Chapter 108 – The Exquisite Gentleman

The morning after we arrived, I woke up early, freshened up with the two girls, and we stepped out of the hotel wearing our new Fourth High School uniforms. Led by our instructor, we headed straight for the Youth Cultural Palace square in Beijing. The square was already packed with a sea of people—audiences waiting for the National Computer Competition.

Most of these spectators were young, though there was no shortage of middle-aged and elderly people among them. While China might have lagged behind in some areas, it placed immense importance on computer technology. Perhaps it was the hard-learned lesson after realizing the power of technology too late, or perhaps it was because computers had become one of the high-tech products the nation was vigorously promoting. Regardless, the belief that "to be backward is to be beaten" was deeply rooted in the heart of every Chinese citizen. Among the youth, there were countless computer enthusiasts—whether they were into gaming, programming, or simply surfing the web—and they had all turned out for this annual grand event.

Our instructor, also participating in such a national competition for the first time, was visibly nervous. He actually got lost trying to navigate the temporary venue erected in the massive square, leaving the two girls and me stranded, waiting for him to find the contestants' entrance.

"Xiao Qiang, I'm a little nervous wondering what the exam questions will be like," Senior Fu Ming said. Her beautiful, quiet face, framed by a neat, ear-length bob, turned toward me with a slight smile. Her bright eyes seemed to reveal a touch of admiration as she added, "I wish I were as talented as you. If I could win a national prize, I’m sure Grandpa would be overjoyed."

"Haha, you’ll definitely do it. I believe in you." I smiled at Fu Ming. Despite the slight awkwardness of the previous day, since she—a girl—wasn't feeling shy, I, a grown man, certainly wouldn't dwell on it.

"Bad guy! What about me? I want to win a medal and show it off to my dad, too. If I win, my dad and grandpa will surely be happy," Chu Qitong chimed in, leaning her lovely face toward me. Her shoulder-length hair was pinned up today, making her appear much more mature.

"Who are you? Hmm, just a nobody. Go home and practice for a few more years before coming back," I said, intentionally trying to rile her up. It seemed that after the plane crash incident, she had recovered well and was back to her usual lively, joking self.

"You... you stinky Xiao Qiang! Why should I go home? Am I really that incompetent? Hmph, just you wait! I’ll definitely make you look at me with new eyes today!" Provoked by my words, Chu Qitong angrily waved her small, fair fist and glared at me in defiance.

"Sure, sure. Getting into the top ten would be a good start. Good luck," I said dismissively, pretending not to hear her.

"You... you’re infuriating! Why did I ever meet a big jerk like you? Hmph, I’m not talking to you anymore!" As Chu Qitong made a move to walk away, I quickly reached out to stop her, coaxing, "Alright, alright, I was just joking. Do you have to take it so seriously? Let’s say you win first place, how about that? You’re so competitive—be careful, or you'll never find a husband."

The moment those words left my mouth, I knew I’d messed up. I tried to explain, but I already felt Chu Qitong give my waist a vicious pinch. "Whether I get married or not is none of your business! You just focus on treating Su Xin well!"

"Alright, alright, my lady, I spoke out of turn, okay?" I feigned pain, rubbing the spot on my waist that had been ravaged, and looked at her with a wronged expression. "It was just a joke, did you have to hit so hard?"

Seeing my reaction, Chu Qitong huffed, turned her head away, and ignored me. I gave a bitter smile and didn't try to engage her further—who knew what this girl might do if she flared up again.

"Young Master Wang, look over there. Aren't those two girls quite something?" Just as the cold war between Chu Qitong and me was in full swing, a young man's voice drifted over from nearby. I followed the sound to see two boys standing about ten meters away. They were both wearing blue, Western-style casual suits with a circular emblem on the chest—clearly a school uniform, though of a much higher grade than the ones we were wearing. The speaker was the one on the right, a shifty-eyed character whispering to his companion—a boy who, while decent-looking, wore a face of arrogance and haughtiness. This "Young Master Wang" was staring right at Fu Ming and Chu Qitong. Judging by his greedy expression, this playboy was looking for trouble.

Sure enough, within seconds, the two approached us. Young Master Wang wore a look he clearly thought was charming, but which struck me as lecherous. "Beautiful classmates, you must be contestants for the National Computer Competition, right?"

I remained silent. Chu Qitong, looking impatient, scanned Young Master Wang up and down, then turned her head away as if he didn't exist, delivering a line that nearly made the guy choke: "Duh. Even an idiot knows that everyone competing is wearing a uniform. Your pick-up line is truly pathetic, isn't it?"

"Huh?" Young Master Wang’s rehearsed lines seemed to freeze in his throat. I had a sudden urge to burst out laughing. Getting into a verbal sparring match with Chu Qitong? No one stood a chance! The poor guy seemed not to realize it yet. As he stood there speechless, his lackey chimed in: "Don't misunderstand, ladies. This is the famous Young Master Wang from the New Century Aristocratic School in Beijing. Looking at your uniforms, you must be from out of town. Young Master Wang just wanted to make friends with two beautiful ladies like yourselves..."

"Xiao Qiang, there are two flies here. How annoying. Let's head inside," Fu Ming said, intentionally ignoring the lackey as she grabbed her bag and motioned for me to leave. The "two flies" clearly referred to Young Master Wang and his friend.

"Hmph, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Do you know who I am? How dare you disrespect me like this! Don't think you’re so special just because you’re a bit pretty. Let me tell you, there isn't a woman I want who hasn't eventually given in!" Young Master Wang finally snapped, his face turning bright red. "Seeing as you’re so beautiful, I’ll let that slide. How about this: hang out with me after the competition?"

"Get lost! You shameless thing!" Chu Qitong glared at him coldly and sneered, "Who do you think you are? You think you can just come and hit on us looking like that?"

"You..." Young Master Wang was livid; he clearly hadn't expected a woman to insult him like that. To be fair, he wasn't ugly, but Chu Qitong’s words made him tremble with rage. He raised his hand, intending to slap her, but I immediately stepped in and gripped his wrist tightly.

"My friend, a gentleman uses his words, not his hands. Don't push your luck." I gripped his wrist, applying more pressure as I spoke. He winced in pain and tried to shake me off, snarling through gritted teeth, "Fine! You've got guts! Just you wait, you pair of mongrels. I, Wang Shaohua, will make sure you—ow!"

Before he could finish, the increasing pressure of my grip made him unable to utter another word. Fu Ming frowned slightly and whispered to me, "Let it go, Xiao Qiang. A lesson is enough. Beijing is not like C City; there are many children of high-ranking officials here. It’s best not to provoke them."

I nodded slightly and released his hand. Feeling the sudden relief of pain, Wang Shaohua didn't retreat in fear; instead, he balled his fist and swung at me! Now I was getting annoyed. Was this guy trying to get himself killed? I didn't say a word. I easily dodged his punch and kicked him, sending him sprawling to the ground. I had taken Fu Ming's advice and didn't want to cause a scene; otherwise, a weakling like him would have been sent flying with a single kick!

"Ow..." Wang Shaohua clutched his stomach in pain, glaring at us with malevolence. "Don't you run! I’m not finished with you! You trash, call the men! I'm going to destroy them today!" The "trash" he addressed was his lackey, who scrambled to pull out his phone.

"Little Turtle Wang Shaohua, what's this? Bullying pretty girls again?" Just as I was about to step forward and teach him another lesson, a cold, mocking male voice came from behind him.

"Damn it, who the hell called me a little turtle? You..." Wang Shaohua started to snap back, but as he turned and saw who it was, his body visibly shuddered. His angry expression turned pale, and he forced a sycophantic smile. "Oh, it's Young Master Song... hehehe..."

I looked in the direction of Wang Shaohua's gaze, and my eyes widened. Standing there were three boys in blue Western-style suits—clearly their school uniform. But what surprised me was the boy in the middle, the "Young Master Song" whom Wang Shaohua feared.

If I considered myself to have a scholarly, refined, and handsome appearance, then this Young Master Song was truly a one-in-a-hundred beauty. His handsomeness was on a level I couldn't compare to; I had never seen a boy so good-looking. To call him the most handsome man in the world wouldn't be an exaggeration. Even I, a man, felt a twinge of jealousy at his face, not to mention the women. I noticed Chu Qitong’s eyes filled with infatuation, while Fu Ming’s eyes held a hint of appreciation, though there was also a faint, inscrutable smile.

"Knowing I’m here, why haven't you scrammed yet? Do you want to end up in the hospital like your brother?" Young Master Song arched his elegant brows, flashing a handsome, dashing smile. "If I catch you bullying beauties again, the consequences won't be as simple as today's. Understand?"

"Yes, yes, I’m leaving now... Young Master Song, goodbye, goodbye..." Wang Shaohua, clearly terrified, nodded repeatedly at him. After throwing a cold, hateful glance at us, he dragged his lackey away and vanished in a flash.

"Ming Ming, long time no see. I heard you transferred to C City. How have things been lately?" Young Master Song flashed a dazzling smile at Fu Ming, greeting her as if they were old friends.

Huh? They knew each other? No wonder he helped us. I thought to myself, well, that made sense. Why would a wealthy heir like this waste his time playing the hero for strangers? Now I was truly puzzled. This guy was incredibly handsome, and judging by Wang Shaohua’s fear, his background must be formidable. If Fu Ming knew someone like him, why would she be interested in a nobody like me?

"Yes, it has been a while, Young Master Song. You look radiant; it seems you’ve had a comfortable time while I was away from Beijing," Fu Ming replied, maintaining her expression as she looked at him and his two companions. "You have a good eye, being able to recognize me among so many people."

"Haha, Ming Ming, you’re too funny. A beauty like you standing in a crowd would be spotted by even a fool, not to mention that I was once infatuated with you—how could I not recognize you?" Young Master Song shrugged with effortless grace. "It’s just a pity you ran off to C City. Sigh, I miss the days we spent together."

"Pfft, you miss the days when I beat you up? It seems your bones are itching for another lesson," Fu Ming laughed, and the atmosphere lightened considerably. Young Master Song gave a wry smile. "Yes, being beaten by you used to be part of my daily routine. Oh, right, who are these two? Your classmates?"

"Not classmates, but schoolmates—my juniors," Fu Ming said, pointing at me. "This is Xiao Qiang. Xiao Qiang, this is Song Jie, the famous Young Master of the Song family in Beijing. He was my elementary school classmate."

In an instant, as those words left Fu Ming’s sweet lips, my face, which had been full of appreciation, froze. What? What? This graceful, handsome young man in front of me was the playboy Fu Ming’s brother had mentioned? The despicable, powerful rival who wanted to steal Su Xin from me? Was there some mistake?

From the moment Wang Shaohua called him "Young Master Song," a suspicion had flickered in my mind, but I had dismissed it because of his handsome face. I had assumed Song Jie would be a sinister, ugly villain. Who would have guessed he’d be this dashing, beautiful man? I was truly stunned, and my heart was filled with nothing but surprise and confusion.

"Your name is Xiao Qiang?" Song Jie asked after sizing me up, his voice tinged with surprise. "You’re the Xiao Qiang from C City’s Fourth High School, right?"

"Song Jie, you’re one of the 'Eight Young Masters of Beijing,' right?" I didn't answer his question. Instead, I stared at him, my eyes gradually turning cold. No matter how handsome he was, an enemy was an enemy. Mercy to an enemy was cruelty to oneself!

As those questions were exchanged, the atmosphere on the scene instantly turned icy, with the faint scent of gunpowder hanging in the air. Chu Qitong watched us with keen interest, while Fu Ming looked completely lost, her face full of confusion. She must have been wondering why Song Jie and I knew each other. Heh, if it weren't for Su Xin, perhaps we would have lived in two completely different worlds, never meeting in this lifetime! But because of her, we were destined to be enemies.

"Su Xin mentioned you. It’s a pity you’re far worse than I imagined. I wondered what kind of extraordinary person this Xiao Qiang was, to the point that even I, Song Jie, couldn't compare. It seems I was overthinking it," Song Jie said with a faint, cold sneer. "Su Xin’s taste is nothing special after all."

"Oh? Then I’m truly sorry to disappoint you," I replied with a cold smile. "But you, on the other hand, surprise me. I never expected an unlearned scion of a noble family—a playboy who spends his days in debauchery—to be so beautiful. You certainly look better than I imagined." I knew for a fact that Su Xin must have mentioned me when she was forced to visit Beijing to meet Song Jie during the National Day holiday, clearly trying to tell him she had a boyfriend and didn't want to be with him.

"How dare you speak to me like that!" As soon as I finished, Song Jie’s two lackeys barked at me angrily. I shrugged. "Sorry, that’s just my personality. Your young master is clearly the type who looks good but is useless."

"Heh, kid, no man has ever dared to call me, Song Jie, useless to my face. You’re the first." Song Jie’s laugh grew colder. He scanned me again, his expression dismissive. "Fine. Although I don't want to waste the effort of considering you a rival, since Su Xin appreciates you so much, why don't we have a competition?"

"Since you, Young Master Song, aren't afraid of losing, I’ll certainly see it through to the end. Tell me, what kind of competition?" In all my lives, I had never wanted to win against someone as much as I did now. I wanted to win to show the whole world that I was better than Song Jie, and that only I was worthy of Su Xin! Originally, I hadn't felt much of a crisis; despite Song Jie’s deep family background, I believed in my ability to surpass him. But seeing his stunningly handsome face, I felt a slight sense of inferiority for the first time. I knew Su Xin wouldn't choose him just for his looks, but for a rival, losing in any category was infuriating. So, I had to compete with him and beat him fair and square!

"Does that even need asking? Isn't this the best stage for a competition? The National Computer Competition. Let’s see who takes first place." Song Jie offered a meaningful, cold smile, then turned and walked away without giving us another look.

I watched his retreating back coldly, a smile playing on my lips. "You asked for this, Song Jie. I will definitely make you look at me with new eyes."