Chapter 59: Brother, Want to Come Up and Have a Go?

Yang Mengke was bewildered. How could a girl like Long Ling’er appear at the host selection event? Whether in appearance, temperament, or character, Long Ling’er didn’t seem suited for the role of a host.

When Yang Mengke voiced her confusion, Long Ling’er grinned and asked, “Little Mengke, do you think your elder sister has any trace of femininity?”

Uh! This...

Yang Mengke was at a loss for words. If she answered yes, it would feel insincere—Ling’er did have a good figure, at least a woman’s form. But her personality was so masculine, more manly than any man! If she said no, it would be ungrateful, especially since Long Ling’er had just rescued her.

“It’s fine, just speak honestly. I’m easy to get along with!” Long Ling’er reassured her.

Yang Mengke shook her head apologetically.

Long Ling’er laughed, “Exactly! Born female, but never acting like one. Not only do the wealthy young men of Yanjing worry about me, but my friends and our parents do too! That’s why I’ve been sent here—hoping to rediscover a bit of what it means to be a woman!”

Ah!

To rediscover the feeling of being a woman... Hearing such words from a woman’s lips felt oddly out of place.

Yet, with Long Ling’er’s explanation, Yang Mengke finally understood why she was here.

Both of them, newcomers to this place, were unwelcome, and now, thanks to all sorts of messy reasons, they’d become fast friends.

Yang Mengke’s unpopularity was simple: her outstanding aura made her seem tailor-made for the show, and she was the strongest contender. Anyone hoping to realize their dreams had to defeat her. Furthermore, she’d been escorted by Yang Liuqing herself, which made the others especially hostile—though only the women.

Long Ling’er’s unpopularity was equally straightforward. Her unconventional behavior and utter lack of femininity made others wary, fearing she’d influence them with bad habits and cost them points in the competition.

So, from the outset, neither was well-liked.

“Little Mengke, has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” Long Ling’er said with a grin. “I have plenty of fans, some quite pretty, but none as stunning as you!”

Yang Mengke was momentarily at a loss for how to reply.

At the Palace Culture Promotion Office.

Su Bai signed his name with a flourish, completing the official authorization. Later, Song Liang could supplement the company’s contract.

“Congratulations, Mr. Su Bai, you are now the performer for the 600th anniversary cultural campaign!”

“In a few days, we’ll be filming the promotional video at the Palace. Comrade Zhang Mingke will contact you then.”

Su Bai shook hands with the leaders from the Palace, and those from the Yanjing Culture Promotion Committee. As the event ended, Zhang Mingke sighed.

“Ah, your ‘Scales of Heaven and Earth’ has been through quite an ordeal! But at least the outcome is good. Next, we’ll prepare for the promo video shoot. Make sure Old Song gets the official contract done quickly—then it’ll all be settled!”

“Come on, since you’re finally in Yanjing, let your brother show you how to relax!”

Without waiting for a reply, he dragged Su Bai out.

Su Bai wanted to tell Zhang Mingke he wasn’t interested, but seeing his brother’s eager face, he couldn’t find the words. Was it really Zhang Mingke wanting to go, using him as an excuse?

An hour later, standing in front of the Azure Dragon Club, Su Bai was utterly bewildered.

This? Relaxation?

Had his brother misunderstood the meaning of relaxation?

Of course, Su Bai kept these thoughts to himself—no need to let his brother tease him.

Judging by the club’s plain exterior, Su Bai expected something ordinary, but stepping inside, he was stunned by the lavish interior.

Zhang Mingke chuckled, “Surprised? It’s a whole different world in here! Whenever I’m stressed, I come here. There’s boxing—it’s thrilling! But don’t worry, it’s not an underground fight club; all the boxers are legit. There are sparring partners, so you can vent as much as you want. I’ve wanted to come for ages but never had the chance. Now that you’re here, let’s blow off some steam together!”

At the front desk, Zhang Mingke handed over a black membership card. “Two sparring partners!”

“Certainly, sir. Would you prefer male or female?”

Zhang Mingke glanced at Su Bai, “Female.”

Su Bai quickly waved his hand. “Brother, I don’t need one. I just arrived, let me look around first. You have one, that’s enough.”

Zhang Mingke assumed Su Bai was just shy, about to persuade him, then remembered Su Bai was now a public figure. If someone posted a photo online, gossip would follow.

So he didn’t press, and requested just one sparring partner.

Su Bai watched Zhang Mingke and the female sparring partner exchange punches on stage, and smiled to himself, “Definitely amateur—just venting emotions.”

Watching Zhang Mingke’s moves, Su Bai could tell he knew nothing about boxing, just flailing, pouring out his energy.

Bored, Su Bai decided to explore, but his way was blocked.

His expression darkened instantly.

The man was none other than Zhao Hongbing, the one who’d harassed Yang Mengke earlier.

“Well, if it isn’t my brother-in-law? Here alone?”

Still reeling from being bullied by Long Ling’er, Zhao Hongbing had come here to blow off steam, only to run into Su Bai, reigniting his irritation.

“Get lost! Watch your mouth! If I hear you speak disrespectfully again, don’t blame me for getting physical!”

When Zhao Hongbing called him “brother-in-law,” Su Bai’s face turned cold.

“Damn, so you won’t drink a toast, but will swallow the penalty? I’m giving you face!”

With that, Zhao Hongbing reached to slap Su Bai’s face.

But Su Bai caught his hands in a flash.

Zhao Hongbing’s face flushed deep red.

“Damn, what are you idiots waiting for? Get him!”

The men behind Zhao Hongbing circled Su Bai, but hesitated, not wanting to hurt Zhao Hongbing.

Just then, a dignified young man pushed through the crowd and stepped in.

“Brother, this isn’t the place for trouble. Let him go.”

Zhao Hongbing clutched his reddened wrists, grimacing in pain.

“Hongbing, are you alright?” the youth asked.

Zhao Hongbing groaned, “Zhenglong, cripple him for me!”

Sun Zhenglong frowned; he knew exactly what kind of person Zhao Hongbing was. But since Zhao Hongbing had been bullied in his club, he couldn’t just ignore it—otherwise, his reputation would suffer.

Turning to Su Bai, he said, “Brother, want to take it to the ring?”