They Came Knocking

Early in the morning, Zhang Yang was still half asleep when he felt an itch in his nose.

He opened his eyes and saw the sweet little girl nestled against his chest, smiling, tickling him with a strand of her hair.

"What are you looking at?" Zhang Yang was fully awake.

"Let's see if you've been kidnapped. Thank goodness." Bei Wei carefully examined Zhang Yang. "My brother Zhang has been returned to you intact."

Zhang Yang stood up, feeling slightly embarrassed, when suddenly there was a heavy weight behind him.

"Carry me on your back." Bei Wei wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear.

Around 7 a. m., after the two finished washing up, they took the Cullinan to Bei Tianfu's company.

Despite limited financial resources, Bei Tianfu was well aware of the importance of its public image, so it invested heavily in its Magic City office and hired skilled staff to bolster its structure.

At the company, Bei Tianfu gave Zhang Yang a thorough tour of the company.

"Nephew-in-law, look, isn't your uncle's company quite respectable?" Bei Tianfu asked with a hint of pride.

Looking at the company's huge space and the fact that it used the same decor as the previous company, Zhang Yang casually said a few polite words.

"Dad, you're showing off to the wrong person." Bei Jiajia felt embarrassed for her father.

Bei Tianfu chuckled dryly, "It's an old problem, an old problem."

The franchise recruitment department is of paramount importance, Bei Tianfu has hired a large team to handle online inquiries, making it the perfect time to showcase their capabilities.

It's time to harvest the leeks!

Bite!

Final stage task: Expand franchise opportunities

Task: Recruit at least ten Magic City.

Task Reward 1: One random property

Task Reward 2: 50 experience points.

Task Reward 3: For each new franchise store in Magic City (with more than 10 franchise stores), you will receive 5 experience points. This reward is valid indefinitely.

While still in the company, Zhang Yang's expression instantly changed.

What kind of divine mission is this?

I won't go into the details of the task, but it involves recruiting at least ten Magic City.

This is neither difficult nor difficult.

Normally, this would be difficult. But now, with Mao Roast Duck showing signs of becoming a nationwide sensation, going with the flow doesn't seem so difficult.

As for the rewards?

The first reward is a random property. I won't say what kind of property it is; the system won't be stingy with its rewards.

Second, including the third reward?

Fifty experience points, plus five experience points for each of the ten or more franchise stores.

Doesn't this mean that just doing this task well is enough to level up to the next level?

Zhang Yang was full of energy for a moment.

"Sister, why don't you stay and help me with business development? Let's make some money and save up for your dowry!" Bei Jiajia grabbed Bei Wei, her eyebrows dancing with excitement.

"Nonsense." Bei Wei blushed and gave Bei Jiajia a playful slap.

A moment later, after Zhang Yang finished his company tour, everyone discussed it together and decided to let Bei Wei stay at the company to jointly manage the franchise of Shudu Roasted Duck.

"We're in the golden age now, but I reckon it'll only last a few months. Once the hype dies down, it'll be tough," said Bei Tianfu, a market savvy man, succinctly revealing the truth.

Countless promoters are actively pushing this product category right now. If you don't take advantage of this opportunity to recruit franchisees now, it will be much harder once the hype dies down.

"That makes sense." Zhang Yang nodded.

Everyone agreed immediately. Bei Wei stayed behind, while Zhang Yang went to the store to keep watch.

Let's work together and make money!

··

The days spent alone at the store were simple yet fulfilling.

The store has plenty of staff, and they handle all sorts of small tasks. Zhang Yang comes to the store every day just to stroll around, look around, make a cup of tea, sit at the cashier, and wait for mealtime to arrive.

That morning, he arrived early, opened the door, and greeted his neighbors on both sides.

"Mr. Zhang, you're here early! Come on, how about a massage upstairs to relax?"

"Mr. Zhang, would you like a cup of coffee?"

The neighbors were very welcoming, after all, they all knew that this young boss was quite wealthy, often switching between Cullinan and Bentley, a level of wealth they could never match.

"Thanks, I'll definitely do it next time." Zhang Yang greeted him with a smile and walked straight into the store.

As usual, I made myself a cup of tea, sat behind the counter, and casually took out my phone to look at it for a while.

Since that day, Luo Xinyu has truly vanished, never appearing in his life again.

Zhang Yang only saw her on his WeChat Moments now.

Her WeChat Moments post featured a picture of an airport waiting hall, geotagged as Pudong International Airport.

The title is "[Waiting for Someone]".

"It's not set to be visible only to certain people, is it?" Zhang Yang glanced at it and then put it down.

··

Inside Pudong International Airport, a figure with long, flowing hair dragged her luggage while looking down at her phone.

The friend's social media feed, visible only to that person, remained silent as boarding time drew near.

She put down her phone, somewhat disappointed, and couldn't help but shake her head, feeling that she had been indulging in unrealistic fantasies.

Ding-dong!

Suddenly, my phone received a new message.

She immediately took out her phone, her face beaming with delight.

It really was him.

Zhang Yang: Excuse me, who are you waiting for?

Luo Xinyu picked up her phone and dialed the number without thinking.

A moment later, the call was connected.

"What do you think? Is it possible that this post of mine is only visible to a certain person?" She held her phone, a smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, I understand," Zhang Yang replied.

"That's it?" Luo Xinyu's tone betrayed her disappointment. "You didn't call just to confirm, did you?"

Beep!

There was no sound on the phone; the call was disconnected.

Luo Xinyu's expression froze, when suddenly someone gently touched her shoulder.

She turned around in disbelief, and there stood a figure she had been waiting for, smiling at her.

"Let's confirm beforehand to avoid making unfounded assumptions," Zhang Yang said.

"Oh, so you're prepared for both possibilities, huh? If I said it wasn't you, would you just disappear?" Luo Xinyu smiled, then stepped forward and offered a passionate kiss.

Zhang Yang embraced the softness before him, savoring the passionate kiss.

To be honest, he didn't think much about coming here. After all, even if she's a friend, it's only right to see her off when she goes abroad, especially since he's known this girl for quite a while.

Another reason is that he was truly fed up with all the missed opportunities and regrets deliberately created in movies, TV dramas, and novels.

It's so melodramatic that those regrets that could have been changed and made up for were missed because of various coincidences.

Is it really that hard to just do what comes to mind?

Go for it, and you'll truly experience the joy of life.

In the bustling hall, the two embraced for a long time.

Luo Xinyu hugged Zhang Yang contentedly, feeling his breath on her nose. She used to be a pampered young lady, but now, in front of Zhang Yang, her heart was filled with only joy and obedience.

"Alright, alright," Zhang Yang patted Luo Xinyu's back. "It's time to go."

"Okay." She nodded obediently, released Zhang Yang, and said, "Then I'm leaving. Don't miss me."

"Probably not, it's not like I don't have girls," Zhang Yang said with amusement.

"Couldn't you say something nice to comfort me?" Luo Xinyu said lightly, "Are you really afraid I'll get too excited and stay?"

She looked helpless, but then smiled with relief.

Let's go!

"Hmm." Zhang Yang waved his hand.

As they parted, both of them were quite nonchalant. Luo Xinyu turned around without hesitation and disappeared into the crowd in no time.

After watching him leave from where he stood, Zhang Yang turned and drove straight back to the store.

··

When I returned to the store, the lunch rush was almost over, and there were still a few people sitting at a few tables.

As he walked in, he suddenly noticed a somewhat familiar figure sitting at the table, engrossed in eating Mao Roast Duck.

The man was strong and tall, but his face was bruised and swollen.

It's that simp named Zhan Peng... oh no, that boy.

That night, Zhan Peng stood up to stop the tomboy from abusing Luo Xinyu, but he ended up being dragged out and given a good beating by his own people. He was really miserable.

"Dude, what a coincidence." Zhang Yang sat down directly in front of him.

He certainly didn't think the other person's appearance was a coincidence.

Zhan Peng forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Brother, I just came to deliver a message."

"What are you saying? Are you sure you're not trying to threaten me?" Zhang Yang asked with a smile.

"Brother, what are you saying?" Zhan Peng dared not provoke this formidable man who could take on ten opponents single-handedly. "Sister Yi Nan means that it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester. She wants to have another public match with you, and regardless of the outcome, we'll call it even."

"I'll go if she tells me to," Zhang Yang said.

Zhan Peng shut his mouth, not daring to say anything more. After all, his presence in the shop was, to some extent, a tacit indication of their intentions.

"Alright then, I'll go to the time and place." Zhang Yang pondered for a moment and quickly made his decision.

To be honest, he was quite surprised that the other party found out he owned a shop so quickly.

The shop itself doesn't really matter, but the key is that it's related to the subsequent tasks, so there's no room for error. Besides, the feeling of always being watched by others makes me feel a bit constrained.

He chose to face it.

"Brother, you're a straightforward person." Zhan Peng gave a thumbs up. "Don't worry, we do things honestly and openly. It's at the main branch of our family gym. I'll give you the address."

As he spoke, he told Zhang Yang the address of their family's gym's main branch.

"We're closed tonight. We look forward to seeing you there."

"Understood." Zhang Yang glanced at it and nodded, just about to stand up and leave.

"Brother!" Zhan Peng suddenly called out to Zhang Yang.

"What's wrong? Is there something else?" Zhang Yang stopped and looked back at him curiously.

"Um... Luo Xinyu, how is she?" Zhan Peng stammered. "Brother, I absolutely didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to put your mind at ease."

"Why do you need to know this?" Zhang Yang asked, amused. "I'm asking you, how long have you known her?"

"Three... three years," Zhan Peng stammered.

"Do you know I've only known her for a few days?" Zhang Yang shook his head and said, "Dude, I don't need to be so direct. You're a rich second-generation, is it really necessary to be like this?"

Zhan Peng's face paled, and he immediately understood the subtext.

He's known her for three years, but hasn't made any progress. He's just foolishly trying to win her over, and he's even planning to keep doing it forever. Meanwhile, the other person, after only a few meetings and not long after they met, has already done everything they should have done.

Thinking about this fact made him so depressed he felt like he was going to vomit blood.

"I'm not saying this to provoke you, but to remind you that it's not too late to wake up now." Zhang Yang patted the big guy on the shoulder.

Zhan Peng sat there, stunned, for a long time.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he suddenly realized what was happening and jumped up.

"Brother, you'd better be careful tonight."

"Huh?" Zhang Yang was sitting at the cashier and looked curiously at Zhan Peng had suddenly spoken.

"A woman used her brother's connections to find a top fighter in the MMA world. He wants to fight you tonight." Zhan Peng hesitated before revealing the truth. "This guy's publicly available record is 20 fights, 17 wins, and 3 losses. He's incredibly strong!"

Zhang Yang isn't involved in the fighting scene and has no concept of such a record.

However, Zhan Peng's family gym offers combat sports training and often invites professional combat sports athletes to train them, so they know how resilient such a record is.

"I heard this guy has the ability to get into the UFC, but he's only showing up tonight as a favor. That's all I know," Zhan Peng said in a low voice.

"Super strong?" Zhang Yang nodded. "Alright, thanks for reminding me."

It's not that he's arrogant or looks down on everyone; rather, he now has a clear understanding of himself.

In terms of technique, the national-level Sanda skills are etched into his soul, becoming like instinct, and his absolute strength is terrifying, with limits that are even unknown.

If he still lacks confidence when these two factors are combined, then he is being overly modest.

"I've said all I can say, and I've done my best." Zhan Peng glanced at Zhang Yang, who didn't seem to take it too seriously, and sighed inwardly.

A moment later, he rubbed his bruised and swollen face and left first.

Zhang Yang looked at the address Zhan Peng had left behind, smiled, memorized it, casually greeted the people in the shop, and went home first.

In the afternoon, as the sun set, inside COFCO Seaview No. 1.

"Get up." Zhang Yang suddenly opened his eyes in bed and sat up shirtless.

Strategically dismissive, but tactically cautious.

Even though he had absolute confidence, he still had to take things seriously. So, he spent the afternoon at home getting plenty of rest and energy, hoping to be in top form for the battle that evening.

A moment later, after taking a shower, Zhang Yang felt refreshed and went straight out the door.

A moment later, in the underground parking garage, he drove his Cullinan straight to Cook Gym.

Cook Fitness, a well-known small chain of gyms in Magic City, suddenly announced today that it will temporarily close for one day.

As night fell, the parking lot in front of the gym was filled with a variety of luxury cars that had come to watch the spectacle and show their support.

The Cook Gym in front of the parking lot was brightly lit.

Next to the ring in the lobby of the gym, a group of young people were surrounding several figures.

One of the figures was tall and handsome, with an extraordinary air about him and an air of authority in every gesture. He was chatting and laughing with a man with a fierce face and a pair of boxer ears.

"Wan Qiang, my sister is being willful."

"Young Master Tang, it's nothing, just a small matter. Besides, I'm actually quite curious about this guy's skills, being able to take on ten people at once," the man named Wan Qiang said with a smile.

Young Master Tang then looked at Tang Yinan was standing to the side.

"This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time. Do you understand?"

"Brother, I mean what I say. You have no idea how arrogant and cocky that guy is. In my eyes, only you can be so cool and cocky." Tang Yinan hugged her brother's arm tightly, looking more like a girl at this moment.

"More arrogant than me?" Young Master Tang chuckled upon hearing this. "In your eyes, I'm arrogant? That doesn't sound like a compliment."

"Ah, well, that's the gist of it," Tang Yinan chuckled dryly. "Speaking of which, Luo Xinyu's taste is really impeccable; that guy is undeniably handsome."

Young Master Tang's group of henchmen immediately began to grumble in dissatisfaction.

"Who dares to say they're better than our Young Master Tang?"

"Sister Yi Nan is just some pretty boy from who-knows-where. Is it really necessary to exaggerate like this?"

"Huh? Whose Cullinan by the door?"

People inside the stadium all looked towards the door and saw the black Cullinan Black Badge.

"Holy crap, who is it? This BB version must be worth almost ten million after landing, right? We have such a powerful player around here?" Someone lowered their glasses and exclaimed in shock.

Immediately afterwards, in the darkness, everyone could vaguely see a tall figure jumping down from the car.

"Brother, it's him!" Tang Yinan grabbed Young Master Tang.

"Anyone who can drive this car isn't simple. Your information isn't complete either." Young Master Tang glanced at his sister.

"Oh, I didn't think that much about it. Besides, he came voluntarily, so what's there to be afraid of?" Tang Yinan explained.

Young Master Tang ignored his sister and instead looked at Wan Qiang, a top domestic fighter, standing to the side.

"This... Wan Qiang, if things really get heated later, please go easy on him."

"I understand." Wan Qiang nodded, already having made up his mind.

The doors opened wide, and everyone's eyes turned to it.

The figure before me was tall and handsome, with an air of authority that even suggested a powerful and majestic presence.

Young Master Tang glanced at the newcomer with slight surprise, then looked at his younger sister.

Is this the arrogant and cocky young man she was talking about?

"Come with me." Young Master Tang grabbed Tang Yinan and walked forward.

Although Tang Yinan was unwilling, she couldn't be arrogant in front of her own brother.

"Hello, Tang Junchu." He extended his hand generously.

Zhang Yang looked at the couple in front of him.

The girl was Tang Yinan who introduced himself, he looked somewhat similar to Tang Yinan and was probably her brother.

"Zhang Yang." Zhang Yang nodded and stepped forward to shake hands.

"Brother, I didn't invite you over for any other reason than that I felt there might be some misunderstanding between us. After all, it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester," Tang Junchu said with a smile. "My sister is spoiled and quite willful."

"Didn't we say that after a fair match, everything would be settled?" Zhang Yang asked, somewhat surprised.

"It's fine if we don't compete, it's fine if we don't compete," Tang Junchu said with a smile.

Growing up in such a family, the most basic qualities one needs are the ability to distinguish right from wrong and not to easily make enemies.

He had originally intended to avenge his younger sister, but now he has changed his mind.

"Brother..." Tang Yinan opened his mouth, wanting to speak in protest.

"Don't say anything yet!" Tang Junchu glared at Tang Yinan, then smiled at Zhang Yang, "Brother, what do you think? How about we just talk things out and shake hands to make up?"

"I'm afraid your sister might be unhappy about it." Zhang Yang glanced at Tang Yinan beside him and smiled. "Let's not make any more trouble and just stick to the original plan, Miss Tang?"

"Yes! Let's do it again, then we'll call it even." Tang Yinan interrupted immediately.

"You!" Tang Junchu looked at his sister and shook his head helplessly. "Then brother, how about we stop here and not hurt our feelings?"

"Okay." Zhang Yang nodded.

Surprisingly, this tomboy, who seems so arrogant, actually has a sensible older brother.

A moment later, Zhang Yang changed his clothes and put on protective gear.

A wise person avoids standing under a dangerous wall; it's always good to wear protective gear, just in case, right?

On the other side, Wan Qiang was also wearing protective gear, his eyes fixed intently on his opponent, somewhat unsure of what to do.

He had seen all kinds of opponents, in public and in private, big and small, and had fought countless battles.

But no one had ever given him that feeling—confident, mysterious, unpredictable...

Below the stage, a circle of second-generation rich kids gathered, many of them unable to resist taking out their phones to record everything that was about to happen.

"One against ten, really? Is that even possible?"

"Maybe it just means he's good at fighting? It's just an adjective, don't take it too seriously."