Chapter 43: Don't Pretend to Be What You're Not

“Brother Zhang, I'm a Taekwondo 8th Dan, so you'd better be careful.”

Inside the Lin Corporation’s gym, the spacious area was filled with all kinds of fitness equipment. On a floor of expensive panels, Zhao Kai had already changed into his gear, rubbing his fists together and occasionally demonstrating a few difficult moves.

The gym was large enough, and since it was lunchtime, quite a few people were around. Zhao Kai was hardly a stranger to them. His Taekwondo 8th Dan had already floored countless people here, all actors brought in by Vice President Lin, including plenty who knew their way around a fight.

“This kid’s in trouble... I was wondering why Vice President Lin was hanging onto him at lunch. Turns out he’s just a fake boyfriend she brought in.”

“Just watch quietly. If Vice President Lin hears you, she’ll fire you in no time.”

The people nearby whispered amongst themselves. To be fair, Zhao Kai was the sort who came from a good family, was handsome, could fight, and was the heartthrob of many female employees, as well as the idol of many men at the company.

As for Zhang Xiaofan, meeting him for the first time, most didn’t think much of him. In their eyes, the young man couldn’t be more than twenty—how could he be a match for Zhao Kai?

“It’s fine, I wouldn’t be scared even if a Taekwondo black belt stood before me,” Zhang Xiaofan replied calmly, rubbing his nose. Secretly, he thought, show off all you like, just hurry up.

“Heh, seems you’re quite confident, Brother Zhang. But let me remind you: if you lose, you’ll have to leave Siyue’s side.” Zhao Kai remained impassive, thinking to himself that Zhang was still putting on airs at this stage.

“Aren’t we fighting yet? If not, I need to get back to work,” Zhang Xiaofan said impatiently.

“Alright! As you wish!” Zhao Kai wasn’t about to let Zhang Xiaofan find an excuse to walk away. Earlier in the French restaurant, this guy had drunk fifty thousand of his money and cost him face—he couldn’t just let that go.

With that, Zhao Kai charged at Zhang Xiaofan, his lower leg and knee joint thrusting forward and upward, aiming straight for Zhang Xiaofan’s chin in a textbook front kick.

Zhao Kai’s Taekwondo skills were indeed impressive: his movements precise and forceful. But couldn’t he go a little faster? Was he putting on a show?

Zhang Xiaofan moved swiftly, his foot striking Zhao Kai’s shin with a sudden kick. Instantly, Zhao Kai’s leg changed angle, and with astonishing speed, it touched his own head, his legs now at a full one hundred eighty degree split.

The intense sensation of torn muscles made Zhao Kai cry out in pain, his body collapsing uncontrollably.

So this was the legendary Taekwondo 8th Dan...

More like a one-second man...

The loud crash as his body hit the floor made those nearby realize Zhao Kai had been instantly defeated—a Taekwondo 8th Dan taken down in a second.

“Brother Zhao? Are you alright? You’re a Taekwondo 8th Dan, after all.”

Zhang Xiaofan hurried over, his tone full of concern. “Your footing seemed unstable—are you injured?”

Zhao Kai’s face darkened. Was it really his footing? The force behind that kick... the speed...

A perfect act of playing the fool.

Zhao Kai had asked for this, seeking out Zhang Xiaofan for a bout. Now he could only swallow his pride.

Still, Zhao Kai refused to accept defeat. He believed he had underestimated Zhang, that it was merely a matter of speed and strength—nothing compared to real technique.

Suppressing the pain, he sprang up with a kip-up. “Brother Zhang, I slipped just now. Let’s go again.”

He’d seen shameless people before, but never quite like this. Lying outright, claiming he’d just slipped when he’d been floored in one kick.

Fine, if he wanted another round, Zhang would make sure he couldn’t get up again—clearly, he’d been too gentle.

“Zhang Xiaofan, beat him up!” Lin Siyue cheered from the side, her fists clenched in excitement.

She turned to Lin Siyu beside her. “Cousin, your bodyguard is amazing. Why not give him to me?”

“He’s not someone I hired—Grandfather arranged for him from higher up,” Lin Siyu shook her head. “Besides, this guy’s a bit of a flirt—aren’t you scared?”

“Heh, what man isn’t? He’s so good at fighting—if anyone bothers me in the future, I’ll have him beat them up,” Lin Siyue replied with a grin.

Lin Siyu was speechless. “I’ll ask him later, see if he’s willing.”

At that moment, Zhang Xiaofan looked at Zhao Kai. “Indeed, these panels are slippery. Brother Zhao, try again—make sure to keep your footing this time.”

Zhao Kai thought to himself, now that he knew Zhang’s skills, he wouldn’t underestimate him again.

“Watch carefully!”

With a shout, Zhao Kai quickly charged forward, launching himself into the air with a 360-degree single-leg whirlwind kick. Taekwondo was famous for its elegant leg techniques, but as with all martial arts, they required strength and speed.

It was clear Zhao Kai’s high-level move was more for show—like his illness: weak and powerless...

It might work against an average opponent, but against someone like Zhang Xiaofan, it was like brandishing a broadsword before Guan Yu.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaofan leapt forward, breaking Zhao Kai’s attack range and rhythm. His body shifted sideways as he jumped, rising nearly a meter high.

Where was he?

Zhao Kai’s vision lost track of Zhang Xiaofan, and he immediately sensed trouble. Zhang’s seemingly simple move was astonishingly fast, as if it came naturally.

Just as Zhao Kai realized something was wrong, Zhang Xiaofan’s airborne kick landed squarely in his stomach. The force was immense, and Zhao Kai’s lunch was kicked out of him, leaving him utterly disgraced.

Under the enormous force, Zhao Kai’s body was lifted another meter. To the onlookers, it was as if Zhang Xiaofan were kicking a soccer ball—the Taekwondo 8th Dan seemed to have no way to fight back.

Zhao Kai’s body reached its peak and then quickly crashed down. Just before hitting the floor, Zhang Xiaofan delivered another kick, truly like a soccer ball, sending him sliding seven or eight meters across the panels before finally stopping.

Hoo...

Everyone in the gym gasped—it was incredible. Vice President Lin had found a real tough guy this time!

“Ha! Beautiful!” Lin Siyue cheered, jumping with excitement. She’d finally seen that annoying guy beaten down—now he’d think twice about boasting his Taekwondo 8th Dan in front of her.

Lin Siyu, on the other hand, showed no surprise at Zhang Xiaofan’s prowess. She’d witnessed him kill someone that morning; compared to that, teaching someone a lesson was nothing.

Besides, the people from that morning weren’t ones a mere Taekwondo 8th Dan could compare to.

“Young Master Zhao? Are you alright? Are you hurt?” Zhang Xiaofan called out from a distance, watching Zhao Kai moaning on the floor. He wanted to laugh—serves him right for showing off—but he held back, maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor.

Zhao Kai wanted to say, how could he not be hurt, how could he be fine? Couldn’t Zhang have gone easier? But he could only think these things, feeling as though his organs were about to relocate, leaving him with no strength to speak.

At that moment, Zhao Kai’s followers rushed over. Seeing him beaten so badly, they immediately pointed at Zhang Xiaofan. “Kid, you dare hit the deputy mayor’s son? You’ve got guts!”

“Ah…”

But before he finished, he cried out in pain—Zhang Xiaofan had broken his finger with brute force.

“No one dares point fingers at me. You’re just a dog—take your master and get out,” Zhang said coldly, kicking him away.

That guy had always been arrogant, following Zhao Kai around, but had never met someone this fierce. Even the deputy mayor’s status couldn’t scare Zhang Xiaofan.

Just wait, you’ll get yours. But he could only grumble silently—if Zhao Kai was already beaten like this, offending Zhang further would be even worse.

Several of them hurriedly lifted Zhao Kai and scurried out, like drowned rats.

As the saying goes, never show off, or you’ll get struck down…

“Ha ha, that was impressive!” At that moment, Lin Siyue walked up to Zhang Xiaofan, patting his shoulder. “From now on, I’ve got your back—stick with me.”

“I think you’ve got it wrong. Starting now, you’re my girlfriend,” Zhang Xiaofan replied, a wicked smile curling his lips.

“Oh? How come I didn’t know about that?” Lin Siyue immediately feigned ignorance.

“Don’t know? Then I’ll go tell Zhao Kai, clarify things, and leave you be,” he teased—she was outmatched.

“You…” Lin Siyue was furious. This guy had just played along, and now he was going off script.

“I can be your girlfriend, but… you can’t touch me, and there’s a three-day trial period. If you don’t perform well, don’t blame me,” Lin Siyue said, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

“Fine, I won’t argue. But don’t come looking for me when you need help. I’m off to work.” Zhang Xiaofan knew Lin Siyue was bent on playing games. He’d only stepped in for fun, not seriously seeking her as a girlfriend.

Besides, there was plenty of time ahead—she’d surely need him eventually, like with her congenital heart disease.

“You said it, not me. So I’m not the one backing out,” Lin Siyue said, a look of triumph on her face.

Zhang Xiaofan shot her a look and went upstairs with Lin Siyu.

In Lin Siyu’s CEO office, Zhang Xiaofan lounged on the leather sofa, legs crossed.

To be a bodyguard at this level—he was truly impressive.

The beautiful CEO sat beside him, pouring him a glass of water. Needing his help, she had to set aside her usual cool demeanor and be polite.

“Zhang Xiaofan, please help my cousin. Don’t let her cheery appearance fool you—she’s been hiding her worries for years, suffering from this illness. I know you have the ability to help,” Lin Siyu said earnestly.

“Miss Lin, to be honest, I’m only responsible for your safety—anything else isn’t in my job description,” Zhang Xiaofan replied.

“What will it take for you to help? I’ll pay any amount,” Lin Siyu said.

“Heh, I don’t care about money. If I wanted it, plenty of people would line up to give it to me. If that little girl comes begging, I’ll help her—how’s that?” Zhang Xiaofan smiled.

Lin Siyu’s flawless face grew awkward—so Zhang Xiaofan was still holding a grudge about Zhao Kai at lunch…

“Alright, I’ll go talk to her,” Lin Siyu agreed, helplessly nodding.

“I forgot to ask this morning—who was trying to kill me?” Lin Siyu asked.

“They weren’t after you—they were after me.” Zhang Xiaofan’s expression grew serious. “Let me tell you in advance: tonight, go to your grandfather's place. I have something to take care of.”

“What is it?” Lin Siyu asked.

“To kill someone!”