Ning Xingchen looked down at Qin Chuan, exuding an air of dominance as if he were a god overlooking all beings. In Ning Xingchen's eyes, Qin Chuan was nothing more than an ant that could be crushed at any moment. Ning Xingchen didn't even feel the urge to make a move himself anymore.
The news of Ning Xingchen becoming the owner of Night Banquet International quickly spread. Soon enough, the security captain, along with a group of bouncers, entered the room.
"Hello, Mr. Ning!" The security captain, bald-headed and muscular with a scar on his face, looked like someone not to be trifled with.
"Take him out. You know what to do," Ning Xingchen waved dismissively, signaling for them to remove Qin Chuan. He couldn't stand the sight of this repulsive pest.
Despite Qin Chuan's rolling and screaming in pain, it was futile. The burly men dragged him out to the back of the KTV. A scream pierced the night air; the security captain was much more ruthless than Ning Xingchen, treating Qin Chuan as if he were a mortal enemy.
Qin Chuan would probably spend the rest of his life bedridden.
No one had expected such an outcome, especially the high school classmates, whose expressions were complex. Some couldn't resist the urge to fawn over Ning Xingchen, trying to curry favor.
Jiajia and the other girls, who had been mocking Ning Xingchen while siding with Qin Chuan, quickly put on their jackets and sneaked away.
Ning Xingchen noticed all this but didn't say anything, merely letting a cold smile play on his lips. To be honest, the masses were nothing more than ants and inferior beings to Ning Xingchen, not worth taking seriously.
"Xun'er, let's go," Ning Xingchen said, not wanting to waste time with these hypocrites. He took Lin Xun'er's hand and smiled.
If he hadn't become so wealthy and crushed Qin Chuan, Ning Xingchen didn't believe these classmates would treat him with such respect. They had looked down on him before he showed his strength, sneering and mocking.
This was human nature. Ning Xingchen didn't detest it but understood that constantly becoming stronger was the eternal truth and the ultimate path.
Still in a daze, Lin Xun'er left Night Banquet International with Ning Xingchen.
Sitting in the passenger seat of the Ferrari, Lin Xun'er looked at Ning Xingchen, puzzled, which made Ning Xingchen pause.
"What's wrong? Don't recognize me?" Ning Xingchen asked with a smile.
"Hmm." Lin Xun'er nodded. She had to admit, Ning Xingchen had become more exceptional, especially with his domineering and assertive demeanor, a stark contrast to the timid and passive Ning Xingchen she once knew.
"Do you prefer the old me or the current me?" Ning Xingchen asked gently, smiling warmly.
Lin Xun'er was stunned. She realized that no matter what she answered, it implied she liked Ning Xingchen.
"Stop being so full of yourself. I don't like you," she said coquettishly.
"Really? But just now, there was a little fairy who seemed quite worried about me," Ning Xingchen said with a knowing smile.
"Well, it turns out my worry was unnecessary. You're now so strong and wealthy," Lin Xun'er said softly, looking somewhat forlorn. She felt she no longer recognized Ning Xingchen. Was he still that elegant, white-robed youth?
"Xun'er, people have to grow. No one can remain the same forever. But no matter how I change, you are the most important person in my life," Ning Xingchen said earnestly, his handsome face exuding sharp and defined features.
Lin Xun'er's heart warmed, deeply moved. "Xingchen, I really have to thank you for today. If it weren't for you, I…"
"If you consider me a friend, then don't say thank you," Ning Xingchen gently held Lin Xun'er's hand.
"You'll always be my best friend!" Lin Xun'er smiled radiantly, a smile capable of toppling kingdoms and making heroes bow.
"Yes, friends." Ning Xingchen wanted more than friendship; he wanted Lin Xun'er as his wife. But he knew it wouldn't be easy to win over a fairy descended to the mortal world. However, Ning Xingchen believed she had already started to feel something for him.
...
After dropping Lin Xun'er home, Ning Xingchen received a phone call as soon as he left her neighborhood. Despite answering, no one spoke; there was only the sound of chaos in the background.
"Big brother, come quickly, or I'll be in danger!" It was Qin Bao'er's voice, sounding distressed.
Ning Xingchen was taken aback. Was she in some kind of danger?
Three seconds later, someone seemed to snatch the phone away.
"Xingchen, it's nothing serious. Bao'er was being disobedient, so I disciplined her a bit!" Liu Mingyan's voice came through.
Ning Xingchen sighed in relief, thinking Qin Bao'er had encountered some bad guys.
"Big brother, hurry! Auntie is going to hit me!" Qin Bao'er, having grabbed the phone back, sounded pitiful, on the verge of tears.
"Alright, I'm on my way," Ning Xingchen said, checking his watch. It was quite late. What were these two up to, causing such a ruckus instead of sleeping?
After becoming the executive CEO of Xingyao Group, Liu Mingyan had received her first month's salary and moved to a high-end apartment.
Ning Xingchen had hoped Liu Mingyan would move in with him, but she had declined, citing concern for Bao'er's feelings. In reality, she was traditional and conservative, despite her love for Ning Xingchen, and didn't want to rush into cohabitation.
However, she had given Ning Xingchen a key, implying he was welcome anytime.
Twenty minutes later, Ning Xingchen arrived. Upon opening the door, he was shocked. The place was in chaos, with clothes and items scattered everywhere.
Liu Mingyan, slightly embarrassed, blushed and quickly said, "Xingchen, go to my room first. I'll clean up here!"
"Heh, big brother, wait for me!" Qin Bao'er, seeing Ning Xingchen, immediately clung to him, her temporary truce with her aunt allowing her a brief respite.
"What did you do to make your aunt so angry?" Ning Xingchen asked sternly, addressing Qin Bao'er.
"Hmph, I was just upholding justice at school. That's not a mistake. Brother Xingchen, why are you siding with my aunt? Do you two have a thing going on?" Qin Bao'er pouted, upset that Ning Xingchen was helping her aunt interrogate her.
Ning Xingchen felt a bit awkward, rubbing his nose instinctively. Qin Bao'er was indeed clever. Could she have guessed something?