The banquet had already begun, and Xiang Ri, unable to resist the persistent coaxing and subtle coercion from the two girls, finally relented and agreed to accompany them to "broaden his horizons."
The hall was already teeming with people, all impeccably attired—either in tuxedos and tailcoats, or in qipaos, evening gowns, and princess dresses. Even Zeng Nan, who usually donned jeans and a t-shirt, had changed into Hao Meng's elegant evening gown. The only person not dressed formally was Xiang Ri, which made him conspicuously stand out. No matter where he stood, he attracted curious and bemused glances.
Xiang Ri paid no mind to the stares; let them look, it wouldn't cost him a thing.
However, the two girls, cunning as they were, had promised to stay by his side, only to vanish as soon as they had taken a few steps. Though irritated, Xiang Ri secretly plotted to catch them later and give them a proper scolding.
Yet, for the moment, he decided to enjoy the peace. He wandered over to a long buffet table laden with delicacies, and began to indulge in the feast. Having skipped dinner, he was in no rush, savoring every bite of the exquisitely prepared food. His appetite was insatiable, and he ate to his heart's content.
The other guests, who had been enjoying their meals, quickly retreated upon seeing a man with poor table manners and such eccentric attire.
Xiang Ri, oblivious to their disapproval, continued to eat with abandon. Since the dishes were so varied, he had to move about, sampling each one as he went. Everywhere he passed, his wake became a desert of untouched plates.
In contrast to Xiang Ri's chaotic dining style, a few young men and women at the far end of the table were indulging in the food with far more grace.
"Miss Shu, congratulations on your company overcoming its crisis," a handsome man holding a glass of red wine said to the elegant woman beside him, who wore light makeup.
"Thank you, Mr. Sima," the woman replied, raising her glass for a gentle sip. Mr. Sima followed suit, taking a small sip in return.
At that moment, a radiant woman in a pink evening gown walked past and complimented the woman, "Miss Shu, you look absolutely stunning."
Miss Shu smiled and responded, "Miss Luo, you're far more beautiful than I. You're a superstar—I'm nothing in comparison."
The woman in the pink gown modestly replied, "You're too kind, Miss Shu. If you acted in television shows, you'd certainly outshine me."
Miss Shu, ever humble, demurred, "No, no. I couldn't possibly compare to you, Miss Luo. I'd only embarrass myself."
"You wouldn't!" Mr. Sima, seizing the opportunity to interject, added with a grin, "With your beauty, Miss Shu, even if your acting skills were lacking, you'd certainly become a household name in the entertainment industry!"
"Thank you!" Miss Shu gave a polite nod, taking another sip of her wine. Suddenly, her eyes widened in surprise, and a look of joy crossed her face. She turned and quickly walked towards a man who was devouring his food.
Both Mr. Sima and Miss Luo, attracted by her sudden reaction, followed her gaze and noticed the man. Mr. Sima sneered, while Miss Luo's eyes lit up, and she followed Miss Shu.
"Mr. Sima" seethed with frustration, but with both women moving away, he had no choice but to follow.
Xiang Ri was enjoying his meal when he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder. Slightly annoyed, he turned to see who it was. "What is it? Looking for me?"
But upon recognizing the familiar woman before him, his expression softened. "Is it you? Haha, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Yes, what a coincidence," Shu Ying replied with gratitude, her gaze lingering on the man. If not for him, she wouldn't be where she was today.
However, she felt a little embarrassed; after all, she still didn't know his name. A flutter of unease stirred in her chest.
"Would you like some?" Xiang Ri asked, offering a piece of ham from his plate.
"May I?" Shu Ying's eyes brightened with surprise.
"Of course, as long as you don't mind it being a bit messy." Truth be told, Xiang Ri had developed a fondness for the modestly made-up woman. Willing to humble herself for her mother's company, even working with unsavory individuals, she was clearly a strong and capable woman. So, he didn't hesitate to share his food with her.
Before Xiang Ri could finish speaking, Shu Ying eagerly took the ham from his fork, seemingly unfazed by any mess. "Thank you!" she said, raising her glass to take a small sip of wine.
"Too bad I don't have any wine," Xiang Ri said, feeling a little embarrassed. While the beautiful woman had raised a toast to him, he had been too engrossed in eating to grab a drink himself. Now, after savoring so much food, he realized he was parched.
"Take mine," Shu Ying offered, holding out her glass. In her mind, it didn't matter, for sooner or later, they'd be that close, and sharing didn't bother her.
"Well, I won't be polite then!" Xiang Ri took the glass and drained it in one gulp. "Sorry about that, I was so thirsty after all the food, I finished your wine."
"It's fine!" Shu Ying's smile widened, her affection for him growing. "Would you like me to get you another glass?"
"Oh, there's no need. We can just chat here," Xiang Ri said, clearly enjoying her company and unwilling to let her leave just yet.
Shu Ying, misunderstanding his words, blushed slightly and nodded. "Alright."
However, just then, the atmosphere was disrupted by a familiar voice. "Mr. Sima," the man called, and Miss Luo followed behind him.
"Mr. Sima!" Xiang Ri remarked with recognition, glancing at the flamboyantly dressed man. It was none other than the idol star, Sima Yu.
"Mr. Xiang, it's a pleasure to see you again!" Mr. Sima greeted, his tone dripping with false cordiality.
"Ah, it's Mr. Sima," Xiang Ri said, giving the man a once-over.
Miss Luo, much more polite, extended her hand, "Hello, Mr. Xiang."
"Hello, Miss Luo Feizi," Xiang Ri said, his respect for her growing as she reached out to shake his hand, despite the grease on his own. He couldn't help but admire her graciousness.
"Do you know each other?" Seeing the "future boyfriend" shaking hands with another woman, Shuying felt a twinge of jealousy. However, she understood that it was simply the politeness expected in a social setting.
Before Luo Feizi could speak, Sima Yu had already jumped in: "Yes, yes, of course we know each other! In fact, I've met Mr. Xiang on two separate occasions."
Though his tone was friendly, it was evident to all that his words dripped with mockery. What did he mean by "two separate occasions"? If they weren't familiar with each other, he should have kept quiet, as it only served to embarrass Mr. Xiang.
But one couldn't blame Sima Yu. Anyone would feel envious of a man like Xiang, who, despite being far less handsome than himself, could still survive on the support of wealthy women. What irritated him further was that every time he saw Xiang, he was surrounded by different beautiful women. Just now, seeing Shuying nonchalantly eating food that Xiang had already used cutlery on, his jealousy grew exponentially.
He had been pursuing her for days, yet had not even been able to hold her hand, let alone share a meal with her. And when Shuying had handed him her wine glass, Sima Yu's frustration reached a boiling point.
Shuying immediately detected the sarcasm in Sima Yu's tone. She glanced at her "future boyfriend," relieved to see that he didn't seem the least bit upset. This calmed her down somewhat, but the resentment still simmered inside her. Her distaste for Sima Yu grew stronger as she retorted, "Mr. Sima, I suppose I, too, am only acquainted with you through two brief encounters."
Sima Yu's face instantly flushed crimson. As the heir of a major company, he dared not offend Shuying, but this "kept man" was another matter altogether. "Mr. Xiang," he said, with a sneer, "It's quite a surprise to see you attending such a grand event today. I wonder who was kind enough to send you an invitation. I overheard that a beggar without an invite tried to enter earlier, but was stopped by security. Could that have been your companion?"
Sima... The moment he said that, even Luo Feizi, who had accompanied him, was embarrassed and whispered his name.
Shuying's body trembled in anger. A beggar? If someone who could casually pull out billions of dollars was considered a beggar, then who among the truly rich could be called anything else?
Just as she was about to defend her "future boyfriend," she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw him shake his head slightly, signaling her to remain calm. Immediately, her anger subsided.
Xiang Ri knew that Sima Yu's words were directed at him, but what confused him was why Sima had such a personal vendetta against him. Ever since their first meeting, Sima seemed to take pleasure in making life difficult for him.
Xiang Ri was not a man without temper, quite the opposite, but he knew that making a scene here would only cause trouble. His gaze turned icy as he looked at the self-important celebrity. "Sima, was it? If not for the host's presence, I would have already turned you into a dead horse."
With that, he took the hand of the soft-spoken woman who had defended him and began to leave.
However, Sima Yu, unable to tolerate being threatened by a man he deemed beneath him in front of a woman, stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Say that again, if you dare!"
"My patience has its limits," Xiang Ri's voice grew colder.
Luo Feizi was the first to sense danger. She had once witnessed this seemingly unassuming man effortlessly knock a tall foreigner to the ground, and she hurriedly grabbed Sima Yu's sleeve. "Sima, please don't—"
Sima Yu brushed her hand away, his eyes fixed on Xiang Ri with a look of seething hostility. "You better watch your words, not everyone can speak so recklessly."
"Mr. Sima," Shuying interjected, her voice cold but composed, "It seems the one who needs to watch their words is you."
Sima Yu's face darkened, but he refrained from retaliating, aware of Shuying's status. Still, he mentally cursed both of them, especially her for publicly embarrassing him. Yet, he knew it was best not to press further, as several people had already noticed the scene. As a public figure, he couldn't afford any negative publicity. After shooting Xiang Ri a final glare, he stormed off, disappearing into the crowd.
"Mr. Xiang, I'm so sorry," Luo Feizi quickly apologized, rushing over once she saw her companion leave.
"It's fine, Miss Luo," Xiang Ri replied coolly, his gaze briefly flickering with coldness as he observed Sima Yu's retreating figure. With a polite smile, he added, "I won't take it to heart."
"Thank you, Mr. Xiang!" After expressing her gratitude, Luo Feizi, sensing that her companion had said something inappropriate, felt it best to excuse herself. With a polite farewell, she turned and left.
"Your surname is Xiang?" Shuying, now that the third party had departed, felt a certain lightness in her heart.
"Xiang Kui, the Xiang from 'sunflower.' What about you?" Xiang Ri, having taken a liking to the woman's straightforwardness, couldn't help but joke.
Sure enough, Shuying let out a soft laugh, about to comment on how strange a name it was. However, when he suddenly asked her in return, she froze for a moment. Hadn't he already looked into her? How could he not know her name?
Quickly, she realized he was simply prompting her to introduce herself, so she playfully responded, "Shu Ying, the Shu from 'comfort' and the Ying from 'charming.'"
"Don't mimic me," Xiang Ri said with a wry smile, rubbing his nose.
"I'm not mimicking you," Shuying winked mischievously, "You're Xiang Sunflower, and I'm Shu Ying."
"Well played!" Xiang Ri paused, slightly stunned by her words, then rubbed his still-hungry stomach. "By the way, would you mind if I treated you to something?"
"You want to treat me?" Shuying was momentarily taken aback, but when she followed his gaze, she immediately understood—he likely wished for her to join him in a meal.
However, there was something she needed to do first before she could dine with him. "Actually, my mother is here. How about I take you to meet her first? Afterward, you can treat me."
"With you saying it like that, how could I refuse?" Xiang Ri smiled faintly.
"Then let's go." Seeing the resigned look on his face, Shuying reassured him as she pulled him along, "Don't worry, we won't overeat. If we can't finish, I'll take you out afterward."
Xiang Ri genuinely felt a strong affection for this woman, as if they had known each other for years. There was no distance between them in conversation, a feeling he had never experienced before.
Led into a quiet corner, Xiang Ri finally met Shuying's mother, the woman responsible for raising such an exceptional daughter.
Shuying's mother, though appearing to be in her early thirties, radiated a mature charm that no one could compare to Shuying. Her presence reminded Xiang Ri of the owner of this grand villa, for they shared many similarities.
At the moment, Shuying's mother was engaged in conversation with several men of her own age, or perhaps older. Judging by the smiles on their faces, it was clear that the discussion was quite congenial.
The sudden arrival of Shuying with a strange young man surprised Shuying's mother, while the men nearby cast curious glances at the pair. Of course, their attention was mostly focused on Shuying, with the young man dressed in a manner akin to a beggar largely ignored.
"Xiaoying, who is this?" Shuying's mother asked, her tone uncertain.
"Mom, this is Mr. Xiang, the one I mentioned to you," Shuying replied, emphasizing the words "mentioned" with particular weight.
Shuying's mother immediately caught on, her eyes briefly flickering with gratitude. "Mr. Xiang, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Xiang Ri, feeling a sense of discomfort, couldn't help but shy away from being addressed as "Mr." by someone much older than himself. It always evoked a sense of unease within him. He quickly responded with humility, "Auntie, there's no need for such formalities. Please just call me Xiao Xiang."
What was intended as a polite gesture, however, struck Shuying as if he were proposing to her right there and then. Her face instantly flushed with a deep crimson hue.
Shuying's mother, also noticing her daughter's peculiar reaction and understanding her thoughts, quickly adjusted her tone, "Very well, then. I shall call you Xiao Xiang."
The nearby men and women, astute as ever, immediately understood the implication of Shuying's mother's words—they knew she was already considering the young man as a potential son-in-law. Those with younger relatives couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. After all, aligning with the daughter of such a prominent company would make business dealings far more lucrative in the future.
Not to mention, the young lady was exceptionally beautiful; having her as a daughter-in-law would undoubtedly add charm to any family. Yet, she had chosen this unknown young man instead—what a shame!
Those who could not partake in the fruit of opportunity naturally felt sour, especially the individuals who had been fawning over Shuying's mother. Having once set their sights on marrying their sons into the family, they now shifted their attention, targeting the peculiar young man who had seemingly reaped the coveted prize.
A man in his forties, sporting a beer belly, suddenly asked, "May I inquire where Mr. Xiang is employed?"
Though the man's tone irked him, Xiang Ri, recognizing him as a friend of Shuying's mother, responded with courtesy, "I'm not really employed yet; I'm still a student."
Having been asked about his occupation several times, Xiang Ri had grown accustomed to these questions and knew well the disdain that would follow once he answered. Sure enough, the response was exactly as expected—tinged with a dismissive air and an unspoken sense of superiority.
The beer-bellied man was clearly not ready to let him off so easily and pressed on, "Oh, which prestigious university do you attend?"
Xiang Ri, though tempted to retort with a snide remark, held back out of respect for Shuying and her mother. He answered simply, "Gaoda."
"Gaoda?" The middle-aged men and women exchanged looks of further derision, now even hinting at a certain gleefulness. So, he was merely a student at an ordinary university—well, that meant there was still hope for their sons.
The only ones unfazed by this exchange were Shuying and her mother. Their understanding was not limited to the immediate circumstances but extended to a deeper perspective. One need only ask: could someone invited to such an upscale event, regardless of their outward appearance, truly be of inconsequential background?
More importantly, if he had indeed been invited to such an event, he should have adhered to the formal dress code, yet he remained unaffected, not even offering the host the slightest respect. The only plausible explanation was that he was unconcerned with the host's opinion, implying a background of considerable significance.
Unfortunately, the individuals fixated on short-term gain failed to look beyond the surface. Dropping the formality of "Mr.," they continued probing, "May we ask what your parents do?"
"My father is a worker, and my mother is also a worker." Xiang Ri dismissed the inquiries with indifference, feeling no shame in speaking of his parents' honest professions. To him, there was nothing shameful in stating the truth.
However, once those words left his lips, the atmosphere shifted, and no one seemed inclined to engage with him any further. The few people present quickly deduced the reason for his tattered attire—he likely couldn't afford a suit and had probably been brought in by Shuying and her mother.
Once they came to this conclusion, they resumed their conversations with Shuying's mother, some even beginning to boast about their sons' accomplishments, eager to display their pride.
Shuying, watching her "future boyfriend" suffer this indignity, felt a pang of frustration, yet was helpless to restore his dignity. She could only silently mourn the situation. In hindsight, she regretted bringing him here; had she known this would unfold as it did, she would have simply accompanied him for a meal instead.
In the midst of her discontent, she suddenly felt a shift in the focus of attention towards her. As she looked up, she realized the attention wasn't directed at her, but rather at a stern-looking middle-aged man who had just approached.
The group of men and women who had been speaking with Shuying's mother immediately abandoned their previous attempts at flattery upon seeing his arrival. They eagerly hurried over to greet him, calling in unison, "Mr. Chu!"
The man they called Mr. Chu was none other than the renowned Chu Ah, known for his immense wealth. He greeted the group with a brief, disinterested "Hmm," acknowledging their presence without much attention. These individuals were of little consequence to him. He was merely approaching because he had spotted a familiar face.
Xiang Ri, too, noticed the arrival of the influential Chu Ah. As the man made his way directly toward him, Xiang Ri, aware of the many eyes upon him, could not afford to ignore the situation. He respectfully stepped forward and said, "Uncle Chu!"
The group of men and women, now thoroughly astonished, immediately understood why Chu Ah was approaching—they had assumed his attention was directed at them, but in truth, it was because of the young man. Judging by the formality of his address, the relationship between them seemed quite significant.
The few individuals who had earlier spoken with less respect now felt a tightening in their chests. They silently hoped that this young man wasn't holding any grudges, for if he were, it could spell disaster for them.
"Mm." Chu Ah responded indifferently. Truth be told, he had been worried the young man might refuse to acknowledge him, so he had already prepared for the worst. But now, seeing the respect the young man showed, he felt a sense of relief and quietly praised his tact.
Yet, as his gaze fell upon Xiang Ri's attire, Chu Ah's displeasure was evident. Attending such a prestigious event in attire resembling that of an ordinary student—was this not an affront to his own dignity?
Thankfully, he hadn't publicly referred to the young man as his son-in-law, or else it would likely have spread by the following day that he had chosen an ordinary man to be his daughter's husband. With this thought, his tone grew stern. "What's this? You attend a banquet and don't even bother to change your clothes?"
Xiang Ri, though tempted to retort that it was none of his business, refrained, understanding that speaking his mind would surely rupture the fragile veneer of respect. Instead, he answered humbly, "I didn't know there was a banquet today, so I didn't have time to change."
"Mm." Chu Ah nodded thoughtfully. Judging by the young man's words, it seemed he visited often, or else this situation wouldn't have arisen. Chu Ah, though curious about his relationship with the host, refrained from asking in front of the crowd. Instead, he changed the subject. "It's been a while since you've come by. When you have time, come visit me. Your aunt would very much like to see you."
In truth, Chu Ah had no interest in seeing the young man. His concern was solely for his daughter.
Xiang Ri, unsure of the deeper meaning behind his words, nonetheless responded with respect, "Yes."
"Let it be, do as you wish," Chu Ah said, turning to leave, his demeanor akin to that of a master. Yet, before he departed, he cast a meaningful glance at the beautiful girl closest to the young man.
Xiang Ri could not help but exhale a sigh of relief. The old man, Chu Ah, was truly becoming more arrogant with age—what was all this nonsense?
While inwardly grumbling, Xiang Ri noticed the lighting dimming slightly before the same group of middle-aged men and women, who had previously ignored him upon learning that his parents were workers, suddenly crowded around him. This time, however, they no longer sought to belittle him; their eyes now gleamed with obsequious flattery.
"Mr. Xiang, you truly are a remarkable young man!"
"Ah, so you are Mr. Chu's nephew! No wonder, no wonder!"
The group vied to heap praise upon him, some even recommending their daughters, whose beauty they claimed was unsurpassed. They had completely forgotten how they had treated him moments ago.
Xiang Ri, disinterested in engaging with these opportunists, made his way over to Shuying's mother to bid farewell. "Aunt Shuying, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Mm, go ahead," Shuying's mother replied calmly, though her heart was brimming with excitement. Having a connection with the richest man in the area would undoubtedly make future business endeavors far easier. She knew that once word of this spread, she wouldn't need to leave her home—people would be eager to seek her out for deals and contracts.
Shuying, too, secretly rejoiced. She had been worried about how to restore her "future boyfriend's" dignity, but it had come to her effortlessly, courtesy of a man of immense importance. Her pride swelled, and had her mother not been standing beside her, she might have approached the young man to mock the others for their sudden change of heart.
Seeing that the man was preparing to leave, she immediately stepped forward, draping her arm around Xiang Ri's shoulder. "Let's go, treat me to some food."
Though Xiang Ri felt her proximity a bit too familiar, he had already developed a strong liking for her and, thus, didn't mind much. Together, they walked off.
Returning to the table, the previously devoured delicacies had been replenished. Xiang Ri's appetite surged, and he grabbed his knife and fork, diving into the food.
His manners, however, were still as atrocious as before, startling a few nearby diners who quickly retreated.
For Shuying, though, this was of little concern. She appreciated that her "future boyfriend" was carefree and uninhibited, his lack of pretension far more appealing than the self-righteousness of the other guests in the hall.
"Hey, don't just watch me eat, have some too," Xiang Ri said between bites of meat, addressing the beautiful woman by his side.
"I'm full, just watching you eat is enough," Shuying replied, her heart fluttering. His consideration for her, even as he ate, made her feel cherished.
"Watching me eat, I might get embarrassed," Xiang Ri feigned bashfulness, which made Shuying burst into laughter.
However, one could not deny the presence of those who sought to disrupt the mood. Earlier, there had been an unpleasant figure, and now, another individual arrived who oozed the air of a second-rate scoundrel.
"What's so funny? Damn, the sound of it makes me sick," the second-rate scoundrel remarked, his appearance not entirely unhandsome—he could pass as a pretty boy. Unfortunately, his frame was even slimmer than Xiang Ri's, almost to the point of being skeletal.
Dressed sharply, yet the ill-fitted suit hung loosely on him, resembling fabric draped over a bamboo figure.
Shuying's fury ignited instantly, her eyes blazing with an intensity that could almost burn him alive.
"Oh? Still daring to look at me? What, have you taken a liking to me? To be honest, you're quite the stunner. How about ditching that pauper and coming with me instead? Trust me, it's a much better deal. And as a bonus, I'll even share a little secret with you: that guy over there? He's nothing more than a gigolo. Hahaha!"
"Are you talking about me?" Xiang Ri stopped Shuying, who was about to step forward to argue, his gaze cold as he stared down the arrogant scoundrel. At the same time, he had already deduced who was pulling the strings behind this farce. So, they wanted to push him into a corner? Well, they couldn't blame him for retaliating, then.
"Damn right, I'm talking about you! What's the matter? Thinking of starting a fight?" The scoundrel, emboldened by his influential connections, tilted his head defiantly.
"A fight?" Xiang Ri found the idea amusing. Did this walking bamboo pole really think he stood a chance? Without hesitation, Xiang Ri stepped forward, seized the man's wrist, and sneered coldly, "I don't care who's egging you on. If you dare provoke me again, you're as good as dead."
The scoundrel yelped in pain, his wrist feeling as though it might snap. "Let go! Let go!"
"Still itching to cause trouble?" Xiang Ri's eyes gleamed with a murderous intent.
Terrified, the scoundrel shook his head furiously. "No, no more, I swear!"
"Then get lost!" Xiang Ri released his grip, sending the scoundrel staggering backward. Freed, the man didn't dare utter another threat, turning tail and fleeing in disgrace.
"Why let him go? Scum like that deserves a good beating!" Shuying said indignantly as she watched the scoundrel scurry off.
"You think I didn't want to? But this is my friend's house—I can't cause unnecessary trouble for her," Xiang Ri replied with a hint of helplessness.
"Hmph, he got off easy," Shuying grumbled.
"Yeah, no choice," Xiang Ri sighed. Just as he was about to say more, his eyes caught a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye. He quickly said, "Wait here for a moment—I need to use the restroom."
Having said that, he immediately darted toward the direction where the familiar figure had disappeared.
The figure seemed intimately acquainted with the layout of the house, navigating through its twists and turns with ease until reaching the second floor. Xiang Ri trailed behind at a cautious distance, mindful of the open hallway on either side that offered little cover. He dared not follow too closely.
At last, the figure stopped in front of a bedroom door. Without hesitation or hesitation, she pushed it open and slipped inside. Xiang Ri's eyes gleamed sharply—he was certain that this person had arranged to meet someone here; otherwise, such a smooth entry wouldn't have been possible.
Once she had entered, Xiang Ri stepped out of his hiding place and cautiously approached the bedroom door. He gave it a gentle push, but it was already shut. Eyeing the door handle, he was skeptical. He knew that someone acting with such care wouldn't leave such an obvious oversight. Yet, clinging to a sliver of hope, he tried the handle anyway. To his surprise, it turned, and the door opened slightly, revealing a narrow gap.
Either she was careless or overly confident, Xiang Ri thought to himself. Regardless, she had left a significant opportunity for him to exploit.
After glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, Xiang Ri pressed his ear against the door, listening intently for any sounds inside. Nothing.
He pushed the door open further and peeked inside. The room appeared to contain nothing more than ordinary furniture, decorations, and clothing. Gritting his teeth, Xiang Ri made up his mind, opening the door just wide enough for him to slip inside. He darted in quickly, silently congratulating himself for not being discovered. Fate seemed to be on his side.
This wasn't just a typical bedroom but a personal haven, complete with a sitting area, a bathroom, and a separate sleeping space. The area Xiang Ri had entered was the living room, its arrangement resembling that of the main living room downstairs.
A faint sound reached his ears—the unmistakable noise of running water from the bathroom. His heart quickened as he realized the figure he had followed was showering inside. The thought tempted him, urging him to take a closer look. But he knew better than to act rashly. A quick glance might go unnoticed, but barging in outright would surely spell disaster.
He resolved to wait outside. Xiang Ri was convinced that the woman hadn't sneaked up here simply to take a shower—there had to be more to it, and he was determined to find out.
Waiting, however, proved to be an excruciatingly tedious ordeal. Bored, Xiang Ri began to observe his surroundings. It was unmistakably a woman's bedroom; the scattered lingerie on the sofa left no room for doubt about its occupant's gender.
Time dragged on, and the person in the bathroom showed no sign of finishing. Xiang Ri's thoughts wandered as he toyed with the idea of pocketing a couple of the garments strewn about. Just as he was about to act on the notion, the bathroom door suddenly swung open.
Panic surged through him, cold sweat breaking out as he instinctively dropped to the floor and rolled behind a wardrobe. It was only by this hasty move that he narrowly avoided being discovered.
Peeking carefully, he was utterly stunned by the sight before him. Emerging from the bathroom were not one, but two people—his target, the illustrious Miss An Xin'an, and the heiress of the household herself, the frosty beauty often seen wearing white-framed glasses.
At this moment, however, she was far from cold. On the contrary, she radiated a beguiling allure, her womanly charms amplified by the absence of her glasses.
What truly tested Xiang Ri's composure was the sight of the two clad in nothing but towels, their alabaster skin gleaming under the soft light, most of it bare to the open air.
Observing their intimate rapport, Xiang Ri surmised the nature of their activities. No wonder Miss An had been so cautious earlier—such endeavors were best kept from prying eyes.
By now, the two had tumbled onto the sofa, and Miss An had begun loosening the frosty beauty's towel. Xiang Ri's thoughts raced, urging silently, *"Yes, go on... faster!"*
Yet, just as the towel was halfway undone, the frosty beauty suddenly said, "An'an, did you check the door lock? I'm worried someone might barge in."
"You're right," An Xin'an replied. Rising to her feet, she moved to the door. Upon finding it securely locked, she frowned in confusion. She distinctly remembered not locking it earlier—had she done so absentmindedly? Or perhaps someone else had?
Unable to recall, she shook her head dismissively. Whatever the case, it didn't matter. At a time like this, surely no one would intrude.
Little did she know, the intruder had already arrived—a brazen wolf unlike any before.
The truth was, as soon as An Xin'an approached the door, Xiang Ri had broken into a cold sweat. He knew full well he had locked the door himself. Thankfully, though still perplexed, An Xin'an dismissed the thought and didn't suspect anyone had entered.
With a swift motion, An Xin'an pulled away her companion's towel, revealing the frosty beauty's dazzling figure.
Xiang Ri couldn't help but swallow hard, though his view was limited to the frosty beauty's graceful silhouette due to his angle of observation.
At last, Miss An stood up, her turn to remove the towel draped over her form.
With a casual flick of her hand, the towel fluttered to the floor. This time, Xiang Ri's gaze captured everything in vivid detail. Though the glimpse lasted mere seconds, the ethereal sight etched itself indelibly into his memory.
A wave of overwhelming shock coursed through him, his body trembling with uncontainable tension. He realized that if he didn't find a way to slip out soon, he might lose control entirely, and the consequences of that were beyond comprehension.
Yet escaping was no simple task. The two women were lounging on the sofa, positioned directly opposite the door. Unless they both miraculously turned blind, his conspicuous presence would surely be noticed.
From the other side of the room, unfamiliar sounds began to drift to his ears—soft, intimate noises exchanged between the women. Xiang Ri fought desperately to resist looking, his willpower waging a fierce battle against the insistent desires surging within him.
The peculiar sounds grew louder, each one striking a nerve and heightening his torment.
What made the ordeal even more unbearable was that one of the women was someone he knew well, and it was her voice rising above the other's. Every cry she uttered was like a tantalizing siren call, pulling mercilessly at the fragile threads of his self-control.
"Damn it! This can't go on—if it does, I'll lose control sooner or later. I need to come up with a solution," Xiang Ri cursed loudly. Suddenly, he recalled the Heart Sutra he had once memorized while reading *Journey to the West*. Perhaps it might help. He began to recite:
*"Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, while practicing deeply the Perfection of Wisdom, clearly saw that the five skandhas are empty, thus overcoming all suffering and distress. Sariputra, form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form..."*
"Ah—!"
A piercing cry shattered his concentration before he could finish. The thunderous sound made it impossible to continue.
Gritting his teeth in frustration, Xiang Ri made a decision. "To hell with it—if I can't resist, I'll just look! I refuse to believe such a trivial temptation can defeat me!" Emotion triumphed over reason, and he leaned forward once more to steal another glance.
But this time, his gaze was utterly captivated. The brilliance of their fair skin dazzled him, leaving him spellbound. He forgot the danger of his position, leaning even further forward without realizing it.
Disaster struck. The wardrobe, unable to bear his weight, tilted precariously.
With a loud crash, the wardrobe collapsed against the wall.
Startled, Xiang Ri instinctively tried to catch it, hoping to prevent the inevitable. But there was nothing within reach to steady himself, and he could only watch helplessly as the wardrobe toppled to the ground.
*Bang!*
The deafening sound startled the two women from their intimate moment, leaving them frozen in shock.
Now fully exposed, Xiang Ri found himself face to face with the stunned women. For a moment, all three stared at one another in disbelief, their gazes meeting in a fiery, electrified exchange.
"Ah—!"
A deafening scream erupted, its intensity doubled by the overlapping voices of the two women. Xiang Ri quickly clapped his hands over his ears, bracing himself against the cacophony.
The two women reacted swiftly. Beyond the three seconds spent screaming in shock, they needed barely a moment to grab their towels and cover themselves.
Once decently wrapped, they fixed the intruding man with searing glares, their expressions brimming with indignation. Both were armed—An Xin wielded a throw pillow, while the icy beauty took it a step further, brandishing an entire bedsheet.
"Xiang Kui, you bastard!" An Xin froze for a mere fraction of a second upon recognizing Xiang Ri, but she wasted no time before launching herself at him, fists and feet flying in a whirlwind of fury.
The icy beauty, unwilling to let her partner battle alone, charged forward as well, her improvised weapon in hand. She, too, rained blows upon Xiang Ri, but she added an unconventional touch to her assault—teeth.
Dodging and scrambling in desperation, Xiang Ri cursed his luck, inching closer and closer to the door. Just as his fingers reached for the doorknob, a chilling voice rang out behind him.
"Xiang Kui, if you dare leave, I'll end my life right here!"
Xiang Ri froze in his tracks and turned around, horror etched on his face. An Xin stood there, clutching a shattered glass shard, its sharp edge pressed dangerously against her delicate neck.
"An Xin, don't do anything rash!" he exclaimed, too terrified to move. Her dramatic threat stunned him—it was outrageous, utterly unreasonable.
Desperately, Xiang Ri tried to calm her down. "Let's talk this through! There's no need to resort to such extremes."
"How can I face the world now that you've seen us like this?" An Xin's tearful eyes glistened as she glared at him, her voice trembling with indignation and shame.
"All this… over something like that?" Xiang Ri stammered, utterly dumbfounded. "It's not a big deal! You're just in a normal relationship, and no one else has the right to interfere. Don't worry—I promise I won't tell anyone. No one else will ever know."
"Absolutely not!" An Xin cut him off, her voice sharp and unwavering.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Xiang Ri felt utterly helpless. His assurances were useless, and he could think of no other way to defuse the situation.
An Xin was momentarily taken aback by the question. Truth be told, she hadn't really planned what to do with him. Suddenly struck by an idea, she said, "Come here!"
"What for?" Though still unsure of her intentions, Xiang Ri slowly stepped forward. A sudden thought crossed his mind, and he blurted out, "You're not planning to kill me to silence me, are you?"
"Just come here already!" An Xin sharply pushed the pointed edge of the glass shard against her skin. The sharp edge cut deep, and crimson blood began to flow.
Xiang Ri's heart trembled, and he cried out in alarm, "Stop! Stop! An Xin, don't do anything rash. I'm coming over right now!" With that, he quickened his pace.
When he was just about a meter away, An Xin finally commanded, "That's enough. Stop there."
"Alright, An Xin. Whatever it is, just say it. Kill me or torture me—do as you please!" Xiang Ri closed his eyes tightly as he spoke.
"Who said anything about killing you?" An Xin snapped angrily, then suddenly asked in an odd tone, "Let me ask you, Xiang Kui—do you like me?"
"Huh?" Xiang Ri opened his eyes, utterly baffled. "Why are you asking this?"
"I'm just asking if you like me or not," An Xin repeated firmly.
"Well… how should I put this..." Just as Xiang Ri began to stall, he noticed An Xin's arm trembling violently. Panicking, he immediately shouted, "I like you! I like you!"
"Good!" An Xin continued, her tone resolute. "If I were willing to be your girlfriend, would you want me?"
Xiang Ri was on the verge of losing his mind, but he stammered, trembling, "Yes… yes, I would!"
"Alright then, I'll be your girlfriend. But listen closely—if you ever dare betray me, I'll kill myself right in front of you. And I'll leave a suicide note saying it was all because of you!"
"Surely you're not that ruthless?" Xiang Ri said again. "But you can't possibly force me to leave Chuchu and Xiaoqing, can you? Let me tell you, I will never abandon them because of you!"
"Who's asking you to abandon them? Can't I just be with them too?" An Xin glared at him as she set down the jagged glass shard in her hand.
"Something this good? You can't possibly be serious," Xiang Ri said skeptically, not believing a word of it. "Come on, stop messing with me. What do you really want me to do?"
"Do you think I'm that kind of person?" An Xin picked up the glass shard again.
Xiang Ri immediately surrendered. "Of course not! It's just... I'm curious about one thing. I'm neither tall nor handsome, and we're constantly at odds. How could you possibly like someone like me?"
"Why wouldn't I?" An Xin shot back. "You clearly don't understand a woman's heart at all. From the moment you took that bullet for me, I started liking you. And that night, you said you'd take care of me for the rest of my life. Have you forgotten?"
"You can't seriously mean to cling to me for life, can you?" Xiang Ri was shaken by An Xin's bold confession, his heart wavering more than ever. Yet, one doubt still gnawed at him. "Then why are you still involved with this woman over here?" He gestured toward the icy beauty standing nearby.
To his surprise, An Xin blushed. "I couldn't help myself, so..."
"I see." Xiang Ri decided not to push her any further. He pointed at the glass shard in her hand and said, "Now, hand that over to me. It's too dangerous!"
"No!" An Xin refused firmly, "What if I give it to you and you change your mind?"
"Hey, what do you mean by that?" Xiang Ri feigned annoyance. "Do you think I'm some kind of person who would refuse a beauty like you? Hurry up and give it to me, it's too dangerous!"
"Don't try to deceive me!" An Xin said, as she reluctantly handed over the glass shard.
Xiang Ri took it in his hand, letting out a long breath of relief. He then angrily tossed the glass aside. Damn it, it was this very thing that almost killed someone. Damn!
Just as he was cursing inwardly, a body suddenly lunged at him. Xiang Ri quickly caught her in his arms. To his surprise, An Xin's face was mere inches from his. "You said you'd take care of me for life!"
"I knew I shouldn't have said that..."
"What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing, I meant to say I won't just take care of you for life, I'll take care of you for ten lifetimes." Xiang Ri quickly corrected himself.
"Now that's more like it! If you ever deceive me, I'll kill myself!" An Xin said with a smug grin.
"That's impossible, how could I deceive you? I would never deceive you."
"Who would believe you?" An Xin shot him a sidelong glance. "Tell me, how much did you see just now?"
"Uh... I don't want to lie to you, I saw everything there was to see."
"Do you think I'm strange?" An Xin suddenly asked, her voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness.
"Strange? What do you mean?" Xiang Ri was somewhat puzzled.
An Xin blushed deeply. "I mean... down there, it's different from others..."
"Different?"
Xiang Ri paused, thinking back carefully. A sudden realization struck him. When he had seen An Xin's body earlier, there had indeed been something unusual—her skin was flawless and pure white, with no trace of imperfection.
Could it be...
"Why worry? It's so smooth and beautiful, I quite like it," Xiang Ri thought to himself, drenched in sweat. An Xin was embarrassed about something like that? Some people even deliberately try to achieve such perfection.
An Xin, overwhelmed with embarrassment, longed to find a hole to burrow into. At that moment, the icy beauty, who had been silently standing nearby, finally spoke up. "I say, haven't you two exchanged enough pleasantries? I'm exhausted and need to rest. Please, leave me be!"
Only then did An Xin realize she had neglected her close friend. She hurried forward. "Wenwen, don't be like this. We're still best friends, aren't we?"
"Wenwen, things have changed," the icy beauty replied, casting a glance at the man beside her. "You've already got a boyfriend, and I'm still alone..."
"Don't say that, Wenwen. I believe you'll find someone too..." An Xin paused, then pulled the man beside her closer. "How about I introduce him to you?"
"I would never steal from a good friend, especially since I don't like him at all. In fact, I find him quite repellent!" The icy beauty cast a disdainful glance at the man beside her.
An Xin was about to continue persuading her, when the icy beauty suddenly spoke again. "However, if you want me to be his girlfriend, that might be possible—if you help me with something."
"Sorry, but I'll pass. I have no interest in waking up in the middle of the night and never being able to wake again!"
"Xiang Kui, what do you mean by this?" An Xin, having just become his girlfriend and yet already indulging in the privileges without fulfilling any duties, said with some indignation. "Can't you help my dear friend? It's just a matter of beating up a heartless man."
Xiang Ri immediately plastered a smile on his face. "An Xin, you've misunderstood me. I simply don't want her to be my girlfriend; I never said I wouldn't help her."
"I see," An Xin said, turning back to her friend. "Alright, Wenwen, Xiang Kui has agreed to help you."
"I know. But until he helps me, I am absolutely not his girlfriend," Wenwen replied, then walked into the bedroom without another word.
In the living room, only the newly confirmed couple remained.
To be honest, Xiang Ri was still feeling somewhat dazed. From the moment he had spied on An Xin, to being blackmailed into becoming her boyfriend by a suicide threat—everything had happened so suddenly.
"An Xin, if it weren't for tonight, when were you planning to tell me?" Xiang Ri asked as he pulled An Xin closer, suddenly voicing the question that had been bubbling in his chest.
"I think it should be soon, don't you? Didn't you notice? The reason I'm learning to cook is to make meals for you. Yet, you didn't appreciate it and even almost threw up. You've really hurt me," An Xin confided with sincerity. She wasn't even sure why she had grown fond of this man who often teased her—perhaps it was from the moment he took a bullet for her.
"Then why did you want me to teach you?" Xiang Ri asked again.
An Xin shot him a look of disdain. "Aren't you supposed to be so clever? Didn't you see through that? How did you ever fall for Qingqing? I just wanted to be like her, calling you 'teacher' every day. Who knows, maybe it would have worked."
"To be honest, An Xin, I never imagined you would like me," Xiang Ri sighed. "From my perspective, you still seem to prefer women, and yet you're competing with me for Xiaoqing."
"Well, I just wanted to get your attention. Who knew you'd be such an idiot that you couldn't understand even the most obvious hints?" An Xin laughed, playfully chastising him.
"Don't tell me, today, you had me serve as your taste-testing guinea pig just to get my attention?"
"Of course! I wanted to improve my cooking skills as quickly as possible so I could make meals for you. Who knows, I might just capture your heart through your stomach." An Xin said with utmost seriousness.
"Alright, now I understand your intentions. But you have to promise me one thing: no more wearing those men's clothes, and let your hair grow longer. I prefer long hair," Xiang Ri stated, making his request.
An Xin, growing slightly annoyed, replied, "What? You're trying to control my wardrobe now? I'll let my hair grow, but you have to listen to me about my clothes. Otherwise, I won't be your girlfriend."
Xiang Ri sighed in resignation. "Fine, wear whatever you want, but don't threaten me with not being your girlfriend again, alright?"
"I get it, you're so naggy! As long as you treat me well, I won't threaten you," An Xin promised, but then added a condition of her own. "But you must promise not to flirt with other women, especially foreigners. Otherwise, not only will I threaten you, I'll go tell Chuchu!"
"You just said you wouldn't threaten me, and look at you now, threatening me again," Xiang Ri grumbled.
"It's all your fault!" An Xin retorted angrily, blaming him. Suddenly, she sprang to her feet and pushed him away. "I need to change, so please step outside."
"Wait, what?" Xiang Ri feigned surprise. "I'm your boyfriend now, and you won't even let me take a peek? Not to mention, I've already seen it..."
"Exactly. Because you've already seen it, I'm not letting you see it again," An Xin replied, matching his teasing tone.
"Is there any reason behind this?" Xiang Ri absentmindedly touched his nose, before suddenly pulling An Xin onto the sofa and reaching out to snatch her towel away.
"Is it not allowed for your husband to see? No, today I must see," he declared.
An Xin quickly wrapped herself tighter, her voice firm, "If you keep this up, I'll bite you." She grinned, revealing a set of pearly white teeth that resembled little shells.
The moment she spoke, Xiang Ri felt a searing pain in a spot on his arm where she had bitten him earlier. With a snort, he seized her arm and returned the bite.
"Ah, that hurts!" An Xin gasped as the sudden assault left her eyes misty with tears. Although it felt like a mere mosquito bite, the psychological effect made her perceive it as agonizing.
"Now that's what you call pain?" Xiang Ri released her arm and brought it to her face for inspection. He found that the delicate, snow-white skin was nearly free of any mark, the bite almost faded.
"How could this be?" An Xin was baffled, but still stubbornly retorted, "It really hurt just now."
"Heh," Xiang Ri chuckled ominously, "There's a limit to lying, you know?" Before she could react, he suddenly leaned in and kissed her.
"Mmm—" An Xin's mind went blank for a moment, but she quickly regained clarity. This was the second time, the first being an unwanted kiss, but this time, An Xin wasn't about to let him have the upper hand.
She kissed him back, her small hands firmly gripping his head.
They continued for what felt like an eternity, until neither could breathe, finally pulling away. Meanwhile, Xiang Ri's hand had stealthily ventured beneath her towel, but An Xin immediately seized his wrist and pushed him away.
"Xiang Kui, no... no, this is Wenwen's room."
Xiang Ri was startled by her words and quickly withdrew his hand, chuckling, "An Xin, we're in someone else's home. When we go back, are you going to give it to me?"
An Xin's face turned crimson, "Chuchu and the others will find out."
"It's fine," Xiang Ri quickly came up with a brilliant idea. "When we sleep tonight, don't lock your door. I'll sleep in your room."
An Xin froze, "What about Chuchu and Xiaoqing?"
"Don't worry about them," he grinned. "Tonight, they've decided to sleep together, so I'll go to your room, heh heh!" The more he thought about it, the more clever it seemed. He had been troubled about tonight's situation, but now that he had a girlfriend willing to surrender, he was more than eager.
"No!" An Xin's refusal shattered his pleasant fantasy.
"Why not?" Xiang Ri asked.
"Chuchu and Xiaoqing won't accompany you, so I certainly can't. That's fair! Tonight, you sleep alone. I'll lock the door tightly!" she said, her lips curling up in defiance.
"An Xin, can you really bear to see me sleepless and alone?" Xiang Ri put on a pitiful expression.
"What do you want, then?"
"How about this: I'll sleep in your room. We won't do anything, I promise. If you don't trust me, we can draw a line down the middle. Whoever crosses it gets a punishment." Xiang Ri proposed with a mischievous idea.
An Xin thought for a moment, then replied, "Not a bad idea!"
Suddenly, her eyes widened, "But don't think you can fool me. Do you really think I don't know? You're just trying to take advantage of me. Even if you do cross the line, hitting you won't hurt. What'll hurt is my hand. So, in one word: No!"
"Then I won't go home tonight," Xiang Ri retorted, feeling petulant.
"You dare!" An Xin shot him a fierce look. "If you don't go home, neither will I!"
"Hm?" Xiang Ri feigned curiosity. "Are you suggesting we go to a hotel?"
"You're just letting your mind run wild!" An Xin fumed, finally hardening her resolve. "Fine, I won't lock the door tonight. You can come sleep, but you can't have any funny ideas!"
"Absolutely!" Xiang Ri swore, raising both hands. "I just want to hold you and sleep peacefully."
As he spoke, Xiang Ri couldn't help but recall the "beastly" story in his mind.
"Alright, now go. I need to change," An Xin pushed him away.
"Understood!" Xiang Ri agreed. After all, by nighttime, he would do as he pleased. He might as well let her have her way for now, he thought with a sly grin.
Pushed out of the room by An Xin, Xiang Ri, who was half-reluctant, half-willing, finally stepped into the hall.
He found Shuying waiting impatiently.
"Why did you take so long?" Shuying asked, puzzled.
Xiang Ri quickly came up with a reason. "I might have eaten something unsanitary, and had an upset stomach."
Shuying spat and was about to speak when her expression suddenly changed. She had noticed the strong scent of women's perfume emanating from him. "Your scent..."
"Isn't it lovely?" Xiang Ri responded nonchalantly. Of course, he couldn't tell Shuying the truth, so he concocted an excuse, "I was in the bathroom for too long, and I didn't want to risk any unpleasant odors, so I sprayed some perfume. What do you think? Isn't it delightful?"
Seeing his confident demeanor, Shuying relaxed, though with an amused smile. "You've got it wrong. That's women's perfume."
"Ah?" Xiang Ri feigned surprise. "Honestly, I don't know much about these things. Heh, as long as it doesn't smell bad."
Shuying shook her head, unsure of what to say, then changed the subject. "By the way, do you still want to eat?"
"No need," Xiang Ri quickly declined. "After sitting in the bathroom for so long, do you think I'd dare eat anything?" His eyes suddenly grew cold as he noticed several people approaching from the distance.
At the forefront was a tall, handsome young man, his demeanor arrogantly indifferent, as though nothing in the world could challenge his gaze. Behind him was the same scrawny, good-for-nothing second-generation rich kid who had fled before, though now he strutted with an air of superiority.
Trailing behind were two more figures, a man and a woman—one of them being the loathsome "Dead" Ma Yu, accompanied by the beautiful celebrity Luo Fei Zi.
Shuying, spotting them, hurriedly stepped behind Xiang Ri for cover.
Before anyone could speak, Xiang Ri, with a sneer, addressed the second-generation rich kid, "What is it? Looking for another beating?"
He shook his fist mockingly.
The second-generation rich kid recoiled, shrinking back in fear.
However, before he could retreat far, the tall, arrogant young man grabbed his arm, "What kind of man are you? Scared just because someone shakes their fist?"
The second-generation rich kid grimaced, "Third brother, you don't know, this guy's strength is no joke."
"Strength?" The young man scoffed, his gaze dripping with disdain. "What, you think his strength can match a gun? Stop acting like a coward and disgrace the family."
After scolding his brother, the young man turned his attention to Xiang Ri and, with a tone dripping with contempt, remarked, "So, you're the one bullying my little brother?"
"And who might you be?" Xiang Ri asked, eyeing him with amusement. He felt that the man's face seemed oddly familiar, perhaps he had seen him somewhere before—or someone resembling him.
"None of your business," the young man snapped arrogantly. "If you kneel and apologize now, I might let you off. Otherwise, when you step out that door, I can't guarantee what will happen next."
"If I'm not mistaken, your last name is Yi, right?" Xiang Ri finally recalled where he had seen someone like him—a certain scoundrel named Yi Tianxing. Now, he couldn't help but wonder, why is it that every Yi seems to be a scoundrel? Of course, excluding the women.
The young man paused, but his smugness only grew. "So, you know my last name? You must also know my status. Good. Kneel and bow three times, and I'll spare you."
"Why is it that every Yi is as useless as you?" Xiang Ri retorted coldly, locking eyes with him. "Let me tell you something—don't provoke me. I don't care what your last name is, I'll still beat you senseless!"
"Fine, fine, fine!" The young man spat venomously. "You've got guts. If I weren't in a place where bodyguards aren't allowed, you crippled fool, I'd have you on the ground in an instant. Do you believe me?"
"Idiot!" Xiang Ri responded by flipping him the bird.
"Damn!" The arrogant young man, who had intended to hold his tongue in front of the women, could no longer restrain himself. He had never been insulted like this before and, without hesitation, launched a vicious kick.
Xiang Ri, however, moved faster than him. Just as the other's foot neared his body, he was already sent flying through the air.
Nearby, Sima Yu observed with an increasingly evident sneer in his eyes. Having already gathered information about the Yi family's background—immense enough to strike terror into the hearts of many—he thought to himself, "So, you still dare to make a move? Let's see how you meet your end for living off others."
However, truth be told, Sima Yu couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease. Thankfully, he had refrained from engaging with this young man earlier, or it would have been his own pride that had been wounded. If that had been reported in the papers or broadcast on TV, his popularity would have plummeted immediately.
"Third Brother!" The scrawny second-generation rich kid immediately rushed forward, astonished that even someone as imposing as his older brother had been bested without being able to retaliate.
"Humph!" Xiang Ri paid him no heed and, grabbing the beauty beside him, made to leave.
At that moment, two middle-aged men stepped forward, blocking his way. One of the older men, with an air of authority, spoke, "So, you think you can just leave after striking someone?"
Xiang Ri scoffed, "Are you looking to get even?" From their appearance, he had already deduced that these two middle-aged men were the elder relatives of the arrogant young man and the second-generation rich kid. With that knowledge, he showed no intention of holding back.
"Which family's child are you? To be so rude? Where are your elders?" The younger of the two men demanded.
By now, the arrogant young man had risen to his feet and called out to the two middle-aged men, "Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle!" While the second-generation rich kid addressed them as, "Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle!"
"Truly a family affair," Xiang Ri remarked with a sinister chuckle. "Fighting brothers, on the battlefield, father and son—truly formidable!"
The younger middle-aged man's patience wore thin. "I asked where your elders are! This is outrageous! Call them out immediately!"
Xiang Ri smirked, his lip curling disdainfully. "Why should I listen to you? Who do you think you are?"
"You..." The younger of the two middle-aged men trembled with fury, but was restrained by the older man. Having observed the situation for a while, the older man had begun to discern the truth, his tone softened considerably. "Young brother, are your parents around? Would it be possible for you to call them out so we might meet them?"
Xiang Ri, aware that the man had likely uncovered something, and perhaps due to his appearance, coldly replied, "The matter I'm involved in has nothing to do with my parents, and besides, they've been separated for nearly twenty years. Do you still believe there's any affection left between them?"
The young men in the vicinity were baffled by Xiang Ri's words, but both middle-aged men understood clearly. The older of the two had suspected as much and managed to remain composed, while the younger man, his lips quivering with emotion, stared intently at Xiang Ri. Gradually, his body trembled, and with a discerning gaze, he seemed to recognize the features of someone he had once known well.
"How is your mother?" the older man asked.
The question caused a stir among those present, especially Sima Yu, who was now wondering if the two families had some connection. The arrogant young man and the second-generation rich kid also appeared to have some inkling of the connection between themselves and the one who had just defeated them.
"She's in good health. You needn't concern yourselves with her," Xiang Ri responded, still cold and distant.
The older man seemed to fall into a deep sense of remorse. "I know... it's our fault. Sigh, if only we brothers had been able to speak with the old man back then, perhaps..."
"The past is past. What's the point of discussing it now?" Xiang Ri's voice remained as indifferent as ever. "Without you, didn't we still live well enough?"
The two middle-aged men were momentarily silenced, but the arrogant young man could no longer hold back. "What is this? Don't think you can act arrogantly just because you're related to us. Let me tell you—" Before he could finish, a sharp pain struck the top of his head.
He turned to find his usual ally, Fifth Uncle, withdrawing his hand. "Fifth Uncle, you..."
"Beast!" The younger middle-aged man cursed, his voice brimming with fury. "How did your father raise you? Do you have no manners at all?"
"I..." The arrogant young man was at a loss, frustration clouding his face.
"You..." The younger of the two middle-aged men trembled with rage, but was restrained by the elder. After a long pause, the older man, having pieced together the situation, softened his tone. "Young brother, are your parents around? Could you bring them out for us to meet?"
Xiang Ri, sensing that the man had likely uncovered the truth and possibly recognizing something in his appearance, coldly responded, "This has nothing to do with my parents. They've been separated for nearly twenty years—do you really think there's still any affection left?"
The younger men present were confused by Xiang Ri's words, but both middle-aged men understood immediately. The older man, having suspected something earlier, remained calm, while the younger man, his lips trembling, stared intently at Xiang Ri. Gradually, his body shook as he seemed to recognize the features of someone he had known long ago.
"How is your mother?" the elder inquired.
The question caused a stir among the onlookers, especially Sima Yu, who began to wonder if there was some deeper connection between the two families. The arrogant young man and the second-generation rich kid also appeared to sense that their adversary had a link to them.
"She's in good health. You needn't worry," Xiang Ri responded, still cold and unyielding.
The older man seemed to fall into a deep regret. "I know... it was our fault. Sigh, if only we had spoken with the old man back then, perhaps..."
"The past is past," Xiang Ri interrupted with indifference. "What's the point of bringing it up now? We've lived just fine without you."
The two middle-aged men were momentarily taken aback, but the arrogant young man, unable to hold his temper any longer, spoke up. "What is this? Don't think you can act so arrogantly just because of a little family connection. Let me tell you—" Before he could finish, a sharp pain struck his head.
Turning, he saw Fifth Uncle withdraw his hand. "Fifth Uncle, you..."
"Beast!" the younger middle-aged man cursed. "How did your father raise you? Do you have no manners?"
"I..." The arrogant young man was stunned into silence, frustration written all over his face.
Once the two young men departed, the elder of the two middle-aged men asked, "Does your mother still hold a grudge against us?"
"No," Xiang Ri replied frankly. From his interactions with his mother, he could tell that she had no regrets about her choices, and thus no lingering resentment.
"Ah, your mother has always been so kind-hearted," the older man sighed, his thoughts seemingly drifting to days long past.
"Thank you, but if there's nothing more, I must be on my way," Xiang Ri said curtly, unwilling to engage further with these two middle-aged men. Their eyes, filled with curiosity, made him uncomfortable.
"Wait!" the younger middle-aged man called out. "You haven't told us your name!"
"My name is Xiang Kui. 'Xiang' as in the sun, and 'Kui' as in the sunflower," Xiang Ri replied.
"Ha!" Su Ying, who had been quietly standing by Xiang Ri's side, could no longer hold back a laugh upon hearing his classic self-introduction. Luo Feizi, beside her, stifled a giggle, covering her mouth.
The two middle-aged men, now noticing others in their presence, exchanged glances and turned their attention to the laughing young woman. Assuming she was his girlfriend, they quickly turned toward her. If they couldn't get answers from their nephew, they would attempt to pry them out of his supposed fiancée.
The elder smiled and addressed Su Ying. "You must be his girlfriend?" he asked, gesturing toward Xiang Ri.
Su Ying blushed but answered confidently, "Yes!"
Xiang Ri shot her a puzzled look. What did she mean by agreeing so readily? Still, he chose not to expose her in front of these two men, as it would be embarrassing for her.
"Truly, you are quite beautiful!" The younger middle-aged man said with a friendly smile. "Do you know who we are?"
"No," Su Ying replied earnestly, shaking her head. She genuinely had no idea, but from their conversation, she had gathered that their relationship with Xiang Ri wasn't simple.
"You should call us 'Uncle,'" the older man smiled. "I am Fourth Uncle, and this is Fifth Uncle."
"Ah?" Su Ying was taken aback. She hadn't expected to meet their family so soon. Embarrassed, she shyly stammered, "Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle."
Xiang Ri shook his head, bewildered. This girl was far too quick to latch onto any opportunity. He now wondered if today was destined to be a day for picking up girlfriends. If she was the third one, after the earlier two, it seemed too coincidental.
However, he also knew this matter shouldn't drag on any longer. He would rather endure the awkwardness of this situation than engage in any further conversation with these middle-aged men.
Yet the two middle-aged men, apparently quite generous, clapped their hands and pulled out their checkbooks. In no time, they had written out a substantial sum. "Since this is our first meeting and we don't know what you like, take this to buy whatever you fancy. If it's not enough, come back and ask your uncles for more."
Su Ying, caught by surprise, looked at the checks in her hands and asked, "Three million? For two checks? Is this really for me to buy gifts?"
Although her family was financially comfortable, most of the money was tied up in the company. This was the first time she had received money to spend as she pleased.
Six hundred thousand just for calling them "Uncle"? This was almost too good to be true. Wait, earlier they had said one was "Fourth Uncle" and the other was "Fifth Uncle," so there must be "First" and "Second Uncles" as well. Perhaps there were even "Sixth" and "Seventh Uncles" waiting. If she called each one, she could be raking in millions just by collecting gifts. This money was far too easy to earn!
Xiang Ri was also a little taken aback. Three million on the spot—these were truly wealthy individuals.
Had he not accumulated some savings, he might have felt inferior in their presence. He also recalled that he had thirty million USD still waiting to be transferred. It seemed time to follow up on that, or who knew how long it would be delayed.
Determined, Xiang Ri prepared to leave, but it seemed the two "uncles" were so generous that they handed him another three million. As he held the checks in his hands, he wondered if having two more "uncles" wasn't such a bad thing after all.
Indeed, when the two middle-aged men saw the way Xiang Ri's eyes gleamed at the checks, they exchanged a look and, with a smile, generously handed him another sum.
Although to Xiang Ri, the billionaire with a fortune of 3 billion USD, this modest sum seemed insignificant, he could not help but accept it, for even the smallest fly is still a morsel of meat.
Thus, when it came to answering the two "uncles'" questions, he, adhering to the saying "a man cannot eat without speaking," courteously obliged.
"Do your parents live in the city?"
"No, they reside in the countryside."
"Ah, do you still attend school?"
"Yes."
"Which university?"
"Gao Da."
The two "uncles" were somewhat disappointed but nonetheless expressed their concern. "Even though it's Gao Da, as long as you put in the effort, you'll do just fine!"
"Yes!" Xiang Ri replied, feigning humility.