On the way to his uncle's house, Hannah Han spoke heavily to Ian Song about just how powerful the Nangong Family truly was.
Justin Nangong’s eldest uncle is a deputy commander of the Southland Military Region, his second uncle is the top administrator of a province, and his father is president of the national top-ten Xuanwu Group. With a background like that, Justin’s status is just overwhelming. Even with the system on his side, Ian Song couldn’t help but feel a shadow hanging over him.
Could Uncle Stephen really withstand the pressure from the Nangong Family?
Still, Ian didn’t regret stepping in to save Hannah Han. If she had really been dragged away by that beast Justin Nangong, that’s what he would regret for the rest of his life.
"Ian Song, this time your teacher got you into trouble." Hannah Han’s mood was low, her eyes full of apology and guilt.
Hearing this, Ian Song stopped in his tracks, looked at Hannah Han seriously and said in a deep voice, "Miss Han, even if I’d known beforehand how powerful the Nangong Family was, I would’ve stepped in without hesitation. You’re gentle, you’re kind, you’re a good teacher—and you’re the only one who never judged me through tinted glasses. I will never let you get hurt, so please, don’t say you dragged anyone down, okay?"
Hearing Ian’s words, warmth surged through Hannah Han’s heart. She instinctively grabbed his hand and said emotionally, "Ian, in my eyes, you’re the most outstanding student I’ve ever met."
"Really? So I’m that good in Miss Han’s eyes?" Ian Song winked playfully at Hannah Han.
Seeing Ian Song wink, Hannah Han suddenly felt a lot lighter inside.
It was still Shelly Song who opened the door, but her expression was no longer as cold as before. When she saw Hannah Han standing next to Ian Song, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "Hello, Miss Han. Please come in."
Ian’s aunt, Yvonne Yang, knew Hannah Han was his homeroom teacher and automatically assumed he’d gotten into trouble at school, which was why the teacher had come by.
"Miss Han, did Ian Song get into trouble at school again?"
Hannah Han quickly explained, "Yvonne, you’ve got it wrong—Ian didn’t do anything bad. In fact, he scored second in his class on this month’s exam, and even got a perfect mark in Chinese."
"What? He actually got second in class, and a perfect score in Chinese?" Yvonne Yang’s eyes were full of disbelief. Wasn’t Ian always at the bottom of the rankings? How did he suddenly shoot up to second place?
"Yvonne, you may not know this, but Ian has always worked very hard. This time, his good result is just the natural release of all that effort. If he can keep it up, getting into a top university won’t be a problem. By the way, I’ve heard that Shelly Song’s grades are always excellent too. With two such outstanding kids, you must be doing a great job as a parent." Hannah Han smiled.
Hearing Hannah Han praise not only Ian Song but also her own daughter, and even compliment her parenting, Yvonne Yang’s attitude softened further. She replied modestly, "Honestly, I haven’t taught these kids much. They’re just hardworking and motivated on their own."
"Yvonne, you’re too modest."
Seeing the atmosphere grow more and more friendly, Ian Song quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Half an hour later, Uncle Stephen came home carrying his briefcase.
After greeting Hannah Han, he called Ian Song into the study.
"Uncle Stephen, I’ve made trouble for you again." As soon as Ian Song entered the study, he lowered his head and admitted his mistake.
"It’s good you realize your mistake, but this time you didn’t do anything wrong—just went a bit overboard. Still, you’re one lucky kid." At this, Stephen Song couldn’t help but laugh. Hearing that Ian Song had actually beaten up Justin Nangong had seriously shocked him, even made him a little panicked.
So after hanging up the phone, he went straight to ask Mayor Harvey Xiang for help.
He and Harvey Xiang were university classmates, and after graduation, both went into government work.
But with family backing, Harvey Xiang climbed the ranks much faster. Stephen Song was still just a deputy division chief, while Harvey was already the mayor in charge of the whole city.
Very few people in Riverstone City knew about their connection. In fact, Stephen only managed to beat out other candidates for the Education Bureau directorship thanks to Harvey’s support.
When Harvey heard that Stephen Song’s nephew had beaten up Justin Nangong, he was also shocked. But after hearing the full story, he actually admired Ian Song a bit, and was angry at how lawless the Nangong Family had become—snatching people in broad daylight at Saint Night High.
But the Nangong Family was just too powerful—even as mayor, Harvey couldn’t really do anything to them.
Just as Harvey was pondering how to help Stephen Song out of this mess, he got news: Justin Nangong had been in a car accident—serious enough that the hospital was fighting to save him.
Compared to Justin’s life, the Nangong Family obviously wouldn’t care about a little schoolyard fight. So Harvey immediately laughed and said, "Your nephew is blessed by Heaven."
If Justin Nangong hadn’t gotten into that car accident, with his vengeful personality, he definitely would’ve launched a whole series of revenge against Ian Song. But he did crash—if that’s not Heaven’s favor, what is?
After hearing Uncle Stephen’s explanation, Ian Song couldn’t help but stare in disbelief. Was he really this lucky?
"Alright, that’s the end of it. In the future, don’t be so impulsive—think about the consequences before you act," Uncle Stephen advised.
"Mm, I will." Ian Song nodded repeatedly, though in his heart he was already planning to share this good news with Hannah Han, so she wouldn’t keep worrying.
Changing the subject, Uncle Stephen smiled with satisfaction. "By the way, I heard you got second in class this time, and even a perfect score in Chinese?"
"Yeah." Ian Song nodded again.
"You finally figured it out," Uncle Stephen said with feeling. "There’s only a little over two months until the college entrance exam, so don’t slack off, and don’t get cocky. Study hard!"
Ian Song took a deep breath and patted his chest. "Don’t worry, Uncle—I won’t let you down."
"Get out of here," Uncle Stephen waved him away.
"Okay."
Ian Song straightened up and smiled at Uncle Stephen. "I’ll head out now."
"Go on."
Leaving Uncle Stephen’s study, Ian Song felt completely refreshed. Hannah Han, sitting on the sofa, instinctively shot him a questioning look.
Riverstone First Hospital, outside the operating room.
A well-dressed woman in her forties was quietly crying, while Nathan Nangong paced back and forth with a grim face, his gaze repeatedly flicking toward the operating room.
Suddenly, a young man hurried over and called out to Nathan Nangong, "President."
Nathan Nangong nodded, then walked aside with the young man.
"How’s the investigation going?" Nathan Nangong asked, face still dark.
The young man replied in a low voice, "President, someone really did tamper with the young master’s car."
At this, Nathan Nangong’s eyes flashed coldly. He gritted his teeth and asked in a chilling tone, "Who was it?"
"We’re still investigating," the young man replied nervously.
"Find out—no matter what it takes! Whoever dared to touch my son, I’ll wipe out their entire family!"
Hearing Nathan Nangong’s icy threat, the young man shivered and quickly said, "Don’t worry, President. I’ve already sent people out—we’ll have results soon."