Super Doctor - Chapter 180

“A minor issue? What is it?” Xu Ze frowned slightly, careful not to let Sun Lingfei see the flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

Xiao Dao chuckled. “About eight hundred meters ahead, Zhang Libao, Wu Yuelong, and the others are waiting for you…”

“Waiting for me? What for?” Xu Ze asked, irritated.

“Rumor has it they want to ‘play’ with you…” Xiao Dao replied teasingly.

Xu Ze was speechless. “Play? Play what? They’re just looking for trouble…”

“What exactly do they want? A fight? Or something else?” Having his time with Sun Lingfei interrupted put Xu Ze in a bad mood.

Xiao Dao snickered. “Zhang Libao thinks fighting is beneath someone of his ‘refinement,’ so he wants to race you. He wants to take you down a peg and show Miss Sun who the real reliable man is…”

“…Idiots,” Xu Ze snorted disdainfully.

Hearing his snort, Sun Lingfei looked at him curiously. “Xu Ze… what are you doing?”

“Nothing…” Xu Ze quickly smiled. “The weather’s nice today… it’s really comfortable to just drive around outside…”

“Mmm… it is comfortable…” Sun Lingfei leaned gently against Xu Ze, smiling sweetly as she glanced at the sapphire pendant on her chest.

Xu Ze looked at Sun Lingfei beside him, then at the line of sports cars parked by the roadside ahead, feeling thoroughly exasperated. He had finally managed to take Sun Lingfei out to relax, and now this interruption. He couldn’t help but sigh softly.

“What’s wrong, Xu Ze?” Sun Lingfei lifted her head, looking at him puzzled.

Xu Ze gave a light laugh and pointed ahead. “Looks like someone wants to cause trouble for us…”

“Huh? How could there be anyone out here…” Sun Lingfei looked forward in surprise, spotted the line of sports cars, and was momentarily stunned. “Isn’t that Zhang Libao and his crew? What are they doing here?”

“Waiting for me,” Xu Ze said lightly.

“Waiting for you? What for?” No sooner had she said this than Sun Lingfei stopped herself, understanding dawning on her. She couldn’t help but feel angry. “These guys are just too bored…”

“Xu Ze… let’s just ignore them. This bunch can get really crazy…” Sun Lingfei looked at Xu Ze with concern.

Xu Ze smiled faintly. “Don’t worry… have you ever seen me afraid of anyone?”

“But… but these guys are really not easy to deal with…” Sun Lingfei knew the personalities of Zhang Libao and his friends all too well. When they set out to cause trouble, they rarely gave up easily…

“It’s fine… relax!” Xu Ze gently patted Sun Lingfei’s hand, smiling reassuringly.

By now, the car was gradually approaching the line of sports cars. Seeing Xu Ze approach, one of the sports cars quickly shot out and blocked the middle of the road, cutting off his path.

Xu Ze turned the steering wheel with a calm smile and, under Sun Lingfei’s worried gaze, pulled over to the side of the road.

He got out of the car with a light laugh, watching as a group of men and women emerged from their cars. It suddenly reminded him of the scene long ago at Tianyang Mountain when he encountered Zhang Junhai, though that occasion was far less imposing than this one…

Seeing Zhang Libao walking at the front with a smug smile, Xu Ze couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. He looked at Zhang Libao and said calmly, “Young Master Bao, waiting for me here at this hour… are you planning to treat me to a late-night snack?”

Seeing Xu Ze’s still composed and unruffled demeanor, Zhang Libao’s smile stiffened for a moment before he replied, “Young Master Xu?… Heh, Young Master Xu seems to be enjoying himself quite well since coming to our Yanjing…”

With that, he glanced at Sun Lingfei in the car and said with a laugh, “And even has the company of our Yanjing beauty… seems really cozy!”

“Young Master Bao… I need to get back… if there’s something, we can talk tomorrow…” Sun Lingfei frowned slightly as she looked at Zhang Libao.

“Heh… Lingfei, if you have things to do, I can have someone take you back first, how about that…” Zhang Libao said with a light laugh. “Young Master Xu has come to Yanjing so rarely, I must entertain him properly…”

Seeing Zhang Libao’s persistent attitude, Sun Lingfei grew increasingly worried. Zhang Libao was one of the most troublesome figures in Yanjing, second only to Li Yue. If he was determined to cause trouble for Xu Ze now, then Xu Ze was really in for it.

Noting Sun Lingfei’s concern, Xu Ze shook his head lightly with a smile, signaling for her to relax, then said, “Since Young Master Bao is so enthusiastic, how could I refuse? How does Young Master Bao plan to entertain me? Fulfill your duties as host?”

Seeing Xu Ze’s seemingly indifferent manner, Zhang Libao couldn’t help but sneer coldly. “Haha… Since Xu Ze has come all the way from Xingcheng, naturally I want to ensure you have a good time, enjoy some good food…”

“Let’s have some fun today… How about I treat you to a full Man-Han Imperial Feast another day?” Zhang Libao looked at Xu Ze with a smirk.

Knowing full well what Zhang Libao had in mind, Xu Ze chuckled lightly. “Have some fun? Sure… What did Young Master Bao have in mind?”

“Xu Ze…” Seeing Xu Ze’s still casual attitude, Sun Lingfei grew tense and quickly tugged lightly on his sleeve, urging him not to agree. She knew perfectly well that Zhang Libao had ill intentions today.

Xu Ze reached out and gently patted Sun Lingfei’s shoulder, looking at her with warmth. “It’s fine… Be good… This will only take a moment…”

Watching their intimate exchange, Zhang Libao’s eyes widened abruptly. But, as one of the truly top young masters in Yanjing, he was quite capable of hiding his anger.

His interest in Sun Lingfei wasn’t a new thing; it had been going on for over a year or two. Ever since he first saw Sun Lingfei two years ago when she was just eighteen, he hadn’t been able to forget her. However, back then, the Sun family also had considerable influence, so he hadn’t dared to cause too much trouble.

But he often found excuses to hang around the Sun residence…

And Sun Lingfei’s father, aware of Zhang Libao’s interest, though not fond of his character, mindful of the Zhang family’s powerful influence in Yanjing, hadn’t outright rejected Zhang Libao’s deliberate attempts to get close.

Over the past year or so, the elderly patron behind the Sun family had passed away due to illness… Having lost their backer, Sun’s father became even less likely to reject Zhang Libao’s overtures.

So, although Sun Lingfei still paid Zhang Libao little attention, he had long considered her as good as his. Seeing them so intimate now only fueled his jealousy and hatred towards Xu Ze.

But the more jealous he felt, the deeper he hid his anger. He forced a light laugh. “I heard Young Master Xu is Old Master Tang’s adopted grandson… I have great respect for the Old Master. They say back in the day, he single-handedly took on a dozen Japanese soldiers with a machete… truly awe-inspiring. I wonder if Young Master Xu shares some of that spirit?”

“Young Master Bao, if you have something to say, just say it directly… all this beating around the bush is tiresome…” Xu Ze was in no mood to banter with Zhang Libao. It was getting late, and he still needed to take Sun Lingfei home.

Hearing Xu Ze’s impatient tone, a flash of malice crossed Zhang Libao’s eyes. He looked at Xu Ze and said with a cold laugh, “Fine… Young Master Xu is straightforward…”

“I’ve always admired Old Master Tang’s courage. Seeing Young Master Xu today, I can’t help but feel the itch for a challenge… How about you and I have a little race?”

“A race?” Xu Ze raised an eyebrow slightly, then patted the Aston Martin he was in. “Young Master Bao… I’m driving Li Yue’s car today… It wouldn’t be good if I scratched it. Besides, it’s not my own car, not very familiar.”

“Young Master Xu, you’re too modest. Brother Yue’s car is a top-notch vehicle, perfect for racing…” Zhang Libao said with a light laugh. “Is Young Master Xu perhaps… afraid?”

“Afraid?” Xu Ze chuckled lightly. “That’s a word I’ve never really considered.”

“Haha… Young Master Xu is bold! In that case, how about a race? Just one round?” Zhang Libao looked at Xu Ze provocatively.

Xu Ze smiled. “Young Master Bao… it’s really getting late… I truly need to take Lingfei back.”

Hearing Xu Ze’s evasive words, Zhang Libao laughed even louder. “Young Master Xu… no problem. How about we race towards the Western Hills? Lingfei can follow in one of the cars behind… I promise she won’t be late.”

Seeing Zhang Libao’s smug expression, Xu Ze turned to look at Sun Lingfei, her face full of worry, and said calmly, “Lingfei… it’s fine… I’ll play along with Young Master Bao… Why don’t you ride in one of the cars behind?”

“No way… I’m staying in your car,” Sun Lingfei pouted. Looking at Xu Ze’s relaxed face, she thought to herself, You fool… picking a fight with Zhang Libao, that guy’s a madman… I’ll stay right here in your car… let’s see if you can still act so careless with me here…

Seeing Sun Lingfei stubbornly refusing to get out of Xu Ze’s car, a flash of anger crossed Zhang Libao’s eyes. The fact that Sun Lingfei was still protecting Xu Ze like this at a time like this was incredibly frustrating…

He snorted. “Since Lingfei also wants to experience the thrill of a race… then let’s do it. But, Lingfei, you need to be careful yourself… racing isn’t like anything else…”

Remembering Xu Ze’s still calm and composed demeanor, Zhang Libao felt a twinge of caution. This Xu Ze is still so calm; he probably has some skill. But I’m one of the best in Yanjing’s circles. Let’s see what you’re really made of…

“And with Sun Lingfei in the car, let’s see how recklessly this guy dares to drive. Plus, there are plenty of sharp curves on the way to the Western Hills. There’s no way an outsider like you knows the road better than I do?” Thinking this, Zhang Libao secretly smiled again. He looked at Xu Ze and said, “Since Lingfei insists… Young Master Xu, shall we begin?”

“The first one to reach the large billboard at the foot of the Western Hills wins.”

Xu Ze thought for a moment, recalling the location of that billboard. However, he had only been through this area once yesterday in Li Yue’s car and wasn’t very familiar with the terrain.

But of course, he wasn’t afraid. With Xiao Dao around, no terrain could pose much of a problem… The only slight issue was Sun Lingfei’s refusal to get out. He just hoped she wouldn’t get too scared during the race…

Thinking of this, Xu Ze remembered Sun Lingfei’s title as the president of the Taekwondo club and thought, But with her courage, she probably won’t be too easily frightened…

“Alright… Young Master Bao… Shall we start now?” Xu Ze raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling at Zhang Libao.

Seeing Xu Ze’s still nonchalant expression, Zhang Libao snorted inwardly. Don’t tell me you think you can just lose and be done with it?

“It’s not that simple…” Zhang Libao looked at Xu Ze with a light laugh. “Young Master Xu… let’s make things a bit more interesting. How about a wager?”

“A wager?” Xu Ze frowned slightly. He really didn’t have anything to wager right now.

Seeing Xu Ze’s frown, Zhang Libao said lightly, “When I race others… it’s usually a million per round. What does Young Master Xu think?”

“A million?” Xu Ze couldn’t help but look at Zhang Libao in astonishment.

“Right… just a friendly bet of a million. That way we have a little incentive. Otherwise, just racing without any stakes isn’t as fun…” Looking at Xu Ze’s obvious surprise, Zhang Libao couldn’t hide a contemptuous smirk.

Xu Ze rubbed his nose. A million… he couldn’t come up with a million even if he sold himself. He chuckled lightly. “Young Master Bao… who carries a million in cash around with them? Let’s just forget it.”

“Haha… Young Master Xu, a bet’s a bet… we said a million, so a million. You don’t think I, Zhang Libao, would go back on my word, do you…” Hearing Xu Ze’s words, Zhang Libao burst into loud laughter.

“Exactly… When has Young Master Bao ever needed cash for a race…” The crowd behind him excitedly shouted, taunting, “Is Young Master Xu perhaps afraid to bet?”

Looking at the excited crowd, Xu Ze couldn’t help but smile lightly. “Fine then… Since Young Master Bao insists, we’ll bet. A million it is.”

“If someone wants to give me money, why would I refuse?” Xu Ze chuckled and got back into the car. He looked at Zhang Libao and said, “Okay… If I lose, I’ll guarantee the million is delivered tomorrow.”

Xu Ze was completely relaxed, but Sun Lingfei beside him was looking at him nervously. She naturally knew Xu Ze probably didn’t have that kind of money and quickly whispered, “Xu Ze… don’t bet with him… I heard he’s very good at racing… if you lose…”

“Have a little faith in me, okay?” Xu Ze leaned close to Sun Lingfei’s ear with a light laugh. “When have you ever seen me do something I wasn’t sure about?”

Seeing Xu Ze’s calm, confident smile, Sun Lingfei’s anxiety lessened somewhat. She knew Xu Ze wasn’t one to boast idly; but this Zhang Libao was notorious for his love of racing, and it was said that he rarely lost in Yanjing…

Despite Xu Ze’s reassurance, Sun Lingfei couldn’t completely hide the tension on her face…

“Fasten your seatbelt… this is going to be exciting…” Xu Ze smiled and reached over to help Sun Lingfei pull out her seatbelt and fasten it. Then he looked up at Zhang Libao, who wore a gloomy expression, and said, “Young Master Bao… ready to start?”

“Alright… start!” Zhang Libao snorted coldly, glanced at Sun Lingfei sitting next to Xu Ze, then waved over a heavily made-up girl in hot pants. “You, ride with me today. Keep me company.”

“Ooh! Great, Young Master Bao, you’re definitely going to win…” The girl, overjoyed at being chosen, bounced excitedly, gave Zhang Libao a loud kiss, and quickly scrambled into his passenger seat.

Xu Ze smiled lightly, pressed a button to slowly raise the convertible top, and waited for the start.

Zhang Libao looked at Xu Ze, sneered, got back into his car, started the engine, and revved it noisily as he positioned his car properly, then glanced at Xu Ze.

Xu Ze chuckled softly, slowly reversed his car a bit, then moved back to the center of the road, stopping parallel to Zhang Libao.

The heavily made-up girl in Zhang Libao’s car turned to look at Xu Ze with a smug laugh. “Hey, handsome… when it comes to racing, our Young Master Bao is one of the best in Yanjing. Why don’t you just admit defeat now? Save us all some time…”

Xu Ze glanced at her lightly but didn’t bother to respond.

“Hmph… can’t recognize a good thing when you see it!” The girl, annoyed by his indifference, snorted. Then, still impatient, she explained the rules. “Okay then, listen up… someone up ahead will wave a flag. When it drops, you go. First one there wins…”

“Whatever happens along the way, you’re responsible for the consequences. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, handsome.” The girl shot Xu Ze a cold look, then suddenly stuck her head out the window and shrieked excitedly, “Young Master Bao for the win!”

“Young Master Bao for the win!” Following her scream, the others outside also started cheering excitedly. A sexy woman holding a checkered flag stepped forward and raised it, while everyone else got into their cars and started their engines. The roar of engines filled the air; they were clearly planning to follow behind and watch the race.

Zhang Libao turned his head, looked at Xu Ze through the two car windows separating them, curled the corner of his mouth into a disdainful smirk, and then slammed his foot on the accelerator a few times, making the sports car roar loudly…

Hearing the roar of the engine, Xiao Dao said softly in Xu Ze’s mind: *Ferrari 612, 5.7-liter V12 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, top speed 320 km/h, 0-400 meters in 12.3 seconds. A pretty good car… not worse than the Aston Martin you’re in.*

“Not worse… just not worse. But does that mean he’ll win?” Xu Ze chuckled. “There are no missiles, no machine gun fire, no traps, no falling rocks here… who do you think can stop me?”

“Ha! Naturally. Just think, who taught you your skills?” Both of them were feeling quite pleased with themselves, full of bravado as they waited for the checkered flag to drop.

Meanwhile, Sun Lingfei beside him was still somewhat nervous. But seeing the excitement and confidence on Xu Ze’s face, she couldn’t help but feel a little more reassured…