Chapter 37: A Comedy of Errors

Chapter 37: A Big Mistake

There is a saying: when one succeeds, one should help the world; when one is poor, one should maintain personal integrity. The greater a person’s ability, the heavier their responsibility. In truth, Zhuo Nan never wished to be such a person, but life in the martial world often leaves one no choice. Seeing Liu Xuan in such a state today, how could he stand by idly?

The moment Liu Xuan clung to Zhuo Nan, Fu Xinxin did not find it inappropriate. After all, Liu Xuan’s plight was truly pitiable. However, Nan Ge (Brother Nan) was far less composed. Liu Xuan was not wearing a bra, and her bare chest pressed unabashedly against Zhuo Nan’s own, causing him great inner turmoil.

He quickly pushed her away and said calmly, “It’s alright now. As long as you can come to terms with it. You are Xinxin’s good friend, and by extension, mine. If you need help, I will be there for you.”

Liu Xuan felt she had been too emotional moments ago. Here stood Xinxin’s boyfriend—he even embraced her in front of her eyes. She only hoped this would not cause Fu Xinxin any displeasure.

After releasing him, Liu Xuan glanced at Fu Xinxin, and seeing no sign of anger, she relaxed and softly said, “Thank you both.”

Fu Xinxin shook her head and warmly took her hand, saying, “Liu Xuan, don’t say that. We’re friends, so we should help each other.”

Zhuo Nan stood aside and asked, “Liu Xuan, if you don’t want to go home tonight, where will you stay?” Fu Xinxin’s expression also showed concern as she looked at Liu Xuan.

Embarrassed, Liu Xuan whispered, “I’ll sleep at the long-distance bus station tonight.”

“Ah…” Fu Xinxin exclaimed in surprise, quickly replying, “That won’t do! How can a girl sleep in such a place? Here’s what we’ll do: Liu Xuan, you’ll stay at my place from now on. We’ll share the room.”

Liu Xuan hesitated, “That’s not good. Your parents are still at home.”

Fu Xinxin waved this off casually, “It’s fine. My parents are very nice and won’t mind.”

Even so, Liu Xuan still felt uneasy. At that moment, Zhuo Nan thought of something and spoke up, “I’ll arrange a place for you to stay. It’s a bit basic, but I wonder if you’d be willing.”

“Zhuo Nan, that’s too much trouble. You’ve already helped me a lot,” Liu Xuan said quickly.

Zhuo Nan smiled and waved his hand, “You’re always so polite, it makes me uncomfortable. How about this: tonight, you stay at Xinxin’s house first. Tomorrow, once I have everything arranged, I’ll bring you there. How does that sound?”

Before Liu Xuan could respond, Fu Xinxin agreed, “Alright, it’s settled then. Honey, you better take good care of my best friend.”

Zhuo Nan smiled gently, tapping her lightly on the head, “Don’t worry. It’s getting late; let’s head home.”

Liu Xuan stood aside watching their affectionate interaction, a sudden sense of loss rising in her heart. Suddenly, a thought sprang to her mind: how wonderful it would be if Zhuo Nan were her boyfriend. But the idea startled her so much that she quickly shook her head and dismissed such an unrealistic notion.

Just then, Zhuo Nan suddenly said, “Xinxin, I’ve already chased away the people who were bothering you.”

Fu Xinxin was momentarily stunned—who were these people harassing her? But she paid little attention and casually replied, “Oh, alright.”

Zhuo Nan assumed she didn’t want to dwell on the matter and let it be.

The three prepared to leave. Zhuo Nan had already given all his spare change to Liu Xuan’s stepfather, so if he took out cash from his backpack, it might scare her. He had no choice but to let Fu Xinxin pay. The girl working at the cold drink shop was still in the back room, so Fu Xinxin placed ten yuan on the table, and the three then left.

He had planned to go home with Fu Xinxin tonight, but that was no longer possible. Liu Xuan’s situation still needed handling. He had to find Long Kun—problems on the streets required streetwise solutions.

Zhuo Nan asked, “Liu Xuan, what’s your stepfather’s name?”

“His name is Niu Dafa,” Liu Xuan answered.

What a remarkable name, Zhuo Nan thought with a silent chuckle. The name was indeed impressive, but making a fortune wasn’t that easy. Smiling, he said, “Alright, I’ve got it. You and Xinxin should head back first.” Then he turned to Fu Xinxin, “Xinxin, I’m off. I’ll call you when it’s sorted.”

Fu Xinxin obediently nodded and said, “Alright, Liu Xuan and I will head back first. Keep in touch. I miss you…” Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke the last words.

“Mm,” Zhuo Nan nodded and waved goodbye to Liu Xuan before leaving.

After Zhuo Nan left, Liu Xuan asked, “Xinxin, is Zhuo Nan a student?”

Fu Xinxin smiled proudly, “Of course. He’s an excellent student at No. 1 High School.”

“Ah…” Liu Xuan exclaimed. Zhuo Nan gave her the impression of a street hooligan rather than a good student. It just went to show you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Zhuo Nan called Long Kun to confirm his location, then hailed a taxi. Once inside, he took out paper and pen from his backpack and quickly sketched the portraits of Niu Dafa and the two black-clad thugs from memory. For a super brain like him, this was a simple task—just a few strokes and the likenesses were nearly perfect.

Long Kun was at the Caesar Palace International Club, a club Zhuo Nan had suggested setting up. Years later, the term “club” officially replaced “nightclub,” and such establishments proliferated like mushrooms after rain.

When Zhuo Nan arrived, Long Kun was already waiting at the door. The Caesar Palace, originally a disco, had been remodeled by Long Kun into a high-end club, raising the standards significantly. For example, if you wanted to bring a hostess, she would only sing with you—nothing else—for a fee of five hundred yuan upfront. Want more? Then pay more. This place catered to elite clientele who valued safety far above the typical small nightclubs. Those who frequented the club were either wealthy or influential, and the last thing they wanted was trouble, making Caesar Palace their preferred destination.

Seeing Zhuo Nan approach, Long Kun hurried forward respectfully, “Brother Nan…” He then pulled out a pack of soft Zhonghua cigarettes in greeting.

Zhuo Nan was pleased with Long Kun’s attitude, smiling as he took a cigarette. Long Kun then produced a lighter and personally lit it for him.

“Long Kun, don’t come out to greet me next time. It’s not good if someone sees,” Zhuo Nan said, taking a deep drag.

Long Kun nodded, “Got it, Brother Nan. Please go ahead inside.”

Zhuo Nan waved his hand, “No need. Just two things.” He handed Long Kun the three sketches, his face darkening as he said coldly, “First, find these three and bring them to me.”

Long Kun looked at the sketches and admitted he didn’t recognize them, assuming they were minor figures. Offending Brother Nan was no small matter, and he felt anxious for the three. Still, he assured, “Brother Nan, don’t worry. I’ll bring them to you alive.”

Zhuo Nan nodded, then said, “Second, find Wang Yu. That ungrateful bastard.”

Long Kun smirked inwardly. Wang Yu must be in big trouble again, having angered Brother Nan. He nodded and promised, “Brother Nan, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it immediately.” Then he added, “For such small matters, you really shouldn’t come yourself. Just call me, and I’ll handle it.”

Zhuo Nan chuckled, “You’re busy. I have nothing else to do anyway. By the way, how’s the private restaurant coming along?”

As soon as Zhuo Nan finished, Long Kun replied, “Brother Nan, it’s done. We took over a private restaurant, spent two hundred thousand yuan. As you instructed, we fired all the chefs but kept the waitstaff. Now we just need the chefs, and it can open immediately.”

Zhuo Nan nodded, “Alright. Tomorrow, I’ll bring the chefs over.”

Seeing the sky darkening, Long Kun said, “Brother Nan, stay here for dinner tonight.”

Zhuo Nan smiled and waved him off, “No, I have other matters. You take care of things here. Give me the restaurant’s address; I’ll come by directly tomorrow.”

Long Kun complied, giving him the address. Zhuo Nan jotted it down, finished with these matters, and took another taxi to Qin Chenfang’s place.

Qin Chenfang had no phone, and there was no phone at home either. Zhuo Nan couldn’t reach her by any means and had to visit in person. It was just the right time for Xiao Shanshan to finish school, so Qin Chenfang was likely at home cooking. If he went now, he might get a free meal. Although Qin Chenfang’s cooking wasn’t lavish, dining with them always felt like home. He called Wang Liru to say he wouldn’t be home for dinner, earning a predictable scolding.

Following the remembered route, he climbed the creaky wooden stairs to Qin Chenfang’s door and knocked thrice.

From inside came laughter, followed by a familiar voice, “Silly girl, forgot your keys again, huh?”

Zhuo Nan thought, “Looks like Xiao Shanshan isn’t back yet. Qin Chenfang must be thinking she is.”

With a creak, the door opened, revealing Qin Chenfang’s breathtaking face. She clearly hadn’t expected him. Seeing it was him, a smile lit her features, but soon she realized a serious problem.

At that moment, Qin Chenfang made Zhuo Nan almost lose control. She wore a white camisole, her two dark nipples clearly visible beneath, and only a pair of pink panties. A few mischievous black threads peeked from between her thighs. Her legs were long and shapely, her thighs full, giving a supple, elastic impression. All of this was exposed without a shred of modesty right before Zhuo Nan’s eyes.

Qin Chenfang cried out in surprise, a blush blooming on her cheeks. Without a word, she hurriedly retreated inside.

Zhuo Nan stood embarrassed at the doorway, unable to move forward. Damn it—a huge misunderstanding.