CHAPTER 201: CHAPTER 198: [THIS IS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF] (BIG CHAPTER FOR MONTHLY TICKET!)

Chapter 198: Ready for Takeoff

Having Teacher Jiang and his spouse acknowledge their ancestry, the first and second houses turning hostility into alliance, and then the Song Family uniting as one entity to present a unified front externally—it would simply be acknowledged as "The Song Family."

So what if Liu Shiwei got beaten to a pulp on the stage?

Didn’t Song Zhicun still win a match?

What did it matter if their reputation had been trampled upon?

Wasn’t it still Song Family Fist fighting Song Family Fist?

The flesh might be mangled, but it was all in the same pot!

As long as Teacher Jiang’s lineage merged with the second house of the Song Family in Hong Kong and acknowledged their ancestry, then the external narrative could completely salvage the current public opinion!

As for the competition on the stage, that was just an internal exchange within Song Family Fist. No matter who won or lost, it was Song Family Fist that triumphed!

It wasn’t about losing face anymore, but about Song Family Fist gaining strong reinforcement! No, that wasn’t right; it should be internal support!

The standing of Song Family Fist in Hong Kong’s martial arts circles would only grow stronger!

You disagree? If you do, find a master who can beat Liu Shiwei so badly they leave him searching for his teeth on the ground to compete?! Such a master is now part of my Song Family!! That is the only method Old Master Song had devised to resolve the crisis!

In the morning, when Song Chengye heard his second elder brother speak of their father’s orders, he understood in a moment what the old man’s intention was!

And now, this young man named Chen Nuo, upon hearing his proposal, also understood in an instant!

What do you call that? That’s called being sharp-witted! Thinking of his second brother Song Gaoyuan who still seemed ignorant and clueless... Fool!

Chen Nuo also understood the underlying implications.

This Song Chengye was a smart man, a formidable figure. The Song Family still had talent! That Song Zhicun, with his old-fashioned style, was steady, watertight, with some small tricks up his sleeve, but he obviously had the air of a fading era. He wasn’t well-acquainted with Song Gaoyuan, but judging from his behavior the day before the competition started, when he was ordered to come out to greet them—speaking little and with a not-so-warm attitude, especially with a subtle arrogance—it seemed he wasn’t particularly capable. This Song Chengye, however, was a ruthless man! Arranging a car accident on the way there to stop the competition, even willing to jump into the pit and crash alongside everyone else!

"Besides acknowledging the ancestry and reuniting the main and second houses, there is also probably some revision of family trees and genealogies, right?" Chen Nuo asked with a smile. "Anything else?"

Song Chengye thought for a moment. "The old man didn’t say, but I have some ideas myself that you can discuss with Senior Brother Jiang. If he agrees, he could hold a nominal ’Chief Instructor’ title at the Song Family martial arts school, with an annual salary. He wouldn’t need to stay in Hong Kong on regular days and wouldn’t have to teach at the martial arts school. However, for some important competitions and martial arts events, we would invite him to attend as a veteran of Song Family Fist. If Senior Brother Jiang agrees, I can decide on the annual salary myself—one million a year!"

Well, that’s not bad. A million in 2001 is no small amount.

"...And then there’s your Brother Haonan. If he’s willing, he could also join our Song Family martial arts school. Taking into account his contributions, a title of ’Ninth Generation Leading Senior Brother’ is certainly appropriate. During important competitions, he could also participate as a disciple of Song Family Fist! He would keep all the prize money from the competitions for himself, and on top of that, the martial arts school would provide an appearance fee! Liu Shiwei’s previous appearance fee started at one hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars per match, and we could use his standard as a reference. For major competitions, the appearance fee could be negotiated additionally."

Having Zhang Linsheng replace Liu Shiwei as the Song Family martial arts school’s lead fighter? Let’s forget about that. Chen Nuo was very clear that without his "control," Brother Haonan’s skills weren’t even a match for one of Liu Shiwei’s hands! If he really were to replace Liu Shiwei in competitions, it was feared he might be killed in two or three matches.

"My senior brother doesn’t like Hong Kong and will be returning to Jinling with us. Moreover, my master would not be willing to let my senior brother become a fighter and compete against others. Yesterday was just an accident. If you want my senior brother to become a professional fighter for the Song Family martial arts school, let’s drop that idea."

Song Chengye sighed. Having Teacher Jiang serve as the ’chief instructor’ was actually just a secondary goal—because in yesterday’s combat, Teacher Jiang had lost, after all! For those who practice martial arts, a loss is a loss, no matter how capable you are. But Zhang Linsheng was his primary target! Who is Liu Shiwei? He wasn’t just the true successor meticulously cultivated by Song Zhicun; he was also the number one fighter that the Song Family Gym had pushed forward with all their resources in recent years! He was the gleaming signboard that the Song Family had fought to establish in this industry! In recent years, he had gradually earned the title ’Invincible Champion of HK,’ truly the top master of the new generation. The lead fighter in arena combat! Each year, for the martial arts competitions and arena matches organized by Macau, the Song Family relied on Liu Shiwei to strive for titles and build their reputation! He was also a revenue stream for the Song Family! And now he had been crippled. Naturally, they needed someone capable of filling that void. That Brother Haonan from Jinling was the most suitable candidate. He had defeated Liu Shiwei, and in such a brutal manner, crushing him on the stage and completely smashing the prestige Liu Shiwei had built over the years! And after the media published their articles today, it was obvious that ’Brother Haonan from Jinling’ was unmatched in fame. If, at this time, he officially joined the Song Family Gym... The momentum would be entirely different!

Chen Nuo narrowed his eyes in thought, then put forth his conditions. "My senior brother will fight in one match for you each year! You can choose the most important one. A three-year contract, with annual training fees and a retainer of one million Hong Kong dollars! As for the matches, all prize money goes to us, and appearance fees are calculated separately."

Song Chengye pondered for a moment. "Three matches a year!"

"Two," Chen Nuo shook his head. "My senior brother isn’t interested in being a professional fighter. If it’s more than that, there’s no need to talk."

Song Chengye sighed. "Fine! Two matches a year, and the other conditions will be as you said."

"As for my senior brother’s affairs—the signing fees, prize money, appearance fees for competitions, and so on—these things must be kept from my master." Chen Nuo shook his head. "Otherwise, if my master finds out, the deal’s off."

"Okay!"

Having agreed on the terms of the deal, Song Chengye breathed a sigh of relief.

With the negotiation complete, what followed was a solid meal and casual conversation. Song Chengye truly was a talented individual, eloquent and well-informed, ensuring that there was never an awkward silence—even Zhu Dazhi, who was busy eating, didn’t feel left out. Speaking of his future ambitions, Chen Nuo could tell... If this third young master of the Song Family ever took charge, it was likely that the direction of the Song Family’s businesses would undergo a transformation. He was fixated on promoting the martial arts gym as a cultural industry—his thinking was very much correct. Especially since his targeted market was not overseas but rather the mainland to the north.

"With compatriots of the same ancestry and culture, plus a population of over a billion, and considering mainland compatriots grew up on Hong Kong films and have a nostalgic cultural affinity," Song Chengye smiled and said, "it would be a lost opportunity not to explore such a market, while instead spending huge amounts of money every year to develop the Western market in North America—it’s simply not worth the cost. I will definitely venture into the film and entertainment industry in the future. Entertainment is the battering ram for breaking into the cultural industry! If a martial arts film or drama becomes a hit with the Song Family Fist brand embedded within, it would attract a massive audience who could become enthusiasts of our martial arts style. And then, when we open a martial arts school, we’ll be able to recruit a wide range of disciples."

Chen Nuo was willing to give a thumbs-up to this concept from the third Song son. The thinking was right, too. But... going into film... Well, as long as you’re happy. This wasn’t because the Hong Kong film industry was already in its twilight years; venturing into film could still mean combining forces with the mainland market and heading north. The problem was... It’s the second half of 2001 now! If Song Chengye wanted to take over the family business, he’d probably have to wait at least a year or so. Another year, and it would be 2002. And in 2003, that epidemic... The film industry suffered a heavy blow! For half a year, no one dared to enter cinemas. Making movies? Let’s first see if you survive past 2003.

In my memory, the 2003 SARS outbreak directly led to the complete collapse of the already dying film industry in Hong Kong. Then came the massive northward exodus of Hong Kong’s film and television industry personnel looking for work—Hong Kong filmmakers had already started moving north, but the scale wasn’t very large. It wasn’t until after the local film industry totally collapsed post-outbreak in 2003 that countless Hong Kong film and television workers flocked north like refugees. By the way, in the following years, television screens were filled with those god-awful anti-Japanese war dramas, like scenes of ’hand-tearing devils.’ Actually, you can’t blame the mainland film and television industry for that. Most of those action scenes were choreographed by action directors from the Hong Kong industry who had moved north to make a living. Before the large-scale migration of Hong Kong film professionals, mainland action films had very crude action scenes. Even widely acclaimed series like ’The Great Hero Bai Mei’ or ’Sister Gan Nineteen,’ though deeply popular, had action scenes that were utter trash. A palm strike, a slash of a sword—all accompanied by crackling explosions and flashy sound and light effects. It was all very abstract and impressionistic. Why? Because they didn’t know how to design fight scenes! Those scenes of tearing enemies apart were classic old Hong Kong movie tropes—frenzied and filled with violence. Hong Kong people often have a poor sense of history; such tearing actions were common in old Hong Kong films but were jarringly out of place in anti-Japanese dramas. As a result, the dramas became ridiculous and turned into memes for later generations of internet users to mock. Mainland action dramas were actually quite pitiful before Hong Kong professionals moved north. The only well-made one was CCTV’s 1998 version of ’The Water Margin,’ which had splendid fight scenes. But... ’The Water Margin’ had employed Yuan Heping, the great Master Yuan, as the action choreographer! In the world of action choreography, he was second to none! An iron-clad, undisputed reputation! After the success of the 1998 CCTV version of ’The Water Margin,’ Zhang Big Beard, the executive producer of that series, hired Hong Kong action choreographers for the subsequent Jin Yong adaptations he produced.

After the meal, Song Chengye politely escorted Chen Nuo and Zhu Dazhi back. Before leaving the tea restaurant, Song Chengye also presented a gift to Chen Nuo. Inside a brocade box, upon opening, lay a piece of yellow satin, revealing a jade item: a Buddha amulet carved from top-grade mutton-fat white jade.

Chen Nuo saw it and smiled.

"Just a small token," Song Chengye said with a smile.

The meaning was understood by all. The deal they had just agreed on, if successful, meant Teacher Jiang would receive a one-year contract with a salary of a million. Brother Haonan would get a nominal fee of a million for a year, plus appearance fees for fighting. Yet, Chen Nuo hadn’t gained anything! How could someone as astute as Song Chengye make such an oversight? This Buddha amulet was the benefit for Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo picked it up and weighed it in his hand; it was quite thick and used a substantial amount of jade. It was heavy. This thing couldn’t be had for less than two or three hundred thousand. By 2001, Song Chengye was well aware of the economic level and average income in mainland China. He felt this gift was sufficiently impressive and significant.

Chen Nuo smiled, casually tossed the box aside, and pocketed the jade amulet.

This item... After my trip to the Guo Clan in the Northwest, I have a whole backpack full of these at home!

"Mr. Chen, I entrust you to help make this deal happen. If it’s successful, there will be another token of my gratitude," Song Chengye said with a courteous laugh. "Also... my previous offer always stands! Talent is rare. If you ever wish to develop your career in Hong Kong, just let me know, and I will welcome you with open arms!"

Huh? He’s acting like he’s the Duke of Zhou himself.

Chen Nuo smiled. "We’ll talk about it later."

If you’re all-in on making movies and you somehow survive past 2003, I might come looking for you. But by then, it won’t be you recruiting me. It will be me enlisting you.

After returning to the hotel and watching Song Chengye leave in his car, Chen Nuo turned with Zhu Dazhi to head back to their room. Zhu Dazhi had eaten until his stomach was round and full, but he wasn’t entirely satisfied.

"Nuo bro, why was that Song guy so stingy with the food he treated us to? The last dish served, that rice pot, the rice was so hard, the grains weren’t even cooked through!"

Chen Nuo rolled his eyes. "You blockhead, that’s lap mei clay pot rice! Clay pot rice is supposed to be like that, with a crusty layer at the bottom! ’Undercooked,’ my ass!"

"I don’t have a sister! Just an older sister, and Brother Lei slept with her."

"..."

After sending Zhu Dazhi back to his room, Chen Nuo turned and knocked on Teacher Jiang’s door. It was Song Qiaoyun who opened it.

Chen Nuo greeted her very respectfully, "Madam." Upon entering, he saw Jiang Fusheng sitting on the sofa inside, a cigarette in one hand and a teacup in the other. When Jiang Fusheng saw Chen Nuo come in, he grunted and then looked away.

Ho? Ignoring me?

Chen Nuo laughed.

Comrade Fusheng, are you getting a bit too full of yourself? Forgotten about the 120,000 Hanoi currency incident? Or forgotten about getting beaten black and blue by Empress Lu? You’re ignoring me? I’ve just secured you a deal worth a million a year! Much easier than the trouble you go through masquerading as ’Why Bother About Fusheng’ and taking on life-threatening jobs!

Chen Nuo walked over with a grin, placing a plastic bag on the table in front of Comrade Jiang. "Teacher, roast goose. I had it packed for you. I heard it’s from a famous old establishment, very authentic taste."

Jiang Fusheng looked up at Chen Nuo. "Went out to play again?"

"Yeah, the competition’s over, so today was all about having fun," Chen Nuo said with a smile, taking the takeout box from the plastic bag, along with chopsticks, and handing them to Jiang Fusheng. He glanced around and noticed several invitations and calling cards on the table. Colorfully decorated, there were about seven or eight of them. Picking one up, he asked, "Teacher, where did these come from?"

Jiang Fusheng sighed and remained silent.

Song Qiaoyun, however, came over, sat down next to Chen Nuo, and said slowly, "These were delivered by some martial arts schools and dojos from the Hong Kong martial arts community this morning. They were brought by gym owners and the like. Some who couldn’t come personally sent their disciples with the invitations."

Oh?

Chen Nuo smiled.

Looks like these fellows in Hong Kong’s martial arts community all have their wits about them. Teacher Jiang’s lineage has wiped the floor with the Song Family’s second branch. And those in the martial arts circles of Hong Kong, who’ve been overshadowed by the Song Family’s influence over the years, are all starting to make their move!

"They all want to recruit you, Teacher, right?" Chen Nuo laughed. "We knocked down the Song Family in the ring, so the others surely want to enlist you. They’ll be wanting to use us to snatch up the opportunities that opened up after the Song Family’s loss."

"Lin Sheng won in the ring, but I lost," Jiang Fusheng grumbled coldly.

"It’s the same thing. Isn’t Lin Sheng also a disciple you taught?" Chen Nuo said cheerfully.

Seeing that Teacher Jiang didn’t pick up the chopsticks, Chen Nuo simply stuffed them into Song Qiaoyun’s hand and then gave her the box of roast goose as well. "Madam, give it a taste; I think it’s quite good."

Song Qiaoyun, being of a gentle nature, felt it would be impolite to refuse. She took the chopsticks and nibbled a small piece of roast goose.

"It tastes pretty good, doesn’t it? I find it delicious. It’s just that I’m not used to the dipping sauce they use here; it’s too sweet," Chen Nuo said with a smile, then got up and shook the water kettle. The older generation is all like this; even when staying in hotels with complimentary bottled water, they never drink it cold. They prefer to use an electric kettle to boil water. Sure enough, there was water in the electric kettle, but Chen Nuo didn’t drink it; instead, he poured himself a cup of water from a mineral water bottle. Turning his head, he saw that after Song Qiaoyun’s persuasion, Teacher Jiang had finally taken a piece of roast goose and was chewing on it.

"Master, I must tell you, in the future, you shouldn’t boil water in the hotel’s electric kettle to drink. I’ve heard that many ill-mannered guests, when staying in hotels, like to use the electric kettle to boil water and put their underwear in it to sterilize and wash them..."

PFFT!!!!

Teacher Jiang spat out the piece of roast goose on the spot!

"You! Outrageous!!!!" he exclaimed.

"Really, you better believe it, it’s true," Chen Nuo said very seriously.

Teacher Jiang was livid. "Did you have to bring up such a disgusting topic while I’m eating?"

Chen Nuo walked over and patted Teacher Jiang’s back, helping him catch his breath, then said, "That third son of the Song Family, Song Chengye, came to find me today."

"?" Teacher Jiang’s expression turned serious. He frowned at Chen Nuo and said in a deep voice, "What did he want with you?"

"He wanted me to mediate," Chen Nuo said with a smile. "They also figured out that among us, I’m the strategist."

"Strategist?"

"Yes. The sleeping dragon and the fledgling phoenix."

"..."

This is just shameless!

Teacher Jiang rolled his eyes.

However, Song Qiaoyun calmly said, "That’s not entirely wrong. In yesterday’s competition, it was ultimately Chen Nuo’s idea to have Lin Sheng fight, which preserved our dignity."

"..." Teacher Jiang sighed helplessly. "What did that Song Chengye tell you?"

"Old Master Song said that tomorrow night they are hosting a family banquet and inviting us to dinner. It seems they want to reconcile with you." As he spoke, Chen Nuo relayed the ideas he had analyzed after his talk with Song Chengye to Teacher Jiang and his wife. "...So, I guess that’s roughly it. Their intentions are clear: as long as you acknowledge your ancestry and merge the two branches, then even if the meat falls apart, it’s still in the pot. With this martial arts contest, the face the Song Family lost can all be recovered. Our own people losing to our own people doesn’t count as a loss; at most, it’s like internal sparring within the same school."

Teacher Jiang and Song Qiaoyun exchanged a glance, then lowered their heads in thought.

Teacher Jiang shook his head. "There’s nothing to reconcile; this matter was initiated by them in the first place. Acknowledging our ancestry and merging branches—let’s not bother with that. We’re living a good life in Jinling; we don’t want to get involved with these people. When your Shiniang’s father was still alive, he made it clear: they go their way, we go ours. After this incident is over, we’ll return to Jinling, and from then on, we’ll keep to our own paths, never to interact again. As for merging the families, that’s unnecessary."

Upon hearing this, Chen Nuo looked towards Song Qiaoyun. Song Qiaoyun didn’t speak, but she clearly didn’t object and seemed to agree with Teacher Jiang’s decision.

Chen Nuo sighed. "Master, I have a question for you."

"What is it?"

"Do you think that someone who practices martial arts, if they lose face by being defeated, would just let it go?"

Teacher Jiang frowned and didn’t speak.

Chen Nuo slowly said, "The second branch of the Song Family has been defeated by your branch for three generations. Three generations! After each defeat, they have struggled to bounce back, trying to regain their face. This time, they have essentially faced another failure. Do you think they can just let this go?"

Teacher Jiang’s expression grew somewhat complex.

"Master, let me say something blunt—if you’re hoping to just let things be and not cross paths again, I’m afraid you’re mistaken! Your generation is fine. You’ve already fought Song Zhicun, and they won’t challenge you again. But my senior apprentice-brother has won. In the future, the Song Family’s target will be Lin Sheng. In front of a large crowd, the Song Family’s ninth-generation disciple lost clearly and visibly, with so many witnesses, and the media, newspapers, and magazines have all published the story. They run a martial arts school and recruit disciples. For their leading disciple to lose is a huge blow to their reputation. How could they possibly not seek to reclaim it? If you want peace, you might get it for yourself. But moving forward, I foresee the Song Family will definitely continue to cause trouble for my senior apprentice-brother. If Liu Shiwei lost, they might well cultivate a Zhang Shiwei or a Li Shiwei to take his place, replacing one after another until they win. They won’t stop until they are victorious. If they don’t win back their reputation, it will forever be trampled, unable to be recovered. How could they continue to run their school and do business?"

Teacher Jiang and Song Qiaoyun looked at each other, at a loss.

"Our lineage is indeed a bit thin on the ground. Look, Teacher Jiang, you only have three disciples. My eldest apprentice-brother, Wu Dao, has gone off to become a charlatan. As for me, I don’t like practicing martial arts. That leaves only Lin Sheng who can fight and inherit your skills. But he’s just one person. I saw that Song Zhicun has quite a few disciples. Yesterday, I took a quick look and counted over a dozen! And there were probably more who didn’t show up! Yesterday, Lin Sheng defeated two of them, but even though he won, he was almost crippled. His arms were so swollen they were almost unrecognizable, and he’ll probably need a month or two to recover. If they keep sending disciples, one after another to challenge him... one, two, three, five, eight, ten... My Brother Haonan would have to do nothing else but fend off challenges all year round. Oh, and we’d better buy him several more health insurance policies. A single Lin Sheng is simply not enough for them to contend with! Or perhaps, Master, you could trouble yourself to take on another thirty or fifty disciples?"

Upon hearing this, Teacher Jiang and Song Qiaoyun fell silent. They were decent people, after all! How could they leave their disciple facing such a significant hidden danger? Wouldn’t that be harming their own disciple? As for taking on thirty or fifty more disciples, that was just ridiculous nonsense, and Teacher Jiang couldn’t be bothered to entertain it.

"You mean, we negotiate peace?" Teacher Jiang asked Chen Nuo, almost reflexively. It seemed that, without realizing it, listening to Chen Nuo’s advice had become a habit for Teacher Jiang. Comrade Jiang Fusheng had truly fallen into this kid’s trap!

"Negotiating peace is definitely possible," Chen Nuo said with a smile. "But as for how to negotiate, that needs some discussion."

The couple turned their gaze to Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo didn’t keep them in suspense but spoke slowly, "The Song Family needs a public stance they can adopt. That facade can be granted to them. Whether it’s about acknowledging the ancestral roots or merging the two branches, that’s not an issue. But we can’t come off as the weaker side, nor can we be suppressed. They’ve been fixated on paying respects with incense, right? I think it’s acceptable. You and your wife can go and offer incense to the ancestors of the second house, but let it be clear: it’s the juniors offering incense, no kneeling, no bowing! Even paying respects with incense is to be done standing! Similarly, the second house of the Song Family must send someone to offer incense to my grandmaster, Song A’jin! And the person they send can’t be of low status! At least one of the three Song brothers must come! That’s called fairness. And, from now on, our two sides must not have any more martial arts contests or feuds—this cycle of one generation fighting the next, endlessly, must stop here."

Teacher Jiang pondered for a while. "Mutual offering of incense, paying respects to ancestors, that is indeed fair."

Song Qiaoyun sighed softly. "I have no objections."

"There’s another thing: this merger of branches, they want to publicize it. Otherwise, the martial arts business of the Song Family will suffer a major hit. Their wish to make peace is exactly for this purpose."

"Let them publicize whatever they want, however they want to write it, as long as they don’t portray our branch as bowing down. Any other pretext is fine by me; I don’t care about these things," Teacher Jiang shook his head.

"They’ve said they want you to take on the title of Chief Instructor of the Song Family martial arts schools."

"Ah?"

"It’s just a title, so outsiders will see it as a sign that our two branches have united."

After thinking it over, Teacher Jiang said, "If it’s just a title, let them. Anyway, I’m still going back to Jinling to teach."

"They also mentioned a yearly payment of one million."

"..." Teacher Jiang was stunned. But quickly, the old man shook his head, this time with a very solemn expression. "I won’t take it!"

Jiang Fusheng said firmly, "I lost on the stage. If I were to take a million from them now, what would that look like? Moreover, if we merge our branches and I still take their money, it will sound as if their second house paid to buy our main house back. We can’t afford that kind of shame!"

That’s integrity! The integrity of the older generation.

Chen Nuo nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Teacher Jiang, you’re truly admirable!" He then gave a thumbs-up.

Teacher Jiang was indifferent to Chen Nuo’s flattery.

However, Chen Nuo continued, "You don’t want the money, that’s fine. But there’s no need to let the Song Family off so easily. After all, they’re rich. This incident is like us filling a hole for them, saving them from a considerable loss."

"We still can’t take it," Teacher Jiang shook his head.

"We don’t need to take the money ourselves, but it can go to those in need," Chen Nuo said with a smile. In Teacher Jiang’s puzzled gaze, Chen Nuo slowly explained, "My grandmaster, Song A’jin, lived a life of poverty, peddling ice pops in the streets and alleys. It was because he lived through troubled times and the family fortune declined. Moreover, our lineage’s founder was also a hero of the anti-Japanese resistance, a brave man who died at the hands of the invading Japanese army! Grandmaster Song A’jin, back in his hometown, lived in poverty but was also cared for by the local villagers. I think this one million could be used to do some good deeds in my grandmaster’s hometown! Let the Song Family provide this money, and in your and Shiniang’s name, donate a Hope Primary School there! What do you think of this idea?"

This idea was very proper! Teacher Jiang thought it over from all angles and couldn’t find any fault with it.

Song Qiaoyun sighed softly. "Old Jiang, I think the boy’s idea isn’t bad." Then, looking at Chen Nuo, she added, "We can do it this way. But for the school donation, there’s no need to use your master’s and my names. Just use my father, Song A’jin’s name. It can also accrue some posthumous merit for him."

With that, the matter was essentially settled. As for Zhang Linsheng’s appearance fees and retainer for fighting for them... That was naturally not mentioned! Otherwise, Teacher Jiang might have immediately started cleaning house!

That evening, Song Chengye came to visit again, bringing with him an invitation pressed with gold leaf. The writing on it was in brush calligraphy, said to be the handwriting of Old Man Song. Teacher Jiang accepted the invitation very seriously.

Earlier in the afternoon, Teacher Jiang had already sent Chen Nuo out to buy more brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone. Now, Teacher Jiang personally took up the brush and, in the tone of a junior from the Song Family’s main branch, wrote a reply, which he handed over to Song Chengye with both hands to take back. An invitation and a reply, back and forth. This was old-fashioned courtesy!

Seeing Chen Nuo standing by with a relaxed smile, Song Chengye knew the matter had been settled. He nodded to Chen Nuo and then politely took his leave.

Chen Nuo knew how to handle things well. As if by magic, he pulled out a bundle of clothes and handed it to Song Qiaoyun. "When I went out to buy the brushes and ink today, I also picked up two sets of clothes on the way. We’ve got to dress Master properly for the banquet at the Song Family tomorrow; we can’t lose face."

The clothes were Chinese-style Tang suits, ready-made to fit Teacher Jiang. As soon as Song Qiaoyun touched the fabric, she knew it wasn’t cheap.

Teacher Jiang sighed too. "Chen Nuo, I know you’ve recently hit the jackpot and come into some money, but you can’t just waste it like this."

"It’s already bought; can’t return it now," Chen Nuo said with a grin.

Deep down, Teacher Jiang was actually very grateful to Chen Nuo—though he was also annoyed; this boy was never one to cause less worry. What a shame, such a bright kid, yet he just doesn’t take to martial arts.

"However, there’s another thing I need to trouble you with, Master."

"What is it?"

Chen Nuo immediately picked up the telephone in the room and dialed his own suite. Shortly afterward, Brother Lei arrived at the door with Zhu Dazhi in tow. Brother Lei looked a bit excited, while Zhu Dazhi was clearly nervous.

Chen Nuo led the two men to Teacher Jiang and Song Qiaoyun. He first helped Teacher Jiang sit down on the sofa. Then, turning around, he gave Zhu Dazhi a kick that sent him kneeling on the ground!

Zhu Dazhi moved quickly, his head banging on the floor thrice with solid thuds! Raising his head, he looked at Teacher Jiang and shouted, "Master! I kowtow to you!"

Teacher Jiang was dumbfounded!

Chen Nuo laughed from the side. "Master, you see, like I told you this afternoon, our lineage is thin on the ground. If we take another thirty or fifty disciples, you won’t be able to keep up. But one more shouldn’t be a problem, right? Zhu Dazhi is straightforward and pure-hearted, definitely good material!"

Teacher Jiang was caught off guard.

Meanwhile, Brother Lei felt as if ten thousand firecrackers had gone off in his heart, CRACKLING away! Good heavens! Such limitless prospects!! What sort of capabilities do this Boss Nuo and Zhang Linsheng possess! By becoming Teacher Jiang’s disciple, Zhu Dazhi would be on the same footing as a martial brother to Boss Nuo!! Aren’t the prospects immense?! This isn’t just broadening his path! This is preparing for takeoff!

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