Chapter 3, Three Sounds

Xu Tong was somewhat surprised

In the face of Xu Tong's sneer, Yang Yang was quite unconcerned, "What's wrong with being a freak? On what grounds do you look down on freaks? I am a freak, therefore I exist! Even if Gu Chen is a freak, it doesn't stop others from being handsome! Really, Tong Tong, I'm not exaggerating, just look at him, he's really very handsome!"

Tang Zhuang patted her shoulder and said with a tone that was both serious and heartfelt: "Girl, if she comes to bother you again in the future, just give her a good slap, don't hesitate, I'll back you up!"

Two years ago, Xu Tong met Yang Yang through Tang Zhuang. The two have similar personalities and thus hit it off immediately. Yang Yang works at a luxurious golf course by the mountains, and Xu Tong often goes to visit her

Tang Zhuang grinned and shrugged his shoulders, "I won't go! Stop mentioning her to me, I've already dumped her! Looking for her? I won't indulge her bad habits!"

After having breakfast that day, Xu Tong asked Tang Zhuang, "I am going to find Yang Yang to hang out later, are you going?"

Before her words had completely faded, Xu Tong had already swiftly raised her hand and slapped her across the face

Tang Zhuang has always prided himself on never laying a hand on women, yet Zhang Zhentong truly possesses remarkable skills, nearly compelling him to break his own principles of conduct

He glared at Zhang Zhentong again, his tone suddenly becoming impatient, "Who is this unfortunate child of yours? It's early in the morning, are you just full and bored? What are you doing here with this poor nonsense? You really don't want anyone to sleep in, do you?" He tugged at Xu Tong's arm and urged her, "I say, hurry up, just slap her and be done with it! If you keep dragging this out, if I have to take action myself, she will be in trouble!"

The relocation in this area is detrimental to the people and a waste of resources, while the government has consistently taken a protective stance. Who possesses such great appetite and capability?

Tang Zhuang walked up to her and stopped; she turned her head to look at him

Tang Xingbang advised Xu Tong not to inform Tang Zhuang about the demolition of the old street for the time being. Xu Tong understood that he was concerned Tang Zhuang might bring his group of people to cause trouble, so she obediently nodded in agreement

In recent days, this is already the third time she has heard the name Gu Chen

Yang Yang shot her a glance and tried to refute, "How annoying! Just because you are jealous of someone’s good looks, you shouldn’t slander their species origin! Being charming does not equate to being lewd. Young Master Gu is known in the city for his sexual purity. Although he frequently changes his female companions, and those beautiful women do indulge in flirtation when they are around him, it is said that his interactions with women are limited to mental play and rarely extend to the physical realm. In fact, very few, if any, are truly able to be taken to bed to practice the art of 'humming and ha-ing' together. Sigh! He is different from us normal people; his pursuit of pleasure does not stem from carnal desires, but rather from conquering various beauties and making them fall in love with him without exception!" As Yang Yang spoke, she clenched her fists against her chest and looked up at the sky, her pose incredibly dreamy, resembling a lovesick girl.

When Xu Tong looked at him, he quietly winked at her. She immediately understood and couldn't help but want to laugh

Tang Xingbang rubbed his forehead and said, "It should be accurate. Just now, a regular customer came by to buy something and informed me. He mentioned that the boss of their company seems to be interested in discussing this project"

Tang Zhuang turned his head to look at her, his expression serious, "I am not trying to scare her, thank you; I really can't stand it anymore and want to slap her twice!"

Xu Tong had not seen Tang Xingbang frown for a long time. She cautiously leaned closer, squatting by his side, looking up at him with a sweet and flattering expression, and asked: "Uncle Tang, why are you unhappy?"

Xu Tong was immediately startled, "Is this news reliable?" The old street was the place where she, Tang Xingbang, and Tang Zhuang relied on for their livelihood. If it were really to be demolished, the amount of compensation would not only be insufficient for Tang Zhuang to rebuild his so-called business, but it would also be far from enough to reopen a hardware store elsewhere.

Watching Zhang Zhentong hurriedly leave through the courtyard gate, Xu Tong couldn't help but sneer at her: "Zhuangzi, how interesting do you think she is, idling around so early in the morning?"

Yang Yang was busy attending to a group of guests. Catching sight of Xu Tong, she discreetly called another colleague to temporarily take her place and quietly moved away.

Xu Tong curiously leaned forward, wanting to glimpse the esteemed faces of the super landlords. As her gaze wandered, she seemed to catch sight of a rather familiar figure. While glancing at that figure, she casually replied to Yang Yang, "It's nothing, if you can't get away, then we can just hang out another day." Retracting her gaze, she couldn't help but ask, "Yang Yang, who is that person over there dressed in all white casual sportswear? Why do I feel like I've seen him somewhere before?"

Yang Yang immediately interrupted her, "Enough, don't mention him to me! And stop speaking well of him in front of me, it’s useless! If he doesn’t completely cut off those frivolous affairs outside, I will never have the possibility of getting along with him in this lifetime!"

In response to Tang Zhuang's words, Xu Tong let out a chuckle. It might take some effort for this kid to play the good guy, but to portray a villain, there was no need for any makeup—his naturally fierce expression would surely make anyone tremble at his glare

A few days later, she unexpectedly received a call from Zhang Zhentong

Xu Tong shook her hand, feeling a slight pain in her palm. The slap just now was delivered with some force, fueled by the anger she felt inside.

Tang Xingbang raised his hand to gently pat the top of her head, sighed, and his voice was filled with concern, "I heard that someone is planning to demolish the old street"

Zhang Zhentong covered her face, staring blankly at Xu Tong, her expression one of disbelief

He is bare-chested, wearing only shorts, with muscles intertwined on his exposed torso, and tattoos embedded in his skin intertwining in a fierce manner

Zhuangzi, look at how you have frightened Miss Zhen Tong! Hahaha!

Xu Tong could not help but look down on him, "Alright, in front of someone who understands, you should stop pretending. As if you could really let go of others. Fine, let's not count it, you just continue to play the calm gentleman here. However, Comrade Tang Zhuang, I think I should sincerely remind you of something: in this day and age, those who love to act like they are between A and C are quite likely to get struck by lightning. You should know when to stop while you're ahead!"

On the phone, Zhang Zhentong spoke to her in a tone filled with pride and a sense of anticipation for the drama to unfold: "Xu Tong, I want to tell you something. The old street where you live is about to be demolished, and you and that little thug will soon have nowhere to live! Hmph, without a home, I wonder what you will have left to be arrogant with!"

Xu Tong pulled Yang Yang's hand and said, "I won a lot of money from Zhuangzi playing Mahjong last night. You should pretend to have a stomach ache and leave early. Let's use that scoundrel's money to indulge ourselves!" Yang Yang, however, looked troubled and replied, "Tong Tong, I'm afraid that's not possible. The gentlemen here today are all from the super landlord class, and they are quite difficult to please. I probably can't leave early!"

Xu Tong was momentarily taken aback

Xu Tong could not help but scoff at her, "Hmph, does not sleeping with a woman mean one is not playing with women? Having touched, kissed, and flirted, just because one has not gone all the way, does that mean those sexually charged experiences are not part of a sexual life? To speak of it as if he is truly honorable, do you really think he is indeed honorable? I truly do not know whether you are the pervert or he is the pervert! Oh no, it should be that both of you are perverts!"

Seeing her flee in such a disheveled manner, Xu Tong couldn't help but burst into laughter

A muffled sound of footsteps echoed behind.

Xu Tong glared at her, her gaze icy to the extreme, yet her voice was soft and gentle, "If you dare to mention my mother again, watch how I deal with you! I will make you understand what a true rogue is!"

Tang Zhuang raised one arm and casually draped it over Xu Tong's shoulder, tilting his head and casting a sidelong glance at Zhang Zhen Tong. After sizing her up from head to toe, he turned back to Xu Tong and lazily gestured with his lips, "Girl, you are really getting more and more disappointing. After rambling on for so long, aren't you annoyed? Just get to the point already!"

Tang Xingbang sighed again, "That young man said their boss used to be abroad, very impressive, featured in Time magazine, recognized as a global outstanding young entrepreneur, and has just returned to the country to take over the family business. I think his name is something like... Gu Chen."

Xu Tong silently thought to herself: So that perverse young master is named Gu Chen

If she remembers correctly, the name that Zhang Zhentong called out sweetly into the microphone before should be this one. She finds it quite a coincidence

After parting ways with Yang Yang, Xu Tong decided to go to the store to help out

With a sharp sound of "pop," the piercing and jarring noise of complaints and curses came to an abrupt halt

Xu Tong nodded vigorously, breaking into a sweet smile, her face radiating contentment and happiness

Zhang Zhentong was clearly frightened by Tang Zhuang, trembling like a sieve, increasingly resembling someone on the verge of fainting. She shakily extended her finger, pointing at Zhuangzi and shouted loudly: "You... you... you are a rogue!!!" Then she pointed at Xu Tong, gritting her teeth and shouting fiercely: "Xu Tong, you are something! You are truly something! I really despise you! You never learned well before, and I didn't expect you to become even worse than before! I really don't know how your mother taught you!"

This young man is becoming increasingly wicked, deliberately walking out without clothes to intimidate others with his muscles and tattoos

Tang Zhuang, feeling quite unsettled, threw one of his smelly shoes at Xu Tong. Xu Tong nimbly dodged it and walked out of the house, laughing all the way.

Zhang Zhentong, with red eyes and a face full of resentment, first glanced at Xu Tong, then at Tang Zhuang standing beside her. Her lips trembled, tears streaming down her face, as if she had suffered a great injustice. While crying, she stomped her feet and shouted: "Xu Tong, aren't you just relying on someone backing you up! Just wait, I won't let this go so easily. Remember, you owe me a slap; we shall see!"

Moreover, it is quite coincidental that the man she encountered while delivering the water pipe that day seems to be the very same person before her, named Gu Chen

Listening to Yang Yang's infatuated cooing, Xu Tong couldn't help but scoff at her, "Hey, young lady, I beg you to control your gaze and emotions a bit, don't be so blatant! You say I'm infatuated, but I see you are at least ten times more infatuated than I am!" After her disdain, she suddenly smiled flatteringly, turned Yang Yang's face towards her, and with a wink said, "Actually, our Zhuangzi is quite handsome! Looking around, how many young men are tougher than him? Just look at his muscles, so fit and alluring..."

Yang Yang turned her head to take a glance. When she turned back, she spat at Xu Tong, saying, "Pah! Infatuated fool, he just returned to the country not long ago, okay? How could you possibly have met him? Don't boast about having seen him just because he looks good; I would feel embarrassed for you!" In an instant, her face blossomed with a vibrant spring-like smile, and she continued excitedly, "But that person really is exceptionally handsome, isn't he? No wonder you are infatuated; many girls here are drooling over him too! His name is Gu Chen, an elite returnee, with a solid family background. He is the heir of the renowned Gu family conglomerate in this city and has just returned not long ago. Recently, he often comes here to play basketball, and his companions are either wealthy businessmen or political figures, each treating him with great courtesy and attentiveness. Every time he appears, I feel like, wow~! It's a refreshing sight! He is truly extraordinarily handsome!"

Xu Tong furrowed her brow and said, "The government has always had a tight grip on this piece of land in the old street. Now, if someone can pry it away from the government's hands, that person truly possesses remarkable abilities"

As soon as Xu Tong heard it, she knew that the sound was produced by Tang Zhuang's bear paw

When she entered the room, there were no customers in the store, and Tang Xingbang was sitting alone on the sofa, frowning and smoking.

Xu Tong coldly laughed at her, remaining composed; however, Tang Zhuang seemed unable to endure any longer as he stepped forward two paces. Zhang Zhen Tong was frightened to the point of tears and snot, screaming in terror, fearing that he would truly rush over to kick and hit her, and like seeing a ghost, she immediately turned and fled the courtyard.

Xu Tong noticed her complexion change dramatically and quickly made a joke to divert the topic

This person possesses a remarkable personal charm, whether in the business world or among women. It is said that he can captivate anyone who comes into contact with him, regardless of gender. He has a strong presence in social interactions, is highly skilled in his dealings, and never allows himself to be at a disadvantage. It is rumored that he has a motto: a man should dominate everything—career, future, women, and love. After a pause, Yang Yang suddenly became a bit gossipy and winked at Xu Tong, saying: "Let me tell you, every time he comes here, the girls he brings are different. Each one is more beautiful than the last, and each one is more gentle than the previous. They all act like little birds, completely obedient to him! Tsk tsk, in this day and age, it really is hopeless. He is handsome, adorned in gold, and his charm is overwhelming; it is impossible to resist!"

She clearly intended to scream and cry, yet inexplicably found herself paralyzed by Xu Tong's cold, piercing gaze

Xu Tong nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm, it sounds like a stallion with good looks."

At this point, Yang Yang stopped and swallowed hard, looking infatuated.

Upon hearing this, Xu Tong felt as if she had been enlightened. It turned out that the instigator behind the demolition of the old street was here.

Upon entering the stadium, after a few ups and downs, she saw Yang Yang