[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-secret-buyer":3,"chapter-secret-buyer-secret-buyer-chapter-146":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Secret Buyer",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1759095,2324,"Chapter 146 - 125: I’m Back","secret-buyer-chapter-146",146,"\u003Cp>\"Boss Zhang, wishing you thriving business, thriving business!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old gambler cupped his hands, exchanged a large stack of chips, and entered the venue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao rubbed his cheeks, having smiled all day long his face was a bit stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The casino...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed softly, actually preferring to be a doctor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Chongyang is not Jiangzhou, here is a higher-level city, really to be an underground doctor again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What one might encounter could very well be martial artists of the Middle Three Refinements or even more formidable ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old tricks of burying explosives might not be enough to save one’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a casino owner actually isn’t too bad,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>at least, it’s safe... right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao looked outside this small casino, at a small old man bending his waist, leaning on a small cane, wobbling his way in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression changed, and he hurriedly went to meet him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, Boss Zhou? Just arrived, haven’t had a chance to pay you a visit, how come you’re here in person?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scrawny old man looked around this not-so-large little casino, or rather gambling den, and gave a nasal grumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s your name? Is it Zhang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao kept his smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes, Zhang, call me Wentao, you can just call me Little Zhang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man scoffed, squinting at this middle-aged man:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could I dare call you Little Zhang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just moved in and opened a casino to take away business from us old folks, without even seeing you pay respect to our turf, you’re something!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dr. Zhang — Boss Zhang’s face didn’t change:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s my fault, you see, been busy setting up the place, tonight, tonight I’ll personally host a banquet to apologize to you seniors!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man didn’t respond, just gave a sinister smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss Zhang, running a casino, isn’t that easy of a job, I see you.....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, a taxi slowly stopped, and a clear voice rang:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao, who was smiling, suddenly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head incredulously towards the gambling den entrance, a familiar, gentle figure standing there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rush of warmth shot to the top of his head, exploding in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fu.....Fusheng?\" Old Zhang trembled as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man walked casually into the gambling den, giving his dad a hard hug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang’s hand hung awkwardly in the air, patting his son’s back, still finding it hard to believe,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>as big tears fell down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He choked up:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s good to be back, it’s good to be back...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old man doesn’t know how to say touching things, all he repeated was ’it’s good to be back’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng inexplicably felt his nose tingle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t bear to see his dad like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Knock knock knock!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man suddenly tapped the ground with his cane, speaking sarcastically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my, Boss Zhang, deep affection for your son, eh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao wiped his tears:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Zhou, this is quite a sight for you, my son and I haven’t seen each other in a while.....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gambling den owner from the next street snorted, casting a sidelong glance at the gentle youth, speaking slowly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your business, this old man doesn’t care.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just wanted to tell Boss Zhang, running a casino or a gambling den isn’t that easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These gamblers, each one can easily get red-eyed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You never know when.....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man bared a large yellow tooth, pointing his cane at the gentle youth:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You never know when, they might chop your son!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao’s smile faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended his hand, gesturing outward:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss Zhou, you’ve been chatting for quite some time, please leave now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man spat, speaking sarcastically:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be waiting for you to treat me to that drink, Boss Zhang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wobbled out of the gambling den.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the old man left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad, who was that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The one running the casino next street, don’t mind him..... don’t mind him.....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang looked up and down at his son, couldn’t help but light up a cigarette, taking puff after puff:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad won’t ask you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led his son out of the casino:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, I’ll show you our new home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new home wasn’t far from the small casino, on the edge of the Seventh District; Chongyang had much better security than Jiangzhou, and the urban development was better too,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>even the Seventh District had skyscrapers; occasionally, one might even see hovercars gliding overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao led his son all the way home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Number 306.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the door, it revealed a spacious living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mom still made a room for you, cleaned it every day, waiting for you to come back.....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang secretly wiped away a tear, leading his son on a tour of their new home before returning to the living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat his son down, did not ask how he survived, did not ask how he found him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang poured his son a glass of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your mom is still working, still a teacher, teaching middle school...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The father and son clinked their glasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang consecutively smoked three or four cigarettes, chatting about family matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the swirling smoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao suddenly stubbed out the cigarette:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad has to go out to buy some braised dishes, give your mom a surprise tonight..... she misses you so much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only mentioned that Zhou Guifang missed her son, never mentioning his own feelings, just that his trembling hands betrayed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I miss you both as well.\" Zhang Fusheng softly spoke, then smiled: \"It’s just been a month, acting like I haven’t been home for years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang didn’t respond, just gave his son’s shoulder a firm pat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll go buy some braised dishes, you wait for dad to come back at home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, dad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng nodded, watching his father leave the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only two in the afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This early to buy braised dishes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to go out as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng waited a moment in silence, his spirit disrupted reality, his form turning blurry, transparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That old bastard next door, doesn’t know what’s good for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man grumbled, speaking to his son and daughter:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tonight he’s hosting a banquet..... arrange for some people, and have him taken out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eldest son nodded with a smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, even any Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to come take our business now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man spat again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, where’s my obedient grandson?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the backyard,\" the eldest son replied while calling over the thugs, \"Your grandson isn’t obedient at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I bailed him out of the precinct, cost me quite a bit... That little bastard doesn’t do things cleanly, after fooling around with that student, he didn’t even know to simply kill her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even let her report it to the police!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man listened, pursed his lips, and cursed under his breath:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should also chop up that family later!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was cursing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng quietly left the house, his transparent form already appearing on the street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sweep of his mind, he found the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng didn’t act immediately because he noticed a familiar figure on a nearby high-rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dad was on the high-rise, setting up... a Gauss heavy sniper rifle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng: ???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly laughed, shaking his head, this old man really picked the worst time to cause trouble... and shouldn’t have used threats against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng watched an arc of electricity pull into a beam, saw the cursing old man get torn apart by a bullet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man, after finishing his work, sneaked away to buy some braised dishes for his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng looked at the chaotic casino, glanced at the burly thugs, and gently shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One, two, three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, the thugs’ heads exploded out of nowhere, blood mist surged, and the whole street descended into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the eldest son slumped on the ground, the screaming women...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, didn’t forget about the grandson in the backyard either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re going to do something, do it cleanly, a family should be dealt with as a whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was something Master taught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad isn’t professional at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng quietly returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, Dad came back with three bags of braised dishes, chuckling as he entered the house, father and son continued to drink together, as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Zhou came home, and another bout of chaos ensued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve lost weight, you’ve lost weight...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Zhou Guifang, who had calmed down a bit, pinched her son’s arm, alternating between tears and laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family of three shared a long-awaited dinner together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Has Master been here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng held two business cards, one from Master, and the other from Third Senior Sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decided, next time he spars with the little child, he’d go easier on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Hong Tianbao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t expect you joined Hongji Martial Arts Dojo back then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a night watchman of Jiangzhou, he naturally knew the name Hong Tianbao, but on that day, his mind was unsettled, and it didn’t occur to him for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Master is really something, outwardly claiming to be a martial arts master, but actually he’s an incredible grandmaster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang cautioned:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But your Master has some dirty dealings in Jiangzhou...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Teacher Zhou brought over a plate of cut fruit, and glared at Old Zhang:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you’re clean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang chuckled awkwardly, then suddenly turned serious:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Son, you’re officially a martial artist now, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sort of,\" Zhang Fusheng nodded frankly, \"I’m quite good at it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, his parents would find out; he didn’t say too much for fear of making the couple worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But dad, rest assured, now that we’re in Chongyang, it’s peaceful... there’s something I need to tell you in advance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He deliberated for a moment, then continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Due to some major events in Jiangzhou, my identity was marked as deceased, and I now function under a different set of information.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mom glared at Zhang Wentao again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s that, your dad’s even more capable, he had my records changed without a word!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang shrank his neck once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng couldn’t help but laugh, and continued:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"According to my new identity, I’m already 25 years old, so university is probably out of the question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple was silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang wasn’t too concerned,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhou Guifang’s mindset was still old-fashioned, she always believed that university was the best path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t help but say:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really not going? But, but...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom, I’m actually still a law enforcement officer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What???\" The couple was flabbergasted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng shyly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And not at a low level either; it can’t be explained in just a few words... but rest assured, not going to university is fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I have to say, I could go teach at a university right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple exchanged looks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao couldn’t help but ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kid, which refinement are you at as a martial artist? Second Refinement? Third Refinement?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng considered carefully:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bit higher than that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bit higher??\" Zhang Wentao was lost for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a month ago, wasn’t their son still...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Teacher Zhou didn’t grasp the full significance, before an injury forced his early retirement, Old Zhang, a former vanguard team member at the Investigation Bureau,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deeply understood what such talent meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder Hong Tianbao took you as a disciple...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Zhang smiled wryly, and then seemed a bit tempted:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still have some old friends at the Investigation Bureau, how about I give it a try, get you in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng shook his hands repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said solemnly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad, it’s best if you don’t mention me to those friends of yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao was taken aback:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Fusheng was silent for a moment, then softly said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Investigation Bureau isn’t that clean.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Wentao fell silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The family of three talked for a long time, until late at night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laying in bed, Zhang Fusheng chewed on two calming tea leaves, the latent hostility in his heart slowly subsided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the room next door came the sound of his parents’ snoring, moonlight seeped through the window curtains, casting colorful patterns on the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s wonderful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drifted into a deep sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a long time since he had slept well.\u003C\u002Fp>",2095,"2026-06-08T09:33:25.351Z",1,"novelbin.me","8fcda6a81b316030a7cdde32842ba45b4e2bbd1b6d66cb257e6ecd9735068505","secret-buyer-chapter-147","secret-buyer-chapter-145",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsecret-buyer-cover.jpg"]