Changed My Name to Dad

After eating and drinking well, Wang Yan pretended to be drunk again, drinking even more than last time. If you're going to fake it, do it thoroughly.

Gu Jia took the two of them back again.

This time, Wang Yan was much more well-behaved. He couldn't be making small movements either. What if he accidentally lost control? That wouldn't be good.

The first time is unfamiliar, the second time is familiar. This time, Gu Jia was right at home. She had the access code and password, and naturally settled Wang Yan in.

Regardless of others, Wang Yan slept soundly.

The next day, he got up and went to the company to handle some matters. Some things his subordinates really couldn't handle, so he had to go himself. Moreover, if they could handle everything, he wouldn't be able to trust them.

After this period of development, Wang Yan was operating on multiple fronts.

He successfully sold off all the stocks, securities, and other miscellaneous things he had previously held. At the same time, he had people "stealing chickens and dogs" in the international market. His scale wasn't enough to stir up trouble; he'd be easily crushed. Petty theft was fine, and his assets were steadily growing, almost doubling.

His company wasn't just working for him; it also raised funds like a private equity firm. The returns were quite good, and the investors were satisfied. Good performance was the best advertisement. Wealthy people's money sat in banks, watching it depreciate day by day, making their hearts tremble.

They were desperately searching for good projects that could guarantee returns and preserve their wealth. Through word of mouth, Wang Yan had gained some fame. He had attracted a considerable amount of capital, and his scale was sufficient. The main purpose, however, was to expand his network, as it had always been easier to get things done with connections.

As a manager, a controller, he naturally wouldn't do everything himself.

Wang Yan dedicated a lot of his time to self-improvement. He never slacked off in this regard.

Being able to clearly perceive his own progress felt like flying, and he didn't want to stop at all.

Wang Yan was lucky; he could experience that thrill. Whether it was useful or not, as long as Wang Yan mastered it to a certain extent, the corresponding skill would appear on his system panel. That sense of accomplishment was truly unparalleled.

Now, Wang Yan could write code in a presentable manner. He was building a small website. He didn't even need to understand the underlying principles. Once you learned the basic syntax, you could learn a framework here and there, tinker for a couple of days, and get started.

Not to mention Wang Yan's learning ability. He couldn't say he had a comprehensive grasp, but he mostly knew what was going on, and that was enough. If he encountered problems he couldn't solve, there were open-source communities and various forums where countless programmers chatted. He could figure things out by browsing them.

Just as Wang Yan was enthusiastically typing away, he received an unexpected phone call.

It turned out Xu Huanshan and his good friend Shen Jie were playing soccer and got into a scuffle with some youngsters. They couldn't win and ended up beaten black and blue, taken to the police station. Xu Huanshan was embarrassed to let Gu Jia know, as she would surely nag him. After much thought, he thought of Wang Yan, whom he had gotten drunk with yesterday, his son's godfather, his guiding light, his life mentor.

He immediately called Wang Yan, hoping he could come and help him sort things out.

Wang Yan was speechless. "You idiot, you got beaten up like that, how are you going to explain it to Gu Jia when you get home? With Gu Jia's brain, she'll figure everything out in a few sentences. You're still thinking of hiding it from her."

Since they had called, Wang Yan couldn't say anything. He enthusiastically agreed, telling him to wait a moment and that he would be there soon. This was a free opportunity to gain favor, given freely. He had to seize it.

Wang Yan tidied himself up, went downstairs, and drove to the police station where Xu Huanshan was.

Seeing a row of people squatting inside, Wang Yan found Xu Huanshan, who was squatting there with a bruised and swollen face.

When Xu Huanshan saw Wang Yan arrive, he felt like he had seen a savior. He immediately stood up, "Old Wang, you're finally here. These kids nowadays are really unethical. They only hit the face when they beat people. Look what they did to me."

The other people who were playing soccer with him also stood up when they saw their savior arrive.

Shen Jie, who was next to him, chimed in, "They hit too damn hard. They even took my shoes."

What he said made Wang Yan laugh heartily. "Haha, you must be Shen Jie, right? Old Xu mentioned you when we were drinking last time."

"Brother, you're too funny. Don't make me laugh in such a serious situation."

Shaking his head, Wang Yan said, "Alright, you guys can keep squatting. I'll go sort this out."

Wang Yan walked up to the police officer at the counter. "Hello, officer. I'm Xu Huanshan's friend. I'm here to resolve this matter."

The police officer shook his hand and gestured for Xu Huanshan to identify him. "These kids are all students. We've already talked to them, and they don't want to settle out of court."

Wang Yan thought for a moment. "How about this? I'll go talk to them again and try my best to persuade them. If we can settle it privately, let's do that. After all, legal resources are limited, and we shouldn't waste them, right?"

The police officer agreed, thinking the same thing.

He walked over to the students who were squatting on the other side. "Who's the leader here? Let's resolve this matter."

One of the young men said, "You don't need to say anything. We don't want money. There's no room for negotiation on this."

It was clear they had already discussed it for a while. They at least needed an explanation.

Wang Yan could handle these students, let alone Chen Xu.

He walked up to them. "Let me say something. You're all students. If this matter escalates, what will be the consequences of organized group fighting? And what will your parents think?"

Wang Yan looked around. "I'm not trying to scare you, am I? Think about it carefully."

Hearing Wang Yan's words, their expressions changed.

Seeing their reaction, Wang Yan continued, "I don't think this is a big deal. As the old saying goes, it's better to resolve enmities than to create them."

"You beat them up until they look like that, and you didn't suffer any losses."

"They're all bosses, so they definitely won't be short on favors."

"How about this? You guys like playing soccer, right? I'll have them get you each a membership card for the soccer field. You can go play whenever you want."

"I'll also get each of you a pair of soccer shoes, as a gesture. What do you think?"

They looked at each other, exchanging glances. The young man who spoke earlier said, "Then let's do it this way. We don't want to make a big fuss either. We'll do as you say."

Seeing that they were reasonable, Wang Yan said, "That's good. You've been running around playing soccer and fighting. You must be hungry."

"After we finish, I'll arrange a place for you brothers to eat and drink whatever you want."

Seeing Wang Yan's enthusiasm, they didn't say anything. They were hungry anyway, and who wouldn't want a free meal?

After reaching an agreement, Wang Yan had Xu Huanshan find someone to take these students to buy shoes, get their cards, and have a meal. He then found the police officer, signed a letter of understanding, and completed various procedures. The matter was thus concluded.

After finishing the procedures, Xu Huanshan's summoned help arrived as they exited the police station. It was Chen Xu, of course.

Wang Yan called Chen Xu over and handed him fifty thousand cash from his car.

Chen Xu was the most normal one among them, just a bit more troublesome. His thinking was still sound. He wasn't too clear on the exact costs for those things, but with over ten people involved, he estimated forty to fifty thousand would be enough.

Wang Yan asked Chen Xu to accompany them, gave him his contact information, and told him to ask for more money if needed, with the remainder going to him.

Xu Huanshan gave Chen Xu a couple more instructions, mainly to not tell Gu Jia about any of this.

Afterward, Chen Xu happily left, as food, drinks, and shoes wouldn't cost that much. If everything went well, he'd pocket one to two thousand.

After Xu Huanshan finished his instructions, he walked over to Wang Yan and said, "Ah, Old Wang, I'm so sorry to have troubled you with this trip."

"Consider the money a loan. I'll get it back to you."

Shaking his head, Wang Yan replied, "Forget it, it's not that much money. What kind of relationship do we have? Don't be so formal, let's just leave it at that. I'll treat you to a meal next time."

Turning to Shen Jie, Wang Yan said, "We're all friends, so I'll call you Old Shen. Don't be polite either, just call me Old Wang."

"Old Xu mentioned you also do fireworks. I told Old Xu too, you must be very careful about safety. Accidents with these things are no small matter."

Wang Yan gave Shen Jie a reminder. Shen Jie himself had only been in the story for a couple of episodes before getting locked up. Wang Yan was just mentioning it in passing; whether he listened was up to him.

Shen Jie nodded. Although it was Wang Yan's first time meeting him, Xu Huanshan had mentioned him often, always saying he'd introduce them sometime. Friends of friends are friends, and Wang Yan wasn't wishing him ill. Shen Jie was quite happy that Wang Yan reminded him upon their first meeting, showing he wasn't being distant.

Perhaps I have been too lax lately. I should go back and check? Shen Jie thought.

The three of them smoked cigarettes and chatted outside the police station.

The main issue was that the two of them, who clearly had no sense, still had the energy to brag to Wang Yan about how fierce they were during the fight, even after getting beaten up.

Wang Yan understood. Men's pleasures were few. Even though they hadn't won, they had released the pressure from work and life, and both were happy deep down.

He understood, but he didn't care about them. What was the point of kids fighting? If Wang Yan really got serious, a single look and the deterrence of dozens of lives wouldn't be a joke. Those few guys, even if they didn't wet themselves, would definitely have weak knees.

After listening to them brag for a while, Wang Yan said, "Alright, let's get in the car. I'll drive you two back."

"That's it for today. We'll do something properly another time."

The two had no other thoughts and got into the car without speaking, wondering how they would explain their bruised faces to their wives when they got home. Returning home looking like that, without a reasonable explanation, wouldn't fly.

Shen Jie's home was a bit further away but still in the city center. After all, he was a boss worth tens of millions, so he wouldn't live in a remote area.

After dropping Shen Jie off, Wang Yan drove Xu Huanshan back to Junyue Mansion.

In the elevator, as they approached the twelfth floor, Wang Yan didn't say much, just gave Xu Huanshan a look of "good luck." He didn't have high hopes for Xu Huanshan; Gu Jia would definitely call him or come looking for him soon.

As expected, when Gu Jia saw Xu Huanshan return home with a bruised and swollen face, she immediately asked what happened.

Facing Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan was like a mouse seeing a cat. He stammered out the excuse he had concocted. They had been together for many years, and Gu Jia knew him too well; she could tell he was lying just by looking at him.

Within a few sentences, she firmly took control, and Xu Huanshan finally confessed the whole story.

When Gu Jia heard he got into a fight with some students while playing soccer and lost, and then considered that he had to fly to Jingcheng (Beijing) the next day to work on a plan for an amusement park and discuss cooperation, she was furious. She lectured him severely.

Annoyed by her nagging, Xu Huanshan stopped holding back. He spoke some of his inner thoughts, about their eldest son, about her constantly trying to get into the wives' social circles, and so on.

Why is she trying so hard, sucking up like that? Who is it for? Isn't it all for our happy life? Gu Jia was hurt by her husband's lack of recognition. But considering Xu Huanshan didn't like that kind of behavior, and she loved this Xu Huanshan too, she suppressed her anger and gently comforted him.

Xu Huanshan was like a donkey that responded well to stroking. He had been completely managed by Gu Jia's tactics for so many years. Within a few words, his anger dissipated, and they continued to live in harmony, loving each other.

After applying medicine to Xu Huanshan's injuries, she let him play with the children. Gu Jia busied herself for a while and made some small pastries. She took them upstairs for Wang Yan to try her cooking, as a token of her gratitude.

Wang Yan invited Gu Jia in to sit, but she smiled and declined. She always felt uncomfortable being alone with Wang Yan.

Wang Yan didn't mind her refusal; didn't that show she had some interest? They chatted at the door for a while, and Wang Yan didn't forget to ask Gu Jia to bring their godson over to play. Then, Wang Yan escorted Gu Jia downstairs.

After seeing Gu Jia off, he turned back into the house and sat down on a cushion in the living room.

Wang Yan brewed a pot of tea and ate the pastries Gu Jia had brought. They were indeed quite good. For them to earn praise from a group of wealthy wives who enjoyed a luxurious life and had tasted delicacies, their skill level was certainly sufficient.

Xu Huanshan got beaten up today and flies to Jingcheng (Beijing) tomorrow. It was time for Lin Youyou to make her appearance.

While eating, he called two of his subordinates and asked them to have someone keep an eye on Xu Huanshan's whereabouts. Once he had dealt with those two, Wang Yan would also begin his own actions.

Xu Huanshan was going to Jingcheng (Beijing) and wouldn't be back for ten days to half a month.

Gu Jia would be left at home to take care of the children, manage her dessert shop, and perhaps upgrade her status in the wives' circle. Of course, Wang Yan would be involved in the process. A godson wasn't just for show; Xu Ziyan often clamored to play with his godfather. When Gu Jia was too busy to look after the children, besides the nanny, she had another option: Wang Yan.

Moreover, Gu Jia preferred Wang Yan to look after the child rather than the nanny. Trust was built step by step. Over time, Gu Jia stopped letting the nanny take care of him and directly called Wang Yan to do it.

To be honest, both Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan envied Wang Yan. He had nothing to worry about day after day. Whenever they called him, he was either studying or traveling somewhere. They weren't ignorant of finance, but they had never seen someone in the industry like Wang Yan, who seemed to have nothing better to do than wander around all day.

Xu Huanshan was aware of Wang Yan taking care of the child, but he didn't say much. In fact, he was very grateful to Wang Yan every day when he saw Xu Ziyan laughing happily.

Sometimes Wang Yan would pick him up from school, and sometimes he would spend the whole day playing with him around Shanghai on holidays. Other times, to maintain his physical condition, Wang Yan would go to a martial arts gym he had acquired to train. Children all have hero dreams. Xu Ziyan watched Wang Yan train vigorously, looking incredibly imposing, and was filled with admiration. He clung to Wang Yan's leg, acting spoiled and begging him to teach him.

Wang Yan thought about it and asked Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan for their opinion, mainly Gu Jia's. When Wang Yan asked, Gu Jia was a bit surprised, thinking, No wonder he felt so good when he touched me, he's actually trained in martial arts.

Gu Jia had always believed in elite education for Xu Ziyan and supported the idea of him practicing martial arts to strengthen his body. Furthermore, it was a suggestion from Wang Yan, who was increasingly important in her heart.

Gu Jia's parenting was decent. If nothing else, she had certainly instilled perseverance in her child. Martial arts were tough, and even though Xu Ziyan was only four and didn't train intensely, it was still a significant challenge for him. Xu Ziyan's own persistence, and whenever he was about to give up, Wang Yan would perform a set of moves in front of him, motivating him to persevere. His progress was quite good; at least he didn't give up halfway.

Every time Gu Jia saw Xu Ziyan return, happy and energetic, with more of a boyish demeanor, she was also very happy. She could tell that Xu Ziyan was genuinely happy, happier and more cheerful than when she took care of him.

As they spent more time together, Wang Yan felt it was awkward for the child to keep calling him godfather. He finally discussed it with Gu Jia and the others and suggested he just call him "Dad." To avoid confusion, he would call Xu Huanshan "Baba" (Father). It was just a title, and neither of them objected. Xu Ziyan would often call out "Daddy, Daddy," easily getting used to the new name.

Sometimes Xu Huanshan couldn't help but wonder if, in Xu Ziyan's heart, "Dad" was closer than "Baba." But every time he saw Xu Ziyan laughing and playing with him, he let it go.

Besides, he was so infatuated with Lin Youyou that he had no time to worry about his wife and child. This was why it benefited his life mentor, his guiding light, and good friend, Old Wang.

With Gu Jia, he couldn't find any confidence as a man. But with Lin Youyou, it was different. She acted like a devoted fan completely conquered by Xu Huanshan's masculine charm, warm, kind, lively, and adorable. With Lin Youyou, Xu Huanshan found the confidence of a man, which unknowingly drew him in.