C21 Your Face Is Not Big Enough

At that time, Guu Tianxiong left Zhu Chengrong with a chilling message: "Should Ye Luo encounter any trouble, the entire Zhu family will pay with their lives."

Guu Tianxiong's personal delivery of this message was a stark warning. It signified that Ye Luo was far beyond Zhu Chengrong's ability to provoke. Therefore, to show his deference to both Guu Tianxiong and Ye Luo, Zhu Chengrong made his way to the school early in the morning, determined to apologize to Ye Luo in person.

Originally, Zhu Chengrong had intended to invite Ye Luo to the principal's office for a discreet apology, as he was a man who cared deeply about his reputation. Unfortunately, Liu Qi had once again provoked Ye Luo.

Left with no alternative, Zhu Chengrong was compelled to join the principal in a public confrontation. If Ye Luo were to find out that Zhu Chengrong was on school grounds and had not come forward to apologize, the fallout could be severe.

"Board Director, what are you talking about? It was Ye Luo who hit Zhu Jian first yesterday. I can testify to that. Have you been fooled by Ye Luo? He's not the noble Young Master Ye; he's just an orphan, a nobody," Wang Ping struggled to believe what she was seeing and hearing. She even considered whether Zhu Chengrong was just being generous, not wanting to lower himself to Ye Luo's level.

"Shut up! If you spout one more piece of drivel, I'll tear your mouth apart!" Zhu Chengrong suddenly turned and glared fiercely at Wang Ping.

Having already set aside his ego and status to apologize to Ye Luo, Zhu Chengrong could not afford to let Wang Ping's thoughtless remarks ruin everything. His animosity towards her would be insatiable, even to the point of taking her life.

"Young Master Ye, I... I don't know this woman. She has no affiliation with the Zhu family at all. Naturally, if you so desire, Young Master Ye, I can make her disappear from your sight forever. I assure you she won't cause any inconvenience to you or Master Guu," Zhu Chengrong stated, pointing at Wang Ping.

Wang Ping was terrified, fully understanding what 'disappearing forever' entailed.

Upon hearing Zhu Chengrong's words, Ye Luo understood the situation. It seemed that Zhu Chengrong had been terrified by Guu Tianxiong.

For Ye Luo, there wasn't much of a conflict with Zhu Jian. In his past life, Zhu Jian had only bullied him over inconsequential matters. To the current Ye Luo, these were trivialities, so there was no need for an all-out war with Zhu Chengrong.

As for Wang Ping, her actions had indeed exceeded Ye Luo's expectations. He remembered her as someone who was vain, which was why she had broken up with Hsu Danian. However, her recent behavior suggested that she was not only vain but also quite spiteful.

Ye Luo gestured dismissively, "Just make her disappear; that's fine by me. I just don't want to see her at Linhai University again. She's irritating to look at."

"Absolutely, I guarantee she won't bother Young Master Ye at Linhai University again," Zhu Chengrong assured him.

Wang Ping's heart sank when she heard this. She knew all too well the amount of time, effort, and money her family had invested for her to attend Linhai University. The prospect of expulsion was unimaginable.

Ye Luo nodded and continued, "Also, take care of this Liu Qi, the so-called Young Master Liu."

"Consider it done," Zhu Chengrong said without further ado, signaling with a wave. Several bodyguards immediately stepped up from behind him and dragged the dazed Liu Qi away.

"Young Master Ye, about Zhu Jian, should I wait until he can walk and then have him come to apologize?" Zhu Chengrong asked.

Ye Luo chuckled bitterly, "No need. My issues with Zhu Jian are minor and will resolve themselves."

"Thank you, Young Master Ye. Your magnanimity is truly appreciated. If you ever need anything from me in the future, just say the word," Zhu Chengrong said, breathing a deep sigh of relief.

With everything settled, Principal Lee Wenqing also exhaled in relief. He had learned of Ye Luo's connection to Guu Tianxiong from Zhu Chengrong. Who would have thought that this student, who always kept a low profile, was affiliated with Master Guu?

He quickly dispersed the surrounding students and prepared to approach Ye Luo with an apology.

However, before he could do so, a group of over thirty imposing figures burst through the staircase entrance. Each one looked fierce and intimidating, as if they were out for blood.

"This is a school, not a place for your wild antics!" Lee Wenqing declared, stepping forward with a righteous fervor. He saw this as an ideal moment to impress Ye Luo and gain favor.

But before Lee Wenqing could finish his sentence, he was sent flying by a powerful kick from the muscular man leading the group. Despite his hefty weight of over 150 kilograms, Lee Wenqing was propelled seven or eight meters away, astonishing everyone with the incredible strength displayed.

From a distance, Ziyuan watched the scene unfold with a furrowed brow before heading towards Ye Luo and his companions.

"Ziyuan, what are you doing? Do you want to help Ye Luo? Those guys look like trouble," Little Qin tried to hold her back.

"They may be tough, but do I look like someone who's easily intimidated?" Ziyuan responded with a cold snort.

Ye Luo was slightly taken aback by the sight of the thirty or so formidable men. Ann Xin, standing nearby, gripped his hand tightly in her nervousness.

Reassuringly squeezing Ann Xin's hand, Ye Luo turned to the group and asked, "Are you looking for me?"

Upon hearing this, all the men turned their sharp gazes toward Ye Luo. Their stares were as keen as swords, exerting immense pressure that even Hsu Danian, Zhu Chengrong, and the others standing with Ye Luo could feel.

"So, you're Ye Luo? Are you the one who hit our young master?" the middle-aged leader inquired.

Lee Wenqing, rendered speechless, could only watch in silence.

Ye Luo had a reputation for attracting trouble. Just the day before, he had managed to break Zhu Jian's leg and injure over twenty students.

Now, not even halfway through the day, he found himself in another altercation, this time with Liu Qi and his crew.

And as if that wasn't enough, before the situation with Liu Qi could be resolved, another challenger appeared, and they seemed far from ordinary.

"Gentlemen, my name is Zhu Chengrong. I'm a trustee of Linhai University and the chairman of the Zhu Corporation. Ye Luo is a friend of mine. I believe there's been some misunderstanding. In light of my position, I suggest we all have a civil discussion," Zhu Chengrong said, breaking the stunned silence.

His offer to mediate wasn't out of genuine concern for Ye Luo; he was simply seizing the opportunity to ingratiate himself with Guu Tianxiong, knowing Ye Luo was associated with him. Zhu Chengrong hoped to resolve any bad blood with Ye Luo and, at the same time, make a favorable impression on Master Guu.

Despite the aggressive demeanor of the newcomers, Zhu Chengrong was confident that his own reputation, while not as intimidating as Guu Tianxiong's, still held considerable sway.

"Get lost!" came the abrupt response.

The middle-aged man didn't hesitate. With a swift kick, he sent Zhu Chengrong flying.

"Do you think I should give face to just anyone? The Zhu Corporation is a joke. Go find out if you're even comparable to the Xiangshi Group before you speak. Otherwise, I suggest you keep quiet," the man said angrily.

"Xiangshi Group? You're with the Xiangshi Group?" Zhu Chengrong, having been sent sprawling, now had a complexion worse than that of a liver.

His name might carry some weight with the small-time players or lesser businesses, but the Xiangshi Group was an entirely different caliber. His family's holdings were nothing compared to their vast empire.

Ye Luo, who had been watching from the sidelines, tensed at the mention of the Xiangshi Group. He was well aware that Gu Jun was a part of that formidable conglomerate.

Zhu Chengrong, teeth gritted, got back on his feet. His own influence might not be enough, but he had another ace up his sleeve: Guu Tianxiong. He was certain that name would command the respect and attention of those present.

But before Zhu Chengrong could use that to his advantage, another figure stepped forward to address the situation.

"Is the Zhu Corporation's influence not enough for you? Then consider the prestige of the Zi family," a voice declared, pleasant yet commanding, resonating with authority.