The Way of Restraint

Chapter 151: A Ripple in the Calm of University Life

Su Jie and Zhang Manman collaborated pleasantly, naturally not wanting their families to become enemies. Moreover, he deeply understood the Zhang family’s capabilities. In the war zone, Zhang Hongqing was able to maintain order, making the local warlord Awasi treat him with courtesy; at least on the surface, everything was conducted according to the rules. In the end, they successfully helped the Xu family obtain their goods, with a significant portion of the credit going to the Zhang family. If it weren’t for Zhang Hongqing’s intervention, Su Jie and the others might have perished at the hands of Feng Hengyi.

Later, the forces behind Feng Hengyi even summoned the “God Maker,” Odell. “I wonder how the competition between Coach Odell and Zhang Hongqing is going?” Thinking of this, Su Jie felt an itch in his heart, eager to witness the clash of these two top masters. Such a battle would undoubtedly be more exciting than that of world-class fighting champions. After all, even world-class fighting champions are no match for Odell, many of whom have been trained by him.

Just as Su Jie was preparing to head to university, a discussion about him unfolded at the Zhonglong Group. Next to Zhonglong Group, there was a residential complex, a staff family building, with tight security and complete living facilities. This was a real estate project developed specifically for the company’s senior executives, not sold to the public, but reserved for internal use.

Song Longhua’s family lived there, not in extravagant luxury. The complex was filled with their own people, and even the property management was handled by the company, making it an independent kingdom in terms of influence. The home where Song Qiong lived with her parents was only a little over a hundred square meters, with decorations that were no different from an ordinary family. Upon entering, it was clear that it did not resemble a wealthy household at all.

The only difference was that the entire home was kept spotless, filled with bookshelves, exuding a scholarly atmosphere that reflected the military’s emphasis on cleanliness. Various utensils were neatly arranged, and even the quilts on the bed and the blankets on the sofa were folded into square blocks, with no sign of disorder. The books on the shelves were categorized and clearly labeled.

A family of scholarly heritage, a professor’s home, with a military style, meticulous in every detail. This was the family tradition of Song Longhua. As a retired soldier himself, he ensured that his children underwent military training, and even after retiring, whether in business or household affairs, the military style must be maintained—everything must be orderly, with a demeanor as strict as thunder.

Because of this, the Song family had no wayward children; they were all united as one, easy to command and obedient to orders. At this moment, Song Qiong’s parents were sitting on the sofa, asking her questions.

“Xiao Qiong, I heard you invested thirty million in that kid named Su Jie for his martial arts club?” Song Qiong’s father was a middle-aged man, with a crew cut, dressed simply, embodying a military style as well. 

“Yes,” Song Qiong nodded, “His club has great potential. I see it purely from an investor’s perspective. If all goes well, this club will reach a high valuation in two to three years.” 

“It looks no different from an ordinary gym,” Song Qiong’s mother, wearing glasses and exuding a strong scholarly aura, also had a shrewdness typical of a strong woman. “Also, what is Su Jie really like? Your grandfather actually intends for you to be set up with him. Song Hai, what do you think about this?”

“Su Jie’s father, Su Shilin, has a deep friendship with our dad. It is said that our dad was saved by Su Shilin when he encountered danger abroad,” Song Hai replied.

“Saved or not, there’s no need for our Xiao Qiong to be paired off with him, right?” Song Qiong’s mother expressed some dissatisfaction but did not speak harshly.

“As long as the child has good character and a promising future, it’s fine. Nowadays, the old customs of matching families by status are no longer in vogue,” Song Hai remained calm. “Besides, it’s just a blind date; if both parties find it suitable, then it’s appropriate. If our Xiao Qiong isn’t interested, then that’s that. I checked, and this kid scored 745 on the college entrance exam and got into Q University.”

“That is indeed impressive,” Song Qiong’s mother said, her expression softening a bit. “The college entrance examination questions this year are very difficult, and he managed to score almost full marks? Qiong, what do you think of this boy?” 

“Very good, quite remarkable,” Song Qiong replied. She understood Su Jie well; despite her young age, she was perceptive. Her family had sent her to learn various business skills early on, even enrolling her in judo classes. “He is the most driven, self-disciplined, well-planned, grounded, and outstanding boy I have ever met.”

“You hold him in such high regard?” Song Qiong’s mother knew that her daughter appeared easygoing, but in reality, she had high aspirations and was acquainted with many excellent young men, including those from well-matched families, yet none caught her interest. “Does that mean this matter is settled?”

“But I don’t like him,” Song Qiong shook her head.

“Why?” This surprised even Song Hai.

“His entire demeanor is terrifyingly measured,” Song Qiong pondered for a moment. “Sometimes I even suspect he is an artificial intelligence robot. Dating someone like that would definitely be boring, but that doesn’t prevent me from appreciating him. His future achievements will undoubtedly be very high; he is worth investing in.”

“Self-disciplined like a robot?” Song Hai became intrigued. “Is there really such a young person? That is quite rare. When can we invite him over for a visit?”

“That can be arranged. He should be preparing to enter university now; he went to Minglun Martial Arts School for training during the break. I don’t know if he has returned yet. Dad, when do you have time? I can arrange to meet him,” Song Qiong nodded. “Once you see him, you will definitely agree with my investment.”

“Anyway, this matter is your grandfather’s intention, so I won’t interfere,” Song Hai said. “However, your grandfather mentioned some business information you should pay attention to. Su Jie’s sister works in research at Haoyu Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, which is very valuable. Many of Haoyu Group’s latest product codes were developed by her, especially the software company under Haoyu that customizes apps, which has drastically shortened app development time, being ten times more efficient than any other company. The core technology was developed by his sister, and your grandfather’s intention is to see if we can recruit her at minimal cost.”

“People from Haoyu are not easy to recruit,” Song Qiong replied. “I will do my best, but the most important factor is whether the other party is willing to come over, as well as the aftermath once they arrive. This will definitely lead to a series of lawsuits. If we go against Haoyu, do we have enough power to resolve the legal disputes? Otherwise, if we recruit someone without ensuring their safety, it would be a blow to our reputation and difficult to explain to them. We cannot engage in such practices.”

“We at Zhonglong have never engaged in recruiting without proper follow-up. If it were an ordinary company, we would have acted immediately, but Haoyu is not so easy to deal with; we need to be fully prepared,” Song Hai nodded. “However, how skilled is Su Jie in martial arts? His martial arts school must be able to uphold its reputation, and he must also have solid skills.”

“Comparable to a grandmaster,” Song Qiong said. “Only my master might be able to match him; none of my other senior brothers are his opponents. This is not just my opinion; it is what my senior brother Mu Qiang said.”

“Is he really that strong?” Song Hai was taken aback. “How does he compare to your brother?”

“Only a match would reveal that,” Song Qiong shook her head.

“That can’t be possible. Your brother has been sent for special forces training since childhood and has participated in multiple combat missions. Now that he is retired, he still trains hard. Even the current number one fighter in the country, Liu Long, cannot handle him. In their last match, they ended up in a draw. If it weren’t in the arena, your brother would definitely have won. You actually say that your brother might not be able to match Su Jie? Isn’t that a bit exaggerated?” Song Qiong’s mother couldn’t help but interject.

“Next time he comes to my house, I’ll call my brother up, and the two of them can have a match, right?” Song Qiong said. “My brother is also someone who can’t sit still; I’ve heard that he secretly signed up for this Haoyu Cup Fighting Competition, wanting to take down Haoyu on the stage.” 

“Let him have some fun. Haoyu has established a sports department, preparing to take over the fighting market and combine it with the film industry, making health products and peripheral businesses. The market is indeed vast, but it doesn’t really connect with their main business. I wonder what their intentions are,” Song Hai pondered deeply.

*****

Su Jie arrived by plane in City B. He made his way to the entrance of Q University with ease. Today was the start of the new school year, and the front of this top-ranked university in the country was bustling with crowds, as new students were enrolling, creating a lively scene.

Su Jie wasn’t flustered at all, as there would be seniors handing out the “Freshman Handbook” to new students, which contained the enrollment process. Then, people from their respective departments would lead the new students to the reception areas of each department. The current process was very convenient, and soon Su Jie had completed his enrollment and accommodation procedures.

However, even with someone to assist, half a day had passed by the time he was done. Su Jie wasn’t tired; he arrived at the bed assigned to him in the dormitory and began to organize his belongings, making his bed, folding blankets, and arranging daily necessities and books. He would be spending the next four years of university here.

Like ordinary people, after four years of study, he would either pursue a master’s degree or a doctorate, remaining in the ivory tower, or enter society to find a job. However, Su Jie wasn’t concerned about job hunting; with his skills, making a few hundred million was out of reach, but earning hundreds of thousands or even a million was quite simple, so he could just focus on his studies.

“I wonder if Zhang Jinchuan got in? According to logic, since he took the college entrance examination with me, getting into Q University should be a piece of cake. I just don’t know which department he is in.” Su Jie was in the School of Life Sciences.

This dormitory housed four people, had a decent environment, and also had internet access. While Su Jie was tidying up, the dormitory door was pushed open, and a classmate entered, carrying large bags and bundles, with a backpack on his head, making him look like he had more luggage than a person.

Thud! 

The classmate dropped the packages on the floor with a dull sound, causing the dormitory floor to shake slightly; it seemed there was a large piece of iron inside, and Su Jie wondered if the floor would break under the weight.

“Hey, classmate, what do you have in those packages? They’re so heavy; don’t break the dormitory floor,” Su Jie greeted him.

“Don’t worry, it’s just some workout equipment, for weightlifting,” the classmate replied. He was about 1.85 meters tall, similar to Su Jie, but clearly broader. Dressed in sportswear with a tank top underneath, he looked quite formidable. “By the way, you’re a freshman too, right? We’ll be in the same dorm from now on. My name is Tan Dashi, and you are?”