Chapter 29: Can’t Go Back
Chapter 29: Can’t Go Back
Gao Jing didn’t turn around.
Real men never look back at explosions. He already knew the gold-chain guy got blown up by his own dogs without seeing it.
During his time with the Shan Yue Tribe, Gao Jing had mastered controlling his Crimson Snake Aura.
Releasing it fully could scare even the dogs of Shan Yue Village into fleeing.
Compared to the mountain guard dogs of the Great World, these Rottweilers from the Primary World were as different as heaven and earth. Gao Jing merely revealed a sliver of his aura, more than they could handle.
But Gao Jing retracted his aura immediately, not crushing the two Rottweilers completely.
Result? The confused gold-chain guy got attacked by his own out-of-control pet dogs.
He got his just deserts!
At the next crossroad, Gao Jing hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take him to Food Street.
Yuncheng’s Food Street wasn’t far from the Urban Village. Packed with over a hundred restaurants, food stalls, and barbecue stands, it offered delicious dishes from all regions. Locals and tourists both loved it.
Business peaked on summer nights. When Gao Jing arrived at “Big Head Stir-Fry,” every seat was filled.
In a corner booth, Gao Jing found Zhang Hongyuan cozying up with a long-haired girl.
“Old Zhang.”
He walked over, greeted them, and sat down facing the pair.
He used to come here often with Zhang Hongyuan when they craved tasty, affordable food.
They knew the place well.
“Uh…”
Zhang Hongyuan looked incredibly weird. His face twisted like he hadn’t gone to the bathroom for ten days.
“Y-you’re Lao Gao?”
He asked hesitantly, half-recognizing, half-doubting. “Gao Ge?”
“Who else could it be?”
Gao Jing chuckled, grabbing a beer bottle. He twisted off the cap and poured himself a big glass.
Putting the bottle down, he nodded at the long-haired girl.
This was Zhang Hongyuan’s girlfriend, Zhu Lili. She was decent-looking and neatly dressed.
Gao Jing had only met her twice before, so he wasn’t familiar with her.
Zhu Lili was stunned too.
Was this Gao Jing?
He didn’t look anything like she remembered!
“Holy crap!”
Zhang Hongyuan slammed his hand on the table, making beer slosh from their glasses.
The loud noise drew stares from nearby customers.
Zhu Lili smacked her boyfriend’s arm, annoyed.
But Zhang Hongyuan barely noticed. Pointing at Gao Jing, he stammered, “Y-you… you…”
Gao Jing just smiled.
“Holy crap! Holy crap!”
Zhang Hongyuan finally snapped out of it. “Lao Gao, did you… did you get plastic surgery in Korea?”
He was still stumbling over his words.
He truly hadn’t recognized Gao Jing at first.
Though his life transformation hadn’t radically changed Gao Jing’s face, his body, skin, and features were clearly better. He looked taller, handsomer, younger.
Most striking was the huge shift in Gao Jing’s aura, giving his whole appearance a massive upgrade.
Seeing him after half a year hit Zhang Hongyuan like a shockwave.
Gao Jing had heard questions about surgery before.
“Easy there.”
He grinned. “No surgery. Just a second growth spurt. Oh, and the world’s best plastic surgery isn’t in Korea. It’s in Hollywood’s Beverly Hills.”
Second growth spurt…
Zhang Hongyuan was speechless—What nonsense! You don’t have growth spurts at twenty-six!
But the proof was staring him in the face.
Zhang Hongyuan knew Gao Jing’s situation. He wouldn’t get plastic surgery, nor could he afford results this amazing.
“Whatever!”
He grudgingly accepted the “growth spurt” explanation. Grabbing his glass, he said to Gao Jing, “I was gonna pay tonight, but now you have to. Otherwise, I won’t sleep.”
He whined with envy, “It’s just not fair!”
Gao Jing laughed. “No problem.”
He wasn’t short on cash now—once he sold that Red Sandalwood in his Storage Space, he’d be wealthy.
After three beers with Gao Jing, Zhang Hongyuan calmed down and urged him to eat.
Despite their time apart and Gao Jing’s transformation, they still clicked. Over food and drinks, the conversation flowed easily.
“Lao Gao, you know?”
Zhang Hongyuan said, “I heard today, as soon as I got back, Liang Xiang got taken away by the economic crime unit.”
“Yeah?”
Gao Jing looked surprised. “When?”
“A few days back. Heard the top filed the complaint.”
Zhang Hongyuan gloated. “And his idiot cousin got fired. Qiao Luoluo’s suspended too.”
“Rumor is the new boss lady parachuted in is cleaning house. Everyone’s freaking out.”
Gao Jing chuckled.
Not shocked by Liang Xiang’s fate.
Liang Xiang’s hands were always dirty. Only connections kept him employed.
Economic crime arrest? He’d be lucky to escape ruined.
The new boss lady meant business. Scaring others by making an example.
But it wasn’t his concern anymore.
“Lao Gao.”
Zhang Hongyuan continued, “Old Cheng talked to me this afternoon. Sent a message to you.”
He watched Gao Jing. “Jinhui welcomes you back!”
Gao Jing smiled faintly. Then shook his head.
Work for someone else now? Impossible.
He owned a whole world.
There was no going back.
“Why?”
Zhang Hongyuan didn’t understand. “Lao Gao, don’t be rash!”
“With Qiao Luoluo and Liang Xiang gone, you’d be perfect for sales manager!”
“Work hard for a few more years, save a down payment for an apartment.”
“Better than starting all over elsewhere!”
Touched by Zhang Hongyuan’s concern, but only touched, Gao Jing replied, “Lao Zhang, I know you mean well, but I’ve already found something else.”
Zhang Hongyuan sighed. “Oh.”
He was disappointed.
But understood. “Forget I said anything. With your skills, you’ll succeed anywhere.”
“Thanks.”
Gao Jing raised his glass. “Congrats on returning to the Provincial Capital. Big things ahead.”
Half a year ago, Zhang Hongyuan got exiled to another province, straining his relationship. He’d often complain to Gao Jing on WeChat.
Now he’d weathered the storm. Gao Jing genuinely felt happy for him.
Zhang Hongyuan might be a little slick, but he was a decent guy. A good friend.
“Thanks.”
Zhang Hongyuan clinked glasses, grinning. “Same to you! Bottoms up!”
“Bottoms up.”
“Enough thanking.”
Zhu Lili, quiet until now, suddenly spoke. “Got plans after dinner?”
Zhang Hongyuan asked, “Hmm?”
She blinked. “I wanna invite some friends to sing K. Okay?”
She subtly glanced at Gao Jing, signaling her boyfriend.
Zhang Hongyuan caught on instantly. “Sure! Message them. I’ll book the room.”
He told Gao Jing, “Lao Gao, you pay dinner. I cover KTV. Party on!”
Gao Jing wasn’t big on singing.
But Zhang Hongyuan was so eager. He didn’t want to dampen his mood. Plus, he’d just returned from the Great World and needed to unwind.
He nodded. “Okay.”
“Deal!”
Zhang Hongyuan whipped out his phone. “We’re going to the usual spot!”