Pleased to Meet You

After paying his respects to Shang He, Zuo Yi sat down on the sofa.

Although Shang Yulin was clearly hesitant to say much about Shang He's cause of death, he still hoped to learn more.

The room was very quiet.

After a moment, perhaps feeling pressured by Zuo Yi's silence, Shang Yulin pursed her lips and said, "Zuo Yi, if you have something to say, just say it."

"I just got back."

Zuo Yi said, "I wanted to find a job and settle down. I originally came here to apply for one."

Zuo Yi did not press her about Shang He's death. He did not want to force Shang Yulin, and he would learn the truth sooner or later anyway.

Shang Yulin smiled bitterly. "To be honest, Heavenly Vast is in very bad shape right now. Several of our former instructors have left, and there aren't many students remaining. Even the recruitment ad at the bus stop was put up by a friend. It'll be taken down in a couple of days."

"If you're looking for work, I can ask some friends for you. No matter what, it'll be better than working here."

The real situation was even worse than she had described. Heavenly Vast Martial Arts Hall was facing enormous difficulties. It could not recruit new instructors or new students, and anyone who came by to inquire would leave soon afterward.

Shang Yulin was struggling to keep things afloat, but no matter how hard it was, she would not drag Zuo Yi into this mess.

Zuo Yi thought for a moment and said, "Senior Sister Shang, since I don't have any other work right now, how about I work part-time here for a while? The salary doesn't matter. We can discuss the rest later, okay?"

"I have a Professional Rank Three Swordsmanship certificate, so I meet the requirements to be an instructor at a martial arts hall."

Shang Yulin hesitated.

Emotionally, she did not want to trouble or implicate Zuo Yi. Rationally, though, she knew his suggestion was a good one.

"Then it's settled."

Zuo Yi made the decision directly. "Senior Sister Shang—no, Hall Master. I'll start work tomorrow."

"You should still call me Senior Sister."

Shang Yulin finally came up with a solution that suited both sides. "Help out at Heavenly Vast for now, and I'll find you another job."

Zuo Yi stood up and smiled. "There's no rush."

Shang Yulin said, "I'll see you out."

The two had just left the room when three or four people approached them.

At the front was a burly man with broad shoulders and a thick back. He wore a black sleeveless shirt that stretched tightly over his distinctly defined muscles, while a pair of shorts exposed his thick thighs. He looked exceptionally imposing.

The burly man quickly glanced at Shang Yulin first, then shifted his gaze to Zuo Yi. His eyes were openly hostile.

Like a big black dog guarding its food.

He asked in a muffled voice, "Senior Sister, what is this guy here for?"

Shang Yulin frowned. "This is Zuo Yi. Starting tomorrow, he'll be our martial arts hall's swordsmanship instructor."

She then introduced the other man to Zuo Yi. "Zhang Dahai, a Professional Rank Four combat instructor. He's also my junior brother."

Zuo Yi nodded.

Since Shang Yulin called him her junior brother, that meant Zhang Dahai was Shang He's direct disciple.

However, this junior brother clearly had some thoughts about his senior sister.

"A swordsmanship instructor?"

The burly Zhang Dahai immediately extended his large hand to Zuo Yi and grinned. "Hello, Instructor Zuo!"

The two martial arts hall students behind him wore gleeful expressions, their eyes full of mockery as they looked at Zuo Yi.

The skin on Zhang Dahai's right hand was rough, his fingers as thick as radishes, and his knuckles covered in calluses. One could easily imagine what it would feel like to have that hand clasped around one's own.

The students who followed Zhang Dahai had personally seen him squeeze a man until he wailed for his parents and nearly wet his pants.

That man had been some pretty boy trying to court Shang Yulin.

Zuo Yi looked much better than an ordinary pretty boy, but could he withstand Zhang Dahai's grip?

"Zhang Dahai!"

Shang Yulin rebuked him.

She naturally understood the trick her junior brother was playing, so she warned him not to go too far.

Before Shang Yulin had even finished speaking, their hands had already clasped tightly together.

Zhang Dahai said loudly, "Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you!"

Zuo Yi smiled.

That smile made Zhang Dahai's teeth itch. He really wanted to punch Zuo Yi in the face right then and there to see whether he could still smile afterward.

When Zhang Dahai had returned to the martial arts hall with the two students earlier, the receptionist had told him that a very tall, handsome man had arrived. The man had gone into a small room with Shang Yulin for a private conversation, and the two had known each other before.

Zhang Dahai immediately became anxious and was just about to go take a look when Shang Yulin and Zuo Yi came out.

The moment he saw Zuo Yi, he felt extremely displeased. He decided to teach him a lesson, curling his five fingers and swiftly increasing his strength.

However, Zhang Dahai never expected that no matter how much force he used, Zuo Yi remained utterly unmoved. It felt as though he was gripping not flesh and blood, but incomparably hard steel!

Damn it!

Zhang Dahai immediately realized that he had underestimated Zuo Yi's strength. This time, he had kicked an iron plate.

Gritting his teeth, he prepared to endure Zuo Yi's retaliation, thinking that even if Zuo Yi crushed the bones in his hand, he had to endure it.

His bones could break, but he could not lose face—especially in front of Shang Yulin.

But the retaliation he had expected never came. Zuo Yi casually released his hand, then turned to Shang Yulin and said, "Senior Sister Shang, I'll head back first. See you tomorrow."

With that, he walked straight out of the martial arts hall.

Shang Yulin stared blankly at Zuo Yi's tall, imposing back as he gradually walked away, until he disappeared through the entrance.

Then she glared fiercely at Zhang Dahai before turning around and returning to the room.

Zhang Dahai wilted like an eggplant struck by frost.

The two students beside him exchanged glances, not knowing how to comfort him.

They had thought they would get to watch a good show, but Zhang Dahai had been unable to do anything to Zuo Yi and had even angered Shang Yulin.

He had truly lost both the lady and his army.

This made them intensely curious about Zuo Yi and gave them a little more anticipation.

They wondered what changes the arrival of this swordsmanship instructor would bring to Heavenly Vast Martial Arts Hall.

But what they truly needed to know was what impact Zuo Yi's return would have on this world!

By West Lake, green willows lined an ancient alley.

Guan Zhishang carefully followed a maid dressed in traditional Han clothing along a forest path paved with rain flower stones.

He was currently in Hang City's most exclusive and mysterious private club. Guan Zhishang had only heard others mention it as some curious tale at dinner gatherings before. Today, he was finally seeing the real place for himself.

It was said that this was a gathering place for powerful officials and wealthy magnates. Many of those who came and went were descendants of prominent families or high-ranking officials and legislators. Guan Zhishang was therefore especially cautious, not even daring to look directly at the beautiful maid's slender waist as it swayed before him.

The winding path led to a secluded spot. After passing through the willow grove, an elegant courtyard appeared ahead.

The maid led Guan Zhishang into the main hall of a three-sided courtyard, where several young men and women were already seated.

Two bodyguards in black suits stood on either side of the entrance.

The instant Guan Zhishang entered, both bodyguards fixed their gazes on him. Even through their sunglasses, he could feel their sharpness.

Guan Zhishang immediately froze, cold sweat seeping down his back.

He felt like prey being watched by fierce beasts, instinctively terrified.

The traditionally dressed maid walked over to a young man. Bending her graceful waist, she lowered her head and whispered a few words into his ear.

The young man turned and glanced at Guan Zhishang by the door, giving a slight nod.

Guan Zhishang hurriedly forced out a flattering smile, then consciously moved aside and patiently waited for the other man to summon him.

His heart settled considerably.

This young man was Yuan Bin, the heir of Golden Jade Fortune Group.

Guan Zhishang had worked diligently at a jewelry store under Golden Jade Fortune for more than ten years. He had been fortunate enough to earn Yuan Bin's appreciation, allowing him to rise to his current position as store manager.

Although Yuan Bin had called Guan Zhishang here today, the young master clearly had no intention of receiving him immediately. He shifted his attention back to the hundred-inch projection screen in front of him.

A neatly dressed office lady held a laser pointer and explained to the screen, "Everyone, please look. This is Riverside Town, currently the area with the greatest development potential on the south bank of the Qiantang River. The total land area available for use is currently 12.75 square kilometers."

A high-definition satellite image of Riverside Town was displayed on the projection screen.

The capable woman continued, "We plan to complete all demolition and relocation work in Riverside Town in the first half of next year. Construction on the first phase of Jiangnan New City will begin in the second half of next year, with an initial investment of 17 billion yuan."

By sheer coincidence, the red dot cast by her laser pointer landed directly on the location of Zuo Yi's home.