Free Web NovelChapter 2106: Chapter 2307: I Am Hao Jian, a Student!!!
Hao Jian didn’t know what was going on. He initially edited a short text to send over, but hesitated at the last minute and just sent a cold "Mm" across. And from Zhang Danlin’s side, she clearly saw the message, but maybe thought a single "Mm" was too cold, so she didn’t reply. She locked her phone and tossed it onto the bed.
After lying on the bed for a while, he received a message from Baldy.
"Brother Hao, things have been arranged as you instructed. Meet at Old Bai River street food stall tonight at seven. I’ve sent you the address." — Baldy.
Seeing this, Hao Jian quietly looked at the address; it wasn’t far. Since the meeting was at seven, heading out by six-thirty would be fine. He replied with a simple acknowledgment and didn’t send anything else. Then he opened the chat with Lin Dongyang and asked him about his situation with Li Yaqin, and if he had time tonight.
Lin Dongyang quickly replied: "Boss, I was just about to message you. I confessed to her at the cinema, and she agreed to be my girlfriend. Haha... didn’t expect us to be so in sync. I was about to message you when you texted me."
Reading this, a pleased smile appeared on Hao Jian’s face. He hadn’t expected his encouragement to Lin Dongyang yesterday to work; the kid actually took it seriously. He smiled and replied: "You’re really shameless, enjoying your good fortune."
Lin Dongyang said: "I owe this all to you, boss. Uh... let’s talk about it later. I just sent her home, and I have time tonight. Send me the time and place."
Seeing this, Hao Jian sent the time and location to Lin Dongyang. Lin Dongyang replied with an okay gesture, confirming he would be there on time. Suddenly, Hao Jian frowned, realizing something, and told Lin Dongyang: "Buy two fruit knives and keep them on you when you head out."
Lin Dongyang didn’t ask why Hao Jian wanted him to do that and instantly replied: "Alright, boss."
Hao Jian said nothing more, quietly closing the chat. He glanced at the time; it was only three in the afternoon — there were still hours until seven. So, he lay on the bed to rest, as he had woken up quite early today. As soon as he closed his eyes, he fell asleep.
At six, he woke up on time, tidied up a bit, greeted Liang Xiaohan, and headed out. Surprisingly, this time Liang Xiaohan didn’t even ask where he was going, simply letting him leave with an "Mm". He went downstairs, hailed a cab, and proceeded to the address Baldy had given him.
Old Bai River street food stall — the car stopped about ten meters away from it. Hao Jian got out. Once he did, Lin Dongyang, who was nearby, immediately saw him and walked over.
"Boss!" Lin Dongyang said, casually passing the two fruit knives Hao Jian had asked him to buy.
Hao Jian nodded, taking one and discreetly placing it in his pocket — no one could tell he was hiding a fruit knife if they looked. He handed the other to Lin Dongyang, saying, "Keep this. If anything happens, you’ve got something to defend yourself."
Lin Dongyang took the knife and concealed it on himself as Hao Jian instructed.
Then, Hao Jian looked at him seriously and asked, "Afraid?"
Saying he’s not afraid would be a lie. Though he’s had many experiences with Hao Jian, this was the first time in such a scenario. Baldy and the small gang leaders were already there, seated. Though he’s still a student, those small group leaders have survived the bloody storms of Jianghu, unlike him.
Moreover, Hao Jian had him buy two fruit knives. As a student, saying he’s not afraid is deceitful. However, with Hao Jian present, he felt more at ease than before, slightly less afraid.
He nodded, saying, "At first, yes. But with you here, boss, it’s better."
Hao Jian walked over and patted his shoulder, saying, "Big achievements disregard small matters. Take it slow."
Then, he headed towards Baldy and the others, with Lin Dongyang immediately following him.
Although the meeting was set for seven, Baldy and the small gang leaders had already arrived, having been there for over ten minutes. They were waiting for Hao Jian. Ideally, Hao Jian should arrive earlier; he shouldn’t make everyone wait. But establishing authority by keeping them waiting was a good start. He walked over smiling.
Baldy saw Hao Jian arrive, stood up immediately, and was about to greet him as Brother Hao. But Hao Jian’s look signaled him not to, so Baldy caught on quickly and sat back down.
Apart from Baldy, there were four or five others at the table. These four or five supposedly had some skill and status; otherwise, they wouldn’t be sitting with Baldy. Another table had seven or eight people, identifiable as small gangster leaders. Seeing Hao Jian, they clearly knew he was the one they were waiting for, and their gaze seemed unfriendly.
They initially thought they were waiting for some big shot worth Baldy’s attention, only to find a greenhorn who barely held any status where Baldy was concerned. Being kept waiting by a mere kid for so long naturally stirred up some attitude.
Hao Jian directly sat beside Baldy with Lin Dongyang. By now, everyone’s gaze was on him, likely assessing his true identity — why was this young guy worth Baldy making them wait? What was his status?
Before arriving, Baldy had already sent Hao Jian the details of the five people sitting at the table.
Sitting directly opposite him was Wumao, often called Brother Mao in the circles. He was young, in his twenties, seemingly brash, but his crew wasn’t big, a rather mediocre force. To Wumao’s left was a man looking rather fierce due to his large size and fortune — named Big Rotten Fortune, hence often called Brother Lanc as few knew his real name.
To Wumao’s right sat another young man, similar in age, looking better than Wumao, possessing some charm. Baldy mentioned he had a wild nature, likely because of his good looks, attracting women and getting into endless fights over them. This man was Afei, a close friend of Wumao, with familial ties between their families.
The other two seemed much more experienced in Jianghu compared to Wumao, Afei, and Big Rotten Fortune. Both in their mid-to-late thirties, their faces exuded calm, radiating a Jianghu veteran aura. Although staring at him intently, their eyes lacked the hostility of Wumao’s group.
The one with significantly grayed hair was Black San, a fierce figure, Baldy only introduced him as such. His gaze hinted at ruthlessness, albeit concealed, felt by Hao Jian due to his experiences. The other, named Qiu Lang, had a scar on his face matching his name impression-wise, leaving a lasting image.
Hao Jian briefly scanned the table, comparing Baldy’s description with these individuals, quietly memorizing them while maintaining an indifferent facade. Lin Dongyang, clearly uncomfortable being in such an environment for the first time, was a bit nervous.
Hao Jian glanced at Lin Dongyang, signaling him to stay calm. Lin Dongyang adjusted, trying to remain composed. Meanwhile, those five saw Lin Dongyang’s slightly fearful, evasive demeanor, showing a hint of contempt.
Wumao, with his direct nature, eyed Hao Jian with crossed legs and smirked, saying, "Hey! Brother, how should we address you? All these brothers waited so long for you; you ought to introduce yourself. Otherwise, they might worry."
His tone was unkind, promptly displeasing Baldy, thinking Wumao didn’t realize Hao Jian’s real status. If he knew Hao Jian held a Huaxia Bank Black Card, he’d likely tremble sitting here. Baldy stood, feeling the urge to chastise Wumao.
But before he could rise, Hao Jian gestured him down, stopping him. Then, Hao Jian, laughing, addressed Wumao: "Sorry to keep everyone waiting. I’m Hao Jian, just a student."
Then, upon hearing Hao Jian was a student, everyone present grew eager.
"Damn, waiting so long only for some student. What the hell’s this? How can a student stand against the Axe Gang?" someone murmured nearby.
Once Hao Jian admitted to being a "student," those at the other table and Wumao’s five eyed him skeptically.
Black San and Qiu Lang held back their emotions, seasoned veterans.
But Wumao, Afei, and Big Rotten Fortune were different.
