Chapter Three: The Soft Yield to the Ruthless

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Zhuo Nan’s impression of Wang Yu was unforgettable—not because of love, nor because of hate, for love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Zhuo Nan possessed neither sentiment; what he felt toward Wang Yu was profound aversion.

Wang Yu was a senior at the School for Offspring, the undisputed boss of the high school division. Over six feet tall, he affected the style of “Brother Haonan,” letting his long hair fall so that, when the sea breeze swept through, his face nearly vanished beneath it. He would swagger about with several lowlifes from the high school, putting on airs. In Zhuo Nan’s eyes, he was the epitome of someone who had watched too many “Young and Dangerous” movies.

If it weren’t for his father, the deputy director of the steel factory, Wang Yu would have been beaten to a pulp long ago. Even if he’d survived, the school would have expelled him without a second thought. What did he have to be so arrogant about? In his “previous life,” Zhuo Nan had fought Wang Yu several times. Whenever Wang Yu lost, he’d run to his father, who would in turn trouble Zhuo Wengang. Zhuo Nan, younger and less experienced then, listened to his second uncle after Zhuo Wengang was reprimanded at work and avoided further clashes with Wang Yu, going out of his way to steer clear whenever they crossed paths.

But things were different now. Zhuo Nan, seasoned by two lifetimes, had gained ample experience in the ways of the world. He knew that to settle things, one had to finish the job thoroughly—crush the other side so completely that even their father couldn’t lift his head.

With Shi Yang and his crew by his side, Zhuo Nan rushed to the school gate. There, Wang Yu and his lackeys had surrounded Fu Xinxin. Trapped in the middle, Fu Xinxin was flustered, desperately trying to break free. Tears welled in her eyes, on the verge of spilling. From a distance, Zhuo Nan heard Wang Yu spewing nonsense: “Xinxin, let’s go see a movie tonight. Don’t worry, my dad’s having dinner with your dad, so there’s no one at your house to stop you.”

Fu Xinxin seemed terrified, lowering her head and whispering, “I can’t. I have to go home and cook for my mom.”

Only then did Zhuo Nan remember that Fu Xinxin’s mother was bedridden from a work injury; she took care of all the household chores. Seeing her cower like a quail, already displeased with Wang Yu, Zhuo Nan’s anger flared.

Though only fifteen, Zhuo Nan carried the mind of a man nearly thirty. He saw Wang Yu for what he was—a mere brat. Handling someone like him required ruthlessness; one had to outdo him in ferocity.

By now, Wang Yu’s lackeys had noticed Zhuo Nan approaching with his group. One of them leaned in to warn Wang Yu, who turned and saw them. However, Wang Yu was unafraid—his father had recently spoken with Zhuo Wengang several times, so Zhuo Nan wouldn’t dare challenge him now. He dismissed Zhuo Nan entirely, laughing as he told his underlings, “Relax. That kid avoids me these days. Just ignore him.”

His lackey, however, was uneasy. “Yu-ge, something’s off. Look at Zhuo Nan.”

Wang Yu, busy showing off before Fu Xinxin, paid no mind and snapped impatiently, “What could he possibly do?”

The words had barely left his mouth when—crack—a wooden stick smashed viciously over Wang Yu’s head, snapping in two on impact. Yet Wang Yu’s skull didn’t split open, which disappointed Zhuo Nan. “Shoddy wood,” he thought, “I wonder how much kickback the principal took this time.”

On his way over, Zhuo Nan had spotted a pile of timber meant for refurbishing the gatehouse. Without hesitation, he’d grabbed a stick over a meter long and, catching Wang Yu off guard, swung it at his head.

Enjoying his moment of bravado, Wang Yu was caught completely off guard. Staggering, he struggled to stay upright, dazed. Before his lackeys could react, Zhuo Nan, brandishing the broken stick, rained blow after blow upon Wang Yu, each one delivered with full force. Within moments, the six-foot-tall Wang Yu was beaten to the ground, curled up with his hands over his head.

Finally, Wang Yu’s underlings snapped to attention. “Get him! Save Yu-ge!” they shouted, charging at Zhuo Nan. Shi Yang and his group, stunned by Zhuo Nan’s ferocity—he’d always been a fighter, but never this ruthless—quickly found their fighting spirit.

Seeing the enemy rush in, Shi Yang roared, “What are you waiting for, brothers? Let’s go!”

And so, more than ten students erupted into a brawl at the school gate. The scene was spectacular. With classes just dismissed, students stopped in their tracks, standing at a distance to watch this real-life blockbuster. It was far more thrilling than any “Young and Dangerous” film.

With Wang Yu knocked down early, his crew was leaderless and quickly overwhelmed, especially with Zhuo Nan wielding his stick like a “Red Pole” enforcer—swinging without mercy. Soon, Wang Yu’s group was strewn across the ground. Though physically stronger as high schoolers, they lacked the morale. Fights are won by those who fear nothing and strike hardest—and under Zhuo Nan’s lead, his side did just that.

Surveying the bodies sprawled about, Zhuo Nan tossed away the stick, walked to the terrified Fu Xinxin, took her hand, and said, “Come on, let’s go home.” With that, he led her out of the school gate.

Words could scarcely describe his aura. If one had to, only this would suffice: “Damn, that was badass.”

Fu Xinxin was petrified. She’d just witnessed a gang fight up close, all because of her. Instinctively, she let Zhuo Nan lead her by the hand. By the time she regained her senses, they had already left the campus. She thought to pull her hand away, but seeing Zhuo Nan, she hesitated, a strange sweetness blooming in her heart. Being protected by this boy felt wonderful.

Shi Yang and his crew were elated by their “epic” victory. Though they’d had run-ins with Wang Yu’s gang before, this was their first large-scale brawl—and under Zhuo Nan’s leadership, they’d won decisively, with not one among them injured.

A few underlings caught up with Gao Yuan. Shi Yang leaned in and said, “Nan-ge, that was amazing. I’ve wanted to smack that Wang Yu punk for ages.”

Zhuo Nan’s temper had already cooled, and Shi Yang’s words brought him back to reality. Having beaten Wang Yu so badly, this wouldn’t blow over easily. Trouble was sure to follow.

“Sis-in-law, Nan-ge really gave it his all for you today,” Shi Yang blurted out, startling Fu Xinxin, who yanked her hand from Zhuo Nan’s grasp.

Zhuo Nan shot Shi Yang a glare. Realizing he’d spoken out of turn, Shi Yang hastily retreated to the back.

An awkward silence hung between the two, until Zhuo Nan finally spoke, “Xinxin, don’t mind what Shi Yang said. I just couldn’t stand Wang Yu and gave him a lesson.”

Though afraid of Shi Yang’s words, Fu Xinxin couldn’t help wishing Zhuo Nan had really done it for her. Now, hearing his explanation, she felt a wave of disappointment. Was she not worth fighting for?

“Xinxin, you should head home. Shi Yang and I have things to do. I won’t walk you back.” He nodded to her, then turned away.

Fu Xinxin wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat. Should she thank him? She didn’t know—perhaps, even if she did, it wouldn’t matter to Zhuo Nan.

She simply nodded and walked straight ahead, as if nothing had happened between them.

Back among Shi Yang’s group, Zhuo Nan’s earlier ease had vanished, replaced by a grave seriousness. Seeing his expression, the others fell silent.

“Shi Yang, this is going to be a big deal. If the teachers ask tomorrow, you all tell them I was the one who hit Wang Yu and his gang. You weren’t involved. Understand?” Zhuo Nan said solemnly.

Shi Yang protested, “No way, Nan-ge. We were all in it together. How can we let you take the fall alone?”

Zhuo Nan replied, “Shi Yang, I appreciate it, but this is serious. We could end up expelled.”

At that, everyone except Shi Yang faltered.

Expulsion was no small matter—their parents would skin them alive.

Zhuo Nan read their hesitation and continued, “Go home, all of you. You weren’t involved today. As long as you keep quiet, the school won’t do anything. I’ll take the blame—don’t worry.”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the others quickly made excuses.

“Nan-ge, I’m heading home. My mom’s expecting me for dinner.”

“Nan-ge, I’m off too, I have to visit my grandma tonight.”

“Nan-ge…”

Zhuo Nan nodded at each farewell, until only Shi Yang remained, his face full of indignation. “Damn, Nan-ge, those guys aren’t real brothers.”

Zhuo Nan smiled faintly, “They’re still just kids. They acted on impulse, thinking only of the thrill, not the consequences.”

Shi Yang eyed him curiously. “Nan-ge, you talk like an adult.”

Realizing his slip, Zhuo Nan quickly covered, “I just mean they haven’t thought it through. Seriously, if I take the blame tomorrow, you stay out of it.”

Shi Yang was truly loyal—not just out of youthful bravado inspired by gangster movies, but by nature. Zhuo Nan knew this well. “Nan-ge, do you not think of me as a brother?”

“Why would you say that?” Zhuo Nan asked.

“If you see me as a brother, we take this together. There were seven of them, you couldn’t have fought them all alone. The school won’t buy it,” Shi Yang said earnestly.

After a moment’s thought, Zhuo Nan realized Shi Yang was right. “If you’re this loyal, I’ll never let you down in the future.”

“Don’t worry, brother. What’s yours is mine,” Zhuo Nan said, extending his hand.

“I believe you, Nan-ge.” With a resounding slap, their hands clasped tightly.

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