Chapter 26: Offhand Remarks

“What should we do?” Ouyang Bingbing’s face was full of worry.

“Bingbing, don’t forget we have Brother Hetian!” Wang Xinrou replied with confidence, “Don’t worry, these people are no match for Brother Hetian!”

“Are you sure?” Li Yingying and Lin Ying turned their gaze to Hetian.

At that moment, everyone was trapped in the restaurant. If Hetian was boasting, they were in real trouble. Who knew what those thugs might do?

“Leave it to me,” Hetian said with a gentle smile. He stood up and strode directly toward the entrance.

Leopard was truly furious!

He had just threatened Boss Yang at noon, and after observing Yang’s attitude, Leopard estimated it would be no trouble at all to acquire the restaurant for fifty thousand within three days. Then, the place would become his golden goose, a steady stream of wealth!

The thought always delighted him.

Yet, barely had the afternoon begun when one of his men reported that someone had taken over Yang’s restaurant—and at a very low price!

Leopard exploded in rage. All his recent threats had only paved the way for someone else?

His temper flaring, Leopard immediately gathered a dozen men and marched toward the restaurant in a show of force.

Originally, Leopard intended to kick open the door, make a dramatic entrance, and intimidate everyone. But as he arrived, the door was opened from inside. A young student stood in the doorway, blocking his path.

“Get out of the way!” Leopard snarled, his voice menacing and aggressive, showing no courtesy.

“Leopard, is it? I’m curious, what brings such a grand entourage?” Hetian spoke politely, his tone calm and gentle.

“Who are you?” Leopard eyed Hetian, surprised at his composure in front of so many. He regarded him a little more seriously.

“I’m a friend of the restaurant,” Hetian replied, continuing to ask, “May I know what business brings you gentlemen here?”

“Business? Have your friend come out! I want to see who dares to take advantage of me, Leopard!” Leopard stepped forward, his voice deep and threatening. “Move aside!”

“Leopard, this isn’t right. The restaurant is closed, and without the owner’s permission, forcing your way in is hardly proper,” Hetian stepped forward, blocking Leopard directly, confronting him head-on.

“Looking for trouble!” Leopard saw a young student daring to stand in his way. His anger mounted, and without a second thought, he threw a punch, aiming to smash Hetian’s face.

Hetian reached out, grabbed Leopard’s fist, pulled him forward, and struck him hard in the stomach with his knee. Then, letting go of his fist, Leopard staggered backward.

If not for his men rushing to support him, Leopard would have landed squarely on the floor.

“You little punk, how dare you hit me? Brothers, get him!” Leopard clutched his aching stomach, the pain still radiating.

“Beat him up!”

“How dare he hit Leopard!”

“He’s got guts—let’s get him, chop him up!”

The gang rushed forward, shouting and full of vigor. Their intimidating presence was enough to frighten ordinary people—like Ouyang Bingbing, Li Yingying, Lin Ying, and the crowd gathering outside.

Seeing a dozen thugs charging so fiercely against Hetian alone, everyone was anxious for his safety.

But in Wang Xinrou’s eyes, this was hardly a challenge for Hetian.

If Hetian could be intimidated by a group of thugs, Wang Xinrou would never have admired him.

And indeed, for Hetian, these thugs were nothing.

Without question, following Leopard, they had done plenty of bad deeds. Not being in prison yet meant their crimes hadn’t crossed the line. It was just right for Hetian to give them a lesson.

So Hetian acted swiftly and ruthlessly. Any thug hit by him immediately dropped to the floor, unable to get up. Some clutched their feet, some held their legs, others gripped their stomachs, unable to straighten up.

If these thugs were a raging tide, Hetian was the dam that blocked them. No matter how fierce the current, before this dam, it had to yield.

Soon, the restaurant entrance was littered with fallen thugs—a truly spectacular sight.

In Leopard’s eyes, however, it was anything but spectacular. Instead, he was a mix of anger and terror.

Especially when Hetian strode toward him, Leopard instinctively backed away.

Yes, Leopard was a notorious thug. Bullying people was his daily bread. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t recognize danger.

In moments like this, Leopard knew he had kicked an iron plate.

“Leopard, isn’t it? Come inside, let’s talk,” Hetian smiled warmly.

“Yes! Yes!” To Leopard, Hetian’s smile was like a knife hidden in velvet. If he refused, his fate would be miserable.

A wise man avoids immediate losses. Leopard, seasoned from years on the streets, knew precisely when to play submissive and to whom.

Hetian led Leopard into the restaurant’s main hall.

“Close the door,” Hetian ordered.

Leopard hurried to shut the door, then stood with his head lowered, awkwardly grinning. “Sir, I failed to recognize greatness. Please don’t hold it against me. I was wrong!”

Hetian sat down boldly, smiling at Leopard without speaking.

To Ouyang Bingbing, Li Yingying, and Lin Ying, it was unbelievable—a single man had defeated a dozen, and now their leader was so meek.

Wasn’t this the sort of scene found only in movies and TV shows? How could it happen in real life?

The three looked at Hetian with newfound wonder. Li Yingying and Lin Ying had no other thoughts, but Ouyang Bingbing was suddenly spirited and full of interest in Hetian.

Wang Xinrou’s admiration only deepened.

She had never worried at the start, but Hetian’s effortless solution exceeded even her expectations.

“Sir!” Leopard was under great pressure as Hetian stared at him without replying.

“This is the restaurant owner. Leopard, you should know what to do from now on,” Hetian finally spoke, his words slow and deliberate.

“Yes, yes! Sir, rest assured, I’ll keep my men in line—no one will cause trouble here!” Sensing Hetian’s indifference, Leopard quickly changed his tone, “If the restaurant has any trouble, I’ll solve it for you!”

“Haha, so straightforward! We haven’t really fought yet. Perhaps you’re still unconvinced. I’ll give you a chance: if you beat me now, I’ll hand over the restaurant to you. How about it?” Hetian smiled innocently.

“No, sir, no fight! No fight!” Leopard waved his hands frantically. He’d be crazy to challenge Hetian.

“Remember what you said. If there’s anything I’m unhappy with, you’ll face the consequences,” Hetian’s face suddenly turned stern, and he slammed his palm onto the thick table.

With a loud crash, the table split into pieces.

Leopard was stunned. If that blow had landed on him…

The thought sent a chill down Leopard’s spine, sweat pouring from his brow.

“Go!” Hetian waved him off.

“Uh… Sir, your name, please. Don’t misunderstand—I just want to tell my men never to cross you,” Leopard smiled obsequiously. He wasn’t foolish; walking away now might end the trouble, but things would revert to old ways and he’d never cross paths with Hetian again. But Leopard didn’t want that.

Hetian was so formidable—if he could rely on such a powerful ally, wouldn’t he be unstoppable?

Hetian smiled at Leopard, glanced at the snack street outside, and made up his mind.

“My name is Hetian. Remember it—now get out!” Hetian said.

“Yes, yes!” Leopard got his answer and hurried out, dripping with cold sweat, urging his men still sprawled on the floor to leave.

Soon, the thugs vanished completely.

“Lin Ying, the trouble’s settled. The rest is up to you,” Hetian said, declining to interfere with the restaurant’s management—it would be Lin Ying’s responsibility from then on.

Lin Ying was still deeply shaken, but Hetian’s words brought her back to reality. She rushed to the entrance.

“Fellow students… Sorry for the spectacle. I’ve taken over this restaurant! I’m a freshman in the School of Economics and Management. From now on, this place will be our own Tianhai University restaurant! When we reopen, I hope you’ll all come support us—I’ll give everyone a discount!” Lin Ying announced loudly.

The onlooking students cheered. First, they’d witnessed a real-life martial arts blockbuster, then a female boss and freshman—so many exciting things!

“Fellow students! Starting tomorrow, we’ll be hiring waitresses—female students only, for part-time work! Please spread the word and sign up—we offer excellent pay!” Lin Ying seized the opportunity to advertise.

“Lin Ying really knows how to seize the moment! With this announcement and what just happened, word will spread across campus in no time!” Wang Xinrou laughed.

“Lin Ying’s off to a great start! I can’t sit idle—I need to pick up the pace!” Li Yingying was fired up.

Hetian sat quietly, saying little. As always, he watched them work.

He wondered what they would ultimately achieve.

Failure wasn’t frightening. They were still young; failure was the mother of success, and even if they failed, it would be a valuable experience.

Hetian felt that being with these energetic, youthful friends was entirely different from being with his old comrades.

After all, Hetian was young himself—only nineteen. Youth and vigor should be his as well.