The Way of Restraint

Chapter 67: A Million-Yuan Bet

“You look pretty comfortable now, kid. Earning a high salary and training in such a nice facility. But let’s see how long you can keep up the scam. Hand over the money you conned and turn yourself in to the police. Admit you’re a fraud.” Zhou Chun walked toward Su Jie, and as the surrounding people sensed trouble, they quickly dispersed.

“Zhou Chun, you were probably expelled from Minglun Martial Arts Academy after what happened last time. Then you turned to the Haoyu Group. If I’m not mistaken, you became Feng Hengyi’s punching bag, which drastically boosted your skill level,” Su Jie replied calmly, hitting the mark with his guess.

It was likely Zhou Chun had come this time specifically to target him.

Because Su Jie wanted his sister, Su Muchen, to switch jobs, he had already become a thorn in the Feng family’s side.

“You’ve got a death wish,” Zhou Chun narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice. “Let’s see what that tramp Nie Shuang and Gu Yang have taught you. And that blind old man—can’t believe you’re doing so well here. But your good days are over.”

“Boss, you’re here,”

Just as Su Jie was about to respond, Manager Xu hurried to the door to greet someone.

The newcomer was flanked by assistants and secretaries. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and, though dressed in a suit, gave off a scholarly air.

This was Qian Youguo, the boss of Starshine Combat Fitness Club and Qian Zheng’s father. He single-handedly founded Starshine Combat Fitness Club and was quite wealthy. However, compared to the giant that was Haoyu Group, he still fell short.

He had taken this visit very seriously upon learning that Haoyu had sent someone to evaluate investment opportunities, choosing to show up in person.

Haoyu’s moves were always shrewd, entering markets ahead of the curve.

Qian Youguo had been paying close attention to Haoyu. When the company partnered with Minglun Martial Arts Academy, he knew they were stepping into the fitness and combat sports market.

With such a giant entering the field, the entire industry was about to be reshuffled. Clubs that weren’t vigilant would likely get wiped out in the upcoming quake.

Qian Youguo wanted to seize this opportunity. If lucky, it could be his ticket to skyrocketing success.

Haoyu Group had many video platforms, entertainment resources, a film company, and self-media channels—not to mention a massive advertising force. If they made a move, they could go nationwide in an instant.

“What’s going on?”

He had originally come to meet Zhou Chun but immediately sensed something was wrong.

Manager Xu whispered a quick explanation of what had just happened.

Qian Youguo immediately understood.

“Mr. Zhou, sorry I’m late. Let’s sit down and talk this over. This is all my son’s fault—kids don’t know any better, please don’t take it to heart.” He tried to smooth things over. “Manager Xu, take young Su to the finance department to settle his pay.”

That was a clear sign Su Jie was being dismissed.

Su Jie frowned but didn’t take it to heart. He had only become a coach at Qian Zheng’s request; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come at all. Since Qian Youguo said so, he didn’t argue and prepared to leave.

“Hold on, you little con artist! Think you can just walk away? Planning to scam people somewhere else?” Zhou Chun sneered. “Mr. Qian, I can’t let this slide. This punk needs a lesson. Scamming people at such a young age—clearly his parents failed at raising him. Let me do it for them.”

“Zhou Chun, how do you plan on educating me? A little match between us?” Su Jie stopped in his tracks when he heard Zhou Chun bring up his parents. “How about we make a bet? We each put up 300,000 yuan. We’ll fight right here. Whoever loses has to hand over the prize money and admit in front of everyone that they’re a fraud. Do you dare?”

“You’ve got guts, kid.” Zhou Chun’s grin turned vicious. “300,000? That’s too little—make it a million!”

“I don’t have that much,” Su Jie raised an eyebrow. He only had 200,000 yuan on him. With Starshine Combat Fitness Club’s payout, he’d have 300,000 at most.

Originally, he had saved up 200,000 from working at Minglun Martial Arts Academy. His sister Su Muchen had given him another 100,000, and Starshine Combat Fitness Club’s monthly salary should’ve brought him to 400,000. But over the past few months, he’d spent 100,000 on various nutritional supplements and premium secret formula herbal balms from the academy’s website.

“I’ll lend it to you.” At that moment, Hua Xing stepped forward.