Da Ge

Chapter 9
Wei Qian, when he was younger, had read many such motivational stories, but he forgot all about them. Perhaps his emotional development didn’t quite keep up with the average, leaving him unaffected at the time, only to feel a slight stir now.BPZmECvSpXvJherURXyLJAqJOfhhHN

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He casually mentioned to the two children, “Your teacher has some skill, selecting good reading material beyond the curriculum.”VcrtWrorQKlZVjRWNrrFEMUgDyuAcy

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San Pang, who was cooking, poked his head out from the kitchen amidst a symphony of sizzling and frying sounds, asking, “What’s it about? Speak up, read it to me.”PqXCpdSMDnZyUViyxLiIklRfRdVyZw

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Wei Qian cleared his throat, preparing to demonstrate his speech-giving voice, but before he could start, Wei Zhiyuan, the little brat, suddenly interrupted with, “Brother, I don’t want to go to school anymore.”stZusjbtbxnKmIGHsDcbVGZNmEdxEH

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Wei Qian didn’t engage with the old topic, nor took it seriously. As a responsible patriarch, he intended to continue the glorious tradition of dictatorship to the end. Matters like attending school were not for the children to decide.JMWUxRSOJyGHzPFrquMaLtMwSYrsOK

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Wei Qian shouted towards the kitchen at San Pang, “For your education too, let’s see where to start… Ah, this one—’Ideal’…”sKysdFsPeocqSvAbsddquCENfjTkNg

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“Brother,” Wei Zhiyuan approached, squatting in front of Wei Qian, looking straight at him, repeating, “I don’t want to go to school anymore.”jikVBeHJLUUpIGUttgnatObQHVFKPK

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Xiao Bao, always stirring trouble, hurried over, saying crisply, “Brother, if he doesn’t study well, hit him.”TaSuINGBoIUWqjTbkJMNMvQqWJcOUH

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Wei Zhiyuan frowned, retorting righteously to her, “You go away, you’re everywhere.”caLvpoubbRAkvqmioViKgVbVBUCZmP

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“You’re the one who should go away,” Wei Qian casually grabbed the reading material, hitting Wei Zhiyuan on the head, slipping out, “Say it again, and I’ll break your legs.”LGNuZYTExnxgOZThAQohNVNWAbLndZ

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This phrase had a backstory. When Wei Qian was young, a mischievous classmate’s parent was called by the teacher, and the father hit the kid on the head, threatening fiercely, “Skip school one more time, and I’ll break your legs.”DtLvPqPqBJKazBotfCknrKlfaUYrUe

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Young Wei Qian always thought this phrase had a parental authority to it. Naïve at the time, he wrote it down in his notes, only for the teacher to mark it with a big cross…jupPJuvDsZZlYunKUmDXwoMcZuWJVQ

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In any case, he had always wanted to use this phrase to discipline someone.SZpRFTViCbcljLLtQmQKUuLwmiaprf

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Wei Zhiyuan looked at his raised arm, his expression complex.SvZvaIipNXXwhVPMhAkOCqJltuHfcD

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His initial resistance to school was due to not understanding its purpose. But this time, the young boy, after thoughtful consideration and logical reasoning, expressed his thoughts, “I don’t want to go to school anymore. School is fine, but it takes many years and costs a lot of money. I’d rather go out and earn money with you. I can work, fight, support myself, and support you too.”NNYgSgEbhDQbYIpjeUGeEycauHVFwk

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Regrettably, Wei Qian was someone incapable of communication, and Xiao Yuan’s well-founded arguments were dismissed like whispers in the wind.cbMjKeIwmxOkVSQNCaukMWyXKxvvCn

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Wei Qian glanced down at Wei Zhiyuan, considering the youngster naïve and foolish. Itching to teach him a lesson, Wei Qian thought about how he toiled day and night, grappling with the increasing competitive pressures of his industry, always ready to outwit his peers. Yet, Wei Zhiyuan’s comments made it seem as though such skilled endeavors were easy for anyone, completely oblivious to the hardships endured to provide for him.MZVfdgExrYvKKDRIlzFxnwyTyaimOK

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However, upon seeing Wei Zhiyuan’s earnest and determined declaration to support himself, Wei Qian couldn’t bring himself to act on his impulse.IBdefRNRGyEKrsDoEeAdQFAtcAWlIR

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The little one… at least had some conscience.bPIiIqiSKgGqXMWKxsozHaoobVBKve

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Thus, Wei Qian replied dismissively, “Then focus on your studies. If a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough, go for a master’s or a Ph.D. You need to aim beyond a Ph.D., to become a ‘Doctor Wei’ unlike any other, and make a real name for yourself.”uShLtbXlXVNqniIlCBXjyzGRARWLXx

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Wei Zhiyuan bowed his head, his limited education and worldly knowledge making him realize his brother was merely jesting, an indication that there was no room for negotiation.RVRSHICfMZnmvAGvzBsxpZOnhpeKEP

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Song Xiaobao, the mischievous child, approached with a grin, teasing, “Doctor Wei, hehehe.”vzDriyHdFQxmJlORxMyCNvrYJFBfFi

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Wei Zhiyuan retorted, “Scram, little girl.”uOBUESZbHnTFRbaoTKycTxRqzoUveL

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Unyielding, Song Xiaobao shot back, “I’m not a ‘little girl’; I’m a ‘drummer’! You’re just a sheep dung ball topped with a reed!”QQXSDHWwKvzdAnPyHoouQeHbWWGYph

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Wei Zhiyuan replied, “…Ugly little girl.”JCkfdVkQgHIiaonUlKZnUkRzufXLUc

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Enraged, Song Xiaobao screamed, “Sheep dung ball!”vGpGeGxfPTCZZhgOCbksgVhqIaUaRJ

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Wei Zhiyuan coolly responded, “You’re calling yourself that.”wneoJMPLtZCbBQfNMoxtDLiPEfdZxj

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Their bickering escalated, with Wei Qian watching amusedly from the sidelines, not intervening and rather hoping for a livelier quarrel. Watching the children fight was one of his sources of entertainment, safe in the knowledge they wouldn’t hurt each other seriously.xfKhzbEdrfMYUipTiNiiURYoKrrfyD

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Initially, Wei Zhiyuan had a wild and untamable look in his eyes, and his demeanor was more somber than his peers. He contrasted sharply with Xiaobao, who was always voicing her uninformed opinions at home. At first glance, Wei Zhiyuan seemed like a teenager trapped in a child’s body, seemingly out of place.eoASmxoWkiwgutVMtXGDJkVNNFpAsi

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Yet, over the last six months, he had become “younger” in behavior, adopting a more childish demeanor.SfyNZXaDfQIkXoIzWwJdijngcBoMqQ

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While squabbling with Xiaobao, Wei Zhiyuan also kept an eye on Wei Qian, noticing his brother’s delighted observation of their skirmish, which added a performative aspect to his actions.WyAAAYPQFVYAdLbOfsGHIsGtXQGpYQ

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After an embarrassing incident with losing a tooth, Wei Zhiyuan inadvertently found a way to endear himself to his brother—by dumbing down to Xiaobao’s level and engaging in silly antics that were both irritating and amusing.EljrLxYjDXpFevGxgqVYddzsXCHkfp

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The more childish and senseless they acted, the more approachable and down-to-earth his brother seemed.ujaqxZAnhburbrrAGgzljkdNwWwEPz

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Thus, Wei Zhiyuan continued down this path even more determinedly.RfjSWXNXOdDTnozIomwUBNazoLiIrY

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His natural talents could have made him someone cool, yet he chose a foolish path, highlighting the unpredictability of life’s circumstances.xZMLXsvbuHuRIjVqYgkZhZQUkyGbQz

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Wei Zhiyuan’s affection for Wei Qian and their home burned brightly. Unlike other children who naturally had a family, Wei Zhiyuan did not. He treated the concept of “family” as a mission to be cherished and nurtured.wXPiADcGKiEmRvCabjyMawMJSoApPI

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Wen Zhiyuan always remembered that one day, after catching a cold at school from the cold and feeling constantly chilly, he unconsciously snuggled into Wei Qian’s embrace while sleeping. Nestled in that warm embrace, he slept until the next day.wpAGyLEgbCHsSYdTtMYiUrEdkdGdBe

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In the morning, when the boy woke up, he lay there for a long time, reluctant to move. He opened his eyes wide, looked up at the sleeping youth beside him, and silently called him “Brother” in his heart.zWwJtxbVINStIjdbncWeLNEjEhgtOr

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Of course, the older brother couldn’t hear, but Wei Zhiyuan had called him that in his heart.uAZffJbyGMzsJdtVvKqbcBcYmonaMu

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Xiaoyuan and Xiaobao’s lively battle was eventually ended by San Pang, who, like picking up little dogs, separated the two youngsters: “Oh my little ancestors, are you trying to cause a huge disturbance? Let’s call a truce for now, eat, and then continue the battle if necessary. No rush!”MVrzJnkvYkYXDKXJzvKTibzLXLZWtn

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San Pang served the fried rice in a small basin from the kitchen, not bothering with bowls, and grabbed four spoons, one for each person, to share the meal.PubAZhjeSdwgwagxhISCPZDWEaEvZY

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San Pang, always eager to offer advice, was even more talkative than Tang Seng, unable to be silenced by food, he lectured the children while eating: “Kids should have dreams. You can’t spend all day fighting endlessly like a locust with a big belly. Your brother is a fool for not keeping you in check…”hBBctGcrRzjrNzkowgiTriYbcEHTFn

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Wei Qian, caught off-guard by the comment, was about to put San Pang in his place when the two youngsters, united in their defense, shouted at San Pang: “Don’t talk about my brother like that!”gluQRVBtaZXIKBVgwRoYEjltiandSm

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San Pang: “…”BvTBYauuOKryvkYnNBgcTxPRnjHuMm

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Wei Qian rewarded them each with a piece of sausage: “Well done, eat more.”qXichzNfCYcqhGJtRjaaXSjjxMqror

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Despite the awkward situation, San Pang, with his thick-skinned face, managed to continue: “Okay, let’s not talk about your brother—tell me, after all those lessons about dreams at school, what are your dreams?”ZytYGNRcfgWrKwXqixmnDhYQXzjDxt

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Xiaobao said: “I want to be a singer.”dimssNKijytojMORnAaHoXTmHoDIBT

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Wei Zhiyuan simply stated: “Earn money to support my brother.”jveREOEBXvBKOoLYycwyEGTylgnKCI

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Xiaobao glanced at him and added: “When I become a singer, I’ll earn lots of money to support my brother.”XFwwiUddTzNlrhjqcdlkSwVSfcqpEC

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San Pang, like a devious child abductor—no, like a great educator—patiently asked Wei Zhiyuan: “See, Xiaobao has a targeted dream. What about you, Xiaoyuan? How do you plan to earn money to support your brother?”VBktmscZyCRqeinKcRjcMSmUjDzcBM

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Without even looking up, Wei Zhiyuan said: “I could run a venue, sell DVDs, make fake IDs, do some hustling…”nyQmcISAekHIxppTZItXdebONeGtKK

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San Pang was immediately heartbroken and turned to Wei Qian: “Qian’er, I think this kid is beyond hope.”kdhCDelRtgvZIPKypGHWStmcLnbeTs

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Wei Qian, looking at Wei Zhiyuan’s serious face and puffed cheeks, suddenly felt a strong urge to laugh. So, he laughed and succinctly showed San Pang the way out: “Scram!”MPoxdJabzSjaQovgQKdgpPisqOzHfO

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When he smiled, Wei Zhiyuan felt that even if he had thrown a tantrum that evening, it was worth it. Thus, he stopped making noise, conserving his energy and ferociously bowing his head to eat his meal.FySjiyaFXgKYIKRGHofWUkFSAmBCUT

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Wei Zhiyuan ate with such ferocity, as if he intended to transform every grain of rice into his own flesh and bones.AJkPdARnBqSwiePwwJOvwxONSMhILH

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In fact, Wei Qian also harbored dreams. His original aspiration was to become a scientist, donning a white lab coat, moving around in a laboratory, recording various data, writing papers, dealing with materials, and researching something. He wanted to be so engrossed in his research that it consumed him day and night, paying no mind to anything else as long as he had food and clothing.wwaEQXFIQLSptzFFXREVBLgHxNKJEW

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However, Wei Qian was well aware that this dream had now turned into a mere fantasy, so he never mentioned it to anyone, pretending instead that he had always been a savvy survivor in society, never once a fool.cQqpLJLqmnwtZxSlsFTdPNHHlditHe

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San Pang was responsible for cooking and also had to wash the dishes after the meal. While washing, he grumbled, “Ah, did I owe you money in my past life? Serving you as a child bride in this life…”tFrzmTPnSLzEiDOBnFRhIHUZrOvrZH

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Wei Zhiyuan, happening to pass by, immediately rolled up his sleeves without a word, “Third brother, I’ll wash.”WdHltiZBlwYfzGLjUWcedtXYsrazfn

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San Pang, caught between laughter and tears, waved his hand, “There’s even someone fighting to be the child bride. Go watch cartoons with Xiao Bao.”GiKpZxCnyQevcMpDvMtowywTVdChkj

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Wei Zhiyuan looked up at Wei Qian for approval. Wei Qian nodded slightly, indicating he could go, “Go on, don’t get in the way here.”HOKuAMiIIdAXfHXpgZTgADZEhtJTPv

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After the child was sent away, San Pang turned to Wei Qian, who was leaning against the kitchen doorframe, “Does your arm still hurt?”OXRppCSurzETtQbNDHMCvqYEajotTs

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Wei Qian lit a cigarette, “It’s okay, a little.”JKTkQDVXiRfXvoLsuBKYQFVbnGxECr

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San Pang didn’t banter with him, fell silent for a moment, and then asked seriously, “What do you plan to do? Continue like this?”FwIhMMcDhMXGwBgMRtaXTaBtikDmoc

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Wei Qian, realizing San Pang had something on his mind, remained silent, waiting for him to continue.hIZXhQuBUYzZBlNuTxEahQZIftTgya

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San Pang, being a bit older than both him and Mazi, nearly twenty, thought more deeply, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but Le Ge—Le Xiaodong, is not a good influence. Following him, what good can come of it? Even if you were to work on a construction site, you’d be selling your labor, but the meager pay from Le Xiaodong comes at the cost of your life.”FGefQMYDwoQlupGtVchwqWXjYTdjxX

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After a while, Wei Qian countered, “What else can I do?”pGVBXDzUxrbnjdxLfBrZDZIuaCTWyn

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“What can’t you do for a living?”umruZQcHIuskGdwVgAyPvYutVqRbcn

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Wei Qian leaned against the doorframe, lost in thought for a moment, then looked down at his hand wrapped like a zongzi, feeling the piercing pain, and murmured softly, “I don’t know how to do anything.”zXsCPUzKccJBTUFfDpuTVUnjGekZpO

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“Whether you work or run a small business,” San Pang paused, then said, “if all else fails, you can follow me. We could drive and deliver cooked food. Isn’t that a way to make a living?”qjayvmzqzAiBMsjpInCnqIPRoOFnmj

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Wei Qian smiled faintly, not responding.blKzEYNiGkpstlAFUHXLMRyPCQtnZH

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“Just say the word, and I’ll talk to my dad when we get back…” San Pang said, then suddenly stopped, sensing something. Turning around, he realized Wei Qian was no longer there, having quietly left without engaging further.fXcQRXRqxJzGbkIOCzTGfhamMHjDIx

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San Pang stopped speaking, angrily shook the water from his hands, and exclaimed in frustration, “Damn it, you’ll regret this one day!”ujWqLRAHYPidXRjSGDZXXdtRYgCtJW

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San Pang had been friends with him since childhood, never intending harm. Wei Qian knew that his words were sensible.kSHDJmsrIyqbQGqzftAezbeYzKqgzV

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Having spent over a year in the entertainment city, Wei Qian had gradually let go of his blind admiration for Le Ge. He had a vague understanding of the kind of business they were in.akFaCsDIYTrSQdXIWMVivutEsqVuTa

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Sometimes Wei Qian also wondered why others, no matter how tough or difficult their situations were, could follow the right path, but he himself was so weak.CNzyqKxqbcrZpodCEFvPWSWPggdQsk

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Did he choose to be a rogue?VFdDBPIRiIIOZKNoeWedASfbJfupnM

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Though he mingled with the wrong crowd, he knew right from wrong. He had been a good student for many years, not to drop out and become a rogue.AXBWpYLplKjljpFXIOnfFjlRJhkqqE

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Was it for money?mmLPmFBINIpJvTKQhbnGBrYylzvcEj

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Yes, Wei Qian admitted, Le Ge offered him a lot of money. However, San Pang was right; what he was selling was his life, and even double the money wouldn’t be worth it.MFoBcCFGyaLjeEQvgXxhrIzuuXUMHN

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Was it because he feared hardship?kcwBaIKWwdjHRqgUektSPHJbTnPjqC

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Probably not. Was the pain from blisters and sunburnt skin from manual labor comparable to the agony of having an arm brutally broken by a baton? It was hard to say.JaOAUMJJMDGTrLACTadFZfJDPCjwoz

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Then, what was it for?PMpsHMdYtEGaCTMqVrkYqSWAFqcOrG

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Wei Qian asked himself this question countless times. Eventually, he realized it was probably his pride that cost him dearly.zJuwNQHXFOqDKnNqduNoZHUxRkirWG

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From his first cry at birth, he was destined to be considered inferior. So, when he grew a little older and had a bit of choice, he would rather die than lower his head again—even if it meant becoming fierce and despised by everyone.LgIcXPrdTpsvHwzAzhOHLngxzUhsPg

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It was better to be feared than looked down upon.auwCATyaBGXJLJmYyqdLgwZnZHsmbY

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