Chapter Seventy-Four: The Challenge at Zhu Manor

Regarding last night’s dinner, Gu Zhiheng truly admired his teachers—their capacity for liquor was astonishing.

When Gu Zhiheng woke up this morning, he saw their messages: they’d had a wonderful time and hoped to meet up with him again. The sight made him laugh—were all these old men reincarnated drunkards?

Still, Gu Zhiheng replied to each of them politely. Whether there would be another chance was one matter; whether he agreed was another. After responding, he got up, washed, and planned to have breakfast outside.

Lately, life had been exceedingly dull. He still had no idea who the old acquaintance Ali had mentioned was, nor when he would finally meet them. Drifting through his days like this was becoming tiresome, and there weren’t any local spirits worth a visit.

The weather was pleasant today—no harsh sun and a comfortable breeze. Gu Zhiheng bought some snacks on the street, planning to bring them back to his hotel and spend the day lounging in his room.

He hadn’t checked his luck before going out, and as it turned out, today was not his day; he really shouldn’t have left the hotel.

Just as he was about to drive away, a man and a woman approached, calling out, “Gu Zhiheng, I’ve heard so much about you!”

Gu Zhiheng saw trouble in their eyes. He tossed his things into the car, shut the door, and waited for them to come closer.

It was Wu Xiaowen, while the man beside her was a stranger to Gu Zhiheng. Even though the man knew his name, that didn’t mean Gu Zhiheng had the slightest idea who he was.

“Good morning, brother!” Wu Xiaowen greeted him sweetly, positioning herself at Chu Zhuang’s side.

She knew Chu Zhuang was here to cause trouble for Gu Zhiheng. If she hadn’t worried that Chu Zhuang might harm him, she would never have accompanied him on this outing.

Chu Zhuang was a scoundrel, utterly worthless. Even though they were engaged, he was constantly flirting with other women, never missing a chance to get involved with someone new. Wu Xiaowen had no interest in such trash. If not for her family’s insistence on the engagement, she would have gladly torn him to pieces herself.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in school today, little sister?” Gu Zhiheng asked. If he recalled correctly, Wu Xiaowen had a full schedule. Could this guy be her boyfriend? Frankly, he was rather homely—not worthy of her.

The man looked every inch a rascal—no decent person, that much was clear. Wu Xiaowen would only suffer with someone like him.

“My, what an affectionate greeting!” Chu Zhuang said, pinching Wu Xiaowen and glaring darkly at Gu Zhiheng. So, this cast-off from the Gu family dared to steal his woman? Unbelievable. Even if he tired of Wu Xiaowen and cast her aside, Gu Zhiheng was the last person who’d have a chance with her.

“If your eyes are faulty, go see a doctor,” Gu Zhiheng retorted coldly. “I’m not a physician, so I can’t cure your blindness.” He was openly disdainful. If Wu Xiaowen hadn’t been there, and if Chu Zhuang hadn’t called out to him, Gu Zhiheng would have driven off without a word. For people so clueless and contemptible, he had no time or patience.

“So, the Gu family looks down on everyone now? You dare to offend anyone, is that it?” Chu Zhuang took a step forward, blocking Gu Zhiheng’s way.

Wu Xiaowen shot Gu Zhiheng a look, warning him off. Otherwise, he would have handled things with force already; he had no interest in wasting breath on the likes of Chu Zhuang.

“Oh? Is this how freeloaders behave nowadays, all so righteous?” Gu Zhiheng couldn’t help himself, his expression verging on the comical. Another day, another failure at keeping a straight face.

“Gu Zhiheng, are you looking for death? If you can’t speak properly, shut your mouth!” Chu Zhuang, failing to provoke him, was instead thoroughly ridiculed.

Wu Xiaowen nearly laughed aloud at Gu Zhiheng’s words—Chu Zhuang was making a complete fool of himself.

“Honestly, you’d do better to spend this time cultivating your mind. That’s what really needs work,” Gu Zhiheng added, his words blunt as ever. After so much time with the elders on the mountain, he’d acquired a certain irreverence.

Most of the time, he was as he’d always been, but only the truly insufferable could coax out this unruly side of him.

Now that he thought about it, it had been a while since he’d had a haircut—his hair was getting long. Perhaps he’d tie it back soon.

“Little sister, when you get married, choose someone reliable. Best to throw out this garbage sooner rather than later.” Gu Zhiheng’s words struck Chu Zhuang hard, shattering his pride to pieces.

Chu Zhuang could no longer control himself; he shoved Wu Xiaowen aside and lunged at Gu Zhiheng.

Gu Zhiheng didn’t move. He simply watched as Chu Zhuang charged at him. When Chu Zhuang was within reach, Gu Zhiheng lifted his long, powerful leg and kicked him away.

Such a weakling didn’t require any complex techniques; the simplest move was enough—and all the more humiliating for it.

Chu Zhuang, humiliated and furious, turned on Wu Xiaowen instead, cursing her. “Are you blind? Can’t you see your man is being bullied?”

But he was deluded—Wu Xiaowen never thought highly of him and often spoke ill of him behind his back. Expecting her to help him now, after he’d just pinched her, was pure stupidity. Had he forgotten his own actions?

Scum—why didn’t he just drop dead?

Moments ago, he’d bullied her; now he had the nerve to call for her help. Useless.

Gu Zhiheng hadn’t even used any real techniques—a single kick had settled the matter. How could the splendid Golden Pheasant clan produce such a worthless member?

“Get lost, or I’ll ruin you for good, you pathetic waste,” Gu Zhiheng spat harshly.

Chu Zhuang couldn’t hold back a spurt of blood; Gu Zhiheng, repulsed, stepped aside.

If they hadn’t all registered with the authorities, Gu Zhiheng might have strangled him on the spot and stewed him for the dogs.

“Little sister, you’d best get back to class. Don’t worry about this one—he’ll survive,” Gu Zhiheng said with a look of disdain. He’d held back with his kick; Chu Zhuang wouldn’t die. At worst, he’d be bedridden for a couple of weeks and unable to care for himself for months.

Truth be told, there was some personal resentment behind Gu Zhiheng’s kick—old grudges between the Gu and Wu families. He’d broken most of Chu Zhuang’s ribs and fractured his limbs as well. It wouldn’t show immediately, but once treated, all the injuries would become obvious.

That was why Gu Zhiheng told Wu Xiaowen to return to school and leave Chu Zhuang behind—no need to invite trouble.