Chapter Forty-Five: Who Called for Disbandment?

Chapter Forty-Five: Who Gave the Order to Dismiss?

Sun Qing had originally come to look for Tang Xin. Ever since he first laid eyes on her, he was captivated by her delicate features and fresh, unspoiled demeanor.

From that moment, he began his relentless pursuit.

He believed that with his status and position, if Tang Xin wanted a meteoric rise to fame, she would certainly choose him.

Countless newcomers in the industry were willing to humble themselves before producers, investors, directors, or leading actors just for a good role. Some even went so far as to sleep with the cameraman, hoping he might capture them in a more flattering light.

If she agreed to be his girlfriend, he would, by any means, persuade his father to elevate her to stardom.

Unexpectedly, Tang Xin rejected him without the slightest hesitation or courtesy.

Sun Qing was utterly humiliated; he even considered using forceful means to get his way. However, when his father learned of his intentions, he summoned him for a stern warning, saying, “You’re free to pursue Tang Xin if you wish, I won’t interfere. But if you want to win her heart, do it with genuine ability—let her willingly choose to be with you.”

The underlying message was clear: love is a matter for two people. If the other party is unwilling, you are not to scheme or use underhanded tactics.

Because of this, Sun Qing was forced into a “war of attrition” with Tang Xin. Otherwise, with his usual methods, she would have become his woman—or would have been driven out of the Butterfly Group long ago.

But today, he hadn’t even caught a glimpse of Tang Xin.

Bai Su explained that Tang Xin was out on business and couldn’t be reached. He tried calling her several times, only to find her phone switched off.

He had initially intended to wait all day—refusing to leave without seeing her.

When Zhang Hepburn, that little minx, appeared, his resolve wavered just a little—he thought, since this girl clearly has a crush on me, why not take her first, then work out how to win Tang Xin afterward?

But he hadn’t expected this woman to turn faster than a page in a book. Just moments ago, she’d gazed at him with bashful, affectionate eyes; the next, she said, “You’ve seen me now, so you can leave.”

No matter how thick-skinned he was, even Sun Qing was too embarrassed to stay any longer.

“Young Master Sun, Tang Xin really is out. Even I can’t reach her. She’s been in a bad mood lately and wants some time alone. She asked us not to disturb her,” Bai Su said apologetically. She didn’t want to antagonize him—one, it wouldn’t help her career, and two, she didn’t want him making trouble for her.

Some people may be incapable of doing good, but their talent for causing trouble is off the charts.

“Is that so?” Sun Qing’s face darkened. “Then how do you contact her when you have events to attend?”

“We leave messages on her phone in advance,” Bai Su replied.

“Fine.” Sun Qing sneered. “I’ll just wait for your next event. Bai Su, do you think I can’t get your schedule?”

“Of course you can, Young Master Sun,” Bai Su answered with a smile, though inwardly she was cursing her luck. This man truly is a disaster. Looks like she’d better speak with Chairman Sun ahead of time and ask him to rein in his son. If this gets out, their company will be the laughingstock of the industry.

“Tell Tang Xin—she can’t run from me,” Sun Qing spat before turning on his heel and striding out.

Moments later, his BMW convertible roared out of the villa’s courtyard.

Bai Su rubbed her temples, feeling a genuine headache over the situation.

She made her way to Lin Huiyin’s room. Sure enough, Zhang Hepburn was sprawled across the big bed, animatedly chatting.

Bai Su knocked on the door, and Zhang Hepburn called, “Come in!”

Bai Su sat on the edge of the bed, draped an arm around Zhang Hepburn’s soft shoulders, and said with a laugh, “The Monkey King has left.”

“I know,” Zhang Hepburn replied matter-of-factly. “He said he was here to see me. Now that he’s seen me, why would he stay? My time is too precious to waste on him.”

Bai Su smiled, gazing at Zhang Hepburn’s eyes, bright as jewels. “Didn’t you used to really dislike Tang Zhong?”

“Used to? I still can’t stand him. He’s a pig-headed, arrogant, lovesick lunatic—” At the mention of Tang Zhong, Zhang Hepburn’s grievances poured forth. “No woman likes him. He’ll be single for life. Even if he stripped naked and ran around, no woman would spare him a glance. And if one did, she’d just think he’s all show and no substance—”

Bai Su was speechless. Only this mischievous imp could talk like such a rascal with such ease.

Unaware that Zhang Hepburn had just tried and failed to call Tang Zhong, Bai Su was surprised by her vehemence and asked, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Nothing at all,” Zhang Hepburn replied, unwilling to admit she’d tried to tip off Tang Zhong. “I just think he’s an idiot.”

“Fine. Then tell me, why did you go downstairs to help an idiot?” Bai Su grabbed her soft, chubby hand.

“I—” Zhang Hepburn was momentarily at a loss, but then she sprang up like a startled rabbit and said, “Who said I was helping him? Why would I help him? Why should I help him? I just don’t like that Sun Monkey, so I went down to chase him off. What’s that got to do with Tang Zhong? Is he that charming?”

“All right, all right, you didn’t help him,” Bai Su soothed. “Still, since it’s happened, it’s better not to hide it. Secrets breed trouble. We should give Tang Zhong a heads-up—why don’t you call and explain?”

“As if! I don’t even have his number,” Zhang Hepburn retorted, glancing around evasively. “Oh, I almost forgot—I’m meeting Ken for a facial. Gotta go, bye!”

With that, she dashed out in her quirky Spider-Man T-shirt, barefoot as always.

“This girl,” Bai Su said fondly.

—

The matter of his pursuers did nothing to disturb Tang Zhong’s composure. From the moment he agreed to the boss’s request, he had braced himself for all manner of possibilities.

He’d even imagined himself in a long dress, legs shaved and sheathed in sexy stockings and red stilettos, dancing and singing his heart out on stage. With such comparisons in mind, it was easy to feel content with his lot.

After a restorative nap and a quick wash, he gathered Hua Ming, Li Yu, and Liang Tao and headed for the training field.

A month-long military training felt endless, with more than half of it still to endure.

By now, no one had any expectations. They simply went through the motions, counting down the days.

Today’s session was military boxing. Even though Tang Zhong performed the moves with remarkable skill, Instructor Li Tieshu didn’t ask him to step out and demonstrate.

In his view, Tang Zhong had already drawn enough attention.

Suddenly, Li Tieshu felt discomfort in his stomach.

He barked, “Everyone, stand at attention! Lu Yifei, you supervise. If anyone slacks off, I’ll make them stand for two hours.”

With that, he hurried off to the restroom.

He didn’t specify how long they should stand, figuring he’d be back soon enough.

But he had no idea what would unfold in his absence—

The afternoon sun was ruthless, scorching the open court and its young occupants without mercy.

Li Tieshu’s iron hand and inventive punishments had left a mark. Even when he was gone, everyone obediently held their posture.

Five minutes passed. Ten minutes.

After fifteen minutes, fatigue set in. The students began to relax their stance, some even chatting quietly. Someone cracked a joke, and laughter rippled through the ranks.

Lu Yifei frowned but refrained from anger. He knew as temporary class monitor he lacked real authority. To wield power would only invite resentment.

“Come on, everyone, let’s cooperate a bit longer. You know Iron Tree’s style—if he’s hiding somewhere and sees us slacking, we’ll be in real trouble.”

At his words, the boys anxiously scanned their surroundings. Though they saw no sign of Instructor Li, they quickly straightened up, the laughter fading.

They suspected Li Tieshu would never leave without reason—he was surely spying from some corner.

Twenty minutes passed. Then twenty-five. Then thirty.

Even as their posture grew laxer without the instructor present, standing in the sun for thirty minutes was beyond endurance.

The hardy ones persisted, drenched in sweat, lips cracked, feeling close to dehydration. The weaker ones swayed on their feet, eyes closed, nearly collapsing.

“Dismissed!” someone shouted.

Instantly, tension evaporated. Some rushed off for water, others dropped to the ground where they stood.

They were utterly spent.

But soon, they realized something was amiss.

The voice that called “Dismissed!”—was not Instructor Li Tieshu’s.

If it wasn’t him, who gave the order?

Lu Yifei hadn’t expected Tang Zhong to step forward and issue a command. Inwardly, he was pleased—at last, his opportunity had come.

Of course, he still had to uphold the monitor’s authority. If Li Tieshu returned and blamed him, he couldn’t be seen as Tang Zhong’s accomplice.

“Tang Zhong! How could you dismiss everyone?” Lu Yifei shouted, making sure everyone heard. If Instructor Li asked later, there would be witnesses to his words.

“It’s been too long. I can see many are dehydrated. If we don’t dismiss now, someone could have an accident,” Tang Zhong explained.

“I know it’s tough for everyone. But if the instructor didn’t order dismissal and you let everyone go—when he comes back, he’ll think we broke ranks early. You know his methods. If he makes us run twenty laps or stand two more hours, who could take it?” Lu Yifei tried to push Tang Zhong into opposition with the group.

If Li Tieshu returned and saw their state, he’d be furious and mete out punishment. And since Tang Zhong gave the “dismiss” order, he’d become the scapegoat.

They were all psychology students; everyone could read between the lines of Lu Yifei’s maneuver.

Tang Zhong glanced at him and said, “I only dismissed the people from Room 307. Anyone who wants to keep standing is free to do so.”

Lu Yifei sneered. Fine, I’ll keep standing. Let’s see how you explain yourself when the instructor returns.

Some timid boys, seeing their monitor still standing in the sun, reluctantly got up and rejoined his ranks. They feared punishment more than standing at attention.

Tang Zhong ignored them and led Hua Ming, Liang Tao, and Li Yu off to the campus store for water.

(P.S.: Today’s update is two chapters, nearly seven thousand words. Still, I’ll shamelessly ask for some votes. “The Fiery King of Pop” must be fiery indeed!)