Chapter Fifty: Tradition

The basement of the Jinsheng Hotel was originally a parking garage. The owner, Lu Hongsheng, invested heavily to transform it into a luxurious bar. At the center of the bar was a boxing ring, surrounded by twelve cameras, with a high-speed movable camera above, capable of capturing every detail on the ring and presenting it clearly on the large screens around. The matches held here were among the top amateur competitions in Dongjiang, well-known and drawing crowds. Nearly all advanced martial artists in Dongjiang had fought on this ring.

On Friday evening, shortly after eight, the luxurious bar was packed to capacity. Lu Hongsheng had begun promoting the event the day before, announcing that the wildly popular young internet celebrity from Dongjiang would be fighting tonight. Recently, martial arts had exploded in popularity on online platforms, and Dongjiang’s elite were intrigued by this young man. The powerful were no different from ordinary people—just as eager to join the excitement.

The deluxe private boxes were situated on the upper floors, overlooking the ring through one-way glass walls and offering a clear view of the main hall. Song Yunhe had specially booked a box to watch the martial arts match. He wasn’t simply joining the crowd; he knew that Gao Wu was closely involved with his daughter, rumored to be living together in an intimate relationship.

He knew Song Mingyue’s character and didn’t believe the messy rumors. However, the viral short videos of Gao Wu on Kuaiyin were aggressively promoted by Song Mingyue herself, who had even used her mother’s network for it. After learning this, Song Yunhe was quite angry. Shen Qingqing was gone, and every use of her network diminished the valuable resource she left behind. The Shen family was also a major clan in Beizhou, wealthy and powerful; this network was precious, and yet Song Mingyue had spent it on Gao Wu.

In his opinion, ten Gao Wus wouldn’t justify the price. But Song Mingyue was distant from him, living entirely on her mother’s inheritance, with little support from him, so he was embarrassed to restrict her. Besides, by the time he learned of it, it was too late. He knew Song Mingyue’s stubbornness—she would never listen to him.

Song Yunhe pondered for a long time, unsure how to speak with his daughter about this. He came tonight to observe Gao Wu up close, wanting to see what the boy was truly capable of. If Gao Wu proved himself, he would not interfere with his daughter’s choices. If not, he wouldn’t be so courteous.

Ahead, Han Lingxia stood with a glass of red wine before the floor-to-ceiling window, leisurely surveying the bustling hall. Her red camisole dress, tailored in soft draping fabric, perfectly outlined her waist and hips, exuding elegance and sensuality even as she stood quietly.

“Yunhe, I see Mingyue…” Han Lingxia suddenly turned and called out to Song Yunhe.

Surprised, Song Yunhe quickly stepped to Han Lingxia’s side, following her pointing finger, and indeed spotted his daughter, Song Mingyue. She wore a gray-white woolen coat, black sunglasses on her face, hands casually in her pockets, standing at one corner of the ring. The young man seated beside her was Gao Wu.

More than a month had passed since Song Yunhe last saw his daughter; he noticed she had grown taller and more slender. Short hair and sunglasses lent her an extra sharpness and mystery, giving her a unique cold and noble aura.

He couldn’t help but sigh, “My daughter has grown up…”

Han Lingxia’s beautiful face was tinged with complexity; she hadn’t seen Song Mingyue in two years. The girl was only eighteen, yet already possessed a distinctive, extraordinary presence—aloof and distant, but sharp as a blade. It gave Han Lingxia a faint sense of threat.

She glanced back at her plump son, who was devouring desserts, and felt deeply powerless. When Song Yunhe grew old, what could her son possibly use to compete with Song Mingyue for the inheritance? It seemed early to think about such things, but as a mother, she couldn’t wait for her foolish son to figure it out himself.

“That boy is Gao Wu, Mingyue came with him to the ring—their relationship seems quite close.” Han Lingxia said with a smile, “He’s strong and decisive, yet enthusiastic and cheerful—perfectly complementing Mingyue’s character.”

After ten years living with Song Yunhe, Han Lingxia understood him well. She knew he carried guilt towards his daughter and, as a father, wouldn’t like her choosing a boyfriend. Especially since Gao Wu was an orphan, raised by others.

An eighteen-year-old advanced martial artist was impressive in an ordinary family, but at their level, it was nothing special. From any angle, this boy was not a match for Song Mingyue! Song Mingyue always disliked socializing, but now accompanied Gao Wu to the hotel for a match—clearly, she cared about him.

If Song Yunhe tried to meddle, Song Mingyue’s stubbornness would surely drive a wedge between father and daughter, saving Han Lingxia endless trouble.

As expected, Song Yunhe frowned deeply, “This boy isn’t good enough!”

Han Lingxia countered gently, “Mingyue is grown now, you have to respect her wishes. No matter what you think, don’t force her…”

“I know.” Song Yunhe replied coldly, though inwardly resolved to speak with Gao Wu. He couldn’t persuade his daughter, but surely he could handle a teenager? Surely he wasn’t joking—at their first meeting, he’d noticed Gao Wu was quite greedy for money.

At the corner of the ring, Song Mingyue suddenly looked toward the private box. The one-way glass blocked her vision, but not her mental sense; she could sense her father, stepmother, and her silly, plump half-brother.

Gao Wu noticed her movement, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. My dad’s here, with his wife and son.” Song Mingyue said calmly, “If I’m not mistaken, tomorrow he’ll come to you privately, offer you money to keep away from me.”

“Hahaha…” Gao Wu couldn’t help laughing, “Is Uncle Song really that… traditional?”

He’d wanted to say ‘cliché’, but thought better of it. Song Mingyue could mock her father, but it wasn’t his place as an outsider.

“We’re friends worth a hundred billion, I wonder what price Uncle Song would offer?”

“A few million, probably.” Song Mingyue replied. “Take it, don’t be shy.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll just tell him I need your help for cultivation, can’t do without you. He won’t dare bother you.” Song Mingyue said coolly.

“Uh… is that really okay?” Gao Wu was still a bit embarrassed.

“We’ll split the money fifty-fifty.” Song Mingyue glanced at him. “That solves it, doesn’t it?”

“Haha… deal!” Gao Wu instantly felt no burden; this was Song Mingyue scamming her father for gold coins, and he was just helping out. Besides, he’d have to face Song Yunhe’s fury—the risk wasn’t small, so sharing some of the money was only fair.

“He seems quite pleased…” Not far from the ring, Yang Ru pursed her lips; for some reason, she just didn’t like Gao Wu.

Han Yang smiled slightly, “He’s killed people—fighting on the ring is no pressure at all for him.”

Yang Ru’s gaze shifted to Song Mingyue, surprised, “Second Brother, isn’t she from our school?”

She’d seen her at school, and remembered the girl’s cold, striking beauty.

“Song Mingyue, Song Yunhe’s daughter.” Han Yang glanced at Song Mingyue and quickly looked away. He’d met her when accompanying his aunt; her distant coldness had left a deep impression. Two years later, she seemed even colder and prouder.

“A Song family girl, hanging out with Gao Wu?” Yang Ru found it unbelievable.

“Gao Wu rescued the drowning girl—that was Song Mingyue.” Han Yang was well aware of this. He’d been shocked to hear it, since Song Mingyue didn’t seem the type to attempt suicide.

He actually admired Song Mingyue, perhaps even liked her, but his pride wouldn’t let him lower himself to pursue her.

“A hero saving a beauty—how cliché!” Yang Ru rolled her eyes, even more disdainful.

Han Yang didn’t want to discuss it further; he changed the subject, “Tonight, Gao Wu’s opponent goes by the nickname ‘Mad Dog’. He’s undergone bio-modification surgery, his skin and flesh tough as iron. It’s said he’s overdosed on Flying Rat serum, making him ferocious and fearless—a formidable character… Gao Wu’s in trouble tonight…”

“Oh, that’s great!” Yang Ru’s eyes sparkled with excitement; she’d come just to see Gao Wu embarrassed and humiliated.