C18 Zhang Zifan

Mirrora Manor is a resort that combines leisure and entertainment, having only opened last year.

Zhou Wen had heard about it before; it was rumored that a day's stay could cost several thousand yuan, a sum that was simply out of his reach.

As the car wound its way into the mountains, the lush greenery was a stark contrast to the city's polluted air, offering a breath of fresh, clean air.

A smooth asphalt road led directly to the entrance of Mirrora Manor, with its pristine and orderly surroundings. The car cruised slowly along the road.

During the drive, Zhou Wen learned about the identities of the two girls from the conversation between Hui Yuming and the pair in the back seat.

Both girls were seniors at Spren Park School in Anewood, coming from very wealthy families.

Spren Park School was a private institution known for its relaxed management but steep tuition fees, attracting many children from affluent families.

"What's the matter? Why aren't we moving?" Hui Yuming, seated at the wheel, peered forward with concern.

At that moment, their car was stopped on the road at the entrance to Mirrora Manor, surrounded by an array of luxury vehicles.

"What's the deal with Mirrora Manor? How can there be a traffic jam right at the entrance?" Lee Yiran voiced her frustration.

Zhou Yu, linking arms with her, offered some comfort: "Sister Yirann, think of it as a little break. We'll just have to wait a bit."

Lee Yiran chuckled and replied, "You always know what to say."

The car inched forward and finally reached the grand entrance of Mirrora Manor.

The gate, several dozen meters wide, resembled an ancient archway, adorned with intricate carvings and elegant eaves, exuding an air of grandeur.

At that moment, a woman dressed in a black suit, black stockings, and high heels approached. Hui Yuming rolled down the window as she bowed respectfully and said softly, "Good day, sir. Our resort is hosting a VIP today, and we're unable to admit visitors. My apologies for the inconvenience."

"We had a reservation from yesterday. Why has it changed all of a sudden?" Hui Yuming inquired.

The woman before him was unmistakably a receptionist at Mirrora Manor.

"Sir, we were also taken by surprise with the notification. We sincerely apologize," the woman said, bowing once more.

Zhou Wen glanced around and noticed several luxury cars parked at the entrance, with a woman attending to each one. The cars remained stationary while the discussions took place, and only after reaching an agreement did they move, which was causing the traffic jam.

"Why can't we enter when we have an appointment?" Lee Yiran's voice emerged from behind, laced with dissatisfaction.

"Miss, my apologies. We've just been informed that the manor is hosting a VIP. We can reschedule your visit and waive a portion of your next visit's fees," the woman offered, smiling.

"How about we pick a different spot?" Hui Yuming suggested to his companions.

"It doesn't matter to me; you all decide," Zhou Wen replied nonchalantly. He was just along for the ride and had no particular demands.

"Sister Yirann, let's try a different place. I know another spot that's quite nice," Zhou Yu chimed in cheerfully.

Lee Yiran's face showed her irritation, but after a moment of contemplation, she conceded, "Fine, we'll go with Little Yu's suggestion and change locations."

The woman outside breathed a visible sigh of relief. Everyone who visited here was either wealthy or influential, and she knew she would be held accountable for any issues. A peaceful resolution was definitely preferable.

"Sir, please make a left turn and head down that way," the woman instructed, pointing to a descending path.

As Hui Yuming was about to drive off, a red BMW X5 abruptly zoomed up and screeched to a halt beside him, startling the woman.

"Hey, isn't that Hui Yuming? Here for some fun too?" jeered the man with yellow hair from inside the car, rolling down the window with a mocking tone.

His hair was spiked up, with the sides shaved and marked with a horizontal line, but his eyes were baggy and lifeless, and his complexion was wan. He was nonchalantly pinching the thigh of a flamboyantly dressed woman seated next to him.

Recognizing the man, Hui Yuming snapped, "Zhang Zifan, what business is it of yours whether I'm here to have fun or not?"

Upon seeing Hui Yuming's face darken, Zhou Wen immediately sensed that there was bad blood between him and Zhang Zifan.

"Hehe, I'm just looking out for you, Zifan," the man named Zhang Zifan said as he rolled down all the car windows. Inside, he was surrounded by a group of women, all heavily made up and scantily clad.

"Don't you think?" Zhang Zifan chuckled heartily.

"Zifan is just showing him up."

"Exactly!"

The women chimed in together from the backseat.

Zhang Zifan stepped out of the car and approached the startled receptionist, lifting her chin with a sleazy grin. "Scram, unless you're looking to spend the night with me?"

At his words, the receptionist let out a shriek and hurriedly fled.

"Hehe, no curves to speak of—wouldn't give her a second look even if she were naked in bed," Zhang Zifan sneered, then spat and leaned into Hui Yuming's car window for a better look.

His eyes brightened as he jeered, "I spotted your car from a mile away and thought you had someone with you. Turns out it's Yiran!"

"Yiran, remember me, Zifan?" he said with a lecherous grin.

Lee Yiran responded with a look of revulsion, "Zhang Zifan, keep your distance from me!"

"Yiran, who's this lovely girl beside you? She's quite the beauty," Zhang Zifan said, blatantly ignoring Lee Yiran's discomfort as he carried on with his remarks.

Zhou Yu clung to Lee Yiran, visibly scared.

"Zhang Zifan, step aside. We're leaving!" Hui Yuming demanded, his tone seething with anger.

"Leaving?" Zhang Zifan seemed puzzled, then a realization dawned on him.

"Oh, you can't get in! Hahaha!" He erupted into maniacal laughter. "Hui Yuming, you've really gone downhill, can't even get into Mirrora Manor!"

"What's there to gloat about, Zhang Zifan? Just because we can't get in doesn't mean you can!" Lee Yiran retorted, her anger palpable.

"Are you talking about me?" Zhang Zifan turned to address the group of beauties in his car, "Go ahead and drive my car in."

"Sure thing, Zifan." One of the women sashayed out and took the driver's seat.

All four onlookers fixed their gaze on the vehicle.

The car roared to life, approaching the gate, which opened promptly. The BMW X5 confidently flashed its rear lights twice before slipping inside.

Lee Yiran's face soured at the sight.

Zhang Zifan boasted, "See? There's nowhere in Anewood I can't get into!"

"How did you manage to get in?" Hui Yuming asked, puzzled.

"You don't know? My dad is the one hosting at Mirrora Manor today! Of course, I can get in!" Zhang Zifan declared with a smug grin.

Everyone quickly caught on, though Lee Yiran looked skeptical.

If it were just Zhang Zifan's father, it wouldn't be such a grand affair. There must be someone even more influential involved.

The thought left Lee Yiran somewhat stunned.

Who could be more influential than Zhang Zifan's father?

"Out of consideration for Yiran and the lovely lady beside her, I suppose I could stretch myself to help you get in," Zhang Zifan said, his eyes scanning the car before settling on Zhou Wen.

At his words, Lee Yiran's face brightened. With her studies usually keeping her so busy, she had never visited Mirrora Manor.

Today, despite finding the time, the prospect of not getting in was disappointing. If she could get in, that would be ideal, even if it meant leveraging Zhang Zifan's influence.

But as Lee Yiran noticed Zhang Zifan's attention on Zhou Wen, she sensed the drama was about to unfold.

Zhang Zifan, known as the bully among Anewood's rich second-generation elite, was notoriously brash and domineering. His feud with Hui Yuming had begun back in elementary school, and they had been at odds ever since.

His father, Zhang Peng, was well-entrenched in Anewood. The Soaring Heights Hotel, his establishment, was the go-to venue for hosting officials in the city, boasting extensive connections.

Zhang Zifan had stirred up plenty of trouble over the years, but it had always been smoothed over, a testament to his family's clout.

Through their previous conversations, Lee Yiran had already figured out that Zhou Wen was just an average guy. His parents were regular employees at the Anewood Chemical Factory, and his family lacked both wealth and influence. In contrast to Zhang Zifan, it was like comparing the earth to the sky. If Zhang Zifan wanted to take Zhou Wen down, it would be a piece of cake.

"Ugh, my car's been taken. I've got no ride. Hey, buddy, could you do me a favor? Get out and let me have your seat," Zhang Zifan said to Zhou Wen, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Zhang Zifan, this is my friend's seat. If you want to go in, you can walk in yourself!" Hui Yuming retorted furiously.

"Your friend?" Zhang Zifan laughed mockingly. "Since when did you start hanging out with someone so broke?"

"Your choice in friends has really gone downhill since your uncle and aunt left," Zhang Zifan sneered with disdain.

Zhang Zifan then marched over to Zhou Wen, yanked the car door open, and barked, "Get out!"

Lee Yiran watched the unfolding drama with great interest. She was secretly hoping Zhang Zifan would give Zhou Wen a piece of his mind right there and then, just to show him that their circle wasn't one he could just waltz into and to crush any hope he might have had.

"Are you out of your mind?" Zhou Wen murmured, his head slightly bowed.

At Zhou Wen's retort, Lee Yiran and the others were taken aback. They had never imagined that Zhou Wen would dare to insult Zhang Zifan. Zhou Wen looked completely innocent, bewildered by Zhang Zifan's unprovoked hostility. It was ridiculous.

Zhou Wen had overheard the earlier conversation; Zhang Zifan was no different from Chen Yu. Zhou Wen had no intention of being cordial to someone like that. While Hui Yuming was hesitant to lash out at Zhang Zifan, out of respect for their parents, Zhou Wen had no such reservations. His rebuke was as much for himself as it was to stand up for Hui Yuming.

"You dare to insult me?" Zhang Zifan's face twisted into a menacing snarl.

It had been years since anyone had dared to insult him, and here was this shabbily dressed student, brazen enough to do just that.

"You've been talking for quite a while now. Are you thirsty?" Zhou Wen asked with a casual tone.

Zhang Zifan let out a cold laugh. "How interesting. It's been ages since anyone has dared to speak to me that way."

"Men!" At Zhang Zifan's bellow, a group of burly men in black suits swiftly emerged from Mirrora Manor, encircling the Range Rover with an intimidating presence.

Hui Yuming and the others tensed immediately. Zhou Yu, already of a timid nature, was now shivering with fright.

"If you kneel and apologize now, I'll consider the matter closed," Zhang Zifan said to Zhou Wen, his voice dripping with scorn.

"Zhou Wen, you've got to handle the mess you've made. Apologize to Zhang Zifan, quick, or we're not getting out of here!" Lee Yiran urged him, panic edging her voice.

The look on Zhang Zifan's face told her he was genuinely furious. The last person who had angered him was still in the hospital.

Lee Yiran certainly didn't want to end up being insulted by Zhang Zifan. She couldn't believe that this ordinary high school student had the guts to talk back to Zhang Zifan like that. He was incredibly bold!

"Zhang Zifan, you're being unreasonable. It's my friend's first time here; he doesn't know you. Let's just drop it," Hui Yuming tried to defuse the situation with a chuckle.

"It's not your place to speak!" Zhang Zifan snapped back.

"So, you're Zhou Wen, right? Kneel down and apologize now, and we can forget this whole thing," Zhang Zifan demanded, his eyes fierce.

The group of strong men stepped forward in unison, causing Lee Yiran's complexion to turn ashen.

"Zhou Wen, please, just apologize!" she implored.

From the passenger seat, Zhou Wen twisted his neck and stepped out.

"I thought you had more backbone than that, but here you are, coming down!" Zhang Zifan laughed mockingly.

"I stepped out because I wanted to ask you something," Zhou Wen said, a smile on his face.

"You want to know if I'll let you off the hook?" Zhang Zifan looked at Zhou Wen with derision. "Rest assured, as long as you kneel and apologize, I'll let you go."

"That's not what I'm asking," Zhou Wen said with a smile.

"What I want to know is, what happens if I don't apologize?" he asked calmly.