Chapter 24

(Thanks to Brother Xi for the tip!)

Wu Cheng chuckled lightly, walked over, and hooked Shenglong's ankle with his foot. Then, he patted Shenglong's shoulder with his small hand, causing Shenglong to fall forward.

Wu Cheng turned his body, moved behind Shenglong, and leaned against his back, smiling, "Big Brother Shenglong, be more careful next time, I'm still holding Xiaotianming!"

What's going on?

Everyone looked at Shenglong and Wu Cheng curiously.

Shenglong's face turned red, but he felt strange. Just now, he clearly felt that the small hand on his shoulder was as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it impossible for him to straighten his back. This was simply impossible!

He shook his shoulders, jumped a few times, and made a boxing pose, smiling, "Looks like I've met a martial artist. Kid, you're not bad, how about we spar?"

Wu Cheng, holding Xiaotianming, saw the curious look on Xiaotianming's face and gently touched his chin, teasing him while smiling, "Sure! Come on!"

Seeing Wu Cheng so dismissive, Shenglong's temper flared up. Not only was Shenglong angry, but even the Seven Little Fortunes were upset. This kid, who appeared out of nowhere, was actually trying to show them who's boss, which was outrageous!

Faced with this situation, Hong Jinbao did not stop them but walked over to take Xiaotianming. However, Xiaotianming seemed to be clinging to Wu Cheng's neck, not giving his father any face.

Wu Cheng smiled, "Since Xiaotianming likes me so much, let me hold him! Brother Sanmao, don't worry, I won't let Xiaotianming get hurt."

"Kid, you're really full of yourself!" Shenglong was really angry.

Wu Cheng coughed lightly and smiled, "There's even more to it! I'm holding Xiaotianming, and I bet you'll be hesitant to attack. Even if I win, you'll think it's unfair. Let's set some rules: if you touch Xiaotianming's clothes, I lose."

"Kid, you really got me mad! Come on!"

Shenglong said and charged at Wu Cheng, reaching out to touch Xiaotianming in Wu Cheng's arms. However, Wu Cheng did not retreat but advanced, stepping forward, tilting his body to dodge Shenglong's hand, and hooking his leg with his foot. Then, he pulled Shenglong backward, causing him to fall forward.

Fortunately, Yuan Biao, who was nearby, quickly caught Shenglong, whispering, "A Long, this kid is fast, not as simple as he looks!"

Shenglong nodded and charged at Wu Cheng again, but this time, he did not use his full strength. After all, he just needed to touch Xiaotianming's clothes.

However, Wu Cheng, holding Xiaotianming with one hand, used the other hand to block and deflect Shenglong's attacks, creating an opening. Wu Cheng then took advantage of the situation, striking Shenglong's chest and pushing him away.

Shenglong was caught again by Yuan Biao. Wu Cheng squatted slightly, one hand outstretched, holding Xiaotianming, and posed, with Xiaotianming clapping his hands and looking excited.

Shenglong, angry, shook off Yuan Biao's hand, seemingly wanting to try again, but was stopped by Hong Jinbao, "A Long, you're no match for Wu Cheng. None of us are. He has reached the level of 'internal cultivation,' while we are still at the 'external cultivation' level."

Seeing Wu Cheng's calm and composed demeanor and Shenglong's disheveled appearance, everyone knew that Shenglong was no match for Wu Cheng. Moreover, Wu Cheng was holding Xiaotianming.

Although it was hard to believe that such a young Wu Cheng had reached that level, they trusted their Master Brother's judgment. Among them, Master Brother was the strongest.

"Alright, I was just joking, I hope you don't take it to heart!"

Wu Cheng, while teasing Xiaotianming, smiled and said to everyone, "Actually, I still have high hopes for you, especially for you, Big Brother Long, even though your temper is a bit short."

"A Cheng, how did you train your skills?" Yuan Biao asked curiously. Among all the brothers, Yuan Biao was the most sincere and, being the youngest, was well cared for by everyone, so he spoke his mind.

"A Biao!" Hong Jinbao's voice rose, thinking it was impolite.

Wu Cheng waved his hand and smiled, "Brother Sanmao, it's fine! I like A Biao's straightforwardness. Compared to Mr. Li Xiaolong, I definitely fall short. Not to mention, his promotion of Chinese martial arts is unmatched, even though he mainly promoted his Jeet Kune Do. However, he made the world recognize us Chinese, which no one can deny. Without him, many foreigners might still think we Chinese have braids!"

"But he didn't reach your level!" Yuan Biao added.

Wu Cheng shook his head and smiled, "With his strength and talent, if he had calmed down and not rushed, and with his master's guidance, he could have reached this level eventually. Moreover, external martial arts, when practiced to the extreme, can be as lethal as internal martial arts. In a real fight, the outcome is uncertain. However, I suspect he didn't reach this level, or he might have encountered some issues during cultivation, like the 'fire and madness' described in novels. Cultivating at this level without supervision is quite dangerous."

"That's impossible! He had a falling out with his master, so how could his master guide him?" Shenglong shook his head. "It was because his master refused to guide him, and his arrogant personality, that he rushed."

"A Long!" Hong Jinbao frowned, "If you can't speak properly, don't speak!"

Wu Cheng smiled, "Alright, let's not talk about this. Each school has its own taboos and rules, which outsiders don't understand. Besides, Mr. Li has passed away, and discussing him here is somewhat disrespectful. Regardless, Mr. Li's contributions to our country are undeniable. He is one of my idols."

"He is our idol too!" Shenglong also smiled and added, "A Cheng, can you teach us your skills?"

"A Long, shut up!" Hong Jinbao was angry. Could such a matter be mentioned casually?

Wu Cheng waved his hand and said seriously, "I can teach, but whether you have the right conditions is another matter. Although I reached this level at a young age, it's an exception!"

Indeed! This is the benefit of being reborn, not something everyone can have.

"You should all understand that there are no shortcuts in anything. Even if there are, they are impossible to repeat. Reality is not a martial arts novel where you can have a lucky encounter. Martial arts require persistence." Wu Cheng said seriously, "My grandfather and father spent three or four decades but didn't reach my level... Now, do you still want to learn? Especially, I practice Tai Chi!"

Everyone was silent, and finally, Yuan Kui broke the silence, smiling at Hong Jinbao, "Master Brother, why did you call everyone to your home today?"

Usually, they would go to the nightclub to talk and play, so this was quite rare.

Seeing Yuan Kui change the topic, Hong Jinbao sighed in relief and smiled, "Today, there is something important. Come, let's eat and talk..."

Mrs. Hong, who was busy in the kitchen, felt relieved. She had been worried that they might fight at home. As Hong Jinbao's wife, she had to accept many people, especially his brothers and sisters, who were more important to him than she was.

"Sit down, I'll check if the dishes are ready!"

Hong Jinbao smiled and entered the kitchen. His wife whispered to him, "Since you say A Cheng is so capable, why not let Xiaotianming become his disciple?"

Hong Jinbao was slightly stunned, then nodded, "We'll talk about it later, it's not the right time now. Are the dishes ready? If they are, I'll bring them out!"

"Almost, go out first!"

The group gathered around the table and started eating hot pot. Recently, hot pot had become popular, and many people were learning to cook it at home.

Of course, the hot pot base was not yet industrially produced but had to be made by hand, which Wu Cheng saw as a business opportunity for the Hongxing Society to get ahead.

"Everyone, try this. A few new hot pot restaurants have opened in Mong Kok, and they are quite popular. But it's easy to make, so let's try it today. The taste might not be as good as theirs, but it will definitely be different from usual. Let's all have a drink!"

Hong Jinbao smiled and raised his glass, drinking with everyone.

Wu Cheng's glass also contained alcohol, which he had long wanted to drink. However, at home, Zhao Yazhi never allowed him to drink, so he could only do it secretly.

But drinking secretly was not as fun as drinking with everyone.

The group gathered around the table, eating and drinking, until everyone was in high spirits. Then, Hong Jinbao put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "I called everyone here today for two reasons: one, to introduce you to A Cheng. Don't look at him as just a kid; he has great abilities."

Hong Jinbao then took out the script Wu Cheng had given him earlier. After everyone quickly read it, he continued, "What do you think of this script?"

"Master Brother, I love this script!" Shenglong was the first to speak, "Can I play the police officer? Just thinking about it gets me excited..."

Hong Jinbao smiled, "This script was written by A Cheng."

Everyone looked at Wu Cheng with suspicion, finding it hard to believe.

Hong Jinbao laughed again, "The novel 'Return to Ming' that my wife loves is also written by A Cheng. Don't look at him as just a kid; his literary talent is top-notch."

"A Cheng, you're amazing! How old are you this year? Thirteen?" Yuan Biao exclaimed, "No way, we're the youngest, let's have a drink!"

"A Biao, take it easy, don't get A Cheng drunk!"

"Master Brother, are we going to film this script?" Yuan Qiu, who had been silent, asked, "Can I play the role of the little sister?"

---

The group continued to eat and drink, and the atmosphere grew lively. Finally, Hong Jinbao put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "I called everyone here today for two reasons: one, to introduce you to A Cheng. Don't look at him as just a kid; he has great abilities."

Hong Jinbao then took out the script Wu Cheng had given him earlier. After everyone quickly read it, he continued, "What do you think of this script?"

"Master Brother, I love this script!" Shenglong was the first to speak, "Can I play the police officer? Just thinking about it gets me excited..."

Hong Jinbao smiled, "This script was written by A Cheng."

Everyone looked at Wu Cheng with suspicion, finding it hard to believe.

Hong Jinbao laughed again, "The novel 'Return to Ming' that my wife loves is also written by A Cheng. Don't look at him as just a kid; his literary talent is top-notch."

"A Cheng, you're amazing! How old are you this year? Thirteen?" Yuan Biao exclaimed, "No way, we're the youngest, let's have a drink!"

"A Biao, take it easy, don't get A Cheng drunk!"

"Master Brother, are we going to film this script?" Yuan Qiu, who had been silent, asked, "Can I play the role of the little sister?"