After leaving the Bai Family, Wu Hao headed straight home.
On the way, he kept thinking about using the five million to help Liu Yafei start a new business and revive the Liu Group.
When he arrived home, Liu Yafei and their child were in the living room. Seeing him return, the mother and son rushed to greet him.
"How did it go? They didn't hurt you, did they?" Liu Yafei asked, her face full of concern.
Wu Hao shook his head and said, "Don't worry. From now on, there will be no more Third Master Zhao in this city."
Sitting on the sofa, Wu Hao told his son to go play elsewhere, then turned to Liu Yafei and asked, "Wife, would you like to start a business again?"
Liu Yafei looked dazed. "Why the sudden question?"
To be honest, ever since the group went bankrupt, she had dreamed of restoring its former glory, but she had nothing left. Everything that could be sold had been sold. Fortunately, after paying off the debts, they were at least free of those burdens.
"If you want to start a business, I'm willing to provide the capital."
As he said this, Wu Hao took out his phone and displayed his bank balance.
"This... this, this..."
Seeing the amount, Liu Yafei froze. "Where did you get so much money?"
Wu Hao smiled and gave her a brief account of what happened with the Bai Family. Liu Yafei was even more astonished. "You know medicine?"
"Yes. I earned this money using my medical skills. Wife, I know what you want to do. I don't understand business, but I believe you should start over. We can't start big, so we'll start small. I believe that within a few years, the Liu Group will stand tall in Hecheng again."
"Take this money and use it. Don't worry about things at home; I'll take care of the child. I can earn my own money too. Rest assured, from now on, your husband is your rock."
Liu Yafei’s eyes turned red. Looking at Wu Hao, she felt truly cared for and protected for the first time in six years.
"Thank you, dear. You aren't upset that I changed our son's surname, are you? After what happened back then, I thought you would never return. Since we weren't legally married yet, I..."
"I understand. It's okay, I don't blame you."
"When I have a free day, I'll change his name back."
"Alright, whatever you say."
The two sat on the sofa, smiling at each other. At that moment, Liu Yafei felt an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Afterward, she told Wu Hao about their son’s elementary school, what time he woke up, when he went to school, and when he finished for the day. Wu Hao took it all to heart.
The next day, Liu Yafei resigned from her job and began scouting locations for an office. She also called up the employees she had trusted during the old Liu Group days. When they heard she was starting a new venture, they were all very interested.
In less than a week, the preparations for the new business were complete.
As for Wu Hao, every day after dropping his son off at school, he would find a quiet place to practice and break through the "Nine-Turn Golden Body Art" his master had taught him.
One morning, after dropping off his son, Wu Hao headed into the city, intending to find a stable job and perhaps take on some part-time work during his off-hours.
He wandered around for a long time but found nothing suitable. Just as he was about to give up and go home, he happened to walk past a martial arts hall.
"Hiring: Senior Martial Arts Instructor. High base salary + commissions; no ceiling on earnings!"
"This looks promising."
Seeing the recruitment notice, Wu Hao became interested and immediately pushed the door open.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you?" the receptionist asked as she stood up.
Wu Hao didn't hide his intentions. "I'm here to apply for the martial arts instructor position."
"A martial arts instructor?" The receptionist looked him over. "Please wait here a moment; I'll get our boss."
"Sure."
A short while later, a man walked over. Seeing Wu Hao, he asked, "Brother, you're the applicant?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Do you know martial arts?"
"I do," Wu Hao replied.
The man introduced himself and continued, "Here's the thing: our requirement is that you must know martial arts—any style is fine—but you must have some sort of certification. For example, have you competed in any tournaments, or have you trained students who competed in tournaments? Anything like that would work. Have you ever participated in a martial arts competition?"
"No."
Wu Hao shook his head, thinking to himself that a simple job application sure was complicated.
"You haven't? Well, I'm sorry then. Without a certificate, it's impossible. How about this? I'll find a sparring partner for you, and you two can have a friendly match. If I think you're good enough, you're hired. How does that sound?"
"That works," Wu Hao said.
"Great, come on then."
Following the boss to the training area beneath the ring, the boss made a phone call. Less than a minute later, a burly man, six-foot-one, walked over.
"Coach Fan, this young man is applying for a job. Spar with him; I want to see what he’s capable of."
The coach named Fan nodded. "Sure."
"Take it easy," the boss added. "Don't hurt him. We're just testing his skills."
Coach Fan gave the boss an "OK" gesture.
Hearing this, Wu Hao immediately spoke up. "No, no, please—don't 'take it easy.' Use your full strength."
"Young man," the boss said, "this is Coach Fan, the Wulinfeng grand slam champion, Fan Wu. Everyone else is off today, so he's the only one available. He's very strong. We just want to get a look at your level, there's no need to be so serious."
Wu Hao laughed. "I understand, boss, but please, don't hold back. Fight me as you normally would."
The boss, having never seen someone like this, exchanged a look with Fan Wu and laughed. "Alright, fine. We'll do it your way."
"Good."
Wu Hao and Fan Wu stepped onto the ring. Fan Wu was a head taller than Wu Hao, completely bald, with muscles as hard as stone.
"Are you ready?"
"Ready."
"Good. Start!"
The boss blew a whistle. A tense atmosphere immediately erupted between the two.
"Buddy, you go first. I can't bully you. I'll give you a head start!"
"I think you shouldn't hold back," Wu Hao said.
Fan Wu smiled. "I'm afraid I'll hurt you."
"Well, if that's the case, then I'll make the first move."
"Come on then!" Fan Wu punched his own palm.
The next second, Wu Hao’s brow furrowed. He lunged forward in a flash, balled his fist, aimed at Fan Wu’s chest, and unleashed a heavy blow.