From the moment they got in the car, Li De seemed quite uncomfortable, while Cheng Dongdong appeared indifferent, with a look of interest on his face. The main reason was that Cheng Dongdong didn't have much interaction with Su Xiaobai. All he knew was that back in school, she was the unattainable flower of Class 13, even of the entire Mingzhu No. 2 High School. Cold and aloof, like a lotus flower that had bloomed at the feet of a Buddha in the heavens—distant and noble, giving people an impression of being hard to approach. Even if someone wanted to strike up a conversation, just standing in front of her would inevitably make them feel a sense of inferiority.
Therefore, many of the boys at Mingzhu No. 2 secretly admired Su Xiaobai, but only a few dared to take action. They knew well that she was like an unbreakable stone, and no one would be foolish enough to smash their heads against it. Moreover, Cheng Dongdong was notorious for being a slacker during school, always getting into fights, skipping classes, and hanging out at internet cafes. He was in stark contrast to Su Xiaobai, who was the teacher's pet and a model student. It was a world apart, with different treatment for each. Cheng Dongdong had no intention of getting involved with someone like her—she wasn't in his circle, and even the smell of their farts would be different, so they wouldn't mix.
Today, seeing Su Xiaobai, Cheng Dongdong felt that she had changed a lot. Although she still didn't speak much during the dinner, she exuded a certain radiant aura, not referring to her appearance, but a kind of invisible atmosphere that came from within. Even when everyone was busy networking and chatting, she simply sipped her drink and listened to others talk nonsense. Occasionally, a pleasant smile would appear on her face, and her brows would lift with a lively sparkle. Cheng Dongdong wasn't sure if she was aware of it or if she was pretending, but her playful demeanor was undeniably captivating to men.
Cheng Dongdong was sitting in the front passenger seat, but his eyes kept shifting toward the rearview mirror, where he stole glances at Su Xiaobai. He noticed that since she got in the car, she hadn't said much but was engrossed in her phone. Li De, on the other hand, seemed worried and spoke up.
"Hey, Su Xiaobai, you're a big shot, what are you doing tagging along with us? We're going to some rough place, you're too classy to be in that crowd."
Su Xiaobai finally raised her head, gave a small smile, and said, "What's wrong with me going? How high and mighty am I, and how lowly are you? We're old classmates, if we start dividing ourselves into high and low ranks now, it's a waste of the three years we spent together. Besides, I haven't had anything to do recently. I've been on vacation and was getting bored. If it were a regular day, I'd probably be playing mahjong all night, so this isn't too late."
Li De twitched his mouth, surprised at how sharp-tongued Su Xiaobai had become. He barely said a word, and she immediately countered with a whole set of reasons. He grumbled and replied, "Goodness, this isn't just playing mahjong. If you're bored, we can plan something another time. If you want to go out, I, Li De, will gladly accompany you, even if I have to cancel a few million dollars worth of business."
Su Xiaobai laughed at his words, and Cheng Dongdong even showed a sly smile. After a few moments, Li De coughed awkwardly and said, "Of course, next time we can invite some old classmates. It'll be more fun with more people."
Cheng Dongdong knew that if he stayed silent, Li De would definitely change his mind and want to turn the car around. While others might not understand Li De, Cheng Dongdong knew him well. Li De had spent three months sitting next to Su Xiaobai in class, and he had always viewed her as a distant goddess. They say that every man has a woman in his heart—one who is unreachable yet constantly yearned for. Clearly, for Li De, that woman was Su Xiaobai. Even though he knew where they were going, he didn't want his goddess to be involved in such a scene.
So, Cheng Dongdong seized the opportunity to speak up. "Su Xiaobai, let me put it this way. The place we're heading to is not somewhere just anyone can go. Li De has made a lot of connections in the business world these past years, and to be honest, he's worth a few billion now." After saying this, he glanced at Li De.
Li De quickly put on a forced smile and said, "It's nothing, all just luck. And Dongdong has helped me out a lot with some troubles. It really helps to have someone with connections, right?" After saying this, Li De glanced at Cheng Dongdong. Though his words had a hint of flattery, there was no trace of true gratitude in his tone. Over the years, he and Cheng Dongdong had been more about mutual benefit—getting along when it suited them, and parting ways when it didn't.
Cheng Dongdong pulled out a cigarette and, seeing that Su Xiaobai didn't stop him, lit it up. After taking a relaxed puff, he continued, "These past couple of years, they've started organizing these underground matches around the western suburbs. It's not a card game or anything like that, it's a fighting match. And it's not something that just anyone can afford to get into. Not only can you lose everything, but they won't even care. The thing is, you have to have the capital to play, and that capital varies depending on the person. Just having money isn't enough—you need connections, an exit plan, someone to clean up your mess. Actually, bringing you in today to see for yourself isn't impossible, but you have to be prepared for what you'll see."
At that moment, Li De, who was driving, sighed. "These people really know how to play. Last time, it was Young Master Deng who won. His 'warrior' was fierce, won three rounds straight, and even the dealer couldn't hold his face. He ended up taking everything the dealer had. And funny enough, Young Master Deng isn't really into money—he's got plenty of that. He's not interested in getting people to do things for him either—he doesn't need any favors. What he enjoys is taking people's most treasured things. He's a true troublemaker, the ultimate punk."
As they spoke, the car had unknowingly entered the outer ring of the western suburbs. Li De, still uneasy, turned to Su Xiaobai again, secretly hoping she might change her mind and ask to be taken home. Unfortunately, Su Xiaobai seemed determined. Even though Cheng Dongdong had made it clear that the place they were going was a chaotic, dangerous one, Su Xiaobai's curiosity seemed piqued. From a distance, she could already see hundreds of cars parked in an open lot—various makes, some luxurious, some low-key, but among them were even a few jaw-dropping top-tier sports cars. It was clear that the people attending this event were not ordinary.
Li De parked the car, and Su Xiaobai followed suit, stepping out. The air in the suburbs had grown cold, and it was already late at night. A cool breeze brushed across her face, and she felt the chill. She scanned the area and noticed a factory about a hundred meters away that appeared to be abandoned.
Following Li De and Cheng Dongdong into the factory, they found it eerily empty. Just as she was puzzled, Cheng Dongdong, clearly familiar with the place, deftly navigated through a pile of rubble and revealed a staircase leading down.
It turned out the real secret was in the basement. Su Xiaobai followed Cheng Dongdong down, with Li De bringing up the rear. The three of them descended a rusted iron staircase, walking down for about a hundred meters before hearing a cacophony of sounds. When they pushed aside a red curtain, Su Xiaobai was stunned. The place was brightly lit, with hundreds of incandescent light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, which was about several dozen meters high. The layout resembled a small football field, with five tiers of seats arranged around it. The bottom tier had a square stage covered in red cloth.
The place was packed to about 80% capacity. The stage was empty, but the seats were bustling with people from all walks of life—some in suits, others in their work uniforms. Since the event hadn't started yet, everyone was busy chatting among themselves.
Cheng Dongdong and Li De found a somewhat secluded but well-positioned spot with a great view—this was a reserved spot. As soon as they sat down, Su Xiaobai heard a wave of excitement ripple through the crowd. The entire venue fell silent, and the air became so still that the sound of a pin dropping would have been audible. The atmosphere was thick with nervous and excited breaths.
Su Xiaobai's gaze followed the crowd's attention to the center below, and when she saw what was happening, her eyebrows couldn't help but furrow slightly.
To her surprise, it was a dog fighting competition.