could use the opportunity to pass a boring weekend.

Having acquired English skills, Zhang Wenhao had to deliberately control his learning speed in front of Song Yanni. Even so, his performance repeatedly impressed her, and she grew increasingly fond of her student.

With the college entrance exam fast approaching, Song Yanni began to look forward to the next mock exam. Judging by Zhang Wenhao’s current English proficiency, his score could conservatively increase by at least twenty points. Although he still lagged behind Su Ruoran, he might reach the top five or even top three in grade ranking!

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The first update tonight, with another coming later. If the recommendation votes increase by fifty tonight, I’ll add one more chapter! Currently at seventy-eight votes—depending on everyone!