Zeng Wenlong didn't actually want to provoke Ye Qiu. Deep down, he felt a nameless fear towards him. Thinking about how Ye Qiu had coldly exposed his dirty deeds on the train made his heart sink like wilting petals, falling one by one.
Ye Qiu was an opponent he couldn't contend with, someone who saw through him completely while he knew nothing about Ye Qiu. Growing up in a well-off family, Zeng Wenlong had always lived comfortably, far better than his peers. Most of his life had been filled with praise and admiration, and he had never been so humiliated.
That day on the train, Ye Qiu had turned him into a laughingstock.
Zeng Wenlong had arrived in Yanjing a few days early. Ever since he received his acceptance letter from Shuimu University, he couldn't stay at home. If not for his parents preventing him from leaving too early, he would have come a month ago. He wasn't unfamiliar with Yanjing as his uncle lived there, and he spent every summer in the city.
He came excitedly, but meeting Ye Qiu on the way had soured his mood. His cousin took him to many fun places, but he remained despondent.
His cousin, Pi Libing, was two years older and a student at Yanjing Foreign Language University. They had always been close, and when he noticed Zeng Wenlong's mood, he asked what had happened. Zeng Wenlong recounted the incident on the train, though he omitted the part where Ye Qiu exposed his true nature, only saying he was bullied by a peasant.
Pi Libing comforted him, promising to help him get even if he ever found that guy again. But Zeng Wenlong knew this would be a lifelong regret. In a city of millions, how could he find the guy pretending to be a migrant worker?
Today, Pi Libing took him to register at Shuimu University. To show off his local knowledge, Pi Libing invited Zeng Wenlong's dorm mates to lunch. Amidst the praises, Pi Libing felt proud, and even Zeng Wenlong felt a bit of pride.
Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered the restaurant, Zeng Wenlong spotted Ye Qiu at a table near the hallway. That face was etched in his memory, haunting him in his dreams.
He tried to stay calm but couldn't control his expression. His face turned pale, and his facial muscles twitched subtly. His eyes were filled with hatred, as if trying to pierce through Ye Qiu.
"What's wrong?" Pi Libing noticed his cousin's odd behavior.
"Nothing," Zeng Wenlong shook his head painfully. He hated Ye Qiu but was afraid to face him. Ye Qiu was a demon who chilled him to the bone.
Pi Libing followed his cousin's gaze and pointed at Ye Qiu's table. "You know them?"
"..."
"Come on, tell me. I'll handle it," Pi Libing said, getting angry at Zeng Wenlong's silence.
"He's the one who caused trouble on the train," Zeng Wenlong finally admitted.
Pi Libing paused, then sneered. "Well, this is too easy. I was looking for him, and here he is. Let's go teach him a lesson."
"Cousin, let it go," Zeng Wenlong tried to stop him. He remembered the bodyguards and luxury car that picked up Ye Qiu and feared he wasn't as simple as he appeared.
"What are you afraid of? He's just a poor guy from out of town. On our turf in Yanjing, we have nothing to fear. Our family can tolerate anything but being wronged. Come on, don't make me look down on you," Pi Libing's bold words stirred everyone's blood, making them eager to confront Ye Qiu.
Seeing that Ye Qiu's table had four people, similar to their group, Pi Libing worried they might be outnumbered if a fight broke out. He called for backup, and soon a car arrived with four or five more guys, all from his university, known troublemakers. One of them, Zhou Tao, had some background and often took Pi Libing to exclusive places.
With reinforcements, Pi Libing led his cousin to confront Ye Qiu, a large group trailing behind them, looking quite imposing.
The restaurant staff, sensing trouble, notified the manager. Pi Libing exchanged a nod with Zhou Tao, who confidently walked over to the manager, whispering something. It seemed Zhou Tao was quite familiar with the place.
Pi Libing stood in front of Ye Qiu, disdainfully sizing him up before tapping his forehead. "You, come with me."
He wasn't foolish enough to cause a scene in the restaurant, knowing the owner likely had connections. He intended to take Ye Qiu outside to teach him a lesson.
Ye Qiu smiled at this clownish figure, recalling his father's words: "Ugly people cause trouble." Those who act rashly often have a hidden deadly strike.
"Who are you? Please don't interrupt our meal," Yang Le stood up, blocking Pi Libing.
"Kid, get lost. This doesn't concern you. Don't act tough. You probably just met him today, no need to get involved," Pi Libing sneered, finger pointing at Yang Le.
"It doesn't matter when we met. What matters is we're sharing a meal. We're friends," Yang Le insisted.
Ye Qiu quietly observed Yang Le, reassessing his initial judgment. Perhaps he had been overly cautious.
Patting Yang Le's shoulder, Ye Qiu said, "You guys sit. I'll go out with them and be right back."
"No way. Ye Qiu, they have more people. I'm coming with you," Yang Le refused to back down.
"Me too. Damn it, more people? So what? I'll take one down with me and it'll be worth it," Li Dazhuang said fiercely, though his small frame made his words less intimidating.
"Big brother, I'm coming too. Let's see who dares to touch you," Han Shuang, face red with anger, stood beside Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu suddenly realized he wasn't alone in Yanjing. He had friends.
He no longer tried to dissuade them. Against these weaklings, he could handle it alone. Their presence might only expose his skills, something he preferred to keep hidden.
The group followed Pi Libing's crew outside, attracting the attention of other diners. No one from the restaurant intervened, indicating Zhou Tao's influence.
In the parking lot, Pi Libing pointed to his cousin. "Do you recognize him?"
"Yes," Ye Qiu smiled at Zeng Wenlong, making him shiver.
"So, what's your explanation?"
"What do you want?"
"Kneel and apologize to my cousin," Pi Libing demanded, winking at Zeng Wenlong, signaling he was about to get his revenge.
Before Ye Qiu could respond, a cold voice cut in, "Who do you think you are?"
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/Jw-q2euGywY