The image of Zheng Wu, unfazed despite being beaten by so many people, lingered in my mind. His unyielding demeanor had undoubtedly earned him the title of tonight’s number-one warrior.

I burst into the washroom and saw him standing by a row of faucets, clutching his head while washing his wounds, groaning in pain, "Damn it! This hurts like hell... hurts like hell... hurts like—" He suddenly seemed to sense someone behind him. Instantly, he straightened his back and struck a nonchalant pose, wiping his forehead as he muttered coolly, "A bunch of weaklings. They couldn’t even land a proper hit."

I was momentarily at a loss for words.

“You alright?” I finally asked.

“Who the hell are you?” Zheng Wu’s tone was anything but friendly.

"Zuo Fei."

"Never heard of you." Zheng Wu continued rinsing his forehead, the crimson water spiraling down the drain.

I had assumed my reputation was well established—after all, the fact that I had been beaten seven times in three days should have made me somewhat notorious. Yet, Zheng Wu had no clue who I was. Undeterred, I pressed on, "That doesn’t matter. Are you interested in taking down Jiu Taizi with us?"

That, at last, caught his attention. He turned to scrutinize me, his eyes narrowing slightly before a look of realization crossed his face.

"Oh, I remember now. Weren’t you the one who got jumped by Jiu Taizi three days ago with those two clowns?"

By “clowns,” he was obviously referring to HOUZI and Huang Jie. I nodded quickly. "We fought bravely, but they had forty or fifty guys. Just like how you were surrounded by thirty tonight—"

"Who said that?!" Zheng Wu snapped, visibly ruffled. "Who was surrounded? It was me who had them crawling on the ground!"

Once again, I was left speechless. From his forced nonchalance to his outright refusal to admit the truth, it was clear that Zheng Wu was someone who cared deeply about saving face. And if that was the case, I would grant him the dignity he desired.

“Well then, we’re planning to take down Jiu Taizi. Care to join us?”

“No.” Zheng Wu rejected me without hesitation.

"Why not? Don’t you want revenge?"

"Heh, I can handle it myself." Zheng Wu rolled his shoulders, his bare torso covered in bruises, yet the injuries only accentuated the raw masculinity exuding from him.

"Strength lies in numbers," I argued, stepping closer. "It’s not just the three of us. We have other allies. We could form a new faction and crush Jiu Taizi." I wasn’t about to give up. HOUZI had entrusted me with this mission, after all.

"I’ll say it one last time—I work alone," Zheng Wu stated firmly, jabbing a finger at me. "I have no interest in joining any faction."

There was no getting through to this guy. I decided to return to HOUZI and see if he had a better idea. Just as I turned to leave, Zheng Wu’s phone rang.

“Hello? Maomao? Damn it, I just got jumped. No joke, I was bleeding all over! A hundred guys came at me, but I held out for half an hour and took down seventy or eighty before I finally went down. Huh? Oh, right, you mentioned introducing me to someone. Yeah, HOUZI, right? Room 305? Got it, I’ll go find him later.”

I nearly burst out laughing on the spot. Without wasting a second, I bolted straight to Room 305.

HOUZI and Huang Jie hadn’t returned yet—it wasn’t easy gathering twenty-something tough guys one by one. But I was in no rush. I sprawled across HOUZI’s bed and hummed a tune.

“The boundless horizon is my love…” Having spent too much time with Huang Jie, I had developed a habit of singing this song. Just as I reached the part about "the most swinging rhythm," the door swung open, and HOUZI and Huang Jie stepped inside.

“What’s got you grinning like that? Where’s Zheng Wu?” HOUZI asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

Huang Jie, on the other hand, picked up my song where I left off, cheerfully continuing, “What kind of melody brings the most joy?” He even started dancing, looking absolutely elated.

"He’s on his way," I said, crossing my legs leisurely.

"You convinced him?" HOUZI looked stunned.

"Yeah."

"That’s impossible." HOUZI frowned. "From what I’ve seen, that guy is way too arrogant. There’s no way he’d agree so easily."

"So that’s why you dumped this impossible task on me, huh?" I smirked. "Relax. He’ll be here soon. But where are your people? I don’t see anyone yet."

"They’ll come in batches. If we make too much noise, Jiu Taizi might catch wind of it," HOUZI explained. He was meticulous as always.

He then walked up to me again. "Are you absolutely sure Zheng Wu is coming?"

"Just wait and see," I said, completely unfazed.

"Alright, we’ll discuss things when everyone’s here—" HOUZI suddenly groaned, exasperated. "Huang Jie, will you cut that out?!"

Huang Jie ignored him, still dancing and singing his heart out, his moves eerily resembling those of middle-aged women at public square dances.

"Just let him be. He’s in a good mood," I said, tempted to join in myself.

"Are you kidding me? If people walk in and see him acting like this, how the hell is he supposed to lead them?"

That remark had an immediate effect. Huang Jie stopped dancing, straightened his clothes, and said with an air of seriousness, "You’re right. A leader must be dignified and composed."

"What did you just say?!" HOUZI glared at him.

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…

Five minutes later, the three of us were tangled in a heated argument over who should be the leader.

Just then, the door creaked open, and four or five people walked in, staring at us in stunned silence.

“Nothing to see here, just… working out,” we quickly disentangled ourselves and chuckled sheepishly.

…

I suddenly realized—I was becoming more and more of a clown, wasn’t I?

“Everyone, take a seat,” HOUZI called out, motioning them in while making introductions. "This is Li Baiyu, and this is Zhu Jianlong..."

These were all names Jiu Taizi had targeted. Huang Jie and I wasted no time, greeting them and guiding them to their seats.

"More people are coming, so let’s squeeze in a bit," I added.

As the room filled up, HOUZI continued his introductions. "This is Yang Zecheng, and this is Gao He…"

I had to hand it to him—HOUZI might not be great at academics, but when it came to remembering names, he was a natural. He rattled off over twenty names without missing a beat.

The more I observed him, the more I realized—HOUZI was truly something else. Brave and intelligent? That remained to be seen. But at the very least, he had an extensive network. Binzi had introduced me to him, and Maomao had introduced Zheng Wu to him. That couldn’t just be a coincidence, right?

Before long, every bed in the dorm was occupied, with some people perching on windowsills and radiators. Despite the growing numbers, the atmosphere remained heavy—after all, they had all just endured a brutal beating. No one was in the mood to laugh.

The atmosphere in the dormitory was slightly stifling; few words were exchanged among us.

"Alright, almost everyone is here. Just one more to go," HOUZI said, turning his gaze toward me. "Zuo Fei?"

"Yeah… he should be here soon," I replied, though my confidence wavered. It had been twenty minutes—why hadn't Zheng Wu arrived yet?

Just as my words fell, the dormitory door swung open, drawing everyone's attention.

A student clad in a black leather jacket and leather pants stepped inside, a pair of dark sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose, concealing most of his face. His hair stood rigidly on end, clearly sculpted with copious amounts of gel.

We were momentarily taken aback by this "Terminator"-styled figure, and he, upon seeing the room full of people, seemed equally surprised.

But the "Terminator" quickly regained his composure and asked, "Who's HOUZI?"

It was then that I finally recognized him—Zheng Wu. But why on earth had he dressed like this? And in this sweltering heat, no less…

"I am," HOUZI stood up. "You must be Zheng Wu?"

"You know me?" Zheng Wu removed his sunglasses, a trace of surprise in his eyes. "Did Maomao tell you?"

"Maomao? The one from Seventh High? He didn’t mention you, but I know who you are. That was quite the spectacle earlier—outrunning over thirty of the Nine Princes in the corridor." HOUZI certainly had a way with words.

"Haha, that was nothing," Zheng Wu said smugly, his leather shoes clicking against the floor as he stepped forward. "Good thing they ran fast, or I would’ve beaten them all to a pulp." He then added, "Maomao sent me to find you—said we should get to know each other."

"Haha, I see. Come in, have a seat," HOUZI gestured, but the cramped dormitory offered no available space.

"No worries, I’ll just stand," Zheng Wu said indifferently.

"Apologies for the crowd tonight. We were just discussing how to deal with the Nine Princes."

"Count me in," Zheng Wu said offhandedly. "I can help you guys. The Nine Princes are no match for me."

"Haha, well then, thanks in advance."

"No need to thank me. You’re Maomao’s friend, after all. It’s only right for me to lend a hand."

I nearly burst out laughing. He came here to seek HOUZI’s help, yet he made it sound like he was doing HOUZI a favor. This guy sure had an ego.

Zheng Wu scanned the room before remarking, "Not bad. As expected from Maomao’s friend—your little followers are quite numerous. Almost a tenth of mine."

After delivering this audacious claim, he slipped his sunglasses back on and leaned coolly against the doorframe, striking a pose befitting a cold-blooded assassin.

I couldn't hold back anymore—I laughed out loud.

Everyone turned to look at me, and Zheng Wu lowered his sunglasses slightly, peering at me over the rim.

"You?" Recognition dawned in his eyes.

"Yeah, it’s me! Hahaha…" I couldn't stop laughing. The others cast me puzzled glances. Honestly, if I hadn’t witnessed him wailing in the washroom—"It hurts! It hurts so much!"—or overheard him calling Maomao to rally a hundred men for a fight, I might have actually believed he was some kind of legendary fighter.

"HOUZI, keep your little follower in check," Zheng Wu said, pushing his sunglasses back into place, his expression once again dark and brooding.

"Zuo Fei, quiet!" HOUZI snapped.

I was about to retort, but given the number of people present, I decided to let him save face—for now.

The dormitory fell silent again as HOUZI resumed, "Everyone here knows why I called this meeting, so I’ll keep it short. The Nine Princes have about forty to fifty members, but every one of us here is a true warrior. If each of us takes on two of them, victory is within our grasp. That’s why I propose we unite and take them down in one decisive strike."

"Agreed!"

"I can handle two, no problem!"

"I’ve had enough of those arrogant punks—acting all high and mighty for nothing!"

The room buzzed with excitement, the tension finally giving way to a sense of camaraderie.

"Only forty or fifty?" Zheng Wu suddenly interjected. "I could take them all on myself."

A hush fell over the room. Zheng Wu stood with his head slightly bowed, his sunglasses only amplifying the air of mystery around him.

"But," he continued, "I am but a humble cog in the machine. HOUZI, just tell me what to do."

I had grown accustomed to his grandstanding, but I had to admit—his confidence was something else.

HOUZI didn't dwell on it and got straight to the point. "Alright, here’s the plan. The Nine Princes are structured around their core nine members, each with their own small crew—some have two or three, others as many as seven or eight. Luckily, they’re scattered across different classes, which works to our advantage. Tomorrow marks the official start of the school term. When the second-period bell rings, we skip class and strike simultaneously, catching them off guard. We need to take them down in one swift move before they have a chance to regroup. Now, listen carefully as I assign each of you a target."

He began listing names and assignments, speaking rapidly yet with precise clarity, as if he had meticulously planned every detail in advance. There was no trace of his usual playful demeanor—only a serious, commanding presence. Even Huang Jie, usually the loudest, remained silent.

"Finally, the toughest one—Yang Cheng from Class 9. He’s not just a skilled fighter; he’s got seven or eight guys backing him up."

"I’ll handle him," Zheng Wu declared immediately.

Internally, I couldn't help but admire him. Whether or not he was exaggerating his abilities, his sheer audacity was commendable. Seven or eight guys? I'd be down after fighting just three!

"Alright," HOUZI agreed without hesitation. "But taking him on alone might be risky. I’ll assign someone to back you up."

"There’s no risk," Zheng Wu replied coolly. "I can take them."

Everyone exchanged glances, clearly impressed by his confidence—or perhaps his sheer bravado.

"At least let me assign you someone to hand you weapons."

"Hmm… fine," Zheng Wu finally conceded with a nod.

I nearly burst out laughing again. HOUZI was hilarious—assigning someone just to hand Zheng Wu weapons? Who would willingly take that role? Everyone here had their pride!

"Zuo Fei, you’ll assist Zheng Wu tomorrow," HOUZI continued.

"…"

I wanted to stab HOUZI.

Zheng Wu lowered his sunglasses slightly, glanced at me, and nodded approvingly. "Not bad."

Not bad, my ass! I was a decent fighter too, and he was making me a mere weapon boy?!

I was about to protest when Huang Jie pulled me aside and whispered, "Zheng Wu’s got real skill, but he’s arrogant. HOUZI is worried he might get into trouble, so he wants you to keep an eye on him. He trusts you—that’s why he gave you this task."

"…" I wanted to strangle him.

"Alright, that’s settled," HOUZI concluded. "Everyone, go prepare. Those paired up should discuss strategies—what weapons to bring, and so on…"

I could only grit my teeth and hold my tongue for now.

"Wait, I have a question," a student suddenly asked. "Why isn’t anyone assigned to take down Big Cat?"

His words stirred the room into another uproar.

"Yeah, why aren’t we going after Big Cat?"

"He’s the real leader of the Nine Princes!"

"If we don’t deal with him, how can we claim victory?"

When the commotion subsided, HOUZI spoke each word deliberately.

"Because Big Cat won’t be here tomorrow."

"What?!" The room erupted once more.

Even I was shocked. Since when did Big Cat report his whereabouts to HOUZI?

I turned to look at Huang Jie, who only shook his head—he was just as clueless as I was.