Chapter 0015: Taking in a Little Brother

“This is getting interesting. I think Old Feng has his eye on him now, and he’ll definitely make him join the Martial Arts Association. Looks like our positions are in jeopardy,” Du Gu Feng said with a smile.

“The strong are respected. If he's stronger than us, he can become a war general. What I'm wondering is whether he has the strength to challenge the Heavenly King,” Long Ao Tian replied, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Heavenly King?” Du Gu Feng was stunned. “That monster? You know as well as I do, Zhang Xiaofan is no pushover, but there’s no way he can compete with the Heavenly King.”

“I can’t shake the feeling that Zhang Xiaofan is shrouded in mystery. Maybe it’s not impossible…” Long Ao Tian murmured.

Meanwhile, Bai Qi had already jumped onto the stage, his gaze toward Zhang Xiaofan filled only with respect.

“You really are strong. I admit defeat wholeheartedly.”

Bai Qi knew well that Zhang Xiaofan had held back; otherwise, he would have been seriously injured.

“Big Brother!”

Bai Qi knelt halfway, his booming voice echoing over the stage.

A true man keeps his word. Since Zhang Xiaofan had beaten him, he would honor his promise.

A chorus of exclamations rang out all around. Proud Bai Qi had actually accepted someone as his big brother, willingly becoming his follower.

“Get up. If you like, we can be friends. Of course, I’ll be the boss,” Zhang Xiaofan said with a smile. Bai Qi knew how to bend and stand tall; arrogant as he was, which capable man wasn’t a bit arrogant?

“I want you to teach me boxing.”

Bai Qi stated his wish directly.

“Of course, no problem. Trust me, your strength will soar under my guidance,” Zhang Xiaofan replied, exuding unspoken confidence.

Just then, a woman clad in a black tracksuit walked over, casting a flirtatious wink at Zhang Xiaofan. “Handsome, you’ve defeated Bai Qi. Will you join the Martial Arts Association? If you do, you’ll become one of the new Four Guardians.”

“Shouldn’t you tell me your name first, beautiful?” Zhang Xiaofan laughed lightly, admiring the nearly flawless figure beneath the black tracksuit.

“Oh my, daring to flirt with even your elder sister,” the tracksuit beauty laughed, her charm indescribable. “My name is Lan Hua. What do you think? I don’t have a boyfriend yet—want to be mine?”

“Sister, I’m still young,” Zhang Xiaofan replied with a wicked smile. “But if you like younger men, I wouldn’t mind.”

“Shoo! Are you saying I’m old?” Lan Hua rolled her eyes at Zhang Xiaofan, then got back to business. “Seriously, are you joining the Martial Arts Association or not?”

“If I join, does Bai Qi lose his spot among the Four Guardians?” Zhang Xiaofan asked.

“Yes, there are only four positions.”

“That’s no fun. I won’t join,” Zhang Xiaofan shrugged indifferently. He really didn’t care about the title, knowing it mattered much more to Bai Qi.

“Are you sure?” Lan Hua seemed to doubt her ears. To become one of the Four Guardians was a huge honor, yet he refused.

“Yes, I’m sure. Compared to being a Guardian, nothing is more important than brotherhood,” Zhang Xiaofan said seriously.

“Brother, I want you to join the Martial Arts Association,” Bai Qi spoke up, understanding Zhang Xiaofan’s intentions. “I’ll reclaim my place with my own strength. With yours, you’re more than qualified to be a war general.”

“What’s so great about the Martial Arts Association? Why are you so determined?” Zhang Xiaofan was puzzled—it was just a school organization.

“It’s an honor! Even ordinary members, upon graduation, have a good chance to enter the national special forces. That’s my dream!” Bai Qi’s eyes burned with passion. “And for me, there are many benefits, which can ease my academic burdens.”

“Alright, I’ll join.”

Zhang Xiaofan understood. With his strength, he didn’t need to care about empty titles, but he realized that refusing might leave Bai Qi feeling uneasy. Besides, having a bit of fame wasn’t bad—it certainly made picking up girls easier.

He laughed to himself.

“Good, from now on you’re one of the Four Guardians. Unless there’s an event, you’re totally free. And your sister is one of the Guardians too—maybe you can teach me a thing or two,” Lan Hua flashed him a series of seductive glances, and as she walked away, she deliberately brushed her shapely hip against his arm…

“Xiaofan!”

Just then, a beautiful figure darted toward Zhang Xiaofan like a swallow—the one and only Ye Qingcheng!

In front of everyone, she threw herself into Zhang Xiaofan’s arms…

It felt good, but Zhang Xiaofan was stunned. Was she a student here too?

And even if he’d seen her naked, wasn’t this a bit too intimate?

“Damn, look, isn’t that Ye Qingcheng, the campus belle from freshman year? What’s this guy’s story—Ye Qingcheng is throwing herself at him!”

“What’s happening in the world? Ye Qingcheng, usually cold as ice, actually favors a penniless high schooler!”

“She’s the precious daughter of the Ye family! What spell did he cast to win her? Does her family know?”

…

Not far away, Yin Rou Rou, who had walked almost halfway, felt a sour pang in her heart as she saw Ye Qingcheng hugging Zhang Xiaofan.

“Hmph! Sister Rou Rou, he’s just a playboy! Wait… when did he get involved with Ye Qingcheng from freshman year?” Wang Yuqing pouted and then looked confused, her face a canvas of mixed emotions.

Meanwhile, Liu Zifeng’s face twisted with rage. “That damn brat! I, Liu Zifeng, will never let you off!”

He slammed to his feet and stormed off!

Whether in the university or the high school, Liu Zifeng was a well-known figure, and everyone knew he was pursuing Ye Qingcheng. Now, in front of everyone, Ye Qingcheng had thrown herself at Zhang Xiaofan, as if slapping his face hard!

He’d lost face once at the Ye family, and now again today. His hatred for Zhang Xiaofan was beyond words.

He had already decided: no matter what, he would make Zhang Xiaofan pay, to ease his anger!

“Hey, Ye Qingcheng, how long are you going to hug me?” Zhang Xiaofan said calmly to the girl clinging to him.

“Hmph! You’ve seen everything, so what’s wrong with hugging you?” Ye Qingcheng pouted, making no move to let go.

Hearing this, Yin Rou Rou felt even more uncomfortable… Had they already reached that stage?

Bai Qi secretly marveled—worthy of being the boss, even the Ye family’s jewel had fallen for him!

Ye Qingcheng finally noticed the people around them and slowly released Zhang Xiaofan.

“You shameless rogue, give me your phone number. My grandfather wants to thank you,” Ye Qingcheng said, cheeks puffed. Ye Qingcheng’s grandfather was now fine, and he’d been searching for Zhang Xiaofan to express his gratitude.

“Hey, is that any way to talk to your benefactor?” Zhang Xiaofan rolled his eyes at Ye Qingcheng. “I don’t have a phone yet, but I’ll tell you when I do.”

After a pause, Zhang Xiaofan added, “Alright, I need to get back to class.”

He turned to Yin Rou Rou. “Class monitor, let’s go.”

Yin Rou Rou gave him a sideways glance, as if she didn’t want to speak with him.

Zhang Xiaofan was speechless—women were truly strange creatures.

Fine, if she won’t talk, he’d just go alone.

Watching Zhang Xiaofan walk off, Ye Qingcheng stamped her foot in frustration. But remembering he was at this school too, her beautiful eyes glimmered with unknown thoughts.

Bai Qi followed Zhang Xiaofan into the high school campus. Bai Qi was in Class 8 of Senior Year Three. After exchanging phone numbers, Zhang Xiaofan headed to his own class.

“Brother Fan!”

A voice called out to Zhang Xiaofan.

He turned to see Zhu Jianlong.

“Hm?” Zhang Xiaofan was puzzled.

“I want to follow you, let you be my big brother,” Zhu Jianlong said.

“Just because I helped you?” Zhang Xiaofan asked.

“That’s part of it. More importantly, I feel like I’ll have a brighter future following you, Brother Fan,” Zhu Jianlong said seriously. “My family isn’t well-off; finishing high school is already a blessing. I want to make my way in the world. I hope you can teach me some skills.”

“We’ll talk about it another day,” Zhang Xiaofan cut him off and walked into the classroom.

“Wow, Zhang Xiaofan is back—everyone, welcome him!”

As Zhang Xiaofan crossed the threshold, a cheer erupted. Looking up, it was the same person who’d mocked him before—what was his name again? Zhang Xiaofan had already forgotten.

With that voice, nearly every student in Senior Year Three, Class Two, looked at Zhang Xiaofan with awe.

The Four Guardians! Their class had produced one!

Many had mocked Zhang Xiaofan before, secretly worrying if he would take revenge. So, they all scrambled to flatter him.

Zhang Xiaofan ignored them, went to his seat, and promptly fell asleep.

There were only two afternoon classes, and they passed quickly.

At the sound of the school bell, the students flew out of the campus like swallows.

“School’s out! Still sleeping! Are you a pig?” Wang Yuqing shook Zhang Xiaofan, annoyed.

“Huh… school’s out… come on, let’s go shopping,” Zhang Xiaofan mumbled as he got up—it was time to buy a phone.

“I’m telling you, I have no money!” Wang Yuqing instinctively hugged her bag, thinking Zhang Xiaofan was about to extort her.

“Please, I’ve got money!” Zhang Xiaofan rolled his eyes at her and strode out.

Just outside the school gate, he saw a group of street thugs seemingly surrounding a student. Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t be bothered—there were injustices every day; if he got involved in all of them, he’d never have time.

“Xiaofan… That looks like Chen Bing.”

“Chen Bing? The one from our class?”

Zhang Xiaofan paused, taking a closer look—it really was Chen Bing.