Chapter 17: The Generous Zhang Wei

Following Ling’er’s instructions, Jiang Xiaotian bought everything on the list before heading home. All the way back, he felt dazed and bewildered. What exactly had he done to get himself tangled up in a mess of trouble? He’d only just learned he had a master—albeit one he got for free—only for the man to promptly die. Before, he could maintain a neutral stance simply by keeping his head down and staying out of sight. But now, he’d been branded as the martial artist brought in by Brother Long. There was no way he could explain things clearly to Ye Wan’er anymore, but he told himself it hardly mattered. She was beautiful, yes, but the odds of seeing her again were slim. That thought consoled him, though he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that he’d forgotten something important.

When he got home, he hesitated for a while before finally confessing everything to Ling’er. She, however, didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of the situation. In her view, Jiang Xiaotian was overthinking things. It had to be a coincidence—after all, what could anyone possibly gain by tricking an obscure nobody like him?

“Forget it. I’ll go with you when the time comes,” she said.

Jiang Xiaotian wanted to refuse. Ling’er’s identity was special, and he worried her presence would only complicate matters. But she was adamant, insisting on going along to protect him. Her determination moved him, so he gave up trying to dissuade her. In truth, Ling’er was simply worried she’d have nothing to eat if she stayed home alone.

With her by his side, Jiang Xiaotian felt more confident, his hesitation fading away. This was a chance to finally glimpse the so-called world of martial artists—what was it really like? The thought made him a little excited.

As for when they’d set off, Ling’er insisted they wait until her sports car was ready for pickup. Jiang Xiaotian called every few hours to check on the car’s status.

Brother Long was, indeed, efficient. The very next day, he sent a text: the culprits had been found and taught a lesson. That evening, they’d come by to apologize in person.

That night, Jiang Xiaotian called Zhang Wei, ostensibly to ask about his condition. Sure enough, Zhang Wei was overjoyed. The very people who’d beaten him up had come to apologize—and even paid him a hefty sum in compensation!

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaotian felt a rush of satisfaction. Even if he’d gone to vent his own anger on those men, it wouldn’t have brought Zhang Wei any real comfort. But this restitution—that worked.

“Are you free tomorrow night? I’ll probably be discharged soon. They gave me so much money! Let’s have dinner—my treat!” Zhang Wei said.

After all, Jiang Xiaotian had found the hospital without even being told. Such friendship deserved to be cherished.

Jiang Xiaotian had no pressing matters, so he agreed. The past few nights, he hadn’t practiced Dragon’s Breath; instead, he’d been focusing on the Dragon Fist.

Progress was slow but steady. He finally understood what Ling’er meant about having a stable foundation. Before, he’d cared only for the speed, timing, and force of his punches. But the most crucial thing was his footwork.

Yes, the Dragon Fist included a unique set of steps—a way to attack and defend at the same time, even allowing for a full retreat if outmatched.

He’d figured out the theory, but when he actually practiced, his coordination fell apart. If he focused on his hands, his feet went awry, and vice versa—his whole body moved with clumsy discord.

He practiced in the living room. Ling’er, fresh from her bath, saw him and sat on the sofa to watch for a while.

At first, Jiang Xiaotian didn’t notice her. When he finally did, a rush of heat flooded his cheeks. Ling’er was wearing a thin black tank top, and her skirt barely reached her knees.

“Ling’er, didn’t you say you weren’t used to wearing short skirts?” Jiang Xiaotian averted his gaze, more out of embarrassment than modesty. Ling’er’s figure was nothing short of dazzling—curves in all the right places, and in such alluring attire… Alone together in the apartment, he was a young man, after all…

“Oh, it’s just at home. No one’s going to see me anyway,” Ling’er replied.

“But I’m here, aren’t I?” Jiang Xiaotian retorted, emboldened by her nonchalance, and shot her a wolfish glance.

Ling’er nodded, then got up and approached him. “All right, then. I’ll just gouge your eyes out.”

“No, don’t! I was wrong!” Jiang Xiaotian quickly retreated, but his eyes couldn’t help but sneak another glance at her pale, slender legs.

Ling’er rolled her eyes, too familiar with his character to be bothered. He might have the thoughts, but he’d never dare act on them.

“You really have a great figure, Ling’er. No one could ever guess you’re a dragon,” Jiang Xiaotian said sincerely.

She hesitated a moment, then replied with her usual refrain, “I really am a dragon. I can show you my tail if you want.”

Fine, whatever, Jiang Xiaotian thought. As if a tail is the mark of a true dragon.

After that, Ling’er offered him a few pointers before retreating to her room—teaching Jiang Xiaotian was so frustrating it nearly drove her mad. Now she understood why no one had wanted to be her master back then; in the end, her father had had to do it himself.

This guy was just as dense as she’d been!

The next day, Jiang Xiaotian went out early to buy new clothes. Zhang Wei had said they’d be dining with someone he didn’t know, so he should at least look presentable.

Now that he had money—three hundred thousand in his account—he felt overwhelmed at the prospect of spending it.

That evening, when he arrived at the restaurant, Zhang Wei was already there, waiting alone.

“Where’s your wife? Didn’t you say someone else was coming?” Jiang Xiaotian asked, puzzled.

“Yueyue went to pick up her friend. Let me tell you, her friend is really something—a real tycoon, and apparently a black belt in taekwondo. Maybe she’s the reason those guys came to apologize so frantically. That’s why I invited her, too,” Zhang Wei said with a conspiratorial grin.

Jiang Xiaotian just chuckled. He knew exactly why those men had apologized, but keeping that secret felt pretty good.

Zhang Wei was being generous for once. This buffet wasn’t cheap—three or four hundred per person, and he was treating three people. That was going to cost him.

The two chatted until Zhang Wei suddenly stood up and waved.

He turned to Jiang Xiaotian, grinning mischievously. “She’s a real beauty. Don’t get too stunned when you see her!”

As if anyone could be as stunning as Ling’er, Jiang Xiaotian thought.

Just then, Han Yue arrived, pulling another girl along.

Jiang Xiaotian turned to greet them.

“Hey, Yueyue, you—what the…!”

The sight of the cold, aloof woman at her side sent a shiver down Jiang Xiaotian’s spine. He nearly collapsed from shock.