Chapter 2746: The Down-and-Out Zhou Dabai

Chapter 2746: Chapter 2746: The Down-and-Out Zhou Dabai

After lingering for a while at Fang Wu’s home and inquiring about the Fang Family, Fang Bai was relieved to know that everyone was doing well.

"I have many things to take care of. If the opportunity arises, I’ll come back later. Both of you must take responsibility for supervising the Charity Foundation’s affairs. Punish wherever necessary, and don’t hold back."

Before leaving, Fang Bai said this to Fang Wu and his wife.

Fang Wu and his wife solemnly nodded.

After leaving Yanjing, Fang Bai flew to Zhongzhou City and took a stroll around the Fang Family’s old residence where he used to live.

Over the past ten years, the old Fang Family residence was transformed into a bustling commercial district.

The Fang Family members each got a share of the stores, which, while not making them immensely wealthy, provided them with moderate wealth and peace of mind.

This greatly comforted Fang Bai, thinking that he could share these positive changes of the Fang Family’s old residence with Fang Gang, Yang Mei, and Fang Yun once he returned to the Immortal Realm. They would certainly be pleased to hear it.

Fang Bai went to Zhongzhou primarily to visit Zhou Dabai.

According to Fang Wu, Zhou Dabai was doing well in the years following Fang Bai’s departure, but on one trip abroad he somehow offended a powerful force and had his Qi Sea destroyed and limbs broken, leaving him crippled.

The five major medical schools in Huaxia, out of respect for Fang Bai, healed Zhou Dabai’s broken limbs, but they couldn’t restore his Qi Sea.

Though Zhou Dabai wasn’t a material for cultivation, Fang Bai had imparted some basic cultivation techniques to him before he left years ago, so Zhou Dabai’s skills weren’t weak—just slightly inferior to Fang Wu’s.

Judging from the severity of Zhou Dabai’s injuries, it was obvious that the perpetrator far surpassed him in strength.

The bond between Zhou Dabai and Fang Bai was deep, akin to siblings, so upon hearing about Zhou Dabai’s misfortune, Fang Bai decided to go to Zhongzhou personally. After healing Zhou Dabai, he would also investigate who exactly harmed him.

After ten years, when Fang Bai saw Zhou Dabai again, he had lost much weight and walked with a limp. If it weren’t for the familiar aura Fang Bai sensed from him, it would have been difficult to recognize him at first glance.

"Dabai, who hurt you?"

The first thing Fang Bai asked when he appeared before Zhou Dabai was about the perpetrator.

Fang Bai was somewhat angry; he knew Zhou Dabai’s character wouldn’t lead to trouble for no reason. If he was hurt this badly, the perpetrator must be responsible.

Compared to the greatly changed Zhou Dabai, Fang Bai seemed to grow younger with each passing day, so Zhou Dabai recognized him as his brother from the past as soon as he saw him.

"Fang Bai..."

Seeing Fang Bai, Zhou Dabai was first stunned, then trembled with excitement as he moved forward to hug Fang Bai tightly, patting his back vigorously, and choking up, "You’re back! You’re finally back!"

Fang Bai patted Zhou Dabai’s back, then helped him stand straight, solemnly saying, "Tell me, who did this to you? I’ll avenge you!"

Zhou Dabai wiped the tears at the corner of his eyes, smiled broadly, and said, "It’s a long story. Let’s go home and talk in detail."

"You’ve settled down?"

Fang Bai asked in surprise.

He remembered before leaving, Zhou Dabai had broken up with a girlfriend he was seeing and was heartbroken, seemingly giving up on marriage. Unexpectedly, he had started a family now.

"Yes, I’ve settled down. I even have a child, a girl."

Zhou Dabai scratched his head, smiling sheepishly.

"Let’s go, meet your wife and little niece."

Fang Bai laughed heartily.

This return to the mortal world was unexpected, and seeing many old friends had started families and had children brought Fang Bai the most joy.

Upon reaching Zhou Dabai’s residence, Fang Bai noticed the two dilapidated small houses he lived in and frowned, saying, "I remember before leaving, you had assets over a hundred million, right? Didn’t I say you could apply for money from my foundation if you needed it? Why are you living in such poor conditions?"

Zhou Dabai let out an awkward laugh, saying, "After I was injured, most of the money was spent on treatment. Later, the company was poorly managed, incurring a debt, and I used the remaining money to fill that hole, so now... things are a bit tight."

Seeing Fang Bai staring at him, waiting for a further explanation, he smiled bitterly and continued, "You know my personality; I don’t like bothering people unless necessary. So at first, I didn’t seek help from the five major medical schools to treat my injuries. Only when I couldn’t hold on any longer, I asked them, and they did their best. As for your foundation... I thought it was inappropriate to misuse your funds..."

"You’re muddled!"

Fang Bai exclaimed angrily, "Why did I leave that money behind? First was for charity, and second was to ensure you all have a better life! But you... sigh, never mind, let’s meet your wife and daughter, then we’ll talk slowly..."

The simple courtyard, the simple houses, and a dead jujube tree on the west side of the yard—everything Fang Bai saw was a picture of desolation.

He truly hadn’t expected Zhou Dabai to end up like this, living a life worse than the average person.

Apparently, after his downfall, Zhou Dabai hadn’t reached out to Fang Wu or other familiar friends to complain; otherwise, Fang Wu and the others wouldn’t have stood by indifferently.

The root of Zhou Dabai’s downfall seemed to trace back to his injuries.

Thus, Fang Bai already harbored murderous intent towards the perpetrator who hurt Zhou Dabai.

"Zhenzhen, we have guests at home!"

Zhou Dabai shouted towards one of the small houses, and a graceful figure immediately stepped out from inside.

Fang Bai glanced at Zhou Dabai’s wife, nodding to himself, thinking that although she couldn’t be called beautiful, she was very attractive and dressed simply, looking virtuous—well-matched with Zhou Dabai.

According to Zhou Dabai, they had been married for three years, with the family turmoil occurring two years ago.

This meant they enjoyed a good life for a year after marriage before falling into their current downfall.

One can imagine that if she were a woman with ill intentions, she might have fled with their child when Zhou Dabai fell from grace.

But this woman stayed with Zhou Dabai, never leaving even in his destitution and disability, clearly valuing their relationship profoundly.

Such women are hard to find, and Zhou Dabai was fortunate to have met one.

"Feng Zhenzhen, my wife. Zhenzhen, this is Fang Bai, my iron buddy from school!"

Zhou Dabai grinned, first introducing his wife and then introducing Fang Bai to her.

"Hello, Fang Bai. I’ve heard a lot about you from Dabai. He said you’re remarkable... the most accomplished among his classmates."

Feng Zhenzhen smiled softly, extending her hand to shake Fang Bai’s.

Upon hearing Feng Zhenzhen’s words, Fang Bai realized Zhou Dabai hadn’t detailed his past to her, probably mentioning it just casually.

"Hello, sister-in-law. Where’s my little niece?"

Fang Bai asked with a smile.