Đỗ Sơn Khôi drove Đinh Trường Sinh to the factory district, but didn’t get out of the car. Instead, he pulled out two thousand đồng and handed it to Đỗ Sơn Khôi.
"Brother, what’s the meaning of this? Between us, do we really need this kind of thing?" Đỗ Sơn Khôi said, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Brother Khôi, I don’t mean anything by it. It’s a cold night—buy yourself a little liquor on the way home. When we have time, let’s get together again. Thank you for everything tonight."
"You’re being too polite. But honestly, you scared the hell out of me tonight. I still don’t get it—how did you know you’d win that final round against Old Tiger Vương?"
"To be honest, I didn’t. I just wanted to bet it all. If I won, I’d still be who I am now. If I lost, I would’ve left Lô Gia Lĩnh, left Lâm Sơn town entirely. That was my plan. Fortunately, I won." Đinh Trường Sinh flashed a carefree smile, as if nothing serious had happened.
But that very attitude made Đỗ Sơn Khôi even more wary. He thought to himself: This guy has a mind like a deep well. If we can’t be friends, then I’d better make sure he never becomes my enemy. He was like a mad dog—you never knew when he might bite.
"Haha, you’re a real man. I respect that. But if it were me, I would never dare to do such a thing."
"Brother Khôi, you’re an upright man. As for me, I’m just a drifter, so I dare to take risks. Life’s full of bets—without them, it wouldn’t be much fun."
"Haha, I truly admire you. But I just don’t have your kind of nerve," Đỗ Sơn Khôi said earnestly. Who would dare bet tens of thousands? It wasn’t even about the money—most people wouldn’t have the heart to gamble like that.
"Brother Khôi, with your martial skills, it’s a shame you’re just working as my uncle’s driver. When you have time, teach me a few moves. I don’t have the conditions you had. Otherwise, I would’ve joined the army myself."
"The army’s not bad. But without connections or money, you can’t get anywhere. Besides, my martial arts weren’t learned in the military. I already knew them before."
"Really? Then someday, can you introduce me to your master?"
"I can’t promise anything. It depends on fate. If you two are meant to meet, maybe my master will accept you as a disciple. Then we’d be martial brothers."
"Really? Is your master some hidden master living in seclusion? I’d love to meet him."
"Haha, you’ll see soon enough. Alright, I’m heading back. In a few days, when Chairman Khấu is free, I’ll take you to meet him."
Khấu Đại Bằng lay on the bed. Under the dim light, his expression was hard to make out.
"You really want Đinh Trường Sinh to tutor Oánh Oánh?" he asked, gently brushing Triệu Hinh Nhã’s face.
"Let’s give it a try. What’s there to be afraid of? With her current grades, things can’t get any worse. Besides, I just called a friend of mine who’s head of academic affairs at Hai Dương No. 1 High School. What Đinh Trường Sinh said was true. Back then, several teachers did come to his house to persuade him to return to school. But he was stubborn like a fool and refused to go. Eventually, they gave up on him."
"I’m not worried about that. I’m worried that Oánh Oánh is at a rebellious age. They’re both still young—what if something happens between them? What if Đinh Trường Sinh ends up becoming my son-in-law?"
"What did you just say? You think Oánh Oánh and that Nhị Cẩu boy could...?" It took Triệu Hinh Nhã a moment to process what he’d said.
"I said I’m afraid I’ll become Đinh Trường Sinh’s father-in-law."
"Impossible! Oánh Oánh is still so young," Triệu Hinh Nhã sat up in shock.
"Impossible? What’s impossible? Đinh Trường Sinh is young too—just two years older than her. I’m really worried."
"Shoot, now that you mention it, maybe we shouldn’t have him come to our house. If something really happens, I wouldn’t even know where to cry."
"It won’t come to that. I’m not worried about Đinh Trường Sinh—he’s got a good sense of boundaries. I’m more worried about your daughter. She’s as stubborn as you are and burns just as hot. Just keep a close eye on her. Besides, if he can really help her get into a top-tier school, then she’s basically got one foot through the door of a good future. Be a little strict with her and things should be fine," Khấu Đại Bằng said wearily.
"This really is a tough problem. I’ve done everything I could to help Oánh Oánh with school, but nothing’s worked. If this kid Đinh Trường Sinh is really as good as people say, then maybe it’s worth taking a little risk." Triệu Hinh Nhã made up her mind.