Chapter Sixty: Zhuo Nan’s Forebear

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Everything at the bar was running smoothly now, and with Yang Yilin—an expert in the field—assisting Long Kun, Zhuo Nan found himself with much less to worry about. Gui Nanchao, once the kingpin of Deqing’s underworld, now shrank away like a whipped dog whenever he crossed paths with Zhuo Nan and was no longer a threat. Du Fanhai and Sun Yan were both professionals; when it came to QQ, Zhuo Nan was out of his depth and could offer no help. In this new era, our Brother Nan had become a superfluous figure, left only to linger at school, fall in love, and prepare for the high school entrance exams.

Speaking of the entrance exams, from the teachers in the junior high department to the students’ parents—and even the students themselves—everyone was treating it as a life-and-death battle. In the corner of the blackboard hung a small sign counting down the days until the exams. Watching the tense faces all around him, Zhuo Nan couldn’t help but think, “Is it really that serious? The college entrance exam in the high school department is far more important. If anyone should be nervous, it’s them. The weak-minded among them might even wet themselves from the stress…”

In truth, Zhuo Nan often fantasized about sauntering into the teacher’s office, crossing his legs like a boss, patting Old Zhou on the face, and saying, “Hey, old man, calm down, calm down… Watch out, or you’ll have an accident…” But these were nothing more than daydreams that played out in his head during class.

“Darling, I’m so nervous… Only twenty days left before the exam…” Sitting on Zhuo Nan’s lap, Fu Xinxin looked visibly anxious.

Zhuo Nan smiled gently, his gaze full of affection. “Silly girl, why put so much pressure on yourself? If you don’t get into the provincial key school, just go to the city key school—what’s the big deal?”

Fu Xinxin immediately retorted, “It’s not the same! The First High’s teaching is way better than the Sixth’s. Don’t you know that getting into the First is like having one foot in the university door already…” The “First High” she referred to was the provincial Department of Education’s pilot school, while the “Sixth High” was the city’s pilot school.

“All right, all right, you win… But you’re my wife, and I don’t want you ruining your health over this exam. Go to bed early, don’t stay up too late reading… Look at you now, you’re more worn out than you were a while ago.” Zhuo Nan’s words were brimming with care and tenderness.

Hearing this, Fu Xinxin felt a warmth in her heart and instinctively snuggled closer against him.

“Honey, which school are you planning to apply to?” Fu Xinxin tilted her head to look at him.

Without hesitation, Zhuo Nan replied, “Of course the First High—after all, that's your goal…”

“You’re the best…” Fu Xinxin clung to him like a spoiled child, but the feelings surging in Brother Nan were anything but comfortable.

Still, Zhuo Nan was clever and quick-witted; his eyes darted as he came up with an idea. “Wife, since I’m so good to you, shouldn’t you reward me a little?”

Hearing this, Fu Xinxin immediately realized what was on his mind, pouting, “Honey, what are you up to now?”

Her adorable expression was irresistible, and Zhuo Nan couldn’t hold back; he leaned in and kissed her deeply. His hands moved with practiced familiarity. After so many days of “training” with Zhuo Nan, Fu Xinxin was well-versed in the routine—she parted her lips slightly, allowing his tongue to explore at will.

More than that, for Zhuo Nan’s sake, she went without undergarments every day, not daring to run or move too much for fear of bouncing and swaying.

After a few minutes of entanglement, Fu Xinxin hastily pushed Zhuo Nan away. If they kept going, things could easily spiral out of control. “Honey, do you still remember what you promised me?” Her tone was suddenly very serious.

“I know…” Zhuo Nan shrugged helplessly. But then he added, “Wife, waiting three years for you is too long. How about I go buy some protection?”

“Knew you wouldn’t give in so easily… You’re impossible!” Fu Xinxin’s tone softened. “Honey, I know I’m being a bit unreasonable. Three years is a long time, and it’s not fair to make you wait like that. How about this: wait one more year. After my sixteenth birthday, we’ll be together, all right?”

Wow—three years reduced to one! That sounded pretty good. Zhuo Nan stroked his chin. “All right, I’ll wait one more year for you…”

“Thank you, darling…” Fu Xinxin hugged him tightly. At that moment, anything else seemed unnecessary.

That afternoon, Shi Yang, who hadn’t shown up in ages, finally appeared. Truth be told, he was just bored out of his mind. As a core member of Zhuo Nan’s circle, he had nothing much to do these days except practice martial arts or swagger around town with his crew. He’d probably finished both already, so he came to school out of sheer idleness.

Once class began, Shi Yang swapped seats with the guy next to Zhuo Nan and sat down beside him.

“How’s that set of fighting techniques I gave you last time working out?” Zhuo Nan asked in a low voice. After all, they were in class, and it wouldn’t do to be overheard.

“Brother Nan, that stuff’s pretty good—I’ve been practicing. Progress is slow, but I can feel myself getting stronger every day,” Shi Yang replied with confidence. Clearly, the techniques Zhuo Nan gave him were effective.

Of course, that set of fighting techniques worth forty Longhua coins was akin to a martial arts manual on Earth. For someone like Zhuo Nan, with his superhuman mind, it was as if his energy channels had already been opened—he could master it in a single night and then consolidate his skills over time. But for an ordinary person like Shi Yang, it would take at least a decade to achieve even modest results. The fact that he already felt himself getting stronger might have as much to do with his natural constitution and aptitude for martial arts.

Zhuo Nan nodded, putting on a seasoned, serious air. “You can’t rush with this stuff. Perseverance is key.”

Shi Yang nodded vigorously, though he still had a question. “Brother Nan, where did you get this book?”

Zhuo Nan couldn’t exactly say it was from another planet, so he replied, “It’s a family heirloom—just don’t tell anyone else, all right?”

“When did Brother Nan’s family become a martial arts clan? I’ve never heard of that…” Shi Yang eyed him with some doubt.

Zhuo Nan knew he could suppress Shi Yang’s curiosity by playing the boss, but that might only make him more suspicious. Instead, it was better to come clean.

He beckoned, and Shi Yang leaned in eagerly. Zhuo Nan whispered a few words in his ear, and Shi Yang was so shocked he leapt to his feet. “Brother Nan, are you serious?”

Instantly, the whole class turned to stare at them, wondering what Zhuo Nan could have said to provoke such a reaction.

Zhuo Nan shot Shi Yang a glare—what was with the theatrics? Shi Yang realized he’d gone overboard, scratched his head awkwardly, and sat back down. The math teacher’s face was thunderous; Shi Yang never came to class, and now that he did, he was causing a commotion. “Shi Yang, what’s going on? Tell us—what happened?”

Not just Old Zhou, but the whole class wanted to know. Shi Yang glanced at Zhuo Nan, noting his sour expression, and wondered if he’d get punched out of the classroom for what he was about to say.

“Shi Yang, what’s going on?” Old Zhou’s stern voice pressed him again.

“Brother Nan, don’t blame me for not being loyal…” Shi Yang apologized to Zhuo Nan before turning to the class.

With a deep sigh, Zhuo Nan wondered how he’d ended up with such a cowardly friend.

“Mr. Zhou… everyone, what I’m about to say stays in this room—no one is to repeat it outside,” Shi Yang announced, scanning the class with great gravitas.

Old Zhou sensed the gravity of the situation and pushed his glasses up. “Everyone, what Shi Yang says does not leave this room—understood?”

“Understood…” Though Shi Yang tried for authority, he couldn’t match the math teacher’s presence.

“Go ahead, Shi Yang,” Old Zhou said after receiving everyone’s assent.

Shi Yang took a final look at Zhuo Nan, drew a deep breath, and declared, “Zhuo Nan says he’s from a martial arts family—his ancestor was Zhuo Yihang of Wudang!”

A moment of stunned silence, then the class erupted in thunderous laughter. The math teacher’s eyebrows twitched in exasperation—unforgivable!

One boy laughed so hard he clutched his stomach and doubled over. Zhuo Nan thought, “Careful, or you’ll split your sides.” The biggest laugh came from Shi Yang himself—he’d never believed Zhuo Nan’s nonsense; if Zhuo Nan was Zhuo Yihang’s descendant, then he might as well claim to be a descendant of Shi Nai’an, which sounded more credible at least.

“Shi Yang, Zhuo Nan, both of you—out to the hallway! And after class, I want a written reflection from each of you… With exams coming up, you’re still goofing off—what are you thinking?” The math teacher was stern, giving no quarter to Brother Nan.

Zhuo Nan glared at Shi Yang; he might be able to intimidate underworld bosses, but he was powerless against Old Zhou. He resigned himself to heading for the hallway. Only now did Zhuo Nan realize that ever since his rebirth, he and that hallway had become quite well acquainted… With the boss saying nothing, Shi Yang didn’t dare act tough and obediently followed him out.

Inside the classroom, the math teacher couldn’t help but smile at the snickers still echoing among the students. These two had actually done everyone a favor—bringing a little humor to ease the tension during such a stressful time. Zhuo Yihang’s descendant… those two really were something.