Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Chapter 1773: The Unbearable Zhang Kaiyuan

Everyone wanted to say this sentence, but they all felt that it was inappropriate to say. They had all recommended Zhang Kaiyuan to say a few words before they ate, but no one thought that he would talk endlessly. This made everyone a little frustrated!

However, Zhang Kaiyuan was a person whom they all acknowledged. So, no one thought that it was right to criticize him. However, that didn’t mean that they were not discontent

Nobody dared to say anything except for Little Wang. Little Wang didn’t need to give any face to Zhang Kaiyuan. Little Wang saw that Yang Ming was frowning a little from Zhang Kaiyuan’s endless speech, so he stood up and shouted.

Zhang Kaiyuan was passionately reciting his prepared speech. He had just reached the most exciting part and was elated. When he heard such a cold shout, he was immediately pulled back to reality from his fantasy!

Who is this impolite person? How dare he interrupt my speech! Zhang Kaiyuan hated this. Although he didn’t stop speaking, the sudden interruption made him forget some of his really good improvisations completely.

Zhang Kaiyuan looked hatefully for the target who shouted among the crowd, and he immediately saw Little Wang’s sarcastic face! What in the world. It’s him again! Zhang Kaiyuan felt terribly embarrassed. He was played with several times this day by someone who used to be just a little security guard!

However, Zhang Kaiyuan also didn’t dare to express his dissatisfaction. This was because Little Wang was no longer an ordinary security guard, and was now the Security Chief and the Logistic Department’s Deputy Manager of Ming Yang Entertainment. Little Wang’s identity was much more powerful than his identity as the CEO of a small trading company.

Zhang Kaiyuan was particularly afraid of Little Wang’s background as a security guard. There’s a saying that goes, “there is no reasoning when an academic meets a soldier”. In the face of barbaric men like this, Zhang Kaiyuan would always try his best to not offend them.

However, Zhang Kaiyuan had put this account onto Yang Ming. In his opinion, Yang Ming was just a good-for-nothing rich prodigal child. At that time, all he needed to do was pull some tricks and Yang Ming would be terrified!

When he thought of this, Zhang Kaiyuan’s heart felt a little better. Otherwise, he would die suppressing it. Now, he could only use Yang Ming’s future troubles to satisfy his fantasy.

Zhang Kaiyuan cleared his throat and continued his speech. He had just reached the best part, so he didn’t want to stop. He simply ignored Little Wang and pretended that he didn’t hear anything.

In fact, Little Wang was still somewhat nervous when he shouted earlier. He was afraid that Yang Ming would think that he was boastful. However, from a different perspective, this was a kind of gamble. A gamble that guessed the boss’s thoughts. If he correctly guessed Yang Ming’s thoughts, Yang Ming would definitely value him even more in the future.

However, Yang Ming was indeed a little annoyed that Zhang Kaiyuan was merely bragging on stage without any serious notes. This made Yang Ming incredibly uncomfortable, almost to the point where his ears would grow calluses. Just as he was thinking about what to do about it, Little Wang shouted. This, in turn, saved Yang Ming from the trouble of opening his mouth.

He glanced at Little Wang appreciatively, and nodded slightly.

Little Wang seemed to have been injected with some sort of stimulant when he noticed Yang Ming’s encouraging gaze. His body was in a state of extreme excitement. “Zhang Kaiyuan, you are pretty shameless. We let you go on stage just to give you face as a former organizing committee member and a sponsor for this current class reunion. However, it’s a little unreasonable for you to speak endlessly. Do you really think that you are the most successful person? It is clear in everyone’s eyes. The most successful person is our CEO Jing, not a brat like you!”

Wang Lin’s merciless swearing interrupted Zhang Kaiyuan’s speech abruptly, and all the classmates present went silent! Although they had all seen the scene outside the resort and knew that there were some disputes between Wang Lin and Zhang Kaiyuan, they didn’t expect that their conflict would escalate to this point. Judging by the current situation, Wang Lin had no intention to save any face for Zhang Kaiyuan and was already planning to fall out with him.

Zhang Kaiyuan did not expect that Wang Lin would scold him so explicitly. He had even used the word “brat”. This made it difficult for Zhang Kaiyuan to back off. He stood on the stage, finding it hard to step down.

In fact, Wang Lin’s words represented the thoughts of many classmates here. They came here to gather and have fun, not to listen to Zhang Kaiyuan blabber. Their work had no relation at all to Zhang Kaiyuan, nor did they think that forming a good relationship with Zhang Kaiyuan would benefit them in any way. There was only a small group of people who were able to form a profitable connection with Zhang Kaiyuan. Only this group of people were genuinely interested in getting close to Zhang Kaiyuan.

So, Wang Lin’s few words had caused the current static atmosphere. Finally, one of the few people sitting at the first table close to Zhang Kaiyuan stood up. “Kaiyuan, I think everyone is hungry. How about we have our meal first? Although Brother Wang Lin spoke a little aggressively, you shouldn’t mind it.”

Zhang Kaiyuan nodded and glanced at this person with gratitude. He then used this opportunity to silently step off the stage. At this moment, there was nothing he could say. If he were to say anything more, it would only increase the awkwardness.

The reunion Zhang Kaiyuan had originally planned and longed for had been ruined by Wang Lin. Its outcome was far worse than what Zhang Kaiyuan expected, and it had even played a huge negative role.

If he knew this, he would have only invited the few who he had good relationships with to have a meal together. Why would he organize some class reunion? However, there was no use to think about the what-ifs. Zhang Kaiyuan had forgotten his initial purpose. The reason he organized this reunion was to show off his achievements in front of his former classmates!

Wang Lin still wanted to say something but was stopped by Yang Ming. Yang Ming gestured at him to stop and then said to Wang Lin, “Enough. There is no need to continue.”

“Yes, Brother Yang,” Wang Lin said quickly and respectfully after hearing him.

“I think this Kaiyuan is not some generous person, but a narrow-minded person instead. I’m afraid that he will be unforgiving. Be careful,” Yang Ming warned.

“Him?” Wang Lin shook his head disdainfully. “I’m really not afraid of him. He’s a weakling., I can fight three of him!”

“In any case, you should be careful,” Yang Ming warned lightly.

“Got it.” Wang Lin nodded.

The meal took place in a highly depressing atmosphere. Many of the events Zhang Kaiyuan prepared had to be canceled. However, since the host Yu Zhai had left, there was nothing they could do. Zhang Kaiyuan also couldn’t find another host on such short notice. However, even the event where Zhang Kaiyuan would toast at each table had also been canceled. How could the current Zhang Kaiyuan possibly have the face to toast at each table?

Although the people at his table kept comforting him, telling him not to be petty with the security guard, Little Wang, who came from a crude background. However, Zhang Kaiyuan still held a grudge.

The people at the back who didn’t have much conflict of interest with Zhang Kaiyuan were a lot more at ease. Many people had their own little circles. They were eating and drinking happily. Therefore, the people who had good relationships with Zhang Kaiyuan were eating somewhat depressed at the front, and the people at the back were eating extremely happily. It was the exact opposite situation to previous years.

Every year, the tables near Zhang Kaiyuan would be extremely eventful, and the other tables would be envious and jealous. However, these people also knew their place, and dared not go near nor try to overshadow them. However, there was a huge difference this year.

The more toward the back they were, the more the classmates who were not extremely flourishing felt relieved! In the past years, their tables never seemed to be acknowledged by anyone. They were free to eat and drink on their own. However, due to Little Wang’s few words this year, these people ate extremely happily. Cheers filled the air, and they had become one of the most lively tables.

As for Zhang Kaiyuan, he became more and more gloomy. Finally, he could no longer hold it in. He came up with an excuse to go to the restroom, and walked to the resort’s entrance.

Zhang Kaiyuan hesitated for a while, but finally took out his cell phone and dialed a number.

“Brother De? I’m Zhang Kaiyuan,” Zhang Kaiyuan said nervously.

“Zhang Kaiyuan? Who? I don’t know you.” After listening to Zhang Kaiyuan’s name on the phone, the person on the other end of the phone was a little impatient and wanted to hang up.

“Wait a minute, Brother De. It’s me, Zhang Laofu’s son!” Zhang Kaiyuan reported his father’s nickname quickly.

Chapter 1774: Asking for Brother De’s Help

“Oh? Zhang Laofu’s son? Zhang Xiaonao?” Brother De’s tone became normal after hearing Zhang Laofu’s name.

“It’s me, it’s me, Brother De!” Although Zhang Kaiyuan didn’t like the nickname Zhang Xiaonao, there was nothing he could do. His father liked calling him “Zhang Xiaonao” in front of outsiders. As for the people who didn’t know that his original name was Zhang Kaiyuan, they would call him “Zhang Xiaonao” as his father did.

“Oh, what’s the matter?” Brother De said calmly after confirming Zhang Xiaonao’s identity.

Brother De was an old townsman from Zhang Kaiyuan’s father’s hometown. He was an underworld punk. A few years ago, it was said that he was doing pretty good outside of town. For unknown reasons, he returned to his hometown and was even severely injured.

After he healed from his injuries, he began to go rampant in his hometown. Soon, he recruited men and made a gang in the village. A few days ago during the new year, Zhao Laofu brought Zhang Kaiyuan back to his hometown to celebrate. He then got to know Brother De when they went gambling in a fellow townsman’s house.

Speaking of this Brother De, he was Zhang Laofu’s distant cousin in terms of seniority. However, since Brother De was pretty influential in the village, Zhang Laofu didn’t dare to be arrogant. He would always call him Brother De, and so would Zhang Kaiyuan.

This seniority seemed a bit messy, but people in the community liked calling others brothers. Brother De was no exception.

Zhang Laofu and Zhang Kaiyuan were the same. They were both talented people. Zhang Kaiyuan felt that Brother De was extremely influential in his hometown, and thought that there would be a time that he might be able to use him.

In recent years, Zhang Laofu felt that it was far more difficult to make money in big cities than in small places if he didn’t have good relations and social connections. In small places, he would be able to find his relatives throughout the area. They would all be somewhat involved no matter how far away they were. It would be a lot easier to deal with matters. So, he had the idea of returning home and starting a big business.

If he were to start a business back home, he would have to form good relationships with the underworld punks to prevent them from causing trouble. Brother De was also a distant cousin. It was a good opportunity for him to form a good relationship.

Therefore, Zhang Laofu called Zhang Kaiyuan, Brother De, and one of Brother De’s assistants for mahjong during the new year. Hinted by Zhang Laofu, Zhang Kaiyuan purposefully lost a lot of money to Brother De.

Thanks to this, Brother De had a good impression of the father and son. He patted his chest and gave his word that he would definitely help out with any matters if he could if they gave him a single phone call.

This was why Zhang Kaiyuan thought of Brother De this time. Zhang Kaiyuan didn’t know many people from the underworld. The only person he knew was Brother De. Zhang Kaiyuan knew that his father had a huge favor to seek from Brother De. He also knew that asking Brother De to help him with his matter meant that they would need to invest more money in the future for Brother De’s favor. But Zhang Kaiyuan could not suppress this anger!

If he didn’t give Yang Ming an unforgettable lesson, he wouldn’t be able to sleep in peace. So, he decided to trouble Brother De this time after some hesitation. Otherwise, he might be suppressed to the point of falling sick!

“Brother De, I do have something I need your help with. I wonder if you are free?” Zhang Kaiyuan asked carefully. He wasn’t sure if he was able to instruct Brother De. After all, it was his father who contacted Brother De during the new year. Although he was the one who lost money to Brother De, Brother De could probably tell that he only did it because of his father’s instructions.

“Oh? What is the matter? Tell me, and let’s see if I can handle it.” Brother De indeed had a good impression of this father-and-son pair. After all, they were his distant relatives. Plus, they had lost over a hundred thousand yuan to him during the new year. Brother De very much appreciated this.

Brother De was extremely influential in their hometown where he owned a hair salon and a disco hall. However, he was recruiting men at this time. There was no doubt that he needed a huge amount of money. Who would care about you if you had no money?

Just when Brother De needed money the most, Zhang Laofu and his son gave him more than a hundred thousand yuan. Although it wasn’t much, it solved his immediate crisis. How could Brother De not be grateful?

This was why Brother De was so patient with Zhang Kaiyuan.

Brother De had a secret that he had not told anyone. It was the reason he returned so suddenly to his hometown, and the reason he got injured! He didn’t tell anyone about this, not even the people he was closest to!

Because, this was a permanent pain deep inside Brother De’s heart. He was attacked and shooed away by others! He had almost died in a foreign place, and he would have long been dead if one of his brothers didn’t sacrifice himself to protect him.

The original majestic Brother De was like an abandoned dog. He was expelled from the cosmopolitan city in which he had made glorious achievements, and returned to his little hometown. After his injuries were healed, Brother De started to recruit men.

Brother De’s ultimate goal was not to rampage through the village, but to make a comeback! He wanted to let the person who humiliated him die horrifically! He wanted revenge. He wanted to get back what he lost!

Of course, Brother De didn’t tell anyone his thoughts. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to say it. He just thought that it wasn’t time yet! He was afraid that people would spread it out, and that his enemy might get the news. At that time, they might look for him relentlessly. Currently, he was no match for them!

So, Brother De was like other big bullies in the countryside, living a life of drunken dreams and leading a group of brothers to do some business. Although it was somewhat illegal, it could be covered up easily.

Receiving Zhang Kaiyuan’s call at this time reignited Brother De’s thoughts. If he could persuade this pair to invest in a company back in their hometown, he would make quite a bit of profit. It didn’t have to be much. Even a little was enough.

It should be known that Zhang Laofu indeed had this thought. If he put forward this idea earlier, he might not even have needed to give out that hundred thousand yuan.

“Brother De, I’m having a class reunion. However, the girl I like is getting close with another guy. That guy looks down on me. I want to teach him a lesson.” Zhang Kaiyuan didn’t try to conceal it. These were things that Brother De could definitely find out about. If he were to conceal it intentionally, Brother De would definitely not let him go.

“Oh, this.” Brother De sighed. He thought this was nothing big. He had taught a lot of people similar lessons back in his village. Hence, he said, “What is that person’s background?”

“He’s a rich prodigal child. His family is pretty rich,” Zhang Kaiyuan said. “He has his own company now.”

“Oh? Does he not have any bodyguards or thugs around?” Brother De was very careful. As soon as he heard that it was a rich prodigal child, he subconsciously thought about whether he had experts around him.

“His company’s security chief followed him, but we can choose to attack when they are not together,” said Zhang Kaiyuan.

“Just one follower?” Brother De breathed a sigh of relief immediately. It didn’t matter if it was the company’s security chief of a company. So what if this one person was extremely good at fighting? All he had to do was bring a few brothers with him.

“There’s someone else. He is a manager of some property company. He used to be a punk as well,” Zhang Kaiyuan suddenly remembered Bi Hai, and told Brother De quickly.

“That’s fine,” Brother De said indifferently after listening. “It’s fine even if they are there.”

“So Brother De, are you agreeing to help me?” Zhang Kaiyuan was overjoyed when he heard Brother De’s agreeable tone.

“I can handle this. There is no problem with helping you,” Brother De laughed. “When?”

“The sooner the better. It’s best if it is tonight. I can’t bear it for another moment!” Zhang Kaiyuan said emotionally. “Brother De, do you know how they humiliated me? They made me unable to get off the stage in front of so many classmates.”

“Okay, wait for me to bring a few brothers over. Where are you? Don’t tell me that you are in Song Jiang?” Brother De asked.