As the first-in-line successor of the Sun family in Jinling, Sun Hao was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the center of immense privilege and affection.
However, he wasn’t your typical spoiled heir. He possessed formidable skills and capabilities of his own, truly a talented young man.
After graduating from the Wharton School of Business in the US, he took the helm of the family business and immediately launched a series of dazzling capital operations. He captured territory across the entire Jiangsu province, defeated several real estate giants, and stirred up a series of breathtaking battles, doubling the assets of Wangchao Real Estate within three years.
Many of his business maneuvers became classic case studies in public relations, marketing, management, and finance, leaving professors at business schools and veteran entrepreneurs alike in awe. Students from numerous universities studied, learned from, and sought to understand his strategies.
Furthermore, behind the scenes, unknown to most, he was also the helmsman of the Qingyun Guild, Jinling’s largest underground society.
Regarding this, even the influential young master from Yangcheng, Bai Choufei, had once highly praised him: “Sun Hao has truly lived his life to the fullest. He understands the most advanced Western financial operations, yet remains deeply localized, able to integrate with the realities of China.”
“Chairman Sun, Young Master Tang Shaoze from Yangcheng has arrived!” A tall, long-legged, and beautiful female secretary knocked and entered, whispering into Sun Hao’s ear.
Hearing this, Sun Hao’s expression shifted for the first time, revealing a flash of delight. He said repeatedly, “Good, good, good! Have all mid-level staff and executives mobilize to welcome him at the airport! Are the flowers, red carpet, and banners ready at the airport?”
“All prepared as you instructed, long ago!” the female secretary replied in a melodious voice, though her face showed a trace of astonishment.
Sun Hao was a top-tier young master in Jinling, capable of summoning wind and rain with extensive connections. Why was he showing such deference to this Young Master Tang?
Little did she know that Yangcheng was the vanguard of reform and opening-up, a major economic hub. Jinling’s development lagged far, far behind Yangcheng’s.
Moreover, in terms of status, assets, and background, Sun Hao was significantly outmatched by Tang Shaoze. If it weren’t for the passable relationship they had during their time studying in the US, Tang Shaoze wouldn’t even be cooperating with him this time.
“Sun Hao, no need to pick me up at the airport. I’m already here!” Suddenly, a young man pushed the door open and entered, accompanied by only one attendant. His face was all smiles, without a hint of arrogance.
“Young Master Tang, how did you come by yourself? I was just about to head to the airport to receive you! This is such poor hospitality! You are one of the Four Young Masters of Yangcheng, after all!” The usually domineering Sun Hao acted like a meek subordinate in front of Tang Shaoze, bowing and scraping.
“Let’s not mention that anymore!” Tang Shaoze was dressed in a traditional Chinese jacket, soft cloth shoes on his feet, his once-flowing long hair cut short into a neat crop. A string of Buddhist prayer beads hung around his neck—a completely Zen-like attire. He spoke with a slightly weary and bitter tone, “There’s no ‘Four Young Masters of Yangcheng’ anymore.”
“Young Master Tang, why do you say that?” Sun Hao looked puzzled.
The Four Young Masters were no more? And Tang Shaoze’s dress was so peculiar, seeming aged beyond his years. This was hardly the formidable Young Master Tang Shaoze he knew!
After they were seated, the young, pretty secretary served tea to the two men at the Gongfu tea set, kneeling in service. She said sweetly, “Young Master Tang, please enjoy your tea.”
She had secretly tugged her blouse a bit lower and undone an extra button, revealing a glimpse of pale skin. Sun Hao had previously hinted that this was a rare opportunity; if she could become Young Master Tang’s woman, it would be like a sparrow turning into a phoenix.
But to her surprise, no matter how she flirted and posed in front of Tang Shaoze, he remained as still as a meditating monk, not even glancing her way.
Does he not like women? The secretary sighed in disappointment, her heart filled with frustration and confusion.
“Young Master Tang, this secretary was specially reserved for you. She’s still untouched, I never dared to lay a hand on her! Her father is also a city official, a daughter from a respectable family! Quite different from those young models and minor celebrities!” Sun Hao said with a fawning, ingratiating smile.
The female secretary pretended to look shy, lowering her head gently. Her delicate jade-like hands trembled slightly, expertly spilling a little tea—putting on quite the act.
Tang Shaoze frowned and sighed deeply. “Women… are trouble. Best to avoid them.”
Seeing Tang Shaoze’s lack of interest, Sun Hao quickly changed the subject, smiling obsequiously. “By the way, why didn’t Young Master Tie and Young Master Bai come this time? I miss them dearly!”
“Don’t even ask. Their legs were broken by Grandmaster Jiang, and they haven’t recovered yet,” Tang Shaoze shook his head with a bitter smile.
“Young Master Tang, I’ve heard a little about that incident. Is this Grandmaster Jiang really that formidable?” Sun Hao immediately displayed appropriate indignation, thumping his chest. “If you trust me, leave this matter to me. I’ll hire a few shooters from overseas and have him riddled with bullets!”
“Sun Hao, watch your words!” Tang Shaoze started so badly he nearly jumped out of his chair, breaking out in a cold sweat. Deep fear shone in his eyes as he said tremulously, “That Grandmaster Jiang is a figure like a celestial dragon! He fears no bullets, commands thunder, can walk on water, and injure people from a distance! Please, don’t drag me into this!”
As he spoke, he clutched the prayer beads, pressed his palms together, closed his eyes, and with a devout expression, silently prayed: “Thanks to the Bodhisattva and the eight-direction deities for protecting me, ensuring I never encounter Jiang Taichu again.”
Ever since being taught a lesson by Jiang Tian in Leizhou, Tang Shaoze had lived in constant torment, anxious and paranoid all day, afraid that Jiang Tian might decide to end him on a whim.
Later, someone suggested that worshipping Buddha might help. So, he spent three hundred million to build a temple, erect a large Buddha statue, and personally climbed two thousand steps on his knees, which were scraped bloody. He performed the three kneelings and nine prostrations before the Buddha, praying to exchange twenty years of his life for never encountering Jiang Taichu again in this lifetime.
Believe it or not, for the next few months, he never saw Jiang Tian again and lived peacefully.
Miraculous, absolutely miraculous!
Henceforth, he began practicing vegetarianism and Buddhist rituals, needing to chant sutras and pray every day before he could sleep.
“Is it really that bizarre, to scare Young Master Tang into chanting Buddha’s name…?” Sun Hao found it somewhat ridiculous.
Just then, Ma Yumu knocked and entered, reporting respectfully, “Young Master Sun, everything is prepared at Fengyi Tower.”
Sun Hao nodded. Seeing that Ma Yumu wasn’t leaving, he frowned. “Your part is done. Why are you still here?”
Ma Yumu hesitated, then finally spoke, trembling. “That friend of Zhao Wuji’s is very strange, seems to be a martial arts expert. Young Master Sun, perhaps you should… make peace with him and forget about that land?”
“Martial arts expert, my foot! Can he block a bullet?” Sun Hao snorted dismissively. “Besides, do you know how many experts Young Master Tang has on his side?”
Before Tang Shaoze could speak, the attendant beside him said with a dark expression, “I am Dong Xu, known as Iron Fist Dong Xu. I have reached the level of major accomplishment in internal energy.”
As he spoke, he smiled faintly and slapped the marble coffee table with a smack, leaving a clear palm print embedded in the surface.
“A master! A true master!” Sun Hao was utterly amazed, clapping and cheering.
After a round of flattery, he said seriously, “Brother Dong, that piece of land I want to acquire is indeed causing some trouble. There’s a tough guy who even injured my Double Red Rod enforcer. But now, with a great master like you overseeing things, I can rest easy!”
“Jinling is a big place, but it lacks any real martial arts masters!” Dong Xu smiled reservedly and took a sip of his tea.
Greatly reassured, Sun Hao turned to Tang Shaoze and said respectfully, “Young Master Tang, this is your first time in Jinling. I must show you proper hospitality. Let me use this opportunity tonight to fulfill my duties as your host and treat you to some relaxation at Fengyi Tower!”
Fengyi Tower was well-known throughout Jinling for its all-inclusive entertainment, and it was very high-end.
“No, I’ve embraced Buddhism now. I abstain from worldly pleasures. You can take Dong Xu for some fun, though.” Tang Shaoze glanced at him calmly and said leisurely, “Besides, I can’t stand all that fighting and killing. I’ll wait outside while you handle your business.”
Hearing this, Sun Hao was completely dumbfounded, unable to believe it.
Was this still the charismatic, unrestrained, and domineering leader of the Four Young Masters of Yangcheng? He’d turned to Buddhism? The change was so drastic, it was like he was a different person.
Hearing this, the female secretary mustered her courage and said, “Young Master Tang, I have a younger sister named Tang Jialin. She’s a huge fan of yours and has always admired you. She’d like to meet you. I wonder if I could bring her along tonight?”
Her sister, Tang Jialin, had begged her many times for this. Under normal circumstances, Tang Jiarong would never have dared to ask.
But now that Young Master Tang had turned to Buddhism and seemed peaceful and detached, maybe he would agree?
Sure enough, Tang Shaoze’s next words made Tang Jiarong’s heart sweeter than honey.
“Very well.” Tang Shaoze wore an expression of great compassion and said leisurely, “In this journey of life, the road is long and full of hardships. Who doesn’t face difficulties at times? It’s good to make more friends.”
He pressed his palms together, closed his eyes tightly, and with a devout expression, chanted a Buddhist phrase: “I have come to know the vastness of the world, yet I still cherish the green of the grass and trees. In this world full of the strong, we are all like ants and dust. We must join hands with mutual love and affection to get through this brief and difficult life together. Bring her along tonight.”
“Thank you for your favor, Young Master Tang! Thank you!” Tang Jiarong’s smile stretched almost to her ears.
Truly, a young master from Yangcheng is different from those from a small place like Jinling!
In this journey of life, the road is long…
I have come to know the vastness of the world, yet I still cherish the green of the grass and trees!
Just listen to how profound his words are! He must have experienced the great storms of life to have such insights!
…
Evening. Several luxury cars roared like beasts, speeding along the roads of downtown Jinling.
Other vehicles on the road, seeing the license plates of these cars, shied away as if avoiding tigers and wolves.
These cars were almost all imported luxury vehicles, each worth over a million. Their license plates were all official police plates, some even bearing provincial government passes.
But one Audi A3, worth less than three hundred thousand, trailed at the end, seeming rather out of place.
“Linlin, you must be very careful in your attendance tonight. The other party is a very important figure. This is a rare opportunity for both you and me!” Tang Jiarong, who was driving, earnestly instructed her sister.
“Don’t worry, Sis. I definitely won’t let you down!” Tang Jialin held a compact mirror, carefully applying her eyeliner.
