Chapter 55: Paid to Do the Job (Part One)

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At half past eleven in the morning, on the thirty-sixth floor of Jinsheng Hotel, inside the glass-topped observation restaurant.

Beyond the massive floor-to-ceiling windows lay the bustling downtown of Dongjiang City. In the distance, one could glimpse the vast expanse of mountains and the frozen ribbon of the Yangtze River.

The full sunlight bathed skyscrapers, houses, the river, and the mountains in a snowy brilliance, casting a dazzling yet unique atmosphere over everything.

Just two days ago, Gao Wu had fought in the tournament ring on the basement floor of Jinsheng Hotel, but this was his first time in the observation restaurant. Gazing out at the scenery of Dongjiang from above, he felt his vision broadened, his chest expanding with an unfamiliar sense of openness.

As one of Dongjiang’s finest luxury restaurants, the observation restaurant was decorated in a sleek, modern Western style—its overall aesthetic simple yet exquisite.

Through the transparent glass, one could see into the open kitchen, where a team of immaculately dressed chefs worked busily, the occasional flare of fire from the stoves and the roiling of steam catching the eye.

The bustling world lay at one’s feet, the aroma of food just within reach; yet here, the guests could savor the luxuries of life, untouched by the smoke and bustle below.

“The rich really do know how to enjoy themselves…” Gao Wu muttered inwardly. He had to admit, this kind of pleasure was indeed delightful—he even felt a twinge of envy.

Once he had money, he’d bring Sister Jun and the old man here to enjoy it too!

In his loose blue-and-white school uniform, Gao Wu stood out starkly among the restaurant’s patrons. As soon as Song Yunhe entered, he spotted Gao Wu at a glance.

Song Yunhe’s expression was somewhat complicated. In terms of attire and etiquette, Gao Wu was clearly lacking. To come here for a serious discussion and not dress formally was, at the very least, impolite. This wasn’t a matter of wealth or poverty.

But Gao Wu was, after all, an eighteen-year-old high school student. It was understandable that he didn’t own clothes suited for formal occasions.

On the other hand, the long sword slung across Gao Wu’s back gave a unique character to his otherwise unsightly school uniform—a flavor of youthful vigor.

Most striking was Gao Wu’s height—well over one meter ninety. Standing there, tall and upright, he resembled a fir tree shooting skyward, roots deep in stone, flourishing upward through snow and ice, proud and unyielding.

By comparison, the other well-dressed patrons seemed greasy and vulgar next to the young man.

For a fleeting moment, Song Yunhe thought Gao Wu might not be such a bad companion for Mingyue—at least, Gao Wu was a kind-hearted person. Mingyue had been lonely and distant since childhood, without friends.

But he quickly suppressed this momentary softness. Mingyue’s future was limitless; Gao Wu could offer her no support, only drag her down.

If word got out that the two of them were together, it would bring disgrace to the Song family. He would never allow such a thing!

“Gao Wu, come over and have a seat.” Song Yunhe took the initiative to greet him with a smile.

“Hello, Uncle Song.” Gao Wu approached, nodding politely and taking a seat opposite Song Yunhe with natural ease.

Already aware of Song Yunhe’s intentions, Gao Wu felt little deference toward him. Especially since Song Mingyue herself looked down on her father, Gao Wu saw no reason to be overly respectful.

“I’ve ordered the Blazing Bear Feast set. If there’s anything else you’d like, just order it—don’t stand on ceremony.” Song Yunhe handed him a tablet to browse the menu.

“Thank you, Uncle Song. It’s my first time eating somewhere so fancy, so I won’t hold back.”

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Gao Wu took the tablet and ordered several bottles of chilled fruit juice, two large bowls of hand-pulled noodles, and some ice cream and other desserts.

Song Yunhe didn’t rush into serious business, instead chatting casually with Gao Wu about martial arts.

As a senior warrior, Song Yunhe hadn’t much real combat experience, but his knowledge of martial arts far surpassed Gao Wu’s. When he spoke of legendary martial artists, his vivid storytelling opened Gao Wu’s eyes to new horizons.

Though Gao Wu wasn’t overly fond of Song Yunhe, he had to admit the man was broad-minded and witty, the gold-rimmed glasses only adding to his refined air—he truly had the charisma of a mature man.

Not to mention, he was a senior warrior, among the top experts in all of Dongjiang.

As they ate and talked, Gao Wu found his opinion of Song Yunhe changing. Whatever the man’s true nature, he was at least charming and gracious on the surface.

The Blazing Bear Feast set was exquisite: the main course featured bear bile and paw prepared through intricate methods; large, fatty ribs rich in flavor that Gao Wu devoured with relish.

Liver, lung, and heart were marinated and stir-fried, spicy with a faint tang of organ meat, soft yet chewy. The deep-fried intestines were fragrant and flavorful.

Having injected the King Kong Serum, Gao Wu’s body was undergoing internal transformation. While the Spinosaurus Energy Solution satisfied his energy needs, it couldn’t sate his appetite.

This meal truly hit the spot for Gao Wu; he found Song Yunhe even more likable as a result.

Song Yunhe watched as Gao Wu ate over ten pounds of meat—not including other dishes—and began to worry the boy might burst.

Those food streamers who put on eating shows—whether or not they secretly spit out the food, what they eat is usually easy to digest.

Meat, however, was different—dense, substantial, and hard to digest. Even a warrior could ruin his stomach eating so much.

Of course, there were always those with extraordinary gifts, capable of what others could not. Seeing Gao Wu now tucking into ice cream, Song Yunhe realized the boy was truly fine.

He marveled inwardly at such monstrous physical talent.

“The owner of this restaurant has a rather wild reputation. You’re still in your learning phase—best not to associate with them too much. The intense fights in the tournament ring can injure your body’s foundation and harm your future development.”

Seeing Gao Wu sipping his drink, Song Yunhe finally broached the main topic.

“Thank you, Uncle Song.” Gao Wu could tell that, though Song Yunhe’s words carried a patronizing tone, his intentions were good.

He explained, “I owed my coach a favor, so I agreed to help him in the tournament.”

“You have excellent physical talent—a bright future ahead,” Song Yunhe said solemnly, “Don’t sacrifice the greater for the lesser.”

Before Gao Wu could reply, he continued, “You’re short on money, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am,” Gao Wu admitted without hesitation. In the past month, though he’d used all kinds of serums, his economic situation hadn’t improved.

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To replenish his nutrition, he’d spent a considerable sum on energy bars recently. He’d given some to two injured friends, bought things for home, and was now left with a hundred thousand—most of which came from Song Yunhe himself, plus some video revenue and tournament prizes.

Song Yunhe smiled warmly. “At eighteen, you’re in the final stage of development. Your bones and organs are stable but not fully closed—perfect for using various serums to stimulate your body’s potential.

“With your physical talent and proper use of scientific serums, you can lay a solid foundation as a warrior.”

Gao Wu nodded repeatedly. Song Yunhe was clearly setting the stage for handing him money—his approach was quite artful. Gao Wu couldn’t help but be curious: just how much would this middle-aged man shell out?

Having laid the groundwork, Song Yunhe turned the conversation. “I can provide you with a sum of money to help you improve yourself. There’s just one small condition.”

“Oh? What condition?” Gao Wu looked at Song Yunhe with an expression of innocent curiosity.

Meeting Gao Wu’s clear gaze, Song Yunhe felt a twinge of embarrassment.

He composed himself and said, “You and Mingyue are both at the most critical stage. Being together isn’t good for either of you. I know your relationship is pure friendship, but such things are a distraction.

“It’s for your own good—you should avoid seeing each other for now. There’s plenty of time for such things once you’re in college.”

Gao Wu replied earnestly, “Uncle Song, it’s not what you think. Mingyue and I are just friends, partners on the martial path, nothing more.”

“If you agree, I’ll give you three million,” Song Yunhe offered persuasively. “With that, you could buy two or three kinds of enhancement serums.”

“Mingyue is my good friend!”

“Five million.”

“It’s not about the money…” Gao Wu still shook his head.

Song Yunhe’s face hardened as he raised the offer. “Eight million.”

Gao Wu could tell Song Yunhe was growing impatient—a clear sign of pressure. Eight million was likely near his limit. No need to be too hard on a friend’s father!

He nodded. “If you insist, Uncle Song, I’ll do as you wish.”

“You’re eighteen now—an adult. You should know the importance of keeping your word.”

Song Yunhe stood up and said coolly, “Don’t break your promise and put me in a difficult position…”

Gao Wu replied solemnly, “Rest assured, Uncle. I’ll take the money and do as I’m told—I won’t see Mingyue again!”