PCJ – Chapter 404 The Prodigal

At that moment, another flashy car rolled up, its futuristic doors swinging open. Out stepped a young man wearing a sleek blue suit, dark sunglasses, and polished black shoes. His hair was shiny, as if slicked back with oil, styled just like a young aristocrat on television, complete with an air of arrogance that made him look almost punchable.

Zhang Jingbing, the security guard, quickly approached him. “Excuse me, sir. Are you with the film crew?”

The young man pulled his sunglasses down slightly, looking down at Zhang Jingbing through the small gap above the frame with an air of superiority. “No, I’m not. Why do you ask?”

“I’m sorry, but the Meizi’ao Hotel has been fully booked, and we aren’t accepting outside guests. Please try finding accommodations in Gezhuping Town or in the county.”

The young man scoffed, “Do you even know who I am?”

“Nope,” Zhang Jingbing replied with a shake of his head.

“Kid, open your eyes a bit wider. People like me aren’t to be messed with. Do you believe I can make one call to have your boss fire you?” he threatened, glaring at Zhang Jingbing.

“That’s something I don’t believe,” Zhang Jingbing replied calmly. “Do you know who I am?”

“Why would I care about some security guard?” the young man sneered impatiently.

“And why should I care about a spoiled brat like you? If you don’t leave my sight right now, I’ll give you a good beating.” Zhang Jingbing stepped toward him.

The man panicked slightly. “W-wait, don’t get reckless! I’m from the Tianchen Group!”

“Then get out!” Zhang Jingbing clenched his fist, and the young man quickly retreated, looking thoroughly intimidated.

“Smart choice,” Zhang Jingbing muttered, mostly bluffing. There was a certain decorum at the hotel, after all—security guards wouldn’t really beat guests.

Just as the young man hurried out of the hotel, a rugged SUV screeched to a stop in front of him. The window rolled down to reveal a young man with a buzz cut who smirked as he addressed him, “Well, isn’t it the Tianchen Group’s spoiled young master, Li You? Why so flustered? Could it be that your dad’s name doesn’t carry any weight around here?”

“Xiong Xuan! What are you doing here?” Li You replied, ignoring the taunt.

“Do I need Young Master Li’s permission to be here?” Xiong Xuan grinned.

“Xiong Xuan, stay away from Tang Yan, or don’t blame me if I don’t show mercy!” Li You spat angrily.

“Oh, Li, even if I weren’t here, do you really think you’d win Tang Yan over?” Xiong Xuan laughed.

Li You’s face flushed with rage, but he couldn’t refute Xiong Xuan’s words.

“I just saw you get thrown out by a mere security guard. Really, Li—you’ve fallen so low that even a guard can walk all over you now,” Xiong Xuan sneered.

“I was just being smart, avoiding unnecessary conflict,” Li You replied defensively.

“Pathetic is pathetic; don’t make excuses,” Xiong Xuan said coolly.

“If you’re so great, then you go try,” Li You challenged bitterly.

“Fine. Watch me.” With that, Xiong Xuan headed toward the hotel lobby.

“Excuse me, sir, may I ask who you’re here to see?” Zhang Jingbing intercepted him.

“I’m staying here! Who else do I need to see?” Xiong Xuan shot back, trying to push his way through.

“I’m sorry, but the hotel has been booked by the Grand Tomb Saga production crew. Please find somewhere else to stay,” Zhang Jingbing replied firmly.

Xiong Xuan’s face darkened. “This entire hotel, booked? You’re just trying to make things difficult for me, aren’t you?”

“Apologies, but it’s true. The Grand Tomb Saga crew reserved it days ago. Please try elsewhere.” Zhang Jingbing felt his temper rising. He was itching for a fight but knew he had to restrain himself. It was just his luck to meet two unreasonable types in one day.

“Well, I’ll enter anyway. A security guard like you thinks he can stop me? Who gave you such nerve?” Xiong Xuan pushed Zhang Jingbing hard, catching him off guard and knocking him to the ground.

“Oh, sorry—guess I didn’t control my strength,” Xiong Xuan laughed, showing no remorse.

“Stop right there!” Zhang Jingbing shouted, getting back up and grabbing Xiong Xuan by the shoulder.

With a quick maneuver, Xiong Xuan twisted Zhang Jingbing’s arm, flipping him over his shoulder and slamming him to the ground.

“Ouch!” Zhang Jingbing hit the ground hard, unable to get back up.

Nearby, Zhang Jiaohua and Liu Qiaoye, who hadn’t expected things to escalate, were stunned. They hadn’t imagined Xiong Xuan would actually harm Zhang Jingbing so badly.

“Hold it!” Zhang Jiaohua shouted, rushing over to block Xiong Xuan’s path.

Xiong Xuan sneered, “Kid, your mom’s calling you home.” Though he didn’t intend to hit a child, his expression was extremely smug, unaware of what was coming next.

Without hesitation, Zhang Jiaohua lifted his leg and kicked. Xiong Xuan barely registered it before the blow sent him flying, whooshing through the air past Zhang Jingbing and landing near the hotel entrance, rolling down the steps.

Meanwhile, Li You, who had been watching Xiong Xuan flaunt his strength, turned to leave, not wanting to witness any more. But he hadn’t expected Xiong Xuan to be launched out by a kid’s kick. Caught off guard, Li You was knocked over by the still-rolling Xiong Xuan, and the two tumbled down the steps together.

“What are you two doing?” Tang Yan and her group had just arrived, staring in shock at the entangled pair.

Tang Yan looked at them, a bit confused. “Young Master Li, Young Master Xiong—what’s going on here?”

Li You and Xiong Xuan quickly separated, and Li You replied awkwardly, “We just… accidentally fell.”

He stammered, “Xiong Xuan got kicked out by a kid, and I… uh, accidentally got knocked over.”

“Is that so?” Tang Yan’s raised eyebrow said she didn’t believe it.

Chen Haibo and Zou Heming, trying not to laugh, knew better than to offend these young masters. Tang Yan’s assistant, Chen Cheng, covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.

Meanwhile, Zhang Jiaohua checked on Zhang Jingbing, who only had minor muscle bruises with no broken bones. After drinking a concoction Zhang Jiaohua prepared, Zhang Jingbing’s pain subsided, though he still felt a bit sore.

“Jiaohua, I feel embarrassed not being able to stand up to a kid,” Zhang Jingbing said, looking self-conscious.

“Don’t underestimate that guy, Jingbing Uncle. He’s trained,” Zhang Jiaohua said reassuringly.

“Ah, no wonder. I didn’t stand a chance,” Zhang Jingbing admitted, still a bit embarrassed.

Liu Qiaoye, knowing she couldn’t help, pulled out her phone. “Security? We’ve got a disturbance. Get over here quickly!”

Soon, about ten young men from Meizi’ao, dressed as security guards, cooks, and waitstaff, arrived. When there was trouble, the locals rallied quickly.

“Those two troublemakers outside—don’t let them get away!” Liu Qiaoye commanded as they rushed out.

Li You turned to Tang Yan, still explaining, “I swear, it was that idiot’s fault!”

Xiong Xuan protested, “I was dragged into this because of him!”

Tang Yan, rolling her eyes, replied, “Enough. We have important guests arriving. Let’s go to the meeting room.”

Chen Cheng quickened her pace toward the hotel, her disdain clear.

The group of Meizi’ao locals quickly surrounded Li You and Xiong Xuan, restraining them.

“Wait! What are you doing?” Li You yelled.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Xiong Xuan added furiously.

Tang Yan and her entourage paused.

“This has to be a misunderstanding,” Tang Yan interjected.

“No mistake—they attacked our guard!” Liu Qiaoye replied, her anger unmistakable.