C7 There Is Always Someone Better

Wang Dongchen certainly faced humiliation, but it was Wu Zun who was truly seething with frustration.

For years, Wu Zun had leveraged his family's influence to train with renowned masters, dedicating himself to rigorous study and practice. His skills had long surpassed those of the average person. To him, basketball was child's play, and he prided himself on being superior in various other areas as well.

Yet today, after a brief moment of glory, he found himself completely outclassed by an unassuming young man. Wu Zun and his team were mercilessly overpowered. Twenty minutes into the game, Qin Fann had scored an astonishing hundred points, while Wu Zun and his teammates hadn't scored a single point.

This was an unprecedented situation. Their once-celebrated basketball skills seemed trivial to their opponent. The champions of the high school league had become mere background players in someone else's showtime.

By the end, the five players were visibly frustrated and disorganized, losing all semblance of their usual rhythm and skill. Whether they attempted forceful plays or petty fouls, their performance was deplorable.

In stark contrast, Qin Fann remained calm and collected, easily neutralizing each offensive move. By the end, he could effortlessly toss the ball into the hoop with his eyes closed, the swish of the net highlighting the vast gap in their abilities.

"Wow!" Tang Bao'er exclaimed, jumping up with a flush of excitement on her face. She had seen many basketball games, but none had ever excited her as much as this one.

"Go, Qin Fann! You can do it!" The cheerleaders, who had previously cheered for Wang Dongchen, were now unanimously supporting Qin Fann, their snow-white legs captivating the crowd.

Thirty minutes into the game, Qin Fann closed his eyes, leaped backward from under the opponent's hoop, and launched the ball in a perfect arc, sinking it smoothly for another two hundred points plus three. The outcome was no longer in doubt.

The opposition remained scoreless.

The crowd, swept up in the excitement, erupted into cheers. Applause thundered and chants reverberated throughout the venue.

Everything on the court belonged to the king of the game.

From this day forward, the name Qin Fann would resonate throughout Zhonghai University.

"I'm just a trainee who learned to play basketball today," Qin Fann said nonchalantly, hands in his pockets, as he walked away, ignoring the various stares. A path cleared for him through the crowd as he passed.

Wu Zun's previous arrogance had evaporated. Today, he had a taste of the saying, "There's always a bigger fish." Situ Feiyang and his companion had already slunk away, defeated.

They were filled with anger and resentment, pinning the blame for their embarrassment squarely on Qin Fann.

Surrounded by notables, Qin Fann's rise to fame was unexpected. His simple action had catapulted his reputation. Many regarded him with admiration, envy, and jealousy.

Others became cautious, no longer daring to mock him openly.

He might be a son-in-law, but he was also a capable one, wasn't he?

Tang Bao'er was ecstatic. Qin Fann's moment in the limelight made her feel as sweet as honey, and she would loudly boast to anyone who asked, "Of course, my brother-in-law is amazing."

Even during class, she daydreamed about having Qin Fann as her boyfriend, her face turning red and her body heating up at the thought.

Once home, Tang Bao'er chattered excitedly to her sister about Qin Fann's impressive performance, which prompted Tang Ruoyan to give him a few more curious glances.

The night passed without incident. When Qin Fann woke up, Tang Ruoyan had already prepared breakfast.

"Please look after Bao'er at school; I've been quite busy," Tang Ruoyan requested, her tone unusually cold.

Qin Fann didn't respond. After spending more time with Tang Bao'er, he realized she wasn't so terrible—just a child lacking affection, always trying to do something outrageous to get noticed.

Tang Bao'er huffed with some dissatisfaction. Qin Fann always treated her like a child, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was only a few months older than her. In what way was she any less mature?

"By the way, I have a nightclub under my management. Would you be interested in taking over? You should check it out when you have time. With Brother Dongchen in charge, the profits will be yours. How can you get by in society without money?"

Qin Fann initially wanted to refuse. He had little concept of money; as long as he was fed and clothed, he was content. He never aspired to great wealth or luxury. However, seeing Tang Ruoyan's haggard face and hopeful eyes, he inexplicably agreed.

"Take care of yourself, and let me know if you need help with anything."

"Understood. Let's eat." Tang Ruoyan's frown softened, her voice unexpectedly tender. Qin Fann saw this as a good sign, acknowledging the difficulty of single-handedly managing both the family business and household.

After Tang Ruoyan left, Tang Bao'er's demeanor instantly brightened. Her eyes twinkled as she eagerly asked, "Qin Fann, can I come with you to the nightclub? I've never been out to have fun before."

"Sure, but first, call me brother-in-law," Qin Fann replied with a smile.

"Brother-in-law," Tang Bao'er said, her voice sweet and melodious.

"Too quiet, I didn't hear you," Qin Fann teased, gesturing with his hands.

"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law..." Tang Bao'er repeated, her voice filled with mock resentment.

Seeing her pout, Qin Fann couldn't help but chuckle, then he playfully scolded, "No, what's a girl like you doing at a place like that? Be careful, or I might have to spank you. You should be learning better things."

"Qin Fann, you jerk! Bug, liar, shameless scoundrel!" Tang Bao'er realized she'd been tricked, grabbing a cushioned toy and throwing it at him.

As the long river's current slowed and the stars of dawn dimmed, a full moon rose high in the sky. Qin Fann opened his eyes and stood up. He had been cultivating alone by the riverbank, absorbing the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth for several hours.

My master disappeared without a word, leaving me to gain experience in the mortal world and break free from my shackles. Could there be a hidden reason behind his departure? I've come to regard the old man as my own father, and while I'm worried, I feel helpless.

After some thought, I decided to take a taxi to the Happy Era Nightclub, which Tang Ruoyan had entrusted to me. The Happy Era Nightclub, well-known in the Phoenix Avenue area of the eastern city, is a popular spot for men and women to relax, entertain themselves, relieve stress, and fend off loneliness with a date.

As soon as I entered, the booming electronic music nearly made me dizzy. In the center of the dance floor, men and women were wildly gyrating under the hazy lights, hormones burning in the air.

"Is Brother Dong here?" I asked a service princess dressed in a bunny outfit, her figure striking.

"Who are you?" she inquired.

Her eyes lit up when she saw me, her heart secretly won over. It had been a long time since she'd seen such a pure, refined, and polite young man. Her fondness for me grew instantly, and she asked with the attentive care of a neighborly big sister, "I'm Qin Fann, sent by Director Tang."

"You're Qin Fann?" The princess looked taken aback, her eyes reflecting a touch of pity.

The word around Happy Era was that the Tang family's son-in-law was set to take charge, and here I was, a man of fine demeanor and appearance. Why should someone like me be reduced to living off others?

The buzz around Happy Era was that the Tang family's son-in-law was poised to take the reins. The young man before her, with his distinguished air and handsome features, seemed too good to be relegated to living off someone else.

Soon enough, Brother Dong arrived with Happy Era's security and other princesses in tow. Many were skeptical of my sudden appearance. Rumors had been circulating that I, who had been sleeping in separate beds from Tang Ruoyan for over a month, lacked the capability to effectively run the enterprise. To them, I was nothing more than a pretty face.

"Mr. Qin, I'm Wang Dong, but you can call me Little Dong," said Wang Dongchen, offering his hand with a smile that seemed a bit forced. His grand entrance was a show of force, meant to give me a taste of reality and to assert who truly held power at Happy Era.