Chapter Twenty-Six: The Weight of Oppression

Zhang Chulan coughed twice, trying to rein in the wild 404 thoughts swirling in his mind, and declared haughtily, "Let me think about whether I'll go back with you. Since you're here to apologize, from now on, you have to listen to me."

"Yes, yes, I'll listen to you," Feng Baobao replied obediently, nodding repeatedly.

"No matter what, you have to listen to me," Zhang Chulan repeated, a little unsure.

"Mm, I'll listen to you, I'll listen to you," Feng Baobao nodded again, just as compliant.

After all the bullying from before, I need to come up with some way to get back at her.

Seeing Feng Baobao agree so readily, Zhang Chulan started pondering how to keep his dignity. With so many people watching, he couldn't just give in outright—he needed to maintain some composure.

He took a deep breath, then spoke sternly, "Before I've made up my mind, you have to stand there as punishment. Don't move, understand?"

"Okay," Feng Baobao replied, looking perfectly docile, leaving Feng Xingtong—standing beside Ye Yan—dumbstruck.

Was this really the same wicked woman from before?

Ye Yan didn’t know what Feng Xingtong was thinking, but as soon as he heard Zhang Chulan's conditions, he burst out laughing...

This guy must be inexperienced, right?

Definitely never had a girlfriend.

Such conditions—what's the difference from inviting a girl to a hotel to play ranked games all night?

No difference...

"You're laughing at me, aren't you?" Zhang Chulan snapped, bristling at Ye Yan’s laughter, which wasn’t loud but felt like blatant mockery.

He didn’t know exactly what Ye Yan was thinking, but the look was pure ridicule.

No attempt to hide it.

Even worse than calling him a virgin.

Bastard.

"Mr. Zhang, please don't doubt my integrity. As a member of the World Society, I've undergone professional training and generally do not laugh..."

"But you're still laughing at me!" Zhang Chulan was enraged.

He wanted to say more, but Feng Zhenghao interrupted by tapping his cane on the ground.

"Enough. That’s it," Feng Zhenghao’s voice was commanding, instantly suppressing the atmosphere. All eyes turned to him, drawn by his presence.

Feng Zhenghao surveyed the chaos around him. "Young lady, I originally didn’t intend to interfere with your visit to Zhang Chulan, but you’ve turned my World Society upside down—do you think that’s appropriate?"

"Uncle, I’m sorry," Feng Baobao replied, unusually well-behaved, offering a sincere apology to Feng Zhenghao.

But then she added, "However, it was them who stopped me from seeing Zhang Chulan."

"So you’re saying you were forced?" Feng Zhenghao narrowed his eyes, energy surging from within him, radiating a dangerous aura.

"Yes, yes!" Feng Baobao nodded vigorously, clearly unaware of how grave the situation had become.

Just moments ago, she’d been shrewd in conversation, but now she seemed to have abandoned all sense.

This is going downhill fast.

Ye Yan’s heart skipped a beat.

After spending so long in the World Society, he knew Feng Zhenghao’s temperament well, and this look was a sign—he was about to lose his temper.

If Feng Zhenghao made a move, Feng Baobao could be in real danger today.

He needed to come up with a plan.

As an undercover agent, Ye Yan couldn’t openly defy his superior. Even if he wanted to help, it had to be done in secret. No one could suspect him.

Though this girl was strong, against Feng Zhenghao, Ye Yan wasn’t optimistic.

Feng Zhenghao rarely showcased his true power, but those in the know understood—he was an old lion, ambitious and sharp.

His strength was formidable, among the top in the circle of strangers.

Besides, Feng Baobao had already fought several intense battles in succession. At this moment, she was exhausted. Facing Feng Zhenghao at full strength, she’d inevitably be at a disadvantage.

So, they couldn’t be allowed to fight.

But what to do?

Ye Yan pondered silently.

As Feng Zhenghao grew angrier, Zhang Chulan felt a chill in his heart. He hurried forward to explain, "President Feng, I’m sorry. You really have treated me well. But I think I have to leave."

"The misunderstanding with the company was just that—a misunderstanding. I’ve already signed a contract with them, so I ask for your understanding..."

Zhang Chulan spoke sincerely, both inside and out, showing his adaptability.

The problem was, he picked the wrong moment to step forward—not the best timing.

After causing such destruction, he hoped to just walk away.

That only stoked the flames.

Courageous, but lacking in cunning.

Ye Yan sighed inwardly, thinking Zhang Chulan was still too young, not smooth enough.

He moved his lips slightly, whispering something under his breath.

At that moment, Feng Zhenghao shifted his gaze to Zhang Chulan, speaking coldly, "Is this your decision?"

"More or less," Zhang Chulan replied, scratching his head awkwardly.

With things this tense, Zhang Chulan, caught in the middle, was suffering the most.

But an enraged Feng Zhenghao wasn’t someone Zhang Chulan could pacify with a few words.

As expected, Feng Zhenghao exploded, "Zhang Chulan!"

"Do you think the World Society is a place you can come and go as you please? I’ve treated you sincerely—now is your chance to change your mind, before I make a move..."

"President..." Zhang Chulan was intimidated by Feng Zhenghao’s fierce, imposing aura. But Feng Zhenghao cut him off, "Or do you intend to fight me?"

"I will," Feng Baobao declared, immediately turning to face Feng Zhenghao, ready to fight on Zhang Chulan’s behalf.

But Zhang Chulan reached out to stop her, "Don’t move. Didn’t we agree just now? Stand there quietly—some things I have to resolve myself..."

But before he could finish, a soul-shaking pressure enveloped him.

"Chulan, enough is enough."

Crushed by the overwhelming pressure, Zhang Chulan felt as if a mountain weighed upon his back, sweat pouring down in streams.

In front of him, Feng Zhenghao, leaning on his dragon-headed cane, seemed to transform into a towering giant. Without moving, simply standing there, he inspired in Zhang Chulan the urge to kneel and worship.

"What now..."

Zhang Chulan was at a loss. With all his tricks and skills, he was powerless against such strength. He couldn’t even muster the thought to use the Golden Light Spell in resistance.

"What now..."

"What now..."

"If I’d known, I wouldn’t have pretended to be so cool."

"I’m doomed!"

Bitterness flooded Zhang Chulan’s heart.

He now regretted not letting Feng Baobao intervene—by himself, how could he possibly contend with the mighty Feng Zhenghao?

Just as Zhang Chulan was pushed to his limit and about to collapse, the brightly lit room suddenly plunged into darkness.