Chapter 110: One of Life’s Four Great Joys

Half a month had flown by since the new semester began. One evening, Shen Xiaoqing pestered incessantly, insisting on going out for a late-night snack.

With no other choice, Qin Tian and Jiang Yingying accompanied Shen Xiaoqing to the bustling night market in the university district.

This night market was not only the liveliest spot in the university city but also the most prosperous place in all of Tongyang City—without exception!

You might find it hard to believe, but half of Tongyang City's GDP was generated here!

College students had become the main driving force of consumption!

Especially at Pinde University, where wealthy second-generation heirs never failed to appear, casually spending fortunes with ease.

To the east of the night market was a street lined with snack stalls, while the west side was comparatively upscale, featuring bars, KTV lounges, and entertainment clubs.

Further northwest lay a secretive realm filled with private clubs—places where without connections or background, entry was simply impossible.

“I want to eat takoyaki, then grilled squid on a hot plate, spicy squid tentacles, bursting squid heads, and more...”

Shen Xiaoqing counted off her cravings on her fingers as she walked, her mouth watering so much she nearly drooled.

“Are you seriously challenging octopuses and squids now?” Qin Tian was speechless. Octopus, squid, and cuttlefish again—this girl clearly had a taste for these strange delicacies.

“They’re delicious—chewy, springy, full of texture. With some seasoning, the flavor is absolutely rich,” Shen Xiaoqing said, blinking her eyes eagerly.

Qin Tian shook his head and began searching for those snacks. After scanning around, only one barbecue stall seemed to offer grilled squid on a hot plate.

He bought four skewers, giving two to Shen Xiaoqing and keeping one each for himself and Jiang Yingying.

Biting into a squid tentacle, Qin Tian chewed thoughtfully. The flavor was indeed quite good—tasty and satisfying. No wonder Shen Xiaoqing loved it.

“Boss, give me three more skewers,” Qin Tian said, still hungry.

“Good?” Shen Xiaoqing asked with a bright smile.

“Good,” Qin Tian replied, rubbing his head, unable to escape the “delicious trap” he had fallen into.

As Qin Tian reached out to receive the freshly grilled three skewers from the vendor, a large face suddenly appeared right in front of him.

Startled, Qin Tian nearly swung a fist.

He frowned, trying to place the familiar face.

“Qin Tian?” the owner of the broad face tentatively asked.

“Who are you?” Qin Tian took a step back. The man was a stocky fellow, about 1.75 meters tall—not short, but his weight made him look stout and squat.

Qin Tian racked his brain. He had never met this face before, yet it struck him as strangely familiar.

“Lei Ge?” the chubby man tried again.

Qin Tian’s eyes widened with disbelief. Swallowing hard, he cautiously said, “Xiaobo?”

“It’s me! Lei Ge, it really is you!” Tang Bo jumped up excitedly.

“Xiaobo, what are you doing here?” Qin Tian’s surprise lingered on his face.

Tang Bo had been one of Qin Tian’s playmates back at the orphanage. Like Nangong Xiao’e, he used to follow Qin Tian around, calling him “Brother Lei” every day.

“Lei Ge! I never thought I’d meet you here! I’m studying at Pinde University!” Tang Bo smiled.

“Pinde University?” Qin Tian asked.

“Yeah! Are you at Pinde University too?” Tang Bo inquired.

“Mm, let’s find somewhere to sit and talk,” Qin Tian nodded, wanting to catch up properly.

After Qin Tian was adopted by Old Kong, he had lost contact with his orphanage friends. Meeting a familiar face in this foreign land was one of life’s great joys.

“Sure!” Tang Bo agreed.

The four of them soon found a nearby barbecue stall to sit at, as the one selling grilled squid was fully occupied.

“Lei Ge, where have you been all these years? Since you were adopted, I’ve heard nothing from you,” Tang Bo opened a bottle of beer. How could one not toast on such an occasion?

“It’s a long story. I changed my name—not Qin Lei anymore, but Qin Tian,” Qin Tian explained.

“Oh? Then I’ll have to call you ‘Brother Tian’ now,” Tang Bo said, rolling his eyes playfully before pouring Qin Tian a drink.

He then waved the beer bottle at Jiang Yingying and Shen Xiaoqing, inviting them to drink, but both shook their heads firmly. They were good girls and didn’t touch alcohol.

“Xiaobo, were you adopted too?” Qin Tian asked.

“Yeah, about six months after you were adopted, someone took me too,” Tang Bo nodded.

“How did your adoptive family treat you?” Qin Tian asked.

“Not bad, I guess,” Tang Bo replied.

Qin Tian frowned slightly. He caught a hint of gloom and dissatisfaction in Tang Bo’s eyes. It seemed life hadn’t been easy for him these past years.

Adopted children were not blood relatives, and Qin Tian had been fortunate to meet someone like Old Kong. Others might not be so lucky.

Many orphans lived comfortably at first after adoption, but over time, various difficulties arose, and life grew harsh once more.

“Xiaobo, if you have any troubles, just tell Brother Tian. After all these years, you called me ‘brother’ the first time we met. I’ll always help you,” Qin Tian patted Tang Bo’s shoulder.

“Brother Tian!” Tang Bo was slightly moved.

“Fatso! You’re here all along? Makes you easy to find. Come with me!” Suddenly, a harsh voice cut through the air, and a large hand landed on Tang Bo’s shoulder, attempting to drag him away.

But Tang Bo's weight made it impossible to pull him up immediately.

“Pei Ge,” Tang Bo quickly stood up.

“Come with me, now!” Pei Zhijun grabbed Tang Bo’s ear and tried to pull him out.

Qin Tian frowned. In public, pulling someone’s ear like that was quite humiliating.

“Hey!” Qin Tian stood and slapped Pei Zhijun’s hand away.

Pei Zhijun recoiled in pain, then glared fiercely at Qin Tian, cursing, “Who the hell are you?”

“Xiaobo, who’s this guy?” Qin Tian ignored Pei Zhijun.

“Brother Tian, he’s Pei Zhijun. His family is connected to the Four Dragons of Jingdu. He’s not someone to mess with. You don’t need to worry about me,” Tang Bo whispered in Qin Tian’s ear.

The Four Dragons of Jingdu?

Qin Tian hadn’t expected to encounter anyone from the Four Dragons here. He recalled Qiu Yindang, also tied to the Four Dragons, supposedly the nephew of Qiu Lang, one of the four.

But even so, Qin Tian had managed to handle him with ease.

“Hmph! That fatso told you, right? If you know what’s good for you, stay far away!” Pei Zhijun snorted.

“I’ll count to three. Disappear from my sight immediately,” Qin Tian said flatly.

Rarely did he meet old friends in a strange land—it was a momentous occasion. Yet this fool was spoiling the mood. Qin Tian was in no mood to tolerate it.

“Oh? Meeting someone crazier than me? Kid, some people are beyond your reach!” Pei Zhijun raised his hand to slap Qin Tian’s face.

Qin Tian’s eyes turned icy. Pei Zhijun’s hand froze mid-air, sweat breaking out on his forehead.

He swallowed hard—such a terrifying gaze!