Time passed slowly, and because Lu Xiao had transferred marital assets and wanted more after the divorce, Chang Jianmin's divorce battle remained a tug-of-war.

The adults in the Chang family were busy arguing every day, and for a long time, Chang Decheng and his sister were neglected. The younger sister was in elementary school, and the environment was simple, so the impact was not too great.

Chang Decheng was different. He was already being targeted by thugs outside the school who wanted to collect protection money, but he didn't dare to tell his family. After being ignored by his parents, he had gone from being a victim to a perpetrator, often skipping classes under the pretext of going out with the thugs to show off.

After school that day, Chang Decheng felt he had become familiar with the group of thugs, so he wanted to instigate his "big brother" to go and collect protection money from Chang Jing, and also beat up Chang Jing so he could vent his anger and show off.

"Hey boss, I know a guy in our high school who's really rich. Let's wait for him in the alley he's going through."

Chang Decheng's beady eyes darted around, his face full of smugness. The thug leader only needed one glance to know what he was up to.

"High school students, do you know that guy? Xiao Dezi, don't break our rules. Our targets are those bookworms who only know how to study."

When petty thugs have a keen eye, they don't dare to take protection money from just anyone. They only target those easy-to-bully, reclusive bookworms.

"Hey, that guy is easy to bully. Boss, you just need to collect protection money from him. He won't dare to resist."

In Chang Decheng's memory, his cousin Chang Jing was still that quail egg, someone he could manipulate at will.

It was time for school to let out again, and the area around the campus suddenly became lively. Groups of three or five people either went to internet cafes together or went to snack shops to satisfy their cravings. Even the girls would go to the bookstore first to rent a few novels and comics before going home.

"Look, brother, that's the guy with the blue backpack. You can tell he's not short of money just by looking at all those expensive clothes."

Chang Jing was wearing Adidas sneakers and carrying a brand-name sports bag, all of which were reasonably priced for his current net worth.

Are you sure it's him?

The thug leader had a strange constipated look on his face and made some small, clenched-teeth gestures. Chang Decheng thought that Chang Jing had been targeted by his older brother.

"Yes, that's my cousin. His family has recently become rich, and he's not short of money. If it weren't for our recent high spending, I wouldn't want my cousin to contribute, but I'm closer to you, my older brother."

...Such shameless words...

This idiot probably doesn't know how good his cousin is at fighting! Even the unruly Scarface is afraid of him. Chang Decheng sent me to block the road and collect protection money. Is this moron trying to harm me?

Before the gang leader could even say anything, Chang Decheng scurried up to Chang Jing. The gang leader didn't know what he said, but Chang Jing separated from his classmates and followed Chang Decheng toward them.

"Brother Jing, they are all my friends. I'm treating them to fried skewers today. I want to talk to you about something later."

No matter how nicely Chang Decheng spoke, Chang Jing wouldn't fall for it. The only reason he was willing to cooperate was to see if Chang Decheng's parents' divorce would have any impact on him. As for what Chang Decheng was going to do later, he knew it with his eyes closed.

"Okay, thank you for your generous treat, cousin. Let's go!"

Chang Decheng, unaware of the reluctant look on the face of his gang leader, walked ahead alone, leading the way.

The thug walking alongside Chang Jing lowered his voice and tried to curry favor with him.

"You're Chang Jing, hello. I've admired you for a long time. Scarface said you're an exceptional fighter."

Chang Jing didn't speak, but glanced at the other person indifferently, already guessing in his heart that the other person was one of Scarface's men.

Even that casual glance made the thug feel guilty. He gave an awkward laugh and quickly gave his subordinate a look, signaling him to take Chang Decheng away. Then, he immediately spoke to Chang Jing in a friendly manner and confessed the truth.

"Chang Jing, actually your cousin has ulterior motives towards you. He probably wants us to cause you trouble, but don't worry, we don't have that intention."

"I know, just cooperate quietly for a moment."

He still gave orders indifferently, without any politeness. The thugs were relieved and happy. Since Chang Jing was willing to let him help and cooperate, he would no longer pursue the matter of them causing trouble.

In the past six months, Changjing High School has spent its free time playing basketball and friendly matches with students from other high schools, and also meeting up with others for a game on weekends.

Most boys' friendships develop through group activities. Chang Jing is dedicated to cultivating friendships, so there's no one he can't win over. Therefore, Chang Jing is a model student at school.

Outside of school, Chang Jing's influence was also effective; even the local thugs who frequented the small parks knew that Scarface and Chang Jing had become friends after a fight.

Over time, all the well-known boys in the high schools of various universities knew Chang Jing from the county high school. He was a skilled basketball player, a good fighter, and a generous and righteous person. Whether they were good students or troublemakers, everyone was willing to befriend Chang Jing.

However, this reputation only circulated in the high school section, while Chang Decheng was just a first-year junior high student and had no chance to know about it.

This resulted in Chang Decheng still remembering Chang Jing as the same good cousin he used to be, someone he could let cause trouble.

"Okay, I will definitely cooperate."

After several turns, Chang Decheng led us into a small food stall converted from a residential house. He closed his eyes and ordered a large number of fried skewers, and even generously ordered a case of Wanglaoji herbal tea for his older brothers.

The reason he dared to order so much was simply because he thought he wouldn't be paying, and he wanted to rip Chang Jing off.

"Xiao Cheng has been getting plenty of pocket money lately!"

Chang Jing didn't intend to expose the other party's scheme now. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, someone would naturally make Chang Decheng obediently pay the bill.

A group of people were eating and drinking to their hearts' content. Even the cheapest fried skewers couldn't withstand such a large quantity. So, seeing how much fun this group of people were having, the fried skewer shop owner just wanted to collect the bill as soon as possible.

These orders add up to a few hundred yuan, and the shop owner is worried about not getting paid!

"Hey classmate, all your fried skewers are served. Could you please settle the bill first? It's 235 yuan in total."

Chang Decheng's gaze was fixed on Chang Jing, completely unaware that his gangster boss was looking at him.

"Cousin, I didn't bring enough money today, could you lend me some?"

Chang Decheng grinned, his barely concealed excitement making Chang Jing unable to bear it. What was this idiot imagining?

"Xiao Cheng, didn't your older brother teach you not to act like a big shot if you don't have money?"

With a sneer, Chang Jing gestured to the gang leader to speak.

"Xiao Dezi, what the hell are you kidding me for? You invited us to eat fried skewers but didn't bring enough money, and you ordered so much stuff."

He glared angrily, looking like he was forcing Chang Decheng to pay. Chang Decheng stared in surprise, seemingly not understanding why his older brother wasn't joining him in making Chang Jing pay.

"Big brother, didn't we agree that I..."