Chapter 60: Tearing Apart the Ex

Wang Guocheng and Tim exchanged glances before speaking in unison, “Let’s go outside and settle this, one on one.”

Seeing the two men about to come to blows, the crowd that had gathered earlier craned their necks, eager to watch the spectacle. At that moment, Wang Guocheng and Tim were wholly absorbed in their contest of masculine pride, completely oblivious to the onlookers, glaring at each other with mutual disdain.

The two men made their way, one after the other, to the terrace of the Aegean Western Restaurant, with Fan Xiaoyou and Wu Yang trailing behind. Wu Yang’s face was clouded with worry, afraid that Tim might actually cripple Wang Guocheng. Fan Xiaoyou, too, was anxious for Wang Guocheng’s well-being, fearing Tim would leave him in ruins. Only Fan Xiaoyou knew that Tim held a black belt in judo.

Because Wang Guocheng and Tim strode ahead so quickly, Fan Xiaoyou’s long dress caught her feet several times, forcing Wu Yang to offer his arm in support. Although Wu Yang still harbored some resentment toward Fan Xiaoyou, at this moment, the safety of his boss took precedence.

Tim’s gaze burned with fury as he stared at Wang Guocheng, his voice domineering, “What right do you have to be Fan Xiaoyou’s fiancé? I won’t allow it!”

Wang Guocheng raised an eyebrow, his tone compassionate yet scornful, “And what right do you have to object? Don’t forget, you’re her ex. You were the one who gave her up, who wounded her, so why play the wounded lover now? A coward who traded love for family business—someone who sold out his heart—isn’t worthy of Fan Xiaoyou’s love.”

Tim’s face flushed and paled in turn, embarrassment clear as he pointed a trembling finger at Wang Guocheng.

“I’m not worthy of her love? And you are? What can you offer Fan Xiaoyou? I’ve heard you’re nothing but a poor, ordinary teacher. What do you have to give her?”

Wang Guocheng tapped his chest, “I’ll give her my heart. I place her at the very center of it. Can you say the same?”

For a brief moment, Tim was at a loss. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Guocheng stepped forward and delivered a hook to Tim’s left cheek. “That punch was for Fan Xiaoyou—for your false affection, for trifling with her heart.”

The blow enraged Tim. He hadn’t expected, as a fifth-degree judo black belt, to be struck by Wang Guocheng. Roaring in fury, he assumed a judo stance, only to be met with Wang Guocheng’s mocking grin.

Unhurriedly, Wang Guocheng slipped off his suit jacket and tossed it to Fan Xiaoyou, who was watching from the sidelines. “Honey, hold my jacket. Today, your man is going to clean house and deal with your ex.”

Fan Xiaoyou, worried, called out a warning to Wang Guocheng, “Don’t be reckless. Tim is a fifth-degree black belt in judo. You… you’re no match for him…”

Wang Guocheng glanced back at her with a gentle smile, “The outcome’s not decided yet, dear. You haven’t seen what I’m capable of—don’t let your ex steal the spotlight.”

As Wang Guocheng and Fan Xiaoyou exchanged words of affection, Tim seethed like a lion gone mad.

“Enough talk! Show me what you’ve got. I refuse to believe that my fifth-degree black belt can’t best you with a single move.”

Wang Guocheng arched an eyebrow, mocking Tim, “A mere fifth-degree black belt, and you dare flaunt your skills before me? As it happens, I trained in judo myself—not to brag, but I stopped after reaching eighth-degree black belt.”

Fan Xiaoyou’s mouth fell open in surprise. She wanted to question the truth of his claim, but with the two men locked in combat, she knew this was not the time.

Tim, thinking Wang Guocheng was bluffing, forced a laugh. “Well, that’s a first—someone who stopped at eighth-degree black belt. Enough talk, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Calm and composed, Wang Guocheng faced Tim. “However, I won’t use judo on you today. Instead, I’ll show you the allure of traditional martial arts—let you witness true kung fu.”

Wu Yang noticed a subtle shift in Wang Guocheng’s bearing. Having trained in martial arts as a child due to his frail health, Wu Yang understood enough to sense the change.

Fan Xiaoyou, too, felt the atmosphere grow heavier. She noticed Tim’s brows drawn tightly together, and he seemed far less confident than before.

Wang Guocheng rooted himself in a horse stance, channeling his breath into his dantian, letting his inner energy flow outward. As he exhaled, a lion’s roar split the air.

Without laying a finger on Tim, the force of Wang Guocheng’s shout sent him flying several meters back.

Tim scrambled to his feet, looking at Wang Guocheng with suspicion and awe. “Who are you, really? How do you know the Lion’s Roar, a skill lost to the world for generations?”

Fan Xiaoyou, stunned, hadn’t expected the unassuming Wang Guocheng to possess such a rare and legendary skill. She hurried to his side, concern etched on her face.

“Are you all right?” she asked anxiously. She knew little of martial arts, but from what she’d seen on television, those who used the Lion’s Roar often suffered internal injuries.

Wang Guocheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “I’m fine. I was too hasty just now, my breath was unsteady…”

Fan Xiaoyou, supporting him, teased, “If you’d done it properly, you’d have torn down the walls of this restaurant.”

When Wu Yang helped Tim up from the ground, Tim had expected Fan Xiaoyou to run to him. But to his dismay, she never even glanced his way. The woman who once revolved around him now had no room for him in her eyes.

Tim, seeing Fan Xiaoyou supporting Wang Guocheng, called out to Wu Yang, “Let’s go.”

Wu Yang, understanding Tim’s inner turmoil, realized things had changed. This was no longer about Tim abandoning Fan Xiaoyou, but rather, Fan Xiaoyou moving on. “Mr. Zeng, may I offer a word of advice?”

Tim shot him a sidelong glance. “What is it? Why so hesitant?”

Wu Yang counseled, “Sir, you’re a married man now. Continuing to fight for Miss Fan is not good for your reputation. Besides, if your wife’s family learns that you still have feelings for Miss Fan, it could jeopardize their investment in GLT. Please, think carefully.”

Tim looked at Wu Yang, stifled and anguished, “Wu Yang, you’ve worked with me long enough to know what kind of man I am. Though I was forced to marry my wife, my love was always for Fan Xiaoyou. My heart belongs to her. I am no longer myself…”

Wu Yang glanced back at Wang Guocheng and Fan Xiaoyou, leaning on one another behind them, and tried to offer comfort. “Sir, even if you still love Miss Fan, perhaps she no longer loves you. Time fades all things, but wounds may never heal. Let her go.”

Tim turned for one final look at Fan Xiaoyou supporting Wang Guocheng. Bittersweet emotions churned in his heart. The woman he once treasured, loved to his very core, no longer belonged to him.

He had feared that Fan Xiaoyou would not be able to let him go. Now, seeing her, he realized she had already moved on—while he had not. Dejected, Tim called out to Wu Yang, “Let’s go.”