Chapter 156
Chapter 156 - A Willful Rich Person
“Because I'm still a student,” Ye Hao said, leaving Liao Sheng momentarily at a loss for words.
“Ye Hao, with your abilities, you could easily shatter world records.”
“I'm not interested in breaking world records.”
“Don't you want to bring honor to our country?”
“I find healing people to be more meaningful.”
“Ye Hao, with your talent, you could effortlessly set multiple world records. Imagine the fame and wealth that would follow.”
“Liao Sheng, don't you think I've already earned a fair share of recognition and wealth after resolving the issue with the Faang family in Eylas?” Ye Hao replied with a grin.
Liao Sheng's expression darkened as he recalled Ye Hao's other accomplishments. Nevertheless, he believed the Faang family wouldn't retaliate against him for trying to recruit Ye Hao for the national team. After all, Liao Sheng was not without his own influential connections; otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved his current status.
”Fame and wealth can sometimes serve as a shield. With that, even the Faang family wouldn't dare cross you,” Liao Sheng mused softly.
“Liao Sheng, I'm grateful for your concern, but I'm truly swamped at the moment.” With that, Ye Hao turned and dashed off.
Watching Ye Hao's retreating figure, Liao Sheng could only smile wryly.
Soon after, word of Ye Hao's refusal to join the Deputy Director of the Sports Bureau spread like wildfire across Riverdale College. The students then shared a video of Ye Hao's 5000m race online, which left many internet users skeptical, believing it to be a publicity stunt since Ye Hao's performance had far surpassed the existing world record.
However, once the video of Liao Sheng personally inviting Ye Hao to the General Administration of Sport was posted, the online community was astounded.
“So, it's actually true.”
“Ye Hao did break the world record.”
“He's incredibly talented.”
“Ye Hao is on his way to becoming a legend.”
As a military Hummer pulled up to a coffee shop, Shao Hua approached Zhang Lan.
“You're inviting me for coffee?” Shao Hua asked, glancing at the café.
“Is there a problem?”
“I'm not fond of coffee,” Shao Hua stated bluntly. “Let me take you somewhere else.”
“Wait,” Ye Hao called out as he saw Shao Hua preparing to leave.
“What's the matter?” Shao Hua asked, sounding slightly impatient.
“Could you check if she has any talent for martial arts?” Ye Hao gestured toward Zhang Lan standing beside him.
Zhang Lan promptly stepped forward.
Shao Hua gave Zhang Lan a scrutinizing look before extending her hand to deliver a swift pat to Zhang Lan's body.
As Shao Hua's hand made contact, Zhang Lan heard Ye Hao's voice, “Shao Hua is putting you to the test.”
Without time to reply, Zhang Lan hastily backed away.
But as she retreated, Shao Hua quickly closed the distance between them.
Shao Hua's hand continued its trajectory, aiming another pat at Zhang Lan.
Zhang Lan experienced an intense sense of danger she had never felt before. After retreating several meters, she decided to fight back.
The moment Zhang Lan's fist connected with Shao Hua's palm, a look of pain crossed her face.
It was as though her fist had collided with solid steel.
Zhang Lan immediately withdrew her hand and turned to Ye Hao, “Her martial arts aptitude is just average. She won't be able to reach the Innate Realm.”
“But the instructors at the Martial Arts Academy said I have a high talent,” Zhang Lan interjected.
“Fool, the standards of society and those of the sects are not the same,” Ye Hao explained, then turned to Shao Hua, “Are you interested in training her?”
“Martial arts training is extremely challenging,” Shao Hua said to Zhang Lan, her tone serious.
“I'm not afraid of hard work,” Zhang Lan asserted.
“Come to the Martial Arts Bureau tomorrow,” Shao Hua responded, intrigued by Zhang Lan's determination. “I'll put you through special training.”
“Okay,” Zhang Lan agreed, nodding emphatically.
“You now owe me another favor,” Shao Hua said, her eyes locking onto Ye Hao.
“What do you need me to do?” Ye Hao asked with a wry smile.
“Investigate who's really behind the Immortals Retreat.”
“Are you sure you want to stir up trouble with this person?”
“Is this something Lin Rou'er mentioned to you?”
Ye Hao remained silent.
“I just want to understand what his endgame is.”
“I want no part in this.”
“Why not?”
“You already know why.”
After a moment of silence, Shao Hua conceded, “Never mind, then.”
Shao Hua had long suspected that the owner of the Immortals Retreat was likely a disciple of the Way of Nature.
No one dared to mess with a disciple of the Way of Nature.
Even Shao Hua's immediate boss wouldn't dare to cross a disciple of the Way of Nature lightly.
Typically, a disciple of the Way of Nature could easily best a martial arts disciple of the same caliber.
“Where did you say you were going again?”
“The Ground Kettle.”
The Ground Kettle Shao Hua mentioned was situated in the outskirts of Glento.
Despite its location, the restaurant was bustling, with numerous cars parked at the entrance.
“Manager, we'd like an order of earth pot chicken and some steamed eggs,” Shao Hua told the waiter before heading toward private room number eight.
As she approached the room, she could hear a cacophony of voices inside.
Shao Hua's expression soured.
She turned to the waiter accompanying her and said, “I've reserved room number eight for an entire month.”
“Just a moment. I'll check with the boss,” the waiter said before quickly departing.
Soon after, a portly middle-aged man approached with a smile, “My friend was hoping to dine in the room you reserved, number eight. I assumed you wouldn't be coming tonight, so I let him have it. Room number seven is still available, though. Would you like that one instead?”
“Just refund the money,” Shao Hua cut in, her tone cool.
“What?” The middle-aged man's demeanor chilled.
“The normal rate for room number eight is 800 yuan a day. I've paid you for a full month, yet only a week has gone by. I want the rest of my money back.”
Zhang Lan was taken aback by Shao Hua's demand.
This meant that if Shao Hua hadn't shown up today, the owner could rightfully withhold 800 yuan.
And if Shao Hua were absent, the owner might even secretly use room number eight to host others.
“Do you have a receipt?” the middle-aged man asked flatly.
“Try repeating what you just said, if you dare,” Shao Hua challenged, staring him down.
“Do you have a receipt?” he scoffed. “Is there anything else you wish to say?”
Shao Hua offered a smile and dialed a number.
Once the line began to ring, Shao Hua's voice turned icy, “I'm giving you three minutes to get here.”
At the sound of Shao Hua's command, the entire Martial Arts Bureau was taken aback. They swiftly got in touch with the military's communications department, and by the time they were geared up and ready to go, several helicopters were already on the scene.
“You're telling me you expect others to be here within three minutes?” chuckled the middle-aged man with a corpulent figure. “There's nobody on this street who would dare cross me.”