CHAPTER 203: CHAPTER 200 [EXTREME CHALLENGE]

Chapter Two Hundred: The Ultimate Challenge

The Song Family’s mansion in Hong Kong is located in Kowloon. It’s the kind of half-mountain luxury home that legends speak of.

It might be a bit disheartening to say this.

Of all the Song Family’s assets, the most valuable isn’t the martial arts school, or any of the other investment businesses.

It’s probably this Song Family mansion.

Considering Hong Kong real estate prices, even in 2001, the price of this mansion was over a hundred million.

But in truth, the Song Family’s real financial power wasn’t very strong. If we’re talking about their true asset level, they probably couldn’t afford this mansion.

The reason they could afford to live here was simple: they bought it early.

When Hong Kong’s economy started to take off in the eighties, the Song Family bought this house and land—back then, it wasn’t expensive.

After more than twenty years of management and two renovations, it became a luxury mansion.

The Song Family couldn’t be considered first-rate tycoons in Hong Kong—they were, at best, third-rate.

After all, in the eyes of real tycoons, those who run martial arts schools are just doing hard labor for a living.

When the car arrived at the Song residence, Song Gaoyuan and Song Chengye were already waiting at the entrance.

Chen Nuo didn’t see Song Zhicun, guessing he was still confined for reflection.

For tonight’s banquet, everyone from Chen Nuo’s group who had come to Hong Kong was in attendance.

Zhu Dazhi was there as Old Jiang’s newly accepted disciple.

Brother Lei was Zhu Dazhi’s family member.

And Xiao Yezi was Chen Nuo’s family member.

None of them were outsiders.

The architectural style of the Song Family mansion was rather old-fashioned. Once inside, the space was quite large, as one would expect from a half-mountain mansion, and naturally, the landscaping was also impressive.

Unlike other luxury homes of the rich, there were no swimming pools in the yard. Instead, there was a koi pond, populated with some fancy carp, accompanied by rockeries.

Chen Nuo took a quick glance; these arrangements also appeared to have been guided by a feng shui master.

Stepping into the main hall, Chen Nuo saw two official’s chairs placed at the head of the room, one of which was occupied by an old man.

His hair was already snowy white and rather thinning.

He was gaunt in appearance, but one could vaguely discern features similar to those of the three Song brothers in his eyes and eyebrows.

This was the current Song Family Head, Song Yuanhe.

The old man, by age, should be in his seventies. At the moment, he looked to be in poor health, but his spirit was good, with his eyes particularly lively.

When he saw his two sons leading Old Jiang and others inside, the old man didn’t get up but merely scanned them with his eyes.

Old Jiang took a deep breath, pulled Song Qiaoyun with him, and stepped forward to apologize with a bow to Song Yuanhe.

"Clan Uncle."

Only then did Song Yuanhe stand up. He stepped forward and helped the couple up.

Everyone then sat down in the main hall and chatted, as servants from the house naturally brought tea.

Old Jiang subsequently introduced his few disciples to Song Yuanhe.

Song Yuanhe’s attitude was naturally not particularly warm or friendly—the recent major defeat of the family’s second branch had cost them dearly in terms of face.

However, when Zhang Linsheng was introduced, a glint of sharpness flashed in Song Yuanhe’s eyes. He looked pointedly at Zhang Linsheng for a moment and nodded, "Indeed, a young talent. Nephew Jiang, you have accepted a fine disciple."

Old Jiang smiled and said nothing.

"I heard you’ve only been practicing martial arts for half a year? Did you join with an existing skill set? What school of kung fu did you study before?"

Zhang Linsheng opened his mouth.

Before? Before, my study was under Brother Haonan in Tongluo Bay...

But he replied honestly, "I hadn’t learned martial arts before; my master led me into the discipline."

"..." Song Yuanhe didn’t speak, but his expression obviously turned sour.

He clearly didn’t believe such a story.

But now was not the time to question these matters.

With a slight nod, Song Yuanhe slowly said, "Since you’ve entered the Song Family’s door and learned the Song Family Fist, work hard. Young people must avoid arrogance and impetuosity to bring glory to our Song Family Fist."

Zhang Linsheng nodded.

Chen Nuo, listening from the side, couldn’t help but disdain the old man’s pretentious act and the way he adopted the stance of a clan elder to lecture his own master’s disciple.

Then Song Yuanhe turned his gaze to Chen Nuo. "Is this Zhang Linsheng’s junior brother?"

"Elder, my name is Chen Nuo," Chen Nuo answered with a smile.

"How long have you been practicing martial arts?"

"I became a disciple on the same day as Zhang Linsheng. However, he is older, so he became the senior brother."

Song Yuanhe forced a smile. "Oh? Between you and Linsheng, who has better martial arts skills?"

Is that really your business? Chen Nuo sneered inwardly.

But he said cheerfully, "Of course, Senior Brother’s skills are better. My mind is too easily distracted, and I haven’t practiced diligently enough."

This old man from the Song Family clearly had too narrow a mind.

Even now, he hadn’t forgotten to sow a few hidden barbs.

Song Yuanhe nodded. "Learn more from your senior brother. Since you’re practicing martial arts, you naturally need to concentrate to achieve success."

Chen Nuo couldn’t be bothered to feign filial piety in front of this old man of the Song Family and simply uttered an "Oh," before falling silent.

Then it was Zhu Dazhi’s turn.

"This is?"

"My name’s Zhu Dazhi! I’m my master’s youngest disciple, the last to be accepted!" Zhu Dazhi answered with a strong and clear voice.

Fortunately, he wasn’t foolish enough to say that he had just become a disciple yesterday.

However, the old man frowned.

The last to be accepted? The first two claimed to have joined half a year ago. He started even later than them, which means he hasn’t been practicing martial arts for long.

"Did you... come to your master with skills already?"

"What does ’come with skills’ mean?" Zhu Dazhi instinctively turned his head to Chen Nuo and asked.

"He’s asking if you had learned from somewhere else before you took our master as your teacher."

"Oh!" Zhu Dazhi nodded, understanding now.

He answered loudly, "Before this, I studied at the Qinhuai Guangming Vocational Technical School in Jinling!"

What on earth is that? What vocational school?

The old man was a bit confused, mistakenly thinking it was some kind of martial arts school.

He asked again, "What did you study before?"

"Vehicle repair!"

Zhu Dazhi stood up straight and answered loudly, "I even have a Level 2 mechanic’s certificate!"

Hopeless!

It was like talking to a brick wall!

Song Yuanhe’s expression became complicated. He nodded and then forced a smile towards Old Jiang, "Your disciples, they’re all quite interesting."

The so-called family banquet wasn’t too grand and had none of the exotic delicacies or fine foods—if it were about showing off, they wouldn’t have dined at home.

The dishes were home-style but plentiful nonetheless.

Two tables were set. Song Yuanhe sat at one table with his two sons, Old Jiang, and Song Qiaoyun.

As for Chen Nuo and the others, considered the younger generation, they occupied a separate table.

However, the Song Family maintained proper etiquette by assigning a member of the younger generation to keep them company at their table.

The one keeping them company was Song Jiaming, the son of Song Zhicun.

He appeared to be in his early twenties, and from a bit of table talk, it was clear he hadn’t practiced martial arts; he had no foundation whatsoever.

He had previously studied music in Britain.

The guy was talkative. After a few exchanges at the table, it was clear that he dreamt of being a star, keen on breaking into the entertainment industry to become a singer, and he seemed quite confident in his abilities.

However, Chen Nuo looked at this young member of the Song Family with a sense of regret.

What a pity. In my previous life, I never heard of such a person in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Clearly, he didn’t make it. And... Song Jiaming had ordinary looks and a thin, frail physique. If thrown into a crowd on the street, one might lose sight of him in the blink of an eye. To become a star in the entertainment industry, you need to be either handsome or talented. If you’re not handsome enough, you at least need to have a strong, recognizable presence. Unfortunately, Song Jiaming lacked both.

Chen Nuo chatted with him for a bit but quickly lost interest and didn’t initiate further conversation. Instead, he focused on the dishes at the table and attentively took care of his sister beside him.

Zhu Dazhi and Brother Lei, however, became interested when they heard this young man from the Song Family planned to get into the entertainment industry. They eagerly asked about some gossip.

Song Jiaming hadn’t even touched the threshold of the entertainment circle, so how could he know any inside stories? But to save face, he blurted out some truths and lies he’d read in tabloids, which left Zhu Dazhi and Brother Lei listening with rapt attention.

The dinner atmosphere couldn’t be described as warm—after all, Song Yuanhe had been reluctantly forced to make peace this time, so naturally, he wasn’t in a good mood.

However, with deliberate effort and restraint from both sides, the family banquet concluded in a harmonious atmosphere.

Song Qiaoyun started calling Song Yuanhe "Uncle," and he referred to her as "Niece Qiaoyun."

After eating, Song Chengye still had Song Jiaming accompany Chen Nuo and the other younger ones outside to rest.

Meanwhile, Old Jiang and Song Qiaoyun were invited to join Song Yuanhe and others for conversation in the inner residence—the matters that followed were the Song Family’s internal affairs. Since Chen Nuo and the others were just disciples and not part of the Song Family, it wasn’t appropriate for them to take part.

Song Jiaming walked around the courtyard with the group.

When the topic of his father, Song Zhicun, came up, he seemed indifferent, saying casually, "My father has been punished by Grandfather to reflect behind closed doors."

"Aren’t you worried? Aren’t you angry?"

"What’s there to worry about? It’s not the first time Grandfather has punished him. It’s just confinement for reflection, with plenty to eat and drink. He’s just pondering in his room, that’s all," Song Jiaming said nonchalantly.

"But... in this competition, your father’s disciples lost to us. Don’t you hold a grudge against us?"

"Why should I hold a grudge? It’s just a lost match," Song Jiaming shrugged.

I see... he wasn’t unresentful; he just had no interest or concept of the martial arts world.

Then, this young man, with great enthusiasm, wanted to play some new songs he’d recorded for everyone to hear.

Considering the host’s eager invitation, Chen Nuo and the others patiently accompanied him to take a listen.

The result...

To be fair, Song Jiaming’s vocal stylings were decent; he had clearly undergone professional vocal training overseas, and his voice showed it.

As for the song itself...

What a load of rubbish!

After listening, Chen Nuo glanced at the young man, whose face was full of anticipation.

"So, what do you think? Give me some feedback!"

"Um, did you write this song yourself?"

"Yeah! Everyone says I have a lot of talent!!"

"Everyone? Who is ’everyone’?"

"My cousin, Song Jiamin. She says I’m really talented!"

"Who?"

"My Uncle Song Chengye’s daughter, Song Jiamin. She’s only eleven, but after hearing my song, she said I had talent! She even encouraged me to focus on my music, saying I’ll definitely make it!"

...Why do I get the feeling that this Song Number Three and his daughter are up to no good! They’re putting in all this effort to lead Song Zhicun’s only son down the wrong path. Huh? Wait, why isn’t Song Number Three’s daughter called Dalien?

After chatting idly with Song Jiaming for quite a while, Old Jiang and Song Qiaoyun finally came out of the inner residence.

Seeing the relaxed expressions on Old Jiang and Song Qiaoyun’s faces, it seemed that the two parties had reached an agreement and consensus.

Then Old Jiang and Song Qiaoyun, along with Chen Nuo and others, bid farewell and left the Song Family’s residence. The Song Family sent a car to see them off.

Before leaving, Song Chengye smiled and nodded to Chen Nuo.

On the way, Chen Nuo learned from Old Jiang and his wife that the negotiations had gone quite smoothly.

The terms were pretty much in line with the suggestions Chen Nuo had made to Old Jiang and his wife at the hotel.

The only issue was finding an appropriate day to burn incense for the ancestors of the second branch; it definitely couldn’t be done tonight.

After the incense burning was completed here, the Song Family would send Song Chengye as a representative to Jinling to also pay respects to the ancestors of the main branch.

As for other matters, such as Old Jiang being named the honorary head instructor for the Song Family’s martial arts school, Old Master Song had spoken, assigning Song Chengye to coordinate and arrange it.

The only slight hiccup was about the evening before the martial arts competition, when Song Zhicun had invited them to dinner and produced a two million dollar check, saying it was prize money for the competition.

Regardless of win or loss, this money was to be given.

On the day the competition concluded, the outcome was so unexpected, and with the chaotic scene afterward, this matter had been forgotten.

Tonight, during the negotiations, Song Yuanhe had someone bring out a two million dollar check to give to Old Jiang.

How could Old Jiang accept such money?!

After some discussion, they decided to add this money to the charity fund, using it for the construction of a school in Song Qiaoyun’s hometown.

In the afternoon, the airplane slowly descended at Jinling Lukou Airport.

Emerging from the arrival exit were Chen Nuo, Zhang Linsheng, and Brother Lei.

Old Jiang and his wife were staying in Hong Kong to deal with the formalities of him being named honorary head instructor at the Song Family’s martial arts school and to wait for an auspicious day to perform ancestral rites for the Song Family’s second branch’s ancestral hall.

So, Chen Nuo and the others returned first.

Zhu Dazhi, as a newly accepted disciple, was advised by Brother Lei to stay in Hong Kong to serve and take care of Old Jiang and his wife.

Xiao Yezi also stayed behind.

With summer vacation not yet over, Old Jiang and Song Qiaoyun simply decided to have Chen Nuo leave Xiao Yezi behind. For the next few days, they wanted to enjoy Hong Kong and show their goddaughter around.

Having made peace with the Song Family, and with no further issues expected, Chen Nuo felt reassured to leave Xiao Yezi in the care of Old Jiang and his wife.

Exiting the airport, Chen Nuo declined Brother Lei’s invitation to gather for drinks that evening and asked Brother Lei to drop him off at home. Brother Lei then dragged Zhang Linsheng to check on the renovation progress of their shop.

By the time he reached his front door, it was a little past five in the evening.

Chen Nuo, pulling his suitcase, arrived downstairs and couldn’t help but smile as he looked up.

The window of their fifth-floor apartment was open, a clear sign someone was home.

When he had left, all the doors and windows had been properly shut—the only person who would come by his place each day had to be Sun Keke.

And this girl was careful. She came over each day to air out the place, tidy up, and always made sure to lock up when she left.

If the window was open at this time, it meant she was still in the house.

With a heart full of joy, Chen Yanluo bounded up the stairs with his suitcase, his spirits soaring, practically skipping every three steps!

His heart was brimming with delight! He had it all planned out: as soon as he got home and opened the door, he would start with a passionate kiss, a reunion long in the making! It was only just past five o’clock, so he could still invite Sun Keke to stay for dinner. And after dinner, the two of them could snuggle on the couch and watch TV for a while. Even though Old Sun’s family was strict and wouldn’t allow Sun Keke to stay the night, not giving him any chance for intimacy... But... getting cozy was a start, and maybe he could even sneak in a little "teasing" of this young lady. Delightful!

Humming, he zipped up the stairs of his residential complex!

"Speaking of that Song Number Three... childless his whole life, then birthed a daughter so fair~~"

Ptui, ptui, ptui! After hanging around Song Number Three in Hong Kong for two days, why did I start singing this nonsense! And it’s not even the right mood! Change it! Let’s switch to a happier vibe!

"Drawing baby~ Drawing baby~ Mercedes’s wild pony and the thorny rose~~"

Arriving at his doorstep upstairs, Chen Nuo didn’t bother with his keys and casually knocked.

"Little lady! Your husband’s back! Open up, open up!"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

He knocked with a 3x3 rhythm.

Hmm, when the door opens, should I rush in for a passionate kiss? Or should I sweep her off her feet, carry her into the living room, and toss her onto the sofa?

Just as he was thinking, the door opened...

Chen Nuo had already raised his hand!

But then he saw the face that slowly emerged from the crack of the door...

"!!!!!"

An exquisitely beautiful face! Long hair like seaweed!

A fiery figure, that...

Well, looking very closely! It’s an E, not a C! Huh? Why is she wearing a flight attendant’s uniform?!!

Lu Xixi slowly opened the door. Standing inside, she looked at Chen Yanluo with a cold smile, as if he had turned to stone at the doorway!

Chen Nuo felt the hair all over his body stand on end!!

Instantly, the expression on Chen Yanluo’s face switched from horror to delight!

"Ah... how did you get here? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? My dear..."

The word "wife" hadn’t left his lips when Lu Xixi, with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, raised a finger and pressed it against Chen Nuo’s lips, cutting him off!

Right at that moment, a sound that made Chen Nuo even more terrified came from inside!

From the bathroom, there came the sound of a toilet flushing...

Then, as Lu Xixi retracted her hand with a smile and even stepped back a bit...

The bathroom door opened, and Sun Keke walked out. She saw Lu Xixi standing by the door, and then she saw Chen Nuo outside!

"Chen Nuo?! You’re back?!"

Sun Keke’s face lit up with joy. She quickly ran over, brushing past Lu Xixi, and then grabbed Chen Nuo’s hand, her big eyes practically sparkling with stars!

Hmm, in his past life, Chen Nuo once saw a question online.

The question was: Please write the shortest possible story that depicts a man’s utter despair, panic, and apprehension...

The best answer to this question was just one sentence:

"Honey, let me explain..."

At that moment, Chen Nuo felt like his entire body was drenched in sweat! In an instant, a hundred thousand thoughts whirled through his mind—not a single one useful! At this moment, perhaps, possibly, the only thing he could say was that phrase, "Honey, let me explain..." But the problem was... How to say it? To whom should he say it? Theoretically speaking, at this moment, the "honey" before his eyes... There were two!! So... perhaps slightly changing it to: "Honeys, please let me explain?" Wouldn’t that get him beaten to death by the Star Sky Empress!!!

Just when Chen Yanluo felt like he was plunging into an icy abyss...

Lu Xixi stood behind Sun Keke, her eyes narrowed into slits, her face bearing a sweet smile, her gaze coldly observing where Sun Keke was clutching Chen Xiaoguo’s hands...

At the same time, Empress Lu intentionally used a syrupy sweet voice to laugh lightly.

"Keke, dear, this handsome young man is your boyfriend, right?

Ah... or should I say...

Your husband, hmm?~"

Chen Yanluo’s first reaction was... Next week, I can have my own first-week memorial service!

BOOM BOOM BOOM.