Chapter 115 【Origins】Double Chapter

"Xu... Principal Xu, you must give me an explanation for this! An explanation, you get that?" After watching Gu Feng walk away, the principal of San Yuan Middle School flew into a rage, his body trembling as he glared at Xu Qin and said, "Not only did a teacher from your school assault our students, but he also hurt Master Li Dongguo. You must take responsibility for this!"

At this point, the principal of San Yuan Middle School was deeply afraid. Jin Zhengwei, the young master of the Jin family of South Korea, had been beaten by Gu Feng and was now in critical condition, while Li Dongguo had lost his mind, shouting "Kill me!" over and over on the ring.

Facing the principal's questioning, Xu Qin responded coldly, "Are your students human, but ours aren't? Your student launched a sneak attack when ours raised his hand to surrender! Not only did Li Dongguo, a Taekwondo master, cover for his own student, but he also attacked one of ours! Who should take responsibility for that?"

"You..." The principal of San Yuan Middle School was so angry he almost passed out. In his view, the life of an ordinary student was truly lowly and worthless compared to Jin Zhengwei's, not even worth considering.

"I will lodge a protest with the embassy over this matter!" the principal of San Yuan Middle School said coldly. "Also, you'd better pray my student and Master Li Dongguo are okay. Otherwise, you won't be able to bear the consequences!"

Xu Qin dismissed his words entirely. Whether from a public or personal standpoint, she fully supported what Gu Feng had done. "Have all the teachers take their students back to their classrooms," Xu Qin ordered after a moment of thought. "Also, convene a whole-school teachers' meeting in twenty minutes!"

While Zifeng Middle School was in complete turmoil, Gu Feng rushed out of the school as quickly as possible, took a taxi, and headed straight for Taihang Hospital.

About twenty minutes later, Gu Feng arrived at Taihang Hospital.

Taihang Hospital was a private hospital under Ling Yongbing's group. Though not particularly large, its environment and facilities were at the cutting-edge level in Hong Kong and even the world.

In the hospital lobby, Gu Feng met Ling Wei and Zheng Jian.

With Xu Qiang's life hanging in the balance, both Ling Wei and Zheng Jian looked dejected. Upon seeing Gu Feng, they immediately jumped up from their seats.

"Ling Wei, how is Xu Qiang doing?" Gu Feng asked directly.

Ling Wei quickly replied, "Teacher Gu, I've already arranged for the hospital's best doctors to perform surgery on Xu Qiang. They told me he has internal bleeding, and the situation is very complicated. We won't know the exact details until after the surgery."

At this point, Ling Wei thought of Li Dongguo and Jin Zhengwei, gritting his teeth in anger. "Teacher Gu, I'll call my dad later and have him send someone to teach those bastards a lesson!"

Although the Red Star Gang had recently suffered heavy losses and was in internal turmoil, Ling Yongbing hadn't told Ling Wei about it. In Ling Wei's mind, the Red Star Gang was still as powerful as ever.

Unlike Ling Wei, Gu Feng was well aware of the Red Star Gang's current situation. The gang was now a spent force.

"I've already taught them a lesson," Gu Feng said, gently patting Ling Wei's shoulder.

Then, as if remembering something, Ling Wei added, "Oh, Teacher Gu, should we inform Qiang Zai's mother about this? Originally, this surgery is very risky, and according to hospital rules, a consent form must be signed before proceeding. But I had the doctors start the surgery first."

Hearing this, Gu Feng understood that Xu Qiang's injuries were severe, and the risk of dying on the operating table was high. Without a signed consent form, unexpected trouble could arise if he died during surgery, and the hospital would bear full responsibility.

"I'll call Qiang Zai's mother," Gu Feng said after a brief moment of thought, deciding it was better for Xu Qiang's mother to know.

He then pulled out his phone, walked to a corner of the lobby, and dialed Qiao Gang's number.

After Gu Feng had Qiao Gang bring Xu Qiang and his mother to the Hong Kong Garrison Hospital last time, he arranged accommodations for them. Now, Xu Qiang's mother and Xu Qiang both lived there. After treatment, Xu Qiang's mother had almost fully recovered.

"Gang Zi, bring Xu Qiang's mother to Taihang Hospital immediately," Gu Feng said seriously as soon as the call connected.

On the other end, Qiao Gang could tell from Gu Feng's tone that something serious had happened. Though curious, he didn't ask any questions, simply replying with an "Mhm" before hanging up.

After ending the call, Gu Feng saw Ling Wei sitting on a chair in the lobby, smoking a cigarette dejectedly.

Normally, smoking wasn't allowed in the hospital, but as the young master and future owner of the hospital, what doctor would dare to tell him off?

"Ling Wei, give me a cigarette," Gu Feng said as he walked over to Ling Wei.

Ling Wei looked at Gu Feng in surprise. In his recollection, Gu Feng never smoked.

In truth, Gu Feng usually didn't smoke, but there were certain special occasions when he would.

Taking the cigarette from Ling Wei, Gu Feng lit it and took a fierce drag.

Smoke wreathed around Gu Feng as he wore an expression of guilt. Despite having taught Li Dongguo and Jin Zhengwei a lesson, Gu Feng still felt deeply responsible and regretful about what had happened to Xu Qiang.

He knew that if he had simply told Xu Qiang to forfeit or not allowed him to participate in the final match, none of this would have happened.

Gu Feng liked Xu Qiang from the bottom of his heart.

He clearly remembered that afternoon when Xu Qiang, despite being stabbed several times, used the last of his money to buy a meal for his mother and delivered it home on time.

He clearly remembered when Xu Qiang and he encountered Dong Xing Gang thugs at a food stall. Without hesitation, Xu Qiang smashed a bottle and charged forward, telling Gu Feng to leave quickly, afraid of dragging him into trouble.

He clearly remembered when the doctor was stitching Xu Qiang's wounds, Xu Qiang didn't let out a single groan despite not being given anesthesia. These memories flashed through Gu Feng's mind one after another as he smoked cigarette after cigarette.

After what felt like an eternity, Qiao Gang, dressed in military uniform, arrived at Taihang Hospital with Xu Qiang's mother.

Unlike the last time Gu Feng had seen her, Xu Qiang's mother looked much healthier, though her face was etched with anxiety.

Although Gu Feng hadn't told Qiao Gang what had happened, mentioning the word "hospital" usually meant something bad. Xu Qiang's mother had vaguely guessed as much.

"Benefactor!" Xu Qiang's mother exclaimed upon seeing Gu Feng, immediately trying to kneel.

Amidst the shocked expressions of those around them, Gu Feng quickly helped her up. "Auntie, please don't do that."

Tears welled up in Xu Qiang's mother's eyes as she asked anxiously, "Benefactor, has something happened to Qiang Zai?"

"Auntie, please sit down first, and let me explain everything to you slowly," Gu Feng said with a sigh, helping her to a seat. He then recounted the day's events in detail.

When she heard that Xu Qiang was undergoing emergency surgery and his life was in danger, Xu Qiang's mother nearly fainted.

"Auntie!" Gu Feng quickly supported her, saying guiltily, "I'm sorry, this is all my fault."

"Benefactor, I know you're a good person. This isn't your fault," Xu Qiang's mother said, tears streaming down her weathered face. She didn't wipe them away but trembled as she spoke. "If anyone's to blame, it's Qiang Zai for being so stubborn."

At this point, Xu Qiang's mother slapped her thigh and cried out, "This child is just like his father. His father was killed on the streets because of his stubborn temper. I never thought he'd follow in his father's footsteps."

Her words struck Gu Feng, reminding him of what Xu Qiang had said that day at the food stall. He vaguely understood what she meant, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Gently patting her back, he said, "Auntie, don't worry too much. Qiang Zai is a good kid. He should be fine."

"Ah, it's all his father's fault!" Xu Qiang's mother continued crying. "I told him not to get involved in the underworld, but he wouldn't listen. What does it matter if he becomes a boss? Not only was his father killed on the streets, but now heaven is punishing Qiang Zai too!"

With that, Xu Qiang's mother could no longer bear it and fainted.

"Ling Wei, have the doctors arrange a good room for Xu Qiang's mother," Gu Feng quickly instructed Ling Wei.

After settling Xu Qiang's mother in a room, Ling Wei hesitated before speaking to Gu Feng. "Teacher Gu, there's something I forgot to tell you. Xu Qiang's father was also a member of the Red Star Gang. He was killed by Dong Xing Gang members."

Since Xu Qiang had only been a small-time thug in Miao Street initially, he hadn't known about Ling Wei's background. Later, as they grew closer, Xu Qiang learned that Ling Wei's father was the boss of the Red Star Gang. He had asked Ling Wei several times to let him work for Ling Yongbing, even sharing his own background with Ling Wei. However, Ling Wei always used Gu Feng as an excuse to refuse him.

"I understand," Gu Feng said with a soft sigh. What Ling Wei said matched his earlier suspicions, but now wasn't the time to discuss Xu Qiang's background.

Sensing that Gu Feng didn't want to talk further, Ling Wei fell silent, quietly staring at the operating room door.

At that moment, everyone, including Gu Feng, held their breath in anticipation.

Unnoticed, the sky outside gradually darkened.

Nearly eight hours had passed since Gu Feng arrived at the hospital.

During those eight hours, Gu Feng never left the operating room door.

Ling Wei and Zheng Jian also remained outside the operating room the entire time. At one point, the hospital director invited the three of them to eat, but they all declined. Clearly, with Xu Qiang's life hanging in the balance, none of them had any appetite.

In the afternoon, Qiao Gang received a phone call and had to leave for an urgent task.

As dusk fell, Gu Feng patted Ling Wei and Zheng Jian on the shoulders and said, “It’s getting late. You two go grab something to eat first. I’ll stay here.”

“Teacher Gu, you and Zheng Jian go. I’ll stay here,” Ling Wei shook his head.

“Ling Wei, you and Teacher Gu should go. I’m not hungry,” Zheng Jian said. Although he hadn’t known Xu Qiang for long, he deeply admired him. With Xu Qiang’s condition still uncertain, he was too worried to eat.

Seeing that neither of them was willing to go, Gu Feng didn’t say anything more. Clearly, like him, they were in no mood to eat.

“Xiao Gu.” At that moment, a familiar figure appeared in the hospital lobby—none other than Xu Qin.

In the afternoon, Xu Qin had called to ask about Xu Qiang’s condition. At the time, Gu Feng told her the results weren’t out yet.

“Principal Xu.” Seeing Xu Qin, Ling Wei and Zheng Jian immediately stood up to greet her, while Gu Feng walked straight toward her.

“Are the surgery results back yet?” Xu Qin asked as she walked outside with Gu Feng.

“Not yet,” Gu Feng shook his head gently, then sighed. “Auntie, I didn’t think things through enough this time. I’ve caused trouble for you and the school.”

Gu Feng understood that he had beaten Li Dongguo into complete paralysis, and though the kick he delivered to Jin Zhengwei wouldn’t be fatal, it would certainly break several bones. As a result, San Yuan Middle School would undoubtedly be displeased.

“Don’t worry about that, Xiao Gu. I’ve already handled it for you,” Xu Qin said softly.

In reality, the situation was far more serious than Gu Feng imagined. Both Jin Zhengwei and Li Dongguo were figures not to be trifled with. Yet Xu Qin knew Gu Feng was entirely focused on Xu Qiang at that moment; telling him the truth would only deepen his anxiety.

Gu Feng gave a soft “Oh” and fell silent. The two soon arrived at the hospital garden.

Seeing how guilty Gu Feng felt, Xu Qin said seriously, “Xiao Gu, you shouldn’t blame yourself too much. What happened today wasn’t your fault. After all, you couldn’t have predicted things would turn out this way. If I’m not mistaken, it was your plan for Xu Qiang to raise his hand in surrender and forfeit the match at the end, right?”

Indeed, Gu Feng had originally arranged everything perfectly. He simply hadn’t anticipated that Jin Zhengwei would still attack after Xu Qiang conceded—or that Li Dongguo would target Xu Qiang. Otherwise, Xu Qiang wouldn’t have been injured.

Gu Feng wasn’t one to shirk responsibility. In his heart, a sense of duty was something a man must possess. Though Xu Qiang’s situation involved many unforeseen factors, ultimately, he felt responsible.

Seeing Gu Feng remain silent, Xu Qin sighed softly. She understood, based on her knowledge of him, that if Xu Qiang had suffered real harm, Jin Zhengwei—no matter his status as the young master of South Korea’s Jin family—would certainly have paid dearly.

Just then, Ling Wei burst out of the hospital, shouting excitedly, “Teacher Gu! Teacher Gu!”

Hearing Ling Wei’s call, Gu Feng jolted upright. He sprang up from the stone bench in the hospital garden and shouted back, “Ling Wei, I’m here! Is there news about Xu Qiang?”

Ling Wei rushed to Gu Feng’s side, beaming with excitement. “The doctor just told me Xu Qiang is out of danger! He only broke three ribs—he’ll need some time to recover!”

Ling Wei’s words made Gu Feng exhale a long, deep sigh of relief. “Let’s go see him!”

Soon after, Gu Feng, Ling Wei, and Xu Qin headed to Xu Qiang’s ward.

After Xu Qiang’s surgery, the hospital assigned him the best available ward—spacious and well-appointed. When Gu Feng and the others arrived, Zheng Jian was already speaking with Xu Qiang.

Seeing Gu Feng and Xu Qin enter, Zheng Jian immediately stood and offered them his seat.

“Xu Qiang, how are you feeling?” Gu Feng hurried to Xu Qiang’s bedside and asked with concern.

Though Xu Qiang was out of danger, his face remained pale. Hearing Gu Feng’s question, he gently shook his head and said, “Teacher Gu, I’m fine.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added guiltily, “Teacher Gu, I’m sorry for making you worry about me.”

Earlier, Xu Qiang had heard the full story from Zheng Jian. Learning that Gu Feng had fought Li Dongguo to avenge him—and that the victory had been perilously narrow—filled him with deep regret. In his view, had he conceded earlier instead of persisting, Jin Zhengwei might not have ambushed him, and none of the subsequent events would have occurred.

What Xu Qiang didn’t know was that, given Jin Zhengwei’s nature, even an earlier concession wouldn’t have spared him—unless he’d refused to step onto the擂台 altogether.

“Silly child, it’s the teacher who should apologize,” Gu Feng sighed softly.

“Qiang Zai.” At that moment, Xu Qiang’s mother entered the ward, supported by a doctor.

Seeing her, Gu Feng quickly stepped aside. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Xu Qiang, talk with your mom for a bit. I’ll go buy you something to eat. What would you like?”

“Teacher Gu, I’ll ask the hospital chef to prepare a meal,” Ling Wei immediately offered.

As a renowned private hospital in Hong Kong, Taihang Hospital naturally maintained its own independent restaurant.

“Ling Wei, Xu Qiang just had surgery—he shouldn’t eat anything greasy. Ask them to make a light porridge,” Gu Feng reminded him upon hearing this.

Then, turning to Xu Qiang’s mother, he said, “Auntie, you talk with Xu Qiang for a while. We’ll step out first.”

Xu Qiang’s mother felt somewhat awkward, but before she could respond, Gu Feng led the others out of the ward.

“Principal Xu, Xu Qiang is fine now. You should head back first,” Gu Feng said to Xu Qin after leaving the ward. Due to Zheng Jian’s presence, he addressed her formally.

Xu Qin indeed had many matters to attend to. Hearing this, she nodded and departed.

The car glided smoothly along a main street in Hong Kong. The Bentley was followed by a Mercedes-Benz sedan occupied by stern-faced men—all bodyguards of Ling Yongbing.

Inside the Bentley, Ling Yongbing’s expression was grim, his eyes slightly bloodshot.

Just moments ago, he had learned that the elite unit he had cultivated and concealed for ten years had been completely wiped out!

The Red Star Gang’s elite unit consisted of fifteen top-tier assassins—individuals Ling Yongbing had personally selected in childhood and sent to specialized training organizations, always awaiting his command.

Over the past decade, Ling Yongbing had deployed this elite unit only once. On that occasion, its members had mysteriously eliminated his enemies, cementing his dominance in the underworld.

This time, upon learning that Xiang Tianhua had hired foreign assassins and mercenaries, Ling Yongbing had no choice but to bring his elite unit back into the open.

Yet to his shock, Xiang Tianhua had gone to extraordinary lengths to counter him—hiring a mercenary group of formidable strength. Within less than a week, every member of Ling Yongbing’s elite unit had been killed.

The news struck Ling Yongbing like a heavy blow.

For Ling Yongbing, as the conflict reached its peak, his only remaining assets—aside from his tentative cooperation with Gu Feng—were his elite unit. Now that it had been annihilated, and Gu Feng—who had initially discussed cooperation—had informed him that his people were scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong yesterday but had been delayed by a day and would now arrive tonight—Ling Yongbing grew increasingly anxious.

“Brother Bing, what should we do now?” Biao Zi still wore his usual indifferent expression, though a fierce killing intent flickered in his dull eyes.

“Contact Gu Feng immediately. Find out if his people have arrived,” Ling Yongbing said gravely.

P.S.: The next chapter begins the underworld arc. The climax is coming!