"It's not that simple," Slap King said. "Mai Zi's influence is deeply rooted, with a group of loyal brothers ready to stand up for him no matter what accusations are made against him. And staging a grand battle not only provides a reason to kick out Mai Zi but also effortlessly promotes a new big shot. It's a win-win situation. You'll emerge as the top dog in this battle and smoothly take over Mai Zi's position as the next big shot in the city. How about it?"

Big shot... I admit, this offer is really tempting. Once I become a big shot, who would dare to bully me? Just by giving Zou Yang a few punches, my classmates in class already treat me with utmost respect, a treatment I never dared to dream of back in middle school. And once I become a big shot in the school, no one will ever ride on my head again.

Thinking about this, my blood starts to boil with excitement. What man wouldn't want to become a ruler in his own right?

"Before I agree, there's something I want to clarify," I said.

"Go ahead," Slap King's expression was serious.

"How did Brick, who acts alone and isn't very bright, become one of the big shots? What use does he have for you?" My biggest concern now is Brick. If he finds out I'm still with Xia Xue, he'll definitely cause trouble for me. And Yucheng Fei won't help me; he thinks he deserves this beating...

"Haha," Slap King chuckled deeply. "You're oversimplifying Brick. Do you know that, in terms of one-on-one ability, he's the strongest in the entire city? Even I, as an adult, feel a bit trembled standing in front of him."

I recalled the awe in Mai Zi's eyes when he encountered Brick in the small woods, as well as the muscular body Brick revealed when he hung upside down doing sit-ups. I couldn't help but nod. That guy's one-on-one ability is indeed very strong, but...

"The only ones who can restrain Old Dog and Mai Zi are Brick," Slap King said. "Brick has no ambitions, nor does he care about being a big shot. The only thing he cares about is his sister, to the extent that he's willing to sacrifice his life for her."

Slap King continued to chuckle, "Imagine this: Brick and Peach's parents passed away early. How did a pair of young siblings manage to survive to this day? Brick isn't ruthless, how could he protect his sister as she grew up?"

I nodded. I could imagine how difficult it must have been for Brick to reach this point today. With Peach's exceptional beauty, she must have attracted a lot of trouble, and Brick solved many problems for her with his fists. Over time, his one-on-one ability naturally became top-notch.

"Brick's slow reaction doesn't mean he's stupid," Slap King continued. "Many times, his thoughts are more meticulous and his research more thorough than others'. He used to have poor academic performance, but when he learned that his sister wanted to attend this high school, he studied day and night, worked hard, and managed to enter this school with extraordinary endurance, continuing to protect his sister."

After listening to Slap King's explanation, I couldn't help but have even more respect for Brick. As the eldest brother, Brick deserved these four words. Suddenly, I felt that Peach and Brick were indeed somewhat similar in character, both so persistent, willing to give everything for the person they love.

"Brick's one-on-one combat and explosive power are first-rate. He dares to fight, to take risks, to give everything, to fight to the end with someone, so both Old Dog and Mai Zi are very afraid of him. Even though Brick acts alone, they dare not provoke him. Or try to provoke him as little as possible, as no one wants to invite such big trouble for themselves."

"So, by promoting Brick to become a big shot, it's to restrain Old Dog and Mai Zi and not let them become too arrogant. And since Brick has no ambitions, as long as Peach is safe and sound, he can ignore everything else. It's truly a win-win situation." I stubbed out the cigarette butt on the floor and expressed my opinion.

"Good, I didn't misjudge you," Slap King smiled slightly. "You understand perfectly."

"Why didn't you let Brick handle Mai Zi this time, but let me do it?" I was still a bit puzzled.

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"Brick's bottom line is his sister. Generally speaking, the only reason Brick fights someone to the death is that someone has offended his sister. I could indeed use this point to make Brick deal with Mai Zi, but..." Slap King looked at me. "That would mean Peach would suffer a bit."

I immediately waved my hand. "I get it. I'll go solve Mai Zi."

"You're a kid with both feelings and principles," Slap King laughed. "Rest assured, I won't provoke Brick, this powder keg, unless it's absolutely necessary. Brick is hard to control, and if he loses control by accident, things will get out of hand."

"Don't waste so many words," I said. "Let me tell you, never touch Peach, otherwise, it's not over between us!"

Slap King looked at me, didn't speak for a long time, suddenly smiled, and said, "I always find it strange. A student who was bullied for three years in middle school, how did he endure it with such extraordinary endurance? In some ways, you're not much different from Brick. Do you know which historical hero also had this trait?"

"Who?" I asked curiously.

"Gou Jian," Slap King said slowly. "Gou Jian, who endured hardships for ten years, tasting bitterness to its fullest. People like you can endure what others cannot, withstand what others cannot withstand. As long as you're given the right opportunity, you will soar above the nine heavens."

I looked at Slap King dumbfoundedly. This was the first time someone had given me such high praise.

"Now, your opportunity has arrived." Slap King took out a switchblade and placed it on the table.

Seeing the switchblade, the hot blood coursing through my veins cooled down, and I frowned, asking, "What is this for?"

"Stabbing Mai Zi will make you a big shot," Slap King said. "Once Mai Zi is out of the picture, you can take his place as the new big shot."

I looked at the switchblade on the table and remained silent for a while.

"I know what you're worried about," Slap King said. "Don't worry, people don't die that easily. I'll arrange an ambulance nearby when the time comes. And you must make sure Mai Zi strikes first, so it's clear-cut self-defense for you. Then, I can officially expel Mai Zi during the school assembly, and you'll only receive a minor punishment."

I still didn't say anything and took out a third cigarette to smoke.

"It's okay if you don't agree," Slap King said with a smile. "I'll think of another way. Anyway, Mai Zi must leave the school. I won't sit idly by and watch Cheng Gao descend into even greater chaos."

"What other plans do you have?" I looked at Slap King cautiously.

This time, Slap King remained silent, instead smiling at me warmly.

"The idea of not hitting peaches!" I yelled hysterically at him.

"Now you know what to do."

"I understand." I stood up, walked to the desk, and put the switchblade in my pocket.

Slap King also stood up, walked to the window behind him, and pulled the curtain open, letting the blinding sunlight stream in.

"If darkness must exist, let's try to shed as much sunlight on the earth as possible," Slap King said cryptically.

I turned around and left the office.

It was time for class to end, and the campus was filled with laughter and chatter. My head wrapped up like a mummy naturally attracted many curious glances from students. Many of them still didn't know me, but I believed that in the near future, my name would spread and be sung by many.

On the way to the teaching building, I unexpectedly saw Mai Zi and his group.

Mai Zi was surrounded by five or six people, and Hong Li was naturally among them. Even though I was in such a state, Mai Zi still recognized me, blocking my path.

I reached into my pocket, feeling the cold switchblade. Cheng Gao was very strict; even if there was fighting, it was mostly done with sticks, bricks, and the like. The switchblade in my pocket was my winning weapon. But now, was it the best time to use it?

Mai Zi looked at me and chuckled, "Haven't transferred schools yet? We'll have some fun together in the future."

In front of everyone, he certainly wouldn't make a move. I laughed too, not for anything else, but because of his panda-like dark circles. I guessed they were Yucheng Fei's handiwork. Only that guy, who seemed unreliable on the surface, dared to punch Mai Zi in the eyes. No wonder Mai Zi had to flee in disarray. "What are you laughing at?" Mai Zi's gaze sharpened.

"Nothing," I said, flexing my fist. "I was just thinking, when should I punch the other eye of yours."

"Damn, do you want to die?!" Hong Li immediately cursed, looking eager to act.

I glanced at him sideways. "When the big brothers are speaking, can't you, a little brother, be quiet?"

Hong Li and the others were all stunned, probably not expecting me to have such confidence. Mai Zi, on the other hand, laughed, "Big brother? Hehe, you dare to elevate yourself so high. Just because you've got Brick backing you up now, you've become this arrogant?"

... It seems this matter spread quite quickly. I bet Xia Xue already knows, huh?

Brick tied me up, and many people saw it, so naturally, it spread like wildfire. Why Brick tied me up, this matter would soon be gossiped about, and "Brick is Peach's brother" must be common knowledge by now. They may not understand the specific process, but they always felt that since I had an ambiguous relationship with Peach, Brick naturally had to help me.

"I don't need Brick's help; I can take you down all the same," I grinned. "Just wait and see."

After saying this, I left without looking back, leaving Mai Zi and his group standing dumbfounded in their place.