After exchanging cold greetings, they each took their seats.
Interestingly, other than looking uncomfortable, Qi Xiangtian did not discuss any past grievances with Luo Yang.
Luo Yang thought to himself that Qi Xiangtian didn't want to talk about it, probably for the sake of preserving his dignity. Since he was unwilling to speak, there was no need to bring up the past, so he also acted as if he did not know him.
However, sitting together, there was some awkwardness between them.
After ordering the dishes and while waiting for them to be served, Xu Yeqian said, "Mr. Luo, if you want to open a martial arts school, you can ask Old Jia. He is very familiar with this business."
Before Luo Yang could ask anything, Jia Ren immediately asked, "Xiao Luo, opening a martial arts school might seem simple, but it's actually quite taxing. Who have you learned martial arts from?"
Before obtaining the Shennong Scripture, Luo Yang had not learned any martial arts, so he replied, "I don't have a master."
Among those present, only two people knew of Luo Yang's true strength: besides Hong Jiaxin, the other was naturally Qi Xiangtian, who had just been defeated by Luo Yang.
Jia Ren, surprised, said, "You haven't apprenticed in martial arts, and yet you dare to open a martial arts school?"
Luo Yang simply smiled and said, "Just opening it for fun."
After scrutinizing Luo Yang carefully, Jia Ren responded with even more astonishment, "You're a young man who thinks opening a martial arts school is fun. But it's not as simple as you think. Once you open a martial arts school, all sorts of people will come knocking. Troubles will abound."
Luo Yang firmly said, "It's fine, those who come can be friends if we can talk, and if not, it will be dealt with accordingly."
Opening a martial arts school was precisely to invite masters to come and exchange skills.
Ever since he had True Qi and learned Shadow Fist, Luo Yang had not met a match. At his level, martial artists only wanted to compete with masters; that was the thrill he sought. He was only looking for defeat.
"Let me introduce a martial arts master to you. This friend here is the instructor of Yingyan Martial Arts School, a true master of martial arts. You should take him as your master, study for a few years, and then you can consider opening martial arts schools elsewhere," Jia Ren said.
At this, Qi Xiangtian's face turned red, resembling a door god.
Luo Yang courteously declined, "Thank you, Chairman Jia, for your kind offer. I'm not considering taking a master yet."
Jia Ren said seriously, "Not everyone can apprentice under Master Qi. Normally, if you go to Yingyan Martial Arts School and enroll to learn martial arts, you are taught by his disciples. To receive his direct transmission, you must be personally accepted as his disciple. You're giving up this opportunity? Are you underestimating Master Qi? Would you like him to spar with you here and now?"
Qi Xiangtian looked extremely awkward, his face painted as if with red lacquer, and beads of sweat the size of beans formed on his forehead.
"Chairman Jia, I appreciate your intention. If I decide to take a master, I will seek your help," Luo Yang gave a bow.
The Xu family father and daughter regretted that Luo Yang gave up such an excellent opportunity to become an apprentice, while Hong Jiaxin almost laughed, barely managing to hold it back.
With a flushed face, Qi Xiangtian coldly said, "Friend Luo, if you are interested, please come to Yingyan Martial Arts School as a guest in half a month. The Sect Leader of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect would like to exchange a few moves with you, to meet in martial contest."
On hearing this, Jia Ren grew curious. He was unaware that Qi Xiangtian had lost to Luo Yang and thought Qi Xiangtian proposed the sparring because Luo Yang refused to take a master. However, it should be Qi Xiangtian's disciples who should spar, not the sect leader himself.
Luo Yang bowed and said, "Since Master Qi has invited me, I will certainly honor the appointment."
Not until after the meal and everyone had dispersed did Jia Ren learn about the discord between Luo Yang and Qi Xiangtian outside the restaurant.
"Chairman Jia, didn't you say that there will be a Sino-Japanese civilian martial arts exchange competition in a few days? If he participates and becomes famous, our Yingyan Martial Arts School might lose its apprentices," Qi Xiangtian expressed his concerns.
Jia Ren had a stake in Yingyan Martial Arts School.
"The competition prizes are substantial. Naturally, we should let our disciples from Yingyan Martial Arts School compete. There are five spots; pick your five most skilled disciples to ensure we win all the events. I will finalize the list and submit it to the sports bureau and ensure he does not participate," Jia Ren said.
"He's opening a martial arts school, which affects our Yingyan Martial Arts School," Qi Xiangtian said pensively.
"Let him open it. Once your father and the elder of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect come out of their secluded training, we'll go to his school and challenge them. Wouldn't that be even better?" Jia Ren scoffed.
"Chairman Jia, I have a better idea..."
...
...
After dinner, Luo Yang made a call to Chen Jie, who along with Zhu Li would drive over to pick him and Hong Jiaxin up, so they wouldn't need Xu Huimin to drive them back to the beauty salon.
A few minutes later, Zhu Li arrived at the hotel entrance driving an Audi, with Chen Jie in the car as well.
Once they got into the car, they went straight to look at the site for the martial arts school training grounds.
In the car, Chen Jie asked, "Niu Zai, are you interested in partnering with Honghai Shuang Qiao?"
Beauty stream water is bottled as skincare products without needing to collaborate with anyone.
Luo Yang smiled faintly and replied, "Sister Chen, if I collaborate with them, what can they offer me?"
If they partnered, it would be all for Shuang Qiao's gain.
"They've always been considered the best by others, never having failed. Life has been smooth sailing for them. They achieved remarkable academic results and thought business would be the same. But reality taught them a lesson," Chen Jie said.
She paused for a moment, then continued.
"They started a company and took out loans from the bank as well as many high-interest loans. But their company is currently not very profitable. They told me they are researching a technology—they couldn't recall the exact name—but simply put, it's something that can regrow limbs. This research is costing them a lot of money," Chen Jie said as she opened the car window and lit a cigarette.
She took a drag and exhaled the smoke out the car window.
"Abroad, there are plenty of research institutions willing to fund their research, but they want to do it themselves. They plan to both run the company and conduct research, using the profits from the company to fund their science."
Chen Jie glanced at Luo Yang and saw him nod slightly.
"They want to partner with you, and with your product, their company could go public. With the money, they could clear their debts and focus on their research. It's not a free partnership; they would give you half of the company's shares. What do you think?"
Luo Yang smiled and said, "I'll think about it tonight. There's no major issue with the cooperation, but we still need to discuss the details. For instance, if their research succeeds, I should also have a stake in that project."
Hearing his provisional agreement, Chen Jie was overjoyed, hugged his shoulder excitedly, and said, "They should agree to your terms. We need to act quickly as they're being driven to desperation by their debts. If you help them through this tough time, you'll be their savior."
Luo Yang said with a smile, "A savior is too much honor."
Then Chen Jie called Qiao Yousi. Once the call connected and she turned on the speakerphone, Luo Yang could also hear.
"Cousin, it's a success!" Chen Jie announced joyfully.
"Really?! That's wonderful!"
Qiao Yousi's voice was filled with excitement, and then they heard her as if she was explaining to someone, "We can pay the money back soon. Please give us some more time."
Hearing a man say, "No money, pay with your body," Luo Yang and the others realized that Qiao Yousi was being threatened.