Chapter 16: The Demeanor of the Second Artillery

Wang Xuemei, who was still eating not far away, naturally heard Deng Hua’s words as well. Worry flashed across her face, for she had witnessed with her own eyes Deng Hua easily injuring three mischievous students at school. Although Chen Erpao had shown off a bit on the basketball court a few days ago, few had seen it, and Wang Xuemei certainly hadn’t. Without a second thought for the half-full bowl of rice before her, Wang Xuemei immediately stood up and hurried after the crowd of students toward the Taekwondo hall.

Taekwondo originated on the Korean peninsula: “Tae” means to kick, “Kwon” means to punch, and “Do” refers to a principle of combat. Together, it signifies fighting with both feet and fists. While Chinese martial arts are vast and profound, Taekwondo is a unique discipline that has been innovated and developed, with undeniable strength in practical combat. Nowadays, Taekwondo halls are everywhere, and practitioners are numerous; even so-called black belts are only considered to have mastered the basics, while those above the fifth degree are regarded as true experts.

The school’s Taekwondo hall was spacious, with more than a dozen students practicing inside. When a throng of students suddenly burst in, the trainees, startled, thought something serious had happened. Once they understood the situation, their expressions shifted to eager anticipation.

Chen Erpao remained indifferent, walking at a measured pace to the center of the sparring stage. He rummaged in his pocket and produced a slightly crumpled cigarette, which he placed between his lips. This action seemed to provoke Deng Hua, who took it as blatant disrespect.

“Erpao, are you ready? Though it’s just a friendly match, injuries are inevitable. Don’t blame me if you get hurt,” Deng Hua warned.

Chen Erpao smiled calmly, thinking, “Since you want to be arrogant, I’ll let you. Soldiers are always proud, even if that was in the past.”

“Go ahead! The match ends when I finish this cigarette. I have to get to work,” he replied.

Deng Hua’s jaw clenched in anger. Without another word, he let out a loud yell and launched a whirlwind kick, renowned in Taekwondo for its ferocity.

“Too slow, not enough force. Your aim is decent, but why are you targeting my nose? Are you trying to ruin my face?” Chen Erpao remarked coolly. As the whirlwind kick came within ten centimeters of his nose, he suddenly sidestepped and delivered a simple, swift hand chop to Deng Hua’s waist.

With a heavy thud, Deng Hua collapsed to the ground like he’d been struck by lightning, his face twisted in pain. This was only less than half of Chen Erpao’s true strength. The cigarette in his mouth was already halfway burned when Deng Hua, grimacing, pressed his hands to the floor and sprang up. He unleashed a rapid series of Taekwondo kicks—front, side, hook, push, back, and round—but failed to even graze Chen Erpao’s clothes.

“Sorry, I smoked this cigarette too quickly—just one puff left. But I stick to my word; don’t be disappointed. Step down!” Chen Erpao said coldly. Suddenly, his whole body erupted with a fierce aura, like a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable and carrying a force that made others wince.

Deng Hua was stunned. In that moment, he realized he had always been the clown in this match. Panicked, he switched from offense to defense. But Chen Erpao’s fists were blindingly fast and powerful, breaking through his guard with ease. A sweeping kick struck Deng Hua as effortlessly as autumn wind sweeping fallen leaves. Deng Hua tried to steady himself, but his legs felt as if they had been rammed by iron pillars, aching terribly as he toppled sideways. Chen Erpao’s attack continued, and a swift kick sent Deng Hua tumbling off the stage.

“Brother Hua, my apologies. As you said, injuries are inevitable in a match. I have to hurry to work, so I won’t accompany you to the hospital,” Chen Erpao remarked, displaying no patience for such men. Amidst the shocked silence, he and Wang Xing quickly departed—lest another lovestruck admirer, stirred by his display, appear and complicate matters.

Wang Xuemei, who had remained among the crowd, gazed after Chen Erpao’s retreating figure, her eyes full of complex emotions. She murmured to herself, “So he’s this formidable, this extraordinary.”

An impromptu match, which Chen Erpao never expected, soon spread throughout the school. Within days, his fame surpassed even the ten most influential students, the top campus heartthrobs and beauties. All this from someone who was merely a school security guard—a true eccentric, worthy of admiration.

After school that afternoon, Wang Xuemei had intended to wait for Chen Erpao and walk home together, but he was on duty until eight o’clock, so she had to leave first. Eight o’clock arrived quickly. After his shift, Chen Erpao called Wang Xuemei, asking her to wait downstairs, then revved up his “Masked Rider” motorcycle. What should have taken over ten minutes to reach the complex, he managed in less than ten.

“Have you got your wife’s compensation ready? Don’t regret it later!” Wang Xuemei teased with a chuckle.

She was now dressed in a pink short-sleeved top, a white knee-length skirt, and white casual shoes, exuding youthful energy. Despite the bandages and visible wounds, there was no hiding her potent allure.

“Sigh! You’re making me the enemy of all my fellow countrymen. Walking down the street, I’ll have countless people looking at me with envy, jealousy, and resentment,” Chen Erpao lamented.

“What, you’re not willing?” Wang Xuemei smiled triumphantly, secretly delighted to learn how highly he thought of her.

“For you, even if I become the enemy of every man in the world, so be it,” Chen Erpao suddenly dropped his playful demeanor and spoke with solemn sincerity.

A blush and a radiant, happy smile bloomed on Wang Xuemei’s lovely face. Yet Chen Erpao’s next words made her expression change dramatically, her eyes nearly shooting flames.

“I’m joking! Who’d bother to become the enemy of every man in the world for no reason?”

“Chen Erpao, I’m going to kill you!” Wang Xuemei exploded in fury.

Sensing danger, Chen Erpao quickly slipped away, hiding several meters off. While the two were playfully sparring, in the luxurious nightclub in Tuen Mun district—where he had previously made an appearance—a coordinated criminal plot targeting Chen Erpao was quietly brewing.