Being forced to grow like a pig? But I'm immune to the consequences!

The news had already spread like wildfire. A group of people had already gathered at the entrance of the meeting place. Upon seeing Yan Liang, a flood of enthusiastic greetings and compliments poured in.

"Oh my! I knew Yan Liang was clever from a young age; he was clearly destined for greatness!"

"Look at him, so handsome! From now on, girls in this area will be lining up to knock down your door!"

"What girl from the outer city is good enough for him? Our Yan Liang will marry a rich young lady from the inner city!"

"Anyway, our entire settlement has benefited this time!"

These flattering words were like honey, making Yan Liang feel elated. He couldn't stop smiling on his already pointed and monkey-like face, his not-so-perfect buck teeth were clearly showing, and his eyes were filled with undisguised smugness.

Wang An, who failed to join either the inner city or the Hyena Gang, was naturally ignored. He could only stand awkwardly to the side, becoming a mere backdrop to highlight Yan Liang, like an outsider.

Not far away, some people were also watching the commotion with indifference.

"Look how smug they are. They only got into the inner city by luck, and now they're all high and mighty." Madam Xu pouted, her tone sour. "Aren't our Wenbo and Xiaofei better than him? I remember that Yan boy used to follow Xiaofei around all the time."

Seeing that half of the glory that was originally unique in the settlement was taken away, the Xu family naturally felt bad.

"Say less," Xu's father scolded his wife in a low voice, but his eyes were equally complicated as he looked at Yan Liang, who was surrounded. "Now that Yan Liang has entered the inner city, he and Xiao Fei may be able to look after each other in the future. This is a good thing. In the future, our two families... should visit each other more often."

Mrs. Xu snorted and said sarcastically, "That depends on whether they want to keep in touch. Who knows, once they gain power, they might become arrogant and look down on us old neighbors."

After a noisy round of congratulations, Yan Liang finally returned home, surrounded by his parents, completely satisfied. Wang An also quietly returned to his low-ceilinged shack.

Faced with their son's failure, the Wang parents could only sigh in despair.

"Xiao An, don't be discouraged." Wang's mother forced herself to cheer up and thought for a moment before saying, "Why don't you invite Yan Liang over for lunch today? I'll cook some good dishes."

Wang An looked troubled: "Mom... how can I ask her?" After the cold reception he received during the last few days of the training camp, especially after Yan Liang left him to celebrate with others, his illusions about the friendship between his childhood friends had long been shattered.

"Why can't we invite him?" Mother Wang asked, puzzled. "Our two families have always had a good relationship, and you two grew up together, so you're the closest. Now that he's successful, it won't do our family any harm if you get closer to him!"

Unable to resist his mother's pleas, Wang An reluctantly went to the Yan family's shed, which had been clearly renovated and looked much neater than his own house, as noon approached.

After explaining their purpose, Yan Liang's mother stood at the door with a polite but distant smile: "Oh, it's Wang An. What a pity, I have something to do at home today and really can't get away. We appreciate your kindness, but another day, another day."

Having said all that, Wang An opened his mouth but ultimately couldn't say anything more, and could only turn and leave awkwardly.

Back home, after hearing the story, Wang's mother could only wave her hand helplessly: "Never mind, they're busy right now. Let's talk about it another time."

However, when Wang's father returned from work in the evening, he mentioned at the dinner table: "It's strange. When I passed by the Xu family's house this evening, I clearly heard Yan Liang's father talking inside. It was quite lively."

A silence fell over the dinner table.

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The three members of the Wang family looked at each other, and then they all understood what was going on, their faces filled with bitterness.

"Sigh..." Father Wang sighed heavily, "Once they enter the inner city, their standards will rise. I'm afraid the friendship between our two families will fade."

Wang An could no longer hold back and recounted how Yan Liang had abandoned him to dine and drink with Tu Nan and others during the last few days of the training camp, his tone filled with resentment.

"Hmph!" Father Wang slammed his chopsticks on the table. "People from the inner city? Whether they can even be considered people from the inner city is another matter! The Xu family has been so powerful for so many years, yet they're still stuck in this outer city. As for the Yan family, I don't think they can rise to the top overnight!"

"Exactly!" the Queen Mother chimed in, as if trying to save face.

Wang An took a deep breath, a hint of unwillingness flashing in his eyes: "Dad, Mom, don't underestimate yourselves. Although I didn't join the Hyena Gang, as long as I grit my teeth and cultivate, and break through to the third level of Body Tempering, I'll be qualified to run for the position of leader! At that time, in this settlement, whether it's the Xu family or the Yan family, the rules will still be followed!"

Mr. and Mrs. Wang exchanged a glance, their expressions softening slightly. Mrs. Wang advised, "Xiao An, it's good that you have this ambition, but... you still need to maintain appearances. When you see Yan Liang and his family, greet them politely and don't make things too awkward."

"I see."

……

Meanwhile, the scene inside the Xu family's shed was quite different.

Several dishes, considered lavish even by city standards, were laid out on the table, along with a pot of rare wine. The Yan family of three and the Xu family of three sat around the table, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts in a warm atmosphere.

"Thank you, Uncle Xu!" Yan Liang quickly raised his bowl in thanks.

The rims of their bowls clinked together, causing a slight ripple in the wine. They tilted their heads back, drank it all, and smiled at each other.

Father Xu put down his bowl, his tone both warm and shrewd: "Xiao Liang, your ability to enter the inner city proves your talent and potential! You have a great chance of breaking through to become a martial artist in the future! Once you're inside, be sure to keep in touch with our Xiao Fei and help each other out!"

Yan Liang patted his chest, his voice loud and clear: "Uncle Xu, don't worry! What kind of relationship do our two families have? Xu Fei and I have been friends since we were kids, practically brothers! We'll definitely support each other in the inner city!"

His eyes darted around, and his smile widened: "Maybe not. I'm new here and don't know anyone, so I'll have to rely on Brother Wenbo for guidance!"

"No problem!" Mr. Xu waved his hand. "I'll write to Wenbo tomorrow and tell him to take good care of you!"

After several rounds of drinks, the guests and hosts were all in high spirits and both sides were satisfied.

Mr. Xu casually brought up the subject: "By the way, Xiao Liang. I heard... that kid from the Wu family is also in your training camp? How is he doing?"

Yan Liang paused slightly as he picked up some food, then put down his chopsticks, his tone deliberately serious: "Him... he also obtained the qualification to enter the inner city."

"What?!" Mr. Xu's brows furrowed suddenly, his face darkening. "This is indeed a problem..."

Yan Liang observed Xu's father's expression and lowered his voice, saying, "Uncle Xu, what's there to worry about? Isn't Brother Wenbo in the inner city? Last time with the Hyena Gang, it was due to the rules. Once Wu Sheng enters the inner city, won't he be meat on Brother Wenbo's chopping block? Brother Wenbo must have already figured out his background. He's just waiting for him to walk into the trap!"

As Xu's father listened, his tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and he nodded thoughtfully, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "That's true... Once we get to the inner city, it won't be a place where he can run wild."

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