one nice to you”"Mm, is she nicer than me"“Ah ” Su Cen stared blankly at Ling Ge Ran. This woman had black hair that cascaded like a waterfall, dark brown eyes, and diamond earrings hanging from sharp...Chapter 77: Lighting the Fuse

Chen Yue was injured due to Su Can, and Zheng Ming's slap left his ear swollen. His face is visibly puffy now, making it clear that something happened. When Zhang Yu’s parents arrived at the scene of the chaos, their faces fell.

Zhang Yue's mother immediately grabbed his hand covering his face and pointed at him. "Tell me what this is all about! Ah! You're fighting with others here What have you been up to today Who hit you Where are they I'm going to see how tough he is."

Zhang Yue's friends exchanged glances, none daring to speak. Zhang Yue's mother, Yang Yinghua, was a piano teacher at a university and very highbrowed in nature. However, she pampered Zhang Yue excessively while also having strict standards for him, fiercely protective of her son’s interests. She personally taught Zhang Yue how to play the piano when Tang Wu started learning it from a young age, but his mediocre level disappointed her greatly. Though she held significant financial power, everyone knew she was extremely frugal and unwilling to spend money even on herself or others; yet, everything about Zhang Yue was名牌 (luxury brands).

Now that she started yelling at him, Zhang Yue felt today had been particularly unlucky, and his face burned with embarrassment. At this point, he too was quite irked and said, "Can you wait until we get home to talk I don't want to discuss it now."

Frustrated but holding back due to her status as a university teacher, Yang Yinghua glared at Zhang Yue. "Zhang Yue, if you don’t answer me right now, I would have already slapped you. Who did you fight with"

Yang’s gaze immediately landed on He Shile whom she knew well, and seeing there was no escape, He Shile reluctantly said, “Aunt Yang, please calm down. This is a misunderstanding, we didn’t start it.”

"If you didn't start it, then why would someone provoke you This is Shanghai! Who's so lawless"

"Aunt Yang, the person who hit Zhang Yue just ran away. Zhang Yue really didn't cause trouble; they were looking for another person and pulled him into it."

A girl named Gao Lan said this as everyone turned their gaze towards Su Can. When Yang Yinghua looked at Su Can, her expression was uncertain. She couldn’t help but recognize the man who caused controversy at the Tang Family banquet. But she was preoccupied with Zhang Yue before and now, seeing how everyone looks at him, it’s clear that Su Can is crucial to this incident.

At this moment, Zhang Yue's father, Zhang Taolue, who had kept his hands behind his back since the beginning of the scene, asked, "What happened"

His voice was low but not gentle when speaking to Su Can. If it wasn’t for the confrontational tone, Su Can wouldn't have known that this question came from Zhang Taolue.

Zhang Taolue had been very amiable at dinner, and he got along well with Tang Wu's uncle, joking around about getting the two to drink tea in place of alcohol as a toast to their elders. However, when Tang Wu was concerned about her grandparents' feelings back then, she merely smiled it off.

Now that Zhang Taolue is questioning him, despite his rudeness, Su Can remained patient and said, “They came for me; they just dragged Zhang Yue into this. Uncle, Aunt, I apologize.”

Gao Lan and He Shile watched Su Can with lingering curiosity. Moments ago’s scene was still vivid in their minds: the boy who overturned tables and knocked over opponents in this luxurious club now seemed quite different from the somewhat desolate figure sitting by his bicycle drinking mineral water across the bustling street.

No matter how one looked at it, there was something mysterious about him right now.

"They came for you Then why is he swollen" Zhang Taolue raised his voice slightly, which made Su Can even more uncomfortable.

"Dad!" Zhang Yue pulled at his father’s sleeve. When the blow hit his face, he was initially stunned and then clenched his fists in pain but never retaliated against Zheng Mingchuan; however, when Su Can intervened repeatedly for him, it satisfied a long-held resentment. Now hearing his father question Su Can with such an accusatory tone, Zhang Yue quickly said, "Dad, it’s not his fault, let's go home."

Yang Yinghua was now in high spirits and pulled Zhang Yue over to say to Su Can, "Don't come looking for my son again no matter what your intentions are. We don’t welcome you here." Previously, she hadn’t spoken harshly to Su Can because he was a controversial figure at the Tang and Mu families’ banquet, with an ambiguous status as Tang Wu’s escort; thus, regardless of how angry she was, she didn't directly question him.

Seeing her husband's confrontation towards Su Can now, she knew that he too was furious. At this point, it became clear to her that the relationship between Su Can and Tang Wu wasn’t yet solidified enough to have the approval of both families' key figures; otherwise, her husband would consider Su Can’s future status before speaking so harshly.

Learning that Su Can's influence in the Tang Mu family isn't significant, she boldly spoke out. In her view, Su Can contacting Zhang Yue was merely to get deeper into the Tang Wu family and cultivate a network of people who would support him within both families, improving their relationship so more people would speak on his behalf. She had seen this kind of thinking many times before.

Su Can laughed instead of getting angry. "Auntie, if you really feel strongly about it, you can find the person who hit your son and report them to the police or hire a lawyer. It's all up to you. But first, I need to clarify one thing: I have no connection with your family whatsoever. Whether they are from what background or hold what status in Shanghai is none of my concern and I don't care about it either. As for whether they welcome me or not, that’s none of my business either. Please refrain from randomly associating yourself with me."

The atmosphere fell silent as He Shile and Gao Lan, who were part of Zhang Yue's social circle, watched Su Can in front of them. They saw a completely different person—calm and composed—and suddenly felt that there was a huge gap between him and them because none of them could stand up straight like he did to retaliate.

The girls from his social circle who had once liked or secretly loved Zhang Yue all felt relieved. Usually, they found it very stressful to be around Zhang Yue since his mother is an extremely difficult person to approach, let alone dealing with a woman who might take her son away from them. Therefore, Su Can’s words resonated deeply with their hearts but they dared not say such things out loud.

Zhang Mu’s mother, Yang Yinghua, was probably encountering someone of Su Can's age for the first time speaking to her in this manner; she was so enraged that her lips were trembling. "Fine, fine, you speak well then. Remember what you said today."

"Su Can, do you know what you're saying Do you know who I am" Zhang Taolue folded his arms and spoke coldly.

"Uncle Zhang, if it weren't for your calling out my name just now, I wouldn’t have known to whom you were speaking."

Su Can smiled at him. Everyone felt as though the warm ambiance of the room turned sharp and icy when this smile met with Zhang Taolue’s cold demeanor.

"Su Can, you're too arrogant! Do you know what relationship I have with Tang Wu's uncle We are close friends since our childhood; even Tang Wu’s father would respectfully call me 'elder brother.' Tang Wu also calls me 'uncle' and she has been under my care as she grew up. Who do you think you are"

Zhang Taolue had never encountered such a defiant response before, so he was extremely agitated inside. Given the Tang Mu family’s dissatisfaction with Su Can, Zhang Taolue naturally didn't have to give him any respect or consideration.

"I’ve met many wealthy people in Shanghai—provincial committee members like Zhou Xiaodì and Ye Rongkun, Ning Yin—all of whom have dined together with me and addressed me as 'Brother Zhang.' What do you have that’s so impressive You think I’m intimidated by your family background"

The mother Zhang immediately added from the side, "Old Zhang, why are you saying all this to him This kid obviously has bad character. He thinks he can get away with eating a meal with Tang Wu and everything will be fine. We’ll see if he still dares to talk to us like that in the future."

"What future There’s no future for him at all. If I don't know what relationship I have with Tang Family's head, how could he dare speak so presumptuously to me"

Su Can took a deep breath and said, "Uncle Zhang, are you and Uncle Tang born from the same mother Since they aren’t siblings, it’s inappropriate for you to meddle in their affairs. Don't blame me for reminding you; sometimes people become more confused as they grow older."

Were it not for considering his public image, Zhang Taolue would have immediately cursed at him out of rage. Now he forced a laugh and nodded, saying, "Fine, remember what I said today." Then he turned around and left.

Zhang Yue’s mother Yang Yinghua dragged him away as well, saying something while criticizing him indirectly: “You don’t discriminate when making friends! Why isn't this boy smart You don’t thoroughly understand who you're dealing with. Tang Wu lost her eyesight, but why didn’t you use your brain Don’t you see the kind of people he associates with—people from all walks of life! That’s why I strictly control you. Excessive exposure to society at a young age isn't beneficial for you. Look what happened today—it’s a lesson!”

The conflict between Zhang Yue's father, Zhang Taolue, and mother Yang Yinghua would inevitably be spread through Yang Yinghua’s connections among the powerful families and friends.

But Su Can didn't care at all.

A gentle breeze brushes over the hilltop; a bright moon illuminates the great river.

There is always a force that will soon arrive and inevitably sweep away everything in its path.

The circle of friends around Zhang Yue had long been rendered speechless by this conflict. They could vaguely tell that Su Cen didn't seem to be as indifferent to Zhang Yue as the latter had claimed; rather, they seemed closely connected.

At this moment, Zhang Yue, who had earlier asked his parents not to mention it, was utterly embarrassed and watched helplessly as his father left and his mother tried to drag him away. Guo Lan and others, who had been listening intently, couldn't resist asking, "Zhang Yue, what exactly is he to you"

Zhang Yue glanced at Su Cen and said softly, "He's my future sister-in-law's fiancé."

Then he followed his angry parents and left dejectedly.

The rest of Zhang Yue’s circle now looked at Su Cen in a mix of surprise and amazement until the latter left. Only then did they clean up and leave the teahouse, driving to the Huangpu River where each took a drink, leaning on the railing under the bustling night view. Lele, her rosy cheeks glowing under the lights, turned to Guo Lan, who had an air of intellectual beauty, with sparkling eyes: "I was mistaken, I was mistaken. Guo Lan, it feels like I’m heartbroken."

Guo Lan nearly spat out the drink in her mouth. Glancing at her and laughing mockingly, she said, "Get lost. Don’t be so mushy. Go home and have a wash before bed."

Back at school, he parked his bicycle downstairs and entered the dormitory to find Li Han and Xiao Xu watching movies in the small cinema of their school. They were probably sitting in a coffee shop somewhere watching. Su Cen washed up and lay down on his bed. The lingering effects of Weng Mingchuan's collision earlier that day made themselves felt, leaving him sore from shoulder to half-body. He knew that Weng Mingchuan would be even worse off; fortunately, the latter was only 170 cm tall and quite light. If he had been a bit heavier, Su Cen’s full force collision might have broken his ribs.

After some thought, he sent a text message to Tang Wu: "Are you at your grandparents' house Are you asleep"

A while later, the phone beeped with an incoming message. Su Cen opened it and read:

"Nope, I'm watching TV now. How was today"

How could he say if today had been good or bad He’d met Fei Fengshan but also been blocked by Weng Mingchuan and ended up clashing with Zhang Yue’s family.

After some thought, he texted back: "Not too bad, quite eventful. How about you"

Tang Wu had spent the day at her grandparents’ without incident—just a regular family meal where Grandpa and Grandma Mu briefly inquired about her studies and their major department at school but didn’t delve deeper into it. However, Tang Wu sensed that they seemed quite fond of Su Cen.

After dinner, Grandpa Mu played chess with Tang’s father; Grandpa Mu wasn't very good at chess and his opponent had no intention of letting up on him, setting traps when necessary and blocking where required. Grandpa Mu lost several pieces in frustration and left to tend the plants while Tang's father awkwardly rubbed his hands.

Meanwhile, Grandma Mu was reporting back to her about Tang Wu’s situation; as usual, she made some plans for Tang Wu’s development—such as aiming to pass the CET-4 test early and striving toward a CET-6 score. She also laid out which direction to take in her studies and what content to cover, all very detailedly articulated, showing her high hopes and affection for Tang Wu.

That evening, Tang Wu took a shower before lying down on the spacious bed. Mu Jin was currently taking a bath; she was channel surfing because of the presence of family members and Mu Jin's insight into the situation, she usually didn't contact Su Cen unless necessary. Now, however, her mind was somewhat absent-mindedly happy about how well their elders seemed to think of him, yet there was also a bit of nervousness for not contacting Su Cen.

Just then, Su Cen's text arrived. Mu Jin suppressed the urge to call after finishing her bath and replied with nimble fingers:

"How were you so eventful"

Su Cen leaned against his pillow softly, feeling that despite being apart in distance, this quiet night somehow connected them across time and space.

"Today, I ran into Zhang Yue's father and had an argument with him. I estimate that this will have a negative impact, and you'll feel somewhat regretful about not telling the truth going forward. If your family has any objections, what will you do"

Only then did Tang Wu learn about this from Su Can’s text message. With her long睫毛eyes lying on the bed blinking back at him, she thought for a moment and replied, "Then let's argue. Who else would provoke you."

Tang Wu remained as calm as ever, but it left Su Can speechless while feeling warm in his heart.

Another text message came through: "If they don’t like you, I won't like them either."

The hustle and bustle of today seemed to melt away with this one sentence.

By the end of November...

In Beijing, where cold winds were gradually setting in, the leaves on Fragrant Hills started turning red. In a private suite decorated primarily with antique dark wood at the Shangri-La Hotel’s high-rise floor, Jian Hua was getting out of his spa bathtub and drying off his well-proportioned muscular body, still taut despite being middle-aged due to planned exercise routines. He put on cotton pajamas, poured himself a glass of rich-colored liquor, pulled back the curtains, and sat in front of the large windows.

Overlooking the city below him...

He had been inspecting several Anlixin-controlled companies under his jurisdiction in Beijing today, attended some events, appeared on a TV program, and finally found a moment of leisure. His time was limited; it was usually calculated by snatching moments from a hectic schedule. He enjoyed taking the few stolen moments to savor life’s brief tranquility.

Today, there would be an award ceremony at Shangri-La’s lobby hosted by Beijing Television that he had been invited to attend but declined due to his enjoyment of the soothing sensation of warm water chasing away fatigue in the bathtub. He relished his present state and feelings and wished to maintain them constantly. Manipulating financial markets was like dancing on a knife's edge, requiring utmost sensitivity towards capital.

Pushing thoughts about those people waiting for him back in Beijing out of his mind, Jian Hua felt that he had basically wrapped up business here. Although he could still stir things up if he wanted to, his next focus was Shanghai.

The upcoming auction would be interesting, as the items being auctioned were sure to attract attention.

Placing his glass on the coffee table, Jian Hua took out his phone and called Ye Shuiquan, who was like a left-hand man to him.

In Shanghai, after hanging up, Ye Shuiquan looked through the building’s windows at the cityscape of skyscrapers. He knew this city would soon be stirred into action by the movements of Jian Hua, a heavyweight figure in domestic capital operations; these actions would draw significant attention and create huge waves.

The echoes of instructions from Jian Hua lingered in his ears...

"Tell Zhongshan Charity Foundation that we can confirm it: this time our auction item is a dinner with me."

Dining with Jian Hua, the mastermind of domestic capital operations and heavyweight figure, on top of the city.

The Chinese version of the Warren Buffett lunch.

I haven’t deleted any posts recently; I don't know why many people noticed their disappearance. Some readers have reported similar issues in other review sections. I believe it might be a system issue.

Today, my brother-in-law celebrated his birthday and I had two rounds of drinks earlier and attended another event tonight, which is why this update is late. Sorry about that.nd market influence, Big Banana Campus Consumption Magazine had already gained a certain level of influence. Of course, even though it was currently summer vacation—a relatively quiet period—there wer...