"So that's how it is!" Lu Fan nodded slightly, "Even your sect leader wouldn't dare treat me like this. You've got quite a bit of nerve."
"I wouldn't dare, sir!"
The bald man was terrified, his legs felt weak. He knew Lu Fan's status within the Azure Dragon Sect. Even Han Yunhai was respectful towards Lu Fan, let alone a nobody like himself.
Qin Huai'an was baffled. The people he had called were showing such deference to Lu Fan. What was going on?
"Never mind, it's just a small matter. I won't hold it against you," Lu Fan waved his hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Lu! Thank you, Mr. Lu!" the bald man said quickly, then glared at Qin Huai'an, "Who do you think you are, daring to lay hands on Mr. Lu!"
With that, Qin Huai'an received several more punches. He was pinned down by several men, awaiting Lu Fan's judgment.
"Mr. Lu, how should this be handled?" the bald man asked. "This Qin Huai'an is no good. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have offended you, Mr. Lu."
"Teach him a lesson to remember. If he dares to act out again, cripple him for life!" Lu Fan said coldly. "I'd like to see if anyone else in Qingzhou University dares to challenge me."
Qin Huai'an, being beaten, continuously begged Lu Fan for mercy. Lu Fan ignored him. If such a person wasn't taught a proper lesson, he would likely run into trouble again.
Lin Ke'er frowned, "Why don't we just let it go? This is Qingzhou University, after all!"
Lu Fan nodded, "Did you hear that? We stop here!"
The bald man quickly nodded, and his subordinates ceased their attack. Qin Huai'an looked quite disheveled but dared not utter a word of complaint. He knew that if he said anything more, he would likely be beaten severely again.
"Granny Guihua must be waiting. Let's head back!"
Lu Fan said with a smile, then rode his bicycle with Lin Ke'er away, leaving everyone else stunned and bewildered.
They were well aware of Qin Huai'an's status at Qingzhou University but had never imagined that Lu Fan's arrival would completely humble him.
"Fourth Master, who exactly is he? Why are you so afraid of him?" Qin Huai'an stood up, but his body ached terribly.
"Who is he?" Fourth Master sneered. "You must have the guts of a leopard to dare provoke him!"
With that, Fourth Master kicked him. "You almost got me into trouble today!"
Qin Huai'an was in a sorry state but unresigned. "I'm a second-generation rich kid, and he's just a commoner. What right does he have to fight me!"
"You ignorant brat, you still haven't learned your lesson!" Fourth Master said coldly. "Do you know about the Azure Dragon Sect?"
"Of course, I do. Who among those who mingle outside doesn't know the Azure Dragon Sect? They are the bosses of Qingzhou. I heard you are also from the Azure Dragon Sect." Qin Huai'an said with admiration.
"You are correct, I am indeed from the Azure Dragon Sect," Fourth Master said coldly. "But that gentleman just now, even the sect leader of the Azure Dragon Sect has to respectfully call him Mr. Lu!"
"How is that possible!" Qin Huai'an was filled with disbelief. "The sect leader of the Azure Dragon Sect, what kind of existence is that!"
"There are some things you don't know, and you don't need to know. You just need to know that you cannot afford to offend this person!"
After saying that, Fourth Master led his men away.
Qin Huai'an quickly shouted, "What about the hundred thousand yuan..."
"Go to hell!" another man kicked him again, sending Qin Huai'an sprawling to the ground.
Qin Huai'an looked dejected. He had truly lost his wife and his soldiers. Not only did he fail to regain his honor, but he also lost face.
"Is this still the Qin Huai'an we know? This is unbelievable!"
"Yeah! The famous Young Master Qin of Qingzhou University, so many people admire him. Today, he was repeatedly beaten down like a dog."
"Indeed, the world is cyclical, and there's always someone better. He must have encountered someone formidable!"
"We can't say that. Although the person just now was dressed ordinarily, he might be a hidden tycoon. Otherwise, how could he remember Young Master Qin!"
Within Qingzhou University, people chatted amongst themselves, appearing quite gossipy.
In Pingmin Village, Granny Guihua had prepared the meal and was looking out from the door. Seeing the figures of Lu Fan and Lin Ke'er, she smiled, "Why are you only arriving now? Didn't school end earlier?"
"Well..."
Lin Ke'er was about to speak when Lu Fan smiled, "School did end earlier. We were delayed on the way."
"Hurry and wash your hands! I've made delicious food today, and you'll definitely like it!" Granny Guihua smiled.
Lu Fan and Lin Ke'er nodded and went to the table. Seeing the spread of dishes, they were filled with joy.
"Business was good today, earned quite a bit of money," Granny Guihua arranged the bowls and chopsticks. "You are both growing, so you need to eat well."
"Granny Guihua, your complexion looks so bad. Did you stay up late last night making osmanthus cakes?" Lin Ke'er asked with concern.
"I'm old, so I can't sleep well. It's not staying up late," Granny Guihua smiled. "Try these dishes and see if they suit your taste."
"As long as it's made by Granny Guihua, I'll like it," Lin Ke'er said coquettishly.
Lu Fan also took out a stack of money from his pocket. "Granny, here's thirty thousand yuan. Take it first! Don't work so hard in the future."
"Xiao Fan, where did this money come from?" Granny Guihua frowned. "Although we are poor, we don't steal or rob. We live honest lives. We can't do bad things."
"What are you saying, Granny? I'm not a bad person," Lu Fan said awkwardly. "I earned this. Just take it with peace of mind!"
"How could you earn so much money in one day!" Granny Guihua shook her head. "Xiao Fan, what exactly did you do?"
"I went to the antique market today and casually bought something. I didn't expect it to be genuine, so I made a profit," Lu Fan smiled. "I told you before, I will definitely let you live a good life!"
"That's too lucky!" Lin Ke'er said happily. "Brother Lu Fan, you must take me next time!"
"No problem, I'll take you to an auction house next time," Lu Fan nodded and smiled. "But I can fulfill one request for you now. Whatever you want, I can give it to you!"
"Really?" Lin Ke'er's face lit up with joy, then she shook her head. "No, earning money is not easy. I can't let Brother Lu Fan spend so much!"
"You call me brother, so how can this be considered spending too much!" Lu Fan rolled his eyes. "It seems natural to give a gift to one's sister!"
Lin Ke'er pouted. "The best gift is to always be by my side!"
Lu Fan's heart trembled slightly. These words touched him. He had never had anyone care about him like this when he was on the mountain.
"Ahem... it seems today's dishes don't taste good. None of you have eaten," Granny Guihua said with a forced smile.