As Zhang Yang stepped inside, he was fully prepared to watch him make a fool of himself. He knew exactly how much influence the young masters inside wielded; that was why, after being carried out, he dared not speak his anger, left only to nurse his shame in silence.

He certainly lacked the courage to seek revenge on 'Young Master Gao' or utter any curse. Zhang Yang’s entry was indeed because of his classmate—Guo Weiya had guessed correctly; Zhang Yang had walked in for Wang Lu’s sake.

Next, he fervently hoped that the people inside would haul Zhang Yang out too. The best outcome would be if Zhang Yang clashed with them and ended up being thoroughly beaten—that would serve as some measure of satisfaction for him.

As it turned out, his wish was granted; Zhang Yang did indeed start a conflict with those inside. When Gao Jie moved to strike Zhang Yang but was instead knocked to the ground by him, Guo Weiya felt a surge of intense excitement.

He thought to himself that this time, Zhang Yang was utterly finished; no one could protect him now. Gao Jie was Liangzi’s boss, and Guo Weiya knew exactly what kind of status that implied.

At that moment, he was eagerly anticipating Zhang Yang having a few limbs broken, or perhaps being crippled outright. Those who offended ‘Young Master Gao’ usually met a grim end.

The thought of Zhang Yang suffering such a fate made Guo Weiya giddy with anticipation. He squeezed his girlfriend’s hand, waiting to witness Zhang Yang's misery.

The entire sequence of events unfolded almost exactly as Guo Weiya had predicted, aligning perfectly with his desired outcome. But the ending did not go his way.

He hadn't expected that among these young masters, there were people who actually knew Zhang Yang—and judging by their interactions, they seemed to be on good terms. Guo Weiya didn’t recognize Shi Qiang or Gu [Book Fan Building fastest text update].

It was just like him: when his classmates were doing something, a single call from him would make them stop; others wouldn't get that same compliance. Gu Fang was watching Zhang Yang, waiting for his response.

He was stubborn by nature and wouldn't let Zhang Yang leave until he had the full story. “Fine, if you want to know, then I’ll tell you!” With a soft sigh, Zhang Yang relayed the recent events simply, filled with a sense of (helplessness).

He even mentioned how Wang Lu had been provoked and run in. He also didn't hesitate to point out that Shao Yuping possessed the temperament of a spoiled young lady.

“That’s the whole story. Honestly, it’s not a big deal.

Someone resorted to unwarranted aggression, so naturally, they deserved a lesson!” After speaking, Zhang Yang added a final sentence, glancing coolly at Gao Jie, who was still on the floor. Zhang Yang had always adhered to the principle: I don't offend others, but if they offend me, I will not show mercy.

Since Gao Jie had actively provoked him, this small punishment was mild. “That’s all over such a petty matter?” Shi Qiang’s eyes widened, and he asked with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

Gu Fang nodded in agreement. In their eyes, it truly wasn't a major issue—just a few vain people trying to join the fun.

One person getting provoked and following them was common, a minor incident. If they had simply been asked nicely not to enter, why let it escalate this far?

“It is just that small a matter!” Zhang Yang nodded firmly. His content matched Shi Qiang’s, but the tone was different.

Shi Qiang immediately understood. Zhang Yang was referring to Shao Yuping; the greatest responsibility for today’s chaos lay with her.

If she hadn't thrown a tantrum, none of this would have happened. However, he genuinely didn't view the matter as significant, and at least it hadn't spiraled beyond control.

“Zhang Yang, don’t be angry. Yuping didn't know you were her classmate, and she didn’t mean to do that.

You know her temperament,” Shi Qiang said with a smile, feeling a slight surprise that Zhang Yang was still in school but not overly concerned. As he spoke, he failed to consider what the outcome would have been if the person who walked in hadn't been Zhang Yang.

If it weren't him, they likely would have been severely beaten. And he, Shi Qiang, would certainly have stood by and watched the show unfold.

“Exactly! Zhang Yang, long time no see.

Come have a couple of drinks with us!” Gu Fang also said cheerily, then shot a glare at Gao Jie, who was just being helped up. “Gao Jie, you brat, open your eyes!

You dared to lay hands on Brother Zhang? Do you know Shi Feng from Jinling?

How many people did Brother Zhang take down single-handedly? Do you think you compare to them?” Gu Fang spoke mildly, but it made Gao Jie’s heart skip a beat.

The incident where the Jinling group was utterly defeated and fled disgracefully during the auto show had already spread throughout their circle. Zhang Yang defeating several men by himself had been a popular topic of gossip, and Gao Jie had certainly heard about it.

Moreover, Shi Feng’s fall this time was severe; rumor had it he became delirious on the spot and confessed many shameful secrets, resulting in him being confined at home indefinitely. For Zhang Yang to teach Shi Feng such a harsh lesson and emerge completely unscathed was, in itself, proof of Zhang Yang’s immense capability.

He now understood completely the caliber of person he had offended today. This loss, he could only swallow it.

“A misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding! I truly didn't know it was Brother Zhang!” Gao Jie plastered a smile on his face, though Zhang Yang found the smile utterly false.

Gao Jie hobbled over, limping slightly, and said with forced cheer, “Since the misunderstanding is cleared up, let’s not waste time. Come join us inside for a while.

Brother Zhang, you too. Consider it an acquaintance forged through conflict!” His leg throbbed with hidden pain, and his heart burned with resentment, yet he had to speak politely—he was a man who understood boundaries.

Seeing the deference shown by Gu Fang and Shi Qiang toward Zhang Yang, he knew he couldn’t challenge the man. Furthermore, even if Gu Fang and Shi Qiang backed him up, their group posed no threat to Zhang Yang; even if all of them attacked together, they couldn't touch a single hair on Zhang Yang’s head.

“My apologies, I have other commitments today. Another time, perhaps!” Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head.

His own gathering was in preparation; how could he stay for theirs? More importantly, he felt absolutely no interest in this environment.

Wang Lu, standing nearby, was momentarily stunned. Guo Weiya had pulled strings and called in favors just to get them admitted to this party, feeling so smug his tail was nearly wagging to the sky.

Yet, his connections weren't enough, and they were kicked out. Here was Zhang Yang, being invited personally, yet he was refusing.

How vast was the gap between people? In that instant, Zhang Yang’s image in her mind grew taller once more.

Before, she respected and admired his knowledge and ability; now, it bordered on worship. “Zhang Yang, what could be so important now?

Give us some face and stay a while. I never properly thanked you for what happened last time!” Gu Fang smiled and urged Zhang Yang to stay, with Shi Qiang supporting the request nearby.

“I truly am sorry, but I’m not alone. I have many classmates waiting.

Also, I’ve prepared a small gathering at my place and want to take our classmates back to enjoy themselves!” Under duress, Zhang Yang had to explain his reason; he genuinely couldn't remain here. Gu Fang glanced toward the group of students outside, then turned back, looking surprised at Zhang Yang.

Those students looked perfectly ordinary; Gu Fang hadn't expected Zhang Yang to specifically host a party for them. “It really won't work?” Shi Qiang frowned slightly and murmured.

He genuinely wanted Zhang Yang to stay. His desire for Zhang Yang to remain wasn't purely because Zhang Yang had saved Shao Yuping last time; he actually knew much more.

The first time Shao Yuping was hijacked and got into the car accident, she was rescued at the scene. Her family had thoroughly investigated the circumstances—a young man stepped forward and rallied the surrounding people to pull those trapped in the car out.

If they had been stuck inside until the ambulance arrived, they wouldn't have died, but the rescue would have been far more complicated. Not to mention, Shao Yuping had even received on-site medical attention, handled so expertly that she suffered minimal discomfort in the hospital and recovered quickly.

The rescuer that time was Zhang Yang. Shi Qiang had known this for a long time but had kept silent.

Zhang Yang’s canvas bag and the unique silver fox pelt he carried were ironclad evidence. While the people at the scene didn't know Zhang Yang's name, they retained a deep impression of him.

Especially after Shi Qiang showed them a photograph of Zhang Yang, confirming their recollection. The photo had been taken during their previous meal together.

Zhang Yang never mentioned saving people himself, which left a very positive impression on Shi Qiang. Since they were all within the same sphere, Shi Qiang genuinely wished to forge a friendship with Zhang Yang.

“It really can’t be done. Next time, okay?

Next time I’ll host, and we can have a proper get-together!” Zhang Yang shook his head again. He wasn't Guo Weiya; he couldn't abandon so many classmates to stay here.

Besides, he truly held no interest in this party. “Why wait for next time?

Let’s do it this time! Cousin, I want to go to Zhang Yang’s party!” Shao Yuping suddenly interjected.

Her eyes were no longer red, and she pointed at Zhang Yang as she spoke. Zhang Yang, Shi Qiang, and Gu Fang all froze momentarily.

Shi Qiang’s brow furrowed tightly; he was often exasperated by his cousin’s temperament and found her a headache whenever they were together. Gao Jie also froze, standing there dumbly.

He had exerted tremendous effort to arrange this party at the Bund to please Shao Yuping, putting in significant work to get her here. Yet, before she had even settled in, she wanted to leave and follow someone else to a different party.

At this moment, even with his deep calculating nature, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. His eyelids twitched involuntarily.

“Alright then, Gao Jie, my apologies for today. We ran into old friends and need to catch up there first.

We’ll visit you another day!” Gu Fang suddenly announced, leaving Gao Jie momentarily stunned again. After speaking to Gao Jie, Gu Fang turned to Zhang Yang and said cheerfully, without any hint of the authority of 'Boss Gu,' “Zhang Yang, Shiqiang and Yuping and I will come over to your place to take a look.

You don't object, do you?” Since Gu Fang had spoken that way, Zhang Yang couldn't object further and could only nod resignedly. Gu Fang agreed, Shao Yuping insisted, and Shi Qiang had no choice but to bid farewell to Gao Jie and follow the other two.

Zhang Yang led Wang Lu toward the exit first, and Shao Yuping quickly followed. Gu Fang and Shi Qiang went to get their cars and inform their own group that they were leaving early for an engagement elsewhere while the others should continue enjoying themselves here.

Extra chapter added for one hundred chapters; ninety-sixth remaining. We’ll have dinner and leisure tonight, returning late—my friends understand.

I rushed this chapter out, Xiao Yu will write another one next, and there are more to come!