"This is money," Xiao Han asked with confusion, "Where did all this money come from!"
"Someone came to register today," Li Dapang said excitedly, "Twelve people, there were exactly twelve people who came to register."
"Really? For real?" Xiao Han's face showed complete surprise.
"Yes!" Li Dapang nodded eagerly and said, "At noon, one after another, twelve people came, all brought by their parents to register."
"The effect is that good?" Xiao Han was somewhat puzzled.
Soon, Xiao Han figured it out. These people were all acquaintances of Principal Li. They had all called Principal Li for advice, and after getting his answers and recommendations, they didn't hesitate to register for the Hanmen Training Class. A thousand a month, twelve people made twelve thousand.
Li Dapang was so excited he could hardly contain himself, it was the first time in his life that he had made money. It was truly exhilarating.
Xiao Han laughed and said, "Big Fatty, listen carefully, our Hanmen Training Class will only take a hundred students. Once full, we won't accept any more."
"Ah?" Li Dapang was startled and asked, "Turning down money?"
"It's not that I don't want to make money, but because we shouldn't be too blind in our early stage of development," Xiao Han replied.
"Alright then," Li Dapang nodded. Holding the money, he asked, "This money..."
"Keep it," Xiao Han said with a smile, "From now on, you handle all the money we receive. No need to tell me about it."
"This..." Li Dapang was slightly stunned, feeling touched, he nodded and said, "Okay, since you've said so, I'll manage it well for you."
After that, Li Dapang rode his bike straight towards the downtown area. It was time for school to let out, so Li Dapang had to quickly go and stand by on the scene. What if more people came to register? He couldn't miss out on business because of that.
As for Xiao Han, he walked home at a leisurely pace. The first batch of twelve people had far exceeded his expectations. It seemed that choosing Li Hengzhong as the spokesperson had been a wise decision.
......
Night fell gradually.
Throughout the journey, Xiao Han was immersed in a state of excitement. He hadn't expected things to progress so smoothly, far exceeding his own predictions. Liao Zhijie hadn't come looking for trouble with Xiao Han in the past few days either. Xiao Han knew that with Liao Zhijie's vengeful nature, he definitely wouldn't let matters rest easily.
He had just reached the entrance of the Fuxing Community.
A black Mercedes was quietly parked by the roadside. Two men in black stood beside the car. When they saw Xiao Han approaching the factory entrance, they immediately walked up to him, one in front and one behind.
Xiao Han immediately sensed the approach of danger.
He couldn't help but stop in his tracks, his fists clenched tight. The two men in black, emotionless, walked slowly towards Xiao Han. Just as they were about to reach him, Xiao Han instantly threw his backpack at them with force.
Bang!
The man in black in front quickly raised both hands to block the unexpected attack from Xiao Han.
Whoosh...
Xiao Han charged at them again.
Bang!
His legs kicked out like two bolts of lightning at the man in black. The man was struck and took several steps back. The man in black behind him was already pressing forward. Xiao Han quickly executed a roundhouse kick. The other man caught Xiao Han's attack with one hand and then punched towards Xiao Han's face.
Xiao Han was shocked, so he hurriedly dodged, lying down low on the ground, and then, like a carp flipping over, he stood up again.
"Stop!" the man in black suddenly shouted.
Xiao Han took a couple of slow steps back, maintaining a safe distance from the other men.
"Who are you, what do you want?!" Xiao Han eyed them coldly.
One of the men in black said, "Kid, our boss wants to see you!"
"Your boss?" Xiao Han was slightly stunned.
"Yes!" the man in black nodded.
"Who is it?" Xiao Han asked, curious.
"Brother Bao," the man in black revealed a smug expression.
"Brother Bao?" Xiao Han was taken aback, with information about Brother Bao flashing through his mind. Having grown up in LJ City since childhood, he was very familiar with some things there. Brother Bao's real name was Chen Kunbao, a power that had risen in LJ City years ago, with some dominance in Wangjiang District. All of Yanzi Mountain and the territory to the east were under his control. Moreover, the gambling den he and Li Da had visited last time was Chen Kunbao's turf.
Could it be...
Suddenly, a bad feeling welled up inside Xiao Han. Frowning, he asked, "What does Brother Bao want with me?"
"Brother Bao wants to see you," the man in black said indifferently, with a slight smile, "Get in the car!"
Xiao Han hesitated for a moment, realizing he couldn't escape today, and if he couldn't escape, he might as well face and accept whatever was coming.
So, with boldness, Xiao Han walked toward the Mercedes.
The man in black opened the car door, inside sat a middle-aged man, spirited, tapping his crossed legs, with a cigarette in his mouth. Xiao Han slid into the car, not speaking, but intently sizing up the person before him, judging the man's inner thoughts from his expression and eyes. Xiao Han wanted safety, and that meant he had to understand the other party's thoughts.
"Hello, Xiao Han," Brother Bao said with a grin, extending his hand with a strange smile on his face.
"Hello," Xiao Han responded evenly, shaking hands with Brother Bao, then asking, "Brother Bao, what do you want with me?"
"A few days ago, you and your classmate racked up a debt of 24,000 yuan at my casino. Right?" Brother Bao said with a slight smile.
"As for the casino, it's all about skill," Xiao Han retorted without fear, asserting, "Brother Bao surely isn't thinking of asking us for the money back, right? That would be rather beneath you."
"Anyone who cheats at my casino gets their hands and feet chopped off," Brother Bao chuckled. "Do you think you could be next?"
Ssss...
Xiao Han took a deep breath, calming himself for a moment before saying, "Brother Bao really knows how to joke. Winning money means cheating, then don't you always win? I never knew running a casino was so lucrative!"
"Hahaha..." Brother Bao burst out laughing.
Feeling the hostility from the other party, Xiao Han started to figure out how to leave this place. At that moment, Brother Bao laughed and said, "I hear you've been setting up a college entrance exam training class recently?"
"How did you know?" Xiao Han asked, looking at Brother Bao with surprise.
"In Wangjiang District, there's really nothing Chen Kunbao doesn't know about," Brother Bao said with a soft smile.
"What do you mean by that, Brother Bao?" Xiao Han asked curiously, staring at Brother Bao.
The saying goes, no one visits a temple without a cause; today, the other party was either here to collect that debt of over twenty thousand yuan or to collect protection money. If it was about the debt, he could simply pay it back honestly; using others for one's gains could sometimes be a good thing. If it was about protection money, he would have to pay up, no question—after all, this was their territory, their power overwhelming. He was no match for them.
"No particular meaning," Brother Bao said, his eyes flashing with a sly smile. "I just wanted to get to know you... let's call it making a new friend."
"Huh?!" Xiao Han was surprised. "You... you're not here for that money?"
"Haha..." Brother Bao laughed heartily upon hearing this, commenting, "Do you think I need that money?"
"This..." Xiao Han hesitated for a moment.
"Alright, I should be going," Brother Bao said with a casual smile.
Xiao Han sensibly got out of the car.
The car slowly turned around and then gradually vanished into the dark intersection. Xiao Han never understood why Chen Kunbao would make such remarks.
............
In the Mercedes-Benz.
"Big Brother, weren't you supposed to teach that kid a lesson today?" the black-clothed man in the passenger seat asked.
"Of course not!" Chen Kunbao shook his head.
"Then..." the black-clothed man was a bit curious.
"There are some things you should never ask about, so never ask," Chen Kunbao glared at him sharply.
The black-clothed man immediately withdrew his head, daring not to make another sound.
Yet a tidal wave surged in Chen Kunbao's heart. Tears filled his eyes as he stared out the window at the colorful world, whispering to the outside, "Big Brother, Xiao Han has finally grown up, he has awoken. Your revenge is within reach."
............
News of the Hanmen Training Class spread quickly throughout LJ city.
There were mixed opinions about the training class; some said it was just another money-grabbing institution, while others believed in Principal Li's recommendation. Regardless, this didn't hinder the enrollment process for the Hanmen Training Class.
In three days, sixty people had signed up. And by Friday, all one hundred spots were filled.
As Xiao Han had decreed, once full, they immediately stopped enrolling students. Li Dapang called over two members of the staff to take away the registration tables, chairs, and materials at once.
"I... I haven't signed up yet," said a boy with glasses anxiously from behind.
"We at Hanmen only take a hundred people," Li Dapang glanced at him and said, "Try your luck next month; if someone drops out, you can take their place."
"No way!" the boy with glasses pleaded, "I came specifically because of Principal Li's recommendation."
"It's full, no more enrollment," Li Dapang waved his hand, firmly turning the few people behind away.
The news that Hanmen was only accepting a hundred students shocked LJ city. It was an invisible blow to the sixteen high schools and several vocational schools of LJ city. Chinese people have always loved a crowd; wherever there is excitement, they flock to it.
Hearing that Hanmen was only taking a hundred students, many who were initially in two minds became anxious, rushing to the Hanmen Training Class in hopes of enrolling. But all were turned away. This action made Hanmen the center of everyone's attention overnight.
"What's the deal with Hanmen Training Class anyway?"
"Who knows, they wouldn't let me enroll when I wanted to."
"What does this mean, thinking they're really that great? Can they turn crows into phoenixes?"
"It's just a gimmick. Let's see how many students this Hanmen can get into key schools."
Many parents were somewhat furious about Hanmen's approach. Failing to register, they simply started to slander Hanmen. Some even reported it to the Education Bureau. The staff of the Education Bureau weren't foolish; with a heavy-hitter like Li Hengzhong endorsing it, they definitely wouldn't shut it down but rather consult Li Hengzhong first.
Linjiang No.1 Middle School.
In the principal's office.
The director of the Education Bureau's office personally made a trip to Li Hengzhong's office.
"Director Liu visiting me, is there an issue?" Li Hengzhong asked cheerfully.
"It's about that Hanmen Training Class," Director Liu said with a wry smile, "Recently, we've received quite a few complaints from parents. What a mess this has created."
"Complaints?" Li Hengzhong was startled, then laughed, "It might be the work of some nefarious individuals."
"Right, why would you advertise for a training class with no reputation?" Director Liu asked hurriedly.
Director Liu and Li Hengzhong had a collegial relationship, and they were quite close personally. Otherwise, Director Liu would not personally take on this matter or even consult with Li Hengzhong. Director Liu knew that Li Hengzhong was an upright and incorruptible person. Therefore, a training class valued by Li Hengzhong couldn't just be any ordinary class.
"To improve the enrollment rate of our Linjiang No.1 Middle School." Li Hengzhong laughed.
"When has Linjiang No.1 Middle School's enrollment rate not been the highest?" Director Liu frowned, "Do you still need to improve it?"
"Well, the biggest competitor is oneself." Li Hengzhong laughed, "Besides, if the enrollment rate in LJ city is improved and ranks among the top three in the province, tell me… wouldn't that be a joyful occasion?"
On hearing this, Director Liu was immediately dumbfounded: "Old Li, you aren't joking, are you?"
"Ha ha…" Li Hengzhong laughed heartily. He didn't respond directly, but left Director Liu with a significant suspense.
Director Liu took a deep breath.
Leaving Li Hengzhong's office, Director Liu remained extremely shocked and incredulous. He decided to wait and see what exactly the Hanmen Training Class was all about.
The Hanmen Training Class not only caused a major stir in schools across LJ city but also within the education department.
Li Hengzhong, although very curious about that young man named Xiao Han and eager to have a talk with him, had to give up as he didn't have any contact details. However, Li Hengzhong decided to attend a class at Hanmen Training Class in person the next day to see what was different about their teaching methods.
The media had the keenest sense of smell. The Hanmen Training Class quickly drew their attention.
The next day.
Saturday, the sun was blazing, and the temperature was very high. Thirty-six degrees.
The sun hung in the sky like a fireball, continuously roasting the earth. Even early in the morning, one could feel that fiery sensation.
Today was the first day of classes at the Hanmen Training Class. One hundred students sat neatly in a large classroom. The room had the air conditioning turned on, and two high-power units were constantly working, providing a hint of coolness to the large space.
Outside the classroom, two men in white short-sleeved shirts were guarding the door. Entry was permitted only with a Hanmen Training Class certificate. Many who tried to sneak in, including some media reporters, were stopped.
Li Hengzhong personally arrived at the scene.
The scene before him truly stunned him; at the door, numerous students and their parents hoped to register, but they were ruthlessly turned away.
"Principal Li has arrived." Someone suddenly shouted.
Rustle...
Everyone's eyes were fixed on Li Hengzhong.
"Principal Li, are you here to teach the kids?" someone suddenly asked.
Three media outlets quickly surrounded him.
"No, no, no!" Li Hengzhong waved his hand hastily, "I... I'm here to attend the class too."
Just then, Li Dapang shrank his neck in the crowd and hurriedly approached the two staff members, whispering a few words in their ears. Both nodded repeatedly.
Li Hengzhong walked through the crowd and into the classroom. The two guarding deities at the door did not stop him.
Li Hengzhong's appearance further convinced the parents that Hanmen was indeed under Li Hengzhong's control. Thus, they were even more eager for their children to study there.
Of course, what everyone was most interested in was probably still Hanmen's instructor.
From start to finish, the promotion revolved around one person, Li Hengzhong, and everyone knew that Li Hengzhong was merely the endorser, not the instructor. Regarding the mysterious instructor, they had never met him, nor seen him, even in promotional posters, there was just a black cartoon face.
One hundred people were sitting upright at the scene. There was a table's distance maintained between each person, with a hundred tables arranged very neatly.
Jiang Xiaoliang shamelessly took a seat next to Chen Zihan.
"Zi Han, do you think this mysterious teacher is really impressive?" Jiang Xiaoliang curiously asked.
"I don't know either!" Chen Zihan shook her head as she smiled, "But, I am full of curiosity about this teacher."
"Me too," said Jiang Xiaoliang excitedly, "I really want to see what he looks like. Most importantly, he must be a very capable person."
Not just the two of them, everyone present was filled with curiosity about this mysterious instructor.
Just as they were quietly discussing, suddenly, a man wearing black trousers and a white shirt entered from the back door. This was unexpected by everyone.
"Here he comes!" someone suddenly shouted.
Whispers swelled…
All eyes turned towards the mysterious teacher.
Media from three outlets in LJ City also turned their cameras towards this mysterious man.
However, to everyone's surprise, the mysterious teacher was wearing a black mask that aptly covered the triangular area of his eyes and nose. No one could see his true face.
He wore a friendly smile and walked from the back door to the podium with unflustered grace. His hair was flowing impeccably and he walked at a measured pace, carrying a tranquil energy as if he had a well-conceived plan in his heart.
At the podium.
Xiao Han gently placed the lecture notes on the podium. Today was his first day teaching, and in order not to cause too much of a stir and to avoid too much trouble for himself, he had decided to wear a mask while giving the lecture.
The scene was very quiet, just as he had anticipated. The only thing that surprised him was that Li Hengzhong had chosen to sit in the very last row of the classroom. However, this would not have much impact on Xiao Han.
"Students!" Xiao Han glanced over the class and said, "Today is our first lesson. In this lesson, I plan to discuss something beyond academics. Most of you here are about to face the college entrance examination, including some second-year students. I want to ask, why do you want to take the college entrance exam?"
There was a murmur in the room.
"To get into a top university."
"For a better life in the future."
"To make money."
Everyone expressed their views.
Chen Zihan stood up without hesitation: "To realize the meaning of my life, the college entrance exam is just one of the many mountains in my life. By conquering it, I earn the right to conquer the next mountain!"
Whispers swelled…
The room erupted in applause.
"Well said," Xiao Han slightly smiled and said, "Chen Zihan, tell me, where is the meaning of life?"
"I..." Chen Zihan was instantly stunned. After all, she was young, how could she understand so much about life?
"Because of ideals, because of pursuits!" Xiao Han smiled at the audience, then said, "A philosopher from Ancient Greece once said, life inherently has no meaning, but because of dreams and pursuits, life becomes meaningful. It is dreams that make people great; people are born to live for their dreams. To live is to have your own goals. Once our life goals are established, they are inseparable from firm determination. We need to maintain our determination amidst the intricate changes of society, to master our skills, and learn how to engage with others..."
The audience listened as if enchanted.
From elementary school to junior high school, from junior high school to high school.
No one had ever discussed the meaning of life with them before. No one had ever told them what dreams were.
From childhood, parents' discipline and teachers' teachings were all about 'getting high scores'. However, today, Xiao Han's speech opened everyone's hearts, making them suddenly feel as if the closed doors of their hearts had been thrown open. Their long-stifled hearts seemed to soar at that moment, flying across the blue sky, across the ocean...
"Students!" Xiao Han's voice pulled everyone out of their reverie as he spoke seriously, "Everyone must have their own dreams, and moreover, you must stick to your dreams. Otherwise, dreams will turn into illusions. Why do some people fail to realize their dreams? That's because their hearts waver and their feet do not move. Each one of us should be like a compass. The center stays constant while the feet do move."
Chen Zihan watched Xiao Han on the podium, infatuated.
It must be said, Xiao Han's speech today seemed to have opened up a new sky and world for her, as if opening a window in her heart.
"Alright, let's start the lesson," Xiao Han smiled at the audience.
All of Xiao Han's lecture notes revolved around the textbook; he did not require students to buy supplementary books. In his view, as long as one mastered the knowledge in the textbook, one could easily score high. Xiao Han's courses included only mathematics, physics, and biology.
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