Chapter 105: Franklin’s Persuasion

Early on the twenty-first, Gao Ning was abruptly awakened by a phone call.

“What? My bar was burned down?”

His mind momentarily blanked, then he recalled that in the storyline, there was indeed a bar that caught fire, resulting in many casualties.

It was precisely because of that fire that Jennifer was taken away by the band and sacrificed to the demon.

Though he had known this part of the plot before, he hadn’t paid much attention—never expecting the bar to be his own.

The inexplicable loss cast a shadow over Gao Ning’s face.

Dressing quickly, he drove to the bar, arriving just as investigators were examining the smoking ruins.

A police officer approached him.

“You must be Gao Ning, right? I’m the one who called you. I’m Edward Swarzenegger—just call me Officer Edward.”

Gao Ning’s expression darkened.

Isn’t it Schwarzenegger? Why does he use this surname?

Never mind, this is a movie world; some things aren’t worth quibbling over.

“That’s me. But I didn’t know until now that I actually owned the bar! I just collected my living expenses from the bartender every month and never paid it much mind.”

“We’ve already confirmed that with your uncle,” the officer replied. “The bar originally belonged to your parents, but for the past decade or so, your uncle has been running it. According to the court’s ruling, the bar should be officially handed over to you once you reach adulthood.”

The officer continued, “Unfortunately, before that could happen, the bar was reduced to ashes. Tests indicate the fire was at least partly intentional, but we can’t confirm the exact cause. When you deal with the insurance company, if you have any questions, you can contact me directly. That’s all.”

He handed Gao Ning a business card, nodded briefly, and turned away.

His duty done, but Gao Ning’s mood remained somber.

He grabbed a quick bite at a nearby breakfast joint, released his gang henchmen with a few brief instructions, then drove straight to school.

Brad, the counselor with a mechanical claw replacing his missing right hand, had already arrived at the office.

He looked at this student who had inexplicably skipped a class and wasn’t answering his phone, and a headache crept over him.

“Gao Ning, do you realize that skipping class without cause is a serious offense?”

Gao Ning replied, “Yes, Brad, the bar that burned down yesterday is my property!”

“Hm?” Brad’s eyes widened for a moment before he quickly masked his surprise. “What do you mean by that?”

“I just want to express how I feel right now. It was destroyed, and many people died. I suffered a huge loss, and I’m really upset!”

“Alright, I’m sorry to hear that, but that’s no excuse to skip class. Actually, you’ve been missing for a while before this, and the fire happened only last night. Care to explain where you’ve been?”

Gao Ning sighed deeply, then pulled an envelope from his backpack and tossed it onto Brad’s desk.

Brad opened it and saw a thin stack of cash, and his anger began to rise.

“What’s this supposed to mean? Are you trying to bribe me?”

Gao Ning smiled faintly and took out another envelope from his bag.

“It’s just skipping class. If you don’t mind, who would know? Brad, you know me—I’ve always been a well-behaved student. I have some personal reasons for missing class.”

Brad stared as Gao Ning presented a third envelope, placing it in his hand.

Three envelopes containing three thousand dollars. Brad’s hand trembled slightly.

Gao Ning said, “Skipping class is sometimes necessary. I might need to do it occasionally in the future too. It’s only human. You should understand, right?”

Then Gao Ning pulled out two more envelopes, gently shook them, and set them on the desk.

Brad lowered his head, silent.

Gao Ning cleared his throat. “I just need some convenience. Of course, if you feel this insults your profession, I can ask someone else for help—like the bald dean of discipline. I hear he’s a regular at the strip club; he might appreciate this kind of ammo.”

Gao Ning reached for the envelopes, but Brad suddenly pressed down on his hand.

“Hm, I believe your skipping class has a reason. Let’s leave it at that. If the dean questions me, I’ll explain. Besides… I’m a regular at the strip club too!”

Brad’s voice dropped low as he said this, winking playfully at Gao Ning.

Indeed, in America, only dollars make the best diplomats. Under their potent influence, Gao Ning and Brad quickly reached an understanding.

With that concern resolved, school could no longer stand in Gao Ning’s way.

He checked his schedule, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and headed toward the classroom.

Pushing open the chemistry lab door, Gao Ning immediately spotted Jennifer and Niddy seated side by side.

It was clear something was wrong between them—their usually inseparable closeness had vanished.

Jennifer appeared normal, even smiling, looking more radiant than before, her entire being shining brilliantly.

Niddy, however, looked downcast. Evidently, after leaving Gao Ning last night, something had happened between the two of them.

And whatever it was had dealt a heavy blow to Niddy.

Gao Ning approached from behind and patted the shoulder of a white youth.

“Todd, I need your seat.”

Todd could hardly believe his ears. He was the school’s star quarterback, a bully by reputation—always the one doing the tormenting, never the victim.

Now this timid Asian kid dared speak to him like this?

“What? Do you want to die?”

Gao Ning glanced at Todd’s white desk mate with a helpless expression. “Are you sure? You’ll regret it.”

The other white student looked at Gao Ning as if he were crazy.

Those nearby sensed the tension and lowered their voices, turning to watch.

Feeling insulted, Todd growled and swung a fist at Gao Ning.

Gao Ning didn’t dodge or flinch, letting the punch land squarely on his chest.

There was a sharp crack, but Gao Ning felt nothing, not even pain. Todd, however, felt as if his knuckles were shattered.

Just as he opened his mouth to scream, Gao Ning covered it with his hand and gently pinched a major artery.

Todd’s eyes rolled back, and he fainted instantly.

Gao Ning caught him and smoothly lowered him, sliding him under the desk.

His movements were seamless and silent, as if Todd were cooperating willingly, leaving the white students dumbfounded.

Gao Ning smiled faintly, set his backpack down, and sat.

He reached out to tap Jennifer on the back.

“Jennifer, don’t you have anything you want to say to me?”