Chapter 43: Don't Act Tough Without the Strength

A person may lack wisdom, emotional intelligence, wealth, or status, but they cannot be without the most basic manners.

In Nie Yunyang’s eyes, Xiang Tao was an ill-mannered child. Perhaps, from Xiang Tao’s perspective, Nie Yunyang was merely a driver hired by his aunt, which gave him a sense of superiority and led him to look down on Nie Yunyang completely—typical arrogance.

Even if someone is just a driver or even a stranger, you must maintain politeness. You cannot curse at people right away; otherwise, if you meet someone with a bad temper, conflicts will inevitably arise.

Nie Yunyang stepped in front of Xiang Tao with a smile and said, “Tsk tsk, scum like you deserve every beating you get.”

Xiang Tao’s head swam, his body weak, unable to get up, but he stared at Nie Yunyang with a dark and vicious look, as if he wanted to stab him several times.

“If you don’t have strength, don’t act tough, and don’t try to show off in front of outsiders. One day, if you run into someone ruthless, you might not even keep your life. I beat you today; you can try to get back at me. But if you can’t finish the job in one go, there won’t be a second chance. I know your aunt drives a Mercedes-AMG S63 and can enter the exclusive Jin Xiu Hua Ting, which means your family is either rich or noble. I’m an ordinary man—one life for one life, definitely worth it. Want to give it a try?”

Nie Yunyang lit a cigarette leisurely and continued, “As for you calling me a coward—haha—I do avoid trouble, but it depends on what kind of trouble. A scuffle among a few students is nothing. Honestly, those three high schoolers were athletes, but they didn’t even know the basic finishing moves. In other words, if you four attack together, I can handle you all with just my right hand. But your attitude earlier really annoyed me. I’m here to pick someone up, not to babysit a giant baby.”

Back in high school, Nie Yunyang wasn’t a stranger to fights. The reason was simple: Xiao Qian was the school beauty, and countless wealthy young men vied for her, leading to three years of jealousy and fighting.

As high school students experiencing first love, who doesn’t like the school beauty?

Young, fueled by hormones, the blood runs hot, and fights break out.

At that time, Nie Yunyang was a notorious bully, with Yuan Wei, Zhuang Zhengqing, and Hou Yueping following him into battle, undefeated across the campus.

Xiang Tao lay on the ground, deep in thought. It was his first time encountering someone as ruthless as Nie Yunyang; if a conflict erupted, it could easily break his neck.

Though Xiang Tao was boiling with anger, he dared not lash out. He slowly stood up, dusting off his clothes and trousers. His arms and thighs were bruised and battered, looking quite miserable.

Nie Yunyang had not used full strength; otherwise, Xiang Tao definitely wouldn’t have gotten up.

“Give me a cigarette,” Xiang Tao said, frustrated, wanting to calm his nerves.

Nie Yunyang exhaled smoke and said, “Kid, you don’t learn the good stuff, only the bad. Do you think you’re some kind of gangster?”

“If you don’t give me one, I’ll tell my aunt you hired three thugs to beat up a minor,” Xiang Tao threatened.

Nie Yunyang rolled his eyes, took a cigarette from the pack, handed it to Xiang Tao, and even lit it for him.

Xiang Tao inhaled deeply, clearly a smoker.

“What’s your name?”

“Nie Yunyang.”

“Now I’m sure you’re not my aunt’s driver. Even with a hundred drivers’ courage, no one would dare hit me,” Xiang Tao said.

Nie Yunyang nodded and said, “You’re not completely dumb. No wonder you got into Nankai High School, but you’d better change that arrogant attitude. Otherwise, one day you’ll get beaten to death.”

“You’re skilled; were you in the military?” Xiang Tao asked.

Nie Yunyang raised an eyebrow, “Want me to help you get revenge? Weren’t you acting tough just now?”

“I was angry and spoke without thinking. Don’t hold it against me. I apologize. Sorry!” Xiang Tao emphasized the last three words.

Nie Yunyang was somewhat surprised. He hadn’t expected this brat to be so adaptable. After getting beaten up, he was much more docile.

He smiled slightly, “You’re lucky. I’m not going to stoop to the level of a kid.”

“You still haven’t answered my question. Were you in the military?”

Xiang Tao was genuinely curious.

Nie Yunyang showed no expression, “I never served, but I trained in martial arts for several years. Handling brats like you is no problem at all.”

“Really?” Xiang Tao asked excitedly.

Nie Yunyang flicked away the cigarette butt. “If you’re done, clean yourself up. Your aunt’s waiting. I don’t have time to waste chatting. How you explain this to your aunt is your problem.”

Xiang Tao also flicked away his cigarette and followed Nie Yunyang. Luckily, his face wasn’t scratched; otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to explain.

“You’re not afraid I’ll tell my aunt?” Xiang Tao asked.

Nie Yunyang sneered, “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning. But you’re stubborn as a mule; you’d rather suffer yourself than admit you were beaten by three high schoolers. Afraid your family will punish you?”

“Hmph, you’re impressive, but this debt, I’ll settle with you sooner or later,” Xiang Tao said.

Nie Yunyang waved him off, “Whatever. If you want my help, show some sincerity. Trying to get something for nothing won’t work on me.”

Hearing this, Xiang Tao began to think. Besides money, he really had no leverage.

Besides, his monthly allowance was just a few thousand yuan, all spent already. How would he survive this month?

Suddenly, a bright idea struck him. Smiling, he said, “How about this: you help me get revenge, and I’ll help you pursue my aunt. She’s a rich and beautiful woman—you won’t lose out.”

“Haha, are you kidding me?” Nie Yunyang burst out laughing. This kid actually sold out his own aunt.

Xiang Tao beamed with pride. “I’m being sincere. Don’t say you’re not interested. In all of Shancheng, those who fancy my aunt could line up all the way from Guanyinqiao to Jiefangbei. With my help, you’ll have the first chance.”

“I’ll think about it,” Nie Yunyang said.

Xiang Tao looked serious. “Fine, you think it over. Leave your contact so we can keep in touch.”

“Alright.”

Nie Yunyang said, and they exchanged phone numbers.

Twenty minutes later, Nie Yunyang drove back to Jin Xiu Hua Ting. Along the way, Xiang Tao caused no trouble, quietly playing on his phone.

“What kind of place is this?” Xiang Tao asked curiously after getting out of the car.

Nie Yunyang took a deep breath. “This is Jin Xiu Hua Ting, a private club. Your aunt is a member. She asked me to pick you up.”

“I see. So you’re an employee here,” Xiang Tao said.

Nie Yunyang said no more and led Xiang Tao through the garden toward the main building.

Xiang Tao looked around eagerly, fascinated by the surroundings, especially the antique decorations that immediately caught his attention.

Just then, Gao Chen came downstairs and asked, “Where have you been? Director Dai has been looking for you.”

“I had something to take care of, so I went out for a while,” Nie Yunyang quickly explained, then asked, “Where is Director Dai?”

“He’s in the private room chatting with some VIPs. He’ll come see you once he’s done.”

Seeing Xiang Tao, Gao Chen frowned, “Who’s this brat? How can he just come in like that?”

Nie Yunyang hesitated a moment and asked, “Did you see a beautiful woman in a black uniform today?”

“Are you talking about Miss Xiang?” Gao Chen replied.

Nie Yunyang shrugged. “So that girl’s surname is Xiang too? I just went out for a stroll and ran into a tigress.”

“Who are you calling a tigress?” A cold, sharp voice rang out.