Chapter 13

Zhang Muyang thought that this was what he should do as the eldest brother.

Zhang Xianyang stared steadily at his eldest brother, leaned over to rub against Zhang Muyang's shoulder, and broke into a smile. "Don't worry, Big Brother. I'll work hard to protect myself. I won't let anything happen to me, and I won't let anything happen to the Old Zhang Family."

In this life, anyone who wanted to harm the Old Zhang Family would have to step over his corpse first.

Zhang Muyang was surprised by the sudden determination and resolve Zhang Xianyang displayed. Still, he only thought that Zhang Xianyang had grown up. Somewhat gratified, he patted Zhang Xianyang on the shoulder and smiled. "Then let's work hard together!"

Zhang Xianyang nodded. Just as he was about to say something, Zhang Muyang smiled and said, "But you're at the age when you're still growing. You need to eat well and sleep well so you can grow taller. It's too late now. Go back upstairs and sleep."

Thinking of his height of less than 1.75 meters, then looking at Zhang Muyang, who was nearly 1.8 meters tall, Zhang Xianyang's face darkened.

Whether in his previous life or this one, being short was an unspeakable sore spot for him.

In the end, Zhang Xianyang went upstairs to sleep under Zhang Muyang's urging. Looking at his eldest brother, who had begun practicing Military Body Fist again, Zhang Xianyang thought for a moment before asking, "Brain AI, I remember you told me that you had a nutrient solution formula that could allow exhausted soldiers to recover their physical strength and bodily functions as quickly as possible, without causing any harm to their bodies?"

The Intelligent Optical Brain in his mind drawled lazily, "Not only that. No. 1 Nutrient Solution can also optimize human genes and bring the human body closer to perfection. It's truly an essential item for home life, travel, murder, and arson."

Listening to the Intelligent Optical Brain recite its words like an advertisement, Zhang Xianyang said flatly, "Can you give me the formula?"

The Intelligent Optical Brain snorted. "Only if you agree to one condition."

Zhang Xianyang asked, "What condition?"

The Intelligent Optical Brain said, "Get into the virtual environment and train your body already, you weakling. I've never seen a host as lazy as you."

Thinking of the simulated training environment, whose intensity could practically torture someone to death, Zhang Xianyang's heart shrank with fear. But when he turned back and saw his eldest brother diligently practicing the boxing manual, in such pain that his body was trembling slightly, he finally gritted his teeth. "Fine, I agree."

Afraid that Zhang Xianyang would regret it, the Intelligent Optical Brain tossed out a stream of data, then swiftly altered one of its internal programs before Zhang Xianyang could react. With a sly chuckle, it said, "Deal. Starting tomorrow, you must spend six hours in the virtual environment strengthening your body. If you go back on your word, I'll take forceful measures."

The final "measures" even came with a trembling lilt.

Zhang Xianyang's face instantly turned pale. Unable to help himself, he protested through his consciousness, "I still have school during the day. I need to go to the library to look up information, and I have so many other things to do. How could I possibly spare six hours to strengthen my body? Can't you reduce it to one hour?"

The Intelligent Optical Brain sneered. "Keep dreaming, weakling. I'll make full use of the time you spend sleeping at night. Your consciousness will train in the virtual environment, strengthening both your physical fitness and mental power. There isn't the slightest downside for you... except that the process may be a little painful. But don't worry, I definitely won't let anything happen to you."

At this point, the Intelligent Optical Brain muttered unhappily, "Because I no longer have permission to change hosts privately. So for my own future, even if you really are useless mud that can't be plastered onto a wall, I'll mix in some cement and force you onto it."

Listening to the Intelligent Optical Brain's muttering, Zhang Xianyang felt as though the sky had gone dark.

Early the next morning, Zhang Xianyang handed the No. 1 Nutrient Solution formula given to him by the Intelligent Optical Brain to Uncle Zhang in the kitchen, telling him to purchase the medicinal herbs according to the formula and prepare the liquid for everyone to soak in. As the Old Zhang Family's most trusted butler and chef, Uncle Zhang had watched Zhang Xianyang's changes over the past few months. Though the master had not specifically emphasized anything to him, Uncle Zhang still followed confidentiality rules and used the most discreet channels to purchase the herbs listed in the formula. To mislead anyone investigating them, Uncle Zhang also bought plenty of useless medicinal herbs. In any case, the Old Zhang Family had always had the custom of using medicinal cuisine to nourish the body, so buying more herbs would not be wasteful.

Having practiced Military Body Fist almost all night until dawn, Zhang Muyang had only dozed off briefly. His whole body was sore and swollen, and when he got up, he discovered three large wooden barrels in the bathroom, each large enough for an adult to sit in. They were filled to the brim with dark green liquid that gave off a refreshing fragrance. Zhang Xianyang was standing beside them, carefully examining the green liquid. When he saw Zhang Muyang enter, Zhang Xianyang immediately waved him over. "Big Brother, come in and try it. This is the nutrient solution the Brain AI gave me. It's specially used to repair bodily fatigue and can also optimize genes. As long as you soak in this medicinal liquid, your body won't be damaged by overly intense training."

A glimmer passed through Zhang Muyang's cool eyes as he watched his little brother waving at him with such eager delight.

His little brother really was... becoming more and more adorable.

Author's note: Time to start the training, hee hee.

Under Zhang Xianyang's urging, the Zhang father and sons who had already begun training all climbed into the wooden barrels for a soak. Standing nearby, Zhang Xianyang watched the dark green medicinal liquid gradually turn light green, then eventually become almost indistinguishable from tap water. He asked nervously, "How is it? Do you feel anything?"

Zhang Linmo involuntarily groaned, then laughed. "It's unbelievably comfortable. More comfortable than getting a massage at Nightfall. It feels like every bone in my body has become lighter."

Zhang Xiyang said, "After practicing yesterday, my entire body was sore and swollen. But after soaking in this, it feels like all of that is gone."

With his whole body submerged in the medicinal liquid except for his head, Zhang Muyang said, "Little Brother, you should soak too."

Zhang Xianyang shook his head with a grin. "I haven't started training yet. The Brain AI said my physical condition is far too poor. I need to train for a while before I can fully absorb the nutrient solution. Otherwise, it would be wasted, and having too much medicinal power remain in my bones and tissues wouldn't be a good thing."

"Actually, it's best to use No. 1 Nutrient Solution together with a Nutrient Pod. But I can't build a Nutrient Pod yet. The Brain AI said that the most important metal material needed to build one doesn't exist on Earth." Zhang Xianyang sighed in disappointment.

Zhang Linmo laughed softly and comforted him, "What's there to be disappointed about? Being able to gain so many benefits already is an unexpected blessing. As for the Nutrient Pod... since Earth doesn't have that material, there's no point worrying about it. Let's just pretend we never heard of it."

Hearing that, Zhang Xianyang nodded in relief. He then pointed at the nutrient solution, which was now almost colorless, and said, "The Brain AI said that once the nutrient solution completely changes color, it means the medicinal effects have been fully absorbed by the body. You can get out now."

After speaking, he handed the three of them the towels he had prepared beforehand, then went outside to wait. In less than five minutes, the Zhang father and sons came out of the bathroom after showering and getting dressed. It was only half past six in the morning. Although they had missed their morning exercise, the benefits the Zhang father and sons received that morning far surpassed a hundred morning workouts.

After breakfast, Zhang Xianyang checked the time and told the driver to have the car ready to take him to the library in half an hour to look up information. Zhang Linmo frowned. "Don't work too hard. There are so many people in the gang. If you need help, just say so. Will you be back for lunch?"

Zhang Xianyang shook his head. "Probably not. The Brain AI said I need to quickly input the information and organize the newest plan so I can free up time for other things. But I'll definitely be home before six tonight."

Zhang Linmo sighed. "I'll have Sister Li prepare lunch and bring it to you at noon. Remember to rest. Don't exhaust yourself."

Zhang Xianyang nodded.

Zhang Linmo added, "Keeping your head down reading for too long is bad for your neck and eyes. I'll send a few people with you to record the contents of the books. You can just listen to them slowly."

Zhang Xianyang nodded again. "Got it, Dad."

Watching Zhang Xianyang rush around like he had ten feet, Zhang Muyang clenched his fists uncomfortably, overwhelmed by a helpless sense of powerlessness. He felt that he could not help with anything right now and could only return to the basement to train. Zhang Xiyang's thoughts were much the same as Zhang Muyang's, and over the past two days, he had said far less idle banter.

Looking at the three Zhang brothers radiating tension, Zhang Linmo sighed and comforted them, "Don't be so nervous. Just develop step by step. With the Zhang Family's strength in the Old District, there isn't any force that can threaten us yet."

The three Zhang brothers nodded, though it was obvious they had not truly taken the words to heart. Zhang Xianyang had been reborn and was guarding against any possible moves by Yanjing. As for why Zhang Muyang and Zhang Xiyang cared so much... anyone with eyes could see it.

Near eight o'clock, Zhang Tumo and his son Zhang Qingyang came to visit. Zhang Xianyang, who was always being teased, became somewhat jittery the moment he saw his second uncle's family and immediately prepared to leave for the library. Zhang Linmo shook his head helplessly. "I was the one who invited your second uncle and eldest cousin over. I want them to soak in the medicinal bath."

Zhang Xianyang nodded in understanding. Seeing Zhang Xianyang's tense appearance, Zhang Qingyang curled his lips maliciously and said with an innocent expression, "My dad and I discussed it. We've decided to stay in the villa throughout our physical training. Anyway, my mom won't be back for half a year. So please take good care of us from now on!"

Zhang Xianyang's delicate face immediately crumpled into a miserable expression. Zhang Qingyang narrowed his eyes in satisfaction, but then a large hand suddenly landed on his shoulder. With his brows drooping and his expression blank, Zhang Muyang said, "Eldest Cousin, please give me some pointers during this morning's training."

The smile on Zhang Qingyang's face stiffened slightly. He smiled calmly. "I'm not very familiar with the boxing manual yet. I think I should study it by myself first."

Zhang Xiyang stepped forward and hooked an arm around Zhang Qingyang's neck. Smiling brightly, he said, "That's fine. The two of us aren't very familiar with it either. That's why we need to spar with Eldest Cousin and improve together."

Zhang Qingyang slowly looked over the sturdy Zhang Muyang and the always nimble Zhang Xiyang, then looked at his own somewhat "slender" body, weakened from standing at an operating table for long periods. He frowned in distress.

"You two..." Zhang Qingyang asked cautiously, "You aren't planning to come at me together, are you?"

"How could we?" Zhang Xiyang smiled and pointed at his eldest brother. "He'll be in charge of the morning, and I'll be in charge of the afternoon. At night, we'll each practice on our own."

Zhang Qingyang stiffly turned his neck and looked to Zhang Linmo for help. "Uncle, your two sons are ganging up to bully me."

Zhang Linmo waved with a broad, cheerful smile. "How could that be? This is what brotherly love and respect look like!"

Zhang Tumo stood to the side with his arms crossed, merely smiling without speaking.

Watching the Zhang Family interact, Zhang Xianyang gave a sly chuckle before saying goodbye and leaving.

Over the following month or so, everyone kept busy with their own work. Other than dinner, they hardly saw one another. In less than half a month, Zhang Xianyang had already "entered" all the library's information on construction in the Old District into his mind. Based on the information Zhang Xianyang provided, the Brain AI created the most perfect renovation plan currently possible. After Zhang Xianyang handed the plan to his father, he began gathering information on all kinds of high-tech synthetic metals available domestically and internationally, preparing to build Star Wars Game City and a secret base.

At the same time, while collecting debts, Zhang Linmo happened to receive a metal processing and manufacturing plant as payment. Unlike before, when he would immediately sell any factory he acquired, Zhang Linmo overrode all objections this time and personally paid to place the metal processing and manufacturing plant under the Zhang Family's name. He then went to the trouble of asking Chinatown allies to use arms-smuggling channels to order a batch of the most advanced precision machine tools from abroad, tools whose export to the country was restricted by regulations. He even placed recruitment advertisements in Guangbo Television and newspapers, offering the best compensation in the industry to recruit skilled workers and high-level construction engineers. Such high-profile actions showed everyone the Old Zhang Family's seriousness and dominance. Even forces from other provinces began paying attention to the Old Zhang Family's movements.