Chapter 16: Such Filial Devotion! Why Have You Stopped Laughing?

Fang Yifan’s deliberate provocation was naturally not meant to be quiet. Moreover, every move made by He Chen had always stirred people’s hearts.

So, when Fang Yifan finished his taunting words, the crowd erupted in astonishment, unable to believe he dared to do such a thing.

“No wonder they call him ‘Fang Monkey’! His guts are just like the Great Sage Equal to Heaven who dared to rebel against the heavens.”

“He just caused such a scene at the assembly, and now this again? He really wants to invite trouble.”

“Isn’t it obvious? This is the aftermath of what happened at the assembly. Fang Yifan pretended to faint after falling, fearing Li Tiegun would find trouble with him. But He Chen somehow saw through it, causing him to be chased and scolded by his mother in front of everyone. How could he not be furious? Of course, he needs to make up for it!”

“So that’s it. But the parents haven’t left yet, and he’s already retaliating? That’s way too hot-headed.”

“If you’re not hot-headed, can you still be called young? Fang Yifan is known to pick fights at the drop of a hat. Besides, this time he used the excuse of giving a gift — and an expensive one at that — clearly trying to slap He Chen in the face with money. That’s pure extravagance!”

“Not only that, remember yesterday’s conflict? Although He Chen mainly targeted Ji Dashao, Fang Yifan was involved too. And since Fang Yifan loves awkward dancing the most, he was probably stung even deeper by the words ‘Stop fighting, you guys.’”

The crowd murmured in discussion, only fueling Fang Yifan’s arrogance. The eyes of the masses are indeed sharp. He wasn’t deliberately targeting He Chen; rather, it was He Chen’s repeated provocations that embarrassed him. This was a justified retaliation. It was definitely not about jealousy causing him to lose face.

“Fang Yifan, are you crazy?” Du Tiantian stepped forward, seeing Fang Yifan’s behavior and noticing He Chen’s silence, thinking he was truly stunned by anger. She mustered courage and scolded him.

“Giving such a gift…”

“What’s wrong with this gift?” Fang Yifan defended slyly. “You tell me, doesn’t He Chen practice that Crane and Turtle breathing technique every day, hoping to live as long as a turtle? Even his dream of releasing balloons is about longevity. I’m just kindly giving him this valuable authentic golden money turtle. Isn’t that thoughtful enough?”

“That golden money turtle was clearly the gift you gave to Teacher Li yesterday. It scared her so much she threw it away and scolded you harshly, making you take it back,” Du Tiantian exposed. “Now you’re giving it to He Chen; obviously, you have ill intentions.”

“What kind of ill intentions?” Fang Yifan smiled mischievously. “You tell me.”

“...” Du Tiantian was at a loss for words. The negative connotations related to turtles were all understood but awkward to say aloud.

Too crude!

“See? You can’t even explain!” Fang Yifan gloated. “Besides, if it wasn’t a genuine good gift, do you think we’d carefully select it for Teacher Li?”

At that, he noticed He Chen staring at the tiny turtle as if still shocked, and he laughed even more smugly. “Look at He Chen, so happy he doesn’t know what to say.”

“Are you sure this is an authentic golden money turtle?” He Chen shifted his gaze from the palm-sized turtle to the squirming Fang Yifan.

“Absolutely!” Fang Yifan confidently patted his chest. “My dad researches this stuff all the time. Our house has all kinds of birds, flowers, fish, and insects — we could open a mini pet market. This was his carefully chosen birthday gift for Teacher Li. He even made me remind her it’s the most authentic golden money turtle you can get.

“Since Teacher Li didn’t want it, I’m giving it to you. It’s like giving a fine sword to a hero — a good turtle to a turtle master. Wishing you success in cultivation, becoming a divine turtle, and living for thousands of years.”

Seeing Fang Yifan awkwardly hinting at those unpleasant meanings, Du Tiantian looked at He Chen worriedly. Fang Yifan could be reckless, but could He Chen, who dared to openly confront teachers and mock his “district chief father,” tolerate such insults?

“Do you think you’re funny?” He Chen looked down on Fang Yifan as if he were a fool.

“I’m the little prince of humor!” Fang Yifan, sensing something was off but unwilling to lose face in front of everyone, replied with a cheeky grin.

Then he saw He Chen pull out his phone and start dialing. Surprised, he immediately sneered, “What’s this? Calling for backup or tattling?”

“Hello, 110? I want to report someone illegally trading a nationally protected golden money turtle!” He Chen said into the phone, causing everyone’s expressions to change dramatically.

“Damn!” The crowd was stunned by He Chen’s move.

Calling the police over a petty quarrel — what kind of strategy was that?

It wasn’t tattling; it was a major report!

“Yes, I confirmed with the other party several times. They insist this is an authentic golden money turtle and spent a lot on it as a gift for the teacher...”

“You, you...” Fang Yifan was dumbfounded, staring blankly as He Chen finished confirming details with the police and hung up. He stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

High schoolers arguing — does that really warrant involving the police?

This is way over the top!

In a daze, Fang Yifan suddenly had a strange thought.

He had always been called “Fang Monkey” by his childhood friend Qiao Yingzi. Being likened to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven just now genuinely pleased him.

After all, who doesn’t admire the Great Sage Equal to Heaven? Who hasn’t dreamed of being him since childhood?

But now, he vaguely felt that the real troublemaker rebelling against the heavens might actually be He Chen standing before him.

“Laugh! Why aren’t you laughing anymore?” He Chen smiled at the now speechless Fang Yifan. “You’re just too filial! You’re really someone who can fight Ji Dashao — all loud and chaotic! I’d like to call you both the Crouching Dragon and Hidden Phoenix!

“I know your father hasn’t left yet. You don’t want him to have an unpleasant run-in with the police, right?

“That’s good!

“Cheer up!

“Don’t worry, your father is a legal professional and wouldn’t knowingly break the law.

“Even if he did, it’s okay. That means he can be more easily reformed.

“I’m talking about lawyers, police officers, and other legal enforcers who, when they commit crimes, receive lighter punishments because, compared to ignorant civilians, they are more dignified and thus more reformable.

“Even those so-called ‘national treasures’ who directly exposed themselves in front of workplace cameras can be acquitted. Let alone trading protected animals.”

Seeing everyone’s confused faces, unable to believe their ears, He Chen mockingly slapped his forehead. “Sorry, my mistake! I forgot this isn’t America! I was talking about the extremely friendly laws in America, where Fang Yifan’s dad lives!”

With a half-smile, he looked at Fang Yifan. “Here, breaking the law knowingly is a grave offense punished severely.

“Some people say those studying law here envy their foreign counterparts. I used to be skeptical.

“Now I’ve seen enough to be certain.

“Your legal professional father probably thinks he’s a great American lawyer and thus breaks laws knowingly, even wishing everyone to know about it.”