Chapter 14: I, The Champion of Justice!

What did you say??

The waiter was stunned. Did he just tell me to get out?

Someone had raised a hand and written a check for half a million without telling me to leave. Who are you, a penniless student, to act so arrogant with me?

"Zheng Qian, I'm telling you seriously, I will not agree to your proposal."

At that moment, Song Ningxue's voice rang out, loud and resolute.

Everyone instinctively looked over.

"No... Ningxue, maybe we could just try to get along first," Zheng Qian persisted, because Song Ningxue was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met in his life!

"Ningxue, our family owns many properties in the provincial capital, and our business is huge, and—"

"There's no need to say more." Song Ningxue stood up. "Originally, out of respect for my second uncle, I intended to decline you gently. But after witnessing your behavior just now—so childish, so self-important—I'm sorry, but as an educator, I have zero tolerance for your character. Please, enjoy your meal. I'll take my leave."

"You... stop right there!"

Zheng Qian suddenly stood, furious and embarrassed.

Song Ningxue turned her head. "I know, you spent half a million just now and didn't get the outcome you wanted. You must feel unbalanced. It's fine—I may not be as wealthy as you, but I do have half a million. Tomorrow morning, I'll have my second uncle transfer the money to your account."

Truthfully, it pained Song Ningxue to part with that much money.

But Zheng Qian's business was tied to her second uncle, and she didn't want to jeopardize his affairs.

"I said... stop!"

Zheng Qian was never actually a gentleman; the polite demeanor was all an act. He clapped his hands, and at the stairwell, two men who looked like bodyguards came up, blocking Song Ningxue's way.

"What is the meaning of this?" Song Ningxue frowned delicately.

"What do you think it means?" Zheng Qian finally revealed his true nature, his tone dripping sarcasm. "Do you think anyone can trample on my dignity?"

He stepped forward, grinning coldly. "Your second uncle's latest business deal has fallen apart; he's deep in debt, and now his fate depends entirely on our family's goodwill. Let me make it clear—if you don't agree to my proposal today, just wait for the news of your second uncle's bankruptcy and arrest tomorrow!"

What? Her second uncle bankrupt?!

Song Ningxue was shocked!

For the sake of her uncle's business, her entire family had mortgaged their property to borrow money for him!

If her second uncle went bankrupt... Song Ningxue's whole family would be dragged down with him!

Seeing her silent, Zheng Qian flashed a sly smile. "Song Ningxue, you're a smart woman. You know what choice to make. I rarely treat any woman like this. Follow me, and you'll enjoy the finest life, and your uncle will rise again!"

"Ahem... may I interrupt?"

Just then, a voice spoke up.

Zheng Qian turned, surprised, and saw Ling Qiu sitting in the corner—it was him who had spoken!

The moment he saw him, Zheng Qian was furious.

Damn it!

Why is there someone else?!

Realizing this stranger had witnessed his humiliation, Zheng Qian felt his face burn with anger. He grabbed the manager by the collar and bellowed, "Why is there still someone here?! Was my half a million spent for nothing?!"

The manager quickly apologized. "Sorry, sir! I'll have him removed immediately!"

He hurriedly instructed his staff, "What are you standing around for?! Throw this pauper out!"

A group of waiters strode forward.

"What are you doing?! Stop!"

Seeing them about to rough up Ling Qiu, Song Ningxue instinctively ran over to shield Ling Qiu.

After all, Ling Qiu was a student at her school. As an educator, she was obliged to protect her students, even if they were troubled students, even outside school grounds!

"Hmm?"

Seeing this, Zheng Qian was taken aback. "Song Ningxue, who is this kid to you?"

Song Ningxue was about to answer, but Ling Qiu spoke first: "I'm her one-night stand tonight."

What???

The entire room was stunned.

Song Ningxue herself felt her forehead flush with heat, her pretty face turning crimson. Oh, heavens, spare me... Must you make the situation even more complicated?

"You brat... what did you say?!"

Zheng Qian was dumbfounded. He knew the words were nonsense, but after being sternly rejected by Song Ningxue, and seeing her clearly connected to this guy, his anger only flared hotter.

"I said, I'm her one-night stand."

Ling Qiu repeated, a little impatiently.

He then finally stood up slowly. "Honestly, I wanted to see more of the drama tonight—it's been quite the rollercoaster, very entertaining. But I have one flaw."

He walked to Song Ningxue's side and fixed his gaze, sharp and cold. "I can't stand people like you, bullying others with power—especially when the victim is a woman."

"Huh???"

The crowd burst out laughing.

This kid... has he read too many martial arts novels, or watched too many shonen anime?

Does he think he's the protagonist?

He says he can't stand it...

Who does he think he is?

The man he claims he can't stand is a young master who, without blinking, casually throws out half a million just to dine with a beauty!

And look at himself—plain, simple clothes. His entire outfit probably isn't worth as much as Zheng Qian's tie pin!

"And most importantly," Ling Qiu continued, just as Zheng Qian wondered if he'd misheard, "you're bullying my one-night stand tonight. So, both emotionally and rationally, I have to teach you a lesson."

"Hahahaha!"

Zheng Qian burst into wild laughter, twisted and cruel.

He was already fuming inside, and now Ling Qiu's antics pushed him over the edge. "Song Ningxue! So that's it! You had someone ready to defend you all along? You want to teach me a lesson? Very well—tonight I'll show you what I'm capable of!"

He clapped his hands twice, and seven or eight burly men in black suits surged up the stairs.

Seeing the situation, Song Ningxue instinctively shielded Ling Qiu behind her. "Don't hurt him! Zheng Qian, you've misunderstood! He's just a student at my school!"

"No, he hasn't misunderstood."

Ling Qiu's words nearly made Song Ningxue faint with rage.

"Ling Qiu! Are you insane?! Zheng Qian's bodyguards are all ex-soldiers. Any one of them could land you in the hospital for days with a single punch! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Life?"

Ling Qiu smiled faintly. "My life? Even the Lord of the Underworld wouldn't dare claim it. What are these men compared to that? Besides..."

He paused, stepping forward and giving Song Ningxue a mischievous, almost wicked look. "Life and death aren't for you to worry about. What I want is you. If I say I want you tonight, then tonight, not even Jesus could stop me."

He gently pushed Song Ningxue back. "Stand aside, so you don't get splattered with blood. If you want to spend the night with Ling Qiu, you must be spotless and immaculate."

"Ha! You're crazy, kid! Fine, if you don't want your life, I'll oblige you!"

Zheng Qian roared, losing all composure. "Get him! Beat him to death! If he dies, I'll take care of it!"