After resting for a day, Zhu Ba came to Xiao Gu Village alone this time, not bringing anyone else with him.
A black jeep drove through the village; the villagers all recognized the owner of the vehicle and kept their distance.
Seeing everyone running away made Zhu Ba uncomfortable. He didn't know where Ning Fan was, and these people were unwelcoming, so what should he do?
Zhu Ba got out of the car and looked around until he spotted someone and hurriedly ran over to catch them.
"Why are you running? I just want to ask you one thing, and I'll let you go after!"
Zhu Ba glowered at the person, who was trembling with fear.
"Well, if it isn't Zhu the bastard from yesterday. Why have you come here again, is your body feeling better?"
A figure emerged from behind Zhu Ba, and upon recognizing the owner of the voice, Zhu Ba's face changed as he quickly let go of the person in front of him, then turned around with a smile to look at Ning Fan.
Ning Fan watched Zhu Ba inquisitively while Aunt Yun held his arm and whispered something in his ear, seemingly reminding him to be cautious of Zhu Ba.
"Brother Ning, I came specifically to find you. I'm not here to cause trouble; please don't misunderstand!"
Zhu Ba's face wore a fawning smile as he hastily explained, afraid that his earlier behavior had given Ning Fan the wrong impression and angered him.
Zhu Ba had witnessed Ning Fan's capabilities. Coming alone this time without bringing anyone, Zhu Ba was actually feeling quite uneasy. He knew that if Ning Fan didn't look favorably upon him, and he had no lackeys to back him up, he would be the unlucky one.
Fortunately, Ning Fan didn't seem intent on starting a fight, which allowed Zhu Ba to breathe a sigh of relief.
"You came especially to find me?" Ning Fan looked at Zhu Ba with interest.
This guy came specifically to find him? The situation probably wasn't that simple.
Under Ning Fan's gaze, Zhu Ba felt somewhat distressed and quickly said, "It's —last time, we were in the wrong. Our boss heard about it and has set up a banquet in town, hoping we could turn hostility into friendship. I just don't know if Brother Ning would do us the honor of attending?"
Zhu Ba spoke very earnestly, presenting a sycophantic smile to Ning Fan, but his heart was full of derisive laughter.
In town, it was his turf; how could Ning Fan leave there alive?
A smirk appeared on Ning Fan's face as he scrutinized Zhu Ba.
Feeling Ning Fan's gaze, Zhu Ba's body stiffened involuntarily, and he couldn't help the cold sweat breaking out on his back.
"Go? Of course, I'll go. You're inviting me after all; I must show you this courtesy."
Ning Fan replied indifferently.
Zhu Ba was inwardly delighted; but as he looked up and met Ning Fan's inscrutable eyes once more, he again felt insecure and quickly added, "Since Brother Ning has agreed, I'll go back immediately to notify them and make sure your visit is worthwhile!"
After speaking, Zhu Ba fled back to his jeep, started the vehicle, and hurriedly left Xiao Gu Village.
"Xiao Fan, are you really going?" Aunt Yun looked at Ning Fan with worry; she did not believe that Zhu Ba and his people had kind intentions in inviting Ning Fan.
Aunt Yun could see it, and certainly Ning Fan understood as well; this was a trap, a banquet with hidden dangers. After beating their dog, now the dog's master had shown up.
"It's fine; I would actually like to meet Zhu Ba's boss anyway. I'll take this opportunity to ensure they never dare to harbor any inappropriate intentions towards our village school again!"
Ning Fan looked at Aunt Yun with confidence, signaling her not to worry.
However, concern still flickered in Aunt Yun's eyes, and she continued to advise, "Don't go, everyone knows they're up to no good. If something happens to you, what will we do then!"
Seeing Aunt Yun so worried about him, Ning Fan felt deeply touched, but his decision was not shaken in the slightest.
"Aunt Yun, stop worrying. For the sake of the children in our village, I must go. A true man stands in this world, surely I'm not afraid of these little devils! Besides, if they're little devils, then I am King Yanluo!"
Ning Fan said to Aunt Yun with an air of indomitable spirit, but it was just a gang of small-time thugs in town, no need to worry.
Aunt Yun's eyes sparkled with excitement. She wanted to say more, but ultimately swallowed her words, influenced by Ning Fan's confidence.
"Zhu Ba, where are the people? What time is it already, how come they still haven't arrived?"
In a small restaurant in the town, Boss Wu stood at the door, frowning at the desolate streets on both sides.
It was completely dark, but Ning Fan had not yet been seen, and Boss Wu was even starting to think Ning Fan had played them and wouldn't come this time.
"Boss Wu, just wait a bit longer. We've arranged for people around the town; as soon as Ning Fan appears, we'll get news!"
No sooner had Zhu Ba finished speaking than his phone emitted the alert of an incoming text message. He glanced at it, joy flashing in his eyes, and then said to Boss Wu:
"See, he's already on his way here!"
Upon learning that there was finally news of Ning Fan, Boss Wu nodded and then looked into the distance.
After an unknown period of time, a solitary figure emerged from the darkness, a smiling Ning Fan now in the sight of everyone.
"Boss Wu, that's him!" Zhu Ba whispered into Boss Wu's ear.
Boss Wu's eyes narrowed, and a genial smile spread across his face as he stepped forward to meet him.
"This must be Brother Ning, indeed a dragon among men with an impressive presence!"
When he reached Ning Fan, Boss Wu started with a series of compliments and then reached out to shake hands with Ning Fan.
But Ning Fan just looked at him and showed no intention of shaking hands with Boss Wu, instead cutting to the chase, "It's getting late, let's take our seats."
Boss Wu's expression stiffened. He had been courteous as the host, but Ning Fan didn't offer any face and even had an air as if he were the master of the situation.
However, not having figured out Ning Fan's background, Boss Wu put on a smile again and gestured politely with a hand.
"Please, take a seat. Guests should be treated well, and Brother Ning rarely graces us with his presence, so of course, we can't neglect you. Tonight, I've booked the whole restaurant. Feel free to eat, don't be modest with your brother!"
Boss Wu said enthusiastically to Ning Fan before turning and heading back inside the restaurant.
When his back was to Ning Fan, Boss Wu's expression suddenly became gloomy. Aside from Ning Fan, both inside and outside the restaurant were exclusively his men. This time, no matter how capable Ning Fan was, he wouldn't leave this place easily!
"Brother Ning, come on, let me show you the way. Please take a seat here!"
At that moment, Zhu Ba also approached Ning Fan, respectfully leading the way for him.