《The Billion-Value Lands Are Just For Farming》 Chapter 1 C1 ¨C Super Farming System Activated ¡°Su Ming, if you want to marry my daughter, you¡¯ll need to provide five hundred thousand as betrothal gifts.¡± ¡°Furthermore, you must buy a 150 square meter house in the Second Ring Road, and the property¡¯s owner can only be my daughter. The house should be well-decorated, and while we can live there, your parents are not allowed!¡± ¡°You must also own a car worth at least 200,000 yuan!¡± ¡°On top of that, you will be responsible for your brother-inw¡¯s four years of college tuition and living expenses. Additionally, you will cover his wedding expenses in the future.¡± Standing in the living room, Su Ming frowned upon hearing his mother-inw¡¯s conditions. ¡°Auntie, didn¡¯t we agree on three hundred thousand as the betrothal gift?¡± ¡°You won¡¯t ept it?¡± Lee Cuihua mmed the table, her tone dripping with sarcasm, ¡°Xue is attractive and well-educated. It¡¯s an honor for you, a countryside dweller, that she took a liking to you! Besides, she¡¯s carrying your child!¡± ¡°My son just started university, so we need a lot of money.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t have money, you won¡¯t be able to get married. You should go back to your parents¡¯ farm!¡± Lee Cuihua was aggressive. Su Ming was seething with anger upon hearing this, but he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, forcing himself to swallow his rage. A month ago, Su Ming went to a bar and met Wang Xue. They had a pleasant conversation, got carried away with drinking, and woke up together in the same bed. Later, Wang Xue said that she was pregnant. Su Ming¡¯s parents were overjoyed upon hearing the news. They worked diligently and borrowed money, managing to gather three hundred thousand yuan to support their marriage. A while ago, Su Ming had already covered the expenses for Lee Cuihua¡¯s house renovations and electrical appliances. Today, he came officially to propose marriage. Originally, the agreed amount was three hundred thousand yuan. However, they unexpectedly increased the price to five hundred thousand yuan and introduced several additional conditions! Su Ming exined, ¡°I have already paid for the renovation of your house and the household appliances. I truly don¡¯t have any extra money. Nevertheless, I promise to work hard to earn more in the future.¡± ¡°Impossible!¡± Lee Cuihua disyed a disgusted expression and rolled her eyes. ¡°Is it just because our home renovation cost over a hundred thousand yuan? The son-inw from the Old Su family next door went ahead and bought a house worth over a million yuan for his mother-inw. Don¡¯t you feel embarrassed inparison?¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. She didn¡¯t seem to have this attitude when he paid for the refrigerator, color TV, and air conditioner, did she? At that time, she affectionately called him son-inw. ¡°Xue¡­¡± Su Ming looked at Wang Xue for help. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me.¡± Wang Xue lowered her head, engrossed in her phone. ¡°I¡¯m a girl, so I should listen to my mother. Whatever she says is true.¡± After Wang Xue finished speaking, she sneered in her heart. If she hadn¡¯t identally be pregnantst month while out with friends and now desperately needed a father for the child in her belly, she would never willingly marry Su Ming. Su Ming clenched his fists and teeth. ¡°Su Ming, I have no other choice. My brother is getting married soon, and he needs at least 500,000 yuan. This is for his future marriage.¡± Wang Xue continued, ¡°This price is very fair to you.¡± ¡°Detected that Lee Cuihua and Wang Xue are looking down on farmers. Activating the farm system. The system will provide you with five million in cash!¡± ¡°Activate mission.¡± Chapter 2 C2 ¨C Give You Two ps ¡°Mission 1: ept Lee Cuihua¡¯s demands and be her family¡¯s servant for life. However, this System will vanish forever!¡± ¡°Mission 2: Reject their unreasonable request and give them a resounding p to release the Host¡¯s frustration. Mission Reward: Permanently activate the farm System!¡± ¡°The System has noted that the Host hasn¡¯t had any intimate rtions with a woman!¡± ¡°Host, don¡¯t worry. This System possesses incredible capabilities. It will undoubtedly make you stronger than ever!¡± Su Ming was taken aback upon receiving the System¡¯s notification. Su Ming, an avid reader of novels, had never expected to actually trigger a system like this. ¡°Lee Cuihua, Wang Xue, did you really look down on me?¡± he pondered. ¡°I¡¯ll make you regret it!¡± The System had just revealed that Su Ming had never been intimate with any girl. Therefore, the child in Wang Xue¡¯s belly couldn¡¯t be his! Nothing had ever happened between him and Wang Xue. When his parents had gone to ask for financial help, Lee Cuihua rudely turned them away. Su Ming was filled with rage! The kind of plot that usually only urred in novels or TV dramas had unexpectedly be his reality! Su Ming had been trying his best to tolerate Lee Cuihua¡¯s unreasonable demands and her mistreatment of his parents. All because he believed that the child in Wang Xue¡¯s womb was his. However, he was now certain that this child had no connection to him whatsoever! ¡°I choose Mission 2.¡± Su Ming said in his mind. ¡°Mission chosen. Host, pleaseplete it as soon as possible!¡± ¡°I can agree to your conditions.¡± Su Ming immediately felt relieved. ¡°But I have a small request.¡± Lee Cuihua rolled her eyes and snorted coldly, ¡°Do you have money? Show me the money first.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming took out his phone and opened a message just received from the bank: ¡°Take a look.¡± Lee Cuihua nced at it dismissively, but as she read it carefully, her eyes widened. ¡°Five million?¡± Lee Cuihua stood up abruptly, asking, ¡°Where did you get so much money?¡± Being aware that Su Ming came from the countryside and didn¡¯t have much money, she believed he wouldn¡¯t be able to meet her request. Su Ming would probably beg her to sign another premarital agreement. Such an agreement would make Su Ming a virtual ve to her family! However, she never expected Su Ming to genuinely be wealthy! Could he possibly be a hidden rich second-generation heir? ¡°You¡¯re truly talented and promising. Xue is indeed very fortunate.¡± Lee Cuihua smiled broadly, saying, ¡°Then let¡¯s pick a good date for the wedding.¡± Wang Xue was also taken aback. Being quite materialistic, she quickly approached and said, ¡°Darling, why didn¡¯t you tell me you were rich?¡± Chapter 3 C3 ¨C My Farm Is Very Expensive Su Ming¡¯s smile was faint. ¡°Had I revealed my wealth earlier, would you have confessed to me about carrying another man¡¯s child?¡± Wang Xue was taken aback, herplexion instantly draining. ¡°How did you find out?¡± Before Wang Xue couldplete her sentence, Su Ming¡¯s hand struck across her face forcefully. ¡°This p is for your deception!¡± Lee Cuihua also stood shocked. When did Su Ming uncover the truth? Su Ming¡¯s palm connected hard with Lee Cuihua¡¯s cheek too. ¡°This p is for your disdain toward my parents and their hundred-thousand-yuan investment in renovation and appliances!¡± ¡°Wang Xue, I will never be with an unscrupulous woman like you! You aimed to get rich through marriage. Only a fool would fall into your scheme!¡± Su Ming swung open the door and departed. Lee Cuihua and Wang Xue were left staring at each other, a sense of deep regret settling in. ¡°Congrattions, Host, forpleting the mission!¡± ¡°Activate the farm system!¡± ¡°You have automatically received the system reward. Two acres of farm have been issued!¡± ¡°The farm is located on the south side of the Guoxing Building!¡± Wait! ¡°This ce is the city center!¡± Eastsea City was situated by the sea, boasting a thriving economy that earned it the status of a first-tier city. The heart of the city was exceedingly pricey. Could the System truly possess such immense power? Having conducted business discussions at Guoxing Building previously, Su Ming possessed a vague grasp of it. The vi enve at the city¡¯s coremanded a staggering 250,000 yuan per square meter. Rent formercial space in the mall reached an astonishing 120,000 yuan per square meter. Even residential neighborhoods situated three kilometers from Guoxing Building demanded 60,000 yuan per square meter! And these prices solely pertained to housing. The cost of thend was even more exorbitant. Su Ming didn¡¯t believe it. Suddenly, arge book appeared in Su Ming¡¯s hand. Land title deed! Su Ming sat on the edge of the flowerbed by the side of the road and hurriedly flipped open therge book. The location and area of his farm were clearly recorded in the book. Su Ming¡¯s name was written on the owner¡¯s column. ¡°Too amazing!¡± Su Mingughed. ¡°The shop can recycle all farm products. The Host will receive different rewards!¡± ¡°The farm will greatly shorten the growing time of the crops!¡± ¡°Special items will be hidden! Only the Host can see them!¡± Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV1 Experience: 0 / 100 Farm: Level One A series of notifications offered Su Ming a general sense of the situation. If the System could recycle crops, it should also grant him rewards. Su Ming had full faith that the System¡¯s produce would be of the utmost quality! With this in mind, Su Ming felt an irresistible urge to pay a visit. Battling his excitement, Su Ming hailed a taxi and made his way to the city center. ¡°To Guoxing Building, please,¡± he requested. The taxi driver was remarkably enthusiastic: ¡°I really envy you folks. You must be making around fifty or sixty thousand yuan a month there, right?¡± Chapter 4 C4 ¨C Farming in the Centre of the City It¡¯s no wonder the driver was envious. Those fortunate enough to be employed at the Guoxing Building were all high-caliber professionals, so Su Ming must be receiving excellent treatment. He could sit in the office, basking in the air conditioning. Suchfort. Surely, this was much preferable to driving a taxi. ¡°No.¡± Su Ming shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m going to do some farming.¡± ¡°What?¡± The driver burst intoughter. ¡°Young man, don¡¯t tease. How could you possibly be farming there?¡± The driver chuckled and shook his head, assuming Su Ming was jesting. However, upon arriving, he was taken aback to discover an actual farm here! It spanned around two acres and was overgrown with weeds. It was astonishing that what this guy had said turned out to be true! The driver suddenly recalled that there was indeed an abandonednd resembling a farm next to the Guoxing Building. Initially curious about why it hadn¡¯t been developed, he had grown ustomed to its presence over the past decade. Just now, he had unconsciously overlooked it. So this piece ofnd belonged to this young man? If this was urate, then his feat was truly remarkable! Should he sell this parcel ofnd, he¡¯d acquire a fortune far beyond what he could spend in several lifetimes! However, the driver remained skeptical. Could this young man be joking? Su Ming paid the driver and disembarked from the car, striding toward the farm. The driver stood bewildered. What he had imed was the unvarnished truth! Su Ming surveyed his surroundings. This ce appeared somewhat rundown, with grass and dust scattered about. Marvelous! He had genuinely risen to the status of a top billionaire. His parents had toiled in the countryside throughout their lives. Now, it was their turn to embrace city life and enjoy itsforts. Adjacent to the city center stood the Guoxing Building. Beside it stretched the twelvene dual carriageway, and in its rear were a cluster of banks and the headquarters of major corporations! The value of this plot ofnd was considerable. Su Ming sensed that this location wasn¡¯t too shabby. He envisioned nting flowers and greenery here, constructing a modest abode to inhabit. From this point forward, he could observe the hustle and bustle of office-goers passing daily, all while he lounged contentedly on a rocking chair, soaking up the sunlight. What a wonderful prospect! Su Mingmenced his initial inspection of the farm. The area covered approximately 1,300 square meters. The ce was overgrown with wild vegetation, indicating that it had remained untended for numerous years. Adjacent to it stood a thatched hut, containing merely a bed and a table. Despite its simplicity, the room was impably clean. It appeared as if the System had thoughtfully arranged this space for Su Ming¡¯s rest. An outdoor water tap was also avable beside the thatched hut. When Su Ming turned the faucet, water flowed out. The presence of water and electricity here made things extremely convenient. Hailing from the countryside, Su Ming possessed substantial experience in farm work. Farming came naturally to him! Yet, although he could manually clear away the grass, it was an incredibly slow process. Furthermore, hecked any seeds. The absence of seeds would hinder his farming efforts. He unlocked his phone and scrutinized the map. Gazing at the map for an extended period, Su Ming felt disheartened. This location sat right at the heart of the city. Nheless, acquiring farming tools and seeds here would prove to be quite a challenge. Indeed, cultivating crops amidst the city¡¯s bustle seemed imusible. Boarding a taxi and enduring nearly ny minutes of travel, he eventually stumbled upon a store that dealt in farming equipment. ¡°Young man, what can I assist you with?¡± Taking in the sun¡¯s rays, the shop owner lounged near the entrance. Given the time of year, there weren¡¯t many customers, so things were fairly quiet. ¡°I¡¯m looking to purchase farming tools, seeds, and fertilizers.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Springing to his feet, the shopkeeper motioned for Su Ming to follow him inside. Chapter 5 C5 ¨C Puzzled Boss Before long, Su Ming selected an array of farming tools and acquired a substantial quantity of seeds and fertilizer. It was evident that a taxi couldn¡¯t amodate such a bulk. ¡°Boss, could you assist me in transporting these items home? I¡¯ll cover the transportation costs.¡± Su Ming looked to the boss for approval. ¡°Absolutely, no problems.¡± The boss readily nodded. Su Ming transferred 500 yuan to the taxi driver, considering the three-hour effort. The taxi driver departed contentedly, while the shop owner fetched a shabby van from the adjacent warehouse. He loaded up the farming tools, fertilizer, and seeds. ¡°Where are you going?¡± The owner inquired as he joined Su Ming in the vehicle. ¡°This is the address.¡± Su Ming transmitted the location. ¡°Are you pulling my leg?¡± The city center was dominated by towering buildings, where every inch ofnd held immense value. Farming in the city center was inconceivable. Su Ming found himself at a loss. Yet, he couldn¡¯t me the boss for this skepticism. Initially, he had his own doubts. Su Ming promptly made the payment using his phone. ¡°Boss, I¡¯ve already made the payment. If I¡¯m misleading you, you can return the goods. What do you say?¡± The boss was taken aback. Was this some novel game for the wealthy? ¡°Alright.¡± The boss concurred. They reached their destination within an hour and a half. The boss alighted from the vehicle and surveyed the surroundings. Indeed, there was a farm here! The boss stood in awe. ¡°Unload the cargo.¡± Su Ming instructed with a smile. ¡°Okay!¡± The boss promptly began unloading. Thoughts raced through his mind as he worked. Had Su Ming truly established a farm here? Could the agricultural industry be the next big moneymaker? If Su Ming was privy to these musings, he would likely be torn betweenughter and exasperation. Wealth wasn¡¯t his goal. All he desired was to be a farmer. Su Ming rolled up his sleeves and began clearing the area of weeds. Hebored for around three hours. He managed to tidy up an expanse of roughly 100 square meters. Two acres ofnd was no trifling matter. What should he cultivate? Su Ming pondered. He proceeded to the seed storage and, shutting his eyes, selected a handful of seeds. When he opened his eyes, he saw that they were hairy bamboo seeds. The System had assured him that crops grown here would mature considerably faster. Su Ming eagerly awaited the oue. He quicklypleted the nting. ¡°Hairy bamboo sessfully nted! Harvest time: 12 hours!¡± Chapter 6 C6 ¨C Being Ripe in 12 Hours Su Ming was stunned at that moment. He had mentally prepared himself. Mao Zhu might require about a week or two to reach maturity. However, he hadn¡¯t anticipated it reaching maturity within twelve hours. The System¡¯s power was truly astonishing! Su Ming stood in disbelief, his mouth agape. The crops covering such an expansive piece ofnd could yield two harvests in a single day. He might soon be the principal vegetable supplier in the entire city. Furthermore, the produce cultivated on thisnd was certain to be of exceptional quality. It was unexpected that despite his parents investing heavily to send him to a major city for education, he ended up as a farmer. But farmers, too, could rake in substantial earnings. Additionally, Su Ming swiftly realized that apart from vegetables, he could nt other items. For instance, certain special nts with lengthy maturation periods. Setting aside any other functionalities, the mere fact that this plot ofnd could significantly elerate crop growth was enough for Su Ming to amass a fortune. As Su Ming was lost in thought, he observed the seed he had recently nted sprouting. The speed was astonishing! ¡°Host, you can boost crop output through watering and fertilization, or reduce the time needed for crops to ripen!¡± The System¡¯s notification suddenly chimed in. Su Ming felt ted and promptly fetched a bucket of water to irrigate the crops. ¡°Crop growth time reduced by one hour!¡± ¡°Crop ripening quality increased by 10%!¡± Every time he watered the nts, a notification echoed. However, there was no alert when he watered them again. It appeared he could only water them at intervals. Su Ming meticulously applied fertilizer, each time greeted by the sound of a notification. After a whole afternoon of work, the sky was gradually dimming. Su Ming stretched his body and washed his dirt-covered hands and feet. All he had to do now was wait for the crops to reach maturity. Amid the rush hour, the streets bustled with white-cor workers donned in blue attire. Finding a restaurant, Su Ming ordered a bowl of noodles and, in an unusuallyvish manner, added a meat dish. He dug into his meal with hearty bites. He didn¡¯t n on returning to his rented house tonight. On the farm, there stood a small thatched cottage where he could sleep at any time, allowing him to rise early and tend to the crops. Yet, thoughts of the house made Su Ming scratch his head. The rented ce he used to inhabit was no longer suitable. The rent wasn¡¯t cheap, and the living conditions were far from ideal. Were it not for his cost-saving marriage, he wouldn¡¯t have settled for such a subpar dwelling. However, that was all in the past. After sating his hunger, he purchased some snacks and fruits before heading back to the thatched cottage. After fiddling with his phone for a bit, he slipped into a deep sleep. In today¡¯s world, people often wrestled with insomnia due to stress and ack of physicalbor. Yet, after a day¡¯s work in the fields, how could one not sleep soundly? When he awoke, dawn had already broken. In a sleepy daze, Su Ming grabbed his phone and checked the time. It was already ten in the morning! The crops had ripened long ago! Su Ming jumped out of bed in a hurry. He didn¡¯t even bother washing his face before flinging open the door and dashing toward the field. What would he find? Su Ming¡¯s excitement knew no bounds! From a distance, the plot still appeared as an empty space; there was no sign of the crops. Su Ming was momentarily stunned, thinking he might be mistaken. But then, he recalled that the System probably orchestrated this. After all, the crops maturing in a single day was astonishingly rapid. The System likely intervened to keep things discreet. Chapter 7 C7 ¨C Golden Bamboo Shoots As Su Ming stepped in to inspect, his eyes widened in astonishment. Behold, a bamboo shoot had emerged! Surprisingly, the final sprout from the furry bamboo seed wasn¡¯t just any bamboo shoot, but rather a bamboo shoot! Bamboo itself had little value; only bamboo shoots were fit for consumption! Remarkably, it had already matured within a single night! Filled with joy, Su Ming entered the ground, grabbed a shovel, andmenced digging! Undoubtedly, he felt a tad fatigued. Nevertheless, he swiftly unearthed a bamboo shoot! Why was it so weighty? Su Ming found himself puzzled. Picking it up, he examined it closely. There was nothing amiss upon first nce. Traces of his shovel were apparent around the base of the bamboo shoot. Back then, he hadn¡¯t scrutinized it closely. Intriguingly, there was a golden hue within! Su Ming rapidly peeled back the skin of the bamboo shoot to get a better view! When Su Ming fullyprehended it, he was rendered nearly speechless by shock. Was the bamboo shoot actually golden? Among the Golden Bamboo Shoots, abel was attached. Su Ming took thebel and examined it with care. It contained details about the purchase number, purity, weight, and other relevant information concerning the bamboo shoots. A Walton Bankmemorative bamboo shoot, marked with the purchase number 123456. Weighing 4,000 grams, it possessed a purity of 99.99%. Su Ming pinched his thigh, experiencing a sensation of pain. Su Ming aspired to be a diligent farmer. The extent of the System¡¯s potency caught him off guard. The bamboo shoots he cultivated were, astonishingly, made of gold! Su Ming found himself profoundly taken aback. Today, he had harvested golden bamboo shoots from the earth. Laborers were indeed the most honorable. What truly stood out was the fact that the bamboo shoots cameplete withbels and purchase certificates. Su Ming blinked, slowly recovering from his initial astonishment. He moistened his dry lips. With a sense of excitement, he grasped the golden bamboo shoot. The weight was substantial! Regardless of its weight, his joy was boundless! After all, this wasn¡¯t just gold, but rather treasure, distinct from construction site bricks. The excitement within Su Ming was irrepressible. The weariness from the previous day¡¯sbor had dissolved. Gazing at the extensive uncultivatednd, his eyes ignited with enthusiasm. A fervor to experiment with all sorts of crops, be it cucumbers, potatoes, or melons, welled up inside him. He was eager to witness how these crops would flourish on hisnd. However, the moment wasn¡¯t right for such endeavors. Despite these bamboo shoots being golden, they held no immediate utility for him. After all, if he desired more bamboo shootster, he could simply cultivate them anew. In any case, these bamboo shoots required a mere ten hours to mature. Therefore, he intended to sell these golden bamboo shoots. Originating from Walton Bank, the nation¡¯srgest bank, these bamboo shoots were of immense worth. It was probable that other banks would express interest in purchasing them. With this thought in mind, Su Ming promptly retrieved his phone, essing the number for Tianhua Bank through 114. Amongst local establishments, Tianhua Bank held the distinction of being thergest. ¡°Greetings, sir. This is the Tianhua Bank Consultation Center.¡± Upon dialing, a pleasant and courteous female voice emanated from the opposite end. ¡°I have an inquiry. I possess a collection ofmemorative bamboo shoots released by Walton Bank. Is your bank open to procuring them?¡± ¡°Sir, kindly hold for a moment. This query surpasses my authority. I shall promptly confer with our president!¡± The tone of the youngdy grew significantly more respectful. In under half a minute, a male voice interjected. ¡°Hello, sir. I am the president of the Eastsea Branch of Tianhua Bank. We are prepared to acquire any quantity of Walton Bank¡¯smemorative bamboo shoots that you have.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Upon receiving the affirmation, Su Ming concluded the call. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but sigh at the prospect of bing a billionaire! Chapter 8 C8 ¨C I Need a Big Truck Su Ming consulted the map. Tianhua Bank stood three kilometers away from his current location. A bit of a distance, indeed. Standing upright, Su Ming began counting methodically. Precisely fifty bamboo shootsy before him. Each of these weighed four kilograms, summing up to a total of two hundred kilograms. The thought of transporting them all individually to Tianhua Bank would likely exhaust him. Contemting the situation, Su Ming recognized the need to purchase a vehicle. Although his work revolved around farming, making a tractor the obvious choice, navigating through the city center posed limitations for tractors. Anticipating considerable future crop growth, a truck was necessary. The question was: Where could he acquire one? It struck Su Ming that the vendor who sold seeds and fertilizers yesterday might have useful contacts. While not dealing in cars, he might have a connection or two who did. Su Ming only needed to provide funds for the purchase, and the car would be arranged. He ced a call to the vendor. ¡°What do you require now? No worries, I have an assortment here. Simply tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll get it delivered to you promptly.¡± The vendor disyed remarkable enthusiasm. This was due to Su Ming¡¯s status as an affluent urban farmer. ¡°I need a truck, boss.¡± Su Ming conveyed. ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± The vendor assured confidently. The vendor posed an inquiry, ¡°Any specific configuration preferences for the vehicle?¡± ¡°No specific demands.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± The vendor readily agreed. Upon ending the call, Su Ming fetched a small cart from the thatched hut. He systematically loaded the golden bamboo shoots onto the cart and wheeled it to the farm¡¯s periphery. Precisely when he¡¯d aligned all fifty bamboo shoots at the farm¡¯s edge, a truck pulled up by the entrance. Stepping out from the driver¡¯s seat was the vendor. It was apact white van with a four-ton capacity¡ªsufficient for his needs. ¡°Is this vehicle suitable?¡± The vendor handed Su Ming the keys, a smile gracing his features. ¡°Not bad. What¡¯s the price?¡± ¡°Two hundred thousand.¡± Su Ming nodded, transferring 210,000 yuan to the vendor while stating, ¡°The extra 10,000 is yourmission.¡± The boss¡¯s eyes lit up. He was so lucky. He had only been Su Ming¡¯s driver for a while, but he had earned 10,000 yuan. Su Ming was indeed rich. He was too generous. ¡°Thank you, sir. Then I won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡± Recognizing that Su Ming probably had other matters to attend to, the boss didn¡¯t disturb him. He turned and hailed a taxi. Su Ming skillfully maneuvered the car backward into his farm. Proceeding, he carefully stacked the golden bamboo shoots, one by one. He loaded all fifty of the precious bamboo shoots into the car before sealing the door. With everything set, he was ready to depart! Su Ming drove the vehicle to the farm entrance and configured the GPS location on his phone. Just then, an unexpected knock resounded on his car door. Lowering the window, Su Ming peeked outside. Standing there was a slightly portly middle-aged man, dressed in a chef¡¯s uniform. An air of self-assurance surrounded him. ¡°Excuse me, sir, but what do you have in your car?¡± ¡°Bamboo shoots.¡± Su Ming hesitated momentarily before replying. ¡°Bamboo shoots?¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s eyes widened, a spark of delight evident. ¡°What a coincidence. Ourpany¡¯s cafeteria is currently short on bamboo shoots. Sir, are you selling these bamboo shoots? What¡¯s the price?¡± The middle-aged man was a culinary expert in a major corporation and was responsible for its vegetable procurement. With local vendors always seeking to curry his favor, he couldn¡¯t help but adopt a slightly conceited demeanor. On this particr morning, he had nned to venture out and buy bamboo shoots. However, as soon as he stepped out of thepany, his gazended on a parked truck by the curb. Being well-versed in vegetable purchasing, he recognized the refrigerated truck with a local license te as likely carrying fresh produce. Should there be bamboo shoots on the truck, he could bypass his market trip. His intuition didn¡¯t fail him. The man couldn¡¯t help but smile. Luck was evidently on his side. Chapter 9 C9 ¨C My Bamboo Shoots Su Ming found himself momentarily stunned. If he were to cook with his bamboo shoots, it would undoubtedly result in thepany employees needing dental work. This misunderstanding was enough to make Su Ming unsure whether tough or sigh. He shifted his gaze downwards. His attire was a simple cotton outfit, splotched with mud. He truly resembled a vegetable vendor. ¡°Selling the bamboo shoots to me would be a profitable deal for you.¡± Observing Su Ming¡¯s silence, the middle-aged man added, ¡°The market rate for these bamboo shoots is 6.3 yuan per jin. Would you consider selling them to me at 6.5 yuan per jin?¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s words ced Su Ming in an amusing dilemma. Even though thepany would reimburse him, he shouldn¡¯t have amassed so many discounts. Yet, this wasn¡¯t Su Ming¡¯s concern. Had he actually had bamboo shoots, he might have sold some. However, he had no bamboo shoots on hand. ¡°I apologize. I¡¯m not selling these bamboo shoots.¡± Su Ming had no choice but to decline with a good-natured smile. The middle-aged man appeared slightly displeased. ¡°If your bamboo shoots are of good quality, I¡¯ll be your consistent buyer. How does that sound?¡± ¡°I really have no intention of selling these bamboo shoots.¡± Su Ming was rendered momentarily speechless. A frown creased the middle-aged man¡¯s brow. His tenacity was evident. ¡°Seven yuan per catty. Would that suffice? You¡¯re quite the hard bargainer.¡± Su Ming shook his head. With so many vegetable vendors around, why hadn¡¯t he found another option? What was driving him to be so unyielding? His bamboo shoots were priced per gram. At over 400 yuan per gram. ¡°You truly might not be able to afford my bamboo shoots.¡± Su Ming spoke the truth. The middle-aged man was taken aback, then erupted into aughing fit mixed with frustration. ¡°Are you kidding me? Do you think your bamboo shoots are made of gold?¡± His intuition had been spot on! ¡°I refuse to believe I can¡¯t afford your bamboo shoots.¡± The middle-aged man promptly unzipped his bag, revealing a stack of bills. ¡°Is this amount sufficient?¡± His persistence was unwavering. He was a purchaser for a prominent corporation. That morning, he had indulged in a bit of alcohol before heading to work. Thepany he worked for had two or three thousand employees, leading to a considerable daily demand for vegetables. Every vegetable vendor was eager to transact with him. But today, he had encountered a resolute young man. He wasn¡¯t convinced that he couldn¡¯t afford it! Never mind the bamboo shoots; I could probably buy your car! As he continued speaking, the middle-aged man furiously reached for the car door. Su Ming felt genuinely helpless. Why was he so stubborn? Chapter 10 C10 ¨C Parking Illegally Just as the middle-aged man was about to wrench open the rear door, he vented his frustration, ¡°I¡¯m curious to know how pricey your bamboo shoots are, and yet you im I can¡¯t afford them!¡± In a sudden turn of events, a hand materialized, pressing onto the door. Su Ming addressed him, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ve been clear that I won¡¯t be selling these bamboo shoots. You can¡¯t coerce me into selling, can you?¡± ¡°If I persist in wanting your bamboo shoots, what will you do to stop me?¡± Drunk and confrontational, the middle-aged man red at Su Ming, attempting to shove him aside. Su Ming¡¯s brows knitted. Su Ming wondered, ¡°Is this middle-aged man spoiling for a fight?¡± Extending his hand, Su Ming caught the middle-aged man¡¯s wrist, applying force to pull it towards him. Subsequently, he aimed a swift kick. The kick squarely struck the middle-aged man¡¯s abdomen. The impact sent the middle-aged man stumbling a few steps backward, tumbling to the ground. Grimacing in pain, the middle-aged man cast a fierce gaze at Su Ming, snarling, ¡°You dare toy hands on me?¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± Just then, a stern voice pierced through. Su Ming turned his head, noticing two policemen in uniform making their way over with grave expressions. Within the city center, this location epitomized the city¡¯s image. The vicinity boasted towering structures with a constant stream of visitors. Not only were there local patrons, but foreign visitors and dignitaries from other cities also frequented this area. Any brawling here would undoubtedly tarnish the city¡¯s image. As the two patrolling officers drove by, they spotted the situation and promptly approached. The middle-aged man eximed, ¡°Officers, you¡¯re here just in time.¡± The middle-aged man spoke up first, saying, ¡°This individual parked in a restricted area. I advised him against it, exining how it affects the city¡¯s appearance. Yet, not only did he disregard my words, but he also resorted to aggression. This bamboo shoot peddler actually dared to drive right into the city center.¡± Su Ming was rendered speechless. He was the one who insisted Su Ming sell the bamboo shoots, yet now all the me seemed to rest on Su Ming¡¯s shoulders alone. Upon hearing this, the two officers furrowed their brows and turned their gaze to Su Ming. Being seasoned patrollers, they recognized that relying solely on one-sided ims was unwise. ¡°I indeed have bamboo shoots in my car, but this plot ofnd belongs to me. Would it not be within my rights to park my vehicle on my own property?¡± ¡°Furthermore, I had no intention of selling these bamboo shoots. However, he persisted in pressuring me. He even resorted to pushing me just a while ago. I was merely defending myself.¡± Su Ming recounted the truth. ¡°Bullshit!¡± The middle-aged man sneered, ¡°You can¡¯t even fabricate a proper lie. Do you have any idea about the value of thisnd? If thisnd is indeed yours, I¡¯d eat sh*t right away.¡± Su Ming chuckled upon hearing this. This individual was being quite reckless. In reality, the two patrolling officers were skeptical of Su Ming¡¯s ount as well. Not that they underestimated him. But, could a young man like him really afford such a pricey piece ofnd in the city center? With no one willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, Su Ming had no choice but to present his property ownership certificate. ¡°Property ownership certificate!¡± The two policemen stood momentarily dazed. After scrutinizing it closely, astonishment overtook their faces. It was indeed true. This piece ofnd unequivocally belonged to the young man before them! Good gracious, the person standing there was a billionaire! It appeared that nobody could prevent him from parking on the property. The middle-aged man craned his neck to glimpse the property ownership certificate. He was left utterly stupefied. Dear heavens! The ownership of this house genuinelyy with the young man! Subsequently, Su Ming strolled to the rear of his car, opening the door. ¡°Gentlemen, take a look at my bamboo shoots.¡± The two policemen exchanged nces and proceeded over. As they peered within, their eyes widened. The middle-aged man also yearned to approach and inspect the contents, but Su Ming promptly closed the car door. ¡°Officers, this is the protocol.¡± Su Ming presented his purchase certificate as well. All the documents werepletelywful and aligned with the requisite procedure. The two policemen remained astounded. Yet, upon careful consideration, it seemed reasonable. Since the central citynd belonged to him, owning these Golden Bamboo Shoots was hardly perplexing. Nevertheless, this young man was exceedingly affluent! Chapter 11 C11 ¨C Nothing to Say One of the patrolling officers gulped. ¡°Is he trying to rob you for your belongings?¡± He gestured toward the middle-aged man as he spoke. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s attempting to forcefully open my car door without my consent.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. The two officers exchanged nces. Abruptly, the officer on the left produced an electric baton and applied pressure against the middle-aged man¡¯s body. A twitch coursed through the middle-aged man. Following that, the two patrol officers subdued the middle-aged man to the ground. Gradually, the middle-aged man regained consciousness. His eyes met the furious stares of the two patrollers. Handcuffs secured his wrists. What was happening? ¡°What are you doing?¡± Struggling, the middle-aged man queried. Yet, a patrolling officer from behind seized his neck. ¡°Stay still.¡± ¡°Come take a look.¡± The two officers guided him toward the back of the car, where Su Ming had unlocked the door. The middle-aged man¡¯s eyes widened as he glimpsed the car¡¯s contents. He had been right! Those bamboo shoots were genuinely crafted from gold! ¡°You are suspected of attempted robbery. Involving a substantial sum!¡± The middle-aged man stood bewildered. He had be a captive just like that? ¡°Allow me to exin. It¡¯s not as it appears.¡± ¡°Silence!¡± One of the policemen barked, ¡°You forcibly opened the car door without authorization. Now, with irrefutable evidence, you still intend to argue?¡± The middle-aged man neared tears. He was incredibly unfortunate. He had merely intended to purchase a bamboo shoot. It made sense why Su Ming had refused to sell to him. Su Ming even asserted he couldn¡¯t afford the bamboo shoots. Initially, he had believed Su Ming acted deliberately. Yet now, reflecting, Su Ming¡¯s words had proven urate. His current predicament was a consequence of his disbelief in Su Ming. The issuey in no one trusting him. A young man owning a considerable plot in the city center was difficult to believe. Further puzzling was the fact that if others possessed golden bamboo shoots, they would cautiously stash them in basements, fearing exposure. Nobody would be as casual as Su Ming, cing them in his car. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you keep these golden bamboo shoots at home? Are you intentionally causing trouble?¡± The middle-aged man was on the verge of tears. ¡°I apologize.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. ¡°These items consume a lot of space. I¡¯m nning to sell them.¡± Even the two patrolmen were rendered speechless. Were all affluent individuals this capricious? Chapter 12 C12 ¨C You Can¡¯t Park Here The middle-aged man was close to tears. He had simply stepped out to buy a bamboo shoot. And now, he had unexpectedly encountered an understated tycoon. If he had even a hint that these bamboo shoots in the truck were worth their weight in gold, he would never have ventured anywhere near this vicinity. ¡°All of this is just a big misunderstanding.¡± The middle-aged man was now imploring for mercy. Su Ming stood to the side, his smile subtle. While the middle-aged man remained oblivious to Su Ming¡¯s sale of golden bamboo shoots, his demeanor exuded anything but innocence; he was crude and unreasonable. The two police officers maintained vignt gazes. The vehicle itself might not have been particrly expensive, but its contents were outrageously valuable. Before long, the distant sound of police sirens grew audible. Shortly afterward, two patrolmen arrived. The presence of their colleague clearly eased the tension, apparent from the relieved expressions of the two original officers. Only after the middle-aged man had been escorted into the police car did they slightly rx. ¡°Are you on your way to the bank?¡± One of the patrolmen inquired. This was a conjecture on the part of the patrolman. The sheer value of these goods was hard to dismiss. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming responded with a faint smile. ¡°Would you like us to provide an escort?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Su Ming¡¯s smile held a hint of wryness. ¡°These items aren¡¯t of considerable worth. You needn¡¯t trouble yourselves.¡± The patrolman found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Expressing his gratitude to the patrolmen, Su Ming then climbed into the vehicle. Following the navigation instructions, he proceeded towards the bank. Though Su Ming had declined their offer to escort him, two police cars discreetly followed behind. The sight of them made it difficult for Su Ming to turn them down. The patrolmen at the initial intersections were well-informed, allowing Su Ming to pass through the signals without waiting. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°What kind of produce is he peddling?¡± The main road had already be congested. A red light thatsted minutes had aggravated the impatience of the drivers. Upon spotting a produce truck navigating the road unimpeded and receiving no resistance, every set of eyes widened. A Porsche owner, who had recently splurged on their purchase, felt a pang of regret. The truck driver¡¯s demeanor reeked of dejection. Su Ming, however, was in high spirits. He pressed down on the elerator and surged forward, aiming directly for the bank. Su Ming parked the vehicle right in front of the bank. ¡°You can¡¯t park here.¡± The bank¡¯s security guard emerged with a stern expression, pushing the entrance door open. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a parking space?¡± ¡°This is our bank¡¯s VIP parking zone.¡± Pointing at the sign nearby, the security guard exined, ¡°Only customers with savings exceeding ten million are eligible to park here.¡± Su Ming gave a nod. ¡°Just drive ahead about 20 meters. There¡¯s a public parking space avable there.¡± The security guard indicated. Su Ming¡¯s smile was tinged with subtle amusement. ¡°So, if I were to deposit 10 million yuan now, I¡¯d be exempt from moving my vehicle, right?¡± Chapter 13 C13 ¨C The Rich Man ¡°Do you actually possess that much money?¡± Upon hearing this, the security guard furrowed his brows. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for games.¡± The security guard¡¯s tone turned icy, ¡°Move your vehicle to the public parking area. Don¡¯t create disturbances in front of the bank.¡± The security guard was clearly disdainful. Judging by his attire, it seemed improbable for him to have ten million in savings. Seeing a billionaire behind the wheel of a vegetable-selling car was a novelty. Just then, a siren red. The two patrolling officers tailing Su Ming approached rapidly. One of the patrolmen inquired sternly, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡± The security guard was taken aback. The police response was astonishingly quick. The security guard hurriedly exined, ¡°Officers, this parking spot is reserved for VIPs of our bank, yet he insisted on parking here.¡± The other patrol officer questioned coolly, ¡°Why did you prevent this gentleman from entering?¡± The security guard was surprised. Why were these two patrolmen vouching for this individual? What was happening? The security guard stood stunned and speechless. ¡°Look, what¡¯s transpiring?¡± ¡°Could it be that the security guard is in cahoots with the robbers and the police caught on?¡± ¡°Sounds like an excessive dose of TV drama.¡± Overindulgence in TV, perhaps? Meanwhile, the bank¡¯s president who was dealing with business inside noticed themotion and rushed out. President Chen spoke anxiously, ¡°Officers, I am the bank¡¯s president. What¡¯s transpired here?¡± If the security guard had indeedmitted a misstep, he had to take responsibility. After all, ascending to the position of bank president required substantial effort. Should he be ensnared due to the security guard, he¡¯d face significant repercussions. ¡°Don¡¯t fret.¡± The two policemen shifted their gaze toward Su Ming and stated, ¡°This gentleman intends to vend something here.¡± President Chen was taken aback, ¡°Vend something?¡± Wasn¡¯t this a vegetable-selling car? This was a bank, not a marketce. President Chen was utterly perplexed, yet the stern expressions of the two officers remained unchanged. Tentatively, President Chen inquired, ¡°Sir, what exactly do you have in your vehicle?¡± Su Ming grinned and replied, ¡°While cleaning my storeroom today, I found some things upying space in a corner. So, I¡¯ve brought them here, wondering if you¡¯re interested in these items.¡± What astonished President Chen was Su Ming treating the bank like a garbage disposal site. However, if Su Ming was indeed here to peddle waste, he shouldn¡¯t be under police protection. A thought urred to Su Ming and he added, ¡°I made a call to your bank earlier. Do you recall?¡± President Chen was bbergasted. So he was the caller! He was the one who wanted to sellmemorative bamboo shoots. Based on President Chen¡¯s experience, individuals selling high-priced items usually contacted him privately, and often had a contingent of bodyguards in tow. This was the first instance of someone like Su Ming ¨C d in cloth shoes, driving a vegetable vendor¡¯s automobile ¨C that President Chen had encountered. Chapter 14 C14 ¨C Protection Being the president of a bank, he had encountered numerous wealthy individuals. Every affluent person had their own distinctive interests and pastimes. Perhaps the wealthy person before him had a penchant for farming. ¡°You¡¯re the one selling these bamboo shoots?!¡± President Chen inquired with evident surprise. ¡°Yes, please have a look.¡± Su Ming responded casually, strolling to the rear door of the car and opening it. President Chen moistened his lips and hurriedly made his way to the back of the vehicle to peer inside. There were not many of these golden bamboo shoots; only a hundred existed worldwide. Although notrge in size, they possessed an exceptionally high density. Despite their bamboo shoot-like appearance, they were petite. Most significantly, the gold¡¯s purity was exceptionally high, rendering these golden bamboo shoots exquisite and exceptionally valuable. Each bamboo shoot boasted its own unique serial number. This was particrly true for the bamboo shoot bearing the number 001. Its worth was outrageously high. As for the seemingly unremarkable bamboo shoot nearest to President Chen, itsbel bore the number 001. ¡°President Chen, are you interested in purchasing them?¡± Surprised by President Chen¡¯s momentary silence, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but inquire. ¡°Yes!¡± Fearing that Su Ming might reconsider, President Chen eximed jubntly, momentarily startling Su Ming. ¡°My apologies, I got carried away.¡± President Chen, aware of his loss ofposure, rubbed his hands sheepishly. He had struck gold this time. These 50 golden bamboo shoots constituted a substantial sum, and there was profit to be made without a doubt. ¡°How do you intend to sell them?¡± President Chen ventured to ask. Su Ming hesitated momentarily. ¡°I¡¯ll sell them by weight! Don¡¯t your bank¡¯s coffers have enough money? I can take my business elsewhere.¡± President Chen hastily waved his hand. ¡°We certainly have enough funds!¡± President Chen was on the brink of ecstasy! He had just made a fortune! The value of bamboo shoot number 001 alone far surpassed the worth of the gold itself. This specially numbered bamboo shoot was worth millions. It was worth noting that a 4,000g bamboo shoot was valued at only 1.56 million. However, President Chen remained oblivious to Su Ming¡¯s nonchnce. To Su Ming, this was merely a facet of farming. Su Ming nced at the time. ¡°I¡¯ll get in the car and catch some sleep then. Notify me when you¡¯re finished.¡± President Chen promptly nodded. President Chen concurred while wiping the beads of sweat from his brow. As he watched Su Ming take the driver¡¯s seat and shut his eyes for a nap, he couldn¡¯t help but reflect: This was the essence of wealth. The contents in the car were worth hundreds of millions in gold. Yet, Su Ming remained utterly unfazed. Despite Su Ming¡¯s absence to supervise, President Chen did not dare to act recklessly. But parking Su Ming¡¯s vehicle by the roadside in broad daylight made it inappropriate to tally gold in front of onlookers, right? President Chen pondered for a moment. He had no choice but to make a phone call. Before long, two ck vehicles approached. Over a dozen fully equipped bank security personnel formed a perimeter. These individuals were bank employees authorized to carry firearms. Additionally, several patrol officers, alerted by themotion, arrived and encircled the vicinity. Chapter 15 C15 ¨C I Could be a Billionaire ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Is there an attempt to rob me?¡± ¡°You¡¯re speaking nonsense. You¡¯re so destitute that criminals wouldn¡¯t even consider targeting you.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you show me some respect?¡± ¡°Could you please show me some respect?¡± Even the bank¡¯s staff had rarely witnessed such a scene. Even when the armored money truck arrived, it wasn¡¯t like this. The pedestrians nearby were even more astonished. What on earth is happening? Isn¡¯t that a truck carrying vegetables? Why are there so many security guards surrounding it? Since when did a vegetable truck be so valuable? All eyes were on Su Ming, who wasfortably seated in the driver¡¯s seat. He was sleeping soundly. After all, with so many people around to protect him, how could he not get a good night¡¯s sleep? Due to the fixed weight of each bamboo shoot and the bank¡¯s unique method for verifying their authenticity. They counted, cataloged, packaged, transported, and stored the bamboo shoots. The process was incredibly swift. In under ten minutes, theypleted the task. President Chen¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. The headquarters had just received the news, and the regional CEO personally called him to heap praise upon him. This time, he would be hailed as the President of the Year. If the regional CEO continued to support him. He could truly thrive. Of course, this was all in the future. For now, his priority was to ingratiate himself with Su Ming, who had brought him this opportunity. Su Ming was an incredibly distinguished VIP! President Chen couldn¡¯t help but bow respectfully, holding a bank card with both hands as he cautiously approached the car. He hesitated when he saw Su Ming, who appeared to be resting with his eyes closed. Should he wait a bit longer? Just as President Chen wavered, Su Ming slowly opened his eyes and lowered the car window. ¡°President Chen, have you finished the counting?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± President Chen hastily affirmed, bowing deeply and saying, ¡°Your golden bamboo shoots are worth a fortune, totaling 50 in all.¡± ¡°Tell me the total.¡± Su Ming said. ¡°Okay!¡± President Chen quickly responded, ¡°The total amount is 89.2 million. We¡¯re willing to round it up to 90 million for you!¡± As he uttered these words, President Chen respectfully ced the bank card before Su Ming. This amounted to a grand total of 90 million yuan! Despite Su Ming¡¯s mental preparation, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a tad bewildered when confronted with this substantial sum. However, in President Chen¡¯s eyes, Su Ming appeared deep in thought with aposed demeanor, possibly indicating his dissatisfaction with the sum. Could it be that he deemed the offer insufficient? Su Ming must have conducted a thorough evaluation before arriving! While the price offered was generous, there remained the possibility that other banks might offer even more. This thought troubled President Chen. Su Ming held significant importance for their bank at this juncture! Moreover, the uniquenessy in the fact that this wasn¡¯t a fixed asset or stock. This was actual gold, liquid cash readily avable for withdrawal at any moment! In this instance, Su Ming was presenting President Chen with a significant opportunity. Excluding the batch of 50 exceedingly precious Golden Bamboo Shoots. If this transaction were to go through sessfully, Su Ming would emerge as a substantial client for their bank! Contemting this, President Chen clenched his teeth and promptly offered, ¡°Mr. Su, should you find our offer unsatisfactory, I¡¯m willing to further increase the price!¡± In truth, Su Ming was already content with the current offer. He could still nurture this asset upon his return! However, who could everin about having an abundance of wealth? ¡°If you¡¯d be amenable, let¡¯s delve deeper into this. I can promptly provide you with a more agreeable offer.¡± ¡°Then the two of you can proceed with your discussions.¡± Su Ming nodded nonchntly, radiating an air ofposure. This only strengthened President Chen¡¯s conviction that Su Ming had been dissatisfied with the initial proposal. He was relieved that he had acted swiftly in raising the offer. Otherwise, losing a major client like Su Ming would haunt him for at least three months. Following some negotiation, President Chen elevated the price to 120 million. Without further hesitation, Su Ming epted the bank card. This deal wasn¡¯t a loss! ¡°Thank you.¡± Su Ming stashed the bank card away with a casual remark. ¡°This is the way forward. If you have anything else in your warehouse to sell, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out to me. We¡¯ll ensure you get a fair price.¡± President Chen hastily extended his business card. The bystanders, upon hearing this, collectively gasped in amazement. So, he hade to sell his merchandise. What was even more astounding was that he had managed to secure 120 million! What kind of items was he peddling? Not even a ten-thousand-year-old ginseng would fetch such a sum, would it? ¡°He¡¯s so young, and he¡¯s already a billionaire.¡± ¡°I just signed a three-million-yuan deal. I was thrilled initially, but now, not so much.¡± ¡°The most astonishing part is that he¡¯s only selling a portion of it.¡± ¡°If he were to bring out all that cash, how substantial would it be?¡± ¡°He¡¯s incredibly handsome. Isn¡¯t he the Prince Charming I¡¯ve always dreamed of?¡± ¡°Big sister, maybe you should take a look in the mirror.¡± Envy radiated from the onlookers. Su Ming overheard the murmurs from the surrounding crowd and offered a faint smile. I own a downtown farm worth ten billion. Chapter 16 C16 ¨C Word Hard to Upgrade ¡°I won¡¯t trouble you any longer, President Chen. We can continue our conversationter.¡± Following Su Ming¡¯s words, he expressed his gratitude to the patrol officers who had been providing him protection from behind. Subsequently, he drove away. President Chen nodded and bid farewell, saying, ¡°Take care.¡± After observing Su Ming¡¯s departure, President Chen addressed the security guard with a serious tone, ¡°You¡¯re dismissed!¡± The security guard was taken aback. President Chen reprimanded, ¡°How dare you offend our bank¡¯s most esteemed customer! Your employment here is no longer necessary.¡± President Chen then turned to the other staff and instructed, ¡°Immediately distribute Mr. Su¡¯s photo to all employees. Everyone shouldmit Mr. Su¡¯s face to memory. Whenever Mr. Su visits, everyone must extend a solemn wee. Anyone who dares to offend Mr. Su will face consequences.¡± Just yesterday morning, Su Ming had been worried about the exorbitant dowry. Yet, within a day, he had be a billionaire. The System truly proved to be extraordinary. However, beyond wealth, Su Ming was more inquisitive about what else could be cultivated on thisnd. While the bamboo shoots he had nted turned out to be Golden Bamboo Shoots, he was eager to see how potatoes, peanuts, fruits, and other crops would thrive. Thanks to the farm system, any nt Su Ming cultivated would flourish in its ideal environment. Su Ming noted that fertilization and watering didn¡¯t seem to be very effective, but this could be seen as the System¡¯s way of allowing him to relish the joy of farming. ¡°Crop harvest sessful. You have gained 50 experience points.¡± Suddenly, a system notification chimed in Su Ming¡¯s mind. Su Ming was taken aback and swiftly essed the control panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: 1 Experience: 50 / 100 Farm: Level One Whenever he plucked a fruit, he earned a single experience point. A Level One farm already boasted considerable might. If he persisted in upgrading the farm, what transformations might await it? Contemting this, Su Ming couldn¡¯t contain his excitement. His resolve solidified; he was prepared to toil diligently. He hummed a tune while driving back. In no time, he arrived back at the farm, parked the car, and stepped out. He headed to the bamboo shoot field, tending to the withered bamboo shoots. ¡°You may recover 50 withered bamboo shoots. Would you like to reim them?¡± Su Ming pondered, ¡°Reim these withered bamboo shoots.¡± ¡°Recovery sessful. Congrattions, you¡¯ve gained 10 experience points.¡± The notification¡¯s chime brought a faint smile to Su Ming¡¯s lips. Harvesting crops bestowed experience points, and reiming withered crops did the same. Brimming with vigor, Su Ming rolled up his sleeves and set to work. Initially, Su Ming plowed the soil where he had nted bamboo shoots. Next, he scoured the warehouse for tomato seeds. ¡°Tomatoes have been sessfully sown. They¡¯ll ripen in 12 hours.¡± Su Ming received this notification with equanimity, as he had grown ustomed to such urrences. Irrigating and fertilizing could expedite crop maturation, enhance crop quality, and boost yields. After nearly three hours of relentless effort, hepleted thend¡¯s nting. Finally, he released a sigh of relief. ¡°I haven¡¯t worked like this in ages. I¡¯m not as physically fit as I used to be.¡± Easing the ache in his lower back with a gentle rub, Su Ming cleansed his hands and feet before reclining on the chair beside the thatched cottage. He intended to rest briefly before resuming his work. Abruptly, Su Ming¡¯s phone rang, and his expression shifted slightly upon seeing the caller ID. It was his parents. Immersed in his tasks throughout the day, Su Ming had forgotten to inform his parents about calling off the engagement. Chapter 17 C17 ¨C Again!!! ¡°Ming, what¡¯s the status of your uing nuptials with Xue? Is the date finalized?¡± The voice of Su Ming¡¯s mother resonated from the other end of the phone line. ¡°Mother.¡± Experiencing a moment of hesitation, Su Ming feltpelled to be honest. ¡°Wang Xue and I have parted ways.¡± ¡°Excuse me?¡± A sense of urgency filled Lee Sumei¡¯s tone. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t such a critical decision shared with us? The unborn child in Xue¡¯s womb is meless. If it¡¯s a matter of finances, your father and I can secure additional funds. Whatever it takes, we shouldn¡¯t postpone your wedding.¡± The words from Lee Sumei touched Su Ming deeply, almost bringing him to tears. His parents were simple rural folk. They had sacrificed much on his behalf. ¡°Mother.¡± Su Ming rified, ¡°It¡¯s not as you¡¯re imagining. I¡¯d unquestionably assume responsibility if the child were mine, but the baby Wang Xue is carrying isn¡¯t mine.¡± ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Lee Sumei was left bewildered. ¡°Mother, let¡¯s put this matter to rest.¡± Attempting to uplift her spirits, Su Ming continued, ¡°On a brighter note, I¡¯ve secured a promising job. My monthly earnings exceed 20,000 yuan.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± A note of astonishment colored Lee Sumei¡¯s voice. ¡°Be prudent with your earnings. Put some aside for your eventual wedding.¡± ¡°Understood, Mother.¡± A smile crossed Su Ming¡¯s face. ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll let you get back to your responsibilities now.¡± With those words, Lee Sumei ended the call. Holding the phone, Su Ming felt a swirl of emotions. He exhaled deeply and tucked the phone away. Should he reveal to his parents his ownership of a citynd parcel valued at ten billion, he feared they might not grasp the enormity of it. Patience was the better course of action. In due time, he would introduce them to the luxuries of city life. Resolving this, Su Ming ceased to dwell on the matter. Su Ming reclinedfortably, letting the sun warm his face while the gentle breeze caressed him. Just as he teetered on the edge of sleep, a jarring bell sound jolted him awake. He sluggishly opened his eyes and, upon seeing the caller ID, his brow creased. It was thendlord ringing him. ncing at the calendar, Su Ming had an epiphany. Ah, that exined it. Today was rent day. The ce he rented was located in an older suburban area. Lacking modern amenities like geothermal heating or air conditioning, it was bone-chilling in winter and oppressively hot in summer. The setting might be somewhat austere, but the price was right. Thendlord, however, was notorious for his short fuse and stinginess. He perceived Su Ming as an easy target, constantly pushing him around. He even used Su Ming of damaging the house¡¯s floor, walls, and the old refrigerator. Truth be told, the ce was already in a state of disrepair. The fridge was nearly as old as Su Ming, so it breaking down was hardly a surprise. It was the affordability and the convenient bus route nearby that made Su Ming opt for this ce. In the past, Su Ming would have politely engaged with thendlord over the phone. But times had changed. ¡°Where are you now?¡± The moment Su Ming answered the call, a shrill voice snapped, ¡°Are you nning on skipping out on rent? Listen up, you¡¯ve got 30 minutes. If you¡¯re not back by then, find somewhere else to stay, even if it¡¯s the streets!¡± ¡°Also, just so you know, I¡¯m raising the rent. It¡¯s a thousand a month from now.¡± With that, the call ended. Not this again. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Periodically, thendlord would hike the rent, and previously Su Ming would bring over fruits and gifts, imploring him for leniency. He wasn¡¯t going to indulge him anymore. Su Ming powered down his phone, reclined once more, and in no time, he was fast asleep. Chapter 18 C18 ¨C Ordinary Cars Afterpleting his farm chores, Su Ming fell into a deep sleep. He rested for three hours, then awoke with a contented expression. Waking up, he felt rejuvenated and energetic. Checking his phone, he noticed over 50 unanswered calls. He had over thirty unread messages. Thendlord was quite insistent. Su Ming guessed thendlord was now irate. This thought secretly amused him. Regardless, his house contained nothing of significance. Just some bedding, clothing, and a second-handptop which was the most valuable item. It held no crucial documents. Su Ming leisurely got ready and visited the field to inspect his tomato nts. The vines had indeed sprouted. Adjacent to them was a stick provided by the System that supported and tied the vines. After all, mature tomatoes became quite weighty. A sudden rumble from his stomach took Su Ming by surprise. He realized he hadn¡¯t eaten the entire day. He was so engrossed in his farming tasks that meals slipped his mind. Su Ming headed to the nearby food city and got a bowl of noodles. ¡°Is that not Mr. Su?¡± While eating, a familiar, astonished voice echoed. Su Ming, caught off guard, nced sideways. To his surprise, it was his old friend, President Chen. ¡°What a pleasant surprise, President Chen.¡± Su Ming greeted with a smile. President Chen carefully approached and took a seat facing Su Ming. An inner reflection reminded him how even a magnate could appear so humble and in. What defines a billionaire? After all, their daily necessities and lifestyles often mirror those of the average individual. Who could distinguish, on mere appearance, the magnate capable of withdrawing vast sums at a moment¡¯s notice from an ordinary passerby? Had he possessed the funds, he¡¯d have unted it by now. Even though he was nearing 50, he couldn¡¯t match the energy of someone in their 20s. ¡°We appreciate the confidence you¡¯ve ced in our bank.¡± President Chen moistened his parched lips. ¡°Today, our bank is holding a raffle for all our customers, and you¡¯ve just won our top prize.¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. Could such good fortune be real? However, he quickly deduced it wasn¡¯t an actual raffle. It was clear President Chen wanted to gift him something, yet struggled to find an appropriate pretext. ¡°I never realized I was this fortunate. What¡¯s the grand prize, President Chen?¡± As Su Ming took a noodle bite, he probed further. ¡°A car.¡± Without dy, President Chen produced a key from his pocket, cing it before Su Ming: ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t take offense. This car is modestly priced at 500,000 yuan. Please ept it.¡± Su Ming noticed the BMW emblem. It seemed quite decent. He pondered whether he should purchase a vehicle for himself since driving his vegetable-selling car around was bing a tad embarrassing. Serendipitously, President Chen presented him with a BMW. Indeed, even if the car wasn¡¯t exceptionally pricey, he was in need of one at that moment. ¡°I¡¯m actually in the market for a car. My gratitude, President Chen.¡± Su Ming pocketed the car keys. Observing Su Ming¡¯s eptance, President Chen exhaled a sigh of relief, as though a weight had been lifted. ¡°Mr. Su, enclosed is your car¡¯s purchase contract and insurance details. Rest assured, our bank will cover your car¡¯s maintenance insurance.¡± ¡°I appreciate your efforts, President Chen.¡± Su Ming expressed his thanks unreservedly. He understood that President Chen¡¯s gesture wasn¡¯t without motive. Being a major client of the bank meant that with increased deposits and investments, President Chen¡¯s promotion was on the horizon. This was merely President Chen strategizing for his future. ¡°Mr. Su, I won¡¯t intrude further. We¡¯ll have the car delivered and parked below soon, with license tes already arranged for you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded. Chapter 19 C19 ¨C I¡¯ll Pay for It Su Ming ate to his satisfaction and settled the bill. Exiting the building, he noticed a gleaming new BMW parked just outside the mall. An employee from the bank stood beside it. Spotting Su Ming, he quickly approached, saying, ¡°Mr. Su, this car is yours.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± Su Ming expressed his gratitude, cing a reassuring hand on the bank employee¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Inform your president that I n to visit your bank soon.¡± The bank employee¡¯s face lit up with delight. Hadn¡¯t this been the moment he¡¯d been hoping for? Given Mr. Su¡¯s statement, it was a done deal! ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su.¡± With a nod and a grin, Su Ming slid into the driver¡¯s seat. During his college days, Su Ming asionally drove. Prior to that, he attended several driving courses, mastering the art of handling a sports car. He maneuvered through the city¡¯s downtown, eventually making his way towards the outskirts. The densendscape of skyscrapers and malls began to thin out. Although familiar with this route, he had previously only traveled it by bus. Now driving, the journey felt distinctively different. Navigating through an intersection, he took a turn and soon entered his rented residential area. Theplexcked parking, so he found a spot nearby. He then headed towards the building¡¯s entrance. A musty, damp aroma filled the stairwell, its walls stered with various small ads. Su Ming confidently climbed to the third floor. He rested his hand on the aged wooden door, giving it a soft push. A grating noise reverberated down the hallway. Yet, just as the door opened slightly, it was abruptly yanked from the other side. The fragile door quivered, seeming as if it might disintegrate. The stoutndy, not even 1.5 meters tall but weighing considerably, red at Su Ming. ¡°Where were you? Why have you returned sote?¡± Her shrill voice made Su Ming wince. ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything wrong. I just stepped out for a bite.¡± With a subtle smile, Su Ming gently opened the door. ¡°You!¡± Thendlord, fuming with anger, pointed directly at Su Ming, her hand quivering. ¡°Listen, this is a brand-new sofa I purchased. It cost me tens of thousands of yuan. You¡¯ve damaged it severely. You¡¯re settling the bill today.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll cover the costs.¡± Su Ming responded with a smile, ¡°How much do I owe?¡± ¡°What?¡± Thendlord was caught off guard. Her previous perception of Su Ming was of someone who always sought her approval, acting overlypliant whenever he encountered her. What brought about this sudden change in him? To her knowledge, Su Ming was broke. He had exhausted all his savings on gifts and renovations for his prospective mother-inw. That¡¯s the reason she took advantage of Su Ming. Yet, his demeanor today was unexpectedly different. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s thirty thousand yuan!¡± Thendlord dered, hands akimbo, her expression stern. ¡°Absolutely, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± With a faint smile, Su Ming essed his phone and promptly transferred 30,500 yuan into thendlord¡¯s ount. The additional 500 yuan was for the rent. As thendlord¡¯s phone buzzed, she checked to find an unexpected sum exceeding 30,000 yuan. She was taken aback. What just happened? Wasn¡¯t Su Ming the one she regrly berated, expecting him to returnter with an apologetic offering of fruits and gifts? That way, she could save some money on produce. However, things didn¡¯t unfold as anticipated this time. Chapter 20 C20 ¨C Stealing Su Ming paid no attention to thendlord. After all, with his newfound billionaire status, he ownednd valued at ten billion. Frankly, such individuals were no longer in a position to bother him. Retreating to his bedroom, Su Ming retrieved his graduation and degree certificates from beneath a box. He fetched a snakeskin bag from under his bed and packed it with essentials. ncing around, he realized there was nothing else he wanted to bring. ¡°I¡¯ve decided not to continue renting here. I¡¯ll settle any outstanding payments. Farewell.¡± With a subtle smile, Su Ming departed downstairs, clutching the snakeskin bag. Thendlord was taken aback by Su Ming¡¯s behavior. She epitomized someone who preyed on the vulnerable but cowered before the dominant. While her husband was a forceful man, he was notorious for his extramarital escapades. Despite her awareness of his infidelity, she always weed him home with a cheerful demeanor. That very morning, her husband withdrew a considerable sum for his leisure pursuits. Though she understood his intentions, she felt powerless to intervene. Feeling aggrieved, thendlord had intended to find a reason to berate Su Ming during rent collection that day. She had hoped Su Ming would reimburse her for a household item, but he declined. Over the past three years, Su Ming was the sole upant, leading thendlord to believe he must be the one responsible for any damages. Thendlord held a housing contract with specific stiptions outlined. Once she received the payment from Su Ming, she intended to evict him. Her n was to use Su Ming¡¯s payment for property renovations and upgrading to better second-hand appliances. This would allow her to hike up the rent. However, Su Ming¡¯s actions took herpletely by surprise. Unlike previous asions, after her call, Su Ming didn¡¯t hurry back. He kept her waiting for over four hours. Upon his return, he seemed indifferent to her. Most notably, when she demandedpensation, Su Ming promptly transferred the funds to her. Despite receiving the money, she felt somewhat disgruntled. Fuming, thendlord abruptly shut the door and stormed downstairs. She was determined to confront and rebuke Su Ming. Reaching the ground floor, she spotted Su Ming near a luxury vehicle, holding a snakeskin bag and conversing with two patrol officers. Laughing boisterously, thendlord remarked, ¡°Has Su Ming been caught pilfering from the police? No wonder he was keen on moving out. Guess he had prison in mind.¡± With a sneer, thendlord watched the scene, her gaze filled with contempt for Su Ming. That luxurious vehicle was easily worth several million yuan. It was audacious of Su Ming to even think of stealing such a pricey car, likelynding him a lengthy jail term. She pondered whose car it might be. In this old neighborhood, she was familiar with most, but was certain few could afford such avish vehicle. Perhaps someone had just parked it there temporarily. Regardless, she believed Su Ming was out of luck. Of all the vehicles avable, he chose a luxury one worth over three million yuan, and now he was caught by the police. Chapter 21 C21 ¨C The Landlord Was Dumbfounded However, in the next moment, thendlord was left speechless. Su Ming, to everyone¡¯s surprise, greeted and exchanged handshakes with one of the patrol officers. They weed him with warmth. It was these patrol officers who had apanied Su Ming to the bank earlier in the day. Upon descending the stairs, Su Ming encountered the two officers patrolling the vicinity. This area was, after all, suburban, notorious for having a rtively elevated crime rate in the entire city. Observing Su Ming, the two patrol officers exited their vehicle to greet him. They had be somewhat familiar with each other. But no sooner had they exchanged pleasantries, than thendlord¡¯sugh was heard, mocking him from aside. ¡°Mr. Su, is this thendlord you were referring to?¡± Inquired one of the patrol officers. ¡°Indeed.¡± Su Ming affirmed with a nod. The officers exchanged nces before approaching thendlord with stern faces, revealing their badges, ¡°Greetings, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ve received aint from Mr. Su using you of extortion.¡± Thendlord was taken aback. She had anticipated witnessing the arrest of Su Ming. How had the tables turned so abruptly? ¡°Is there some mistake?¡± She uttered, her voiceced with anxiety. ¡°Rest assured, we uphold justice; no wrongdoer will escape, and no innocent will suffer. We request your cooperation during our investigation.¡± Subsequently, one officer handcuffed thendlord. The chilling metal of the handcuffs caused a shiver to run through her, and she erupted into desperate resistance. ¡°Why am I being detained?¡± She protested vehemently. An officer firmly subdued her to the ground. ¡°Theft?¡± Another remarked scornfully, ¡°Mr. Su possesses billions. The BMW is his property!¡± Thendlord was bbergasted. Could this three-million-dor BMW possibly belong to Su Ming? Impossible! Su Ming had been her tenant for three full years. She believed she knew all there was to know about him. He hailed from a rural area with parents leading simple, agricultural lives. Formerly, Su Ming held a regr position in apany before losing his job; now he was unemployed. How could he possibly own such a luxury vehicle? How could he be affluent? ¡°I appreciate your diligence.¡± Su Ming smiled warmly at the officers. ¡°No issue. Maintaining societal harmony and securing public life and property is our responsibility.¡± An officer suggested, ¡°Mr. Su, please resume your activities. We¡¯ll inform you post our inquiry here.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Su Ming assented, boarded his BMW, and left. The officers escorted thendlord to the third floor and after examining the house¡¯s interior, one remarked, ¡°Appliances here barely worth a thousand, and you demand thirty thousand? You¡¯re under suspicion of fraud. Await your court summons.¡± Chapter 22 C22 ¨C Could It Be The Gold Again? Leaving the haplessndlord behind, Su Ming drove as fast as he could to the city center. He nned to continue farming! Using the System, Su Ming discovered an undeniable fascination with farming. The vast variety of crops that could be cultivated held his attention. Uncertainty surrounded the oue of his ntings. Regardless, even if they all turned into gold, considerable wealth would flow in. Nevertheless, Su Ming held firm in his belief that the System wouldn¡¯t be as straightforward and mundane. Each endeavor promised a distinct surprise. As Su Ming returned, the sky had darkened slightly. Yet, given the city¡¯s central location, towering edifices illuminated the area, and streetlights lined the roads. It didn¡¯t appear dark in the least. He cleared a small plot ofnd, and the System automatically recycled the weeds. Su Ming retrieved some cucumber seeds from the warehouse. The process had be second nature to him. Su Ming observed that during nting, the System would promptly alert him. If the nt spacing was too cramped, the System signaled nting failure. This was sensible; after all, every nt required adequate space to thrive. ¡°Ding! Cucumber sessfully nted! Harvest time: 18 hours!¡± Following that, he applied fertilizer and water with practiced precision. Surveying the now-tidynd, Su Ming felt content and headed to the faucet to wash up. Seated in a rocking chair, he observed the bustling nighttime city. Nevertheless, Su Ming wrestled with a quandary. Given his newfound billionaire status, residing in the old houses was undoubtedly no longer an option. Should he buy a vi? However, Su Ming quickly dismissed the idea. It wasn¡¯t that hecked the funds; rather, there was simply no necessity for it. At the moment, his entire focus remained on those two acres. Nevertheless, adjacent to the two acres ofnd, the System had conjured a quaint thatched cottage into existence. It seemed prudent to capitalize on this piece ofnd by constructing a modest dwelling. As long as the amenities were in ce, it would suffice. This arrangement would significantly enhance his daily life. Following a meal at the nearby mall, Su Ming promptly headed to Appliances City and acquired a high-endputer. After all, it was a System-generated thatched cottage,plete with readily avable inte ess boasting exceptional speed. Su Mingmenced gaming. After a full day of work, Su Ming felt somewhat fatigued and soon drifted into slumber. When he awoke the next morning, it was nearly noon. Armed with his previous experience, Su Ming took his time waking up Yuvyuv and proceeded to inspect what was sprouting from the earth. Due to the System¡¯s automatic concealment, Su Ming could only discern the ordinary rice seedlings from a distance. Being in a temperate southern city, the climate was ideal for rice cultivation. Growing rice wouldn¡¯t draw any undue attention. Even if others ventured onto thend, they wouldn¡¯t be able to disturb the crops Su Ming had nted. This was a privilege granted to Su Ming and a safeguard provided by the System for hisnd. Upon stepping onto the soil, Su Ming¡¯s first order of business was to check the cucumbers he had nted the previous day. The cucumber vines had already flourished, winding their way up the System¡¯s automatically generated shelves, and most were now in full bloom. Su Ming nodded in contentment, then turned his attention to the tomatoes, noting that they were already ripe. The tomato was shining golden under the sun. Su Ming frowned slightly. Was it gold again? Su Ming sighed. Chapter 23 C23 ¨C Isn¡¯t Gold ¡°It was gold again.¡± Su Ming shifted uneasily and gave a resigned shake of his head. ¡°There are no surprises up my sleeve.¡± He crouched, his fingers caressing a mature tomato before plucking it. ¡°Hmm?¡± A look of bewilderment crossed Su Ming¡¯s face as he grasped the luminous tomato. It didn¡¯t feel right in weight. The golden hue suggested heaviness. Yet, it felt oddly light. It felt as if he could easily squish it. With a puzzled look, Su Ming tested its resilience. To his astonishment, the tomato crumbled in his grip. ¡°Could it really be that fragile?¡± Amazement was evident as his jaw dropped. Among the debris, something caught his eye. He leaned in for a better look. Was it a timepiece? Specifically, one from Vacheron Constantin. He quickly consulted the web on his phone. It was a rare edition, carrying a significant price tag. Clearly, its value surpassed mere gold. A sense of astonishment shed in Su Ming¡¯s eyes. But given his recent adventures, he felt rtivelyposed. Interestingly, each shrub bore just a single tomato. On counting, there were 20 nts, yielding 20 golden fruits. He proceeded to the next one, gently pressing it. Inside was another timepiece ¨C sporty and not at all modest in value. With anticipation, he opened the remaining golden orbs. A piece of jade. A decorative wrist essory. The newest smartphone model. A high-end DSLR camera. Premium mist green tea. All twenty were meticulously opened. Surveying the spread on the ground, a chuckle escaped Su Ming¡¯s lips. An array ofvish jewels, gadgets, and other valuablesy before him. Even some tea varieties not readily avable in stores. Storing these might necessitate arger space, he mused. He inspected the phone. Upon powering it on, everything functioned seamlessly, proving its authenticity. Testing the camera, he was impressed with the rity. All the day¡¯s finds were safely tucked into a bag he held. His emotions were a mix of amusement and disbelief. Discovering such treasures in a field seemed unfathomable. Who could possibly fathom such a tale? Yet, his inquisitive nature lingered. The flourishing cucumber nt piqued his interest about its yield. He hoped it wasn¡¯t another tech gadget. Or he might just start an electronics shop next door. Back in his humble abode, he nonchntly tossed the bag into a corner box. Such nonchnce might seem absurd. Out in the world, such a stash could spark mayhem. Even the least pricey item ¨C the sports watch ¨C was worth a tidy sum. As for the priciest item ¨C the Imperial Green Jade ¨C its value was immeasurable. But to Su Ming, these were mere trinkets. For now, they¡¯d reside in that box. Soon, arger storage solution would be essential. All in all, it was a rewarding day. Especially considering average annual earnings. ¡°Harvest sessful. 20 experience points awarded!¡± Energized, Su Ming¡¯s eyes sparkled. He promptly set about clearing away the leftover nt debris. ¡°Cleanupplete. 10 experience points earned!¡± Eagerly, Su Ming essed the digital interface. Farmer: Su Ming. Level: Lv 1. Experience: 90 / 100. Farm: Level One. Su Ming was about to level up! Chapter 24 C24 ¨C A Pay Raise A heartyugh escaped Su Ming¡¯s lips uncontrobly. The System had already exhibited considerable power before its level-up; contemting its enhanced might was exhrating. His anticipation was palpable! With this thought filling him with vigor, Su Ming descended to tend to the grass. Just then, an Audi approached from a short distance away. Seated in the back of the car, President Chen had his eyes shut, seeking a moment¡¯s reprieve. Out of nowhere, the vehicle jerked, causing President Chen to bump his forehead. He winced in difort, his face twisted in pain. ¡°Mr. President, I apologize!¡± The driver swiftly turned around, offering an apologetic exnation, ¡°There¡¯s an unexpected pothole on this road.¡± ¡°You.¡± President Chen began to speak, poised to reprimand the driver, but then his gaze was suddenly arrested by a figure. Why did this person look so familiar? President Chen squinted to get a better look. Wasn¡¯t that his prominent client, Su Ming? Was Su Ming really tending to crops? Indeed, he was cultivating crops. Right here in the city center! This vacant plot was worth a staggering ten billion! President Chen stood there, mouth agape, and eyes wide, questioning the very essence of his existence. He had exhausted all his attempts to specte on Su Ming¡¯s background. He had contemted whether Su Ming might be the scion of a financial magnate. Or perhaps he was the heir to a real estate tycoon. Even the possibility of Su Ming hailing from a prominent dynasty had crossed his mind. But now he recognized the limitations of his narrow thinking. He was just an ordinary individual. How could someone ordinary ever fathom Su Ming¡¯s intentions? In reality, Su Ming was farming right in the heart of the city, on a plot ofnd valued at an astonishing ten billion! ¡°Well done!¡± President Chen¡¯s sudden outburst upon seeing the driver took the driver by surprise. What was happening? Had the president lost his senses for a moment? ¡°President.¡± The driver blinked and stammered. ¡°You¡¯ve done an excellent job. I¡¯m highly pleased. You¡¯ll receive a raise when we return.¡± President Chen promptly disembarked from the car and added, ¡°You can drive the car back; I¡¯ll make my own way.¡± The driver felt bewildered. He couldn¡¯t grasp the situation, but he obediently drove off. President Chen adjusted his tie, cleared his throat, and then strolled into the open area, wearing a contented smile. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Su Ming heard footsteps behind him, momentarily taken aback, and turned to encounter a cheerful, familiar face. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you, President Chen.¡± President Chen scratched his head and inquired, ¡°Mr. Su, what are you up to?¡± Su Ming responded, ¡°Farming.¡± President Chen quickly nodded. It was evident to him that Su Ming was indeed tending to his farm, which upiednd worth ten billion. However, a sense of intrigue overcame him. Outside the cityy vast expanses ofnd suitable for farming, yet Su Ming was insistent on cultivating crops in the city center. He voiced his bafflement, remarking that he couldn¡¯tprehend the ways of the affluent. Never before had he witnessed anyone tilling soil in the heart of the city. ¡°Mr. Su, does thisnd belong to you?¡± President Chen blinked, swallowed nervously, and inquired about his most pressing question. Su Ming nodded, replying, ¡°Yes, it belongs to me. Do you have any concerns?¡± President Chen promptly shook his head. Having made up his mind, President Chen scanned his surroundings. President Chen possessed shrewdness, a quality that had propelled him from an ordinary employee to the bank¡¯s president. He blinked again and surveyed the area. President Chen¡¯s intelligence shone through; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have risen to the position of bank president. Blinking once more, President Chen queried, ¡°Are you weeding?¡± Su Ming nodded and confirmed, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Let me help you.¡± President Chen promptly shed his expensive suit, tossing it aside. He rolled up his sleeves, removed his shoes, and grasped the hoe that Su Ming had been using. Chapter 25 C25 ¨C I Have a Presumptuous Request ¡°You¡¯reing?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a while. ¡°Mr. Su, I was also a farmer. When I was young, I often did farm work. My parents always told me that a person had to be like rice, firmly rooted in the ground in order to produce fruitful results. My parents are gone, but their words are still echoing in my ears.¡± As President Chen said this, he even wiped away his tears. ¡°Thank you for giving me such a chance, so that I can reminisce about the days when I worked with my parents.¡± President Chen was indeed from the countryside. His parents were also farmers. President Chen had put in a lot of effort to be the president of a bank from a rural child. He became the pride of his parents. He now had an annual ie of a million yuan, a car, and a house. President Chen had always thought that he was very sessful. At the very least, he could say goodbye to farming. But who would have thought that today, something that refreshed his worldview would happen. Because he realized that farming was not that simple. It mainly depended on where you were farming. Farming in the countryside was indeed an extremely hard job. But if you were to farm on a piece ofnd worth ten billion in the city center. That would be different. Even if President Chen was the regional general manager and had the right to allocate billions of yuan, he had never thought of taking down this piece ofnd. Because he couldn¡¯t afford it. But Su Ming actually used such a piece ofnd to farm. President Chen¡¯s actions stunned Su Ming. His performance was wless. ¡°This isn¡¯t good.¡± Su Ming said. ¡°No!¡± President Chen hurriedly shook his head like a rattle drum, ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± Su Ming was a real big boss! Su Ming¡¯s value was definitely not limited to this piece ofnd. What did it mean for him to farm on such a piece ofnd worth ten billion? It meant Su Ming didn¡¯t put this piece ofnd in his eyes at all. He was very low-key. ¡°I have a presumptuous request, and I hope you can agree to it.¡± President Chen blinked and said sincerely. ¡°What presumptuous request?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. What did President Chen want? President Chen said hurriedly, ¡°A manager of our bank insulted two migrant workers who came to save money a while ago. When we found out, we immediately fired him and informed the entire industry.¡± ¡°Finally we thought about why this was happening. Because the staff of the bank worked in air-conditioned rooms all day and had long since forgotten the hardships of the peasants.¡± ¡°So recently, we are preparing to hold an event to let all the employees of the bank work on the farm so that they can experience the hardships of farmers.¡± ¡°But you know that they are very busy, and there is no suitable ce for them.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have two acres ofnd in the city center. There are a lot of weeds in thend. The employees of the bank can weed, so it¡¯s not easy to experience life.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I willpensate you for all the inconveniences and interruptions in your life. What do you think?¡± Chapter 26 C26 ¨C Ingratiating ¡°That¡¯s not good.¡± Su Ming nced around. ¡°In reality, this plot isn¡¯t that vast. I can manage it myself.¡± It seemed to Su Ming that President Chen might have initiated this event just to appease him. Surely, he had the stature of a bank president. ¡°No!¡± President Chen quickly gestured with his hand, imploring, ¡°Let us have this opportunity.¡± Unnoticed, Su Ming gave him an appreciative nod. It was evident that President Chen wanted to curry favor with Su Ming, yet he made it seem as if he was the one seeking assistance. ¡°Would this disrupt the bank employees¡¯ tasks?¡± Su Ming pondered, stroking his chin. ¡°It¡¯s of no concern!¡± President Chen responded promptly. His genuineness was one of the reasons he was elected bank president. Admiration for him welled up in Su Ming¡¯s heart. Two years post-graduation, he was just a minor staff member in a regr firm. Lately, he even lost that job. Were it not for the System, the exorbitant cost of engagement gifts would have weighed him down. If he possessed even a fraction of President Chen¡¯s capability, he could have risen to at least a deputy role in his former firm. ¡°Very well.¡± Su Ming gave a nod of approval. President Chen¡¯s earnestness was sopelling that Su Ming couldn¡¯t turn him down. President Chen was ted by Su Ming¡¯s consent. Without hesitation, he dialed a number, instructing, ¡°Summon every staff member to the vacant area next to Guoxing Building immediately. This long-postponed event is finally starting. They¡¯ll grasp themon man¡¯s plight.¡± The person on the line was the bank¡¯s vice president. He was left bewildered by the call. Which event was this? He had no inkling. ¡°President Chen?¡± The vice president inquired tentatively after a pause. ¡°Be there in 30 minutes!¡± President Chen concluded the call briskly. The vice president, taken aback, pondered over the directive. What did President Chen have in mind? Even amidst his uncertainty, he knew he had to act swiftly. He swiftly mobilized all staff and security personnel, leading them to the open area adjacent to the Guoxing Building. ¡°Sir, where are we headed?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Questions buzzed amongst the employees. ¡°Just follow along. President Chen has an experiential event lined up to understand the struggles of ordinary folk.¡± The vice president was as clueless as them. ¡°I wasn¡¯t informed of such an event.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± It was expected for the regr staff to be unaware, but it was surprising that even the management was in the dark. What was President Chen¡¯s objective? Chapter 27 C27 ¨C ttery Confused, the staff quickly arrived. Upon exiting the car, they realized they had reached the city center. Even if they were going to experience the rigors of farming, they expected to be headed to the countryside. President Chen approached and greeted them, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve all made it.¡± The employees noticed that President Chen¡¯s expensive suit and leather shoes were carelessly discarded on the ground. He had rolled up his pants and ventured barefoot into the mud. His shirt was crumpled, and even his face bore traces of dirt. The employees were taken aback. ¡°Today, we¡¯re here to enhance our industry¡¯s service quality and show appreciation for the toil of farmers. We¡¯re hosting an event today. It¡¯s a great opportunity. If you perform well, there might be promotions and raises for you.¡± President Chen exined, ¡°Your task for today is to clear out all the weeds from thisnd.¡± President Chen stood there, cheering on the employees. Upon hearing President Chen¡¯s words, the employees suddenly noticed an empty space behind them. The empty area was overrun with weeds, but there was someone amidst them. That person was Mr. Su, who had visited the bank to deposit arge sum yesterday. It all became clear in an instant. The president was truly remarkable! This individual with hundreds of millions in cash was undeniably a VIP of their bank, deserving of their president¡¯s warm reception. Nevertheless, that was it. After all, their bank wasn¡¯t in need of funds. While a hundred million yuan was a substantial sum, President Chen had no need to curry favor. However, the situation took a different turn when this individual came to possess a piece ofnd in the city center valued at ten billion yuan. ¡°President Chen is truly remarkable.¡± ¡°No wonder President Chen rose to the position of president. I¡¯ve toiled for over a decade, and I¡¯m merely a department head. That¡¯s the distinction between us.¡± ¡°We should take President Chen as our role model.¡± ¡°Actually, we should focus on Mr. Su tending to this ten-billion-yuannd himself.¡± ¡°I¡¯d be overjoyed if I ownednd in the city center.¡± ¡°Stop daydreaming. Let¡¯s get to work.¡± After setting their objective, the bank employees began to motivate themselves to start working. They shed their expensive suits worth thousands of dors and their nearly ten-thousand-dor smartphones onto the ground, and began pulling up the grass. They aspired to emte President Chen! They aimed to get closer to President Chen! By diligently uprooting the grass, they hoped to bring a smile to Mr. Su¡¯s face. If Mr. Su was pleased, it would please President Chen as well. If President Chen was content, it could lead to sry increases for them. Su Ming stood there, smiling, and said, ¡°I appreciate your hard work, everyone.¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t worked hard enough!¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su, for granting us this opportunity to learn.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re too modest. We¡¯re not helping you; you¡¯re helping us.¡± The employees continued their discussions. In the heart of the city, a group of well-paid and well-benefited bank employees was bent over, perspiring profusely as they plucked weeds. This was a beautiful scene. Chapter 28 C28 ¨C I Will Give You an S Card While it appeared that their president reaped the most benefits. They all understood one thing very clearly. Even if it were solely to ensure Mr. Su remembered their faces. That would still hold considerable advantage for them! Should Su Ming decide to engage in banking transactions with them. They stood to earn substantialmissions. The male employees capitalized on their strengths, putting in tremendous effort. The female employees couldn¡¯t help gravitating towards Su Ming. If Su Ming took an interest in them, Even bing his former girlfriends would secure their financial well-being for life. Although they had encountered numerous affluent clients, None had matched Su Ming¡¯s wealth. ¡°Team, give it your all, but avoid damaging the already grown crops.¡± Leading the charge, President Chen issued instructions. As the saying goes, strength lies in numbers. Furthermore, thend they were tending was worth ten billion. Tending to grass on such valuablend held a unique allure. They even contemted bringing some of this grass home as a keepsake. Theypleted their tasks in under three hours. Not a single weed remained on the entire farm. Though exhaustion weighed on the employees, they were all ted. They didn¡¯t feel tired at all. When they worked on the construction site and earned 50 yuan a day, fatigue often set in. However, when they raked in 5000 yuan, 50,000 yuan, or even 500,000 yuan a day, their excitement knew no bounds. It was almost as if they had been injected with boundless energy, driven by the promise of substantial rewards. Sufficient incentives had the power to banish fatigue from their minds. Most importantly, what did it signify for Su Ming to have the privilege of cultivatingnd valued at ten billion? It meant that he was utterly unperturbed. It meant that his true worth very likely exceeded ten billion. ¡°I sincerely appreciate all your efforts. Thank you all so much.¡± Su Ming expressed his gratitude with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s what we should do.¡± President Chen stepped forward, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Through this work, we¡¯ve gained a profound understanding of thebor of workers and farmers. We¡¯ll certainly enhance our support for the working ss. This experience has been highly enlightening for us.¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but twitch the corner of his eye upon hearing this. With a smile, President Chen remarked, ¡°We sincerely apologize for upying your time andnd today.¡± President Chen subtly gestured, prompting his vice president to step forward with a gift box they had prepared. He presented it to Su Ming. ¡°It¡¯s just a small token, please ept it. We understand that it might not be significant in light of your substantial worth, but we hope you won¡¯t be offended.¡± President Chen gazed at Su Ming earnestly. President Chen¡¯s performance was truly convincing. Initially, it was President Chen and his team who had arrived to assist Su Ming with removing the weeds. Yet, through a clever shift of perspective, it appeared as though President Chen and his group had upied Su Ming¡¯s time and resources, and Su Ming had assisted them. The employees toiled, their backs aching, and those unustomed to farming sported blistered hands. Ultimately, it was President Chen who reaped significant benefits. It dawned on Su Ming that identical tasks could yield different oues in the hands of different individuals. Some people devoted their lives to pleasing others, yet remained underappreciated. In contrast, President Chen excelled at winning people over. Chapter 29 C29 ¨C It Was My Sincerity Above all, President Chen had valid reasons. Our bank intends to host an event, but we¡¯recking a suitable venue. Consequently, we feel indebted to you. Thus, we¡¯d like to express our gratitude. Please, do not decline! Su Ming couldn¡¯t find any objections. ¡°There¡¯s really no need for that.¡± Su Ming blinked in response. To be frank, epting it would weigh heavily on his conscience. Truth be told, he might not even have much interest in the offering. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Su Ming¡¯s words left President Chen startled, his face reflecting a mix of confusion and concern. He turned to the vice president, appearing helpless, before returning his gaze to Su Ming. ¡°I understand that you might not find this sufficient. Why don¡¯t I arrange for more?¡± Su Ming wanted to give him a hearty thumbs-up at that moment! Refusing would give President Chen the impression that he disliked the gift. Reluctantly, Su Ming epted the item in hand. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll ept it, then.¡± Su Ming now grasped why some people struggled to decline gifts from others. It was often because the gift-giver was overly persuasive. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su.¡± President Chen disyed an expression of surprise. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but twitch the corner of his eye once more. In most cases, others werepelled to offer gifts, but this time, Su Ming willingly received them. ¡°President Chen, I appreciate your kind gesture. Perhaps I¡¯ll have some business to attend to in the near future. At that time, I may need your assistance.¡± Su Ming gently patted President Chen on the shoulder. ¡°No problem, we¡¯d be more than happy to assist!¡± President Chen beamed with delight upon hearing this. His objective had been attained! Wasn¡¯t this precisely what he had desired? President Chen had underestimated his own capabilities. Su Ming would forever remember this act of kindness. President Chen¡¯s actions had genuinely surprised Su Ming. ¡°Then we shall take our leave now. Mr. Su, we won¡¯t trouble you any further,¡± President Chen dered. With that, President Chen gestured, and all the employees returned to their cars. This was his modus operandi; he knew when to draw the line. They had alreadypleted the task of clearing the weeds, achieving their objective. There was no reason for them to linger any longer. Even if he felt reluctant to depart, he had to make a resolute exit. After all, it had only been their second encounter. He still had ample opportunities to build a rapport with Su Ming in the future. After some time, Su Ming found himself alone at the scene. Smiling, Su Ming shook his head and utilized the System to gather the cleared weeds. In truth, Su Ming didn¡¯t harbor any ill feelings toward President Chen¡¯s actions. Perhaps he could nt some valuable herbs in the ground. In the future, he might need to rely on them when selling such items. Su Ming settled into the adjacent recliner, opening the box to inspect its contents. Insidey a ginseng root. While it didn¡¯t weigh seven taels, it was still a substantial six taels. Its value was considerable. If he were to auction this ginseng, it would undoubtedly incite a fierce bidding war. However, Su Ming remained tranquil, wearing a calm smile. Rising from his seat, he opened the box and nted the ginseng. President Chen and his team journeyed back, contented. Chapter 30 C30 ¨C The Cucumber Was Ripe President Chen once gifted Su Ming a car. The primary motive was Su Ming being a significant client of theirs. They had the leverage to utilize Su Ming¡¯s 100 million for diverse investments, and the returns they¡¯d reap would be much more than the car¡¯s worth. However, they couldn¡¯t offer him anything pricier. Yet, when President Chen learned of Su Ming¡¯snd valued at ten billion. That exined his actions this afternoon. It¡¯s highly probable that this is just the beginning. Su Ming surveyed the cleared area and softly apuded. All the weeds were cleared away, and his next task was to prepare the soil. Su Ming headed to the straw hut, bringing out a plow to till thend. Observing the cleared space, Su Ming pondered. What crop should he choose next? Previously, he had sowed three types of seeds, and two had yielded produce. He had a pumpkin and most recently, a golden melon. He also had a tomato nt, which ultimately gave him a golden egg filled with electronic goods and precious jade jewelry. The cucumber was nearing maturity. Truthfully, Su Ming wasn¡¯tcking in funds anymore. Apart from the hundred million in his ount, the items from the damaged box alone could fetch a handsome sum. What intrigued Su Ming the most was uncovering further treasures thisnd might offer. He was true to his word. Eagerly, Su Ming went over and sifted through the seed packets. He decided on nting potatoes this round. Potatoes are a staple crop, in demand throughout the year. While at home, Su Ming frequently assisted his parents in cultivating potatoes. Consequently, he was well-acquainted with the nuances of potato cultivation. He began by adding some fertilizer, subsequentlyyering it with soil. He then sliced the potatoes, ensuring the sprouts remained embedded in the soil. Next, he nketed the potatoes with additional soil. The entire potato nting operation was straightforward, devoid of any intricate technique. Yet, the vast expanse of two acres presented a challenge. The quantity of potato seeds he had was insufficient. Pondering over the vacant space, Su Ming realized he might have to diversify his crops. Maybe cabbage, chili peppers, or even eggnts. He believed vegetable cultivation was a breeze. In a pinch, he even considered nting an apple tree. ¡°The potato crop is sessfully sown! Expected harvest in 56 hours!¡± Was it possible for potatoes to mature in just over two days? A notification sound echoed in Su Ming¡¯s mind, momentarily catching him off guard. He had always believed nts took over ten hours to flourish, but this experience suggested otherwise. Nheless, Su Ming remained patient. After all, in typical conditions, potatoes require several months to reach maturity. But with the System¡¯s assistance, a mere two days and a bit was all it took for the potatoes. Utilizing his earlier know-how, he meticulously watered and fertilized each nt. As expected, a subsequent notification indicated a shorter growth period and heightened yield. He had ns to cultivate other crops, but dusk was setting in. His hunger pangs and fatigue were catching up. After a refreshing shower, Su Ming changed into fresh clothes from his rental stash and treated himself to a hearty meal. To his astonishment, upon his return, he found the cucumbers had already matured! What would he gain this time? Chapter 31 C31 ¨C There Was No Room for the Box He suppressed his rising excitement. Su Ming stepped onto the field. He neared the cucumber vine to inspect it closely. Could it be that a bag had grown from the cucumber vine? His eyes blinked in surprise. He walked closer and lifted the bag. The ¡°LV¡± emblem was prominently disyed. Even if Su Ming couldn¡¯t discern its authenticity, could a System item be counterfeit? He pulled out his phone and began researching the bag online. The bag was a rare edition, with only 100 ever made worldwide. The one he held was numbered 001. Such a bag would surely send countless women into a frenzy elsewhere. Yet, it left Su Ming indifferent. To him, the bag seemed impractical. It wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d consider using for everyday errands. A simple stic bag felt more suitable to him. But why did this bag weigh so much? Testing its weight, Su Ming noted its significant heft. Curiously, he unzipped the bag. It was brimming with red banknotes. All were denominated in RMB. Quickly, he inspected another bag nearby. This one was a gray Chanel bag. Inside, it was packed with euros. In total, there were twenty designer bags on the vine, all from premier luxurybels. Each bag was stuffed with various currencies: RMB, USD, euros, and pounds. His gaze returned to the assortment of bags scattered on the ground. The box he had seemed too small for them. He needed arger container. In the future, he¡¯d consider selling these luxury bags. They seemed superfluous. He also contemted selling the jade jewelry and electronic items from the box¡¯s base. ¡°Congrattions on your sessful harvest! Gained 20 experience points!¡± ¡°Kudos! You¡¯ve advanced a level!¡± Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV2 Experience: 110 / 1000 Farm Rank: Level One ¡°Your level-up bonus is an enigmatic gift bag. Care to im it?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll im it!¡± He mentally affirmed. ¡°Kudos! You¡¯ve acquired the Premium reward ¨C Blessing from nts.¡± ¡°Blessing from nts: Your dedication to farming is evident. Your crops express their gratitude. Earn 0.1 yuan every second!¡± He was taken aback. This meant he would passively earn 8,640 yuan daily. In a month, that amounted to 259,200 yuan. By year¡¯s end, he¡¯d be rolling in wealth. The System truly was remarkable. He grasped the istion that came with unparalleled sess. His daily routine: lounging and asional naps, all while his earnings outpaced the majority in his nation, even surpassing many prominent figures. The sheer rewards from merely reaching Level One astounded him. Advancing further levels promised even grander prizes. The realization sent him into a fit of joyousughter. He reviewed his stats once more. For the next level up, 1,000 experience points were needed. Though the number seemed steep, his two-acre plot provided ample opportunity. With the vast variety of crops he could cultivate, he¡¯d amass the needed points in a fortnight. He was fueled with renewed motivation! Chapter 32 C32 ¨C Why Did You Come Again? Su Ming gathered the bags and tossed them into the box without much thought. The slightly aged wooden box was already filled to the brim. A frown creased Su Ming¡¯s brow. There was no space left for his garments. Once everything was stowed, Su Ming proceeded to the yard to tackle the weeds. The System collected the dried vine, awarding him 10 experience points. By the time he finished organizing, night had settled in. Although Su Ming contemted nting, the darkness and his fatigue held him back. He retreated to his thatched home and indulged in a few games. He pondered the idea of hiring some hands in the uing days. His primary objective was to erect a protective wall around the farm. Following that, he aspired to rece the current thatch dwelling with arger home and storage area. The System disyed humanoid traits. Beyond the grasnd, it had vacant space, ample for a house and storage construction. Only a couple of days had passed, and the wooden box was overflowing. He anticipated an umtion of items soon. The subsequent morning saw Su Ming waking up naturally, stretching and freshening up with a bath. He stepped outside after opening the door. ncing at the clock, it disyed seven in the morning. During the rush hour, the urban center buzzed with activity, particrly near the adjacent Guoxing Building. Prestigiouspanies operated here, most of them publicly traded. Even the janitors here earned a monthly wage surpassing ten thousand yuan. White-cor professionals, with expressions of concern, hurried into the edifice. A few were scouting for parking spots in their vehicles. Previously, Su Ming would have looked on with deep admiration; those who operated here were elite. But now, those feelings of envy were gone. He felt content with hisid-back life, sprinkled with asional delights. With enthusiasm, Su Ming ventured to where he had sown cucumbers and tomatoes the previous day. He organized the area. He rid the plot of emerging weeds. Once settled, he embedded some beans into the ground. ¡°Beans sessfully sown! Time until harvest: 48 hours!¡± He approached the ground where he had previously nted potatoes and added chili seeds. ¡°Chili sessfully sown! Time until harvest: 30 hours!¡± He nourished and treated the nts, aiming to elerate maturation and enhance their bounty. In no time, midday arrived. Sticking to routine, he opted for a bowl of noodles from the neighboring eatery. As he ate, Su Ming reflected deeply. His recent farming endeavors made it clear that his crops were one-time yields. He remained uncertain if different crops yielded identical produce. Su Ming maintained his patience, deciding to experiment with various crops first. Post lunch, Su Ming resumed his chores, tidying up his tools and giving the farm vehicle a rinse. The sound of approaching steps caught his attention. Whirling around, he noticed it was President Chen. What brought him here again? Chapter 33 C33 ¨C Farming Inside the bank, President Chen took a moment to rx in his chair. The secretary gently pushed the door open. She cautiouslyid a document before President Chen. ¡°I have a desire for farming!¡± ¡°This territory belongs to me!¡± ¡°Weed!¡± As the secretary was on the verge of departing, President Chen unexpectedly began murmuring in his dreams. His voice was startling, making the secretary jump. Suddenly, President Chen came to. He was breathing heavily and drenched in perspiration. ¡°Mr. Chen, are you okay?¡± Swiftly, the secretary fetched a ss of water, offering it to President Chen. President Chen appeared bewildered. His dream had transported him to his youth, where he worked the fields alongside his parents. In his dream, his parents earnestly told him, ¡°My dear, farming could be your future livelihood.¡± He surmised that perhaps his parents were suggesting he consistently coborate with Mr. Su. With urgency, President Chenmanded, ¡°Summon the chauffeur!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Without dy, the secretary began making arrangements. Within moments, an antsy President Chen entered the vehicle. With great fervor, he instructed, ¡°Head to the city center! Find Mr. Su!¡± The driver was taken aback. President Chen, after all, headed a major bank. He was a renowned figure in town, always exudingposure. Typically, he would recline and rest during drives. But his demeanor shifted recently. His calm exterior didn¡¯t signify an absence of passion; he simply hadn¡¯t met someone who truly invigorated him until now. ¡°Acknowledged!¡± Prioritizing urgency, the driver pushed the elerator to the limit. A distance of three kilometers was quickly covered. In a mere ten minutes, they reached the city¡¯s heart. The driver deftly parked. After adjusting his attire, President Chen disembarked and promptly made his way to the farm. Spotting Su Ming attending to his vehicle, President Chen approached eagerly, offering, ¡°Mr. Su, allow me to assist with the car wash.¡± Without hesitation, he took the hose and cloth, diving into the task. His enthusiasm surpassed even Su Ming¡¯s. Su Ming responded with a subtle smile, ¡°I appreciate your help.¡± ¡°It¡¯s no bother at all.¡± President Chen continued, ¡°After a full day¡¯s work yesterday, I had a sound sleep. People my age need to remain active. Not everyone gets this opportunity, and I¡¯m grateful to you for providing it.¡± ¡°Were you just passing through, President Chen?¡± Lighting a cigarette, Su Ming inquired. As he cleaned the vehicle, President Chen replied, ¡°I was traveling for work earlier and chanced upon this ce. The sight of thendpelled me to stop. I hope you don¡¯t mind my intrusion.¡± ¡°Not in the slightest.¡± Su Ming replied with a warm smile. Su Ming felt at a loss for words. He struggled to describe President Chen adequately. Chen was incredibly adept at ingratiating himself. Hispetence coupled with his charm made him a favorite among leaders. After some time and conversation, the farm vehicles gleamed. However, President Chen¡¯s freshlyundered shirt was now sullied. ¡°You¡¯ve been hard at work. Hungry?¡± Approaching with food, Su Ming said, ¡°I only have simple fast food from nearby. I hope it¡¯s okay, President Chen.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve enjoyed grand feasts over the years, but nothingpares to humble, home-cooked meals.¡± President Chen¡¯s spirits were lifted. Dining out with influential figures was routine. Yet sharing an intimate meal at home with someone of stature symbolized genuine acknowledgment and respect. Chapter 34 C34 ¨C Bank President Chen Looking at President Chen wolfing down his food, Su Ming didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°This tastes really good.¡± As President Chen ate, he nodded his head and said, ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll let all my employees go there to eat.¡± This was a fast food restaurant next to the business district. The price was cheap and the taste was not bad. Su Ming used to eat there. After eating his fill, President Chen was obviously not ready to leave yet. He threw the two fast food boxes into the trash can. Then President Chen looked at the ground. Because of the System, President Chen could only see wheat shoots growing on the ground, and most of them were nted by Su Ming yesterday. ¡°You grow wheat?¡± President Chen blinked. ¡°I grew wheat with my parents when I was young. You haven¡¯t watered it today, have you? This thing can¡¯t becking water.¡± After saying that, President Chen took off his leather shoes and coat. He picked up the bucket beside him and was about to water it. Su Ming was stunned. Su Ming had already watered this piece ofnd yesterday. Because of the System, he only needed to water it once. However, since President Chen was so enthusiastic, Su Ming didn¡¯t want to disturb him. Although President Chen lived afortable life all year round, he was very familiar with farming work. It seemed that President Chen was not lying. When he was young, he often worked. Since he had nothing to do, Su Ming started to chat with President Chen. ¡°My family is in the northwest. It¡¯s windy and windy all year round, and there¡¯s a shortage of water. I have a few acres ofnd at home, and all I grow are potatoes. There is a well in our yard, but my father never let us drink from it. We drink the rainwater in the cer.¡± As President Chen spoke, his voice choked with sobs. From time to time, he would wipe away his tears. As they chatted, Su Ming learned more about President Chen¡¯s past. For a child from the mountains to have today¡¯s achievements, his journey was indeed not easy. If Su Ming had half of President Chen¡¯s ability, he wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this. Of course, Su Ming was just sighing. The two of them chatted enthusiastically, and President Chen was happy. In the end, they sat beside the ground and smoked cheap cigarettes. President Chen would never smoke such cheap cigarettes in the past. However, the cigarettes Su Ming took out were very good. But President Chen knew in his heart that even if his rtionship with Su Ming was a little closer now, this was not the reason for him to ck off. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m almost done resting. I¡¯ll go and water it now.¡± After saying that, President Chen went to water it. Su Ming couldn¡¯t stop him, so he could only let him go. After all, he couldn¡¯t find a reason to refuse President Chen. Chapter 35 C35 ¨C Meeting Wang Xue Again The crops wouldn¡¯t ripen for a moment. Su Ming had nothing to do, so he sat by the ground and watched the traffic. As the sun slowly set in the west, Su Ming slightly narrowed his eyes. Su Ming didn¡¯t notice a group of people walking over from afar. These people were dressed in work clothes and were chatting. When they walked in front of Su Ming, one of them was stunned. Why did this person squatting by the side of the road look so familiar? Wasn¡¯t this Su Ming? ¡°Su Ming?¡± The person was stunned for a while, then said tentatively. ¡°Who is it?¡± Su Ming opened his eyes. Who was it? Wasn¡¯t this his ex-girlfriend, Wang Xue¡¯s colleague? Previously, Su Ming brought food to Wang Xue every day, and slowly got to know her colleagues. ¡°It really is you.¡± ¡°I heard you and Xue broke up. What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Su Ming, I have to say, your braised pork ribs are really delicious.¡± ¡°Wang Xue got into the bank. Did you know?¡± This group of people were all Wang Xue¡¯s colleagues. Su Ming had dealt with them before. They were all warm-hearted. Su Ming¡¯s cooking was indeed delicious. Usually, Su Ming would asionally do something for them. They had be friends. ¡°She got into the bank?¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but be stunned for a moment. The treatment at the bank was very good. ¡°She¡¯s showing off everywhere.¡± ¡°After an entire morning, everyone on the floor knew about this.¡± ¡°She also said we should look for her if we need anything in the future,¡± Wang Yao said. ¡°The most exaggerated thing was that Wang Xue¡¯s mother had pulled up arge banner downstairs. Our manager went to persuade her for a long time before she finally put away the banner.¡± A few employees gathered together and discussed in low voices. Su Ming blinked his eyes. Wang Xue did not change. ¡°Su Ming, we feel sorry for you after you got together with Wang Xue. Previously, when the two of you were about to get married, we were too embarrassed to say anything. Now that you two have broken up, we are quite happy for you.¡± One of the girls said. Su Ming nodded. In fact, Su Ming knew that Wang Xue¡¯s character was indeed bad. He could tell from the fact that they wanted the betrothal gift that their family¡¯s character was indeed bad. At that time, he had topromise because of the child in her womb. ¡°Didn¡¯t yourpany get off work at seven o¡¯clock at night? It¡¯s only five o¡¯clock. Why did youe out?¡± Su Ming looked at the time and asked curiously. ¡°Thepany is holding an event today.¡± One of the girls said, ¡°Thepany invited us to the hotpot restaurant for a meal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Su Ming nodded. Although Su Ming and Wang Xue had broken up, he had to admit that the atmosphere in Wang Xue¡¯spany had always been good and the employees were good. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that Su Ming¡¯s major didn¡¯t match thepany, he would have definitely gone there to work. ¡°Why are you guys leaving so quickly? Can you guys wait for me? Although I¡¯m going to work at the bank in a few days, we¡¯re still colleagues now.¡± At this moment, a voice came from behind the crowd. Wang Xue walked over. Wang Xue saw Su Ming¡¯s expression change. The situation instantly became awkward. Chapter 36 C36 ¨C Look up to Me On that fateful day, Su Ming angrily pped them both and stormed off. In the aftermath, Wang Xue deeply regretted her actions, but upon careful reflection, she found the situation perplexing. Having known Su Ming for quite some time, how could she remain oblivious to his family¡¯s circumstances? Furthermore, Wang Xue had engaged in conversations with Su Ming¡¯s friends and learned about his family¡¯s farming background. Farming typically yielded a modest ie, barely reaching tens of thousands of yuan annually. The question loomed: How could he suddenly possess five million yuan? Hence, Wang Xue harbored suspicions that the text message might be a fabrication. Perhaps Su Ming had discerned that the child she carried was not his, using this as a pretext to sever their ties. Consequently, Wang Xue underwent an abortion that very day. The following day, she received a job offer at a bank. Wang Xue was ted. She resolved to seize an opportunity in the future to taunt Su Ming. However, during a dinner outing with her colleagues today, she unexpectedly crossed paths with Su Ming. Initially, guilt gnawed at Wang Xue, given her past wrongdoings toward Su Ming. Yet, upon observing Su Ming¡¯s attire, her guilt swiftly dissipated. Su Ming wore a vest, his body caked in mud. He resembled aborer, undeniably so. Wang Xue, tall and striking in her professional attire, regarded Su Ming with a disdainful air. She assumed Su Ming would rue not marrying her. ¡°Su Ming, what brings you here?¡± Wang Xue quipped, ¡°Didn¡¯t you express a desire to return to farming?¡± ¡°Honestly, I should thank you. I¡¯ve always felt you brought me good fortune. After our breakup, I promptly secured a position at the bank.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your monthly ie now? I¡¯ve heard thatborers can earn seven or eight thousand a month.¡± ¡°Your job seems arduous, rising early and toiling under the scorching sun. Meanwhile, I spend my days in an office, earning a monthly sry of twenty thousand. Plus, I receive year-end dividends and enjoy housing discounts.¡± ¡°Do you have a girlfriend now? How much is the dowry she expects from you? Oh, my mistake, you probably can¡¯t afford it. You should consider finding a local girl from your vige to marry.¡± Wang Xue finally seized the opportunity to humiliate Su Ming. The p Su Ming had delivered back then had left a lingering grudge. ¡°My social standing far surpasses yours, so you must look up to me.¡± Wang Xue relished her superiority. In truth, she hadn¡¯t held Su Ming in high regard before, but her unborn child needed a father. Now, she had secured a position at the area¡¯srgest bank and served as the vice president¡¯s assistant. She no longer had to attend to customer affairs and enjoyed her own office. Consequently, her condescension toward Su Ming deepened. Wang Xue also harbored disdain for her colleagues. Hearing Wang Xue¡¯s words, her colleagues fell into an ufortable silence. They found Wang Xue¡¯s behavior somewhat shameless. Chapter 37 C37 ¨C Wang Xue ¡°Ladies, exercise caution when choosing your partners.¡± Wang Xue retrieved a tissue from her bag and, feigning disgust, covered her mouth and nose. ¡°Have you said everything you wanted to?¡± Observing Wang Xue¡¯s silence, Su Ming rose and gently pped his hands. ¡°Maintain your distance from me.¡± Wang Xue put on an air of repulsion and took a step back. ¡°You¡¯re utterly uncouth. My attire is tailored, worth thousands each. Can you even afford that?¡± Su Ming sneered and retrieved a cigarette from his pocket, igniting it. ¡°I¡¯m genuinely puzzled by the wellspring of your courage and self-assuredness.¡± ¡°To you, marriage is devoid of love; it¡¯s merely a business transaction. Why the urge to marry at all? Why not wed your brother instead?¡± ¡°Furthermore, you engaged in a one-night stand at a bar, unintentionally bing pregnant with another man¡¯s child. You expect me to take responsibility? Shameless, truly.¡± Su Ming exhaled a smoke ring. ¡°Su Ming! You¡¯re crossing a line!¡± Su Ming¡¯s words sent Wang Xue into a furious trembling. Wang Xue¡¯s past indiscretions wereid bare before everyone. Originally, Wang Xue had sought to assert dominance over Su Ming. Ever since acquiring the System, Su Ming¡¯s approach had evolved. He dared to undertake actions that others wouldn¡¯t. ¡°Have I gone too far?¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. ¡°You¡¯re fully aware of how you passed the bank¡¯s exam. Did you genuinely think I wouldn¡¯t find out about that text message you sent to someone the other night? Did you believe I was oblivious to your rendezvous with the bank examiner at the hotel?¡± Wang Xue grew nervous upon hearing this. This matter was particrly discreet. How had Su Ming learned of it? ¡°Regardless of what you say, it won¡¯t alter the fact that you¡¯re financially challenged!¡± ¡°You¡¯re merely envious that I¡¯ll be working in an office in the future. Even if you toil your whole life, you won¡¯t earn much.¡± Wang Xue sneered and taunted. ¡°Who are you? Which bank epted your application?¡± At that moment, a voice emanated from behind Su Ming. President Chen emerged, holding an empty stic bucket in his right hand. President Chen had been working within. He considered it a great honor to serve under Su Ming. When he noticed Su Ming conversing with a group of people, he hesitated to interrupt. However, as he listened, he sensed something amiss. Wang Xue¡¯s harsh words, especially, caught President Chen¡¯s attention. President Chen grew displeased. He held the position of bank president, and he dared not be arrogant in front of Mr. Su. Moreover, President Chen considered the fact that, to his knowledge, only their bank had been recruiting new personnel during this period. Hence, Wang Xue was employed at his bank. Chapter 38 C38 ¨C Confused If so, it would be fun. President Chen¡¯s sudden appearance stunned the group of people. Who was he? Was he also a migrant worker? He didn¡¯t look like a migrant worker. He was in his fifties, and his face was fair and rosy. Moreover, the suit he was wearing was obviously expensive. Only Su Ming had seen President Chen¡¯s ttering look before. In front of others, President Chen was still in a high position. However, his hands and feet were covered in mud, and he was carrying a bucket. Obviously, he had just watered it. Wang Xue was also stunned for a moment. Why did this person look so familiar? Seeing Su Ming turn his head, President Chen immediately revealed a bright smile: ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve almost watered this piece ofnd, and there are only a few empty spaces in the corner that haven¡¯t been watered yet. I¡¯ll go and water themter.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m serious about my work, and there¡¯s enough water, but not much.¡± President Chen hurriedly added. ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Su Ming smiled and patted President Chen¡¯s shoulder. President Chen was immediately ttered. ¡°It¡¯s my honor.¡± President Chen smiled happily. This scene made his colleagues even more confused. ¡°Who are you? Why do I find you familiar?¡± Wang Xue blinked her eyes and asked doubtfully. ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to know me.¡± President Chen¡¯s gazended on Wang Xue. His gaze became cold and his tone became serious. ¡°Is it amazing that you became a bank employee? Do you think you can be so arrogant in front of others just because you¡¯re a bank employee? I¡¯ve worked in the bank for a few decades, lived in a vi worth tens of millions, and drove a luxury car. But even so, I still respect the migrant workers. How can you mock others like that?¡± President Chen frowned and spoke as if he was lecturing his subordinate. In fact, President Chen was very happy. In the morning, he had a meal with Su Ming. In the afternoon, he talked about life with Su Ming, and in the evening, he helped Su Ming solve his problems. When Wang Xue heard this, her face darkened. Wang Xue was a vain person. She took a closer look at President Chen¡¯s watch and tie. They were both very expensive things. His background was not ordinary. The surrounding colleagues were even more stunned. From his tone, President Chen should be a big shot in a big bank. But he was so polite to Su Ming. Who exactly was Su Ming? Everyone guessed. They had watched a big show today. ¡°This is between me and Su Ming. It has nothing to do with you.¡± Wang Xue gritted her teeth and said with a cold expression. After all, she didn¡¯t want to admit defeat in front of Su Ming! Chapter 39 C39 ¨C Have You Ever Regretted It? President Chen heard. Wang Xue didn¡¯t want topete with President Chen? Wang Xue couldn¡¯tpare to President Chen, but the key was that she couldn¡¯t evenpare to President Chen, so how could shepare to Mr. Su? ¡°Are you Mr. Su¡¯s ex-girlfriend?¡± President Chen touched his chin and said with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. However, Su Ming isn¡¯t worthy of the current me.¡± Wang Xue proudly raised her head. President Chen pondered for a while, ¡°Is there anything you regret?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Wang Xue was stunned for a while. This question was very sudden. However, she still subconsciously replied, ¡°I never regret anything.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± President Chen nodded: ¡°Alright then, I think you¡¯ll regret it soon.¡± ¡°What do you mean? Are you saying that I will regret breaking up with Su Ming? That¡¯s impossible!¡± Wang Xue sneered, ¡°I¡¯m happy, how can I regret it?¡± ¡°Oh.¡± President Chen still nodded calmly: ¡°I have something to tell you.¡± President Chen turned around and looked at Su Ming. Su Ming¡¯s expression was calm. He had no intention of stopping President Chen, and President Chen had enough confidence. ¡°This is the center of the city, and you should know the price ofnd there.¡± ¡°But unfortunately, thend you are looking at now belongs to Mr. Su.¡± ¡°And Mr. Su has a lot of money in his bank card. You can only earn a small part of his property in your entire life working in the bank.¡± ¡°You know what I mean, right?¡± President Chen said with a sneer. Mr. Su had actually dated Wang Xue before? He felt that Mr. Su was not worth it. Wang Xue¡¯s appearance was ordinary, and her character was also not good. However, President Chen was a smart person. Su Ming might have been more impulsive when he was young. Many people¡¯s feelings when they were young were born for no reason. Fortunately, Su Ming and Wang Xue had already separated. ¡°Do you still think that being a bank employee is high and mighty?¡± ¡°Is a woman like you who emits a cheap aura worthy to be Su Ming¡¯s girlfriend?¡± President Chen emphasized his tone and sneered with a frown. However, when Wang Xue heard this, she suddenlyughed out loud: ¡°You guys continue acting. You actually said that this piece ofnd is yours. Why don¡¯t you say that the entire earth is yours?¡± Wang Xue crossed her arms and looked at Su Ming sarcastically. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so thoughtful in order to cover up your failure in front of me. You can even find such an actor.¡± ¡°You are wearing less than a hundred dors¡¯ worth of clothes, and you still dare to cheat.¡± As Wang Xue spoke, sheughed, ¡°You are just a farmer, you should honestly admit your identity. You might as well buy a few boxes of instant noodles to hoard the money for the actors. This way, at least you won¡¯t starve to death.¡± President Chen was immediately angry. He was an actor? He was the president of Tianhua Bank. He was the God of Fortune that countlesspanies relied on. He was a big shot that many chairmen could not find. Wang Xue actually dared to say that he was an actor? Most importantly, not only did Wang Xue look down on President Chen, but she also dared to look down on Mr. Su? President Chen found it unbearable. Chapter 40 C40 ¨C I Am Bank President Chen President Chen retrieved his phone from his pocket. A scornful expression crossed his face as he nced at the screen. ¡°Wang Xue, are you serving as an assistant?¡± President Chen inquired, his tone frosty. ¡°Yes,¡± Wang Xue confirmed. Wang Xue met President Chen¡¯s gaze, her curiosity piqued. A cold smirk appeared on President Chen¡¯s face, and he discreetly spat on the ground. He acknowledged that he¡¯d be powerless if she secured a position at anotherpany. However, luck was not on her side. ¡°Is your ranking second?¡± President Chen probed. ¡°Indeed,¡± Wang Xue replied with a sneer. ¡°You¡¯ve truly done your homework. Your investigation is quite thorough.¡± President Chen immediately ced his hands on his hips and red angrily. ¡°Mr. Su wouldn¡¯t bother doing that for someone like you!¡± President Chen was genuinely infuriated. He had never encountered such a shameless individual. ¡°You failed the initial interview, but then you invited someone out to dinner that evening and spent the night with them at a hotel. The very next day, you were hired. Is that urate?¡± President Chen sneered. Wang Xue was utterly astonished. This matter had been shrouded in secrecy, and nobody was aware of it. ¡°How did you find out?¡± Wang Xue stammered, taking a step back in panic. ¡°Of course, I know!¡± President Chen sneered. ¡°I am the president of Tianhua Bank, and that scoundrel who slept with you is my subordinate!¡± Wang Xue¡¯splexion turned ashen upon hearing those words. Her colleagues who stood behind her were equally dumbfounded. He was the president of the bank. Moreover, Tianhua Bank was thergest local bank. Real estate developers sought loans from Tianhua Bank because other banks couldn¡¯t match its resources. Even a department manager at Tianhua Bankmanded respect. After all, the bank was flush with funds! An ordinary bank employee was enough to make others envious for a long time. Not to mention that he was the bank¡¯s president! ¡°He¡¯s actually the president of Tianhua Bank?¡± ¡°I never expected to encounter such a prominent figure here.¡± His colleagues exchanged incredulous nces but quickly connected the dots. If President Chen was genuinely the president of Tianhua Bank and held Su Ming in such high regard, then who was Su Ming? Chapter 41 C41 ¨C I Regret It If President Chen truly held the position of Tianhua Bank¡¯s president, then his recent statement held undeniable validity. This parcel ofnd, valued at an astounding ten billion yuan in the heart of the city, undoubtedly belonged to Su Ming. Once the realization dawned on the bystanders, a collective gasp escaped their lips involuntarily. Su Ming, the same person who used to apany Wang Xue daily and treat them to milk tea, had a remarkably influential background! ¡°What have we overlooked?¡± ¡°While everyone else is payingpliments to President Chen, why do I get the feeling that President Chen is actually praising Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Who is this Mr. Su, anyway?¡± Their group of coworkers was in utter shock. Upon hearing President Chen¡¯s words, Wang Xue was left dumbfounded. ¡°This can¡¯t be true.¡± Wang Xue shook her head vehemently. She couldn¡¯t believe it; she refused to believe it! If President Chen¡¯s im held any truth, what had she missed? She had overlooked the fact that Su Ming owned ten billion yuan worth ofnd! She had missed the fact that Su Ming had substantial funds in his bank ount! It made sense now why President Chen had asked her if she would regret her actions. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! You¡¯re lying to me. You can¡¯t be the president of Tianhua Bank. It¡¯s impossible!¡± ¡°Very well.¡± President Chen remainedposed upon hearing this and proceeded to dial a number. ¡°Hello, President Chen.¡± President Chen spoke sternly, ¡°You¡¯ve been my subordinate for many years. As long as you don¡¯t cross certain lines, I don¡¯t interfere. But do you realize the trouble you¡¯ve caused this time?¡± The voice on the other end of the line sounded somewhat panicked, ¡°President Chen, what have I done wrong?¡± ¡°Among the new bank employees, there¡¯s someone named Wang Xue, correct?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The voice on the phone quivered with fear. They could clearly hear the voice on the other end of the call. When Wang Xue recognized the familiar voice, herplexion instantly turned ashen. ¡°Terminate her employment immediately!¡± ¡°Why?¡± The voice on the phone attempted to provide an exnation. ¡°Because she offended Mr. Su!¡± President Chen sneered. ¡°What!¡± The voice on the other end eximed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, President Chen. I¡¯ll dismiss her right away and make a public announcement throughout the industry, warning everyone not to employ her!¡± ¡°Very well.¡± President Chen nodded and hung up. In a matter of seconds, Wang Xue¡¯s phone began to ring. Wang Xue hastily answered the call. ¡°Wang Xue, you dared to cross Mr. Su; you¡¯re terminated!¡± A man¡¯s enraged voice echoed from the other end before abruptly hanging up. Wang Xue clutched her phone, her demeanor resembling that of a lost soul. Even if she had harbored suspicions about President Chen¡¯s true identity earlier, she no longer dared to question it now. The voice on the other end of the call was hauntingly familiar. He was the senior bank employee with whom she had a liaison in the hotel. President Chen¡¯s identity was verified, which meant his statements held truth. Consequently, Su Ming¡¯s identity was equally genuine. Chapter 42 C42 ¨C He Was Beaten Back to His Original Form ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Did I hear wrong? This piece ofnd worth ten billion is really Mr Su¡¯s?¡± ¡°Oh my god, this is too unbelievable.¡± Everyone eximed, ¡°How is this possible?¡± Seeing Wang Xue¡¯s expression, the surrounding colleagues immediately understood. This piece ofnd really belonged to Su Ming. This was the city center. Su Ming could rent this piece ofnd or take a loan from the bank. With such a piece ofnd and his rtionship with President Chen, a few billion would be no problem at all. When the time came for him to build a building here, the rent would be considerable. They had thought that Su Ming was an ordinary person, but Su Ming was the kind of legendary rich man who hid among them. They had thought that such a person was very far away from them, but who would have thought that he had once appeared around their lives? When President Chen saw the expressions of the people around him, he could not help but nod his head in satisfaction. He did a good job. He gave Mr. Su face! However, he felt more admiration in his heart. If ordinary people had money, they wouldn¡¯t be so low-key. They wanted the whole world to know that he had money. They weren¡¯t as calm as Su Ming. If it wasn¡¯t for Wang Xue¡¯s existence, they would still think that Su Ming was just an ordinary person, and he didn¡¯t exin himself. Su Ming was too low-key! At this moment, Wang Xue¡¯s mind was nk. She thought that after getting into the bank, she could show off in front of Su Ming. But she didn¡¯t expect it to be like this. The phone she had just bought fell from her hand. It fell to the ground and shattered the screen. She had thought that she was going to be a high-ss person. After all, with her rtionship with that bank executive, it was only a matter of time before she became a manager. But she did not expect that she would wake up from her beautiful dream so soon. Most importantly, if she was only fired by this bank, she could still think of ways to use the same trick to go to other banks. But the key was that he made it very clear on the phone. This meant that she would never be able to enter the banking industry in her entire life. Moreover, banks had connections with manypanies. How could thosepanies recruit her? She waspletely finished! ¡°Mr Su, I didn¡¯t expect you to be an invisible rich man around us. This piece ofnd is actually yours.¡± ¡°Mr Su, luckily you broke up with him. A woman like her is not worthy of you at all.¡± ¡°Mr Su, you¡¯re too awesome. You¡¯re actually using such arge piece ofnd to farm?¡± ¡°What do you know, kid?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± His colleagues around him were iparably enthusiastic as they came forward to shake hands and greet Su Ming. In the past, they felt that Su Ming was just an ordinary friend, so it was good to greet him and chat with him. But now that they knew Su Ming¡¯s identity, they couldn¡¯t help but get close to him. This was human nature. President Chen was very satisfied when he saw this scene from the side. He thought that he had performed very well, and Su Ming would definitely remember him. Chapter 43 C43 ¨C Get Lost ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s a ce I haven¡¯t watered yet. I¡¯ll go to work. You guys talk first.¡± President Chen found a perfect time to leave. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded: ¡°Sorry to trouble you, President Chen.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± President Chen immediately smiled. Then, he walked away barefoot, carrying the bucket. If they talked to President Chen, they would definitely be very careful. But President Chen was very careful in front of Su Ming. This made them realize the truth of the world. After a person became a big shot, it didn¡¯t mean that he wouldn¡¯t curry favor with others. It was just that he didn¡¯t meet anyone worthy of his favor. If he had, he would definitely curry favor with him. It turned out that not only were the big shots better at doing things than others, but their way of pleasing others was also far better than that of ordinary people. Wang Xue waspletely ignored. She knew that she was finished. She looked at Su Ming. She still had hope! As long as Su Ming nodded, she could go back to the bank. Thinking of this, Wang Xue suddenly rushed over, startling the surrounding employees. What did she want to do? Before his colleagues around him could react, Wang Xue actually knelt in front of Su Ming, grabbed his thigh, and burst into tears. ¡°Su Ming, I really know I was wrong. Please forgive me. No, I don¡¯t ask you to forgive me. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t bother you anymore. I just hope that you can let President Chen keep my job.¡± ¡°No matter what, I¡¯m still your ex-girlfriend. When you came to my house, my mom cooked for you.¡± Wang Xue cried. She looked very pitiful. However, before Su Ming could say anything, his colleagues around him couldn¡¯t help themselves. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant with someone else¡¯s child, and you¡¯re still hiding it from Mr Su.¡± ¡°Your mother cooked for Mr Su? I know that when Mr Su came to your house, your family was sitting on the sofa eating fruit and watching TV. Mr Su was busy in the kitchen alone.¡± ¡°Now that you see that Mr Su has money, you start to curry favor with him. Have you forgotten yourcency a few minutes ago?¡± The surrounding colleagues said. Under normal circumstances, they would not interfere in other people¡¯s matters. But Wang Xue was too shameless. Previously, when she was in thepany, she liked to sow discord. Wang Xue made a mess of the atmosphere in thepany. ¡°You want me to help you keep your job?¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Wang Xue nodded. ¡°No problem. Then I¡¯ll give you a word!¡± Su Ming sneered and suddenly swung his right leg. ¡°Scram!¡± Chapter 44 C44 ¨C Potatoes A tremendous force propelled Wang Xue into the air. Wang Xue tumbled to the ground, uttering cries of agony. Yet, the physical pain she felt paled inparison to the despair that gripped her heart. She was acutely aware that her situation was utterly dire. Wang Xue¡¯s coworkers exchanged a few greetings with Su Ming and then departed for a hotpot meal. Following suit, President Chen left after tending to the watering. Alone, Wang Xue remained sprawled on the ground for an extended period, unnoticed by anyone, and eventually left in dejection. President Chen¡¯s words had proven prophetic. Indeed, this was her deepest regret. Su Ming directed his gaze toward the ground. ording to the timetable, the potatoes would ripen by tomorrow. What would emerge from these potatoes? Anticipation and curiosity filled Su Ming¡¯s heart. After dining out, Su Ming returned to the thatched cottage to engage in a game before eventually falling asleep. The following morning, Su Ming arose early, brimming with excitement, and made his way to the field. As expected, the potatoes were now fully ripe. This time, he had nted nearly two acres of potatoes. It was a departure from his previous endeavors. Excitement coursed through Su Ming as he eagerly approached the field. He grasped a potato seedling and exerted all his strength to pull it up. Su Ming¡¯s eyes widened at the sight beneath. Basking in the sunlight were several objects attached to the potato¡¯s roots. Astonishingly, it was a porcin bowl. Su Ming blinked in amazement. He had just struck it rich. While Su Ming may not have possessed extensive knowledge of cultural relics, He could discern that this bowl was far from ordinary. Its value was undoubtedly substantial. ¡°The System has detected a fragile item. Rest assured, it will be protected for ten hours, during which it will not break!¡± Suddenly, a notification echoed within Su Ming¡¯s mind. Su Ming momentarily paused, appreciating the thoughtfulness of the System. Thanks to the System¡¯s safeguard, Su Ming was spared a potentially precarious situation. With confidence in the System¡¯s protection, Su Ming proceeded to unearth another potato. This time, it was a porcin te. Furthermore, it was an ancient piece of blue and white porcin. And the discoveries continued. This time, a ceramic jar emerged, disying the craftsmanship of Blue and White Porcin. Other porcins followed suit. Su Ming¡¯s online research indicated that most of these ceramics hailed from the Tang and Song dynasties. Surveying the vast expanse ofnd, Su Ming contemted the fortune he could amass by selling these valuable ceramics. As he extracted yet another potato, he made a peculiar discovery¡ªa Bamboo Slip tucked beneath it. In an era before paper¡¯s invention, bamboo was employed as a medium for recording words. The Bamboo Slip bore inscriptions that eluded Su Ming¡¯s understanding. Su Ming blinked in astonishment. His actions seemed more akin to archaeology than farming. Motivated, Su Ming found himself possessed by seemingly boundless energy. He forwent sustenance and hydration, dedicating three hours to unearthing the treasure trove. Most of the finds were porcin artifacts. Some were Bamboo Slips. And a few were antique inkstones. Standing amid the artifacts, Su Ming blinked with awe. He selected the finest bowls, chopsticks, and a handful of cups. He yearned for a drink of water and a meal. Every previous meal, Su Ming had relied on disposable lunch boxes and chopsticks, causing both environmental harm and wastage. He couldn¡¯t help but wish for a proper set of reusable chopsticks. After tidying his belongings, Su Ming gazed at the mound of artifacts on the ground. Anxiety gnawed at him. His current container couldn¡¯t possibly amodate all these items. He contemted the prospect of selling the antiques, deeming them useless to him. Chapter 45 C45 ¨C I¡¯ll Show You the Way Su Ming, with his firm resolve, wasted no time. He maneuvered the vegetable-selling car closer, utched the rear door, and meticulously organized the items. Porcin, jade, Bamboo Slips, and various other items were segregated with care. Eventually, the entire truck was brimming with these treasures. Su Ming tapped the car door, nodding with contentment. Su Ming had thoughtfully arranged wooden shelves inside the car¡¯s trunk, efficiently utilizing every inch of avable space. ¡°You¡¯ve sessfully reaped the harvest. You¡¯ve gained 550 experience points!¡± Managing two acres ofnd was indeed substantial. He had just earned 550 experience points in one go. With this progress, leveling up was within reach. However, the question remained: where would he sell these valuables? Su Ming was feeling a bit anxious. After careful consideration, he retrieved his phone and dialed President Chen¡¯s number. ¡°Ah, Mr. Su!¡± A ttered tone emanated from the other end, sending shivers down Su Ming¡¯s spine. ¡°President Chen, I have a request.¡± ¡°Your request is my duty. Please don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡± President Chen was reprimanding his bank employees. But as soon as he received Su Ming¡¯s call, his demeanor shifted dramatically. He leaned in and grinned, his wrinkles bing more pronounced. His subordinates, currently receiving an earful, kept their eyes forward. Even without the mention of Mr. Su¡¯s name, they knew he was the only one capable of causing their president to grovel in this manner. ¡°I have something to sell.¡± ¡°No problem, I can make a purchase.¡± President Chen swiftly agreed. ¡°No,¡± Su Ming chuckled. ¡°You misunderstand me. I want to sell antique jade artifacts.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± President Chen replied, finallyprehending. In the world of banking, money was the primarymodity, with gold reigning supreme. Throughout history, currency styles had evolved significantly. Some nations had fallen while others had prospered, but gold remained the ultimate standard. For a bank, possessing gold equated to having unwavering confidence. However, antiques couldn¡¯t quitepare to gold. ¡°Are you nning to sell antiques? Don¡¯t worry, we have potential buyers here.¡± President Chen assured, ¡°There¡¯s an antique market less than twenty kilometers from the city center. It houses several prominent stores. Mr. Su, please wait for me. I¡¯lle over right away.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Su Ming smiled. President Chen hurriedly insisted, ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s not that I doubt you, but you see, those individuals in the Antique Market are shrewd experts. I fear you might get swindled. Please wait; I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for Su Ming¡¯s response and ended the call. President Chen was evidently determined to seize this opportunity to curry favor. But that worked in Su Ming¡¯s favor; he no longer had to worry. President Chen would handle everything once he arrived. ¡°Back to work, everyone!¡± After hanging up, President Chen¡¯s expression turned serious. He addressed his subordinates. He then grabbed his car keys and headed downstairs. Chapter 46 C46 ¨C Full-time Driver In the fields, Su Ming was leaning against the car door, smoking a cigarette. A car sped over from afar and stopped steadily in front of Su Ming. The car door opened and President Chen quickly walked out. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m here.¡± President Chen said with a smile. ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Let¡¯s get in the car.¡± Su Ming patted President Chen¡¯s shoulder and opened the car door. ¡°Wait a minute!¡± President Chen hurriedly said, ¡°Mr. Su, you sit in the passenger seat. I¡¯ll drive.¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. This was a truck with a total length of more than six meters. ¡°Mr. Su, you didn¡¯t know that I have an A license.¡± President Chenughed, ¡°If you want it, I¡¯ll help you get it.¡± Su Ming was stunned. President Chen was already over fifty years old this year. When he was young, it was rtively easy for him to take the driver¡¯s license test. Now, it was actually very easy for President Chen to get a driver¡¯s license. ¡°I have an A license.¡± Su Ming smiled. When he was in university, he had spent a lot of effort to get it. At that time, Su Ming thought that if he didn¡¯t have a good job, he would drive a big truck to transport goods. The two of them got into the car separately. President Chen sat in the driver¡¯s seat, very nervous. He took a deep breath, put on his seatbelt, and started the car skillfully. This was the city center. President Chen was afraid that Su Ming would feel the bumpiness, so he drove very steadily. Seeing Su Ming sitting in the passenger seat with his eyes closed, President Chen heaved a sigh of relief. He had just turned at a crossroads. Suddenly, an extremely ear-piercing horn sounded from behind him. President Chen frowned slightly and looked in the rearview mirror. Before he could see clearly, a red sports car shed past. President Chen was shocked and hurriedly stepped on the brakes. With a sharp braking sound, a long ck mark appeared behind the tire. Fortunately, President Chen¡¯s driving speed was not very fast. President Chen was very focused, otherwise, the two cars would have collided. The sudden bump made Su Ming open his eyes. He found an open Porsche in front of him. The driver had yellow hair. A woman with a revealing figure was sitting in the passenger seat. ¡°He dares to show off on the road with a car worth three million?¡± President Chen was so scared that he broke out in a cold sweat. President Chen didn¡¯t care about a car worth 30 million. Before, he would have hit it without hesitation! But now, Su Ming was sitting in the passenger seat. Su Ming said that he was selling antique jade artifacts this time, and there were a lot of fragile items behind them. If they bumped into each other, Su Ming would suffer a great loss. ¡°Mr. Su, are you alright?¡± President Chen asked anxiously. He had stepped on the brakes a little too hard. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Su Ming was a little angry in his heart. However, in this world, many people woulde out to show off when they had some money. There was no need for him to lower himself to the same level as such a person. He would get tired easily if he argued too much with such a person. Chapter 47 C47 ¨C The Yellow-haired Man Seeing that Su Ming was fine, President Chen heaved a sigh of relief. The car slowly started up again. What happened before was just a small episode. It was only twenty kilometers away. If they drove normally, it would only take them half an hour. But this was the center of the city. They drove for two hours before driving out of the bustling area in the center of the city. President Chen heaved a sigh of relief. After all, the traffic jam just now was too ufortable. ¡°President Chen, are you hungry?¡± Su Ming, who was sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly asked. President Chen said, ¡°Mr. Su, are you hungry? Why don¡¯t we go eat something?¡± Su Ming nodded. President Chen skillfully parked the car by the side of the road. Then, the two of them went to a restaurant by the side of the road and ate something casually. After eating, the two of them came out of the noodle house and were about to get into the car when they saw a car parked in front of them. The car blocked the exit. They felt that the car was very familiar. It was the red Porsche that almost crashed just now. It was parking randomly! This red Porsche just happened to be parked in the aisle. Itpletely blocked the aisle. A few cars behind saw that it was a Porsche, but they didn¡¯t dare to honk, and could only wait there. President Chen was very angry. He went to the front of the car to take a look and found that the owner didn¡¯t leave his phone number. ¡°No hurry, wait a moment.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. He got into the truck andy down in the passenger seat. Seeing that Su Ming didn¡¯t say anything, President Chen had no choice but to get into the car. After half an hour, the yellow-haired man walked over with a woman in heavy makeup and revealing clothes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± President Chen asked directly, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that you can¡¯t park here? So many people are waiting for you!¡± The yellow-haired man sneered disdainfully and looked at President Chen with ridicule: ¡°If you have the ability, why don¡¯t you hit my car? Do you dare?¡± President Chen was furious. ¡°A poor man selling vegetables dares to be so arrogant?¡± The yellow haired man sneers: ¡°To tell you the truth, this Porsche is worth more than 3 million. If you dare to hit it, even if you sell your car you will not be able to pay for it.¡± ¡°No matter what kind of car it is, you have to follow the traffic rules, don¡¯t you even have this bit ofmon sense?¡± Su Ming opened his eyes and said with a frown. ¡°I don¡¯t follow the traffic rules. What can you do to me?¡± The yellow-haired man was very arrogant. The woman in his arms was pressed against his chest. ¡°Darling, we don¡¯t have to quarrel with poor people like this.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± After saying that, the yellow-haired man sneered, ¡°Today, I¡¯ll teach you a lesson and let you know how to behave.¡± He got into the car as if to provoke them, but instead of starting the engine right away he lit a cigarette for Yuvyuv and smoked slowly. President Chen was even angrier. He stole a nce at Su Ming and found that he was still very calm. President Chen sighed to himself. He was indeed a big shot. Chapter 48 C48 ¨C Teach You How to be a Man After finishing his cigarette, the man with yellow hair casually flicked the butt towards Su Ming¡¯s truck. The cigarette butt, still glowing, made contact with the ss, creating a few sparks. ¡°Pathetic.¡± With a mocking smirk, he started his car and sped away. Despite President Chen¡¯s seething anger, he held his tongue, seeing that Su Ming remained silent. He clenched his fists as he started the car and slowly made his way onto the main road. It appeared, however, that the yellow-haired man deliberately waited for them. President Chen gritted his teeth and altered his course. But to his surprise, the yellow-haired man intercepted him. ¡°President Chen, it was he who forcefully altered his course. It seems he¡¯s responsible for all of this, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Su Ming suddenly spoke up. President Chen nodded firmly, saying, ¡°I see.¡± A sly smile crossed President Chen¡¯s face as he gently applied the brakes. The truck, loaded with goods, wasn¡¯t moving slowly. The two vehicles drew closer to each other. In a split second, President Chen directed the car to collide with the sports car. The sound of a forceful collision echoed through the air. Su Ming and President Chen felt their bodies lurch forward, but it wasn¡¯t a major impact. The front of their car suffered only slight deformation and damage. However, the sports car bore the brunt of the impact. Furthermore, when the traffic police arrivedter, it would be the sports car owner¡¯s responsibility. Su Ming had maintained a safe following distance. If the yellow-haired man hadn¡¯t recklessly altered his course, the ident wouldn¡¯t have urred. Besides, it was just a sports car worth more than three million yuan. Su Ming wasn¡¯t concerned about it. The violent collision nearly sent the sports car airborne. The entire vehicle shifted several meters sideways and collided heavily with arge tree. The once sleek Porsche sports car was now a mangled wreck. Both sides of the car doors werepletely crumpled, and the front of the car emitted smoke. ¡°Did the truck crash into the Porsche?¡± ¡°I witnessed it¡ªthis Porsche abruptly changednes.¡± ¡°That Porsche has terrible luck.¡± The thunderous crash had drawn the attention of many bystanders. Passers-by and other drivers turned their heads, especially when they saw one of the vehicles was a Porsche. President Chen and Su Ming exited their car and leisurely approached the wrecked Porsche, as if they were on a shopping trip. Before they could take a couple of steps, they heard a noise. Upon closer inspection, they saw the airbag in the Porsche had deployed. Chapter 49 C49 ¨C What a Farce As the airbag deployed, their screams echoed through the air. They had lost consciousness briefly, but the sudden intion of the airbag jolted them awake. The previously cocky man with yellow hair now struggled with great effort to force open the shattered door, wracked with pain. He tumbled out of the car, drenched in blood. Abruptly, thick smoke billowed from the car¡¯s hood, apanied by intermittent sparks. The car appeared on the verge of exploding! ¡°Save me!¡± The heavily made-up woman remained trapped in the passenger seat. Witnessing the dire scene, she mustered her courage, crying out in pain, her eyes filled with an intense will to survive. It was then that Su Ming and President Chen approached. President Chen wore a reassuring smile as he inquired, ¡°Are you both alright? Should we call an ambnce for you?¡± The man with yellow hair was taken aback by President Chen¡¯s words. ¡°What¡¯s your game?¡± Fear crept into the yellow-haired man¡¯s voice. ¡°No game. We¡¯re genuinely concerned.¡± President Chen¡¯s smile remained unwavering. The yellow-haired man pointed usatory fingers at Su Ming and President Chen and unleashed a barrage of curses. ¡°This is a Porsche. You¡¯re in big trouble!¡± ¡°You could¡¯ve braked earlier, but you intentionally rammed us. That¡¯s against thew. You might end up in jail.¡± President Chen and Su Ming exchanged nces. President Chen scoffed, ¡°If our brakes had failed, you wouldn¡¯t be here toin.¡± Suddenly, the thick smoke enveloping the front of the Porsche intensified, followed by a colossal burst of mes shooting into the sky. The car was now engulfed in mes! ¡°Help! I don¡¯t want to die!¡± The woman remained trapped in the front seat, struggling desperately but unable to break free. Bystanders retreated even farther from the scene. ¡°You have to save me! I¡¯ve been with you for so long; you can¡¯t abandon me!¡± She clung to the yellow-haired man¡¯s clothing. The yellow-haired man, overwhelmed by fear, attempted to shake off her grip. However, the woman¡¯s determination to survive was relentless, and she clung tightly to him. ¡°What are you doing? Are you trying to get us both killed? Let go, quickly!¡± The yellow-haired man¡¯s face turned ghostly pale with fear. Pain was forgotten as he struggled frantically. What an absurd spectacle! Chapter 50 C50 ¨C It Was All Their Fault As the mes intensified, the blond man swiftly shed his jacket and distanced himself from the woman¡¯s grip. He hurriedly made his way to a nearby spot and settled on the ground, struggling for breath. Su Ming offered a faint smile in response. Yuvyuv approached the truck at a deliberate pace, utched the door, and retrieved a pair of fire extinguishers. Alongside President Chen, he approached the Porsche and armed the fire extinguishers. After a tense moment, the Porsche¡¯s ze was sessfully snuffed out. Positioned at the Porsche¡¯s front engine, with the fuel tank at the rear, there was minimal risk of explosion unless the car was fully engulfed in mes. The issue seemed to originate from a front circuit fire. The fire extinguishers were sufficient to quell the fire entirely. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± At that moment, a stern voice cut through themotion as several uniformed policemen hastened towards the scene. They were conducting their patrol duties and, upon hearing themotion and spotting the gathering crowd, swiftly inferred that an incident had urred. They hurried over to investigate. The patrol officers assessed the roadside situation and prepared to take immediate action. ¡°Officers, you¡¯ve arrived just in time. They intentionally rammed into me with their car, nearly taking my life. Waste no time, arrest them. I want them behind bars, and I want them to pay!¡± Spotting the police, the blond man clung to an officer¡¯s legs, sobbing vehemently. His demeanor suggested profound suffering and injustice. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± One of the patrolmen hesitated briefly, his eyes lighting up upon recognizing Su Ming. Su Ming appeared momentarily taken aback, as did President Chen. Were these not the patrol officers who were on duty when Su Ming sold bamboo shoots that day? The blond man continued, ¡°Officers, you must uphold thew impartially.¡± ¡°They nearly killed us.¡± ¡°My girlfriend was inside the car, facing the threat of being burnt alive.¡± ¡°This Porsche costs over three million; I purchased it recently. I¡¯m apany owner and won¡¯t be able to work for at least a month. They mustpensate me.¡± ¡°Waste no time, arrest them!¡± ¡°Are you going to protect them?¡± The blond man¡¯s outburst resembled that of an enraged dog. A slight furrow appeared on the patrol officer¡¯s brow. While they were acquainted with Su Ming, they had always remained impartial in theirw enforcement duties. Even if the blond man expressed himself rudely, they had an obligation to uncover the truth. ¡°Mr. Su, could you please exin the situation?¡± The patrolman approached Su Ming, asking for his ount. Su Ming responded, ¡°There¡¯s a surveince camera here; watching the video will reveal everything.¡± The patrolman nodded, and President Chen produced his driver¡¯s license and registration. ¡°Officer, do you have a breathalyzer? Test me to confirm I¡¯m sober.¡± The cooperation between President Chen and Su Ming left a favorable impression on the patrolman. Regardless of whether they hadmitted an offense, their willingness to cooperate with the investigation wasmendable. President Chen was soon found to be sober, and the dispatch center promptly transmitted the surveince video. The patrol officer¡¯s anger red upon viewing the footage. Chapter 51 C51 ¨C Combined Punishment for Several Offenses ¡°Why are you still just standing there? Take him into custody!¡± The man with the yellow hair continued to yell from the ground. ¡°Can you believe a vegetable vendor had the audacity to collide with my car? He¡¯s clearly courting disaster!¡± It seemed like some individuals regardedws and regtions as non-existent. Only those who possessed power or wealth seemed to hold the privilege of speaking their minds. Following the surveince footage of the incident scene, the patrolling officer proceeded to review recordings from other nearby intersections. Upon finishing the review, the patrolling officer became visibly agitated. The driver appeared to changenes haphazardly, while other vehicles followed the rules. He resembled a headless chicken. He kept making errate changes and nearly caused idents multiple times. He was clearly a reckless driver! The traffic cop took a deep breath and tried to control his simmering anger. He muttered to himself, ¡°I can¡¯t lose my temper. I can¡¯t lose my temper.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a police officer. Even if I encounter scoundrels, my duty is to arrest them, not resort to violence!¡± After returning President Chen¡¯s license and registration, the two traffic officers exchanged nces, nodded, and approached the man with yellow hair. ¡°Hello, sir. After reviewing the video footage, it¡¯s clear that you vited traffic rules, making you responsible for this ident,¡± one of the patrolling officers said politely. ¡°What?¡± The man with yellow hair stood up in a fury, ¡°Are you blind? Is there anything inside your head? Look carefully! This is a Porsche worth over 3 million, and that¡¯s a dpidated truck. I¡¯m going to sue all of you!¡± Hearing this, the two patrolling officers grew even more irate. What kind of bizarre individual was this? Their patience was wearing thin. They felt like giving him a piece of their minds. ¡°I don¡¯t care. You have to arrest them, or I won¡¯t hold back!¡± The man with yellow hair ignored the pain in his body and grabbed the patrolling officer¡¯s cor. ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t assault the police!¡± One of the patrolling officers warned with a scowl. ¡°I just want to give you a beating. What can you do to stop me?¡± The man with yellow hair was shamelessly arrogant. President Chen and Su Ming exchanged nces and silently chuckled. The bystanders couldn¡¯t help but furrow their brows. Where did this troublemakere from? He was clearly at fault, yet he dared to attack the police? He was in deep trouble! ¡°I¡¯m warning you!¡± The police officer furrowed his brow. The man with yellow hair reached out to strike the patrolling officer. The patrolling officer found it amusing. Did this scrawny guy really think he could hit him? At that very moment, the patrolling officer took a step forward, grabbed the man with yellow hair by the neck with one hand, and used the other to push him in the back. ¡°Ah!¡± The man with yellow hair¡¯s neck met the ground. He copsed to the ground, his frail body in close contact with the pavement. The surrounding onlookers couldn¡¯t help but gasp. It must have been extremely painful. However, he had only himself to me. He disyed a remarkable audacity, actually daring to assault the police. Wasn¡¯t he inviting trouble upon himself? ¡°I¡¯m issuing an official warning! You bear full responsibility for this car ident, and your repeated road vitions and assault onw enforcement officers make you criminally liable for a significant breach of public order!¡± The traffic officer¡¯s stern words left the yellow-haired man in stunned silence. Subsequently, handcuffs were fastened around his wrists. ¡°No!¡± The yellow-haired man suddenly regained his senses and began struggling vigorously on the ground. The patrol officer had grown weary of exining. Despite the fact that this individual drove an exceedingly expensive vehicle, his intellect was undeniablycking. He erroneously believed that the most severely injured party in the car ident was the victim, while the unharmed person was the wrongdoer. The yellow-haired man remained steadfast in his misconception. Normally, he cruised the streets in his luxury car. However, today he had encountered someone who wasn¡¯t easily intimidated. ¡°I want to call the police. I want another police officer to apprehend you. I want to file awsuit against you. I want to enlist a journalist to expose you.¡± ¡°I drive a luxury car. If someone else¡¯s dpidated vehicle collides with me, I¡¯m willing to take full responsibility. This is utterly unreasonable.¡± He shouted. A nearby policeman couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°Silence!¡± The yellow-haired man retorted, ¡°I won¡¯t listen to you!¡± Su Ming and President Chen exchanged nces. If only he had taken responsibility for his mistake voluntarily, the situation might have been resolved. Instead, he not only made an error but also engaged in a confrontation with the police. ¡°Don¡¯t me me for not warning you!¡± The patrol officer¡¯s gaze turned icy as he dered, ¡°You¡¯ve endangered public safety and vited thew. You¡¯re looking at several months in jail.¡± Panic washed over him upon hearing this. He had thought it was a routine traffic ident, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated the possibility of returning to prison. Another officer demanded, ¡°Show us your driver¡¯s license.¡± Nervously, he replied, ¡°I don¡¯t have a driver¡¯s license.¡± ¡°Why do you reek of alcohol?¡± A patrolman produced a breathalyzer. ¡°108!¡± Startled by the reading, the patrol officer eximed, ¡°You¡¯re intoxicated!¡± At that moment, the onlookers realized he was in deep trouble. Not only had he driven without a license, but he had also operated the vehicle under the influence, facing a potential six-month imprisonment. ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± One of the patrolmen received a message and, after reading its contents, furrowed his brow. ¡°This car was reported stolen five days ago. The license te number and the owner¡¯s information don¡¯t match the details of this car. It doesn¡¯t belong to him.¡± ¡°In addition to reckless driving, assaulting the police, driving without a license, and driving under the influence, you¡¯ve also been operating a stolen vehicle.¡± The patrol officer was dumbfounded. Most car thieves exercised caution after stealing a vehicle, fearing discovery. However, this yellow-haired man, in addition to driving under the influence, was brazenly defiant. Su Ming and President Chen couldn¡¯t help but be astonished upon hearing this revtion. The yellow-haired man was now in a state ofplete panic. His previous arrogance had evaporated. He sobbed and pleaded, ¡°I was wrong. Please, let me go!¡± Chapter 52 C52 ¨C The Parking Lot ¡°What did you say?¡± The woman who had been silent all this time said in surprise, ¡°This car was stolen?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The patrol officer nodded. The woman was about to go crazy. She thought that she had hooked up with a rich second generation, but she did not expect him to be a poor man. The yellow-haired man was very regretful now. In real life, he was actually just a lowly hoodlum. He didn¡¯t have money or ability. His friends were also hoodlums. One day, a friend drove this Porsche, and the yellow haired man fell in love with it. He had always imagined himself driving a luxury car and casually parked it in front of a nightclub. Those different girls woulde to find him. At the beginning, this yellow-haired man kept a low profile. But after two or three days, he became more and more arrogant. He made up an identity for himself. He said that he was the son of a big entrepreneur, and came to this ce to gain experience. These women really believed him. This woman with heavy makeup was the one he had just hooked up with this morning. In order to show off his strength in front of this new woman, he had been bragging. He was very arrogant when he drove. After all, no one dared to hit a Porsche that cost more than three million yuan. In addition, he drank a little wine, which made him even more unscrupulous. He didn¡¯t expect to meet these two people. One of them was the president of Tianhua Bank. The other was a rich man who owned ten billion yuan ofnd. To these two big shots, this car worth more than three million was no different from a toy car. ¡°He¡¯s too arrogant!¡± ¡°He¡¯s finished. He might go to jail.¡± ¡°How can he afford to pay more than 3 million yuan?¡± The people around discussed. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The patrolman looked at Su Ming and said with a smile, ¡°This matter has been cleared up. If you have something to do, you can go ahead.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded, looked at President Chen, and got into the car. This matter was just a small interlude to them. However, not only did this yellow-haired man bear a huge debt, but his friends were also going to be imprisoned. They quickly arrived at their destination. President Chen drove the car to the parking lot skillfully. It seemed that he had been here quite a few times. However, he found that there was no parking space. This was a little troublesome. Suddenly, President Chen saw a person get into the car. He couldn¡¯t help but feel happy and hurriedly drove over. Because the truck was big, it was slow to reverse, so a small car next to him parked in the parking lot. President Chen hurriedly stopped the car. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Can¡¯t you see that I¡¯m backing up?¡± President Chen stuck his head out and said loudly. ¡°What does this have to do with me?¡± After the driver got off the car, his attitude was iparably arrogant. This guy was wearing a suit and tie, looking like a sessful person. President Chen was very angry. ¡°Look carefully at the cars in the parking lot. Which one isn¡¯t a luxury car? Why is your truck here?¡± The man walked to the back of the truck and suddenly kicked the trunk. ¡°Hurry up and drive this broken car. If you dare to hit my car, you will be in big trouble!¡± With that, the man turned to leave. ¡°Did I let you go?¡± At this moment, Su Ming got out of the car and sneered. The man was stunned and sneered, ¡°You want me to pay? Sure. No problem.¡± As he spoke, the man took out a small piece of jade from his bag and threw it at Su Ming¡¯s feet. ¡°This is a piece of kata jade. It can be sold for a few hundred yuan. Is it enough for you to repair the car?¡± As the man spoke, he looked at Su Ming as if he was looking at a beggar. He sneered sarcastically. ¡°Do you think I called you over because of this paint?¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Then why are you here?¡± The man frowned. ¡°I¡¯m talking about the things in this carriage.¡± Su Ming patted his car gently. When the man heard this, he couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. ¡°Are you saying that my kick just now broke all the vegetables in your car? I didn¡¯t expect it to be so innovative to extort people now.¡± He didn¡¯t me the man for misunderstanding. It was a standard delivery truck, and the logo of cabbages was printed on the trunk. The owner of the feed store thought that Su Ming was a full-time vegetable seller. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± At this moment, a faint voice suddenly came from the side. The man turned around in surprise and found that it was an old man with white hair. The old man looked to be around seventy or eighty years old. He held a walking stick, but he seemed to be in good spirits. When the man saw the old man, his eyes immediately lit up, and he hurriedly walked over: ¡°Old Master Zhang, why are you here?¡± ¡°Lee.¡± The old man took a look and the man nodded. ¡°I like the pair of bracelets you gave mest time.¡± ¡°Those are nothing.¡± The man hurriedly said. ¡°What happened?¡± The old man¡¯s gaze fell on Su Ming. The man rolled his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s a swindler. I just lightly kicked his car. I¡¯ve already paid for his car paint. He actually wants me to pay for the goods in the car.¡± Su Mingughed in his heart when he heard this. Fortunately, the jade had not yet been released from the System¡¯s protection period, or else it might really have broken. The old man frowned, ¡°This is against thew. While you are still young, do something serious.¡± Chapter 53 C53 ¨C Treasure ¡°Did you hear that?¡± The man sneered and said proudly, ¡°Old Master Zhang is a respected senior here. I didn¡¯t bother with you because of Old Master Zhang. If you dare to continue pestering me, I¡¯ll call the police.¡± This man¡¯s name was Lee Tao. He ran apany and was quite rich. He had a few million yuan left over. From time to time, he woulde to the antique market. In his opinion, Su Ming was just a vegetable seller. After all, Antiques City didn¡¯t just sell antiques. There were also many teahouses and restaurants. How dare a vegetable seller ckmail him? What could be stored in his broken box? At most, it was cabbage and carrots. No matter how expensive the vegetables were, he could afford them. ¡°I¡¯m not being unreasonable. I¡¯m serious.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Lee Tao was furious, and Old Master Zhang, who was beside him, was also a little unhappy. ¡°I gave you a chance, don¡¯t push your luck.¡± Old Master Zhang frowned. ¡°Old Master Zhang, there¡¯s no need for us to be angry with such a young man.¡± Lee Tao hurriedly said, ¡°Please take a video and testify for me. Today, I will give him the money. But in the future, I will take this video to the police station to find an exnation.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no problem.¡± Several people behind Old Master Zhang took out their phones. ¡°I canpensate you, but I should have the right to know what I lost, right?¡± Lee Tao took a few steps forward, put his hands behind his back, and sneered. ¡°Alright!¡± Su Ming shrugged and walked to the back of the car. He unlocked the door behind him and turned around to see the men baring their brilliant teeth. ¡°Watch carefully,¡± he said. As soon as he finished speaking, Su Ming opened the car door. ¡°This is¡­¡± Lee Tao didn¡¯t take it seriously at first, but when he saw what was inside, his eyes widened. Old Master Zhang was also angry. But when they saw what was inside, they were stunned. This was not a truck full of vegetables! It was just a truck full of antique jade artifacts! Lee Tao felt his head buzzing. The few brothers who were holding their phones were stunned. These people were all regr customers of Antiques City. Although they had yet to take it in their hands and look at it carefully, they still had good eyesight. Those jade pieces were precious! Lee Tao¡¯s heart was twitching. He used the truck to pull a cart full of priceless antique jade artifacts! Themotion quickly attracted arge group of people. After all, this was a parking lot. The surrounding people could note forward. ¡°This is the Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Porcin, right?¡± ¡°What is that? Wang Xizhi¡¯s calligraphy?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this the long extinct official kiln Rainbow ss?¡± ¡°This thing can be sold for a sky-high price. He actually ced it at the back of the carriage?¡± Everyone was dumbfounded. A few of them were swallowing their saliva crazily. However, their remaining rationality told them that they could not do that. President Chen originally thought that Su Ming was just transporting a few bottles or jars. In the end, he didn¡¯t expect it to be such a precious thing. He was much more arrogant than thest time he sold golden melons! Old Master Zhang walked forward with his entire body trembling. ¡°Young man, can I take a look?¡± Old Master Zhang¡¯s face was full of desire, and Su Ming had goosebumps all over his body. Su Ming blinked his eyes. ¡°This carriage is a little high. Can you get in?¡± Old Master Zhang hurriedly nodded. Then he pressed his hands against the back of the carriage and exerted force with his arms. An old man who was almost eighty years old flipped onto the carriage just like that! ¡°Who is this old man?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t even know this old man?¡± ¡°This old man is the most senior master in our Antiques City.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, he has seen countless treasures in his life.¡± ¡°In the antique industry of the country, this old man can be considered a big shot.¡± Seeing Old Master Zhang, the surrounding crowd became lively. Su Ming stood behind the car, not knowing whether tough or cry. This was originally a parking lot, so it wasn¡¯t particrly crowded. However, the news quickly spread. In less than a few minutes, the entire parking lot was packed. Countless pairs of eyes were staring at it. Su Ming was really afraid that these guys would rush up and snatch the car away. Old Master Zhang stood in the carriage, trembling. Suddenly, he did not know where to start. ¡°Old Master Zhang, quickly appraise it.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t wait any longer.¡± Seeing that Old Master Zhang did not move for a few minutes, the group of people below started to urge him. Old Master Zhang turned around and nodded heavily. He pursed his dry lips and picked up a porcin bowl. The surrounding crowd instantly fell silent. Old Master Zhang took out his reading sses and put them on. After a few minutes, Old Master Zhang reluctantly put the porcin bowl back. Chapter 54 C54 ¨C The Old Men Were Collectively Dumbfounded Seeing Old Master Zhang¡¯s actions, both Lee Tao and all the surrounding onlookers held their breaths. Lee Tao was the most nervous. If this thing was fake, then he didn¡¯t need to pay for it at all. But if it was real, then it was a huge sum of money. Old Master Zhang suddenly sighed. The surrounding people were stunned and shook their heads in disappointment. ¡°I told you this thing was fake!¡± Lee Tao immediately jumped out and pointed at Su Ming¡¯s nose: ¡°Do you still want to trick me with fake goods? Fortunately, Old Master Zhang is here today!¡± ¡°So it¡¯s fake.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s real, how could he just put it in the car?¡± The surrounding onlookers shook their heads and prepared to leave. ¡°This thing is real.¡± Old Master Zhang suddenly opened his mouth and said. ¡°What?¡± The surrounding people were all stunned. ¡°Don¡¯t joke around!¡± Lee Tao hurriedly said. ¡°Are you doubting my eyesight?¡± Old Master Zhang frowned and looked at Lee Tao. Lee Tao hurriedly shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t dare, I don¡¯t dare!¡± ¡°The reason I sighed was because I was sighing about myself.¡± As Old Master Zhang spoke, his gaze fell on Su Ming. ¡°After all these years, I think I¡¯m an expert. In fact, you¡¯re the expert.¡± Old Master Zhang carefully took the porcin bowl next to him. ¡°Although this bowl looks a little shabby, it¡¯s authentic. It¡¯s a porcin bowl from the Warring States Period of Spring and Autumn. It¡¯s priceless.¡± ¡°What?¡± Everyone below was stunned. The ceramic bowl started during the Summer and Summer Shang Dynasties and the Warring States Periods, and its descendants slowly evolved. The technology of the Blue and White Porcin was slowly developed during theter generations. ¡°Furthermore, this is not a porcin bowl used by ordinary people to eat. This is something used by the feudal lords during the Warring States Period. It was well-made, and it had been preserved for so many years without any traces or damage. This is a miracle.¡± Old Master Zhang held the bowl and could not bear to part with it. ¡°Old Master Zhang, look at the others.¡± Someone below hurriedly said. ¡°Alright!¡± Old Master Zhang could no longer hold it in. ¡°This is the real work of Wang Xizhi!¡± ¡°This is Tang Bohu¡¯s mountain and river. The ancient records recorded that this mountain and river painting had long been destroyed. It actually appeared!¡± ¡°This is a jade Buddha carved from Imperial Green Jade.¡± Old Master Zhang was very powerful. He could tell whether something was real or fake with a single nce. Every single one of them was real. From the initial excitement and disbelief, Old Master Zhang had now be indifferent. He was already used to it. These were the ivory chopsticks of the Qin Dynasty. This was the inkstone of the Ming Dynasty. Finally, Old Master Zhang¡¯s gaze fell on a box in the corner. It was filled with Bamboo Slips. Old Master Zhang blinked his eyes and picked one up with his trembling hand. ¡°Oh my god!¡± Old Master Zhang had some understanding of ancient culture. Although the imperial court¡¯s civilization had a long history. In the five thousand years of civilization history, too many cultures had been destroyed. Many historical nks had be eternal mysteries. However, Su Ming¡¯s box of Bamboo Slips looked very casual. It turned out to be a long lost book of the Pre-Qin that was recorded in the ancient ruins! This would greatly supplement the nkness of the Pre-Qin culture! These things werepletely priceless! Old Master Zhang held a Bamboo Slip in his hand, his eyes wide open. He was so excited that his entire body was trembling, and he couldn¡¯t even speak properly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Many of the young generation below hurriedly asked. There were even two people who wanted to get into the car. ¡°Scram!¡± Old Master Zhang widened his eyes and shouted. ¡°Where is the cultural group that came today? Where did they go? Hurry up and call them over!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± One of them quickly ran out. Old Master Zhang carefully put the things back and looked at Su Ming. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°You are my elder. You can call me Su Ming.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Old Master Zhang nodded and forced himself to calm down. ¡°Su Ming, are these all yours?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°May I ask where you got these things?¡± Old Master Zhang hesitated for a moment. Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for me to say, but don¡¯t worry. These things are fine.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Old Master Zhang hurriedly nodded. ¡°I was rude.¡± Everyone was dumbfounded. Why was Old Master Zhang like this? Old Master Zhang¡¯s status in the antique world was quite high. Su Ming¡¯s cart was full of expensive antiques, some of which were even extinct. Old Master Zhang had seen many good things. He had seen many private museum collections. The things there were no less than Su Ming¡¯s. Old Master Zhang would be amazed and excited, but he would never grovel and be so careful. What was going on? The group of people looked at each other. The one who was the most dumbfounded was Lee Tao. He was finished. Someone who could make Old Master Zhang treat him with such an attitude meant that he had definitely found an extraordinary treasure. Who was Old Master Zhang? His status in the antique industry was very high. But today, he was like a primary school student in front of Su Ming. Before Lee Tao could react, a group of people suddenly ran over from afar. ¡°Make way!¡± This group of people all had white hair. They looked a little old, but their speed was quite fast. ¡°Zhang, where is the extraordinary thing?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lie to us!¡± A group of professors with high positions in academia surrounded the back of the car. ¡°Why would I lie to you?¡± Old Master Zhang looked at Su Ming. ¡°Su Ming.¡± ¡°You can look at whatever you want.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Old Master Zhang hurriedly nodded his head. He trembled as he walked to the side, picked up a few Bamboo Slips, and gave one to each old man. These old men were stunned. Chapter 55 C55 ¨C Don¡¯t Get so Worked up The air was still for a few seconds. Then, the dozen or so old men with white hair fell backwards in unison. Su Ming was stunned. Why are you old men here? Were theymitting suicide together? These old men were all from the cultural group. They were either professors or schrs. ¡°Teacher!¡± ¡°Professor!¡± The young people behind them immediately panicked. They hurriedly rushed forward and supported these old people. Su Ming blinked and looked at President Chen. President Chen thought he was a powerful figure. After spending some time with Su Ming, he realized that he had only seen small scenes in the past. In fact, they couldn¡¯t me these old men for being excited. These old men were all seventy or eighty years old, and two of them were even over ny years old. They had passed the age ofpetitiveness and vanity. They devoted themselves to their studies. Nothing in the outside world could affect them anymore. In particr, there were a few old schrs who studied culture very thoroughly. They had already read through the official history that had been passed down since ancient times, and they also had some understanding of the anecdotes recorded by the people. What they were doing now was to connect the cultures together. However, after so long, some things had already been lost. There were many documents that could not be found, or could only be found in future archaeological excavations. But this time, they actually obtained these Pre-Qin books from Su Ming. This would greatly fill in the gaps in history. This could even push the imperial court¡¯s civilization forward by a few hundred years. After all, there were many people abroad who always said that imperial court civilization was only two or three thousand years old, and the appearance of Su Ming¡¯s book slips confirmed the five thousand years of imperial court civilization. It was as if a person on the verge of death had eaten a life-saving immortal pill. How could they not be excited? ¡°Call an ambnce!¡± ¡°Who has mineral water?¡± ¡°Quick, carry them to a shady ce over there.¡± Everyone was very nervous. The people watching from inside could roughly guess what had happened, but most of the people outside had no idea what had happened. They only saw the old men holding the things in a daze for a long time before they fell down. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Is the thing they saw poisonous?¡± ¡°Have you read too many novels?!¡± The people around them started to discuss. At this time, an old man suddenly opened his eyes slowly. ¡°Teacher!¡± The few young students who followed behind him were especially happy when they saw this scene. ¡°Teacher, are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± The teacher shook his head and said with tears in his eyes, ¡°That¡¯s great! I finally found it!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to call an ambnce, we are all fine. Even if the ambncees, we won¡¯t be able to leave!¡± The other old man slowly woke up and hurriedly stopped the student who was about to make a call. ¡°Principal, what are you doing?¡± The surrounding students were stunned. The old man was in his 80s. He was the principal of a famous university. He usually walked steadily and did things slowly. His words were not hurried nor slow. This was the first time he was so excited. Just as these students were asking questions, another howl came from the side, scaring them. Another old man burst into tears. ¡°Teacher, I¡¯ve found what you¡¯ve been looking for all your life.¡± The students around them werepletely speechless. They saw that the old men had woken up. The younger generation stood at the side and stopped moving. You guys are crying andughing at the same time. What did you see? Isn¡¯t that the Bamboo Slip that records the culture of the Qin Dynasty? These young people couldn¡¯t help but have such thoughts. After all, they were still young, and their knowledge wasn¡¯t very deep. There were many things that they couldn¡¯t understand. ¡°What exactly is written on it? Why are you guys so excited?¡± A bystander could not help but ask. Among them, Old Master Zhang was the calmest. He stood in the carriage and took a deep breath. ¡°Let me just say one thing to you. The things recorded on these Bamboo Slips will prove that the imperial court really has a civilization of five thousand years. No one can refute it.¡± ¡°So powerful?¡± The surrounding people looked at each other and couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath. Everyone was an antique expert. How could an antique yer not know history? How could someone who didn¡¯t know history dare to y this? ¡°Then how much can this thing be sold for?¡± A person beside him asked in a daze. As soon as he said that, arge group of people looked over with disdain. Are you stupid? How can you ask such a stupid question? [How can such a thing be measured by money? It is priceless!] ¡°If you have to measure it by price.¡± Old Master Zhang thought about it carefully. ¡°Let me put it this way. The starting price of any one of them is a few hundred million.¡± As soon as Old Master Zhang finished speaking. One of the figures in the crowd rolled his eyes and fell to the ground. The surrounding people were shocked. Why did you faint? You¡¯re standing in the middle of the crowd, but you didn¡¯t see anything. You¡¯re not a schr. How would they know? This person was Lee Tao. Chapter 56 C56 ¨C A Fickle Man Lee Tao was overwhelmed with despair. The magnitude of this loss was sufficient to wipe out his finances entirely. Curiously, tucked away in a corner of the carriage, there was an inconspicuous random box, containing unassuming Bamboo Slips. Even if he were to sell himself, he couldn¡¯t cover the cost. This artifact had been handed down through millennia. There must be some imperfections on it. If Su Ming insisted that the damage resulted from the kick he¡¯d delivered, it would be impossible to exin. When Lee Tao observed the excitement among the elderly passengers and heard Old Master Zhang¡¯s uttered figure. In that moment, Lee Tao¡¯s blood surged, and he fainted from sheer terror. ¡°This individual cannot be allowed to leave!¡± ¡°I witnessed him kicking the carriage earlier.¡± ¡°Indeed, if this treasure is harmed, he will be held responsible.¡± While Lee Tao remained unconscious, he faintly perceived the discussions of the surrounding individuals. A gathering of people encircled him. It was all over! It was utterly ruined! Without uttering a word, Lee Tao rolled his eyes and lost consciousness. After all themotion, the elders finally contemted a crucial question. Who was the driver? What was the situation? How could they casually stow away such a priceless item in a corner? ¡°Who was in control of the vehicle?¡± ¡°Do youprehend the significance of these irreceable treasures? You all treated them recklessly.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you squandering a divine blessing?¡± The elderly men stared at them with fury. ¡°Allow me to rify. We are fortunate that the artifact remains undamaged. Otherwise, the repercussions would be severe.¡± ¡°Indeed. Do you grasp that the value of a single Bamboo Slip is beyond measure?¡± ¡°Who is the driver? Reveal yourself immediately. How could your employer allow you to employ a truck for transporting such a treasure? What kind of training have you received?¡± The elderly gentlemen were all incensed. How could they resort to using a mere vegetable delivery truck? If any harm came to it, who could shoulder the consequences? ¡°Look here!¡± One of the gentlemen, his hand trembling, read aloud what was inscribed: ¡°By the heavens, it reveals the burial site of an ancient nobleman in early summer, as far as I¡¯m aware, it remains unexplored. Who could havemitted such an act? Using this vehicle to transport an object of such immense value. If it¡¯s damaged, it would be an immense loss.¡± These elderly men treated these items as though they were their own grandchildren. They clung to them, quivering with distress. Truth be told, if Su Ming had only produced one Bamboo Slip, these elderly men might have fought over it to the death. After all, its worth was immeasurable. When the bystanders heard their discourse, they all nodded in agreement. Their words held considerable merit. If they possessed such an item, they would undoubtedly safeguard it meticulously. How could they disregard it and treat it like trash? Observe the front of the vehicle; it clearly bears marks of a collision. It would be a tragedy if this treasure were inadvertently harmed. What was even more critical was that these Bamboo Slips were just a part of it. The shelves contained bottles and jars of antique jade artifacts. If any of these were to fall and shatter, it would cause immense anguish. ¡°Who was the individual operating the vehicle?¡± ¡°He¡¯s certainly squandering a divine blessing.¡± ¡°If I were the driver, I wouldn¡¯t dare to drive this. It¡¯s way too costly for me.¡± Su Ming nced at the people around him and offered a faint smile. ¡°All of these items are mine. I can ce them wherever I please. Even if I were to use them as firewood, no one should be concerned, correct?¡± Upon hearing this, the elderly gentlemen pondered. Their thoughts converged: If you even think of burning these, we¡¯d oppose you to the hilt. Su Ming remained unfazed. It wasn¡¯t as though Su Mingcked a sense of national duty. In fact, he possessed a deep sense of responsibility toward his nation. However, it was the attitudes of these elderly men that began to irk him. These items belonged to him personally, and he could utilize them as he saw fit. Must he heed others¡¯ opinions on this matter? Even if he decided to throw them into a firece for warmth, why should that concern anyone else? You are all schrs, but does that grant you the right to meddle in someone else¡¯s life? ¡°Young man, are these items truly yours?¡± Inquired one of the elderly gentlemen, his eyes reddened. ¡°Indeed.¡± Su Ming responded with a faint smile. ¡°Young man, please don¡¯t jest with us.¡± Another elderly man chimed in. ¡°Believe it or not.¡± Su Ming saw no need for further exnation. The nearby onlookers became apprehensive upon hearing their conversation. What was going on here? Were they nning to rob him? The expressions of these elderly men hadn¡¯t softened since they acquired these items. Could they genuinely be considering theft? If the elderly men each took one item and made a run for it¡­ Su Ming would have no chance of catching them! However, in the next moment, one of the elderly men¡¯s expressions abruptly changed, and he smiled warmly. ¡°Young man, I must admit, I underestimated you.¡± ¡°Young man, please ept our apologies. We got a bit carried away earlier.¡± ¡°With such valuable possessions at your age, you are undoubtedly extraordinary. Do you happen to possess any other treasures? We could negotiate a fair price.¡± ¡°All of you should take a lesson from him. Look at this young man, so knowledgeable at such a tender age. It¡¯s clear he¡¯s an erudite individual.¡± ¡°Absolutely. You should all strive to emte him.¡± Two of the elderly men were now trying to win Su Ming¡¯s favor, while the other two seized the opportunity to impart a lesson to their own students. Su Ming was utterly bewildered. Were they not just vehemently opposing him moments ago? The surrounding people were equally bbergasted. Their recent aggression had been undeniable, as they appeared ready to champion the cause of these antique jade artifacts. Why the sudden change in demeanor? Their anger had dissipated, reced by smiles and attempts to ingratiate themselves with Su Ming. Did they have no principles? What even were principles in the face of these valuable items? In the presence of such treasures, principles seemed utterly insignificant. President Chen, having finished reading, couldn¡¯t help but inwardly acknowledge his inferiority to these elderly men. The onlookers were left speechless. Their abrupt transformation from confrontation to adtion was nothing short of shocking. Chapter 57 C57 ¨C Donate ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Old Master Zhang received assistance in exiting the vehicle. He approached Su Ming at a slow pace, still feeling the excitement from earlier. Acting on impulse, he had entered the car, but now his lower back ached, his legs throbbed, and hecked the strength to walk. Old Master Zhang hastily inquired, ¡°These items are of utmost importance to us. Would you consider selling them to me? We¡¯re prepared to offer a generous sum. I just hope you won¡¯t entertain offers from others.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you have the liberty to name your price. We¡¯re willing to meet your terms.¡± ¡°Quick, fetch a chair for Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Standing under this scorching sun is unbearable. Fetch therge parasol.¡± ¡°Zhang, make a run to the neighboring convenience store and buy some ice cream, chilled watermelon, and iced water.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies. The heat today must be exhausting you.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please take a seat in my car for a while. It¡¯s air-conditioned.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got air conditioning in my car too!¡± The elderly group nearly engaged in a dispute. Su Ming observed them, uncertain whether tough or be perplexed. A gathering of septuagenarians and octogenarians encircled him. ¡°Mr. Su, this item is sensitive to the wind. It¡¯s inconvenient to leave it here. I have several boxes in my car. We can store it in one.¡± ¡°The box is at your disposal.¡± The elderly gentleman continued, ¡°I see a few more paintings here. Would you like to secure them as well?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, are you interested in selling the antique jade in your car?¡± ¡°I think the front of your car is dented. I¡¯m willing to cover the repair expenses.¡± ¡°Your car appears a tad dusty. I¡¯ll arrange for a cleaning.¡± Su Ming hurriedly waved his hand and declined, ¡°No need!¡± He couldn¡¯t bear the elderly men¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°As long as the price you propose is reasonable, I can sell these items to you.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile and said, ¡°No need to get overly excited.¡± ¡°Very well!¡± The elderly men nodded hurriedly. Su Ming suggested, ¡°Furthermore, this may not be the best ce for our discussion. How about we find a more suitable location?¡± ¡°You mustn¡¯t leave surreptitiously!¡± ¡°We should sit in the trunk.¡± ¡°If you depart, what shall we do?¡± They had worked hard to locate this treasure, so they needed to keep Su Ming engaged. Su Ming felt somewhat helpless. Su Ming chuckled, saying, ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t leave without your consent. Could you please direct me to a suitable parking spot? I¡¯ll park there, and then we can continue our conversation.¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± One of the elderly gentlemen nodded and suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s head to my estate. It¡¯s only two kilometers away.¡± ¡°Agreed.¡± Su Ming nodded and casually loaded the items into the car. The elderly men were quite concerned about the safety of these objects. If Su Ming weren¡¯t the owner, they might have already engaged in a heated argument with him. The security personnel at Antiques City had already received word of their arrival. A significant number of guards cleared a path through the crowd, allowing President Chen to drive the car, with Su Ming in the front passenger seat. The elderly gentleman who had spoken earlier upied the rear seat and directed them. It didn¡¯t take long before they entered an expansive estate. Soon after, a van pulled up. Old Master Zhang and the other senior members disembarked from the van, one after the other. Behind them was another vehicle, carrying their students and servants. These individuals had brought numerous storage boxes and carefully packed some valuable antiques into the car. They carried the Bamboo Slips and entered the vi. Inside the vi, President Chen stood behind Su Ming, choosing not to sit. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± Since Old Master Zhang and Su Ming had prior acquaintance, he began, ¡°We do not intend to impose, but these items hold great significance for us.¡± ¡°Certainly, we will not ask for them free of charge. Please name your price, and we will raise the funds.¡± Old Master Zhang spoke with genuine sincerity. Su Ming pondered for a moment, rubbing his chin. Honestly, he had little interest in money. Once money reached a certain level, it became just a number. His primary reason for selling all these items was that his storage couldn¡¯t amodate them any longer. ¡°Well, these items are of no use to me. They would be better off in your hands, so I will donate these Bamboo Slips free of charge.¡± ¡°What?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡± As soon as Su Ming made this deration, all the elderly gentlemen in the room widened their eyes, as did the young schrs standing behind them. Had they misheard? A free donation? If it were an elderly gentleman in his seventies or eighties, it might be usible, but this was a young man in his twenties. In the prime of his life! He had just dered that he would give it away for free? ¡°Mr. Su, this is not eptable.¡± An elderly gentleman nearby hastily responded, ¡°These items are too precious. We cannot ept them for free.¡± ¡°Indeed. Set a price. Even if we have to sell our properties, we will raise the money for you.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you cannot decide to donate or not. We would feel ashamed to ept them.¡± The elderly schrs chimed in earnestly. Su Ming smiled faintly and spoke slowly, ¡°To me, these are merely bamboo and inscriptions I cannot decipher. But to schrs, they are priceless treasures, and they hold immense significance for our nation. I have one request: please share the findings of your research with the public.¡± The elderly schrs were momentarily stunned. They all marveled at the young man. ¡°This young man is truly extraordinary!¡± ¡°I can donate these items for free, but I intend to sell these antique jade pieces,¡± Su Ming added with a smile. ¡°That is not a concern. Rest assured,¡± Old Master Zhang replied. ¡°How about this: if you¡¯refortable with it, we willpile a list. If you leave these items with us, we will ensure you receive the highest possible price.¡± ¡°Alright, that sounds fine.¡± The remaining details were easily sorted out. When these dozen or so elderly schrs gathered, they paid no heed to anything else. Their focus was solely on the Bamboo Slips, even neglecting food and drink. Su Ming¡¯s assistants,prised of young individuals and students, diligently recorded the details in a ledger. The person overseeing the proceedings was President Chen. As for Su Ming, the true owner, he reclined on the sofa and idly yed with his phone, eventually drifting off to sleep after some time. Chapter 58 C58 ¨C Beans and Peppers An hourter it was done. When Su Ming and President Chen came out, only Old Master Zhang came out to send them off. The rest of the people surrounded the Bamboo Slip. They were obsessed with these Bamboo Slips! ¡°Old man, don¡¯t send us off. We¡¯ll be leaving first.¡± Su Ming waved his hand and got into the car. President Chen drove off, and they drove off. Not long after, the car drove back to the city center. President Chen took a phone call. He happened to have something to do. After hurriedly saying goodbye to Su Ming, he rushed back to the bank. Su Ming stretchedzily. He clicked on the attribute interface. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV2 Experience: 670 / 1000 Farm: Level One Skill: Blessing from nts receives 0.1 yuan per second He still had some chili and beans that he had yet to collect. In addition, there were withered vines all over the ground. After taking care of them, he would be able to gain at least 800 experience points. In other words, he would be able to level up in the next two days! The first time he leveled up, he could obtain the Blessing from nts skill. Then, what would he get the second time he leveled up? Moreover, Su Ming noticed that his farm was only at Level One. This meant that the farm could be upgraded. Although Su Ming didn¡¯t know how the farm could be upgraded, as long as his level went up, the farm would be upgraded! So, he just had to work hard! After a long time, Su Ming was a little tired. After sleeping in the thatched hut for an hour, he removed all the withered vines in the ground. ¡°Congrattions, you have received 50 experience points!¡± Hearing this number, Su Ming was overjoyed. He did not lose out this time! He took a look at the chili and beans and they were about to ripen. Su Ming rubbed his chin. What was he going to nt in such arge plot ofnd? Su Ming flipped through the seeds and pondered for a moment. In the end, Su Ming decided to nt some grapes! He skillfully ploughed, dug a pit, put in fertilizer, bought seeds, and covered the soil. Su Ming found that although he had only nted thend for a few days, this work was done in one go. ¡°The grapes have been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± After nting everything, Su Ming added some fertilizers and water. It was still the same as before. He received a notification that the ripening time had shortened, and the quality of the crops had increased. By the time he was done, the sky had already turned dark. At this time, the chili and beans had also ripened. Su Mingughed. He hurried to the ce where the bean horns were nted. From a distance, it looked like a field of wheat. Only by walking in could he see the beans inside. ¡°This is?¡± Su Ming stood in front of a bean rack. The rack was automatically generated by the System. When he finished picking, the rack would automatically disappear, leaving behind only withered vines. Su Ming was stunned for a moment. Pen? The thing growing on the bean horn was actually a pen? Su Ming blinked, not knowing whether tough or cry. The System always surprised him. Su Ming reached out and picked a pen. He looked at it carefully. The entire pen was heavy. It was ck all over, and the two ends were golden. There was also a string of English letters that he didn¡¯t recognize. Su Ming took out his phone and searched online. When he finished, his eyes widened. ¡°Pen can be so expensive?¡± It turned out that these pens were all limited funds. They were extremely expensive and handmade. Some of the nibs of the pens were made of diamonds. In other words, any one of these pens could buy a house in the city center. There were a total of 20 pens. Each one was different, but they were all limited edition without exception. They were extremely valuable to collect. Su Ming didn¡¯t know how the System could make so many limited edition items appear on the beanpole, but the System¡¯s products were all genuine. After putting the pen away, Su Ming went to the chili next to him. The chili was not very tall. Su Ming squatted down to take a closer look. These looked very familiar. They were actually lipstick! Although Su Ming didn¡¯t know much about luxury goods, he still knew about Hermes, Gi, and Chanel. And these lipsticks were limited edition. Su Ming was no longer surprised by this. Even if one day a grew out of thisnd, he wouldn¡¯t be surprised. This System was too powerful. Although the most expensive lipstick was only twenty or thirty thousand yuan, there were too many of them. On the vine rack where the beans were, there was only one pen on each rack. However, each chili grew ten lipstick. Su Ming took off the lipstick one by one. He harvested fifty limited edition lipsticks and casually filled them up in a stic bag. ¡°Is there no end to it? I just finished selling a batch and another came!¡± Su Mingined. If anyone else heard his words, they would definitely scold him. Su Ming casually threw the pens and lipstick into the corner of the thatched cottage and went out to clean up the withered vines. ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested a crop. You have received 50 experience points!¡± ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested a crop. You have received 20 experience points!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, you have received 10 experience points!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, you have received 10 experience points!¡± After he finished processing the items, Su Ming nted more grapes. Because the ce wasn¡¯t big, the nting was fast. In less than two hours, he cleaned up the two pieces ofnd. At this time, it was almost midnight. Su Ming found a night market to eat, bought some snacks and fruits, and went back to his room to y games for a while. After that, he fell into a deep sleep, exhausted. Early the next morning, Su Ming opened his eyes. He stretched and went to the field to check on the growth of the grapes. He nodded in satisfaction. The System automatically generated a rack of grapes. The seedlings had already germinated and were climbing up. Normally, when nting grapes, one needed to water them many times a day. Moreover, one also had to pay attention to whether the grapes would fall sick or not, as well as the production. One also had to pay attention to the temperature difference between day and night to ensure the sweetness. However, Su Ming only needed to be in charge of the initial nting and watering, and the rest would be left to the System. The growth environment provided by the System was the most perfect. The crops in the field would need at least two more days to mature. Su Ming had nothing to do right now. He looked around at the barrennd and decided to hire a construction team today to build the surrounding walls. Although the System would help him cover it up, he still felt a little ufortable. Chapter 59 C59 ¨C I¡¯m Here to Sell After making up his mind, Su Ming no longer hesitated. He washed up and ate something. Then he took the car keys and packed a few bags of things. He had too many things, so he nned to sell everything he could sell. Now, all his money was stored in the bank. Su Ming drove to the Tianhua Bank. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re here!¡± When the security guard at the door saw Su Ming¡¯s car, he walked up to greet him. The security guard said, ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll stop the car for you.¡± ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Su Ming got out of the car. He opened the back door and was about to reach for the two ck stic bags in the car. Suddenly, the other two security guards rushed over. ¡°Mr. Su, we¡¯ll help you move your things.¡± ¡°Be gentle, don¡¯t break these things.¡± Su Ming didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry as he looked at the three security guards. One of the security guards went to stop the car. The other two security guards followed behind Su Ming with the things in the back seat. As soon as Su Ming turned around, the door of the bank opened. The lobby manager quickly ran over and said with a smile, ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re here. Please!¡± After Su Ming entered the hall, he was weed to the second floor and to the VIP room. After making good Longjing tea, the lobby manager smiled at Su Ming and said, ¡°President Chen is not here, but don¡¯t worry. President Chen told me before that as long as youe, we will do business for you as quickly as possible.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± The two security guards ced two old stic bags on the table. Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°I came here to save money.¡± ¡°Money?¡± The lobby manager was stunned. Su Ming smiled and opened the two stic bags. The stic bags were full of cash. In addition to RMB, there were also a lot of foreign currencies. The lobby manager was stunned for a moment and looked at Su Ming in confusion. With Su Ming¡¯s status, he indeed had the ability to make so much money. But why did he have so much foreign currency? Could it be that these foreign currencies were fake? This was absolutely impossible! Mr. Su had hundreds of millions of dors in his bank card, and he ownednd worth ten billion. Therefore, he did not need to use fake money. Although the lobby manager was very confused, he didn¡¯t dare to ask. If he angered Su Ming, President Chen would definitely teach him a lesson. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll send someone to do it immediately.¡± With that, the lobby manager called over two bank staff and started counting the money. Ordinary people had to line up to do business, but Su Ming only waited for less than ten minutes. ¡°Mr. Su, this cash is a total of 123.5 million yuan.¡± The lobby manager said with a smile, ¡°We have already deposited the money into your ount.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded and said, ¡°Sorry to trouble you.¡± The lobby manager hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s our honor!¡± After leaving the bank, Su Ming drove to the Wanding Mansion. It was thergest trading building in the area, and also thergest luxury goods trading ce in the entire city. After parking the car, Su Ming took out a worn-out travel bag from the trunk. This was the travel bag that Su Ming had used when he was studying. It was originally ck, but after many years of use, it had turned a little white. Those who could enter and leave this building were all wearing gorgeous clothes. Many people frowned slightly when they saw Su Ming, who was wearing a set of ordinary clothes and holding a shabby travel bag in his hand. Some people even thought of the scenes of robbery in movies. They felt that Su Ming would open the travel bagter and take out a knife to rob others. Su Ming didn¡¯t care about the strange looks around him. Su Ming took the elevator to a store that specialized in recycling bags. ¡°Hello, sir.¡± A pretty saleswoman stood in the doorway and looked at Su Ming with some curiosity. ¡°Sir, this is the ce for recycling bags. What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to sell bags.¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. We only want high-end luxury goods here. Your bag is a little old, so we won¡¯t take it.¡± The saleswoman was a little embarrassed. Sir, it¡¯s not that we look down on you. We really won¡¯t ept your bag. It¡¯s a little too old. It might break at any time. Su Ming was stunned. ¡°I¡¯m not selling this bag. I¡¯m selling packaging in this bag.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡± The youngdy was stunned for a moment. ¡°Pleasee in, sir. Please wait a moment. I¡¯m looking for a connoisseur.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded and took his old travel bag. After entering, he sat on the sofa. Not long after, a young man walked over. ¡°Sir, I heard that you want to sell bags?¡± There was a sign hanging on the young man¡¯s chest that said ¡°apprentice appraiser.¡± Obviously, the people in the shop did not believe that Su Ming could take out a valuable bag. His bag was probably fake. This bag might even have been stolen by him. Therefore, the female shop assistant found an inexperienced apprentice appraiser. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly and opened his bag. He took out a bag and casually threw it on the table in front of him. ¡°How much do you think this bag will sell for?¡± The young man actually didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. This was because such a person hade to their shop before. Some people stole other people¡¯s bags to sell. Some people also collected high-quality fake bags, hoping to sell them as the real deal. These people were all caught or chased out without exception. But when he saw Su Ming¡¯s bag, he was immediately stunned. The bag was white and small in size, but its outer color did not reflect light, like milk. It was a limited edition product released by a luxury brand a few years ago. The surface of the bag was patented. The material and craftsmanship of this package were naturally first-ss, but the surface was the selling point of this package. He had heard that many famous celebrities had bought this bag. He didn¡¯t expect to see a bag with his own eyes today. The young man swallowed his saliva and hurried over. He sat opposite Su Ming and put on a pair of white gloves. He carefully picked up the bag. The workmanship, brand logo, serial number, and all other details were perfect. This bag was authentic. ¡°Sir.¡± The young man hesitated for a moment and asked, ¡°Do you have an invoice for this bag?¡± ¡°I do.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°The invoice is in the mezzanine of this bag.¡± Chapter 60 C60 ¨C I Still Have a Lot The man¡¯s expression was natural, and he answered so quickly? The young man was stunned. This man was either a low-key rich man or an experienced thief. When he said this, his expression was calm without any signs of panic. He even had the invoice. Su Ming naturally knew what the young man was thinking. The shop assistant was just afraid that he would steal the bag from someone else and sell it. However, Su Ming did not care. After all, it was normal for businessmen to be so vignt. If he stole the bag, the police would have to return it as stolen goods when they solved the case in the future. They would also lose a lot of money. After all, this was given to him by the System. The invoice in the bag clearly recorded the purchase time. There was also the buyer¡¯s name and registration card on the invoice. The things given to him by the System would definitely not be wrong. The appraiser carefully opened the inteyer of the bag and took out the invoices and some other things. After verifying them one by one, he found that they were all real. He lowered his guard a lot and looked at Su Ming with a much warmer gaze. ¡°I haven¡¯t introduced myself yet. My surname is Zhang. You can call me Zhang.¡± Zhang Lei said with a smile. ¡°My surname is Su.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Mr. Su, we can ept your bag. If it was an ordinary bag, I would be able to set the price, but this is a rare limited edition. We appraisers have no right to set the price, so we need to apply to the manager.¡± Zhang Lei continued to speak respectfully. ¡°Alright, no problem. I¡¯m not in a hurry either.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Alright, please wait a moment.¡± After saying that, Zhang Lei stood up and hurriedly ran to the side. Not long after, a woman in her thirties walked over. This woman had a very good figure and an exquisite appearance. She had a faint smile on her face, giving people a strong sense of intimacy. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m the manager of this shop, Chen Xiaoyu.¡± ¡°Hello, my name is Su Ming.¡± Both of them shook hands and sat down. ¡°The current price of your bag is about 1.25 million. I don¡¯t know if you are satisfied with this price. If not, we can discuss it again.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Su Ming smiled. I don¡¯t care about the price. I don¡¯t care how much they can be sold for. I just want to sell them as soon as possible. It takes up too much space. ¡°Alright.¡± Chen Xiaoyu smiled sweetly. ¡°We¡¯ll transfer the money to your ount right away and look forward to our next meeting.¡± ¡°Wait a moment.¡± Su Ming waved his hand. Chen Xiaoyu¡¯s expression changed when she heard that. Was he going to increase the price? Alright. In any case, this kind of thing was not rare. ¡°Actually, I brought a few bags with me this time.¡± Su Ming blinked his eyes. ¡°Mr. Su, we are strong.¡± Chen Xiaoyu was very confident, but when Su Ming pulled open her worn-out travel bag, she immediately stood up, her eyes shining. These were all the bags that Su Ming wanted to sell? Chen Xiaoyu had been in this line of work for more than ten years. She didn¡¯t know how many expensive bags she had appraised. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to be a manager. With a casual sweep of her eyes, she could see that all the bags inside were limited edition. She even saw a few Louis Vuitton bags that had been collected by the collectors and couldn¡¯t be bought on the market anymore! The pretty manager couldn¡¯t help but swallow. ¡°Mr. Su, you want to sell all these bags?¡± Chen Xiaoyu asked in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°I really don¡¯t have any space at home. Take a look. I don¡¯t care how much these bags can be sold for. It¡¯s fine as long as you can ept them.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Xiaoyu was in a daze. Could it be that you are the legendary hidden rich person? Listen to the reason why he sold the bags. There was no ce to put them at home. Listen, is this what a normal person would say? She had been in this line of work for so many years, and most of the people who came here to sell their bags had failed their business and needed money. Some people liked the new and disliked the old. They didn¡¯t like what they had now and wanted to raise money to buy a new one. This was the first time she had heard of such a reason for not having a ce to put it. As for whether Su Ming¡¯s business had failed or not, Chen Xiaoyu didn¡¯t even think about it. Because these eyes couldn¡¯t deceive people. From the way Su Ming sat there, he clearly didn¡¯t put these bags in his eyes. It was obvious that what Su Ming said was true. These things are too much of a hindrance. I get annoyed just by looking at them, and I want to get rid of them as soon as possible. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that they are very expensive, I would have thrown them into the trash can. Su Ming¡¯s eyes and expression were clearly filled with these words. Chen Xiaoyu was about to doubt her life. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. ¡°I still have something to do. Please hurry up.¡± Su Ming looked at the time and casually threw his bag on the table. Chen Xiaoyu subconsciously jumped up. She couldn¡¯t bear to see these bags thrown on the table like this. There were several bags that were iid with diamonds. Especially the bag that was released thirty years ago. The bag¡¯s body and handle were all iid with diamonds. It could no longer be bought on the market. As long as a diamond was dropped, the price of this bag would be greatly reduced. ¡°Manager Chen, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Su Ming blinked and asked. Manager Chen didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± You¡¯re too rich. I admit defeat. Are you the kind of person in the legends who never looks at the price of things, only looks at whether you like it or not, and buys whatever you want? Then you can pick up a lot of luxuries from home, you can¡¯t even remember when you bought them, you just think they take up too much space, and you¡¯re ready to sell them. She thought that she could only see these kinds of rich people in movies, but she didn¡¯t expect to meet them in real life. As the owner of the bag, if he doesn¡¯t feel sorry for it, why should I? Chen Xiaoyu, you¡¯re still too young. Chen Xiaoyu took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She suppressed the excitement in her heart, put on gloves, and carefully took out the bags one by one. Each bag contained an invoice, as well as some purchasing contracts and VIP cards that had been signed at that time. These things were all brand new! Chen Xiaoyu was even more certain in her heart. This person was definitely the kind of person who didn¡¯t look at the price when buying things. After he bought it, he casually put it away. He never used it, couldn¡¯t think of appreciating it, and definitely wouldn¡¯t take it out to show off. Otherwise, why would the invoice be the same as the new one? The color of these things did not change. Chen Xiaoyu was extremely nervous, afraid that her eyes were ying tricks on her. She called out all the senior appraisers in thepany. Su Ming sat alone on the sofa, drinking tea and ying games in boredom. A group of senior appraisers in the industry, with magnifying sses and gloves, each of them carefully examining bag after bag. Chapter 61 C61 ¨C Help Me It was half an hour before the men looked up. Their eyes were bloodshot. This was even more tiring than working. They had already appraised them, and all of them were real and brand new. ¡°Mr. Su, are you sure you want to sell all these bags?¡± Chen Xiaoyu asked carefully. The invoice had already proven that Su Ming was the buyer. Moreover, they had already checked the serial number, and the person who bought these bags was Su Ming. Su Ming smiled. ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Xiaoyu was a little hesitant. The bags here were too expensive. Although this luxury item was not a priceless treasure, its price was definitely not low. This was the first time something like this had happened in their store after so many years. ¡°Mr. Su, of course we want to buy them, but we don¡¯t have enough money.¡± Chen Xiaoyu said. Chen Xiaoyu hurriedly said, ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t be angry. We really want to buy these bags. It¡¯s just that my authority is too low. The money I can allocate is only 40 million, and the price of your bag has already exceeded 80 million. If you trust me, I can transfer 40 million to your ount.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Before Chen Xiaoyu could finish speaking, Su Ming nodded. Before she could finish, he agreed! The appraisers were even more shocked! Chen Xiaoyu hurriedly said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will sign a contract with you.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need to sign the contract. It¡¯s too troublesome.¡± Su Ming waved his hand and let them record his bank ount number. ¡°Just remember to transfer the money.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Xiaoyu blinked. She had been in the luxury goods industry for so many years, but this was the first time she had met such a domineering person. ¡°Mr. Su, thank you very much for supporting our shop this time.¡± Chen Xiaoyu could not help but heave a sigh of relief. Since she had bought so many expensive bags, the headquarters would also be quite happy. Hermission would definitely not be small either. Chen Xiaoyu said very sincerely, ¡°Is there anything we can help you with? We can help you as much as we can.¡± She knew that Su Ming was a big shot, so she might not be able to help him. But other than that, she really couldn¡¯t find a second way to thank him. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help.¡± Su Ming packed his worn-out travel bag and blinked. Su Ming thought about it carefully. He really didn¡¯t need her help. ¡°Mr. Su, even if it¡¯s just a small matter.¡± Chen Xiaoyu rubbed her hands. Looking at Chen Xiaoyu¡¯s passionate eyes, Su Ming was really embarrassed to reject her. He touched his chin and suddenly thought of something. That was the reason why he went out today. ¡°I really have something to do.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°I have a piece ofnd about two acres in size, and I want to build a wall around it and a two-story vi along the way. I¡¯m going out this time to find a construction team, but I don¡¯t know much about these things. Do you know of any reliable construction teams?¡± This was also what Su Ming was worried about. Su Ming was not short of money. It wouldn¡¯t cost much to build a wall and a vi. He was just afraid that he would run into an unreliable engineering team. Not only was it not safe to live there, but it was also very unpleasant. Chen Xiaoyu was a businessman after all. This shop was so big that they usually needed to renovate it. Even if Chen Xiaoyu wasn¡¯t the boss, she was still a manager. She should know a construction team. The decorations of this shop were not bad, and theyout was also quite good. The level of the construction team was definitely not bad. This way, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about running into unreliable construction teams. It was killing two birds with one stone. ¡°Yes!¡± Chen Xiaoyu¡¯s eyes lit up and she hurriedly said, ¡°Speaking of construction teams, we really do have a construction team that we keep in touch with all year round. They work fast and have good quality. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll contact them right away. Where¡¯s your address?¡± ¡°Do you have a pen and paper?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Chen Xiaoyu hurriedly ran to the side and took out a piece of paper and a pen. Su Ming wrote down his address and left his phone number on it. ¡°Call me when they go there.¡± ¡°OK, don¡¯t worry, Wang Yao said. I¡¯ll let them go there today. I can assure you that the construction team works carefully and quickly.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°You can deduct the fee from the payment.¡± Chen Xiaoyu originally wanted to say that she wouldn¡¯t take the money. However, when she saw Su Ming¡¯s expression, she swallowed her words back down. Did rich peopleck money? Su Ming¡¯s expression clearly said that building a wall and a vi wouldn¡¯t cost much. Do I need you to save me this money? Are you insulting me? ¡°Then thank you.¡± Su Ming smiled and left with his bag. Chen Xiaoyu heaved a heavy sigh of relief. ¡°Quick, take out all the boxes in the shop. We must take good care of these bags in batches.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The surrounding shop assistants hurriedly nodded and began to get busy. Chen Xiaoyu sat on the sofa and couldn¡¯t help but feel delighted. Great, she had made a lot of money this time. With this business deal, her position could even be promoted. She took the address and phone number that Su Ming had given her and was about to contact the construction team. Beside the Guoxing Building? Wasn¡¯t the Guoxing Building in the city center? Chen Xiaoyu blinked. So the two acres ofnd he was talking about was in the center of the city! That was the center of the city! Thend there was worth ten billion! Chen Xiaoyu finally understood why Su Ming did not take these bags seriously. In front of this piece ofnd, these bags were nothing. These bags couldn¡¯t evenpare to the change in this piece ofnd. Chapter 62 C62 ¨C Speed Manager Chen acted with impressive speed. Her efficiency was remarkable; as soon as Su Ming returned, his phone rang. After confirming the time and location, she promptly ended the call. Not much time passed before trucks arrived, unloading materials onto the ground. The construction crew specialized in erecting structures, capable of constructing walls and vis effortlessly. Several migrant workers and a handful of contractors arrived one after another. ¡°You must be Mr. Su, correct?¡± A man in a suit approached Su Ming upon spotting him. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Su Ming nodded and inquired, ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± ¡°I am overseeing this project. My responsibility here is to build the walls and vi for you.¡± The man offered a friendly smile. During their conversation, Su Ming discovered the construction team¡¯s impressive track record, including the construction of the Guoxing Building. Suddenly, the man remembered something and mentioned, ¡°Mr. Su, please select the design for the vi and the walls.¡± ¡°The courtyard wall doesn¡¯t require excessive aesthetics, just practicality,¡± Su Ming replied. After a moment of contemtion, Su Ming added, ¡°As for the vi¡¯s design, I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we¡¯ve built numerous vis and have a variety of pre-designed blueprints on hand. I brought them with me this time,¡± the man exined. From his briefcase, he retrieved some blueprints and continued, ¡°If these designs don¡¯t meet your preferences, you can provide specific requirements, and we will customize the design ordingly. Once you approve it, we can begin construction.¡± ¡°Rest assured, we are a professional construction team, and we understand the importance of using high-quality materials, especially since you and Manager Chen are acquaintances. You needn¡¯t worry about dys; we¡¯ll work swiftly.¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. In truth, he wasn¡¯t in such a rush. Their efficiency, however, was quite impressive. Su Ming feared that after spending a single night in the thatched hut, he might wake up the next morning to find the courtyard wall and vi already built. The construction team¡¯s pace was often determined by the promptness of the buyer¡¯s payments. Su Ming not only paid promptly but also generously. This immediately motivated the construction team to act swiftly. ¡°I don¡¯t have many demands for the vi,¡± Su Ming mused. He stroked his chin and borated, ¡°It should amodate four or five people in the future.¡± Su Ming nned to bring his parents here. He was in his twenties and felt it was time to settle down and start a family. ¡°It would be ideal if there¡¯s an underground storage area.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± the man responded promptly, understanding Su Ming¡¯s request and producing a blueprint. ¡°What do you think of this?¡± he asked, pointing to the blueprint. The man proceeded to provide Su Ming with more details about the design. ¡°This viprises five floors: three above ground and two below. Each floor measures approximately 220 square meters.¡± ¡°After evaluating your avable space, there¡¯s approximately 70 square meters left.¡± ¡°I intend to construct an enclosed swimming pool and an underground garage at the entrance.¡± ¡°The underground garage will be situated beneath the open area, and it can be expanded to about 100 square meters.¡± The man continued, ¡°The size of the underground garage is flexible and can be adjusted ording to your preferences.¡± Su Ming had never imagined he would own a vi. For most people, living in a city center vi meant purchasing an existing one. Customizing a vi generally required moving to the suburbs. However, Su Ming was in a unique position because he owned this piece of city centernd. He had the freedom to design his vi as he pleased. In the future, a ten-billion-yuan vi would suddenly emerge in the city center. Su Ming had minimal requirements for the vi; it needed to be spacious andfortable. Moreover, this blueprint was a closely guarded secret within their constructionpany. It had been designed by an internationally renowned architect, and thepany had invested heavily to acquire it. Combining elements of both Eastern and Western cultures, ancient and modern styles, the blueprint was truly unique. Su Ming nodded in approval. ¡°Mr. Su, rest assured, this is just an initial design. We will pay meticulous attention to every detail.¡± ¡°Interior decoration will take some time. If you have any additional ideas or requests during this period, feel free to let us know. We¡¯ll do our utmost to amodate your wishes.¡± ¡°You can either purchase furniture and appliances for the vi yourself or let us handle it for you.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming agreed. This arrangement was much more convenient for him. He wouldn¡¯t have to worry about anything. ¡°Are you nning to be a farmer in the city center?¡± the man quipped. He raised an eyebrow and continued, ¡°I noticed a truck and several farming vehicles, along with some basic farming tools. You¡¯ll need a reliable irrigation system, and we can construct arger warehouse nearby for your agricultural equipment.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll create a discreet entry in the wall to facilitate your ess.¡± The man went on. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but admire him silently. The man was exceptionally thorough! Su Ming hadn¡¯t considered these matters previously. However, what impressed him most was the man¡¯s ability to think ahead and anticipate all the necessary details. Of course, Su Ming understood that this level of attention was reserved for exceptional projects. The construction team had experience building many vis, but constructing a vi on a ten-billion-yuan city center plot was a first. This level of detail was unexpected. In truth, Su Ming didn¡¯t require these extras. He hadn¡¯t contemted such features before. Nevertheless, upon the man¡¯s arrival, he had meticulously considered every aspect. His professionalism was evident. Su Ming was well aware that for a standard vi project, such attention to detail wouldn¡¯t be necessary. However, the circumstances were different now. They were building a vi on a ten-billion-yuan plot ofnd, likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was something they had never done before and might never do again. Chapter 63 C63 ¨C The Power of Money Initially, when Manager Chen¡¯s call reached them, they were skeptical, suspecting a potential scam. After all, who in their right mind would construct a vi in the heart of the city? Yet, reality quickly shattered their doubts. Upon receiving word at the corporate headquarters, the chairman himself dialed the number. The chairman emphasized the need for top-notch quality on the project during their phone conversation. Every single detail had to be wless! Any imperfection leading to Mr. Su¡¯s dissatisfaction would result in immediate termination. Given theirpany¡¯s advanced technological prowess, constructing a vi posed no significant challenge. They had even built skyscrapers on multiple asions. Their motto had always been to fulfill the customer¡¯s request to the letter. However, this time, the standards of their work were elevated. In fact, even without the boss¡¯s reminder, they understood that this mission was no ordinary task. Who could own such a valuable piece ofnd in the bustling city center but someone extraordinary? Even if he didn¡¯t have specific demands, they couldn¡¯t afford to be careless. ¡°Mr. Su, if you think it¡¯s suitable, we¡¯llmence work.¡± ¡°Your two cars can be parked right here. We¡¯ll demarcate this open area for your use.¡± ¡°After that, we¡¯ll enclose the perimeter with ayer of colored steel tiles, separating it from the outside. Once we finish the wall, we¡¯ll remove the colored steel tiles.¡± The man inquired, ¡°Do you think this n will suffice?¡± Su Ming responded with satisfaction, ¡°Alright, no issues.¡± Despite the System¡¯s ability to conceal the crops, to the workers, the ground appeared to be nted with ordinary wheat, which had already started to sprout. Even if they entered, they wouldn¡¯t see the grapevines and trellises. Only Su Ming had that privilege. Nevertheless, Su Ming believed in being cautious. After all, he¡¯d regret it if the treasures on the grape arbor were damaged. If Su Ming were to enter and return with a basket of treasures, it would seem as though they had materialized out of thin air, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin. The colored steel tiles would make a difference. At the very least, they could help cover his tracks. Furthermore, he could opt to harvest at night, which was rtively safer. Su Ming sighed inwardly. On television, he often witnessed conflicts, cursing, and animosity between parties. Yet, he found himself getting along quite well with the construction workers. The power of money was indeed remarkable. Soon after, the survey team arrived, conducting a brief measurement of Su Ming¡¯snd. The area avable for Su Ming¡¯s cultivation was two acres, equivalent to 1,333 square meters. It measured roughly 38 meters in length and 35 meters in width, resembling a square. Adjacent to the field was a corridor, approximately two meters wide, where Su Ming¡¯s car was parked. Beside ity an empty space. The thatched cottage stood at the far end of this empty space, facing south. In front of him stretched a vast expanse ofnd designated for the vi¡¯s construction. It measured 15 meters in length and 20 meters in width, totaling 300 square meters. Su Ming would only discover this when examining thend certificateter on. This particr piece ofnd had been specially generated by the System for Su Ming. It was a unique gift from the System. This implied that there wasnd avable for cultivation. Apart from the corridor and the area it upied, Su Ming had approximately three acres of prime city centernd. Nevertheless, he could only utilize two acres for farming. Once granted permission by Su Ming, the man wasted no time and immediatelymenced work without uttering a word. Theborers worked with remarkable speed. In under two hours, they erected a substantial wall constructed from colorful steel panels, reaching almost three meters in height. They left a convenient entrance for Su Ming toe and go as he pleased. Moreover, they installed a few specialized lights inside. Because once the colorful steel wall was erected, it would obstruct natural light, making the interior somewhat dim at night. The workers outside began working overtime. After all, this was a task personally assigned by their superiors. Who would dare to ck off under such circumstances? Nheless, Su Ming¡¯s lifestyle remained undisturbed. He continued to enjoy his meals, beverages, and leisure activities without a care. Even at eleven o¡¯clock in the evening, theborers were still hard at work. Su Ming contacted the nearby hotel and ordered four tables of food, requesting them to deliver the dishes. Originally, Su Ming had intended to invite theborers to dine at a restaurant. However, the supervisor declined the offer. One reason was that the construction site required personnel for supervision, with at least four individuals needing to remain. Leaving someone behind would not be appropriate. So, Su Ming ordered the dishes to be delivered. He located a random table and shared a meal with theborers. Additionally, Su Ming purchased some cigarettes and gifted each of them a carton. The workers were delighted to work for such an employer, which spurred them to put in extra effort. After the meal and some conversation, Su Ming retired for the night while theborers continued working overtime. The following morning, Su Ming awoke early. After a quick wash, he stepped outside to assess the situation. ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Su Ming was taken aback, thinking to himself, ¡°They work incredibly fast.¡± In just one night, they hadpleted the foundation and nearly finished constructing the courtyard wall. The primary reason for this rapid progress was the use of a special, fast-setting cement. Furthermore, it was exceptionally sturdy. Such cement was rarely produced and expensive, making it umon in construction. Typically, builders didn¡¯t require this specialized cement as they didn¡¯t have the luxury of extended working hours. Ordinary cement sufficed. However, understanding Su Ming¡¯s urgency, the builders opted to employ this cement, elerating the construction process and minimizing the timeline. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Evidently, the man had not rested the previous night. ¡°The wall is nearlyplete, but this is just the beginning.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not in a particr rush, so there¡¯s no need for you to overexert yourselves.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, Mr. Su. Late nights are part and parcel of our trade.¡± ¡°Nevertheless, headquarters stiptes that I will oversee this work today to ensure quality. Henceforth, there will be three shifts, each under the charge of a designated supervisor to assist you.¡± Su Ming nodded in acknowledgment. Su Ming purchased breakfast for the workers before departing. Despite his extended stay in the city center, he had been upied with farming and trading during this time. He had not had a proper opportunity to explore the nearby shopping districts. Su Ming chose a direction at random and took a leisurely stroll. After all, he had no pressing tasks at hand, and the crops in his field required additional time to mature. Chapter 64 C64 ¨C Encountering an Old ssmate The morning streets bustled with activity. Surrounding him were numerous office buildings, and the passersby were all office-goers, many of whom bore signs of weariness. Once upon a time, Su Ming had been one of them. As Su Ming strolled along, a person suddenly emerged from a nearby corner. This individual¡¯s attire was disheveled, holding a briefcase in their right hand and a bun in their left, hastily cramming it into their mouth. However, their rapid pace prevented them from dodging when they spotted Su Ming, resulting in a collision. Su Ming remained unharmed. Yet, the person slipped and tumbled onto the dew-covered grass nearby. The grass glistened with dewdrops. ¡°This is my brand-new suit.¡± Frustrated, the person rose from the ground. ¡°Old Su?¡± Seeing Su Ming, they were taken aback. Su Ming was equally surprised. It was his high school ssmate, Wang Kai! The two of them had been close in high school, but after heading off to university, their contact had dwindled. Just recently, Su Ming had heard that Wang Kai hadnded a good job. He hadn¡¯t expected to encounter Wang Kai in Eastsea. It was truly a remarkable coincidence. Wang Kai blinked and couldn¡¯t resist yfully punching Su Ming. ¡°It¡¯s been four or five years since west met.¡± Su Ming also felt delighted. ¡°Do you work around here?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Wang Kai nodded. ¡°I used to be in the provincial capital. But two months ago, thepany initiated a new project here, so they sent me over.¡± ¡°Your career has clearly flourished.¡± Su Ming grinned. ¡°I can¡¯t chat for long; I¡¯ll bete.¡± Wang Kai gestured to his watch. ¡°I¡¯ll call you after work. Let¡¯s grab a drink and catch up.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± Su Ming nodded. After exchanging phone numbers, Wang Kai took his leave. Su Ming chuckled. Even after all these years, Wang Kai¡¯s personality remained unchanged. Wang Kai seemed to be leading a prosperous life. His suit alone was worth at least ten thousand yuan, and his watch cost three or four thousand yuan. Su Ming randomly selected a mall for a meal and then headed to the cinema for a movie. It wasn¡¯t until noon that he leisurely strolled out. Suddenly, Su Ming¡¯s phone rang. Retrieving it, he saw it was Wang Kai. ¡°Old Su, where are you? My project has wrapped up, and I can take a break for a couple of days. Let me treat you to a drink. It won¡¯t interfere with your work, will it?¡± Wang Kai sounded delighted. ¡°I¡¯m currently without a job.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile and scanned his surroundings. ¡°There¡¯s a new hotpot restaurant on Victory Road.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Su Ming shared the restaurant¡¯s location with Wang Kai and entered the hotpot establishment. In less than ten minutes, Wang Kai arrived, and they exchanged pleasantries over a ss of wine, reminiscing about their college days. They toasted to the past and chatted about their current lives. ¡°Hey, Su.¡± Wang Kai fixed his gaze on Su Ming and inquired, ¡°I heard you were nning to tie the knot. How¡¯s that going?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve called it quits,¡± Su Ming responded, taking a sip of his drink. ¡°Why?¡± Wang Kai was momentarily surprised. ¡°I thought you two were close, and your families were keen on the marriage.¡± ¡°She¡¯s expecting,¡± Su Ming disclosed with a faint smile. ¡°Regrettably, it¡¯s not my child.¡± Wang Kai mmed his ss on the table, eximing, ¡°She actually did that? Breaking up with her was the right move.¡± Su Ming merely smiled and shook his head. Despite Wang Kai¡¯s sessful career, he still had a short temper. ¡°Su, have you found work yet?¡± Wang Kai suddenly asked. ¡°If you¡¯re open to it, I could rmend a job. I don¡¯t mean to belittle you, but the cost of living in Eastsea is quite high.¡± Su Ming understood Wang Kai¡¯s good intentions. He replied, ¡°Kai, I don¡¯t need a job.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly, adding, ¡°The ie from my city-center farming covers my expenses.¡± Wang Kai shook his head, remarking, ¡°You¡¯re not even drunk yet, and you¡¯re already boasting.¡± Su Ming chuckled and said nothing more. He was not one to unt his achievements. Suddenly, Wang Kai remembered something. He retrieved his phone and checked their high school ss group. ¡°Did you know there¡¯s a high school reunion tomorrow night?¡± ¡°A reunion?¡± Su Ming expressed surprise. ¡°It¡¯s been two years since we graduated from university. Can we still get in touch with our high school ssmates?¡± Taking a sip of wine, Wang Kai exined, ¡°Actually, most of our high school ssmates returned to Eastsea after finishing college. It¡¯s a first-tier city, and their families are here.¡± Su Ming nodded in understanding. He inquired, ¡°Who¡¯s organizing the event?¡± Wang Kai replied with a meaningful tone, ¡°Our ss monitor, Sun Ming.¡± Su Ming was unsurprised by the choice. Back in high school, Sun Ming, their ss monitor, was a wealthy second-generation student. He had good grades and ranked second in their ss during the college entrance exams, with Su Ming taking the top spot. At the high school graduation party, Sun Ming had belittled Su Ming multiple times. Wang Kai and a few others had defended Su Ming, but most students had remained silent, knowing they couldn¡¯t afford to offend Sun Ming. Sun Ming¡¯s father was a sessful entrepreneur, with local factories and various transportation ventures, amassing substantial wealth. Su Ming hailed from a rural background, and his family was of average means. However, they did have a family business, which Su Ming would take over upon graduating from university. Consequently, few people were willing to support Su Ming. Chapter 65 C65 ¨C What Are You Doing? ¡°They¡¯ve even brought you up in the group chat.¡± Wang Kai had a thought and retrieved his phone. Su Ming also reached for his phone to check. Since he started university, Su Ming had blocked all of the high school group chats. It was only now that he realized Sun Ming had tried to contact him multiple times. ¡°Su Ming, we¡¯re nning a reunion in a week. I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve been in Eastsea all this time. You muste.¡± ¡°You seem quite busy. I sent you several messages, but you never replied.¡± Su Ming chuckled inwardly. Sun Ming¡¯s intentions were clear. Sun Ming wanted to embarrass Su Ming upon hearing that he hadn¡¯t fared well after graduating from university. Some of Sun Ming¡¯s friends were also trying to tter him. ¡°ss monitor, why bother inviting him?¡± ¡°Maybe he¡¯s back in his hometown, working on a farm or something.¡± Wang Kai observed Su Ming¡¯s expression. ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart, Old Su.¡± Wang Kai hadn¡¯t been keeping up with the group chat news in recent days and now regretted it. If he had known earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have let Su Ming in on this. These guys were going too far. They were all ssmates. Even if Su Ming was farming back in his hometown, they shouldn¡¯t mock him like this. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile and didn¡¯t take it seriously. ¡°We won¡¯t miss this reunion.¡± Wang Kai stowed his phone away. Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°We¡¯re all old ssmates. It¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve met, and I miss them. Sun Ming is hosting a meal; how could I not attend?¡± ¡°You¡¯re really going?¡± Wang Kai raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming affirmed, ¡°I¡¯ve been busy with farmingtely and haven¡¯t checked my phone much. I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡± As soon as Su Ming sent his message, Sun Ming promptly replied. Sun Ming: ¡°You finally decided to respond to my message.¡± Lee Hu: ¡°He had no choice but to ept.¡± Zhang Yu chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s a five-star hotel, after all. We don¡¯t often go there, especially Su Ming.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile and set his phone aside. Wang Kai shook his head. ¡°If you go, they won¡¯t let you off easy. I happen to have a suit; I can lend it to you.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Seeing Su Ming¡¯s response, Wang Kai couldn¡¯t do much but sigh. The sky gradually darkened. Su Ming had a good tolerance for alcohol, but Wang Kai was already intoxicated. Suddenly, Su Ming¡¯s phone rang. It was the construction site supervisor. ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies for bothering you. The wall has beenpleted.¡± A voice on the other end of the line continued, ¡°There are some details you need to confirm. Is now a convenient time for you?¡± ncing at the time, Su Ming responded, ¡°Sure, please give me a moment. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± The voice on the other end of the phone reassured, ¡°Mr. Su, take your time.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± After conveying his thanks, Su Ming ended the call. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Wang Kai remained alert. He had an important business engagement today and had caught up with an old friend, leading to a cheerful drinking session. Su Ming grinned and exined, ¡°I have some urgent matters to attend to at home; I need to leave.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give you a lift!¡± Wang Kai promptly stood up, without waiting for Su Ming¡¯s response, he retrieved his phone from his pocket. ¡°Mr. Wang, could you bring the car to Spring River Hot Pot? I¡¯m with Su Ming here.¡± Wang Kai hung up and directed Su Ming, ¡°Let¡¯s head downstairs.¡± ¡°You even have a chauffeur.¡± Su Ming remarked with a smile. Wang Kai replied, ¡°Not everyone knows me, but you do, right? It¡¯s a necessity; I often socialize and can¡¯t drive when I¡¯ve had a few drinks.¡± Su Ming chuckled. Wang Kai¡¯s family was well-off, even though not on par with Su Ming¡¯s, they werefortable. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be leading afortable life two years after graduating from university. Nheless, he and Su Ming were starkly different. Su Ming wanted the world to know about his academic prowess and wealthy background, while Wang Kai maintained a low profile and cherished his friendship with Su Ming. After a brief wait at the hotpot restaurant entrance, a car approached from a distance. The car was worth more than 800,000 yuan. ¡°Let¡¯s hop in.¡± Wang Kai patted Su Ming on the shoulder and opened the rear car door, gesturing for Su Ming to enter first. Wang Kai then joined him. Wang Kai turned to Su Ming and inquired, ¡°Where are we headed?¡± Su Ming smiled and replied, ¡°Guoxing Building.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of your visit?¡± Wang Kai blinked and teased, ¡°I thought I was the one who¡¯d had too much to drink, but it seems you have too. We should go to your ce, not mypany. I¡¯m off-duty today.¡± Su Ming blinked, momentarily unsure how to respond. ¡°Someone¡¯s waiting for me at Guoxing Building¡¯s entrance.¡± Wang Kai nodded and agreed, ¡°Alright, Mr. Wang, let¡¯s head to Guoxing Building first.¡± The driver acknowledged and drove straight to Guoxing Building, which was actually quite nearby. In less than ten minutes, they reached Guoxing Building. Both Wang Kai and Su Ming exited the vehicle. Wang Kai stood at the building entrance, scanning his surroundings with a puzzled expression. Wang Kai furrowed his brow and turned to Su Ming, asking, ¡°Old Su, where¡¯s the person you¡¯re meeting?¡± Su Ming patted Wang Kai¡¯s shoulder and pointed ahead, ¡°They¡¯re right over there.¡± Wang Kai was momentarily taken aback, only then realizing that there was a construction crew working on a wall nearby. It dawned on Wang Kai that Su Ming was involved in construction work. Despite the strenuousbor involved, construction workers earned substantial wages; skilled workers could even earn tens of thousands of yuan per month. Chapter 66 C66 ¨C Wang Kai Fell into Self-doubt Wang Kai sighed and shook his head. ¡°Old Su, it¡¯s too hard to work at the construction site.¡± Wang Kai patted Su Ming¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stop. I¡¯ll introduce you to a jobter. The sry of that job is no less than what you earn at the construction site. At least the workce is indoors, and there is air conditioning.¡± The two of them chatted as they walked forward. Not long after they walked, the person in charge saw Su Ming and hurriedly ran over. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The person in charge looked at Su Ming and said with a smile, ¡°The wall is almost finished. Are you satisfied?¡± Su Ming looked around. The wall was three meters tall and was wrapped in barbed wire. Whether it was confidentiality or safety, it was very high. There was a big metal door on the wall. It was thick and heavy and there was a back door behind it. ¡°I¡¯m very satisfied.¡± Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± ¡°You¡¯re too polite. This is what we should do!¡± The manager hurriedly said, ¡°We asked you toe back this time mainly to discuss some details of the wall with you.¡± ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Wang Kai blinked at the side. ¡°Old Su, are you the contractor?¡± ¡°No.¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. ¡°Then why did they report to you about the construction of the wall?¡± Wang Kai was a little stunned. ¡°Because thisnd belongs to him.¡± The person in charge looked at Wang Kai and exined without hesitation. ¡°So thisnd belongs to you. Then you are the recipient. It¡¯s normal for them to report to you.¡± Wang Kai suddenly understood and nodded. He touched his chin. Suddenly, Wang Kai reacted. ¡°Wait a minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡± ¡°You¡­!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡± Wang Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at the person in charge. ¡°Say that again. What did you say?¡± The person in charge was shocked and took a step back. ¡°Thisnd belongs to Mr. Su.¡± The person in charge repeated what he had just said. Wang Kai said in shock, ¡°Old Su, thisnd is yours? Don¡¯t joke with me!¡± ¡°Thisnd is indeed mine.¡± Su Ming scratched his head and said. Wang Kai was stunned. It had been two months since Wang Kai returned. Even if he didn¡¯te back, he knew that thend in the center of any city wouldn¡¯t be cheap, let alone in Eastsea City. Eastsea City was a first-tier city of the country. It was near the sea, and its trade economy was highly developed. Thend in the center of Eastsea City was even more expensive. This piece ofnd worth ten billion was actually Su Ming¡¯s? Wang Kai¡¯s eyes widened. He couldn¡¯t say anything. Su Mingughed and patted Wang Kai¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why are you so surprised? Isn¡¯t this just a piece ofnd?¡± Wang Kai couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Do you know how much this piece ofnd is worth? It¡¯s worth at least ten billion!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Su Ming blinked. Wang Kai thought about how he was going to introduce Su Ming to a job, and he felt a little embarrassed. Although Wang Kai didn¡¯t have any intention of mocking or looking down on Su Ming, he genuinely wanted to help Su Ming. However, Wang Kai still felt a little embarrassed. Wang Kai originally thought that he had some achievements now. Butpared to Su Ming, he was too weak. Wang Kai decided not to think too much about it for the time being. ¡°Old Su, this piece ofnd is very valuable. Don¡¯t sell it. You have to rent it out.¡± Wang Kai suddenly thought of something and said in a hurry. The rent of such an expensive piece ofnd in the city center was very high. Su Ming could use this piece ofnd as coteral and invest in other industries. Even if he failed, he was not afraid. Moreover, in the current society, the probability of failure in the investment industry was rtively low. As long as he wasn¡¯t greedy, he wouldn¡¯t fail. ¡°I won¡¯t sell it, but I won¡¯t rent it out either.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Then what are you going to do with it? Are you going to develop thisnd yourself?¡± Wang Kai was stunned for a moment. He thought that Su Ming had built a wall here to develop this piece ofnd. Perhaps Su Ming nned to build amercial building or a mall here. ¡°I n to use it to farm.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Farming?¡± Wang Kai was stunned again. Su Ming used the ten billion yuan worth ofnd in the city center to farm! If Su Ming rented out this piece ofnd, the rent for a year would be enough for him to contract a lot ofnd in the countryside. It would be a waste for him to do so. Wang Kai suddenly remembered that Su Ming had told him that he was farming in the city center while he was eating hotpot with him. Wang Kai had thought that it was a joke. But now, he realized that Su Ming was telling the truth. Wang Kai was so shocked that he couldn¡¯t speak. Seeing Wang Kai like this, Su Ming smiled and patted Wang Kai¡¯s shoulder. Su Ming said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Wang Kai said in shock, ¡°You¡¯re using thend in the center of the city worth ten billion to farm?¡± As Su Ming¡¯s good friend, Wang Kai knew Su Ming¡¯s family situation very well. He knew that Su Ming¡¯s family situation was not good, and his parents were farmers. But now, Su Ming owned this piece ofnd worth ten billion. This matter shocked him. Wang Kai suddenly felt that even if he won a hundred million yuan lottery, he would still be very calm. Su Ming smiled faintly and said to the person in charge, ¡°You guys decide the details. I will only farm inside and do nothing else.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The person in charge hurriedly nodded in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s go in and chat.¡± Su Ming patted Wang Kai¡¯s shoulder and walked towards the thatched hut. Wang Kai was stunned when he saw the nearly two acres of wheat field. However, Wang Kai didn¡¯t say anything. Su Ming opened the door as he approached the thatched house. After looking at theputer, Wang Kai said, ¡°This is a top-of-the-line TV, right? This water-cooled set costs more than thirty thousand. You must be happy ying games on this TV, right?¡± Su Mingughed. He was d that Wang Kai did not alienate him because of his sudden increase in value. Chapter 67 C67 ¨C Su Ming with His System Was Powerful Wang Kai was worried that Su Ming would be humiliated by Sun Ming at the high school reunion. Now, Wang Kai was not worried at all. With Sun Ming¡¯s status, he was not worth mentioning in front of Su Ming. Su Ming walked to the box in the corner. He opened the box and took something out. ¡°Take it.¡± Su Ming ced these things in front of Wang Kai. Wang Kai was stunned for a while. He looked down. ¡°This is Wanbao Dragon¡¯s pen? Isn¡¯t this a limited edition from a few years ago? I heard that the inner core of this pen is made of gold, and the outer shell is made of sapphire.¡± ¡°Is this bracelet made of red sandalwood? Just the value of this bracelet is equivalent to an apartment in the outer ring.¡± Wang Kai was shocked when he saw the things Su Ming casually ced in front of him. However, he quickly calmed down this time. Compared to this piece ofnd that was worth ten billion, these things were nothing. ¡°Alright.¡± Wang Kai did not stand on ceremony. ¡°Then I¡¯ll ept it.¡± In any case, their rtionship was very good. This was something that could not be measured by money. They sat in the room and chatted for a while. Just as they were about to go out for a drink and a midnight snack, Wang Kai¡¯s phone rang. After answering the phone, Wang Kai frowned. ¡°I can¡¯t have supper with you tonight. My client has a problem. I have to hurry over.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll send you there.¡± Su Ming sent Wang Kai to the door. After the driver picked him up, they left. The construction outside was still going on. After Su Ming prepared supper for the workers, he went back to sleep. Early the next morning, Su Ming opened his eyes. After the three-meter-high wall was built, this ce was really safe. In order to prevent the noise of the vi from affecting Su Ming, the workers surrounded the vi area and left a passage on the outer wall for them to enter and exit. After the vi was built, they would dismantle the two walls in the courtyard, and the temporary passage would be closed. These workers were indeed professional. They were very thoughtful. Su Ming entered the grape field. The grapes were already ripe, but they were still green. ¡°It has been detected that you will be participating in the student gathering. In order to help you, the ripening time of the crops will be reduced by 40!¡± Su Ming blinked and was stunned for a moment. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. He didn¡¯t expect the System to be so human-like. It even had such a function. Originally, the grapes would not ripen until tomorrow night, but they would ripen this afternoon. Moreover, the things growing on these grapes this time were definitely good things. After all, he was going to take them to the reunion to show off. Su Ming was really looking forward to this year¡¯s grape harvest. What would he harvest? Su Ming, who was in a good mood, no longer felt sleepy. He yed games in the room all morning. Su Ming didn¡¯te out in a hurry until the afternoon. ording to his calctions, the grapes should have already ripened. From a distance, the ground was still green. When Su Ming stepped into the ground, the grape trellis appeared in front of him. He didn¡¯t see any ripe grapes. Su Ming blinked. The scene in front of him stunned him. There were actually car keys growing on the grape arbor one after another. Su Ming thought for a moment. The car keys were not cars, so what could they be used for? Even if the System gave him a car key, what could he do? Could it be that the System had malfunctioned this time? That shouldn¡¯t be the case. In order to let him shine at the reunion tonight, the System specially shortened the time for the crops to mature. Su Ming blinked and reached out to pick up a car key. ¡°You have already received the Audi A6L¡¯s car key!¡± ¡°The purchase contract has been generated, and the insurance is in effect. The details of the purchase have beenpleted, and the identity of the purchase has been confirmed!¡± ¡°Please go to Longxing Motors and receive your car with your ID!¡± The moment Su Ming received the car keys, three notifications suddenly rang out in his mind. Su Ming was stunned. So that was what was going on. Su Ming had really wronged the System. Although he only got the car key, a car key meant a car. When he took out the car keys, the System would automatically help him buy a car. All the details would be handled by the System. All he needed to do was take his ID and get the car. Su Ming blinked and looked at the two acres ofnd. There were hundreds of vines here. Each vine had a key. This meant that he had obtained hundreds of cars. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but swallow. Hundreds of cars! Longxing Motors was located in the suburbs, and it was thergest car dealership in the area. There were cars driven by ordinary people here, as well as sports cars that were worth tens of millions. However, Longxing Motors didn¡¯t have hundreds of cars! When Su Ming thought of this, he couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. He reached out and grabbed another key. ¡°You¡¯ve already got the key to the Audi A8!¡± ¡°The purchase contract has been generated, the insurance has taken effect, and the details of the purchase have beenpleted. The identity of the purchase has been confirmed!¡± ¡°Please go to Longxing Motors and receive your car with your ID!¡± Audi again? Su Ming was stunned for a moment. Could it be that these hundreds of cars were all Audi? Su Ming took another key. It was still the key to the Audi. However, each car¡¯s model was different. Su Ming took out more than 20 car keys. All of them were Audi. Su Ming had been a car salesman before. The more than 20 Audi models were all different, but they were all ssic Audi models. Su Ming suddenly owned so many Audi cars. Su Ming thought that in the future, he would be very conflicted because it would be very difficult for him to decide which car to drive out! Su Ming suddenly experienced the trouble of the ancient emperor choosing his concubines. ¡°Please, I already have more than 20 Audi cars. I don¡¯t need Audi cars anymore.¡± Needless to say, the quality of the Audi cars was indeed very good. But ordinary people don¡¯t need so many Audi cars. In the future, if Su Ming built a parking lot full of Audi cars, this scene would definitely be very funny. He didn¡¯t feel happy at all. Su Ming looked at the remaining car keys. They were all white and looked exactly the same. He would only know what kind of car keys they were when Su Ming took them off. Chapter 68 C68 ¨C Su Ming Had Lots of Luxury Cars Just as Su Ming was about to take down a car key, the beep finally changed. What he got was not an Audi, but a BMW. Su Ming heaved a heavy sigh of relief. This was a good thing. This meant that the car keys here included various brands. However, Su Ming was currently driving a BMW. Although the price of Su Ming¡¯s BMW wasn¡¯t high, the quality was not bad. Although some time ago, the news always reported that the BMW had all kinds of problems. But how could there be problems with the things the System gave Su Ming? Since Su Ming had already confirmed it, a new brand would appear every once in a while. Su Ming was suddenly motivated. He hurried back into the house and took out a stic bag. The stic bag was a little worn out. It was left behind when Su Ming went to the supermarket to buy things some time ago. Su Ming threw all the car keys in it and then hurriedly began to pick up other car keys. Sure enough, he got 20 BMWs. ¡°You have already obtained the Ferrari 488 key!¡± A brand new notification suddenly sounded, causing Su Ming to be stunned. Ferrari! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. Ferrari 488. It was worth more than four million, and it was a real luxury car. This was not something that a BMW or Audi worth hundreds of thousands couldpare to. Su Ming hurriedly reached for the next car key. Sure enough, this car key was the Ferrari key again. One after another. Su Ming actually owned all the sports cars of the Ferrari. Moreover, these Ferrari cars were all ssic models and new models. After obtaining so many Ferrari cars, Su Ming¡¯s motivation was even greater. The remaining few hundred car keys corresponded to luxury cars. There were Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini. As long as it was a famous luxury car in this world, Su Ming owned it. The most exaggerated one was a Koenigsegg. When this car was first released, it caused quite a stir. It was a limited edition, and there were only six of them in the world. When this car was sold, its price was over a hundred million. When Su Ming was selling cars, he had a detailed understanding of the performance of this car. It had a V8 turbocharged engine with a power of 986 kilowatts. The power of this car and the weight of its body were exactly 1: 1, which was the origin of its name. Its top speed could reach 450 kilometers per hour, and its eleration time was also the shortest. When its speed was 100 kilometers per hour, its braking distance was only 28 meters. It could be said that this car was one of the top sports cars in the world. This car was definitely a dream car for Su Ming in the past. However, the keys to this car were now lying quietly in Su Ming¡¯s hands. The contract had been formed. The purchase had beenpleted. As long as Su Ming held his ID card and the key, he could drive the car out. After a long time, Su Ming suddenly sighed. A car was a man¡¯s eternal pursuit. When men had money, they liked to buy luxury cars. But now, Su Ming owned hundreds of cars at once, and most of them were luxury cars. Su Ming suddenly felt that his life was a little boring. Before he could enjoy the pleasure of buying a car, the System gave him hundreds of luxury cars. He would never have the chance to buy a car again. The System had arranged everything for him. Su Ming did not leave his house and sat on everything. Was this the trouble of the rich? Su Ming suddenly understood what the trouble of the rich was. Moreover, the Koenigsegg that the System gave him was not only a limited edition car, but also the car with the highest configuration. Su Ming didn¡¯t know how high his price was, but it was definitely an astronomical figure. Not to mention anything else, if even a piece of paint was scraped off this car, the loss would be equivalent to a Rolls Royce Phantom. ¡°You have sessfully harvested the crops. You have received 480 experience points!¡± ¡°Congrattions, host, for sessfully leveling up. You have received a lottery ticket!¡± Farmer: Su Ming. Level: Lv3. Experience: 1290 / 5000 Farm: Level One. Skill: Blessing from nts receives 0.1 yuan per second. Su Ming was overjoyed. He had leveled up. This made him much happier than giving him a luxury car. Su Ming took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together. ¡°I want to draw!¡± Su Ming said in his mind. ¡°I¡¯m drawing.¡± ¡°Congrattions, host, for obtaining the Initial Scanning Ability!¡± Scanning function. Su Ming was stunned. What did that mean? What was it used for? Could it be that he had be a scanner? Su Ming blinked his eyes. He looked down at his shoes. ¡°Turn on the scanning function.¡± ¡°The scanning function has been activated!¡± Slippers, rubber products, worn out by 30%, price: 5 yuan! Su Ming was stunned. He could not help but feel happy. This function surprised him! This meant that he had a pair of Fiery Eyes of Truth. Su Ming suddenly thought that he could use this function to scan the lottery ticket. This might give him an unexpected fortune. Just as Su Ming was rejoicing, his phone suddenly rang. He took it out and saw that it was his own rm clock. Su Ming blinked his eyes and ignored the withered vines on the ground. He went back to his room and washed up briefly. He looked at the time and saw that the 4S store was still open. Su Ming only took the keys to the Koenigseach and took a taxi. If he drove the BMW there, he wouldn¡¯t be able to drive it back. Su Ming arrived and paid for the taxi. Then he went into the 4S store in his slippers. Su Ming had been here before. At that time, he had apanied his boss. At that time, when his boss went in to discuss business, he just stood at the door and took a casual look. However, this time, Su Ming came to pick up the car, so he could naturally take a good look around this ce. The hall on the first floor was one or two thousand square meters. He could see cars everywhere. There was a sign in front of each car that introduced the price and performance of this car. There were quite a lot of people inside,ing and going. Su Ming thought that at least one or two salespeople would pour him a ss of water or introduce him to cars. However, after a few salespeople nced at Su Ming, they automatically ignored him. Su Ming didn¡¯t care. He felt more at ease alone. In any case, he still had enough time. He could take a look at the car he had harvested. After all, these cars would be parked in his big garage in the future. Chapter 69 C69 ¨C A Thief He looked first at the BMW and then at the Audi. Su Ming roughly remembered the models. What gave Su Ming the biggest headache now was the location of the parking lot. If he built a parking lot in the suburbs, it wouldn¡¯t cost much. But it was too far from the city and inconvenient. It seemed that he could only dig out the entire piece ofnd in the city center and build a parking lot. He had to dig at least six, seven, or even more than ten meters underground, or else it would affect his farming. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but sigh. It seemed that he could only tell the construction team about this when he returned. Just as Su Ming was strolling around, he suddenly heard someone chatting next to him. A man and a woman were looking at a BMW worth more than 500,000 yuan. When they saw Su Ming, the two of them were stunned for a moment. ¡°Darling, why don¡¯t we change cars?¡± The woman looked at Su Ming and hesitated for a moment before speaking very, very softly. The man was stunned for a moment. They had spent a long time choosing the car. ¡°Don¡¯t you like this car very much?¡± The man was a little stunned and blinked his eyes. ¡°I wanted to spend more money to buy a good car, but you see¡­¡± After the woman finished speaking, her gaze fell on Su Ming meaningfully. The meaning behind her words was very obvious. If even someone dressed in such shabby clothes came to buy this kind of car, then they naturally had to buy an even more expensive car. Otherwise, they would be too embarrassed. ¡°Hubby, we are not poor. At most, we can use all that money to buy a car worth one or two million yuan.¡± ¡°I think the car next door is pretty good. At least, it¡¯s not verymon. This can make us very proud.¡± The woman¡¯s voice was not loud. She deliberately lowered her voice. The couple had several restaurants in their house. They were quite rich and made a lot of money. They had been driving a car that cost hundreds of thousands of yuan. Now that they were rich, they were ready to change to a better car. They had taken a fancy to a BMW that cost more than 700,000 yuan. It was not bad. However, the woman found that there was a young man in ordinary clothes standing next to her. He wanted to buy the same car as her. This woman either looked down on Su Ming because he had no money or felt a little unhappy. This BMW cost more than 700,000 yuan. Although it was expensive, it was actually verymon. If they added some money to buy a sports car that cost one or two million yuan, it would make them more proud. If they didn¡¯t drive luxury cars, how would others know that they were rich and capable? The man thought for a while and touched his chin, ¡°My dear, you are right. No matter what, we have opened a few shops. After a while, we need to discuss with others about opening new stores. We can¡¯t buy cheap cars. You are right.¡± With that, the man turned around and looked at the vice manager who was smiling beside him. ¡°Manager Zhou, I¡¯m really sorry. We won¡¯t buy this car anymore. Thank you for introducing us so much information about it.¡± Before the deputy manager could react, the couple left. Why did they just leave? If it wasn¡¯t for his professionalism, the deputy manager would have scolded them. The couple had beening to their store for the past half month. Every time, the deputy manager would receive them with a smile. However, the couple actually said that they didn¡¯t want to buy it. Although the car wasn¡¯t expensive, it was at least 800 thousand. This wasn¡¯t a small deal. As the deputy manager, hismission was already high. If he helped the couple apply for insurance, he could get at least a thousand yuan ofmission. However, the couple actually left. Manager Zhou was very angry. The couple checked the car and only needed to sign to pay. In the end, he changed his mind after taking a look at Su Ming, causing him to lose a big client. He thought today was a good day, but in the end, he got nothing. He couldn¡¯t help but not sell the car, but instead gave hispetitor an opportunity. Manager Zhou¡¯s eyes were about to spit fire. Normally, Manager Zhou would not be so irrational. After all, he was a businessman. Even if a beggar came to buy a car, he should still treat him politely. More importantly, Manager Zhou had worked hard for half a month, and it was not easy for him to reap the rewards, but now the results belonged to someone else. Who could stand such a thing? He stared at Su Ming. ¡°Who are you? What right do you have toe to our 4S store to look at cars?¡± ¡°Why did you have to disrupt my business at this time?¡± ¡°I¡¯m so angry!¡± Manager Zhou clenched his fists and forcefully suppressed his anger. However, he had no choice. No matter how angry he was, he had to endure it because Su Ming was a customer. Manager Zhou turned around angrily and walked over in big strides. Su Ming had no idea that such a change would ur just because he casually nced at it. He thought, This has nothing to do with me. I¡¯m innocent. Although my clothes are very ordinary, everyone wears them like this. Manager Zhou walked to the door and mmed the table heavily, startling the two security guards who were ying with their phones. ¡°You two useless pieces of trash. Thepany spent a few thousand yuan to hire you to be security guards. Did they ask you to y with your phones at the door?¡± ¡°What?¡± Seeing Manager Zhou¡¯s furious look, the two security guards were stunned for a while. Wasn¡¯t it always like this? This was because the 4S store sold cars. They would only appear when someone caused trouble. It was so safe now. No one was causing trouble, so they had nothing to do. Why was Manager Zhou so angry? ¡°Our 4S store is the biggest local store. Those whoe are regr customers. Not everyone cane in as they please.¡± ¡°Look, that man is wearing a pair of slippers and his feet are covered in mud. Why did hee in? How did you let him in?¡± ¡°He might be a thief. If we lose our things, it¡¯s all your fault. Let me tell you, I¡¯ll give you five minutes to solve this problem!¡± ¡°If we lose anything, all of you get lost!¡± Manager Zhou was filled with anger. He could not vent it on others, so he could only roar at the two security guards. Then, he swung his sleeves and turned around to leave. There were a lot of people at the door. When they heard this, they all turned to look in Su Ming¡¯s direction. When they saw Su Ming, they were all on guard. They thought to themselves: Could he really be a thief? Chapter 70 C70 ¨C I¡¯ll Give You Two Bottles of Mineral Water It wasn¡¯t that they had never encountered inconspicuously wealthy individuals. Some affluent people preferred dressing in in attire¡ªundershirts, shorts, and slippers¡ªgiving the impression of ordinary pedestrians while concealing their true wealth. However, what set these individuals apart was their age; they were all over fifty years old, exhibiting signs of aging like white hair and hunched backs. When a young person possessed wealth, they tended to showcase it. Their clothing wasn¡¯t ordinary, and they would typically sport an expensive wristwatch at the very least. Have you ever seen a young, affluent man d in everyday attire and mud-stained slippers? Their reluctance to mingle with themon folk wasn¡¯t due to disdain but rather because Su Ming¡¯s business had been ruined by the manager. Consequently, they vented their frustrations on Su Ming. The two security guards stood up, their annoyance evident. ¡°Who is he? When did he manage to sneak in?¡± ¡°Look at his muddy feet. Let¡¯s not dirty the car.¡± ¡°My dad pulled some strings to get me this security guard job. If I get fired, it¡¯ll be a big loss for me.¡± ¡°He¡¯s heading toward the Porsche!¡± Witnessing this, the two security guards were suddenly filled with trepidation. If any harm befell the Porsche, both would be held ountable. This person didn¡¯t appear affluent at all. Manager Zhou would undoubtedly shift the me forx supervision onto themter. It was even possible that the manager might dock their sries! The two security guards exchanged nces and hastened toward Su Ming. Su Ming was gazing at the car. He mused, ¡°Is this the Porsche 488? It looks splendid. I could give it to Dad.¡± As he continued walking, he pondered, ¡°Why does this Porsche seem so familiar? Wasn¡¯t this the same Porsche Wang Kai coveted in high school? Although six years have passed, this car is still quite popr. I should consider giving it to Wang Kai; he¡¯d be thrilled.¡± Su Ming was lost in thought when he suddenly heard the approach of two sets of footsteps. He was taken aback. Could it be that the salesperson had finally noticed him and wasing over to assist? Su Ming turned around, but his brow furrowed slightly. Two security guards were ring at him with hostility. Their eyes burned with anger. Su Ming found it hard to believe they were here to provide assistance. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Su Ming mulled it over briefly, but the answer remained elusive. The two security guards approached Su Ming, scanning him from head to toe. One positioned himself in front, while the other quietly circled around behind. ¡°What do you want?¡± the front guard inquired with a puzzled expression. His words were not problematic, but his tone was off-putting. It carried a hint of rudeness and a veiled warning. Were they assisting customers or interrogating suspects? ¡°I¡¯m just browsing,¡± Su Ming replied with a faint smile. His words were devoid of emotion. He intended to discern the intentions of the two security guards. ¡°Is that so?¡± The two security guards exchanged nces, saying, ¡°We apologize, sir. Your attire is not suitable. Please leave.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°If I were here to purchase a car, would you entertain me?¡± ¡°What?¡± The two security guards were dumbfounded. ¡°Is he here to collect the car?¡± The two security guards suddenly found themselves uncertain. They blinked and instinctively nced at Manager Zhou, who stood nearby. Manager Zhou appeared somewhat bewildered. He imed to be here for the car pickup? Could that be true? Manager Zhou, the store¡¯s deputy manager and one of its sales representatives, was responsible for documenting every car sale. Manager Zhou furrowed his brow as he pondered. There hadn¡¯t been many car pickups today, and as far as he recalled, there weren¡¯t any scheduled for the afternoon. Could he be mistaken? Manager Zhou considered this for a moment, then consulted the registry. Upon close examination, he found no record of such a pickup. Manager Zhou smirked and nced at the two security guards, shaking his head slightly. The two security guards regained theirposure upon witnessing this. It seemed this young man was fabricating a story. ¡°So, are you indeed here to collect a car today?¡± One of the security guards sneered and inquired, ¡°Then tell us, what kind of car did you purchase from us? When did you make the purchase? How much did it cost? You should have that information, right?¡± ¡°You¡¯re just security guards. Do you have the authority to pry into my private matters?¡± Su Ming retorted with a sneer. Since they showed no respect, he saw no reason to extend any courtesy to them. The security guard taunted, ¡°Kid, the most affordable car in our dealership costs over a hundred thousand yuan. Do you make over a hundred thousand yuan a year? Are you making that kind of money through manualbor? If so, you¡¯ve certainly worked hard. It¡¯s best if you leave now. Don¡¯t create trouble here.¡± ¡°Over a hundred thousand for the cheapest car!¡± Su Ming blinked in astonishment. His funds could easily buy numerous cars from this dealership. It became clear to Su Ming. They were underestimating him. Su Ming was dressed casually, donning a pair of slippers with a few specks of mud on them. No wonder the two security guards were eager to shoo him away. Little did Su Ming know that this was merely an excuse and justification. The real reason was that when the couple had spotted Su Ming earlier, they had changed their ns, causing Manager Zhou to lose a significant amount of money. Otherwise, Su Ming would have been treated fairly here. They extended courteous treatment to anyone genuinely interested in purchasing a car. Evenborers looking to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning in the showroom received good treatment. As long as they didn¡¯t cause any trouble. Yet, they couldn¡¯t offer Su Ming the same treatment. That was because Su Ming had incurred the wrath of their leader. These two security guards earned only a modest monthly sry. But the crux of the matter was that Su Ming had offended their superior, forcing them to follow orders. ¡°Young man, it¡¯s natural for someone your age to have an interest in cars.¡± ¡°However, no matter what, you can¡¯t afford a car. You might consider finding work on a construction site and earn some more money.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a cool ce, shopping malls or the underground mall are good options. They have excellent air conditioning.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t linger here and disrupt our business.¡± The security guard standing in front of Su Ming advised. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work out, I¡¯ll give you two bottles of mineral water,¡± the security guard added when Su Ming remained silent. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smile upon hearing the offer of mineral water. Chapter 71 C71 ¨C Don¡¯t You Regret It ¡°Are you here to collect your vehicle?¡± Manager Zhou studied Su Ming for a moment and couldn¡¯t resist approaching. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming nodded casually. ¡°I manage this dealership, responsible for the sales records of all the cars here, yet I don¡¯t recall seeing your name,¡± Manager Zhou stated with a hint of mockery. ¡°Are you certain?¡± Su Ming responded with a smile. ¡°Of course,¡± Manager Zhou replied coldly. Su Ming maintained his smile and asked, ¡°I¡¯ll give you one final opportunity. Are you absolutely sure?¡± Manager Zhou¡¯s irritation began to show. ¡°Why all this needless talk?¡± Su Ming¡¯s smile remained faint. ¡°I provided you with a chance to reconsider. If you don¡¯t value it, don¡¯t me me.¡± ¡°Why are you being so talkative?¡± Manager Zhou¡¯s patience wore thin. ¡°If you wish to explore, feel free. We have numerous Volkswagen vehicles over there for you to peruse.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t an appropriate ce for you.¡± ¡°Moreover, you¡¯re wearing slippers.¡± ¡°Your sloppy attire drove away a client I had been serving for half a month. I¡¯ve lost a fifty-thousand-yuanmission because of this!¡± Manager Zhou vented his frustration. Su Ming finally grasped the situation. ¡°Ah, now I see.¡± It finally dawned on Su Ming. ¡°No wonder those two security guards were so hostile towards me.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s the reason.¡± Su Ming found it rather amusing. ¡°You couldn¡¯t retain the client¡¯s interest, and yet you¡¯re ming me?¡± ¡°Is there a rule against wearing slippers?¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave then?¡± Manager Zhou angrily pointed to the door. ¡°Alright, no regrets.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly and turned to depart. Manager Zhou sneered at Su Ming¡¯s words. ¡°Regrets?¡± ¡°How could I possibly regret it?¡± ¡°Who do you think you are? How could you make me regret it?¡± ¡°I am, after all, the dealership¡¯s manager.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re just a sloppily dressed individual.¡± ¡°Can you make me regret it?!¡± ¡°Manager, he¡¯s left now. Please calm down.¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s not stoop to his level.¡± The two security guards quickly chimed in. ¡°In the future, refrain from ying with your phones by the door. Keep your eyes wide open and remain vignt. Don¡¯t allow anyone unauthorized to enter. Understood?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The two security guards eagerly cated the manager. With the manager¡¯s anger subsiding, there wasn¡¯t much they could do. Manager Zhou sneered as he watched Su Ming¡¯s departing figure. His anger had somewhat abated. He turned and headed straight to the second-floor office. Su Ming remained unperturbed. After all, Su Ming used to be a car salesman. The car purchase agreement typically stipted that the car dealership would incur substantial penalty fees if they failed to deliver the vehicle within the contractually agreed-upon timeframe. This penalty was by no means insignificant. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Manager Zhao¡¯s reaction would be when he learned the truth. Would hee to regret his decision? Meanwhile, in a luxurious clubhouse, a corpulent middle-aged man lounged on a sofa, nked by two attractivepanions. Seated across from him was a sycophantic young man. ¡°Manager Zhao¡­¡± The young man grinned. Zhao Yui chuckled. ¡°No worries, you can report to work tomorrow.¡± ¡°Thank you, Manager Zhao!¡± The young man beamed with gratitude, promptly pouring a ss of red wine for Zhao Yui. Just then, the room¡¯s door suddenly swung open, crashing against the wall and startling everyone present. ¡°Secretary Chen? What¡¯s going on?¡± Zhao Yui furrowed his brow and directed his attention to Secretary Chen. Secretary Chen had served as his subordinate for many years, consistently adhering to protocols. It must be something significant for him to appear so flustered. ¡°Manager Zhao, we¡¯ve received an unusually high volume of orders all of a sudden!¡± Secretary Chen panted as he spoke. ¡°Why is that surprising?¡± Manager Zhao heaved a sigh of relief and nonchntly remarked, ¡°It¡¯s not unusual for our car dealership to receive orders.¡± ¡°No, Manager!¡± Secretary Chen persisted, his voice trembling. ¡°Manager, someone has ced orders for over four hundred vehicles and a Koenigsegg from our dealership simultaneously.¡± ¡°What!¡± Zhao Yui was utterly stunned. He pushed the twopanions away and rushed to his feet. ¡°What did you say? Say it again!¡± Secretary Chen pointed at the door and replied, ¡°Manager, those are all orders.¡± A massive cardboard box stood at the entrance. Opening it, Zhao Yui discovered a plethora of vehicle orders. He hastily examined them and found they were all signed contracts and car invoices. There were several hundred orders inside. Zhao Yui questioned, ¡°Why was I unaware of so many contracts being signed in our dealership at once?¡± ¡°Manager, this customer didn¡¯t visit our dealership to sign these contracts.¡± Zhao Yui frowned and asked, ¡°He didn¡¯te to our dealership?¡± ¡°Manager Zhao, these are contracts from the headquarters. I¡¯ve already confirmed with the headquarters that the cars were purchased by a mysterious buyer.¡± ¡°However, this buyer resides here, so he acquired our vehicles directly from the headquarters.¡± ¡°During a vehicle purchase, the buyer is required to provide their identity information. Here¡¯s the buyer¡¯s identity.¡± As Secretary Chen exined, he handed a document to Zhao Yui. Zhao Yui promptly opened the document, revealing that the buyer was a remarkably young man. In the buyer¡¯s photograph, the young man wore a smile. The buyer¡¯s name on the invoice was Su Ming. Examining the date, Zhao Yui noted that today was the scheduled day for vehicle collection. Zhao Yui was profoundly astonished. Who was this young man? How could he possess such formidable financial resources? If Su Ming had purchased over four hundred vehicles, each worth hundreds of thousands of yuan, simultaneously, he would have been considered a significant client. However, the situation was far more astonishing. Every vehicle in this purchase agreement was a luxury model. Today, Su Ming had bought nearly every high-end vehicle avable at their dealership. ¡°Manager Zhao?¡± Observing Manager Zhao¡¯s shocked expression as he held the invoice, Secretary Chen whispered, ¡°Our dealership will close in under two hours.¡± ¡°Immediately call Zhou Hai and instruct him to keep the dealership opente tonight. No one is to close it without my explicit order.¡± Chapter 72 C72 ¨C So What! ¡°Yes!¡± Secretary Chen hurriedly replied and then called Zhou Hai. Zhou Hai was sulking in his office. Although he had chased Su Ming away, he had indeed lost a business deal. The most important thing was that the two customers had some reputation in the business circle. If they told others about what happened today, it might affect his business in the future. The more Zhou Hai thought about it, the angrier he became. He mmed the table heavily. Just as he was getting angry, his phone rang. He picked up his phone and saw that it was a call from Secretary Chen. Zhou Hai stood up in surprise. He coughed and picked up the phone. Under normal circumstances, the reason why Secretary Chen called him was because the general manager wanted to talk to him about something. Don¡¯t be fooled by the fact that he was the vice president. There seemed to be only a Level One between him and the general manager. In fact, his status was much lower than Zhao Yui¡¯s. Because Zhao Yui was sent by the headquarters. Zhao Yui had a deep background and powerful strength. As for him, he had been promoted from a small employee to the position of vice president. This was already the greatest achievement in his career. The starting point of other people¡¯s careers had already surpassed the end of his career. This was the reality of the world. ¡°Secretary Chen, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Zhou Hai asked politely after picking up the phone. ¡°Manager Zhou, the general manager said not to close the shop today. When will it close?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Zhou Hai hurriedly agreed, ¡°But can I ask why?¡± ¡°Because an important guest bought more than 400 luxury cars in our shop today.¡± ¡°What?¡± Zhou Hai was also stunned: ¡°That¡¯s impossible. If the customer buys a car, I will personally register it.¡± ¡°Manager Zhou, the esteemed guest bought the car directly from headquarters, so you don¡¯t know. The purchase contract and documents have already been sent over from headquarters. Get ready.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Zhou Hai hurriedly nodded and hung up the phone. This was a very distinguished guest! He hurriedly walked in front of the mirror and tidied up his suit and tie. This guest was too rich! He actually bought more than 400 luxury cars in their shop. Even if he drove one car a day, it would take him more than a year to drive all these cars. Today, he had to serve this VIP well! Thinking of this, Zhou Hai took a deep breath and nodded his head heavily. He looked at himself in the mirror, who was still quite handsome, then pushed open the door and walked out in big strides, full of energy. The two security guards at the door had already put away their phones. When they saw Zhou Hai walk out, they looked at each other. What was going on? Zhou Hai was furious a moment ago, but now he was so happy? ¡°All employees, please gather in the hall. We have a meeting!¡± Zhou Hai walked to the front desk and shouted through the loudspeaker. Many employees could not help but be stunned when they heard this. It was time to go to work. Didn¡¯t meetings usually take ce before or after work in the morning? Meeting now would affect their business. There were also several sales representatives who were introducing the cars to the customers. When they heard the notice, they were embarrassed. They could only apologize to the customers and then rush over. ¡°There will be a distinguished guesting to our shopter.¡± Zhou Hai tidied up his suit and said excitedly, ¡°This distinguished guest bought more than 400 luxury cars in our shop.¡± When everyone heard this, they could not help but suck in a breath of cold air. This esteemed guest bought more than 400 luxury cars at the same time? Why did he buy so many cars? He was too rich! Forget it, the thoughts of the rich were unpredictable. ¡°I won¡¯t say anything else.¡± ¡°Hurry up and put away your phones. Let me know as soon as you notice an important guest.¡± Zhou Hai looked at the two security guards. ¡°Yes!¡± The two security guards hurriedly replied. This was a big deal! If they were not careful, they might be fired. ¡°You must be carefulter.¡± Zhou Hai looked at the other salesmen and said, ¡°The three of you are the best salesmen, and you know more about the performance of the car. When the distinguished guest arrives, you will serve him throughout the process.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Zhou Hai heaved a sigh of relief after making all the necessary arrangements. At this time, Su Ming had already walked to the door and took a taxi. He went straight to the party. When he arrived at the hotel, he found Wang Kai standing at the door. ¡°Old Su.¡± When Wang Kai saw Su Ming, he walked up to him and patted his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a long time. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me upstairs?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. ¡°I can¡¯t stand the atmosphere upstairs.¡± Wang Kai shook his head. ¡°Someone is bragging in the room. I can¡¯t stand it.¡± Su Mingughed. He naturally knew who Wang Kai was talking about. Sure enough, as soon as they arrived at the door, they heard someoneughing loudly inside. ¡°I only have time to meet everyone this month. Next month, I will be going abroad. My family is preparing to open a Trade Company overseas. By that time, I will be busy¡­¡± It was ss Rep Sun¡¯s voice. Su Ming and Wang Kai looked at each other, smiled faintly, and pushed the door open. It was a private room with a total of five big tables inside. The table in the middle was the most full. There was not a single empty seat. Sun Ming was sitting at the head of the table, his face full of excitement. Around him were his ssmates who were busy ttering him. There were a few empty seats on the two tables near the center. Obviously, because they couldn¡¯t squeeze into the middle table, they had to sit on both sides. There were less people sitting at the tables on both sides, only five people. There was a very beautiful girl beside Sun Ming. Ye Ling? She came too? Wang Kai and Su Ming looked at each other in disbelief. She was the most beautiful girl in their ss, and her grades were good, and her family background was not bad. They heard that she had gone abroad when she was in college. She had been studying abroad. They did not expect her toe back. At this moment, Su Ming suddenly understood why Sun Ming wanted to hold this gathering. It turned out that he wanted to pursue Ye Ling. They heard that Ye Ling had many suitors now, but she was still single. Therefore, as soon as Ye Ling returned to the country, Sun Ming took action. When Sun Ming saw Su Ming, his eyes lit up. ¡°Isn¡¯t this our ss¡¯ top scorer in the college entrance exam? You¡¯rete. There¡¯s no ce for you on either side. You can sit at the back.¡± He looked full of smiles and was very enthusiastic. However, his words were full of disdain and ridicule. [You are not qualified to sit beside me. Go to the corner.] Even if you were the top scorer in the college entrance examination and your grades were better than mine, so what? Now that you are working on a construction site, your situation is very pitiful. Chapter 73 C73 ¨C They Threw Me out Su Ming smiled faintly and ignored him. Then, Su Ming and Wang Kai walked to the innermost table and sat down. There were only four or five people at this table, and they were all quiet and introverted people in the ss. Right now, they were obviously living ordinary lives. Wang Kai and Su Ming sat down on the chairs. Before they could say anything, Ye Ling suddenly stood up and sat beside Su Ming. Everyone in the room was stunned. After seeing Ye Ling, everyone understood why Sun Ming had organized this reunion. Sun Ming wanted to find a reason to get in touch with Ye Ling and then pursue her. However, he saw Ye Ling take the initiative to sit beside Su Ming. Ye Ling smiled at Su Ming and said, ¡°Su Ming, long time no see.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly and said, ¡°Long time no see.¡± At that time, many boys liked Ye Ling, including Su Ming. However, at that time, Su Ming¡¯s family was too ordinary, so he didn¡¯t dare to confess to her. If Ye Ling had greeted Su Ming in the past, he would have felt a little embarrassed. Because the gap between them was too great, Su Ming felt a little inferior. But it was different now. Money was a person¡¯s greatest confidence. The reason why he felt inferior was because he had no money. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve always wanted to thank you.¡± Ye Ling gentlybed her hair and said, ¡°Do you remember the question I asked you before the college entrance exam?¡± Su Ming nodded and said, ¡°I remember.¡± On the night before the college entrance exam, Su Ming exined a math question to Ye Ling. On the second day of the exam, a question very simr to this one appeared on the exam paper. ¡°Thank you for exining that question to me.¡± Ye Ling smiled and said, ¡°That was a 24-point question. If I didn¡¯t do that question correctly, I wouldn¡¯t be able to get into Huaqing University.¡± Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s only right for students to help each other.¡± While the two of them were chatting, Sun Ming clenched his fists angrily. However, he was also confused. He was about to take over his family¡¯spany. His conditions were much better than Su Ming¡¯s, but why did Ye Ling favor Su Ming more? Feeling Sun Ming¡¯s anger, Su Ming said to Ye Ling, ¡°Beauty, are you using me as an excuse to avoid Sun Ming?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ye Ling admitted it directly. Su Ming said, ¡°Then why did you choose me? Wang Kai is not bad either. You can choose him.¡± Wang Kai hurriedly shook his head and said, ¡°This has nothing to do with me.¡± Ye Ling smiled and said to Su Ming, ¡°He¡¯s too ugly.¡± Wang Kai was very sad. Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°Sun Ming is very good. He¡¯s not bad looking, and his family is quite rich.¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t like him.¡± Ye Ling blinked and looked at Su Ming curiously. She thought that Su Ming would be nervous because of her initiative. However, Su Ming was very calm. However, Su Ming was not pretending to be calm. ¡°Is that so?¡± Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°Miss Ye, who do you like?¡± ¡°Guess.¡± Ye Ling smiled yfully. Before Su Ming could say anything, he noticed Sun Ming¡¯s gaze. Su Ming could even feel that Sun Ming wanted to rush over and beat him up. Sun Ming had specially organized this reunion for Ye Ling. This was a five-star hotel, and it cost Sun Ming a lot of money to book this private room and order some dishes. He thought he could use this opportunity to get closer to Ye Ling. He didn¡¯t expect the result to be like this. It would have been fine if it was someone else, but this person was Su Ming. Sun Ming was very angry. Ye Ling was beside him just now, but she was expressionless. But now, she was actingpletely different in front of Su Ming. ¡­¡­ Sun Ming was furious. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, forcefully suppressing the anger in his heart. He warned himself: I can¡¯t give up like this. How can courtship be so easy? Su Ming, I will make you retreat! At this moment. Zhou Hai was waiting at the door of the 4S store. The sky was getting darker and darker, and there were fewer and fewer people. There was no one left in the hall. However, no one came. At this moment, a car drove over from afar. Zhou Hai was overjoyed. Could it be that the person he was waiting for had arrived? However, when he saw it clearly, he realized that it was the general manager, Zhao Yui. ¡°Zhou Hai, is he here?¡± Zhao Yui hurriedly asked after getting out of the car. ¡°He¡¯s not here.¡± Zhou Hai was also curious. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be the case.¡± Zhao Yui frowned and looked at the time. It was already six o¡¯clock in the evening. The contract said that Su Ming would pick up the car at four-thirty in the afternoon. However, Su Ming was a distinguished guest, so Zhao Yui could forgive him for beingte. But the key was that this kind of guest was usually punctual. Even if he wasn¡¯t punctual, he should at least call. Zhao Yui paced around at the door. After thinking for a while, he took out his phone and mustered up the courage to call Su Ming. Su Ming was chatting with Ye Ling when his phone suddenly rang. He took it out and saw that it was an unfamiliar number. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I have to answer a call.¡± Su Ming smiled apologetically and picked up the phone. ¡°Hello, Mr. Su.¡± As soon as the call connected, Zhao Yui immediately felt nervous. He hurriedly forced himself to calm down. Calling a big shot was really too nerve-wracking! ¡°I am Zhao Yui, the manager of the 4S store. Thank you very much for your support. You are scheduled toe and pick up the car today. When are youing? Of course, we are not rushing you. You cane anytime you want. Please tell us in advance so that we can make arrangements in advance.¡± Zhao Yui said politely. ¡°I¡¯ve already been there.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°What?¡± Zhao Yui did not react for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ve been there, but I was chased out by your people, so I don¡¯t want the car anymore.¡± After saying that, Su Ming hung up the phone. Zhao Yui held his phone and was instantly stunned. Chapter 74 C74 ¨C The Penalty Was too High ¡°He¡¯s actually been here!¡± Zhao Yui was taken aback. ¡°Manager Zhao, what¡¯s happening?¡± Zhou Hai inquired from the sidelines. ¡°Mr. Su ims he visited our shop.¡± Zhao Yui blinked in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s absolutely impossible!¡± Zhou Hai vigorously shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve been stationed at the entrance since I got the call, and I didn¡¯t see Mr. Su enter.¡± ¡°Mr. Su also alleges that he was thrown out after arriving. Is that urate? Did you eject anyone today?¡± Zhao Yui furrowed his brow, questioning Zhou Hai with wide-eyed curiosity. ¡°No!¡± Zhou Hai wore a look of innocence as he replied, ¡°How could that be? Anyone whoes to our shop is a potential customer. Why would I ever chase them away?¡± He spoke instinctively. Though Zhou Hai remained oblivious, the two security guards had not. Today, they did indeed expel someone. However, the individual was dressed casually, appearing quite young, and had entered wearing slippers. Could that really have been Mr. Su? The two guards exchanged nervous nces and swallowed hard. One of the security personnel gently patted Zhou Hai on the shoulder. ¡°Manager Zhou, today¡­¡± ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Zhou Hai grew slightly impatient. How could they be so clueless? The situation was already dire! Suddenly, Zhou Hai had a realization! Today, he had genuinely thrown someone out! But how could this be? Seeing Zhou Hai¡¯s expression, Zhao Yui became furious. ¡°Tell me the truth. Whom did you expel today? Was it him?¡± As Zhao Yui spoke, he retrieved a document from beside him and turned to the final page, disying Su Ming¡¯s identification. Zhou Hai blinked his dry eyes and couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard. He took the document with trembling hands. When Zhou Hai saw the photograph, he was instantly stupefied! It was indeed him! The young man in slippers was, in fact, the enigmatic purchaser of over 400 luxury vehicles? A chill coursed down Zhou Hai¡¯s spine. He was in deep trouble this time! How could this be? How could this person be Mr. Zhou? He distinctly remembered Su Ming mentioning that he intended to purchase a car when he arrived. However, Zhou Hai had dismissed him entirely and shown him the door. Zhou Hai had been quite irate because Su Ming¡¯s actions had dyed one of his business transactions. When he received the phone call, he had felt fortunate, as he had justnded an even more substantial deal. He believed in his own intelligence. However, today hemitted a grave mistake. As soon as Zhao Yui caught sight of Zhou Hai¡¯s expression, he instantly grasped the situation. Without uttering a word, Zhao Yui delivered a resounding p to Zhou Hai¡¯s face. ¡°You truly deserve this!¡± Zhao Yui berated him, ¡°Do youprehend the terms of the contract? If we refuse to deliver the car to the customer, we¡¯ll be liable for a tenfold penalty. The total cost of over four hundred luxury cars already exceeds five hundred million, and a tenfold penalty amounts to five billion. That¡¯s a sum you can¡¯t afford!¡± ¡°What¡­¡± Zhou Hai was left dumbfounded, his legs giving way as he sat on the ground. He realized he had offended a mysterious and influential figure this time. Someone capable of purchasing such arge number of luxury cars couldn¡¯t be an ordinary individual. Even disregarding his refusal to let Su Ming take the car, his behavior towards Su Ming earlier alone could cost him his life. While Zhao Yui burned with anger and wished he could tear Zhou Hai apart, he understood that the most pressing matter was appeasing Su Ming¡¯s fury. Otherwise, the substantialpensation would lead to hispany¡¯splete shutdown, burdening him with immense debt. All the effort he had put into building thepany over the years would go to waste. Although he had some support, the person backing him wouldn¡¯t risk antagonizing a figure like Su Ming to protect him. If headquarters found out about this, his fate wouldn¡¯t be any better than Zhou Hai¡¯s. ¡°Get out!¡± Zhao Yui delivered a forceful kick to Zhou Hai. ¡°You wretched scoundrel, return and await your punishment! Everyone else, no one leaves work today. Stay here and keep watch!¡± After these words, Zhao Yui hurriedly retreated to his office. The remaining salespeople and security personnel stood in shock. Su Ming, who had appeared as amonborer, turned out to be a mysterious tycoon! He had purchased over 400 luxury cars in one go! Zhao Yui paced back and forth in his office. Finally, he tremulously retrieved his phone and dialed Su Ming¡¯s number. At that moment, Su Ming was engaged in conversation with Ye Ling. His phone rang once more, disying the same number as before. ¡°You seem quite busy,¡± Ye Ling remarked, yfully. ¡°Not at all,¡± Su Ming replied. Su Ming smiled faintly as he answered the call. ¡°I made it clear that I no longer wish to have those cars. When will you address thepensation?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t be upset. This is all a misunderstanding!¡± Zhao Yui couldn¡¯t help but nod and bow, sweat beads forming on his forehead as he held the phone. ¡°It¡¯s all Zhou Hai¡¯s fault. Please don¡¯t stoop to his level. I¡¯ve already reprimanded him. Mr. Su, please don¡¯t let such a minor issue trouble you.¡± ¡°How about this? You can keep those cars. I¡¯ll offer a 20% discount and provide aprehensive package of insurance and maintenance services. In fact, we¡¯ll strive to fulfill any of your requests.¡± Zhao Yui¡¯s voice quivered. He was filled with dread because this was the result of his employees¡¯ mistakes. If Su Ming truly canceled the deal and demandedpensation for the penalty, Zhao Yui would have no option but to face the dire consequences. After all, the penalty amounted to over five billion yuan! He didn¡¯t possess that much money at the moment unless he sold the dealership. Yet, if he sold the dealership, headquarters would undoubtedly exact retribution upon him. Chapter 75 C75 ¨C You Bring Me the Coneycock Su Ming responded to this with a subtle smile. Zhao Yui had an adept way with words. To Su Ming, whether he acquired those 400 cars or not was inconsequential. He had abundant financial resources at his disposal. The proceeds from selling the antique jade hadn¡¯t yet hit his ount. Likewise, the earnings from selling his handbags hadn¡¯t been credited to him. Once the funds materialized, he couldfortably purchase over 400 cars with cash without a hitch. What truly mattered to Su Ming was their demeanor. If they treated him respectfully, negotiations could proceed smoothly. If they disyed arrogance, he would make them aware of the consequences. ¡°Very well.¡± Su Ming pondered for a moment and offered a smile. ¡°I won¡¯t require a discount. Just assist me with the license tes and insurance.¡± ¡°No problem at all, absolutely none!¡± Zhao Yui was thrilled upon hearing this, letting out a sigh of relief. His entire body seemed to lose its tension, and his shirt was drenched in sweat. He almost slumped to the floor as he eagerly agreed. Although it was summertime, the sky had already darkened, and the temperature was mild. Additionally, the room¡¯s air conditioner was still running, yet Zhao Yui continued to breathe heavily. He felt excessively warm. ¡°When would you like to collect the car? Rest assured, our dealership is at your service around the clock. Just let us know when you n to arrive, and we¡¯ll be ready at the showroom.¡± Zhao Yui hastily reassured him. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. ¡°Deliver the Koenigsegg to me. I¡¯ll pick up the other carster, but I¡¯ll notify you in advance. During this period, I¡¯ll need you to look after them for me.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± Su Ming hung up after conveying his instructions. Zhao Yui breathed a sigh of relief, sinking onto the sofa and panting heavily. He considered himself fortunate to have narrowly escaped a cmity. He realized he had been exceedingly anxious when dealing with someone of such prominence. Despite the big shot¡¯sposed demeanor, his stature was truly illustrious. Zhao Yui remained seated for a full five minutes before gathering enough strength to get up and head downstairs. Zhou Hai had been dismissed, marking the end of his career. ¡°You may leave now.¡± Zhao Yui wiped his perspiration away and added, ¡°Also, inform the sales department that we¡¯ll be closed tomorrow. But everyone is expected toe in for work.¡± His employees were puzzled, struggling to grasp Manager Zhao¡¯s intentions. ¡°I can¡¯t predict when Mr. Su wille to collect the cars, but we can¡¯t allow other customers to disrupt Mr. Su¡¯s shopping experience. Besides, we¡¯ve already sold over 400 vehicles, meeting our performance targets.¡± Zhao Yui elucidated. Manager Zhao¡¯s rationale was incredibly sound! Zhao Yui was truly deserving of his managerial role; he saw through things more clearly than the others did! His abilities were indeed remarkable. In their showroom, even the most affordable car cost upwards of a hundred thousand yuan. From the second floor to the fourth floor, all the high-end vehicles had been purchased by Su Ming. There was no need to continue regr operations. After all, they had no more vehicles to offer to other customers. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a call before Mr. Su arrives, and I expect you to wee him with the utmost enthusiasm. If anyone dares to create trouble again, they¡¯ll regret it!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The whole group vocally consented, brimming with enthusiasm. The two security guards exchanged nervous nces, thoroughly frightened. Fortunately, Zhao Yui didn¡¯t press the issue further, sparing the two guards from job loss. In truth, Su Ming didn¡¯t want to hold the security guards ountable, so he didn¡¯t delve into the specifics. After all, they had been following Zhou Hai¡¯s instructions. Zhao Yui personally arranged for a temporary license te, then swiftly drove the Koenigsegg to Su Ming¡¯s hotel. Subsequently, he dialed Su Ming¡¯s number. Su Ming answered the phone and descended to the ground floor. Before long, Su Ming emerged from upstairs. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Zhao Yui hastened toward Su Ming. ¡°Here¡¯s your car purchase contract, and this is the car key.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile and patted Zhao Yui¡¯s shoulder. Zhao Yui was on the verge of tears, finding Su Ming exceptionally approachable. He thought to himself, We made such a colossal blunder, yet he forgave me so readily. I¡¯m consumed by guilt. ¡°Mr. Su, I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡± Zhao Yui was astute enough to realize that Su Ming hade downstairs after his meal. Su Ming offered a slight smile and epted the car keys. This was undoubtedly a luxury car worth hundreds of millions! The sensation was extraordinary. Su Ming couldn¡¯t resist driving around the hotel and parking the car right in front. ¡°Sir, I apologize.¡± At this moment, a security guard approached, resembling a hotel staff member. ¡°Sir, this isn¡¯t a designated parking area. If you leave your car here, it might cause traffic congestion.¡± The security guard maintained his politeness. Being a hotel security guard, he was well-versed in cars; it was part of their training. Thus, the security guard exhibited such courtesy upon seeing Su Ming driving a luxury vehicle. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find a parking spot.¡± After Su Ming exited the car, he slipped a few bills into the security guard¡¯s hand. ¡°Please keep an eye on the car. I¡¯m in Room 888. If you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate toe up and find me.¡± ¡°Of course, sir!¡± Upon receiving the money, the security guard agreed with a smile. For ordinary guests, parking was restricted to designated areas. For Su Ming and his sports car, however, he had the liberty to park where he pleased. Su Ming took the elevator to the upper floors, pushed open the door, and entered the private room. Upon his arrival, a young man seated beside Sun Ming nced at his wristwatch and couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°ss monitor, that watch of yours must be expensive, right? I think I¡¯ve only seen it on TV.¡± He had been Sun Ming¡¯s loyal follower since high school. ¡°It¡¯s not that valuable,¡± Sun Ming replied with a faint smile, removing his watch. ¡°I bought it for fun.¡± The other young man delicately cradled the watch in his hand. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the Patek Philippe limited edition? I heard it costs seventy or eighty thousand, isn¡¯t that right?¡± ¡°No big deal. If you like it, I can get one for you.¡± Sun Ming smiled faintly. ¡°We can¡¯t afford it.¡± Chapter 76 C76 ¨C His Watch ¡°Monitor earns so much a year, he can easily buy a watch.¡± A few ssmates began to tter him: ¡°I usually have to hesitate for a long time to buy a bicycle.¡± Sun Ming looked at Su Ming, who had just pushed open the door and entered, and sneered. He thought to himself, Although you are handsome, you have no money. Money is the most important thing in this society! He thought Su Ming would be angry, but Su Ming only smiled and didn¡¯t care at all. Then, Su Ming walked straight to Ye Ling¡¯s side and sat down, chatting with her. Sun Ming was furious. ¡°Actually, I also want to buy a watch.¡± Ye Ling nced at Sun Ming and said to Su Ming, ¡°Because sometimes I can¡¯t carry a phone at work, I can only rely on my watch.¡± Sun Ming heard what Ye Ling said. It turned out that she had been paying attention to the situation here! Sun Mingughed and stood up. ¡°Ye Ling, there are a lot of fake watches on the market now.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I know a few people who sell watches. What kind of watch do you want to buy? I can give it to you.¡± Sun Ming saw an opportunity to show off and quickly walked over. ¡°Thank you. You don¡¯t have to do this.¡± Ye Ling tly rejected him. However, Sun Ming was very persistent: ¡°Ye Ling, we are all ssmates, so it¡¯s normal for us to help each other. Where do you live? Give me your address, and I¡¯ll give you a watch next time.¡± If Ye Ling gave the address to Sun Ming, he would definitely go there every day. ¡°There¡¯s really no need.¡± Ye Ling shook her head. Sun Ming frowned slightly, a little unhappy, but he still had a smile on his face. ¡°Why don¡¯t I call them right now and ask them to send me a watch?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that.¡± Su Ming said from the side. ¡°What does it have to do with you?¡± Sun Ming frowned. ¡°It really has nothing to do with me, but we are all ssmates. It¡¯s not good for you to sell Ye Ling fake goods.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Sun Ming¡¯s face instantly darkened when he heard this. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°So you don¡¯t know.¡± Su Ming pretended to be surprised and said, ¡°Then it seems that you have been deceived. This watch of yours is fake.¡± As soon as Su Ming finished speaking, Sun Ming burst outughing. ¡°Have you ever seen a watch?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have the right toment on the ss monitor¡¯s watch!¡± The two students couldn¡¯t help but mock Su Ming. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Since you don¡¯t believe me, I can prove it to you. Can I take a look at your watch?¡± ¡°No problem.¡± Sun Ming sneered and threw the watch into Su Ming¡¯s hand. ¡°If you break the watch, you won¡¯t be able to afford it.¡± This incident attracted the attention of many students. In today¡¯s society, everyone was very realistic. Sun Ming¡¯s family had a factory and money. Many people wanted to curry favor with him. How could they help Su Ming? However, Su Ming didn¡¯t care. ¡°First of all, let¡¯s look at the hands of the watch.¡± ¡°The needle of a Patek Philippe watch is patented. The needle is usually small and delicate.¡± ¡°We look at the English numerals on the back of the watch. The English is the name of the watch, the numbers are its serial number. The numbers on the Baida Phiri watch are very clear, but the numbers on this watch are a little blurry.¡± ¡°Most importantly, under the third gap of the Baida Feli watch, there is a string of English letters as a hidden anti-forgeries logo, but you see, there is nothing on this watch at all.¡± ¡°And the face of Baidafeli¡¯s watch is made of sapphire, so there won¡¯t be any scratches. Look at this watch, there are a few shallow scratches.¡± ¡°All in all, this watch is fake. ss monitor, were you cheated? This watch is a high-quality imitation, worth at most five thousand yuan. You¡¯ve spent so much money. You¡¯ve really suffered a big loss. You can¡¯t let go of these guys who make fakes.¡± ¡°ss monitor, don¡¯t buy this kind of fake watch anymore. If you really give this fake watch to Ye Ling, then the misunderstanding will be huge. It will damage your reputation.¡± After Su Ming finished speaking, he smiled faintly and put the watch in Sun Ming¡¯s hand. The room was very quiet! Several students couldn¡¯t help but take out their phones and search for this watch on the official website. Sure enough, the counterfeiting method of this watch was exactly the same as what Su Ming had said. They looked at Sun Ming¡¯s watch in silence. Those who had never seen the real thing could not tell, but those who had seen the real thing could tell that it was a fake when they looked at it again. Sun Ming¡¯s expression was ugly. He pretended to be calm and held the watch in his hand. He took a deep breath and said slowly, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you knew something about watches. Thank you for reminding me. Otherwise, I would have been fooled. I will find those bastards when I get back! ¡° After Sun Ming finished speaking, he returned to his seat without looking back. Now everyone knew that the watch Sun Ming was wearing was fake. Sun Ming¡¯s heart was filled with anger when he saw the gazes of the surrounding students. Chapter 77 C77 ¨C I Know the Owner of This Car Sun Ming thought he could take advantage of the reunion to show off. But now, it was all over. He felt very ufortable! He felt miserable. The students who were ttering Sun Ming just now looked at each other and smiled bitterly. This time, they had done the wrong thing. They were very regretful, but there was nothing they could do now. Su Ming and Ye Ling sat there chatting to themselves while the other students were busy with their own matters. The group of people sitting at the main table were very embarrassed. They looked at each other and no one said anything. Su Ming smiled faintly. He turned off the scanning system. It turned out that Su Ming had identally turned on the scanning system just now. The scan showed that Sun Ming¡¯s watch was a fake, and the System was especially considerate to tell Su Ming how he could prove it was a fake. Therefore, Su Ming humiliated Sun Ming. At this moment, Lee Kang suddenly pushed open the door and walked in excitedly. ¡°Guess what? I just saw a luxury car downstairs!¡± ¡°What car?¡± Another student asked. ¡°Koenigsegg.¡± ¡°What?¡± Everyone was shocked. Koenigsegg. This was a limited edition sports car. There were only six of them in the world. The cost of this car was over a hundred million. They had heard that the top-quality Koenigsegg was worth hundreds of millions! Moreover, even if you had money, you might not be able to buy a Koenigsegg. ¡°Where is this car parked?¡± Sun Ming stood up and asked. ¡°It¡¯s downstairs.¡± Lee Kang said, ¡°There are several cars behind this Koenigsegg, and the owners can only wait there obediently.¡± ¡°This Koenigsegg is so arrogant?¡± Lee Kang¡¯s topic broke through the awkwardness just now, and the students were all surprised. ¡°Oh right, I couldn¡¯t help but record a video downstairs. I have already sent it to the group chat. Take a look.¡± Lee Kang said. The students took out their phones one after another, including Sun Ming, who was a little impatient. The Koenigsegg was a limited edition car in the world, and there were only six of them. As soon as this car was sold, many tycoons fought over its purchase rights. Those who could really buy the Koenigsegg were all powerful and rich people! They did not expect that someone would actually buy this car in Eastsea City! Just how noble was his identity?! The Koenigsegg was parked downstairs. What did this mean? This meant that the owner of this car was eating in this restaurant. This was a huge opportunity! Sun Ming¡¯s family had quite a reputation in this city. As long as he was thick-skinned enough to find the owner of the car and put in a few good words for him, he might be able to be friends with him. This was an excellent opportunity. ¡°It¡¯s true! And this Koenigsegg is very new. It seems to have just had a license te!¡± A student couldn¡¯t help but exim. He had only seen Koenigseggs on television,puters, and magazines. He never thought that he would have the chance to see it with his own eyes today. ¡°This is not an ordinary Koenigsegg.¡± Sun Ming said, ¡°This car is the best. Look at the color, the ss, and the bumper at the back of the car. They have all been modified.¡± ¡°Before the modification, the car could go up to four hundred and fifty kilometers per hour. It¡¯s a little faster than the high-speed rail. And its weight and horsepower are 1: 1. It is the Top Grade in the car.¡± ¡°The entire body of this car is made of carbon fiber. This is the first car in the world that can reach 1000 kilowatts of power.¡± ¡°It is both handsome and wild. It can be said that it is a perfectbination of beauty and wild beasts.¡± Sun Ming couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°Amazing! As expected of the ss monitor, you know so much about this car.¡± Su Ming smiled from the side and praised. Ye Ling sat at the side and tilted her head, blinking her eyes. Something was not right. ording to today¡¯s events, the ss monitor and Su Ming were not on good terms. Su Ming hadn¡¯t watched the video Lee Kang had sent to the group. Moreover, Su Ming had praised the ss monitor. Sun Ming smiled proudly. ¡°Because the owner of this car happens to be my friend.¡± Sun Ming smiled shyly, his face flushed red. All the students were shocked when they heard this. ¡°ss monitor, you actually know such a big shot!¡± ¡°With our ss monitor¡¯s status and identity, it¡¯s normal to know such a person.¡± ¡°ss monitor, who is this person? What does he look like? Can you introduce him to us?¡± The surrounding students were very excited. ¡°Not a problem. However, since he came here to eat, he obviously doesn¡¯t want to be disturbed. After some time, when he¡¯s free, I¡¯ll introduce you guys to him. How about it?¡± ¡°Alright!¡± The students frantically ttered Sun Ming. Ye Ling did not say anything. She kept looking at Su Ming, feeling that something was not right. Suddenly, Ye Ling¡¯s gaze slightly lowered. She found something in Su Ming¡¯s pocket. Could it be a car key? Ye Ling blinked. Suddenly, she had a special premonition. What happened today would probably be very fun. ¡°ss monitor, we are ssmates after all. You have to help us more in the future.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, ss monitor. This kind of big figure must have a bigpany or a big background. Whether we can find a good job depends on him.¡± ¡°ss monitor, I hope you can help us more in the future.¡± Sun Ming was very proud to be ttered. Although he still did not know this big shot, he believed that with his status and identity, he would be able to find out who this big shot was after asking around. Even if they couldn¡¯t be friends, that person would still leave a certain impression on Sun Ming. Moreover, Sun Ming was sure that the person who bought this car was a man. All men had special interests. Of course, he bought this car to show off. Since he wanted to show off, then this kind of person must like to y, and so did Sun Ming. At that time, Sun Ming could invite him to a big bar to y together. Then they could be friends. ¡°I thought that it would be good enough if I drove a BMW worth six or seven hundred thousand yuan. Butpared to him, this car of mine is not even as valuable as the tires of his car.¡± Sun Ming sighed and shook his head. ¡°Yes.¡± The surrounding students also sighed. A luxury car worth one or two million was already out of their reach. They had never seen a luxury car worth more than a hundred million! Chapter 78 C78 ¨C The Truth The individuals in the room expressed their amazement. Suddenly, a knock resounded at the door, prompting a cautious security guard to approach. Surveying the scene, the security guard made his way towards Su Ming. ¡°Would it be convenient for you to move your car?¡± inquired the security guard. He asked. ¡°Of course,¡± Su Ming replied. Su Ming rose from his seat, nodded in agreement, and followed the security guard outside. The room immediately fell into a hushed silence. Everyone exchanged nces. The security guard had specifically requested Su Ming to relocate his vehicle. It might not have seemed like a big deal initially. However, the hotel possessed a unique parking lot, and the sole car seemingly obstructing the passage was the Koenigsegg. Could it be that this extravagant car belonged to Su Ming? Sun Ming¡¯s face flushed instantly as he clenched his fists. This was humiliating! He had lost a considerable amount of face today. Just moments ago, he had been analyzing the car andmenting that it was beyond his financial reach. Little did he know that the owner of the car was Su Ming. Su Ming¡¯s recentpliment suddenly echoed in his mind. Su Ming had praised him for his knowledge, and he had initially thought it was ttery. Now it appeared that Su Ming had been mocking him. Sun Ming had hoped to unt his achievements at this reunion. But he had not anticipated that Su Ming would surpass him. Why could Su Ming afford a limited edition Koenigsegg? It was a sports car worth hundreds of millions. This indicated that Su Ming¡¯s spending power and social standing exceeded his own. It now made sense why Su Ming had maintained a low profile throughout the gathering. Su Ming had been looking down on him. In the past, Sun Ming had been influential in Su Ming¡¯s eyes, but now he was insignificant. Lee Kang blinked, stood up, and walked to the corridor. He opened the window and nced downward, witnessing Su Ming driving away. ¡°Is that really Su Ming¡¯s car?¡± Lee Kang eximed. Lee Kang¡¯s statement confirmed the situation. The room¡¯s upants fell into an even deeper silence. In this moment, everyoneprehended why Ye Ling held Su Ming in such high regard. It was likely that no woman could resist a man who could afford a sports car worth hundreds of millions. Although Ye Ling was surprised inwardly, she did not reveal it. She remained unaware of Su Ming¡¯s wealth or his experiences over the past few years. She had chosen to sit beside Su Ming at this reunion for two reasons: his substantial help during their high school studies and her aversion to the sycophants in the room. Ye Ling responded to her ssmates¡¯ gazes with a faint smile. Regardless of their assumptions, Ye Ling had no intention of offering exnations. After all, their opinions held no sway over her. The room remained silent until Su Ming¡¯s return. Only Wang Kai sat there, wearing a contented expression. He observed the astonished expressions of the others. If they were aware that Su Ming also possessed a ten-billion-dor piece ofnd in the city center, they would be even more astounded. Most importantly, Su Ming had not only used thisnd to construct a house but also engaged in farming within the city center! ¡°So, this car is yours,¡± Wang Kai dered. Upon Su Ming¡¯s return to his seat, Ye Ling greeted him with a smile. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°This car is truly magnificent,¡± remarked Ye Ling. Su Ming replied, ¡°It¡¯s decent, just a mode of transportation.¡± Ye Ling continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so prosperous after a few years.¡± Su Ming remainedposed, saying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing significant.¡± Hearing this, the surrounding students couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang in their hearts. To Su Ming, this car was simply a mode of transport. ¡°I never imagined you¡¯d be so wealthy in just a few years,¡± Ye Ling said with a smile. Su Ming responded, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Su Ming added. Wang Kai chimed in with a faint smile, ¡°Old Su isn¡¯t limited to just this car; he has more than that. Well, since Old Su prefers to keep it low-key, I¡¯ll share that this car represents just 1% of his total assets.¡± Wang Kai¡¯s revtion prompted numerous gasps throughout the room. One percent? What did that imply? It meant that Su Ming had a minimum of ten billion yuan in assets! Astonishment rippled through the crowd. Su Ming, who had originated from a vige andcked any influential connections, had experienced what in the six years since they¡¯dst seen him? Even if he won a five-million-yuan lottery every day, it wouldn¡¯t umte to that much, right? Many students gazed at Su Ming with newfound fascination. Conversely, Sun Ming, who had been the center of attention earlier, was now overlooked. Su Ming¡¯s ability to distinguish the watch¡¯s authenticity made sense now; after all, he was affluent and well-versed in timepieces. Nevertheless, Su Ming paid little attention to the intrigued gazes. He engaged in lively conversation with Ye Ling and Wang Kai. While they chatted animatedly, the students at the other tables felt somewhat awkward. Earlier, when Sun Ming had maligned Su Ming, they had contemted defending him but ultimately refrained. Little did they know that Su Ming was a wealthy individual who could have used their support. Unfortunately, there was no remedy for regret. Sun Ming ceased his ostentation. He recalled his previous im, ¡°I know the owner of this car; we¡¯re friends.¡± Sun Ming felt mortified, wishing he could disappear. Nevertheless, it could be argued that he did indeed know the car¡¯s owner, and they were somewhat acquainted. From the moment the dishes arrived until the end of the meal, Sun Ming remained silent, seated with his head lowered. He had no choice; he had organized this gathering and couldn¡¯t simply leave. All he could do was endure the awkwardness. Initially, Sun Ming had nned post-dinner entertainment like singing, but the mood had been ruined. As the meal concluded, Sun Ming swiftly settled the bill and departed without looking back, leaving in his car. Other students followed at a distance, tracking Su Ming. Wang Kai, in high spirits, patted Su Ming¡¯s shoulder and expressed his gratitude. ¡°Thanks to you, I can hold my head high.¡± Thanks to the connection between Wang Kai and Su Ming, many students started showing kindness to Wang Kai. Even though Wang Kai ignored them, he relished being the center of attention. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t keep you any longer. My driver will be here soon. Goodbye,¡± Wang Kai said, disying his cleverness as heughed and drove away. Chapter 79 C79 ¨C I¡¯ll Take You Back Upon hearing Wang Kai¡¯s words, Ye Ling blushed. Nevertheless, they were all adults and ustomed to such situations. ¡°You didn¡¯t drive?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°No,¡± Ye Ling replied. ¡°I took a taxi here today,¡± she continued. Su Ming offered, ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you a ride back?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Ye Ling epted. Ye Ling nodded in agreement. She no longer felt the need to act reserved at this moment. There was no pretense necessary. Su Ming, like anyone, appreciated beauty. Back in high school, Ye Ling was already naturally stunning without makeup. After graduating from university two years ago, her beauty had only intensified. Standing at 1.72 meters tall, she possessed long, fair legs and an immacte, curvaceous figure coupled with a sweet and seductive demeanor. Such a woman wouldmand attention anywhere she went. He only intended to drop Ye Ling off at her home without any ulterior motives. Therefore, even if he brought it up first, it wouldn¡¯t make Ye Ling feel ufortable. Su Ming nodded and walked to the passenger side of the car, opening the door for Ye Ling. She greeted him with a sweet smile before settling into the seat. A group of female students behind them watched this scene with envy. However, they had no recourse. Inparison to Ye Ling, they paled in both beauty and allure. Moreover, they were excessively snobbish. As they witnessed Su Ming and Ye Ling drive away, the students exchanged nces and sighed in frustration. The student gathering concluded uneventfully. They felt both embarrassed and powerless. Yet, it was entirely their own doing. While seated in the car, Ye Ling shared her address with Su Ming. Ye Ling had a rented a residence in an upscale neighborhood. ¡°I heard you¡¯re getting married soon?¡± Ye Ling, sitting in the car, blinked her eyes, a hint of nervousness and anticipation in her expression. ¡°We broke up,¡± Su Ming replied with a faint smile. ¡°Huh?¡± Ye Ling was taken aback. ¡°Why?¡± Su Ming exined with a smile, ¡°She¡¯s pregnant with someone else¡¯s child.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Ye Ling nodded,prehension dawning. Even Ye Ling herself failed to notice the happiness that had spread across her face. Her breathing even quickened slightly. ¡°I heard you went abroad during your second year?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Yes,¡± Ye Ling confirmed with a helpless shrug. ¡°My father insisted. He believed the academic environment abroad was better, and I have to admit he was right.¡± Su Ming nodded in understanding. The educational systems of domestic and foreign universities differed significantly. Overseas universities boasted a richer academic environment, resulting in graduates with slightly superior capabilities. Nevertheless, Su Ming held the belief that, with the nation¡¯s development, this gap would eventually narrow. ¡°You won¡¯t be leaving after your return?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°No, I n to stay here in the country. The food abroad is too in; it doesn¡¯tpare to the richness of our local cuisine,¡± Su Ming replied. Ye Ling blinked, her curiosity piqued. ¡°What have you been up to these past few years? How did you suddenly be so aplished?¡± Su Ming chuckled mischievously. ¡°That¡¯s a secret.¡± Ye Ling yfully rolled her eyes. If Su Ming didn¡¯t want to share, that was fine. The two of them engaged in cheerful conversation as they made their way to their destination. After exchanging new contact information, Ye Ling took her leave. After all, it was their first meeting, and it didn¡¯t feel appropriate to invite Su Ming in for tea just yet. They would have to get better acquainted before that. After seeing Ye Ling home, Su Ming remembered the withered vines still left in his field and promptly drove back. Upon arriving home, he was surprised to find that the wall had already been constructed. Through the side door, he could catch a glimpse of the vi¡¯s rough outline. It had been constructed astonishingly quickly! While building a vi elsewhere would typically take three or four months, with Su Ming¡¯s involvement, the timeline was several times shorter. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± the project manager greeted him. The manager approached Su Ming and said, ¡°Mr. Su, as you can see, we¡¯veid the foundation for the vi, and the basement floors are nearly finished. We¡¯ll speed things up, but rest assured, we won¡¯t cut corners.¡± Su Ming blinked and replied, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not in a hurry.¡± The manager was touched by Su Ming¡¯s consideration. Su Ming was bewildered, thinking he might have said something inappropriate. The manager, on the other hand, interpreted Su Ming¡¯s words differently. ¡°Mr. Su, no wonder you¡¯ve achieved such sess. Your generosity and concern for us, even in your busy schedule, truly show your character. We appreciate your kindness, but please know that your work is of paramount importance to us. We ept your concern but will neverpromise on ourmitment!¡± The manager responded with unwavering determination. Su Ming blinked again. In reality, he meant he wasn¡¯t in a hurry, but the manager perceived a different message. This situation felt oddly familiar. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but find simrities with President Chen. Despite this realization, he decided not to say anything more to avoid any misunderstandings. ¡°Mr. Su, is that your car?¡± the manager suddenly noticed the vehicle parked by the roadside and eximed. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming replied casually. ¡°A Koenigsegg!¡± the manager eximed in awe. He quickly reminded himself that it was only natural for someone like Mr. Su to drive such a car, and he shouldn¡¯t lose hisposure. Su Ming was puzzled by the manager¡¯s reaction. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s a Koenigsegg, a limited edition sports car known worldwide! Seeing one in person is a rare sight!¡± the manager exined. After thinking it through, he realized that this was expected. Mr. Su, of course, would drive such a prestigious car and not be surprised by it. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize for my reaction; I got carried away,¡± the manager admitted. ¡°No worries,¡± Su Ming replied, still a bit perplexed by the manager¡¯s behavior. ¡°What?¡± Su Ming was utterly bewildered when he saw the manager bow down and tremble. He couldn¡¯t grasp the reason behind it. Su Ming was even more puzzled when he felt the manager¡¯s reverence. So, he gently patted the manager on the shoulder and reassured him, ¡°It¡¯s all right. You all continue with your work. I have things to attend to as well.¡± The manager, touched by Su Ming¡¯s kindness and the strength of his touch, teared up. Mr. Su was truly exceptional! Mr. Su, rest assured, we will give it our all and not disappoint you! Energized by this interaction, the manager, who had initially been fatigued, strode purposefully toward the construction site. Chapter 80 C80 ¨C Send Me Something Su Ming closed the door and went into the ground. He saw that the vines were still in a withered state. He pulled out the vines one by one and arranged them to the side. The shelf that was automatically generated by the System disappeared, and the vines were also recycled. ¡°Recycled. Congrattions, Host, you have received 60 experience points!¡± Su Ming drove the farm car and plowed the entire ground from beginning to end. Then, Su Ming fell into a state of happiness. What should he nt next? Since the appearance of the System, Su Ming had nted a lot of things. He had nted a lot of vegetables and fruits, and it could be considered a bountiful harvest. Now he had be a billionaire. ¡°I¡¯m almost done nting my seeds.¡± Su Ming walked to a temporary shed next to the thatched hut. He found that the seeds had almost been used up, and the fertilizer had been used up. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but want to ridicule him. In fact, he had bought a lot of fertilizer, but it was only because he had almost used up all of it in the few days that President Chen had been here. Su Ming touched his chin and thought for a while. He felt that he should rest well tonight and ask the boss to send more seeds and fertilizer tomorrow. Thinking of this, he gently pped his hands, washed up, went back to his room to y some games, and theny down to sleep. Early the next morning, Su Ming opened his eyes. The sun shone through the treetops and onto the ground. Su Ming looked at the two acres ofnd that he had cleaned up. He nodded in satisfaction and called his previous boss. ¡°Mr. Su, what can I do for you?¡± The shop owner was very excited when he received Su Ming¡¯s call and hurriedly asked. Su Ming thought for a moment. ¡°Do you have a lot of seeds?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± The shopkeeper hurriedly replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have as many seeds as you want. I have whatever seeds you want.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Give me more of each of the seeds you have, and then transport a truck full of fertilizer for me.¡± ¡°Alright, leave it to me!¡± The boss agreed happily. This was a big deal! The shop owner hurriedly rubbed his hands and stood up. He checked the existing seeds and then looked at the storage in the warehouse. ¡°Old Sun, give me some of your seeds.¡± The shop owner took out his phone and called the supplier. ¡°Don¡¯t joke with me. Don¡¯t you sell seeds of vegetables, fruits, and food? I only sell flowers here.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense, hurry up!¡± The boss was a little impatient. After he hung up the phone, he called several colleagues one after another to ask them to bring more seeds over. Then, he went to the side and woke up the workers who were sleeping. He asked them to hire a big truck and fill it with fertilizer. Two hourster, the boss looked at the two big trucks that were full and nodded with satisfaction. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The two trucks drove toward the city center one after another. ¡°Boss, where are we going?¡± The driver of the truck blinked his eyes. He knew the boss. He sold seeds and fertilizers. It was not the first time he had transported goods for this boss. The key was that he used to transport them to the countryside, but now they were driving towards the city center. ¡°The supplier is farming in the city center.¡± The boss smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t joke with me. I¡¯ve given you a few years of work. If you don¡¯t want to tell me, then forget it. You don¡¯t have to lie to me.¡± The driver shook his head. The owner didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry when he heard that. He also expressed his doubts, but reality taught him a lesson. ¡°Park the car by the side of the roadter and prepare to unload the goods.¡± The boss pointed to the side of the road. The surrounding walls had been built, and there was a group of people working next to them. Was the boss drunk today? The driver didn¡¯t ask any more questions. He parked the car by the roadside ording to the boss¡¯s instructions. Su Ming walked out of the door. He gave the boss and a few drivers a pack of cigarettes each. ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Su Ming nodded with a smile and pointed to the aisle. ¡°You can unload the goods here.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± The boss hurriedly agreed and waved his hand. The truck driver went in and took a look. Was this true? Was there really someone farming in the city center? He was very shocked. A few of the porters had been herest time. When they saw the stunned expressions of the others, they felt that it was funny. A fewrge trucks drove in. The workers worked very fast, and soon they moved the seeds and fertilizers down. Su Ming also gave them the transportation fee. After all, it was summer, and the weather was very hot. These workers were covered in sweat. Su Ming bought them some iced watermelons. These workers were very touched. Chapter 81 C81 ¨C I Can nt This When the workers finished their work, they took Su Ming¡¯s cigarettes and red packets and left. The workers were afraid that the seeds and fertilizers would get wet, so they covered them with a huge stic sheet. Su Ming looked at the pile of seeds and scratched his head. Each bag was marked with the type of seeds. This time, the boss prepared hundreds of seeds. Su Ming was surprised to find that there were flowers. There were orchid seeds, chrysanthemum seeds, and so on. The boss was very thoughtful. Su Ming continued to watch. Suddenly, Su Ming found a cactus seed! Su Ming had gone to university. He knew that there were many ways to grow cacti. The two mostmon methods were nting rhizomes and nting seeds. Most of the cacti were potted nts that were used for admiring. Cactuses could bloom and bear fruits, but the probability was rtively low. Su Ming was immediately interested. If he nted a cactus, what would he get? Su Mingughed. He prepared the fertilizer for the seed and began to nt it. It took him the whole morning to finish nting the two acres ofnd. ¡°The cactus has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± Then he fertilized and watered the nts. He had lunch at noon. He was busy until four or five o¡¯clock in the afternoon. He was so tired that his back was aching. He finally cleaned up the two acres ofnd. With the help of the System, farming was easy. Otherwise, it would take a long time just to farm. After about 60 hours, he would be able to harvest. Su Mingughed happily in his heart. He gently pped his hands and washed his hands and feet. He changed into a new set of clothes, put on his shoes, and slowly walked out. Outside the door, the frame of the entire vi had already been built. Soon, the interior decorations could be carried out. Su Ming didn¡¯t need to worry about all the details. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The person in charge hurried over when he saw Su Ming. ¡°I have something to ask of you.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°It is our duty to serve you. Please speak.¡± The person in charge hurriedly said. ¡°I want to build an underground garage.¡± Su Ming thought for a moment. The person in charge blinked his eyes. ¡°Mr. Su, the garage is already in our n. This garage can amodate twenty or thirty cars. Is that not enough?¡± Su Ming scratched his head. ¡°It was originally enough, but it¡¯s not enough now.¡± ¡°How big are you going to expand it? Is a garage big enough to amodate 100 cars? We can satisfy your requirements.¡± The person in charge blinked. After all, this was a private parking lot. Su Ming hesitated for a moment and then said, ¡°It¡¯s still a little small.¡± The person in charge was stunned when he heard Su Ming¡¯s words. There was very little space to park 100 cars? ¡°Mr. Su, how much space do you need?¡± ¡°500 cars.¡± ¡°How many?¡± The person in charge jumped up at that moment. His eyes were wide open, and his voice was very loud. However, the person in charge soon realized that he had lost hisposure, ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m really sorry. I was a little excited just now.¡± The person in charge didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t want to trouble you so much. But I¡¯ve already bought this car, and it¡¯s still in the store. I can¡¯t just leave it there all the time, right?¡± Su Ming was innocent. It was all the System¡¯s fault. The System insisted on giving him a car. ¡°You bought five hundred cars?!¡± The person in charge was stunned. He didn¡¯t expect Su Ming to buy 500 cars at once. No wonder Su Ming drove a new car backst night. It turned out that Su Ming didn¡¯t buy a car, but because he could only drive one car back. There were still more than 400 cars left there. ¡°Can you build a garage here?¡± Su Ming asked. The person in charge suddenly woke up. ¡°Yes! Don¡¯t worry! However, we need to redesign this n. We will build a two-story garage for you more than ten meters underground. We will design a garage for you that can store 1,000 cars!¡± ¡°Then it will be hard on you.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡± The person in charge kept shaking his head. At first, the person in charge was shocked, but now, he was calm. Su Ming was indeed a rich man. The person in charge thought about the people who had asked him to build the vi earlier, and they were all arrogant. They thought that the rich looked down on people like him who worked for others. But their strength was far inferior to Mr. Su¡¯s! This was not a difference in money, but a difference in realm! They were not qualified topare with Su Ming at all. After receiving Su Ming¡¯s request, the manager drove straight back to thepany. He told all the top designers in thepany to stop what they were doing and start designing a garage for Su Ming. Under normal circumstances, it would take at least a few weeks to order, design, and finally produce, but it only took them five hours to design the garage for Su Ming. When Su Ming woke up the next morning, he found that the workers had already started building the garage. They designed a spiral sinkhole. Two huge parking tforms were built under these three acres ofnd. This was a parking lot that was close to 2,000 square meters. The upper and lower floors were nearly 4,000 square meters. This parking lot was so big that it could be used to park airnes. Su Ming was very satisfied. He was only waiting for the parking lot to be built before he went to the store to pick up all the cars. Sitting on the recliner, enjoying the breeze and the sun, Su Ming felt that his life was bothfortable and safe. On the right was the vi that was under construction and the underground parking lot. On the left was fertilend. He enjoyed this kind of life very much. Chapter 82 C82 ¨C Something Had Happened to Su Ming¡¯s Family The following morning, Su Ming woke up early. At the construction site, the workers were still diligently toiling away. The cacti in the field had already sprouted, but they needed a couple more days to fully mature, so Su Ming wasn¡¯t in a rush. Just as Su Ming contemted how to pass the time, a familiar figure appeared at the entrance. Su Ming took a closer look and recognized President Chen. Was he passing by again today? ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Upon spotting Su Ming, President Chen briskly approached. ¡°I apologize, Mr. Su, for intruding on your time once more.¡± ¡°President Chen, have you had your meal?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Yes.¡± President Chen responded with a smile. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t be upset. Since ourst workout together, I¡¯ve noticed significant improvements in my physical condition. On days when I¡¯m not working, I feel sore all over. I realized that it¡¯s been a few days since Ist came here, and the weeds must have grown taller. That¡¯s why I came to lend a hand with weeding.¡± So, President Chen¡¯s visit was intentional this time. He hade to assist with the weeding. Unfortunately, these young nts had just emerged from the ground, and President Chen was about to rid them. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t decline my offer. It¡¯s a rare opportunity for me to connect with the soil, savor the earth¡¯s aroma, and reminisce about my childhood days working in the fields with my parents¡­¡± As President Chen spoke, he became slightly emotional, wiping away a couple of tears that welled up in his eyes. His acting skills were impressive! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but give him a thumbs up. This man must be a movie star! ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll dly ept your help.¡± Since President Chen had poured his heart out, Su Ming couldn¡¯t refuse. President Chen¡¯s sincerity was evident in his tone, gaze, and actions. Upon hearing this, President Chen beamed with joy. He removed his leather shoes, rolled up his sleeves, fetched a bucket of water, and proceeded to water, fertilize, and weed with enthusiasm. Su Ming stood by, somewhat stunned. President Chen was remarkably skilled at farming. He felt pleased that President Chen was tending to the watering and fertilizing. Since he couldn¡¯t be of assistance, Su Ming sighed and moved to the side. The main structure of the vi had been erected, and the windows were already in ce. Interior decoration work was underway. ¡°Mr. Su, what are your preferences for the interior design?¡± The project manager approached Su Ming with haste. ¡°I don¡¯t have any specific requests; a standard design will suffice. However, the vi must prioritize safety.¡± Su Ming pondered briefly before responding. Even with the System, he wasn¡¯t immune to harm. If something were to happen to him, it would be truly unfortunate. After all, he still aimed to lead a happy life with the assistance of the System. ¡°Mr. Su, you can count on us to prioritize safety,¡± the project manager assured, patting his chest in affirmation. ¡°How¡¯s the progress of the underground garage?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Mr. Su, we initiated the excavationst night.¡± The person in charge appeared a bit fatigued, but his enthusiasm remained high. They employed advanced mining techniques, intending to install support frames once they dug a bit further to reinforce the cave. The next step involvedying the foundation. The construction progress was remarkably swift. ¡°Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we¡¯re confident that we canplete it within three days!¡± The person in charge eximed with assurance. Su Ming expressed his satisfaction upon hearing this. Such rapid construction speed was truly impressive. Su Ming conducted an inspection of the construction site and then went out for breakfast before returning. Just as Su Ming re-entered the courtyard, his phone unexpectedly rang. Retrieving his phone, he noticed it was a call from his mother. Su Ming blinked, recalling that a few days ago, he had transferred 20,000 yuan to his parents, exining that he had earned it through his work. It wasn¡¯t that Su Ming was unwilling to provide more financial support to his parents, but he was concerned they might not readily ept it. He preferred they gradually adapt to it. While Su Ming¡¯s mother missed him dearly most of the time, she also understood that he was busy with work, so she seldom contacted him. Why was she calling today of all days? Su Ming didn¡¯t hesitate and answered the call. ¡°Son, how¡¯s work goingtely? Don¡¯t overexert yourself. Your health is the most important thing.¡± As soon as the call connected, Lee Sumei¡¯s voice sounded from the other end of the line. However, upon closer listening, her voice carried an undertone of weariness. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Mom. I¡¯m not usually swamped with work, and I rarely have to work overtime. Mom, I don¡¯t need more money. You both don¡¯t have to work as hard as before. You should take more rest and enjoy your meals. Don¡¯t hold back.¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°I understand.¡± Lee Sumei responded, ¡°Hurry up and find a nice girl to marry so we can be at ease. I¡¯ll hang up now. I won¡¯t disrupt your work, okay?¡± Something felt off to Su Ming upon hearing this. Previously, before his mother called, she would always send a text message in advance to inquire if he was avable. She had never called him during work hours. He could sense that she was hiding something. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s going on? Did something happen?¡± Su Ming furrowed his brow slightly, growing tense. He didn¡¯t require the System, thend, or the money in his ount. But he couldn¡¯t bear any harming to his parents. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Nothing bad has urred. I just wanted to hear your voice.¡± Lee Sumei sensed Su Ming¡¯s anxiety and reassured him hastily. ¡°Mom, remember that I¡¯m your son. Tell me, what¡¯s going on at home? What¡¯s happened?¡± Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed deeper, his tone growing urgent. He was certain that something had transpired back home, given his mother¡¯s words. Lee Sumei remained silent for a few seconds on the other end of the line. Finally, she spoke with a quavering voice, ¡°Something has happened to your father¡­¡± ¡°What? Mom, don¡¯t worry. What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s happened to Dad?¡± Su Ming¡¯s frown deepened, and he asked urgently. President Chen had initially been tending to the nts, but upon hearing this, he was taken aback. What was wrong? Had something urred in Mr. Su¡¯s family? If that were the case, he needed to assist Mr. Su! Chapter 83 C83 ¨C Back Home ¡°Last night, when your father was halfway there, he saw an elderly woman from the neighboring vige fall into a ditch.¡± ¡°You know your dad; he¡¯s always had a soft heart, so he couldn¡¯t just walk away. He went ahead and helped the olddy.¡± ¡°But the olddy ended up insisting that your dad had caused her injuries.¡± ¡°Your dad suggested taking the olddy to the hospital for a check-up. If she was genuinely hurt, he said we¡¯d cover the medical expenses.¡± ¡°However, the olddy¡¯s family is causing a ruckus. They refuse to go to the hospital and even came to our house in the middle of the night, beating up your dad. Right now, he¡¯s in the hospital.¡± ¡°Son, I understand it¡¯s tough for you. If I had any other option, I wouldn¡¯t have called you¡­¡± On the other end of the phone, Lee Sumei sobbed. Su Ming seethed with anger. His fists clenched tightly! His father, Su Tao, had always been renowned for his kindness in the neighboring viges. He had led an honest life, never involved in any wrongdoing. Su Ming took a deep breath and forced himself to contain his rage. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll head home immediately and handle this situation.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Lee Sumei nodded, cing her trust in her grown son. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but voice her concerns, ¡°No matter what, don¡¯t let your emotions cloud your judgment¡­¡± ¡°Mom, I won¡¯t.¡± Su Ming ended the call. After hanging up, Su Ming¡¯s anger was palpable, even rming President Chen, who stood nearby. Through the phone conversation, President Chen learned that Su Ming¡¯s father had been extorted and assaulted. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t let anger cloud your judgment. I can drive you back immediately.¡± President Chen hastily offered. ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Su Ming¡¯s emotions were in turmoil. The two of them swiftly exited and headed for Su Ming¡¯s Koenigsegg. President Chen recognized the car, and he was surprised that Su Ming could afford such a sports car. Su Ming shared the hospital¡¯s location with President Chen. Fortunately, the hospital wasn¡¯t too far away, approximately a four-hour drive. President Chen drove at top speed, pushing the car to its limits. With President Chen¡¯s driving skills, they were set to reduce the original four-hour journey by half. As expected, after two hours, the red sports car pulled up outside a county hospital. Su Ming and President Chen rushed inside. Su Ming already knew his father was in Room 405. Upon reaching the fourth floor, they heard amotion in the corridor. ¡°Su Tao, you¡¯ve injured my mother like this, but you refuse to pay? If you don¡¯t cough up 300,000 yuan today, I¡¯ll take you to court and have you locked up!¡± Just as the shouting began to fade, Lee Sumei¡¯s tearful voice spoke up, ¡°Your olddy wasn¡¯t even touched by my husband. She fell into the ditch by herself. We¡¯ve called the police, and they¡¯ll uncover the truth. What are you doing?¡± Su Ming¡¯s anger red up again when he heard this. He strode out of the elevator, followed closely by President Chen. A middle-aged man stood by the entrance to his father¡¯s ward, his hair slightly graying. A group of people, presumably the elderly woman¡¯s family, stood behind him. Lee Sumei stood alone by the door, doing her best to block them from entering. Su Ming¡¯s eyes reddened. How had his mother managed through the day? ¡°Stop!¡± President Chen shouted. When those people heard the voice, they turned around to see two individuals approaching. ¡°Who are you two? Get out of here!¡± The middle-aged man leading them frowned. ¡°Son!¡± When Lee Sumei spotted Su Ming, relief washed over her, but that was quickly reced by concern. ¡°Son, you need to leave right now. I can handle things here on my own. Please, go!¡± Su Ming nearly teared up at his mother¡¯s words. Even at a time like this, she was worried about his safety. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s alright.¡± Su Ming reassured her with a faint smile. ¡°Are you the family of the elderlydy?¡± Su Ming inquired with a furrowed brow. ¡°Yes, we are,¡± the middle-aged man confirmed. ¡°I¡¯m Su Tao¡¯s son,¡± Su Ming replied calmly. ¡°You im my father injured your mother. Well, I left in a hurry and didn¡¯t bring my bank card. Could you provide your bank details so my friend here can transfer the money?¡± The middle-aged man sneered, ¡°Su Ming, don¡¯t think you can get away with this. You¡¯ve injured my mother, and we demand 300,000 yuan aspensation.¡± Su Ming turned to President Chen, saying, ¡°Chen, I don¡¯t have my bank card with me. Could you handle the payment?¡± ¡°Su Ming, don¡¯t worry. Leave it to me.¡± ¡°Send me your bank ount number, and I¡¯ll transfer the money.¡± President Chen stepped forward, his demeanor challenging these individuals. Chapter 84 C84 ¨C The Price Is Too High! Hearing this, those individuals couldn¡¯t help but feel delighted. [How did it go so smoothly?] Are they about to receive 300,000 yuan so easily? These individuals appeared quite gullible! Nevertheless, the ease with which they offered 300,000 yuan hinted at their substantial financial resources. ¡°Darling, how is your mother doing?¡± The middle-aged man turned to his wife and inquired. They were indeed a couple, and his wife promptly grasped his meaning. ¡°Her condition is deteriorating rapidly. I¡¯m not sure how much longer she can hold on.¡± While speaking, the woman feigned wiping away some tears. ¡°Did you hear that? My mom¡¯s health is deteriorating. I must tell you, 300,000 won¡¯t suffice. We need 500,000!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t provide us with 500,000, we¡¯ll have Su Tao sent straight to prison. Su Taomitted murder; he¡¯ll face execution!¡± The middle-aged man proimed loudly. Su Ming smirked. ¡°Alright, no problem. I¡¯ll give you half a million yuan.¡± Su Ming turned to President Chen, who nodded in agreement. The middle-aged man was overjoyed when he realized he had achieved his goal. His mother was unharmed, and he had earned 500,000 yuan. He was now wealthy. President Chen promptly transferred half a million into the man¡¯s ount, and the man¡¯s demeanor shifted from fierce to all smiles. ¡°Old Su¡¯s son is truly resourceful. He readily produces 500,000 yuan!¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Su Ming scowled at them and yelled. The middle-aged man snorted in disdain. However, having achieved his objective, he had no intention of arguing with Su Ming. He hummed a tune as he departed. Observing their departure, Su Ming quickly pushed open the door and entered. Su Taoy on the bed, his face pale, and his eyes closed. His right leg was wrapped in white bandages. Su Ming promptly essed the scanning system. Su Tao had sustained injuries. His body¡¯s soft tissues disyed minor contusions, and his right leg was fractured. Upon seeing the scan results, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, his father¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t severe. However, Su Ming¡¯s relief didn¡¯t imply he would let the culprits off the hook. His father couldn¡¯t be assaulted without consequences. ¡°Mom.¡± Su Ming turned to see Lee Sumei. He withdrew a thick stack of bills from his pocket and handed them to her. ¡°Take this money for now. During this period, let Dad recuperate in the hospital. You should rest too. Leave this matter to me.¡± ¡°Just be careful and don¡¯t act recklessly,¡± Lee Sumei expressed her concerns to Su Ming. She was still worried about him. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry.¡± After Su Ming reassured her, he nced at President Chen. President Chen nodded and followed Su Ming outside. As they reached the door, they encountered a middle-aged man with a stout build. ¡°Are you the patient¡¯s family?¡± Fatty furrowed his brow slightly upon seeing Su Ming. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming fixed his gaze on the man. ¡°I¡¯m the deputy director of the hospital. The patient hasn¡¯t paid a single cent since admission. If you don¡¯t settle the bill, we¡¯ll have to discharge him,¡± the middle-aged Fatty dered. ¡°We¡¯ll make the payment right away,¡± Su Ming assured. ¡°Hurry up!¡± After the impatient middle-aged Fatty delivered those words, he turned and walked away. Su Ming didn¡¯t say anything more. They took the elevator to the ground floor, where Su Ming paid 100,000 yuan for his father¡¯s hospitalization fees. ¡°Mr. Su, we can¡¯t just let this matter slide,¡± President Chen finally spoke up after holding it in for a while. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, President Chen. I won¡¯t allow this matter to end like this.¡± Seeing that his father¡¯s condition had temporarily stabilized, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. He would have time to deal with the situation. At that moment, Old Madam¡¯s son, Guo Jianguo, hurriedly brought his family to the bank. He was delighted to discover that his bank bnce had increased by 500,000 yuan. The middle-aged woman next to him asked, ¡°Did you ask him for less money?¡± Guo Jianguo replied, ¡°I thought it was sufficient.¡± ¡°I heard that everyone else received over a million or even two million yuan.¡± ¡°Old Su¡¯s son¡¯s friend must be quite wealthy. If he could easily offer 500,000 yuan, he must have substantial resources.¡± Upon hearing this, Guo Jianguo began to think that it made sense. Initially content with the 500,000 yuan, he now felt it might not be enough. Guo Jianguo whispered something to his wife, who was easily enticed by the prospect of more money, and she proposed a dubious n. Guo Jianguo turned to his wife and asked, ¡°What do you think?¡± The middle-aged woman, blinded by the lure of money, considered the n and whispered it to Guo Jianguo, who became incredibly excited upon hearing it. However, he quickly recalled something and addressed his other family members, ¡°You all should return and look after the olddy. Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll give you your share of the five hundred thousand.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± These family members departed happily. Guo Jianguo, on the other hand, didn¡¯t go back. Instead, he headed to the hospital director¡¯s office. Meanwhile, Su Mingpleted the payment for his father¡¯s hospitalization fees downstairs and rented the entire ward. He then headed upstairs to allow his mother some rest. President Chen had been assisting Su Ming in taking care of Su Tao. Furthermore, Su Ming was aware of President Chen¡¯s support throughout this ordeal. As evening descended, President Chen went out to buy a few meals and returned. For now, the situation had been temporarily resolved, and Lee Sumei¡¯s condition had improved. It was nighttime. President Chen returned with the meals. Despite theplications, things seemed to be settling down. Lee Sumei¡¯s condition had also improved. They finished their meal, and Su Tao woke up. ¡°Son?¡± Su Tao was taken aback when he saw Su Ming. ¡°You¡¯re back! Are you okay? They didn¡¯t trouble you, did they?¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei immediately expressed their concern for Su Ming. Su Ming reassured them, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s all in the past. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Smiling, Su Ming asked, ¡°Dad, are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?¡± Su Tao sighed, ¡°I me myself for dragging you into this. I originally wanted to do a good deed, but look what happened.¡± ¡°There are still good people in society,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°We just had the misfortune of encountering some bad ones.¡± Chapter 85 C85 ¨C Farce(1) Su Tao sustained an injury, not too severe but painful nheless. Fortunately, his digestive system remained unaffected. Feeling a bit hungry, the three of them, along with President Chen, shared a meal and engaged in conversation for a while. While they were conversing, there suddenly came cries from outside the door. ¡°Mom! I¡¯m so sorry!¡± ¡°This Su Tao is a real troublemaker!¡± ¡°My mother was perfectly healthy. She could have lived to be eighty or ny. How did this happen all of a sudden?¡± A sob echoed from the corridor. Su Ming and President Chen exchanged uneasy nces, their brows furrowing slightly. What was happening? What were they attempting to do? ¡°I¡¯ll go check it out.¡± Before Su Ming could reach the door, it swung open abruptly. Guo Jianguo entered with long strides, his eyes red and tears streaming down his face. His expression was filled with sorrow. ¡°And here you all are, still able to eat? My mother is on the verge of death!¡± ¡°What?¡± Lee Sumei was taken aback. ¡°Your mother wasn¡¯t injured.¡± ¡°You¡¯re arguing at a time like this? You said I was reluctant to have my mother examined. I just had her checked, and it¡¯s Su Tao who harmed her. She has internal injuries!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, see for yourself!¡± With that, Guo Jianguo tossed the examination results onto the floor. President Chen quickly picked them up and handed them to Su Ming. Though Su Ming wasn¡¯t a medical student, he could discern from the results that there was indeed significant congestion in the patient¡¯s chest and brain. ¡°Where did you get these results?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°These are the findings from our hospital.¡± A cold voice sounded from the door, and a man in a white coat strolled in deliberately, stating, ¡°I¡¯m Du Xiangyu, the hospital¡¯s director. I personally conducted this X-ray, and I can confirm that Mr. Guo¡¯s im is urate.¡± ¡°Did you see that? Director Du vouches for it!¡± Guo Jianguo eximed loudly, ¡°I demandpensation immediately. 500,000 won¡¯t suffice. You must give me an additional 1.5 million, or I¡¯ll ensure you all end up behind bars!¡± Su Ming and President Chen grasped the situation upon hearing this: Guo Jianguo was after more money! Su Ming furrowed his brow and approached the door. There, he observed the unconscious elderly woman lying in the corridor and examined her. Wang Guifang was in good health, with only slight hypertension and heart disease. Upon seeing the scan results, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but sneer inwardly. So, that was the game. Before Su Ming could utter a word, President Chen smiled and said, ¡°Director Du, you still recognize me, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°May I inquire about your identity?¡± Du Xiangyu regarded President Chen with a slight frown. He couldn¡¯t recall ever meeting this person before, or could he? Why did this individual seem so familiar to him? ¡°Dean Du, your memory seems to have failed you. Remember when you visited our bank to make a deposit?¡± ¡°President Chen?¡± Du Xiangyu suddenly recollected, and his face turned ashen as cold sweat trickled down his back. It couldn¡¯t be true, could it? Could such a coincidence really happen? President Chen was the head of Tianhua Bank, overseeing more than a dozen branches. President Chen was a prominent figure, and Du Xiangyu had been fortunate to meet him previously. However, how could he now be in a small county hospital? Unbelievable, could this be just a mere coincidence? ¡°President Chen, what brings you to this ce?¡± Du Xiangyu muttered under his breath, his dry lips pursed as he asked cautiously. ¡°I haven¡¯t taken any action yet.¡± President Chen sneered, ¡°Dean Du, I¡¯m well aware of your ount bnce. Your sry couldn¡¯t possibly umte that much money, could it?¡± Du Xiangyu felt panic surge within him. As the hospital director, he had engaged in corruption and epted bribes. In addition to epting gifts from patients, he had exploited his authority in the hospital for various illicit activities. Every bit of his ill-gotten gains was substantial. However, he had been cautious, depositing the money into different bank ounts. Yet, the higher-ups at the bank had connections and shared user information. Du Xiangyu¡¯s actions might have appeared secretive to others, but President Chen was fully aware. If President Chen revealed Du Xiangyu¡¯s financial records, the police would intervene, and Du Xiangyu¡¯s life would be ruined! Du Xiangyu was aware that his money was tainted. ¡°President Chen, please, have mercy!¡± Du Xiangyu pleaded, trembling. ¡°That will depend on your cooperation, and I must follow Mr. Su¡¯s directives.¡± President Chen nced at Su Ming while speaking with great respect. ¡°Mr. Su, how do you suggest we proceed?¡± Du Xiangyu was momentarily stunned. Mr. Su? It was only then that he suddenly realized President Chen hade to this small hospital because of this young man. President Chen was a person of great significance! The president of a major bank. Even chairpersons of major corporations and multimillionaire shareholders had to greet President Chen with a smile when seeking loans. Yet, President Chen addressed this young man as Mr. Su? Most notably, the respect in President Chen¡¯s eyes for this young man waspletely genuine. So, who exactly was this young man? How could Su Tao¡¯s son wield such influence? Du Xiangyu found it utterly unbelievable. However, this wasn¡¯t the time for him to ponder these questions. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡­¡± Du Xiangyu gazed at Su Ming, trembling so intensely that he couldn¡¯t utter a word. ¡°Let me inquire, what transpired here?¡± Su Ming asked with a furrowed brow. Du Xiangyu couldn¡¯t meet Su Ming¡¯s gaze directly. He swallowed hard, gathered his courage, and said, ¡°I apologize, Mr. Su. It was my mistake. In reality, there was nothing wrong with this elderlydy¡¯s health.¡± ¡°Dean Du, what are you saying?¡± Guo Jianguo was taken aback. How could Dean Du suddenly speak the truth? ¡°Dean Du, don¡¯t forget that you epted my gift.¡± Du Xiangyu pped Guo Jianguo forcefully and eximed, ¡°I had been wondering who had left gifts on my desk while I was dining outside. You¡¯re encouraging corruption! I¡¯ll return the money to you!¡± Chapter 86 C86 ¨C Farce(2) Guo Jianguo had always lived in the countryside and did not have much knowledge. Therefore, Du Xiangyu¡¯s p made him very confused. Guo Jianguo did not really understand what had happened, but he was not a fool. He knew that the two people standing opposite him were people that Du Xiangyu could not afford to offend. ¡°Dean Du, you took the initiative to ept this money!¡± Guo Jianguo frowned and said loudly, ¡°When you took the money, your face was full of smiles.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± When Du Xiangyu heard this, he was furious. He could not admit it! ¡°President Chen, don¡¯t listen to his nonsense. I didn¡¯t take the money. I just got back to the office and found two hundred thousand yuan on the desk. I was curious about who put it there, but now I know!¡± ¡°Dean Du, since you don¡¯t want to admit it, don¡¯t me me for being rude!¡± However, Guo Jianguo immediately took out his phone from his pocket and said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you the truth. I¡¯ve already recorded it when I went in!¡± ¡°What?¡± When Du Xiangyu heard this, he almost jumped up. ¡°Damn it, give me the phone!¡± Du Xiangyu was very excited. If this matter were to spread out, he would definitely go to jail. In a moment of desperation, Du Xiangyu jumped up and was about to snatch the phone away. Although Du Xiangyu jumped very high, his physical strength was only slightly better than that of an ordinary person. Guo Jianguo pushed Du Xiangyu to the side. Du Xiangyu took two steps back, and the two of them fought at the door. Su Ming and President Chen looked at each other. At this moment, a few uniformed policemen walked over. ¡°Stop, what¡¯s going on?¡± One of the policemen frowned and shouted. Du Xiangyu and Guo Jianguo were shocked when they heard the police¡¯s voice. ¡°Comrade police.¡± President Chen smiled faintly, walked up, and told them the whole story. Su Ming provided the police with the audio of Guo Jianguo asking for 500,000 yuan. It turned out that Su Ming had also secretly recorded it. Very quickly, the police took Du Xiangyu and Guo Jianguo away. President Chen also provided a lot of evidence of Du Xiangyu¡¯s crimes. Du Xiangyu was the director of the hospital, so it was normal for his annual sry to be two million. However, his current assets were almost over a hundred million. He had a lot of unknown ie and many expensive products in his family. After he went to prison, in order to mitigate his crimes, he confessed to someone else. The vice principal, who had treated Su Ming particrly badly before, was also arrested. The atmosphere in this hospital suddenly changed. The olddy was examined again, proving that there were no injuries on her body. The reason why the olddy was unconscious was because his own son, Guo Jianguo, had put arge amount of sleeping pills in the water. After the olddy woke up, she also proved that Su Tao did not hit her. Guo Jianguo and his family were also imprisoned for extortion. This matter could be considered to have a perfect ending. However, it was nothing to Su Ming. Su Tao¡¯s injuries were not serious. After resting in the hospital for a day, the doctor said he could be discharged and go home. President Chen drove Su Ming¡¯s car back first. After President Chen drove the car back, he drove it back overnight. When the couple saw their son driving such a good car, they were a little stunned. ¡°This car is quite expensive, right? Although we have always been in the countryside, we can tell that this car is expensive. Did you do something illegal?¡± Lee Sumei frowned and hurriedly said. Su Ming didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry when he heard this. President Chen hurriedly exined, ¡°Auntie, you misunderstood.¡± Chapter 87 C87 ¨C Su Ming Made His Family Proud But it was obvious that President Chen didn¡¯t care about this at all. He was even proud of it. It was a great honor to be able to talk to Mr. Su¡¯s mother! No one else could have such a good opportunity. ¡°I am the president of Tianhua Bank. Your son made some small investments through our bank. He invested in a fewpanies.¡± ¡°As a result, thesepanies suddenly went public, and their market value was very high. Your son immediately became rich.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. All the money is legal. You can spend the money without any problems.¡± Lee Sumei heaved a sigh of relief. So that was it. Investment was a very distant matter for them. But they could always hear about it on the television or on the radio. They also knew that investing in a very legitimate thing was very profitable. She didn¡¯t expect her son¡¯s luck to be so good. ¡°Even if you earn money, you can¡¯t spend it like this, can you? If you have a lot of money, you must save it all. When you get married in the future, you will have a lot of expenses.¡± Lee Sumei said with a smile. ¡°Mom, I know!¡± Su Ming quickly promised his mother. Su Ming knew that his mother had been diligent and thrifty for her entire life. This was her living habit. If it wasn¡¯t for his mother¡¯s thriftiness, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to go to college, and he wouldn¡¯t be living his current life. ¡°It¡¯s too hot. Let¡¯s not stand here. Let¡¯s get in the car. Let¡¯s go back first.¡± Su Ming stepped forward and helped Su Tao up. President Chen hurriedly opened the car door and helped Su Ming ce Su Tao on the sofa in the back. Lee Sumei also sat in. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll go back first.¡± Since Su Ming and his family were leaving, he couldn¡¯t disturb them anymore. ¡°President Chen,e to my house for dinner. You¡¯ve been busy these past few days, and we¡¯re quite embarrassed.¡± Lee Sumei hurriedly said. ¡°No, I still have things to do at the bank, so I¡¯ll take my leave first. Mr. Su, let¡¯s talkter.¡± President Chen shook his head. Su Ming also knew what President Chen meant, so he didn¡¯t say anything. ¡°Thank you, then I won¡¯t send you away.¡± When President Chen heard Su Ming thank him, he immediately became happy. This matter concerned Su Ming¡¯s parents. He had helped Su Ming, and Su Ming would definitely be grateful to him in the future. President Chen was very happy. He was very d that he had decided to help Su Ming pull the grassst minute yesterday morning. After separating from President Chen, Su Ming also drove home. To be honest, Su Ming had been in the city for four or five years. He rarely went home, because even during the New Year, he had to work overtime. He didn¡¯t expect that the surrounding environment would change so much. The asphalt road had been renovated. It used to be bumpy, but now it was as smooth as new. The car was very stable without any bumps. The weeds on both sides of the road had been cleared and nted with a unified shrub. Locust trees were nted every few meters. There were some sr-powered streetlights on both sides of the road. It was as bright as day at night. ¡°Whose car is this?¡± They arrived at the entrance of the vige. There was a big willow tree at the entrance of the vige. It was noon. Many people came back from the fields. They squatted under the big willow tree and were eating. A car drove over from afar. No one had seen this car before. However, this car didn¡¯t look cheap. ¡°This car is quite expensive, right?¡± A shirtless man looked at the people around him and said. ¡°This car is too expensive. This is a Rolls-Royce.¡± A young man wearing sses next to him said with a shocked face. ¡°What is a Rolls-Royce?¡± They were confused. ¡°Let me tell you, this car is worth more than 10 million.¡± At this time, the vigers who were listening to the excitement suddenly eximed. More than 10 million yuan! They could only earn tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of yuan a year, no more than two hundred thousand yuan at most. Ten million yuan was a number they didn¡¯t even dare to think about. But today, they actually saw someone spend so much money to buy a car to drive, which really surprised them. The viger looked at each other. There were indeed a few young people in the vige who were doing well. They had driven an Audi or a BMW back before, but the most expensive car was only 700,000 to 800,000 yuan. They had never seen anyone who drove such an expensive car back. ¡°Whose car is this?¡± Everyone was curious. Their vige was on the side of the main road. Most of the cars that drove here were vigers¡¯ cars or trucks. ¡°This can¡¯t be the car of Vige Chief Zhang¡¯s son, right? I heard that he¡¯s a manager now.¡± ¡°Impossible. Yesterday, I saw him driving an Audi worth more than 300,000 yuan.¡± ¡°Then he should be the son of the Wang family. I heard that he is working in the mines now. Maybe he has be a mine owner?¡± ¡°I think he is the second son of the Old Lee family. He seems to be a real estate agent.¡± As they were wondering, the car stopped in front of the banyan tree and the window rolled down. ¡°Third Brother, it¡¯s all thanks to you that our Old Su was sent to the hospital. Otherwise, I really wouldn¡¯t know what to do.¡± The window rolled down, revealing Lee Sumei¡¯s face. She looked at the bare-chested man and said. The vigers eximed. It turned out to be Old Su¡¯s son¡¯s car. When did their family be so rich? Su Tao and Lee Sumei were serious vigers. They had never seen much of the world in their lives. When did they have so much money? ¡°Third Uncle.¡± At this moment, the window of the driver¡¯s seat rolled down, revealing Su Ming¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll treat everyone to a mealter. You can¡¯t note.¡± ¡°Su Ming!¡± Everyone immediately understood. It was because of Su Ming! Su Ming hadn¡¯te back for a few years. He was running a bigpany to earn money, right? ¡°I won¡¯t talk to you guys for now. We¡¯ll go back first.¡± Su Ming smiled and drove away. Only a group of surprised vigers was left behind. Chapter 88 C88 ¨C Blind Date ¡°This is actually Old Su¡¯s house?¡± One of them couldn¡¯t resist shouting as they departed. ¡°Su Ming has quite the abilities, it seems.¡± The vigers shook their heads in amazement and sighed. Su Ming sat in the car, wearing a faint smile. After all, because of his marriage to Wang Xue, his parents had been subjected to ridicule by many. In less than an afternoon, word would spread to every household. Money and advantages were the most crucial factors in this world. When you possessed wealth, countless people would naturally seek your favor. However, if youcked wealth, even if you had no conflicts of interest with others, people would mock you. That was human nature. Who would dare to mock them now? Old Su¡¯s son had just driven home in a ten-million-worth car. As Su Ming parked the car in front of the house, a few neighbors approached. ¡°Is this your son¡¯s car, Old Lee?¡± ¡°Su Ming, you¡¯re truly impressive.¡± ¡°My son¡¯s monthly sry is only six thousand yuan; it pales inparison to yours.¡± ¡°I must say, you two should share your child-rearing techniques with us.¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei had been in low spirits yesterday, but with their son¡¯s return, everything had changed overnight. ¡°Su Ming, do you have a girlfriend now? My niece just graduated from college, and she¡¯s quite lovely.¡± ¡°Su Ming, hear me out. I have a friend whose daughter is pursuing a master¡¯s degree¡­¡± ¡°My daughter recently graduated from grad school and now works in the city.¡± Su Ming began to sense that something was amiss. Indeed, Su Ming noticed Lee Sumei¡¯s eyes gleaming with interest. Sometimes, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but admire his mother. Despite only having a primary school education, her memory for such matters was truly remarkable. She had memorized all the girls¡¯ contact information by heart. Su Ming felt a bit concerned. Did she truly yearn for a grandchild that much? ¡°Let¡¯s set aside that topic for now.¡± Su Ming quickly changed the subject. He walked to the rear of the car and opened the trunk, revealing an abundance of health supplements. These had all been thoughtfully provided by President Chen. Anything President Chen provided would be of high quality, such as ginseng and deer antler. Su Ming began to remove the contents from the trunk. ¡°You all extended a helping hand when I wasn¡¯t around, and this is a small token of my gratitude. Please don¡¯t decline it.¡± The sight of the gift in Su Ming¡¯s hands sparked excitement in the neighbors¡¯ eyes. Wasn¡¯t this abalone and bird¡¯s nest? It was indeed abalone and bird¡¯s nest! They had only seen such luxuries on television. Being ordinary folks, none of them were willing to splurge on such items. Even when they fell ill, they would resist going to the hospital to save money. ¡°Su Ming, to be honest, we didn¡¯t do much.¡± The vigers seemed somewhat evasive. ¡°I remember dining at your ce when I was young. Consider this my way of repaying your kindness from back then. Please ept it.¡± These individuals did not turn down his gesture. They were delighted to receive abalones, ginseng, and deer antler, each getting a few pieces. Su Ming retrieved several boxes of cigarettes from the car¡¯s rearpartment. These cigarettes came from special channels and were of high quality. They were top-notch products. Su Ming handed the cigarettes to the older men nearby. ¡°I heard that only high-ranking officials can smoke such cigarettes.¡± ¡°My son was fortunate to receive half a box of these cigarettes in the past. They¡¯re really something.¡± ¡°In the market, a box of these cigarettes would easily cost at least 200 yuan.¡± Most of the vigers were smokers. They typically refrained from spending much and opted for cheap or old tobo. Rarely did they indulge in such premium cigarettes due to their reluctance to spend and the unavability of these brands for purchase. Chapter 89 C89 ¨C Home ¡°Su Ming has be quite the sessful entrepreneur now.¡± ¡°Su Ming, do you have any job openings in yourpany? While my daughter may not be as influential as you, she¡¯s a university student.¡± Their neighbors had all received generous gifts, and their fondness for Su Ming continued to grow. ¡°I¡¯d rather not chat here. My dad is still recovering from his injuries. We should head back and get some rest.¡± ¡°Alright then, go and take care of your matters.¡± ¡°Su, your injuries should heal up quickly this time.¡± ¡°Your son is not only wealthy but also very courteous.¡± The vigers nearby couldn¡¯t help but envy Su Ming as they watched him assist Su Tao into their home. ¡°Not too long ago, Lee Sumei was going around borrowing money. It¡¯s only been a few days, and she¡¯s already quite well-off.¡± ¡°Do you think she might be involved in some illegal activities?¡± ¡°That Guo Jianguo from the neighboring vige is in prison.¡± ¡°It¡¯s likely that their family framed Old Su. I heard they demanded half a million inpensation, and Guo Jianguo ended up in jail.¡± ¡°Based on what you¡¯re saying, Su Ming¡¯s connections must be quite powerful now!¡± ¡°Certainly. That¡¯s why he wouldn¡¯t engage in any uwful activities.¡± The vigers congregated at the doorstep, engaged in discussion. They had watched Su Ming grow up, and their children had yed with him. When Lee Sumei had borrowed money from them, they had lent her a substantial sum. Now that Su Ming had achieved sess, their happiness was palpable. The courtyard wasn¡¯t expansive, with vegetables growing on both sides of the ground, and a narrow brick pathway in the middle. Neatly stacked firewood upied one corner. Su Ming gazed at the run-down courtyard and sighed. Over the years, the living conditions of many had improved, and thanks to government support, numerous families had built new homes. Yet, his own house remained a small bungalow. The windows and doors were still the same old wooden ones, worn and weathered. Nevertheless, this was still Su Ming¡¯s home, the ce that filled him with the most warmth. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m in good health,¡± Su Tao reassured. Su Tao was clearly ted. Lee Sumei couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes. ¡°My son has achieved sess. How could I not be happy?¡± Su Ming eavesdropped on his father¡¯s words from the doorway, chuckling and shaking his head. ¡°Mom, I crave the food you prepare.¡± Su Ming nced at the time, leaving Lee Sumei a bit bewildered by his request. ¡°Son, we¡¯re out of ingredients at home.¡± ¡°No worries. Our house isn¡¯t far from town. I¡¯ll drive, and the two of us can shop together.¡± Lee Sumei nodded in agreement, appreciating the convenience of her son having a car. Su Ming took the wheel, with Lee Sumei as the passenger. They headed to town to purchase vegetables, fruits, and meat. Upon their return, Su Tao lounged on the brick bed, munching on fruit while watching TV. Su Ming and Lee Sumei teamed up in the kitchen, swiftly preparing a table filled with delectable dishes. The family of three gathered around the brick bed, engaging in conversation and savoring the rare warmth. ¡°Dad, Mom, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you. I bought a vi in the city. Come live with me.¡± Su Ming set down his chopsticks and made his proposal. ¡°I won¡¯t go.¡± Su Tao shook his head. ¡°Son, we¡¯ve grown up in the countryside and spent half our lives here. Although the conditions are a bit tough, we¡¯ve grown ustomed to it.¡± ¡°Son, we understand that you¡¯re concerned, but we¡¯re not working to make money anymore. We just feel at ease here.¡± Lee Sumei smiled as she spoke. ¡°But it¡¯s still not convenient for you to live in the countryside. The vi has air conditioning, and I¡¯ll hire a nanny. You won¡¯t have to worry about a thing.¡± Su Ming insisted. ¡°We simply can¡¯t bear to leave this ce. How can we live without our neighbors in the vi?¡± Su Tao stated, with Lee Sumei nodding in agreement. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°Since you¡¯re attached to this ce, I¡¯ll construct a building here.¡± ¡°Is that eptable?¡± The couple exchanged nces upon hearing Su Ming¡¯s proposal. After a moment, they nodded. ¡°Son, you must do what you can, but don¡¯t let your finances suffer because of us.¡± Su Tao hesitated briefly before speaking. ¡°That won¡¯t happen. Building a vi here only costs 500,000 yuan.¡± ¡°And 500,000 yuan is a trifling sum for me.¡± Su Ming reassured them. Chapter 90 C90 ¨C His Childhood ymate Su Ming had already thought of his next n. He nned to build a two-story house for his parents in the countryside. Because the prices in the countryside were rtively low, 300,000 yuan could be used to build a normal two-story house. Adding the renovation fee, 500,000 yuan should be enough. However, Su Ming was prepared to renovate it properly. He also wanted to build an underground garage and prepare the best household appliances. He wanted his parents to enjoy the feeling of living in a vi in the city while they were in the vige. ¡°Dad, Mom, I have 7 million yuan in my card.¡± Su Ming took out a bank card from his pocket. This was the bank card he had asked President Chen to get for him. He said, ¡°The password to the bank card is my birthday. You can spend this money as you wish.¡± They looked at each other in shock, knowing that their son had be rich, but thinking it too much. Lee Sumei was still a little worried. She quickly reminded him, ¡°Son, you can earn money slowly. Don¡¯t do anything illegal.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, President Chen has already told you that I earn my money by investing. Besides, he¡¯s the president of a bank. How could he do anything illegal?¡± ¡°All the money was earned through legal channels. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t dare to drive such an expensive car back. If this gets out, I¡¯ll be in trouble.¡± Su Tao felt that Su Ming¡¯s words made sense. ¡°Alright.¡± Lee Sumei nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you save this money. Maybe it wille in handy sometime.¡± Su Ming didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry when he heard this. Su Ming was worried that the two of them would be too surprised. Otherwise, he would have given them 70 million yuan. 7 million yuan was nothing to him. If he sold the things in the field, he would get a lot of money. ¡°Dad, Mom, let me tell you, this money is really not a lot. Don¡¯t be reluctant to spend money. If you have time, you can go on a trip.¡± Su Ming said in a hurry, ¡°I have already saved up enough money to get married.¡± ¡°You have to learn how to save money. In the future, there may be situations where you need money.¡± ¡°This money is not a small amount. If you encounter difficulties in the future, this money can help you.¡± Su Ming sighed when he heard this, but this was within his expectations. His parents had lived a frugal life. In fact, this was what many people thought. Most people liked to save money to deal with any unexpected situations that might ur in the future. After the family of three finished eating, Su Ming apanied Lee Sumei to clean up the dishes and wash some fruits. Then the family of three sat on the bed and chatted while watching TV. They spent the entire afternoon happily. At night, Lee Sumei cleaned up the room next door and let Su Ming stay there. Su Ming took out his phone and looked at it. It was only then that he remembered that he had forgotten to buy a phone for his parents. However, he remembered that it was very convenient to buy a phone now, so he stopped thinking about it for the time being. He downloaded a game and started to y it. ¡°How did I die?¡± ¡°Why is there no equipment in this airdrop?¡± ¡°Why are so many people using cheats?¡± Su Ming used to love ying this game, but now many people were using cheats. Su Ming sighed and put his phone aside. He hadn¡¯t slept at home in a long time, and he felt that the bed at home was quitefortable. Su Ming had been busy all day. He was a little tired, and soon fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, Su Ming had just finished breakfast and was chatting with his neighbors at the door when the sound of a motorcycle came from afar. They turned around and saw a young man wearing sunsses driving a motorcycle and stopping in front of Su Ming. ¡°You really came back! My mom told me, but I didn¡¯t believe her!¡± The young man took off his sunsses and patted Su Ming¡¯s shoulder,ughing. This guy¡¯s name was Cao Mingyuan. He was Su Ming¡¯s childhood ymate, and they grew up together. However, Cao Mingyuan knew nothing about studying. Cao Mingyuan had dropped out of school and gone to work when he graduated from junior high school. Su Ming had finished high school and even finished college. Although their life paths were different, their rtionship was not bad. Every time Su Ming came back, he would go out with Cao Mingyuan to eat and drink. After all, they had grown up together, and they were true friends. Su Ming was happy to see Cao Mingyuan. ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to work? Why are you back? I was thinking of inviting you to dinner when you were resting.¡± ¡°I was resting at the construction site for the past few days, so I didn¡¯t go to work.¡± Cao Mingyuan stared at the Rolls-Royce and said, ¡°You¡¯re amazing. I¡¯ve seen this car before on Auto Show. It¡¯s worth more than ten million.¡± ¡°You want to drive this car? You can try.¡± Su Ming smiled and took out the car keys. ¡°No!¡± Cao Mingyuan shook his head crazily and said, ¡°Spare me! I don¡¯t dare to drive this car. If I damage it, I won¡¯t be able to afford it!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if you break it, I don¡¯t need you topensate me.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. After all, he had more than 400 cars. To be honest, to ordinary people, Rolls-Royce was a luxury car. But to Su Ming, Rolls-Royce was just an ordinary car. After all, his Koenigsegg was worth ten Rolls-Royces. ¡°No!¡± Cao Mingyuan shook his head firmly. ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to drive such a good car. I just got my driver¡¯s license. I¡¯m still a rookie.¡± Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°I have another car. I can give you that car to practice with.¡± ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Cao Mingyuan was very happy: ¡°What car?¡± ¡°A BMW. It¡¯s not expensive, only 500,000 yuan.¡± Su Ming said lightly. ¡°Half a million?¡± Cao Mingyuan was stunned and eximed. After all, Su Ming was a rich man, and five hundred thousand was nothing to him. Since Cao Mingyuan thought so, he had nothing to say. Chapter 91 C91 ¨C The School Anniversary ¡°You¡¯re back just in time.¡± Cao Mingyuan seemed to have thought of something. ¡°Our school¡¯s celebration tomorrow.¡± ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s celebration?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a while. Over the years, many big shots had appeared in the school. During every school anniversary, they woulde back to donate money to the school. ¡°Don¡¯t forget.¡± Cao Mingyuan patted Su Ming¡¯s shoulder. ¡°How many people cane to our ss?¡± Su Ming asked. When Su Ming was studying, there weren¡¯t many students in the same ss. It turned out that there were only five sses in each grade, and there were less than 30 people in each ss. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, but he will definitely participate.¡± Cao Mingyuan couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. Su Ming knew who he was talking about. That guy¡¯s name was Han Peng. He relied on his money to bully his ssmates. But the school leaders didn¡¯t dare to say anything. After all, his parents donated money to the school every year. However, that was more than a decade ago. Han Peng would definitely appear at the school anniversary. Su Ming smiled faintly. If it was before, Su Ming would have to take a detour when he met this guy, but now¡­ Su Ming wanted him to know that there was always someone better than him. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll definitely be there tomorrow. Come find me tomorrow morning. I¡¯ll drive the two of us there.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Cao Mingyuan was very happy. He chatted with Su Ming for a long time before returning. Su Ming went home to tidy up his courtyard and change some medicine for his father. In the blink of an eye, a day passed. The next morning, Cao Mingyuan was already waiting for him at the door. Su Ming drove Cao Mingyuan to the primary school. It turned out that there was also an elementary school in their vige. Decades ago, each couple had at least four or five children. Therefore, the primary school in the vige was full every year. However, with the appearance of family nning, the primary schools in the vige were slowly banned and integrated. Su Ming and the others went to school in the town after the third grade. From afar, they found that the primary school was very lively today. Cars were parked at the door one after another. Su Ming found a parking spot by the side of the road and parked his car. After getting out of the car with Cao Mingyuan, they walked towards the primary school. They hadn¡¯t been back for a few years, and the school hadn¡¯t changed much. It was just that the sports field had turned into a stic track, and the teaching block had been rebuilt. The small tree beside it was still there. ¡°Isn¡¯t this our ssmate?¡± After walking a few steps, Cao Mingyuan saw a few people standing at the door. Su Ming took a closer look and saw that there were more than a dozen people. They were all standing at the door. Just as Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan were wondering what was going on, a figure walked over from the side. Isn¡¯t this Han Peng? As soon as Han Peng appeared, these students immediately surrounded him. Especially the well-dressed girls, they all looked at him flirtatiously. ¡°Han Peng, you are really getting more and more handsome.¡± ¡°Han Peng, do you have a girlfriend?¡± ¡°I heard your parents have apany in the city. You are now the young master.¡± A group of people surrounded Han Peng and praised him. Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan looked at each other and couldn¡¯t help butugh in their hearts. They didn¡¯t know Su Ming¡¯s true value. If they did, they would immediately surround him. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect so many people toe to the school anniversary this time.¡± Han Peng smiled faintly, his eyes full of pride and disdain. He had a polite smile on his face as he spoke faintly. ¡°How could we not dare toe?¡± Hearing the ttery of the people around him, the disdain in Han Peng¡¯s eyes became even stronger. He couldn¡¯t help but pat his sleeve lightly, as if these people would dirty his clothes. At this moment, a Porsche worth more than three million drove over. There was a man in the driver¡¯s seat. After he got out of the car, he quickly walked to Han Peng¡¯s side: ¡°Young master, you need to sign this document now.¡± Han Peng nodded, looked at the document, and signed it in a carefree manner. ¡°Go.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The man nodded, took the document, and drove away. Su Ming almost burst outughing after reading it. Chapter 92 C92 ¨C They ttered Each Other Cao Mingyuan, who stood nearby, couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. While Cao Mingyuan might not be wealthy, he was far from unintelligent. His personality wasn¡¯t all that different from Su Ming¡¯s, which is why they had be close friends. But the individuals who fawned over Han Peng would never dare to express such thoughts, even if they secretly harbored them. ¡°Young Master Han, you¡¯re truly affluent. If I¡¯m not mistaken, this Porsche costs over three million, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What? Over three million for this car? My goodness!¡± ¡°I barely make a hundred thousand a year. It would take me 30 years of hard work to afford such a car!¡± Most of these students had left school early to join the workforce. Some had acquired skills and earned a stable ie, while others were still unemployed and made even less. For them, owning a car was already an extravagant dream, let alone a sports car worth more than three million. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Han Peng smiled faintly and said, ¡°With your dedication, you¡¯ll one day have the chance to drive such a fine car.¡± At that moment, Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan also approached. Han Peng looked at them with a hint of sarcasm in his smile. What a pleasant surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected these two fellows to show up. Today might turn out to be quite interesting! Among those Han Peng had bullied in primary school, Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan had been the most resilient. They had repeatedly made him lose face. While Han Peng had matured and no longer bullied others as he had in his youth, his fundamental character remained unchanged. Moreover, in Han Peng¡¯s view, he had already proven that Su Ming couldn¡¯tpare to him. These students had gathered today to tter him. Although Su Ming had been stubborn in his youth, the harsh realities of life should have taught him to acknowledge the importance of money. Face held no practical value. If Su Ming were to apologize to him, Han Peng might actually arrange a job as a security guard for Su Ming and his friends. This would allow Su Ming to earn three or four thousand yuan a month. A significant improvement over farming. Seeing Su Ming¡¯s arrival, the surrounding students automatically excluded him. They were well aware that Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan hailed from ordinary farming families and couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Young Master Han¡¯s status. ¡°Han Peng?¡± At that moment, a surprised voice echoed from the entrance, followed by an elderly man with white hair emerging. ¡°Principal Ding, why have youe out in person?¡± Han Peng quickly approached Principal Ding, and they warmly shook hands, both wearing broad smiles. ¡°Han Peng, I didn¡¯t expect you to attend the school anniversary. We are delighted.¡± Principal Ding chuckled and remarked. ¡°This is my alma mater! Without my alma mater, I wouldn¡¯t be where I am today. My parents often mention how kind you were to me during primary school.¡± Han Peng replied with a smile. ¡°Speaking of my parents, I must convey their gratitude when I return. They contribute money every year, which allows you to upgrade many facilities in this school.¡± Principal Ding continued with his speech. ¡°This is nothing, really. After all, my father also graduated from this primary school, and you were his teacher too. Giving back to our alma mater is the least we can do.¡± They exchangedpliments with each other. Su Ming felt a sense of disgust creeping over him as he listened. To be honest, their skill in ttery was not on par with President Chen¡¯s. President Chen excelled in the art of ttery. ¡°Let¡¯s head inside and chat.¡± Principal Ding warmly held Han Peng¡¯s hand and guided him indoors,pletely ignoring Su Ming and the others. Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan exchanged nces. The school was abuzz with activity. The students seated on the field were in grades four to six. On the left sat the current students, while on the right were the alumni. Su Ming and Cao Mingyuan found a secluded spot to sit. Other students also located seats and settled in. Han Peng, however, received special treatment. Principal Ding escorted him to the front. Behind the podium, there were VIP seats adorned with watermelons and bottles of mineral water. Han Peng exchanged handshakes with the school¡¯s prominent leaders. VIP attendees mingled and greeted each other. Han Peng maintained a friendly smile, hoping his facial expressions were evident to everyone. ¡°I¡¯m starting to regreting.¡± Cao Mingyuan nced at the zing sun. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the best part is yet toe.¡± Su Ming gave a mysterious smile. Cao Mingyuan didn¡¯t press the matter further. After about thirty minutes, the school¡¯s principal began his address. Finally, the most pivotal moment arrived. The donation ceremony! Wasn¡¯t the school anniversary all leading up to this very moment? ¡°Dear students, parents, and esteemed guests.¡± Principal Ding stood up and positioned himself at the microphone. ¡°Our VIP seats are graced by distinguished alumni who have achieved significant positions in society. We¡¯d like to invite a few representatives to speak.¡± After uttering these words, Principal Ding initiated apuse. Han Peng stood up and adjusted his attire. Han Peng approached the microphone and cleared his throat, capturing the attention of countless female students. With an air of confidence, Han Peng scanned the audience and offered a faint smile. ¡°Dear students, I want to express my gratitude to our alma mater for nurturing me and enabling my current sess. To show my appreciation, I¡¯ve prepared a small gift today. I hope our alma mater will ept it graciously.¡± Han Peng then produced a check from his pocket and ced it in front of Principal Ding. ¡°Principal Ding, on behalf of mypany, I¡¯d like to make a generous donation to our alma mater. I hope you¡¯ll ept this contribution.¡± Chapter 93 C93 ¨C Mr. Su You Are Here too ¡°The school has supported you as a matter of course, and we don¡¯t expect anything in return.¡± Principal Ding swiftly declined. ¡°Principal Ding, you¡¯re mistaken. You¡¯ve worked tirelessly. As students, it¡¯s our duty to give back. Moreover, this money isn¡¯t for you personally; it¡¯s for the school and the future generations of students.¡± Han Peng pretended to be indignant. ¡°Very well, then I¡¯ll express my gratitude on behalf of the school.¡± Principal Ding sighed and feigned helplessness. ¡°Students, let¡¯s give our seniors a round of apuse.¡± Amidst the apuse of his fellow students, Principal Ding examined the check more closely, and his eyes widened. ¡°One million! Thank you, Student Han!¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee, Principal Ding. Lately, mypany has been facing some financial constraints, and this one million yuan is just a small contribution. When mypany¡¯s funds be avable, I¡¯ll make another donation.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± Principal Ding nodded with a smile. ¡°Young Master Han is truly remarkable. He just donated one million yuan.¡± ¡°I only earn 100,000 yuan annually. He donated ten years¡¯ worth of my ie in one go.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t evenpare. I wonder if Young Master Han has a girlfriend now.¡± ¡°Even if he does, so what? Wealthy men can have multiple partners.¡± Many of the girls sitting near Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but whisper. Some of the distinguished guests and parents couldn¡¯t help but be a bit astonished. This wasn¡¯t a trivial sum; it was a total of one million. What did it signify for someone to donate one million? It indicated that their wealth far exceeded that amount. One million was a mere fraction to them. Han Peng hade here today to disy his wealth. He felt a surge of pride when he noticed the envious nces from his peers. This was the exact scene he had hoped for. Furthermore, he couldn¡¯t help but nce at Su Ming. How did it feel? Su Ming had always been at odds with him during their youth, and now the disparity between them was evident. Back then, as youngsters, they hadn¡¯tprehended the true value of money. ¡°Let¡¯s express our gratitude to Student Han for his generous donation. We have another guest!¡± Han Peng represented the younger generation, while the next person was from the middle-aged generation. This individual was around forty years old, with a few strands of white hair and a neatly dressed attire. Despite the hot weather, he wore a shirt and suit pants, appearing remarkably vibrant. He stepped up to the podium, offering a faint smile. ¡°Young Han¡¯s generosity at such a young age is truly admirable. I¡¯m in awe. I¡¯ll contribute 2 million.¡± His announcement didn¡¯t elicit a significant reaction. After all, he was rtively older, and his career had already peaked. People knew that he worked in the banking sector and held a senior executive position. Two million yuan meant little to him. Han Peng, on the other hand, was only in his twenties and had just started his career, yet he had already donated one million yuan. As Han Peng aged, his aplishments were bound to be impressive. Although the response from the audience was rtively subdued, Principal Ding was still ted. He had just secured three million in donations at once. This amount of money would enable him to upgrade the school¡¯s equipment and carry out some basic renovations. Furthermore, he stood to receive a share of the donation. ¡°Mr. Zhang, we appreciate your generous contribution,¡± Principal Ding addressed Zhang Chongyang with a warm smile. Principal Ding stepped closer to Zhang Chongyang and continued, ¡°Your support means a lot to us.¡± Zhang Chongyang responded modestly, ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do.¡± Many individuals found it meaningful to give back to their alma mater. Not only did it enhance their public image, but there was also the prospect of having amemorative que disyed at the school¡¯s entrance. Some people umted wealth from undisclosed sources, even tainted money. Oftentimes, they chose to donate such funds. As Zhang Chongyang spoke, he suddenly noticed someone in the crowd. The person struck a familiar chord with him. Zhang Chongyang scrutinized the individual more closely and was taken aback. It was Mr. Su! So, he and Mr. Su were actually former ssmates! Without dy, Zhang Chongyang released Principal Ding¡¯s hand and made his way swiftly through the crowd. The audience below the stage, as well as those in the VIP section, were bewildered. What was happening? Several people stood up, attempting to get a better view of the situation. Breathless, Zhang Chongyang arrived in front of Su Ming, who was grinning. He inquired, ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you here?¡± Su Ming responded with a faint smile. Zhang Chongyang worked under President Chen and held the position of vice president at Tianhua Bank. ¡°Mr. Su, I had no idea you were a fellow graduate of this elementary school. It¡¯s an honor.¡± Zhang Chongyang extended his hand for a handshake with Su Ming. When he was pulling weeds, he was just an employee at the bank, working diligently. He had diligently climbed the ranks. ¡°I¡¯m equally surprised,¡± Su Ming said with a subtle smile. ¡°They¡¯re all waiting for you.¡± Vice President Zhang shook his head vehemently. He couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. The donation had already been made, and now all he needed to do was apany Mr. Su. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s quite warm here. Would you consider joining me in the VIP section?¡± ¡°No need, here is perfectly fine,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. Zhang Chongyang looked around and spotted arge parasol nearby. He fetched the parasol and approached Su Ming, cing it behind him. A hush fell over the crowd. People were taken aback. Vice President Zhang was actually holding an umbre for a young man? The entire assembly fell silent. Everyone was left stunned. Zhang Chongyang¡¯s actions raised eyebrows. There was no doubt that Su Ming held a significant status! Chapter 94 C94 ¨C Showing off It was very quiet. On the tform, whether it was the school leaders or the VIPs, they were all silent. It was as if someone had suddenly pressed the pause button. Zhang Chongyang was the vice president of Tianhua Bank. Their president was very mysterious, and this vice president was actually simr. President Chen was already in his fifties and was about to retire. Vice President Zhang was only forty years old this year and was at the peak of his career. In other words, Zhang Chongyang would very likely be the president of Tianhua Bank in the future. He was a big shot. Because of the school anniversary, Zhang Chongyang would onlye here today. Normally, no one would be able to see him at all. Even if they wanted to take a loan, with their status, an ordinary bank manager or minister could receive them. They had almost no chance toe into contact with such a big shot. However, this big shot was very respectful to a young man. This scene was too shocking! Who was that young man? The podium was very quiet, attracting the attention of the students and parents. Now that the inte was highly developed, the students already knew a lot of things. Parents had a lot of social experience, so they could naturally see some things. Su Ming said helplessly, ¡°Vice President Zhang, this is all your fault.¡± Vice President Zhang¡¯s actions made Su Ming feel ufortable. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s fine. You¡¯re so handsome and rich. Of course they want to see you.¡± Zhang Chongyang insisted on following behind Su Ming. The people on the tform looked at each other beforeing to Su Ming¡¯s side. The principal smiled and said, ¡°Vice President Zhang, may I ask who this is?¡± ¡°Principal Chang, don¡¯t ask any more questions. I can¡¯t reveal Mr. Su¡¯s identity. All you need to know is that I, as the vice president, am nothing in front of Mr. Su.¡± Everyone was shocked. They were all guessing who this person was, and Han Peng felt very embarrassed. Han Peng came here to humiliate Su Ming, but he didn¡¯t expect Su Ming¡¯s status to be so high. The white-haired Principal Chang smiled at Su Ming and said, ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Su Ming stood up and said, ¡°Principal Chang, please don¡¯t call me Mr. Su. Just call me by my name. You were the principal when I was studying at this school.¡± No matter how rich he was, he had to respect his teacher. Principal Chang smiled and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect our school to have such a talent like you.¡± ¡°Principal Chang, I came here this time to take a look at the school and meet you teachers.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly and said, ¡°Since it¡¯s the school anniversary, I naturally have to donate. I¡¯ll donate 20 million.¡± 20 million? What a huge number. Principal Chang was stunned on the spot. He wondered if there was something wrong with his ears. Under normal circumstances, it would already be amazing if all the donations for the school anniversary exceeded five million. In the end, Su Ming took out two million alone. ¡°Principal Chang, say something.¡± Seeing Principal Chang standing there in a daze, Zhang Chongyang reminded him from the side. Principal Chang was flustered and dumbfounded. Principal Chang had been the principal of Central Primary School for almost twenty years. In fact, Principal Chang could have been promoted based on his status and position, but he didn¡¯t want to. If he was promoted, he would immediately be the lowest existence in that ss. When he became the principal, he was already over forty years old. He had to be the principal for at least six or seven years before he could be promoted. But by that time, he was almost fifty years old. No one would promote an old man who was about to retire. That was why he had refused the opportunity to be promoted many times in order to secure his position. Principal Chang had experienced a lot of things, but now that he was facing Su Ming, he couldn¡¯t keep hisposure any longer. ¡°Principal Chang, why are you stuttering? I don¡¯t remember you stuttering.¡± Zhang Chongyang said from the side. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Only then did Principal Chang react. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm his racing heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Su Ming. To be honest, although I¡¯ve been the principal for many years, it¡¯s still rare for me to see such arge sum of money.¡± Han Peng was even more shocked. He thought that the money he donated this time would definitely be the best, and his name would be engraved on the front of the stone tablet. After all, whoever donated the most money would have a higher ranking on the stone tablet. In the end, Su Ming donated much more money than him. This stone tablet would be preserved for many years. As long as this school existed, the stone tablet would exist. Poor Han Peng might be oppressed by Su Ming for the rest of his life. ¡°Su Ming, donating is not just talk. Take out the money first.¡± Han Peng sneered and said. No one didn¡¯t know how to brag. Everyone felt awkward when they heard this. Han Peng might really be stupid. Chapter 95 C95 ¨C Looking for Trouble Han Peng was so jealous of Su Ming that he even lost his mind. Even Zhang Chongyang respected Su Ming so much, so how could Su Ming lie? But since Han Peng said this, no one could say anything. Although Su Ming boasted that he wanted to donate money, there was nothing they could do if he went back on his word. ¡°What you said makes sense.¡± Su Ming nodded and looked at Principal Chang. ¡°But I didn¡¯t bring a check with me today. I¡¯ll transfer the money directly to you, okay?¡± ¡°No problem, absolutely no problem!¡± Principal Chang hurriedly nodded. ¡°Vice President Zhang, please check my bank bnce for me. I don¡¯t even know how much money I have in my bank card.¡± ¡°Alright, please wait a moment!¡± Vice President Zhang took out his phone in a panic and called the bank headquarters. ¡°Hello, this is Tianhua Bank.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Zhang Chongyang. Check Mr. Su¡¯s ount for money. Just give me a rough number.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± When the customer service staff on the other end of the phone heard Zhang Chongyang¡¯s voice, he immediately became nervous. However, when he found out Zhang Chongyang¡¯s goal, he immediately became iparably enthusiastic. This bank employee was eager to announce Su Ming¡¯s savings in front of everyone. ¡°Vice President Zhang. I¡¯ve already checked, Mr. Su¡¯s ount has a total of 25625,000 yuan!¡± So much? Su Ming was slightly stunned. He seemed to have only sold some golden bamboo shoots, and the other two sums of money had not been transferred to his ount yet. Su Ming took out his phone and saw a message on it. Only then did Su Ming understand that the old gentlemen had auctioned his antiques. When the surrounding people heard this, although they were a little envious, their hearts were filled with doubt. This was because a few of the people present had already reached this number. Two hundred million was not a small amount indeed. But the key point was that Zhang Chongyang¡¯s identity was not simple. He had more than ten billion yuan in his hands. A person who had more than 200 million in savings could indeed be considered a rich man, but he was not worth Zhang Chongyang¡¯s attention, right? ¡°I forgot to tell you.¡± Zhang Chongyang hung up the phone and smiled faintly: ¡°This money is only a part of Mr. Su¡¯s savings. It can bepletely ignored by Mr. Su.¡± What the hell? ¡°I¡¯m sorry, everyone. This is just a little pocket money of mine.¡± Su Ming smiled and said. The doubts in everyone¡¯s hearts were swept away. They were all shocked when they heard Su Ming¡¯s words. Pocket money? Who could have more than 200 million pocket money? Even those billionaires probably didn¡¯t have that much pocket money, right? The most embarrassed person was Han Peng. When he heard the amount of Su Ming¡¯s savings, he was secretly happy. In his opinion, Su Ming must have grasped something on Zhang Chongyang. But he never thought that he would be asking for trouble this time! ¡°Principal Chang, send me the school¡¯s ount number. I¡¯ll transfer the money over.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Principal Chang hurriedly nodded and sent Su Ming the school¡¯s ount number. However, in his heart, he was iparably shocked. When did such a big shot appear in his school? He was too powerful! The ssmates who had been standing far away from Su Ming all came forward when they heard this. The boys were eager to establish a rtionship with Su Ming, and the girls began to leer at him wildly. They did not expect to be Su Ming¡¯s wife. As long as they could be his girlfriend, they would be satisfied. ¡°Su Ming, thank you for your donation. I¡¯m really grateful.¡± Tears streamed down Principal Chang¡¯s face. ¡°The school has not been developing well these past few years, and the facilities in the school have never been changed. With your money, we can finally change the facilities.¡± Principal Chang shook hands with Su Ming, and the media reporters beside them kept taking photos. ¡°Whose photo is this?¡± ¡°Oh, these are Han Peng¡¯s photos. Delete them. There¡¯s no point in keeping these photos.¡± Han Peng almost cried when he heard the reporters¡¯ discussion. He wanted to show off in front of others, but he didn¡¯t expect to bepletely suppressed by Su Ming. This was the first time in so many years that he felt so awkward. The principal enthusiastically won Su Ming up, and Su Ming brought Cao Mingyuan and Cao Mingyuan up the stage together. As for the former protagonist, Han Peng, he had long been ignored. Han Peng could not stay any longer. He found a random excuse and ran away. The school anniversary celebration continued, but it was a little different. Everyone¡¯s eyes were focused on Su Ming, and the school leaders didn¡¯t have time to watch the performance below. They all went to talk to Su Ming. A few of the teachers who had taught Su Ming could chat with him. The teachers and leaders who cameter were jealous of them. Zhang Chongyang was so happy that he followed behind Su Ming like a loyal guard. Previously, only President Chen could follow behind Su Ming. This time, he actually encountered such an opportunity! If President Chen knew about this, he would definitely regret it to the extreme. This school anniversary was unusually lively. Principal Chang made a special call to the school¡¯s purchasing department and asked them to buy more firecrackers. Originally, the school anniversary celebration would only release firecrackers for more than ten minutes, but this time, because of Su Ming¡¯s arrival, itsted for half an hour. Originally, the school leaders wanted to keep Su Ming for a simple meal, but Su Ming said that he wanted to go home and apany his parents, so no one dared to keep him. When he reached the door, Cao Mingyuan was still a little dizzy. Cao Mingyuan was an ordinary person. But today, he was chatting happily with the leaders, and his pocket was filled with all kinds of business cards. Cao Mingyuan and Su Ming had a special rtionship, like brothers. Since they couldn¡¯t directly establish a rtionship with Su Ming, it was also a good thing to have a rtionship with Cao Mingyuan! Most importantly, there was apany that had just opened a local branch office and let Cao Mingyuan be the vice president. Chapter 96 C96 ¨C Depressed Establishing a good rapport with Cao Mingyuan was the key to potentially connecting with Su Ming, and he was well aware of it. Others couldn¡¯t help but envy this individual, but they had no other option. It was nearly two o¡¯clock in the afternoon when Su Ming was finally able to leave. ¡°Mr. Su, I deeply regret this. My idental revtion of your identity caused you significant inconvenience.¡± Standing before Su Ming, Zhang Chongyang offered a heartfelt apology. Su Ming chuckled and affectionately patted Zhang Chongyang on the shoulder. ¡°Vice President Zhang, don¡¯t worry. I must head home now. Carry on with your responsibilities, Vice President Zhang.¡± Feeling the strength in Su Ming¡¯s touch, Zhang Chongyang was nearly moved to tears. Mr. Su had truly touched him! As Su Ming departed, Zhang Chongyang wiped away a few tears from the corner of his eyes. He was determined to follow in President Chen¡¯s footsteps and be a loyalpanion to Mr. Su forever! Han Peng was feeling despondent. After leaving the school anniversary event, he sought refuge in a hotel to drown his sorrows with a drink. In his inebriated state, he suddenly spotted a Rolls Royce Phantom pulling up at the hotel entrance. Han Peng¡¯s eyes lit up. This was a multi-million-dor luxury sports car! Could it belong to one of the VIPs from the school event? But the VIPs had their own exclusive parking area. A Rolls Royce Phantom wasn¡¯t parked there. Just as Han Peng puzzled over this, the car window rolled down. Cao Mingyuan greeted him with a warm smile, ¡°ss Monitor Han, are you having a drink here?¡± Han Peng was momentarily stunned but quickly sobered up. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, frowned, and scrutinized the person carefully. The person behind the wheel was none other than Su Ming! Han Peng felt like crying. Su Ming had taken things too far. He was already suffering, yet Su Ming didn¡¯t let him off the hook. Han Peng had initially guessed that the driver¡¯s identity was significant. Now he was certain that this individual held great importance. Su Ming gave a faint smile. He hadn¡¯t intended to unt anything, but Cao Mingyuan had insisted on stopping the car. Han Peng had chosen to drink outside instead of indoors; this wasn¡¯t Su Ming¡¯s doing. When Su Ming departed, Han Peng felt utterly helpless. He waspletely sober now, and the food before him seemed tasteless. He had to return! Otherwise, the embarrassment would only escte. Cao Mingyuan sat in the passenger seat,ughing heartily. ¡°Old Su, you should have seen that guy¡¯s embarrassed expression.¡± Su Ming smiled and shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t need to stoop to his level.¡± Cao Mingyuanughed. ¡°He used to unt his wealth and status in front of me. Honestly, I was a bit envious. But now, I just pity him a little.¡± The two of them conversed as they headed back. Cao Mingyuan stayed over at Su Ming¡¯s ce for dinner. Their bond stretched back to their childhood, solidifying a strong connection between them. Lee Sumei and Su Tao regarded Cao Mingyuan as their own son. They prepared a bountiful feast and engaged in lively conversation while relishing their meal. Once Cao Mingyuan had eaten his fill, he took his leave. Su Ming and Su Tao were engaged in a conversation when the sudden re of a car horn emanated from outside their front door. This was followed by a series of knocks. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Lee Sumei wiped her apron and hurriedly went to answer the door. Su Ming, too, felt curious and stepped out of the room alongside his mother. ¡°Sister-inw, why did you close the door in the middle of the day? What¡¯s going on?¡± A mocking voice drifted from the door, causing Lee Sumei¡¯s expression to change slightly upon hearing it. Su Ming also furrowed his brow. They exchanged nces and realized that it was Su Ming¡¯s second aunt, Fong Yuemei, who had arrived. Their family enjoyed rtive affluence, owning a clothing factory in town that yielded hundreds of thousands annually. In the nearby viges, they were undoubtedly considered well-off. Fong Yuemei had a naturally quarrelsome personality, which was exacerbated by her family¡¯s wealth, making her haughty and dismissive of others. Lee Sumei and Su Tao were inherently honest, often falling victim to Fong Yuemei¡¯s exploitation of her family¡¯s wealth. These two individuals were straightforward and didn¡¯t know how to argue back. No matter how much Fong Yuemei berated them, they responded with smiles. Furthermore, Su Ming¡¯s family was not financially well-off, asionally requiring loans from Fong Yuemei. Each time they approached her for money, Fong Yuemei¡¯s countenance darkened. She scolded Lee Sumei and Su Tao as though lecturing her own son, and they dared not utter a word, simply grinning through it all. It often took hours of scolding before they could secure a loan. Su Ming had never held any fondness for Fong Yuemei since his youth. But Fong Yuemei was his elder, and his parents repeatedly urged him to treat her kindly. After all, if they needed financial assistance in the future, they would have to turn to Fong Yuemei. So, up until now, Su Ming had endured her ill temper. ¡°Open the door.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly, no longer needing to tolerate her behavior. Lee Sumei nodded at her son and unlocked the door. ¡°Why did it take you so long to open the door? Are you worried that a thief might have broken in and scolded you? Don¡¯t fret. Your family is so destitute that nobody would bother stealing from you.¡± As the door swung open, Fong Yuemei sneered. Fong Yuemei, in her forties, sported a darkplexion, a face creased with wrinkles, and a lean figure. Nevertheless, she adorned herself with a multitude of jewelry, wore heavy makeup, and boasted curly hair. Upon seeing her attire, Su Ming felt repulsed. But Fong Yuemei thought otherwise, believing herself to be exceptionally beautiful. ¡°Sister-inw, whose car is that outside? Why has someone parked their vehicle in front of your home? Hurry and instruct them to move it; I want to park my car there.¡± Fong Yuemei frowned as she spoke. ¡°That¡¯s my son¡¯s car.¡± Lee Sumei smiled. ¡°What? Your son bought a car?¡± Hearing this, Fong Yuemei¡¯s frown deepened, and she hurled insults, ¡°Sister-inw, does your family have the means to buy a car? When did you learn to unt your wealth? It¡¯s one thing to show off, but you need the resources to back it up! When did you be so prosperous? Only then can you show off to others. Since youck the capability, why do you still insist on bragging?¡± Chapter 97 C97 ¨C His n Was Perfect Upon hearing this, Su Ming¡¯s expression darkened. He had something to say, but his mother gestured to silence him. Witnessing his mother¡¯s gesture, Su Ming could only sigh and shake his head. ¡°But¡­¡± Lee Sumei was about to provide an exnation, but Fong Yuemei interrupted her abruptly, ¡°What kind of car is this? Why do the two letters on the hood ovep? Is the hood ornament malfunctioning? If your family doesn¡¯t have money, why did you buy a car? Park it on the roadside; I want to park my car here.¡± Su Ming gave a faint smile. It appeared that Fong Yuemei was a nouveau riche with no sense of refinement. She didn¡¯t even recognize the hood ornament of a Rolls-Royce? Inside the Rolls-Royce was a Flying Lady figurine. She didn¡¯t even identify that, yet she imed to be wealthy. ¡°My car is top-notch.¡± Fong Yuemei proudly nced at her Audi. Out of curiosity, Su Ming activated the scanning system. It was an Audi A6, 2012 model. It had been involved in an ident, and Fong Yuemei had bought it for 78,000 yuan. Su Ming was taken aback. He had assumed Fong Yuemei would purchase a brand-new car, considering the Audi A6¡¯s price ranged from 400,000 to 600,000 yuan. Yet, this car had a history of idents. Moreover, it was a 2012 model, the first Audi A6 to enter the domestic market. And Fong Yuemei had actually paid 78,000 yuan for it. She had likely been swindled. If Fong Yuemei discovered the car¡¯s background, she would undoubtedly be furious. ¡°Your family is truly impressive. You¡¯re driving an Audi.¡± Lee Sumei remarked with a smile. ¡°Of course,¡± Fong Yuemei replied confidently. Fong Yuemei lifted her head proudly. ¡°Well, you don¡¯t need to move your car. I came here for a reason.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Lee Sumei asked, puzzled. ¡°The 100,000 yuan you borrowed from our family, it¡¯s time to pay it back, don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°100,000 yuan? I only borrowed 50,000 yuan from you.¡± ¡°When you borrow money from others, don¡¯t you usually pay interest?¡± Fong Yuemei sneered. ¡°Even if there¡¯s interest, it shouldn¡¯t be this high, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the interest rate I set, what do you think?¡± Fong Yuemei retrieved an IOU from her pocket and tossed it over. ¡°See for yourself. This IOU is crystal clear.¡± Lee Sumei was astonished. She quickly examined the IOU. There was a use in the promissory note stating that the interest was 50,000 yuan. Her signature and fingerprint were clearly visible on the document. Lee Sumei was stunned. ¡°There was no such use when I signed it. How did you¡­¡± Typically, there should have been three copies of the IOU. One for the borrower, one for the lender, and one for the guarantor. However, since they were all rtives and Lee Sumei was too trusting, she had signed the document without scrutiny. She hadn¡¯t expected Fong Yuemei to sneak in an additional provision. Lee Sumei had missed this detail when she signed it. Fong Yuemei had gone too far! ¡°Don¡¯t have the money?¡± Fong Yuemei smiled faintly. ¡°No problem. Our family just happens to be short of two workers for a couple of days. You and Su Tao wille to our house to help. You can work at the factory, and Su Tao can assist me at home. I won¡¯t pay you a sry. You can use your earnings to repay the debt.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Despite Lee Sumei¡¯s generally good temperament, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit irked. Wasn¡¯t Fong Yuemei taking things too far? Fong Yuemei¡¯s intentions were crystal clear. Fong Yuemei understood perfectly well that Lee Sumei couldn¡¯t afford the money at all. Her true objective was to exploit Lee Sumei and Su Tao as unpaidbor. This way, she could dismiss four workers and have Lee Sumei and Su Tao shoulder the workload of two people each. Thebined sry of four workers amounted to over 20,000 yuan! Over the course of a year, she could save more than 200,000 yuan. Furthermore, as long as she refrained from signing abor contract with Lee Sumei, she couldpel her to pay up. After all, this was merely an oral agreement. ¡°I have an IOU, so I¡¯m bound to win.¡± ¡°Since you¡¯re people of integrity, you¡¯ll work for me for the rest of your lives.¡± ¡°It¡¯s either you repay me now or you work for me. Choose.¡± ¡°Here¡¯s 100,000 yuan. If I take legal action, you might end up in jail. As for Su Ming¡¯s future¡­¡± Fong Yuemei knew that Su Ming was the one they cherished the most. For Su Ming¡¯s sake, they were willing to toil themselves to exhaustion! Lee Sumei¡¯s expression underwent a transformation. ¡°It¡¯s just 100,000 yuan, no problem. I¡¯ll repay you right away.¡± Su Ming unexpectedly interjected. ¡°Are you really going to pay us back?¡± Fong Yuemei clearly didn¡¯t anticipate Su Ming¡¯s response. ¡°Su Ming, you spent a few years in university and then worked in the city for two years. Have you be a braggart? Where would you find the money to repay us?¡± Fong Yuemei sneered, her disdain palpable. Su Ming offered a faint smile. ¡°Give me your bank ount number. You¡¯ll find out soon enough, won¡¯t you?¡± Fong Yuemei was taken aback. Su Ming had changed, and his resolve was unwavering. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give you my ount number. If you can¡¯t transfer the money, don¡¯t me me for being blunt!¡± Fong Yuemei sneered as she shared her ount details. Swiftly, Su Ming transferred 100,000 yuan. ¡°Su Ming, we¡¯re family. I¡¯ve watched you grow up. If you don¡¯t have the means, don¡¯t pretend¡­¡± Fong Yuemei continued to sneer, anticipating Su Ming¡¯s humiliation. ¡°He really has no future.¡± Just as she was about to make her point, her phone rang suddenly. She retrieved it and nced at the screen. ¡°Dear customer of XXX Bank: Your bank ount has received 100,000 yuan!¡± Fong Yuemei was dumbfounded. Su Ming had indeed returned her 100,000 yuan! Fong Yuemei¡¯s expression grew incredibly awkward. Had Su Ming won the lottery? She couldn¡¯t fathom another exnation. After all, just a few days ago, Lee Sumei had approached Su Tao to borrow money for the dowry. Yet, Fong Yuemei had relentlessly mocked Lee Sumei for three hours and sent her packing. In just a few days, Su Ming had be so wealthy? ¡°I never expected your family to be able toe up with 100,000 yuan.¡± Fong Yuemei questioned, ¡°Did you sell your house?¡± ¡°Whether we sold the house or not is none of your concern.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. He reached out, grabbed the IOU, and tore it into pieces. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We need some rest. Aunt, please go back.¡± With those words, Su Ming closed the door. Chapter 98 C98 ¨C A Treat ¡°You!¡± Fong Yuemei had assumed this time would be no different from the rest. She believed they wouldply with any demand she made, holding an IOU as her trump card. She was aware that Su Tao and his spouse had racked up considerable debt for Su Ming¡¯s wedding. Burdened by debt, they had no spare funds to settle their dues. She had it all figured out. Yet, reality begged to differ. She didn¡¯t even make it past the front door. How dare they refuse me entry! Such a thing had never urred before! They¡¯ll regret this, I won¡¯t let it slide! Fong Yuemei seethed internally. With fury, Fong Yuemei spun on her heel and stormed off. Lee Sumei lingered at the doorway, her difort and indecision palpable. Now that her family was affluent, the years of poverty still weighed heavily on her, making it hard to shift her mindset. ¡°Son, she is your aunt, after all. Are we being too harsh?¡± Lee Sumei faltered. ¡°Mom!¡± Su Ming responded with a sense of resignation, ¡°You and Dad are well aware of Fong Yuemei¡¯s treatment towards us. She¡¯s keen on making snide remarks and bossing you around. Out of 365 days a year, you spend 360 working for them without pay. Every harvest season, after you and Dad have toiled away at our own chores, shees knocking, expecting you tobor in her fields.¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the endless work you do for her, neither you nor Dad would be worn out. Sure, she lent us money, and helping out is one thing, but she¡¯s crossed the line. What¡¯s worse, she only lent us fifty thousand, but then she tacked on an extra use, inting it to a hundred thousand. She¡¯s just malicious!¡± Lee Sumei wanted to interject, but she couldn¡¯t deny her son¡¯s logic. ¡°Mom.¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Things are different now. We¡¯re no longer in need of loans. Our situation is far better than theirs.¡± It was then that Lee Sumei had an epiphany¡ªher son was wealthy. The days of hardship were behind her. They chatted for a bit before heading back inside. Fong Yuemei drove home, fuming as she stormed out of the car. Lying on a lounge chair in the yard was a middle-aged man, squinting slightly with a cigarette between his fingers. It was Su Tao¡¯s older brother, Su Hai. ¡°Why are you back alone? Where¡¯s the Third Brother?¡± Su Hai opened his eyes a bit more, noticing his wife hade back by herself. ¡°Humph!¡± Fong Yuemei let out a cold snort in response, ¡°They¡¯vee into money now.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Su Hai perked up, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Su Ming has returned.¡± Just mentioning Su Ming made Fong Yuemei seethe with anger. She plopped down furiously onto a nearby chair and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of stroke of luck he¡¯s had, but he¡¯s suddenly flush with cash. He¡¯s even paid back every penny he owed.¡± ¡°Paid it all back?¡± Su Hai was taken aback. ¡°How much? One hundred thousand or fifty thousand?¡± ¡°One hundred thousand.¡± ¡°What?¡± Su Hai was utterly astonished. He knew all too well the state of the Third Brother¡¯s finances. They were dirt poor. To afford Su Ming¡¯s wedding, his parents had scraped together 500,000 yuan by borrowing from wherever they could. ¡°Could it be that the kid¡¯s wedding fell through? Did the bride¡¯s family return the dowry?¡± Su Hai spected with a blink. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Fong Yuemei shook her head, ¡°But it doesn¡¯t seem likely. Think about it, that five hundred thousand was cobbled together with great difficulty. He wouldn¡¯t just hand over an extra fifty thousand. They¡¯re honest folks, but we¡¯re talking about fifty thousand yuan here. Yet, Su Ming didn¡¯t even hesitate to hand over the money.¡± Su Hai found it strange too. Su Ming had been working in the city, but he¡¯d beenid off, as far as he knew. How did he suddenly strike it rich? A lottery win, maybe? Fong Yuemei found the idea incredulous. She often yed the lottery herself and hadn¡¯t heard of anyone hitting a jackpot in the city. Fuming with pent-up rage at Su Ming¡¯s ce, Fong Yuemei had no outlet for her frustration. She clenched her teeth in anger for a good while before storming back into the house. At that moment, the Su family of three was cozily gathered around the television. ¡°Mom.¡± A thought suddenly struck Su Ming: ¡°The uncles in the vige have been a huge support to our family. I¡¯d like to reserve a hotel in town and invite everyone over for a meal.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a great idea.¡± Su Tao was on board: ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to do that for a while, but we just didn¡¯t have the funds. Now that we¡¯re financially able, it¡¯s definitely time to show our gratitude.¡± ¡°We should invite anyone who¡¯s been good to us or has lent us money. They all deserve to be treated to a meal.¡± Lee Sumei nodded in agreement. ¡°How about the day after tomorrow?¡± Su Ming nced at the calendar; it was conveniently a weekend. With no work or school, everyone should be avable. The more, the merrier. ¡°Sounds good!¡± Lee Sumei nodded. She walked over to a cab, opened it, and pulled out two worn, thick notebooks. Flipping through the pages, she found the ink faded with age, a testament to the years gone by. ¡°This is our family¡¯s ledger. I¡¯ve kept a detailed record of everyone who¡¯s lent us money over the years.¡± Lee Sumei perused the ledger, line by line. While Su Ming remained engrossed in the TV show, Lee Sumei and Su Tao took on the task of finalizing the guest list. Night fell, and they all turned in for the night. At the crack of dawn, Lee Sumei set out to notify the neighbors. Meanwhile, Su Ming hit the road for town. The town was sizable and bustling with activity. Its prosperity wasrgely due to the main road that cut through it, a vital artery connecting two cities, bringing life andmerce to the area. Having spent three years in junior high there, Su Ming knew exactly which hotel was the best. He drove straight to the establishment. Parking in front of the restaurant, Su Ming stepped out and entered. ¡°Here for a meal?¡± The proprietor, a robust middle-aged man with a bare chest, a sweat towel over his shoulders, and an apron tied around his waist, approached with a friendly, sweaty smile. ¡°Boss, I¡¯d like to book your ce for tomorrow. I¡¯m nning a big feast.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got perfect timing, young man. We¡¯ve been mmedtely, but today and tomorrow we¡¯re wide open!¡± The boss chuckled, ¡°Young man, what¡¯s your budget?¡± ¡°The priciest dishes you have.¡± Su Ming offered a smile. The boss paused, taken aback. This guy must be loaded. ¡°Look, you don¡¯t really need to splurge on the expensive stuff. Naturally, I¡¯d love for you to¡ªafter all, it means more profit for me. But I get it, earning money is tough. There¡¯s no need for you to go all out on the high-end dishes.¡± Chapter 99 C99 ¨C You Have to Give Me the Right! ¡°No need for that.¡± Su Ming offered a light smile. ¡°I¡¯ll still opt for the most expensive dishes. But, you¡¯ve got to guarantee the quality, boss.¡± The boss chuckled heartily. ¡°I¡¯ve been running this restaurant for nearly thirty years. The quality of my dishes is always top-notch. If it weren¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t havested this long.¡± The top-tier package was priced at 4888 yuan per table. In a major city, that price would be considered quite standard. But this was a small town, and despite the residents¡¯ improved living standards, they still valued frugality. Moreover, the spending power here was nowhere near that of the big cities, making this price quite steep for the locale. The owner, with years of experience, seldom encountered customers who requested the priciest dishes. Su Ming quickly estimated the headcount. Each table seated eight, so around twenty tables should suffice. To amodate any unexpected guests, he reserved an additional ten tables. After putting down a 20,000 yuan deposit and confirming the time for the next day¡¯s feast, Su Ming was about to head out when a middle-aged man entered. ¡°Mr. Soong, will you have the usual set meal today?¡± The shopkeeper greeted the neer with an eager smile. ¡°Yes.¡± Mr. Soong nodded, adding, ¡°There¡¯s another reason for my visit today. You should be grateful; I¡¯ve brought you a substantial order. Our school has chosen your hotel for tomorrow¡¯s gathering. I¡¯d like to reserve ten tables at the highest standard.¡± The shop owner found himself in a bind upon hearing this. Su Ming had already secured the venue for a banquet the following noon. The owner would naturally prefer to honor Su Ming¡¯s reservation, given therger number of guests and the promise of greater profits. The total for thirty tables would approach 150,000 yuan,ting him a handsome profit. However, Mr. Soong was his grandson¡¯s homeroom teacher, and he couldn¡¯t afford to upset him. If Mr. Soong harbored any resentment, it could spell trouble for his grandson at school. Scratching his head in consternation, the owner nced at Su Ming and said with a hint of difficulty, ¡°Mr. Soong, your timing is unfortunate. This young man has just booked a banquet for tomorrow.¡± Upon hearing the news, Mr. Soong¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. He sized up Su Ming, realizing he didn¡¯t recognize him. ¡°Young man, are you from around here?¡± he inquired. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming replied with a subtle nod. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Mr. Soong said, a newfound confidence in his voice. Why was he so confident? Because right across from the hotel stood Central Primary School, where he taught. In the past, having children meant adding aborer to the family to earn extra money. However, as times changed, parents increasingly valued their children¡¯s education. All the local residents¡¯ children attended Central Primary School. Dare to cross me? Dare to cross Central Primary School? No problem, I could simply ce your child in the school¡¯s worst ss, ensuring they struggle academically. Ruining a child¡¯s education or childhood is far easier than nurturing them properly. Though Su Ming was young, likely a recent college graduate, if he settled down and had children locally, they¡¯d inevitably attend Central Primary School. And even if Su Ming had children in the city who attended a different school, he had other means at his disposal. ¡°Young man, you might have been here first, but some things are more urgent than others. Yesterday was Central Primary School¡¯s anniversary, and tomorrow our school¡¯s leaders and teachers will have an important dinner. How about you let us have your reservation for tomorrow?¡± Mr. Soong suggested, his smile barely concealing his intent. ¡°Don¡¯t be too quick to turn me down,¡± Mr. Soong continued smoothly. ¡°Even if your future child doesn¡¯t attend Central Primary School, surely the children of your rtives and friends will, right?¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the veiled threat. He wasn¡¯t pressed for time on this issue. If necessary, he could simply choose another restaurant. Had Mr. Soong approached him respectfully, he might have considered stepping aside, especially since Mr. Soong was a teacher from his old school. But the teacher¡¯s tone was off-putting, and the threat was clear. Su Ming detested being threatened more than anything. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Su Ming said, his smile calm and unwavering. ¡°I don¡¯t see my ns as any less important. I made the reservation first, and I have no intention of giving it up.¡± ¡°You!¡± Mr. Soong¡¯s face soured instantly upon hearing that. He had encountered someone today who just didn¡¯t get it. ¡°Fine, you¡¯ll see!¡± With those words, Mr. Soong stormed off in a huff. The shopkeeper¡¯s heart skipped a beat at this. What if he got dragged into this mess? What would happen to his grandson? ¡°Listen, young man, could you please just back down a bit? My grandson attends Central Primary School, and I can¡¯t afford to cross Mr. Soong,¡± the shopkeeper pleaded with a heavy sigh. ¡°Trust me, boss, there won¡¯t be any trouble,¡± Su Ming assured him with a smile, casually taking a seat. The shopkeeper wavered, torn with indecision, and let out another sigh. Mr. Soong had been deeply affronted today, and he hadn¡¯t stood up for him. Surely Mr. Soong would pin the me on him, making his grandson¡¯s life at school miserable. He¡¯d better figure out a way to transfer his grandson to another school quickly. While the shopkeeper was lost in thought, footsteps approached the door once more. The door swung open, and someone entered. It was Principal Ding, followed by a still-seething Mr. Soong. In the midst of the sweltering summer, the bright sunlight was overwhelming. Principal Ding, being on in years, felt a bit dazzled as he stepped inside. He could make out two figures¡ªone standing, one sitting. On closer inspection, he recognized the shopkeeper¡¯s familiar silhouette. The seated figure had to be the young man. Principal Ding¡¯s brow furrowed as he approached. ¡°Young man, you¡­¡± He had barely begun to speak when he paused, sensing something familiar about the person before him. He blinked away his confusion. Then, as his vision cleared, a joyful smile spread across Principal Ding¡¯s face. Wasn¡¯t this Mr. Su? ¡°Principal, this is the guy,¡± Mr. Soong interjected from behind, his displeasure evident. Yet, upon facing the principal, his demeanor shifted to one of warm cordiality. ¡°Principal, in this heat, I¡¯m sorry to have youe out here. Really, I could have handled it myself.¡± Chapter 100 C100 ¨C He Had No Choice ¡°Su Ming, what brings you here?¡± Principal Ding beamed with a smile as he quickly approached. ¡°I¡¯m hosting a banquet tomorrow and I¡¯m inviting everyone in our vige for a meal. Would you like to join us, Principal Ding?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t miss it!¡± Principal Ding was ted. Receiving a personal invitation from Su Ming, he knew he had to show his respect. ¡°Principal Ding, Mr. Soong sure is overbearing. Does he do anything besides teach and intimidate people?¡± Su Ming¡¯s smile was slow to form, but it spoke volumes. Principal Ding frantically waved his hands and shook his head, his voice tinged with panic as he exined, ¡°Please don¡¯t get the wrong idea, Su Ming. The fault lies with me. I haven¡¯t properly guided our teachers, but trust me, Mr. Soong is not the norm.¡± Having said that, Principal Ding turned sharply and fixed Mr. Soong with a stern look. ¡°Mr. Soong, aren¡¯t you going toe over and apologize?¡± Mr. Soong was seething with rage as he had stormed out earlier. He had been on his way to gather support from the school¡¯s leadership when he encountered Principal Ding exiting the building. Mr. Soong approached and began to dramatically recount the events. He even imed that Su Ming had ndered the school. This news did not sit well with Principal Ding. One should not resort to insults. He had served as the school¡¯s principal for many years with unwavering dedication. His reputation was well-known in the surroundingmunity. Surely, for the sake of his standing, this young man had no right to insult the school. Feeling slighted, Principal Ding was determined to confront the individual. But upon entering and seeing Su Ming, everything clicked into ce. If Su Ming truly harbored grievances against the school, would he have donated twenty million? Clearly, Mr. Soong was the instigator. Mr. Soong, observing from the background, began to doubt what he was witnessing. What was going on here? Were the two of them in cahoots, making a fool out of him? Seeing Principal Ding¡¯s deferential attitude toward this young man, and now being told to apologize? ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mr. Soong? Cat got your tongue?¡± Principal Ding let out a cold chuckle before revealing, ¡°You¡¯ve been so curious about the identity of the school¡¯s twenty-million donor. Well, it¡¯s him.¡± What? Mr. Soong froze in ce. From the principal¡¯s expression, it was clear this was no joke. Mr. Soong had been away in the city for training yesterday and missed the school¡¯s anniversary celebration. His luck couldn¡¯t have been worse. Mr. Soong was on the verge of tears. How had he managed to offend someone even the vice president of Tianhua Bank sought to please? ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± With no other option, Mr. Soong reluctantly bowed his head. He couldn¡¯t afford to cross this young man. Yet, Mr. Soong was utterly perplexed. Who was this man? As a local, Mr. Soong might not know everyone, but he was well-acquainted with the wealthier individuals. He had never heard of this mysterious new rich man. ¡°Mr. Su, I truly apologize, I¡­¡± Principal Ding fidgeted, clearly ufortable. Su Ming had made a generous donation to the school just yesterday, and now they had somehow managed to offend him. Although it was unlikely Su Ming would demand his donation back, if he became angry, he might never give to the school again. That would be a significant loss, especially since Su Ming was still young and could have been a continuous benefactor. What a costly mistake! ¡°Principal Ding, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile and gave Principal Ding aforting pat on the shoulder. ¡°Since you¡¯re hosting a dinner party tomorrow, let¡¯s all join in. I¡¯ll cover the expenses. Boss, tally up the headcount. I¡¯ll take care of the bill tomorrow.¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± The boss responded eagerly. He had noticed Principal Ding¡¯s deference to Su Ming, signaling that Su Ming was no ordinary individual. Most crucially, with the school¡¯s staff and Su Ming¡¯s personal guests attending, he¡¯d need to prepare for forty or fifty tables. It was a lot of work, but it promised good earnings. ¡°This is incredibly generous of you.¡± Principal Ding was somewhat flustered. He had epted Su Ming¡¯s donation just the day before, and now Su Ming was offering to host a meal. ¡°No problem at all, Principal Ding.¡± Su Ming said with a smile, ¡°Respecting teachers is a cherished tradition in our country, and you¡¯ve contributed so much to the school. As a student, it¡¯s only right for me to treat my teachers. Make sure everyonees by noon tomorrow.¡± Principal Ding responded with a firm ¡°Alright!¡± Mr. Soong may have rubbed Su Ming the wrong way, but it seemed to roll right off Su Ming¡¯s back. To Su Ming, it was as if the incident hadn¡¯t even grazed his mood. After a brief exchange, Su Ming excused himself. He then strolled over to the adjacent mall and purchased the entire stock of cigarettes and liquor from a counter. He arranged for the items to be delivered to the hotel by noon that day before driving himself home. Lee Sumei didn¡¯t return until noon. She reached out to dozens of rtives, inviting them for a meal the following day. Su Ming tallied up the number of attendees and found it matched his expectations. While reviewing the guest list, Su Tao realized they had forgotten to notify Su Hai. With a smile, Su Ming suggested, ¡°Dad, I think it might be best to limit our interactions with Su Hai¡¯s family going forward.¡± Hearing this, Su Tao let out a weary sigh, fully grasping the implication behind Su Ming¡¯s words. Su Ming¡¯s Second Brother and Second Sister-inw had a history of wrongdoing. After a moment¡¯s pause, Su Tao remarked, ¡°Regardless, they¡¯re still our family.¡± ¡°You may see them as family, but they certainly don¡¯t see us that way,¡± Lee Sumei interjected, walking in from the next room with an eye roll. ¡°You¡¯re aware of how that pair has treated us over the years. Justst night, Fong Yuemei came demanding we repay our debt. We borrowed only 50,000 yuan, yet they¡¯re insisting on a repayment of 100,000 yuan. She even threatened that if we don¡¯t pay up, we¡¯d have to work off our debt for them. They¡¯re well aware of your injury, and yet they still expect you tobor for them.¡± Su Tao remained silent, his sigh speaking volumes. Chapter 101 C101 ¨C Principal Ding At noon on the second day, a towering rainbow arch stood at the hotel entrance, nked by numerous firecrackers. Lee Sumei and Su Ming greeted guests at the doorway, while Su Tao took his ce at the head table. A fleet of buses, summoned by Su Ming, rolled in from the distance, ferrying vigers to the event. ¡°Old Lee, your son has really made something of himself. Make sure he remembers me in the future,¡± one guest remarked. ¡°Old Lee, is your son seeing anyone?¡± another inquired, adding, ¡°My niece is quite a catch.¡± Rtives filled the venue, with men gathering inside to converse with Su Tao and women clustering around Lee Sumei. Both Su Tao and Lee Sumei beamed with pride and joy. Suddenly, a sizable group approached from a distance, numbering in the dozens. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Principal Ding?¡± someone eximed. Principal Ding, the head of the town¡¯s only elementary school, was a respected figure in themunity. ¡°Principal Ding! What brings you here?¡± they called out, eager to greet him. ¡°Good day to all,¡± Principal Ding responded with a warm smile, his attention quickly turning to Su Ming. He approached briskly, ¡°Su Ming, thank you for hosting this wonderful gathering.¡± The crowd was taken aback. Principal Ding was a local luminary, and while they had assumed Su Ming¡¯s sess came from a lucrative job or a lottery windfall, none expected him tomand such respect from a figure like Principal Ding. Yet there stood Principal Ding, deferential before Su Ming, as if a student before a teacher, showing him great reverence. Principal Ding, astute as ever, then turned to Lee Sumei. ¡°You must be Su Ming¡¯s mother. What an extraordinary woman you are! Raising such a talented individual is not only your achievement but also an honor for our school.¡± Lee Sumei was momentarily speechless. As a rural woman, the most prominent official she was ustomed to seeing was the vige chief. The idea of engaging with someone as esteemed as Principal Ding was beyond her wildest expectations. Blinking in disbelief, she found herself in an unfamiliar scenario, one she had never experienced before. ¡°Principal Ding,¡± Su Ming interjected calmly, ¡°It¡¯s quite warm outside. Please, lead the teachers inside to sit down.¡± With an eager nod, Principal Ding shook hands with Su Ming, bidding him farewell before escorting the teachers into the hotel. The teachers stood at the back with a clear view, and most had already met Su Ming during the school¡¯s anniversary celebration. As they walked past Su Ming, each one greeted him with a friendly smile. Their unexpected arrival brought a hush over the vigers seated inside the house. Why were these teachers here? Amidst the confusion, Principal Ding stepped forward to greet Su Tao, mentioning that other key school officials were with him. The room fell silent, everyone taken aback. Upon seeing Su Tao, the school leaders became exceedingly courteous. Su Tao himself was baffled. This was Principal Ding! Su Ming had encountered Principal Ding during a parent-teacher conference back in his elementary school days. To them, Principal Ding was an influential figure. ¡°Brother Su, you¡¯ve raised an exceptional son!¡± Principal Ding warmly shook Su Tao¡¯s hand. ¡°Your son made a generous donation of twenty million at our school¡¯s anniversary the day before yesterday.¡± The room erupted in astonishment at Principal Ding¡¯s announcement. For the locals, a year¡¯s hard work might yield only a few tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan. Tens of millions were simply beyond their wildest dreams. Seeing the crowd¡¯s reaction, Principal Ding nodded with satisfaction; his intention was to have Su Tao revered by others. After exchanging a few words with Su Tao, he and the teachers took seats at tables in the corner. Fong Yuemei and Su Hai had just woken up. Fong Yuemei, still upset from her earlier altercation with Su Ming, had been to the hospital for several IV drips. She had only managed to fall asleep halfway through the night. Su Hai got up, quickly freshened up, and opened the door to a peculiar silence. Why was it so quiet today? In the summer, vigers typically tended to their crops and weeded their fields. At midday, neighbors would usually be chatting under the banyan tree while sharing a meal. But today, there was an unusual stillness. Su Hai blinked in surprise to see that all the neighbors¡¯ doors were locked. He was utterly perplexed. What was happening? ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Fong Yuemei emerged from the house, urging, ¡°Hurry up and start cooking.¡± Su Hai remarked, ¡°The neighbors aren¡¯t home.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with you?¡± Fong Yuemei frowned and stepped outside. On their street, theirs was the only door unlocked. They exchanged a puzzled nce. What was happening here? ¡°Why are you both at home?¡± Just then, an elderly woman approached. She was over eighty, her back bent, relying on a walking cane for support. Upon seeing her, Fong Yuemei called out, ¡°Sixth Aunt, where has everyone gone?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not aware?¡± The olddy blinked, her age evident, yet her mind was sharp. ¡°No, I have no idea.¡± Fong Yuemei and Su Hai were utterly baffled. What on earth had urred? The sensation of being left behind was distinctly unsettling. What exactly was the situation? Chapter 102 C102 ¨C Anger! The elderly woman remarked, ¡°Su Tao invited us over for dinner today. A good number of vigers attended, and he extended an invitation to me as well. But given my age, I decided not to go.¡± Su Hai was taken aback. Su Tao had invited the whole vige to dine, yet they were the only ones not asked. The couple was seething with anger. What was Su Tao trying to imply? If word got out, they would surely be theughingstock of the vige. Despite Su Hai and his wife having mistreated them in the past, they were still kin. Su Hai was Su Tao¡¯s own Second Brother. The elderlydy was no rtion to them, yet she had generously given them a thousand dors when they were in a tight spot the year beforest. Fong Yuemei had felt somewhat better after her medication yesterday, but now her anger was ring up again. The olddy probed, ¡°Didn¡¯t Su Tao invite you?¡± Fong Yuemei replied, ¡°He did notify us, but we¡¯re not ones for social gatherings. Eating at home suits us just fine.¡± The olddy offered a knowing smile and left without another word, leaning on her cane. Her expression, however, left the couple feeling deeply unsettled. Once inside their home, Fong Yuemei scowled and raised her voice, ¡°What¡¯s Su Tao ying at?¡± Hands on her hips, she continued, ¡°Is he singling us out?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not get worked up. We¡¯ve been known to overstep ourselves,¡± her husband tried to soothe her. Fong Yuemei retorted loudly, ¡°I¡¯m his sister-inw. What¡¯s so wrong about reprimanding him or asking for a hand with chores? We¡¯ve lent him a fair amount of money.¡± ¡°But you lent him fifty thousand and took back a hundred thousand,¡± he pointed out. ¡°Shut it!¡± Fong Yuemei snapped, pointing an using finger at her husband. ¡°I¡¯m only put through this humiliation because of a good-for-nothing like you. I¡¯m going to give him a piece of my mind today.¡± Su Hai involuntarily recoiled. His wife¡¯s reputation as the vige spitfire was well-earned. Provoking her meant endless bickering. ¡°So, what do you suggest we do?¡± he asked cautiously. After a moment¡¯s thought, Fong Yuemei pulled out her phone and dialed a number. As soon as the call connected, Fong Yuemei blurted out, ¡°Son, I¡¯ve been wronged!¡± Her son, Su Tian, was employed in the city. She had proudly told everyone that her son had married into a wealthy family, boasting of their newfound wealth and influence. But the reality was far from rosy. Indeed, her daughter-inw came from money, but her morals left much to be desired. With her family¡¯s wealth, she had her pick of boyfriends in high school. As she grew older and the rumors piled up, her parents grew desperate. They hastily arranged for her to marry just to ensure the birth of her child. That man was Fong Yuemei¡¯s son. Fong Yuemei was oblivious to these details. She only knew her son had wed a rich girl whose family owned apany, a connection thatnded him a high-ranking position there. Fong Yuemei was aware that her son wielded little real power at thepany, yet she never asked him to return home. But after today¡¯s indignities, she resolved to summon him back to her aid. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s going on? Tell me exactly what happened,¡± came a worried voice over the phone. ¡°Son, your Third Uncle¡¯s family has struck it rich, and now they¡¯re looking down on us.¡± Su Tian¡¯s expression darkened. He was painfully aware of his wife¡¯s infidelities. Despite being a man, it ate away at him. Their marriagecked any real emotional foundation. He had risen to the position of general manager only with his wife¡¯s assistance. But her constant affairs were more than he could bear. Powerless to confront his wife, he redirected his focus onto others, like Su Ming. Su Ming had always outshone him, but after university, his fortunes had faded. While Su Ming¡¯s life spiraled downward, Su Tian¡¯s only improved. In this lifetime, Su Ming would never outpace him. ¡°Mom, hold on. I¡¯m actually nearby on a business trip. I¡¯ll be there shortly!¡± With that, Su Tian ended the call. The moment Fong Yuemei hung up, her face swiftly regained itsposure, and with a coldugh, she muttered, ¡°My son will be back soon.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just making things harder for your son.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Fong Yuemei red at Su Hai, her anger palpable: ¡°If you can¡¯t help me, then don¡¯t speak!¡± Su Hai fell silent. Soon after, the re of a car horn sounded at the entrance, followed by a young, dashing man stepping out in a suit. ¡°Son?¡± Fong Yuemei¡¯s eyes brightened at the sight of the young, handsome figure. ¡°Mom, Dad, get in the car.¡± Once Su Tian had his parents settled in the car, he headed straight for the shopping mall. His inws owned a real estatepany with a substantial market value. And with only one daughter in their family, he was poised to be the future patriarch. Su Ming could win the lottery or strike it rich, but he would never match up to him. Su Tian¡¯s swift return was driven by a desire to stand up for his parents and by his suspicion over Su Ming¡¯s abrupt shift in status. Chapter 103 C103 ¨C A Sense of Superiority On his way over, Su Tian had already made a call to hispany, requesting an investigation into Su Ming¡¯s circumstances. The response from hispany was swift. They uncovered the details of Su Ming¡¯s rtionship with Wang Xue. The couple was on the brink of marriage, but due to unforeseen events, they called off the engagement. Now, they acted as if they were strangers to one another. Su Ming was out of a job. Rumor had it that he wasboring away on a construction site. To confirm, a few snapshots of Su Ming at the site were sent to Su Tian. In the photos, Su Ming, along with several others, was seen working on a vi, his hands and feet caked with dirt. Seeing this, Su Tian had an epiphany. He suspected that Su Ming might be using the returned betrothal gift money to treat everyone to a meal, aiming to keep them quiet about the broken engagement. After all, if word got out in the vige, it would be a major blow to his reputation. Su Tian had pegged Su Ming as a down-to-earth man, but now he seemed consumed by vanity. In Su Tian¡¯s eyes, Su Mingcked the means to fulfill such a superficial desire. Yet, Su Tian had jumped to a significant, albeit incorrect, conclusion based on outdated news and easily misinterpreted photographs. The atmosphere at the hotel was buzzing with excitement. Su Ming had spared no expense, opting for the finest arrangements. Given the lower cost of goods in the town, he had gone all out for the guests. The tables groaned under the weight of abundant dishes. While the vige did host banquets from time to time, they were usually modest affairs. This time, however, it was a feast of extravagance. The vigers murmured among themselves, impressed by the newfound wealth of Su Tao¡¯s family. There was more than enough food to go around, with plenty left over for guests to take home. In the midst of the meal, the curtain was suddenly drawn back. Expecting a server, the guests were surprised to see Su Tian instead. nking him were Fong Yuemei and Su Hai. Su Tao and Lee Sumei were taken aback by their arrival. Su Ming immediately realized that Fong Yuemei had summoned her son back to the vige. As the family of three made their presence known, the chatter among the vigers quieted down. They were all from the same vige and were well aware of the unfolding drama. Su Hai¡¯s family had crossed a line, and it was understandable why Su Tao hadn¡¯t extended them an invitation. If they hadn¡¯t gone overboard, Su Tao¡¯s family wouldn¡¯t have reacted this way. ¡°Second Brother, Second Sister-inw, wee!¡± Lee Sumei rose to her feet and said, ¡°Ipletely forgot to mention dinner to you both. Your whole family is here, so please, find a seat wherever you like.¡± Su Tian scoffed, ¡°Third Aunt, since my dad and Third Uncle are blood brothers, I noticed some empty seats at the main table. We¡¯ll just sit there, all three of us.¡± Lee Sumei was taken aback. Su Ming then stood up and greeted, ¡°Cousin, it¡¯s been too long. Have a seat.¡± Upon seeing Su Ming, Su Tian let out a derisive snort. He led his parents over, grabbing three chairs along the way to ce next to the main table. The table wasrge enough tofortably seat fourteen or fifteen people. But Su Ming, wanting everyone to enjoy their meal, had limited it to eight per table. ¡°Cousin,¡± Su Tian began as he took his seat, ¡°I heard you¡¯re about to tie the knot. Make sure you let me know when it happens¡ªI definitely want to congratte you.¡± Su Ming responded with a coldugh, ¡°We¡¯ve split up.¡± Su Tian feigned shock, ¡°You finally found a girlfriend, why break up? You¡¯re just working on a construction site, not earning much each month.¡± He raised his voice intentionally so the others could hear. The chatter in the room quickly quieted down. Su Tian was smug, eager to expose Su Ming¡¯s true colors. He thought the crowd was stunned by the bombshell he¡¯d dropped. But in reality, most considered Su Tian a fool, especially Principal Ding. Had Su Tian made such a im earlier, Principal Ding might have believed him. But during the school anniversary, Zhang Chongyang had stood by Su Ming¡¯s side, calling the bank himself. Principal Ding learned of Su Ming¡¯s bank deposits. Zhang Chongyang had even stated that such money was trivial for Su Ming. As the vice president of Tianhua Bank, Zhang Chongyang had ess to funds exceeding ten billion yuan! He wouldn¡¯t lie for a young man who worked construction. In other words, Su Ming¡¯s identity and standing were far from ordinary. With a whopping two hundred million in Su Ming¡¯s ount, picking up the tab for everyone¡¯s meal would be a breeze for him. Su Tian¡¯s tactics might work on others, but trying them on Su Ming was a recipe for disaster. The local vigers shared this sentiment. Many of them had been present at the school anniversary celebration and had seen everything firsthand. Principal Ding himself had verified Su Ming¡¯s generous donation of 20 million yuan. Though such a sum was astronomical to them, they were no fools. Su Ming¡¯s ability to donate so generously clearly indicated that this was but a drop in the bucket for his overall wealth. Yet, Su Tian had the audacity to smear Su Ming¡¯s name. Upon hearing these words, Su Ming gave a faint nod. ¡°I hadn¡¯t expected you to uncover that.¡± Chapter 104 C104 ¨C A Donation of One Million Su Tian couldn¡¯t help but feel smug upon hearing the conversation. ¡°Cousin, after all the effort to scrape together 500,000 yuan, you¡¯re still splurging on a meal for us. Your parents are getting on in years. This isn¡¯t the best way to handle things,¡± Su Tian remarked. ¡°You have a point,¡± Su Ming replied with a slow, knowing smile. Fong Yuemei and Su Hai perked up at this exchange, pride straightening their posture. Their son truly had his act together. With just an offhandment, Su Tian had unwittingly exposed Su Ming¡¯s true character. ¡°Cousin, the grind at the construction site is grueling. Now that I¡¯ve made it to general manager at thepany, why don¡¯t youe work for me? I¡¯ll set you up as a security guard. Others earn 5000 a month, but I¡¯ll give you 7000. What do you say?¡± ¡°Sure, thank you,¡± Su Ming responded, his tone even. Su Tian felt a twinge of irritation. He was the one who had offered Su Ming a job. Shouldn¡¯t Su Ming be groveling with gratitude? ¡°Cousin, that¡¯s not how it works. You need to earn your stripes. As long as I¡¯m with thepany, you¡¯ll have a steady job as a security guard. You ought to be thanking me,¡± Su Tian said, his brow furrowed. The bystanders couldn¡¯t help but overhear, and one of them burst intoughter. Su Tian heard it but was oblivious to the mockery. ¡°Thanks, cousin,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Su Tian replied coolly, his gaze drifting to the side. Wasn¡¯t that Principal Ding from Central Primary School? And the teachers¡ªwhat were they doing here? It must be sheer coincidence. It was summer, after all, and the day was fair. Many people would be hosting banquets. It was perfectly normal for school teachers to enjoy a meal out. Su Tian lifted his wine ss, straightened his attire, and made his way toward Principal Ding with measured steps. The vigers¡¯ eyes followed him, and a broad, triumphant smile spread across his face. He was convinced he alone had the stature to engage Principal Ding in conversation. ¡°My son is truly aplished; he¡¯s acquainted with Principal Ding,¡± Fong Yuemei and Su Hai beamed with joy. Fong Yuemei felt the envious stares from the entire vige and reveled in the attention. ¡°Principal Ding, I was one of your students back in primary school. To see you again after all these years is such a privilege,¡± she said with heartfelt reverence. Su Tian stood before Principal Ding, a subtle smile ying on his lips. His tone brimmed with deference, yet his eyes betrayed a prideful glint that belied any true sense of respect. He had risen to the role of general manager at a majorpany, overseeing numerous significant projects. ¡°One day, I¡¯ll be the chairman of thepany,¡± he dered. ¡°Su Tian,¡± Principal Ding responded, his own smile mirroring Su Tian¡¯s. ¡°I heard about the school¡¯s anniversary celebration the day before yesterday, but work kept me too busy to attend. Today, my schedule aligned, and I was able to make it back.¡± With that, Su Tian produced a check from his pocket, inscribed with the words: ¡°Su Tian donates one million to the school.¡± He nced around with a self-satisfied air as he spoke. He knew well that the school typically garnered around two million yuan for each anniversary or fundraising event. His contribution of a million should have surely drawn a beaming thank you from Principal Ding. Instead, Principal Ding remained impassive, as if the gesture was invisible. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. The school is sufficiently funded, so we don¡¯t require your donation.¡± ¡°What?¡± Su Tian was taken aback. ¡°Principal Ding, my signature and the bank¡¯s stamp are on this check. Take it to the bank, and it¡¯s a million. You¡¯re really turning it down?¡± Su Tian¡¯s disbelief was palpable. Truth be told, under normal circumstances, Principal Ding would have dly epted the money. But today, with the evident rift between Su Tian and Su Ming, he simply couldn¡¯t. ¡°Principal Ding, this is my cousin¡¯s heartfelt offering. Please, take it,¡± Su Ming interjected suddenly. ¡°Alright,¡± Principal Ding acquiesced swiftly, snatching the check. ¡°Thanks.¡± Su Tian was perplexed. His donation of a million yuan was met with disdainful refusal from Principal Ding. Yet, with just a few words from Su Ming, the money was readily epted. Chapter 105 C105 ¨C Failed Su Tian was dumbfounded. What in the world was happening? He couldn¡¯t seem to grasp the situation. Typically, after donating a million yuan to the school, he would expect the teachers and leadership to greet him with warm handshakes and expressions of gratitude, even posing for photos with him. But now, things were different. ¡°He only donated a million yuan, and we¡¯re supposed to thank him?¡± ¡°That million could fix up the school¡¯s bathrooms.¡± ¡°Showing off with just a million?¡± A few vice principals and directors murmured among themselves. They were all sharp cookies. Ordinarily, the school¡¯s administration would be grateful for his million-yuan donation. But Su Tian had a rocky rtionship with Su Ming, which naturally put him in their crosshairs. Su Tian had thought this would be his chance to shine, but the school leaders¡¯ments blindsided him. Were schools so flush with cash these days? The leaders appeared to ept his donation begrudgingly. It seemed the school was so well-off that his million yuan was merely earmarked for bathroom repairs. What was their endgame? Su Tian blinked in confusion. The school leaders paid him no mind. The vigers did the same. Standing there alone, he felt the sting of embarrassment. Things weren¡¯t unfolding as he had pictured. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± he demanded. Fong Yuemei was livid. ¡°My son gave your school a million yuan!¡± Principal Ding blinked, his impatience evident. ¡°Do you have any idea how much Mr. Su Ming donated?¡± At that, Fong Yuemei scoffed. ¡°How could he donate? He¡¯s broke.¡± ¡°Mr. Su Ming donated 20 million yuan.¡± Both Fong Yuemei and Su Tian gasped in unison. ¡°How much?¡± ¡°That can¡¯t be right. Principal Ding, you¡¯re lying on his behalf!¡± Fong Yuemei quickly shook her head as she regained herposure. Su Tian shared her disbelief, but one look at Principal Ding and the teachers¡¯ faces told him everything he needed to know. The principal was telling the truth. But where on earth did Su Ming find that kind of money? Su Tian himself was worth only twenty million yuan. He had donated a million today to make his parents proud and one-up Su Ming. He never anticipated Su Ming outdoing him by such a margin. Amidst Su Tian¡¯s awkwardness, a figure approached. Zhang Chongyang had arrived. He¡¯s been here handling business for the past couple of days without leaving. He¡¯s keen on opening several bank branches in town, so the locals¡¯ ability to save is crucial. If everyone banks with him, there¡¯ll be a substantial amount of money. Plus, the bank could offer a variety of services, like loans and retirement insurance. His bank might not earn much just in this town, but if residents from all the nearby towns deposit their money with him, his bank could amass assets in the hundreds of billions. Su Ming had reached out to Zhang Chongyang to join him for a meal today. But Zhang was tied up in a meeting and missed the call. Post-meeting, his secretary mentioned the missed call. Realizing it was Su Ming, Zhang quickly returned the call. Invited to dinner by Su Ming, he made his way there promptly. ¡°Vice President Zhang?¡± Su Tian was taken aback to see Zhang Chongyang. What brought Vice President Zhang here? He approached quickly, ¡°Vice President Zhang, what brings you here personally? If there was an issue, I would¡¯vee to the bank myself. Why the long trip?¡± Su Tian assumed Zhang Chongyang had approved a bank loan. He also knew Zhang was in the area on business. He thought Zhang hade specifically for him. But Zhang Chongyang asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m Su Tian,¡± he replied hastily. ¡°I remember you. Let¡¯s discuss your matterter.¡± Zhang Chongyang spoke with a hint of impatience and then briskly made his way to Su Ming, ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies for beingte. I¡¯ll make it up with three drinks on me.¡± What? Su Tian was utterly stunned by Zhang Chongyang¡¯s deferential behavior towards Su Ming. He was even more astonished. Zhang Chongyang was the vice president of the biggest bank in Eastsea City. Zhang was an influential figure, rarely seen by the average person. Even Su Tian¡¯s father-inw would respectfully address him as Mr. Zhang. Yet, here he was, treating Su Ming with such respect. What kind of incredible fortune had Su Ming stumbled upon? ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Fong Yuemei whispered from the side. ¡°Mom,¡± Su Tian replied, swallowing hard. ¡°That¡¯s the Vice President of Tianhua Bank I mentioned before.¡± ¡°What?¡± Fong Yuemei¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Zhang Chongyang was a high-profile figure, someone she¡¯d only ever seen on television. Yet there he was, in the flesh, right before her eyes, treating Su Tao and Lee Sumei with such caution. What in the world was happening with this infuriating family? Just days ago, they were scraping by, begging for loans left and right. How had they be so wealthy overnight? It was clear they were not just affluent but also held significant social standing. Meanwhile, Su Tian and his mother were left standing awkwardly to the side, ignored by everyone. The vigers were enjoying their meal, and the schoolteachers were engaged in merry conversation over drinks. The mother and son duo, however, were isted in their own solitary shadow. Even Su Hai, with great care, edged closer to Su Tao. Chapter 106 C106 ¨C Betrayal of Marriage! ¡°Second Aunt, Cousin,e join us for a meal.¡± Su Ming offered a serene smile. ¡°What?¡± Su Tian paused briefly before responding, ¡°Alright.¡± He exchanged a nce with his mother, and together they cautiously shifted to seats adjacent to their original ones. ¡°Su Tian is your cousin?¡± Zhang Chongyang seemed taken aback. ¡°Yes, he is.¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. ¡°So, you two are rted?¡± Zhang Chongyang chuckled, turning to Su Tian, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make sure your loan gets approved as soon as I return.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Su Tian stuttered out his gratitude. He had been waiting for news on his loan application for over two months, hoping to secure 20 million. With a car, a house, and savings, not to mention his father-inw¡¯s substantial means, the loan should have been straightforward. Yet, he had heard nothing for so long. Su Tian had intended to unt his sess today, but things hadn¡¯t gone as nned. However, upon seeing Su Ming, Zhang Chongyang immediately dered the loan approved. Just who was his cousin, and why was he bing more enigmatic by the day? As Su Tian¡¯s thoughts raced, Zhang Chongyang bluntly added, ¡°Tian, your wife¡¯s behavior is quite reckless. It¡¯s one thing to have had many boyfriends before marriage, but her post-marital antics are uneptable.¡± The room fell silent at Zhang Chongyang¡¯s words. Su Tian¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment, acutely aware of the eyes now fixed on him. The vigers were aware of his wife¡¯s affluent background when they married. They didn¡¯t have a vige ceremony but instead celebrated at a five-star hotel in Eastsea City. Thus, while everyone knew Su Tian was married, the details of his wife¡¯s life remained a mystery¡ªuntil now. Zhang Chongyang¡¯s statement had piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity, leaving Su Tian feeling exceedingly ufortable. He wished Vice President Zhang would stop; he had chosen to marry in Eastsea City precisely to avoid such gossip. But there was no stopping Zhang Chongyang, a man of even higher standing than his father-inw. ¡°I really had no idea,¡± Su Tian said, his face awash with embarrassment. The people around him caught on immediately after hearing his words. It was clear that Zhang Chongyang¡¯s statement was the truth. ¡°How could you be unaware of something so crucial? I usually stay out of others¡¯ affairs, but this involves your wife dipping her fingers into our bank¡¯s affairs. She¡¯s entangled with several of our bank¡¯s directors and managers,¡± someone pointed out. Zhang Chongyang¡¯s revtion sent shockwaves through the crowd. Truth be told, Zhang was the bank¡¯s vice president. Would he bother with such personal issues? Not at all. His true thoughts were: What my subordinates do is their own business, as long as it¡¯s legal and benefits the bank. Their personal lives are of no concern to us. Yet, Zhang Chongyang was astute enough to notice right away that Su Tian and Su Ming were at odds. Su Ming was a major client of their bank, owning a piece of downtownnd valued at ten billion. And ording to President Chen, thisnd was just a fraction of Su Ming¡¯s wealth. What did that imply? It meant that even a small favor from Su Ming could significantly improve their lives. Not to mention, the Golden Bamboo Shoots Su Ming had recently sold were still sitting in the vault, awaiting appreciation to sell for a hefty profit. Zhang Chongyang and President Chen were cut from the same cloth¡ªboth slick operators skilled in the art of ttery. They could praise Su Ming while simultaneously shaming someone else. ¡°I¡­¡± Su Tian stammered, wishing the ground would swallow him up. ¡°Old Sun never disciplined his daughter. She¡¯s had a slew of boyfriends since middle school¡ªI¡¯m aware of over fifty. It¡¯s surprising she¡¯s still so frivolous, even as a married woman,¡± Zhang Chongyang sighed, shaking his head with a tinge of pity. ¡°Being a son-inw is no easy feat.¡± Su Tian was on the verge of tears! Fong Yuemei and Su Hai were equally shocked; this news waspletely new to them. Reflecting on it, they now understood why, during Su Tian¡¯s wedding, his wife¡¯s rtives and friends had given them such meaningful nces. Initially, they assumed that Su Tian¡¯s wife came from wealth and that, as farmers, they were being scorned. They did manage to open a modest factory in town, and the ie was decent. Yet, when stacked against city dwellers, their earnings paled inparison. Upon reflection, the truth dawned on them: their son had been duped. Unable to contain himself, Su Tian rose to his feet and announced, ¡°Vice President Zhang,dies and gentlemen, please ept my apologies. I have urgent business to attend to at mypany. I must take my leave now.¡± With that, Su Tian turned on his heel and departed. Seeing their son exit, Su Tian¡¯s parents also grew restless and excused themselves to follow suit. At the doorway, Su Tian clenched his jaw, seething with anger. ¡°Son!¡± Fong Yuemei called after him. Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, unsure of what to say next. Knowing her son was upset, she ultimately chose silence. ¡°And what does it matter if you¡¯re wealthy? Is the car you¡¯re driving made locally?¡± Fong Yuemei nced at Su Ming¡¯s car and let out a scornfulugh. ¡°Mom!¡± Su Tian couldn¡¯t contain his frustration. If it weren¡¯t for his mother¡¯spetitive spirit, he wouldn¡¯t be in this humiliating predicament. ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, this isn¡¯t just any car. This is a Rolls Royce Phantom, and it¡¯s priced at 13 million!¡± ¡°How much?¡± Fong Yuemei was taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected the rundown vehicle to be a high-end luxury car worth over 10 million. ¡°Dad, Mom!¡± Su Tian, furrowing his brow, raised his voice, ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, don¡¯t disdain others just because you have it slightly better in the vige. Now, we¡¯ve all lost face!¡± Chapter 107 C107 ¨C Back to the City Center! Fong Yuemei and Su Hai were witnessing such opulence for the very first time. Luxury cars with price tags soaring over ten million yuan were beyond their realm of experience. The sudden appearance of such a vehicle was almost too much for them to process. They ran a modest factory in town and their son was the general manager, which led them to believe Su Ming might look upon them with envy. Yet, to their surprise, they discovered that Su Ming and his family were even wealthier and more influential. ¡°Son, who is Zhang Chongyang?¡± Fong Yuemei asked tentatively, after a brief pause. She had a hunch that Zhang Chongyang was connected to the banking industry and held a significant position. Upon hearing his mother¡¯s question, Su Tian inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. ¡°Mom, just to give you an idea, even my father-inw wouldn¡¯t dare cross Mr. Zhang,¡± he exined. The couple gasped at the revtion. The most influential person they knew was their son¡¯s father-inw, and now this. They were astounded. How had Lee Sumei and Su Tao, who just days ago were pleading for a loan at their doorstep, be so affluent andmanding? The trio stood at the doorway, engulfed in awkwardness, and ultimately slinked away. Meanwhile, the banquet buzzed with energy. The vigers relished the feast, and with a bit of alcohol, the cheerfulness escted. Su Ming was the center of attention, nked by personalities like Principal Ding and Zhang Chongyang. It was well past four in the afternoon by the time the guests began to trickle out. After settling the bill, Su Ming departed with his parents. From that day on, Lee Sumei and Su Tao were met with beaming faces wherever they went. Such is the nature of people¡ªever pragmatic. That evening, the family of three sat down to avish meal. The spread was extravagant, thanks to Su Ming reserving ten extra tables of food at the restaurant. He had packed up the meals from two of those tables, keeping a portion for their dinner. ¡°Mom, Dad, I¡¯ll need to head back tomorrow,¡± Su Ming announced, setting down his chopsticks and smiling. ¡°You head on back, we¡¯re as fit as fiddles!¡± Su Tao chuckled, thumping his chest to show his vigor. ¡°Don¡¯t fret over us.¡± Lee Sumei beamed with pride, her heart swelled with contentment at her son¡¯s aplishments. ¡°You go on with your work. The money you¡¯ve left us will more than cover our needs.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded thoughtfully before speaking up, ¡°Mom, Dad, leave the house construction to me. You two should quickly find a ce to rent in town for the next few days. I¡¯ll get the construction crew started on the house soon.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Lee Sumei and Su Tao had no objections. They understood that if they disagreed, they would only be a source of concern for their son. After all, Su Ming was a devoted and dutiful child. The night passed quietly, and by the next morning, Su Ming bid farewell to his parents and drove back. By his calctions, the cacti in the field should have been ripe by now. And considering the construction team¡¯s efficiency, the vi and the underground parking lot were likelyplete. Thinking of this, Su Ming¡¯s excitement grew, and he pressed the elerator a little harder. What was normally a three or four-hour drive took him just two hours. Having been away for a few days, Su Ming found himself missing the ce dearly. His previous way of life had been so leisurely and satisfying. It¡¯s no wonder that many of the talented ancients enjoyed farming¡ªsuch a tranquil existence was truly delightful. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯ve returned atst!¡± The construction team¡¯s foreman, spotting the approaching car, came over in a rush. ¡°Thank you for all your hard work.¡± Su Ming said with a smile as he stepped out of the car. ¡°It¡¯s our privilege to work for Mr. Su. The vi and parking lot are finished. Please, have a look.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Su Ming was pleasantly surprised by the construction team¡¯s swift progress. He strolled in, first ncing at the wheat field on his right, lush and verdant, obscuring the cacti¡¯s progress from view. But Su Ming wasn¡¯t worried; he headed straight for the vi. Inside the vi was a spacious courtyard,plete with a swimming pool and a walkway amidst the greenwn. Adjacent stood the vi itself, its interior decor exuding opulence. Su Ming examined the details meticulously, finding everything to be impable and well-appointed. Particrly impressive were the two subterranean levels¡ªthe construction team had built a vast basement per Su Ming¡¯s specifications, boasting substantial storage capabilities. They had even thoughtfully installed numerous security locks and safes. Su Ming took a moment to inspect the underground garage. Spanning nearly 2,000 square meters across two levels, the space was impressivelyrge. Under normal circumstances, constructing a parking facility of this magnitude would take at least several months, if not half a year. But with financial leverage, the timeline for the project had been significantly reduced. ¡°Excellent!¡± Su Ming expressed his satisfaction. The construction crew breathed a collective sigh of relief upon hearing his approval. Curious about Su Ming¡¯s background, they had done some digging. Eventually, they were astounded to learn from President Chen that this parcel ofnd was merely one asset among many in Su Ming¡¯s portfolio, and not even a particrlyrge one at that. Their respect for Su Ming grew even further. ¡°Oh, and there¡¯s something I¡¯ll need your help with in a few days.¡± Su Ming turned to the construction team¡¯s leader. ¡°My parents live out in the countryside, and I¡¯d like you to build a vi for them.¡± ¡°Consider it done!¡± the leader responded, thumping his chest with assurance. ¡°Just a standard two-story vi will do.¡± Su Ming pondered for a moment, realizing his parents wouldn¡¯t require an overly spacious home. ¡°Rest assured, we¡¯ve handled many projects like this before. You can count on us!¡± the leader quickly added. Su Ming¡¯sments signaled his deep satisfaction with the work thus far. His words were not only a nod of approval but also a motivating spur for the team. Chapter 108 C108 ¨C The Fruit of the Cactus Su Ming had just finished surveying the garage and vi when he selected a vi n for his parents. He then gave them a call to arrange a few days for their move. Initially, they had no intention of epting money, but Su Ming firmly insisted, and they reluctantly took it. With the supervisor gone, Su Ming excitedly shut the gate and gazed at thend with eager eyes. He couldn¡¯t wait to step inside. As he did, the scenery transformed before him, revealing fully-grown cacti. The cacti were spaced about a meter apart, leaving a perfect walkway in between. Each stood roughly a meter tall, their emerald bodies bristling with sharp spines. But what caught his eye most was the small, vibrant red fruit each cactus bore. Su Ming had tasted cactus fruit before; the unripe ones were tart, but ripe, they were delightfully sweet. Approaching one of the cacti, he licked his lips in anticipation. With a surge of excitement, he carefully reached out and grasped the fruit, mindful of the thorns. With a firm tug, he plucked it from the nt. He paused, puzzled. Why hadn¡¯t anything happened? Based on his previous experiences, the fruit should have transformed into something like a phone, a watch, a bag, or car keys¡ªsomething tangible. But in his hand was simply a cactus fruit. It wasn¡¯t a precious stone or any valuable item, just a fruit with a subtle, pleasant aroma. Was this really just an ordinary cactus fruit? It seemed unlikely. A wave of disappointment washed over Su Ming. He had hoped for the cactus to yield something extraordinary, but it appeared his expectations were unmet. Could there be an issue with the system? Or was it possible that he only reaped extraordinary items when nting specific crops? If he nted ordinary crops, did he only get ordinary fruits, their only remarkable trait being their rapid growth? With a heavy sigh, Su Ming shook off his gloom. He should appreciate what he had; thend¡¯s growth properties were coveted by many and unattainable for most. Bringing the cactus fruit to his nose, he inhaled its fragrance. It was surely delicious, he thought, a small constion in the face of his letdown. Su Ming remainedposed as he effortlessly split the fruit open with his hands. Expecting to find luscious red flesh inside, he was surprised to discover two ck pills instead. What were these? Su Ming paused, momentarily taken aback. He carefully picked up the pills and gave them a sniff, detecting a medicinal scent. What? Pills inside a cactus fruit? ¡°Special item detected. Congrattions, you have obtained the Body-stretching Pill!¡± What in the world? Body-stretching Pill? That sounded like poison! Surely not! He had never before harvested any special items from this plot ofnd. And now, this special item turned out to be the Body-stretching Pill. Su Ming blinked, taking out one of the pills. Could this really be poison? Yet, it didn¡¯t have the acrid smell of poison. Instead, it was surprisingly aromatic. Su Ming was tempted to try the pill. The System had apparently given him a generous supply of this so-called poison. But Su Ming hade to a realization¡ªhe had been wrong about the System. The System was indeed formidable; it had just provided him with an extraordinary item this time. ¡°The Body-stretching Pill can treat bruises, colds, fevers, frequent urination due to kidney deficiency, and cardiovascr diseases. Just one Body-stretching Pill will restore your health! It is also water-soluble!¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but let out an expletive. Could the Body-stretching Pill really be that potent? He began to suspect that the System had done this deliberately. This was no mere Body-stretching Pill; it was a miraculous life-saving elixir. ¡°Please be advised, Host, that this medicine is a primary-level remedy. It can cure only minor ailments, not serious illnesses!¡± Just then, another notification chimed in Su Ming¡¯s mind, leaving him stunned. It all made sense now. This medicine had to be beneficial for the body, capable of fortifying muscles and bones, enhancing one¡¯s constitution. Yet, to consider it a panacea was unrealistic. Still, its potency was impressive, and the System had been clear: what he had was a primary-level medicine, suggesting that in time, he could obtain intermediate or even advanced-level remedies. While primary-level medicine might not cure serious diseases, advanced-level medicine surely would. But that was for the future. For now, the primary-level medicine was more than sufficient. Su Ming couldn¡¯t contain his burgeoning excitement. His father had sustained external injuries. If only he had such a pill, his recovery would be swift. ¡°Fantastic!¡± Su Ming was ted. Previously, thend yielded only valuable crops. Yet for Su Ming, money was merely a number. ncing around the field, Su Ming blinked in surprise. The cacti were sparse, but there were still at least a hundred. Harvesting them all would surely bring in a bounty of goods. With a grin, Su Ming dashed inside, grabbed a stic bag, and began picking the cacti, buzzing around like an industrious little bee. In under two hours, he had neatly organized all the cacti. Picking them was the easy part; dealing with the leftovers was another story. The harvest¡¯s joy was fleeting; the real agony for Su Ming was the cleanup. Surveying thend, his face etched with a grimace, Su Ming knew he had no choice but to soldier on. Thankfully, the shop owner had given him a water jacket, which sped up his work considerably under its protective embrace. By nightfall, Su Ming had felled everyst cactus in the field. ¡°Sessful crop harvest. Earned 450 experience points!¡± ¡°Recycled. Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve earned an additional 50 experience points!¡± Weariness weighed on Su Ming, his back sore and aching. With a deep exhale, he watched as the cacti vanished from the ground. Though he longed for a break, a sudden thought struck him. He darted over, snatched up a pill, and gulped it down decisively. The moment the pill was consumed, Su Ming¡¯s eyes bulged. A rush of warmth radiated from his abdomen, swiftly erasing any trace of soreness, leaving him invigorated. Chapter 109 C109 ¨C The Diligent Wang Energetic as ever, Su Ming drove the farm tractor, giving thend another thorough plowing. Amidst their bustling work, a figure approached the doorway. d in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops, the man¡¯s presence was unexpected. Who could it be? Su Ming paused, momentarily taken aback. Was this man a thief? Carrying a bucket, the man casually strolled over to the side of the thatched cottage, turned on the tap, and filled his bucket with water. Just as he was about to water the ground, he froze in his tracks. There, on the tractor, sat a young man gaping at him in astonishment. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯ve returned?¡± The young man¡¯s voice wasced with surprise as he caught sight of Su Ming. He quickly set the bucket down and jogged over, his anxiety palpable. ¡°Wang?¡± Su Ming¡¯s surprise was evident. He recognized the man. This was President Chen¡¯s subordinate, someone Chen was grooming for greater things. Su Ming was no fool. He could tell from the young man¡¯s actions that he was there to water his crops. That morning, upon his return, Su Ming had noticed thend was immacte, not a weed in sight. President Chen had certainly been diligent in his absence. ¡°Wang, what are you up to?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t get the wrong idea,¡± Wang blurted out, worried that Su Ming might suspect him of theft. ¡°I came to lend a hand.¡± As expected. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smile. President Chen¡¯s actions were always reassuring. Truth be told, Wang had been over the moon when he was assigned this task. He was, after all, assisting and magnate from the city center. Su Ming had the potential to be a billionaire overnight. A single building on thisnd could yield a fortune in rent. Wang was aware that this was President Chen¡¯s way of giving him an opportunity to connect with Mr. Su. ¡°I appreciate your efforts,¡± Su Ming said with a smile, stepping off the tractor to give Wang a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Wang nearly teared up under the weight of that gesture. ¡°This is no trouble at all. It¡¯s my duty!¡± Wang replied, his earnestness causing Su Ming to chuckle inwardly. ¡°Why did President Chen send you over?¡± Su Ming asked, his tone light and teasing, though he likely already knew the answer. He could see the nervousness in Wang¡¯s heart. Su Ming aimed to alleviate that nervousness and lighten the mood with his approach. Yet, unexpectedly, Wang grew even more anxious upon hearing this. He swallowed hard, mopping the sweat from his brow. Mr. Su was inquiring about his situation, and he knew he had to tread carefully to avoid any issues for President Chen. Wang weighed his words with care and spoke tentatively, ¡°A few days ago at the meeting, President Chen called me out for criticism. He said I was aiming too high and needed to be more grounded. That¡¯s why he assigned me to assist Mr. Su with farming and weeding¡ªto give me a taste of what it means to be down-to-earth and to find true peace of mind.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize for encroaching on yournd these past few days.¡± Su Ming¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly at the remark. Wang truly was a product of President Chen¡¯s tutge; their manner of speaking was strikingly simr. His tone was a dead ringer for President Chen himself. Initially, Su Ming had requested their help, but it turned out they were eager to serve him instead. Truth be told, Wang felt a bit sheepish after speaking. It was clear to everyone that it was merely a pretext. His actual intent was to make contact with Su Ming. He vividly recalled President Chen¡¯s parting words: ¡°Wang, remember, the task I¡¯ve entrusted to you this time is of great significance. Keep this in mind¡ªit¡¯s more crucial than our entirepany, more important than any of your other responsibilities.¡± Wang knew it was his pride that he couldn¡¯t set aside. He found it challenging to offer ttery in a natural way. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but be amused, finding President Chen quite the character. He mused, ¡°President Chen, you¡¯re selling yourself short. How could I possibly forget you?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t refuse. Otherwise, I¡¯ll face trouble when I return.¡± Su Ming responded with a wry smile. ¡°Alright then.¡± Wang¡¯s spirits lifted instantly at the response, and he eagerly grabbed the bucket to begin watering. Truthfully, thend was already immacte, not a weed in sight. Yet, Wang diligently sought out the tiniest sprouts of weeds emerging from the smallest of crevices. ¡°Mr. Su, your tractor¡¯s looking a bit dirty. I¡¯ll give it a wash for you right now.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, the corridor seems a bit grimy. I¡¯ll clean it up for you now.¡± Su Ming was torn betweenughter and tears. He really felt like reminding Wang that there was no need to scrub the tractor spotless. But Su Ming knew all too well that if he voiced that thought, Wang would be wracked with guilt. So, he let him carry on with the tasks. Wang worked with the fervor of someone on a mission, tidying up everything inside and out, even giving the front door a good wipe-down. Despite being drenched in sweat from the effort, his eyes sparkled with sheer delight. Chapter 110 C110 ¨C President Chen Was Sick! It was well past eight in the evening, and the sky had already darkened. Wang had nearly finished his tasks, yet he showed no signs of quitting. He gazed at Su Ming with fervent enthusiasm, causing Su Ming to feel a shiver of goosebumps. What was Wang up to? Could it be that he had feelings for Su Ming? But Su Ming had it all wrong. Wang simply wanted to offer a helping hand with Su Ming¡¯sundry and even clean his slippers. Ultimately, Wang abandoned the idea, knowing Su Ming would likely decline. Scanning the area for any remaining chores and finding none, Wang let out a resigned sigh. He was disappointed; he had hoped to stay a bit longer. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m just about done with my work. This experience has given me a profound appreciation for the value of hard work. I won¡¯t be chasing unrealistic dreams anymore¡­¡± Wang approached Su Ming, his tone reflective of self-critique. Su Ming was torn between amusement and exasperation. Wang was quite the actor. It was clear Wang didn¡¯t want to leave¡ªsuch a golden opportunity. ¡°Oh, by the way, where¡¯s President Chen? Has he been away on business?¡± Su Ming suddenly remembered, expecting that President Chen would have been present under normal circumstances. Wang paused, momentarily caught off guard. This was the moment he had been waiting for¡ªSu Ming had finally brought it up! Without Su Ming¡¯s inquiry, Wang would have struggled to broach the subject. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize. President Chen really wanted toe and assist you, but he¡¯s been under the weather and is currently in the hospital,¡± Wang exined with a hint of regret. ¡°President Chen is ill?¡± Su Ming was genuinely taken aback. President Chen had been a great help to him. Concerned, Su Ming pressed for details. ¡°What happened? Why is President Chen hospitalized?¡± Wang let out a heavy sigh. ¡°You see, Mr. Su, there was a downpour in the city center the night beforest. President Chen was concerned about your wheat crop, so he rushed over and stayed the entire night. By morning, he had caught a severe cold, which has now escted, possibly into pneumonia. But please, Mr. Su, don¡¯t let on that I told you. President Chen made me promise not to speak of it.¡± Su Ming was momentarily frozen in shock. The fact that President Chen¡¯s illness was somehow connected to him was astonishing. Did President Chen really brave the rain to protect his wheat? Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of amusement and disbelief, knowing full well that rain posed no threat to wheat. But President Chen was unaware. It made sense now why President Chen had sent Wang. Had he been able, President Chen would have surelye himself much earlier. ¡°So that¡¯s what happened,¡± Su Ming murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Then, something urred to him. ¡°Hold on a second, don¡¯t leave just yet,¡± he said. Su Ming got up and went inside the house. He pulled a cactus fruit from a stic bag and opened it to reveal two pills. Grabbing a bottle of mineral water, he poured out a little and dissolved half a pill in it. With a gentle shake, the liquid quickly turned into a dark, inky substance. Su Ming had his reasons for this concoction: he wanted to keep his secret safe and the disguise was more convincing. This was the only way he could justify it to Wang. Once everything was ready, Su Ming stepped back outside and handed the bottle to Wang. Wang examined the bottle closely. Was this ink? The liquid was pitch ck, and to Wang, it seemed almost toxic. But this was something Mr. Su had provided, so he refrained from questioning it. ¡°Wang, could you drop by the hospital and pass on my regards to President Chen? Tell him I¡¯m grateful,¡± Su Ming instructed. ¡°This bottle contains something very beneficial. Make sure he remembers to drink it.¡± President Chen was merely suffering from a cold; this would set him right. Even if it had escted to pneumonia, there was no cause for concern. One sip of this concoction and he¡¯d be on the mend in no time. Even if it didn¡¯t heal him instantly, it was bound to make a significant difference. To others, this remedy was invaluable, but for Su Ming, it was trivial¡ªhe had plenty. Besides, President Chen had fallen ill because of Su Ming¡¯s field, so it was only right to show his gratitude. ¡°Understood,¡± Wang replied, still a bit taken aback. If President Chen knew the extent of Su Ming¡¯s concern, he¡¯d be absolutely delighted. Yet, there was no escaping the oddity of Su Ming¡¯s gift. It resembled a bottle of ink. Could President Chen truly be expected to drink it? The packaging was far too basic¡ªit was nothing more than a mineral water bottle. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte; you should head back and get some rest,¡± he suggested. ¡°Okay!¡± Wang replied quickly, before turning on his heel and departing. Once in his car, Wang blinked and nced at the ink bottle. He was convinced that Mr. Su¡¯s gesture held a significant meaning, and it was perfectly normal for him not to fully grasp it. With that thought, he set off for the hospital, but halfway there, he pulled over. He pondered whether it would seem odd to show up to President Chen with just an ink bottle in hand, iming it was a gift from Mr. Su. Wang couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Mr. Su must be preupied with an important and pressing matter. Otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t a man of Mr. Su¡¯s means offer a more substantial gift? He remembered how Su Ming had once sold those Golden Bamboo Shoots¡ªmerely at the going rate for gold,pletely disregarding their artistic value. So it was clear to him that Su Ming wasn¡¯t hurting for money. There had to have been an urgent reason for him to have given just an ink bottle. Chapter 111 C111 ¨C Confession! Moreover, it was clear to everyone who Mr. Su was. People were undoubtedly showering Mr. Su with gifts, yet he never had to reciprocate. In Mr. Su¡¯s philosophy, whatever he received was a symbol of a profound bond between him and the giver. He was confident that President Chen would be delighted with anything from Su Ming, regardless of what it was. Above all, showing up at the hospital with just a bottle of ink for President Chen would be inappropriate. Wouldn¡¯t that reflect poorly on Mr. Su? ¡°Mr. Su holds a lofty position. He tends to act on impulse, but we must deliberate carefully before taking any action.¡± With that thought, Wang gave a firm nod. He drove directly to a gift shop near the bank. Surely, there would be a gift shop close to the hospital. He purchased some exceptionally pricey health supplements. Despite the cost, he believed it was money well spent. At that moment, President Chen was resting in a private ward. The room was a secluded single,plete with a bathroom, TV, and dedicated medical staff. The setting wasfortable, though President Chen looked quite unwell. He was suffering from a severe cold and fever, appearing frail and weak in his bed. His wife had just left to prepare a meal at home. Upon seeing Wang, President Chen made an effort to sit up. ¡°You¡¯re back! Did Mr. Su return today? Listen, you must take your responsibilities towards Mr. Su seriously. In his absence, your diligence is even more crucial. You¡¯re the one I count on most among our younger staff. Handle this well, and I¡¯ll promote you immediately.¡± President Chen was quick to instruct Wang upon his arrival. He would have preferred to handle these matters personally, but illness had sidelined him. Most importantly, he couldn¡¯t rest easy unless he took care of things himself. Wang approached briskly, grinning. ¡°President Chen, rest assured, I¡¯ve got this. Mr. Su returned today and was extremely pleased with my work, as well as with our bank.¡± President Chen¡¯s spirits lifted at the news. ¡°Wang, I¡¯ve said it before ¨C you don¡¯t need to buy me anything. Just focus on the tasks I¡¯ve assigned you. Your sry isn¡¯t substantial, and these supplements must have set you back quite a bit. Please, return them as soon as you can.¡± President Chen truly didn¡¯t mind. Wang, now just an employee, was making only a few thousand yuan a month. There was no reason for him to blow half his paycheck on nutritional supplements. After all, President Chen wouldn¡¯t touch those things. For Wang, stashing away savings for a house trumped everything else. His dedication to Mr. Su¡¯s work was what really mattered. ¡°President Chen, I¡¯m going to be honest with you, and I hope you won¡¯t take offense. I just can¡¯t justify spending so much on fancy supplements for you.¡± Wang spoke his mind. Yet, President Chen wasn¡¯t upset by his candor. He appreciated Wang¡¯s frankness. ¡°These aren¡¯t from me. Mr. Su sent them for you.¡± ¡°What?¡± President Chen bolted upright. In his haste, the needle in his wrist jabbed deeper into his skin. ¡°Ouch! Nurse, the needle!¡± A nurse hurried over, removed the needle, and after repositioning it, President Chen finally rxed. ¡°Quick, put Mr. Su¡¯s gifts right here!¡± Without a second thought, President Chen swept the tabletop¡¯s contents onto the floor. He then gingerly arranged each item from Mr. Su with his left hand. Wang watched the spectacle, barely containing his amusement. The items he had picked out were quite run-of-the-mill. But President Chen was an ardent fan of Su Ming! Even a ginseng worth tens of thousands of yuan was relegated to a corner, treated like garbage without a second nce. Yet, the items from Mr. Su were cherished, ced carefully by his side as if they were treasures. The priciest among them was merely a box of sea cucumbers. President Chen was ecstatic. ¡°This bird¡¯s nest is brain food, it¡¯s good for cirction and resolving bruises. Mr. Su has thought of everything. He knows I¡¯m getting on in years and that a cold could impact my brain, so he¡¯s advised me to rest. I¡¯m deeply moved.¡± ¡°Milk powder? That¡¯s so like Mr. Su. He¡¯s aware that I¡¯m aging and my health isn¡¯t what it used to be, so he suggests I drink more milk. Mr. Su has my well-being in mind.¡± ¡°Sea cucumber! How did Mr. Su know I love sea cucumber?¡± Even in Su Ming¡¯s absence, President Chen couldn¡¯t stop singing his praises. Wang stood there, momentarily taken aback. If his eyes didn¡¯t deceive him, nestled among the items in the corner was a pile of Top Grade blood swallows. A single box of these blood swallows could fetch upwards of a hundred thousand. Yet the box Wang had purchased was valued at merely a few thousand yuan. Additionally, the can of milk powder was nothing more than your run-of-the-mill variety. President Chen, however, was deeply moved by the gesture. Wang was well aware that President Chen had a strong aversion to sea cucumbers. Despite this, the corner was adorned with an array of premium sea cucumbers. Because President Chen believed these gifts were from Mr. Su, he held them in high esteem. Truth be told, the items arrayed in the corner were of even greater value. The fact that they were procured by Mr. Su transformed them into invaluable treasures. Chapter 112 C112 ¨C A Profound Skill! Above all, the items were justmon health supplements, mere vitamins and nutrients without any medicinal properties. Yet, to President Chen, these weren¡¯t mere supplements; they were nothing short of a miracle cure. Wang had learned a great deal from President Chen. Overjoyed, President Chen had long since forgotten his sickness. Hisplexion had lost its sallow tint, and his body had shed its frailty. Perhaps it was the wild rush of adrenaline that was to thank! ¡°You little rascal, didn¡¯t I tell you explicitly? I emphasized that I was perfectly healthy and only leaving due to a business trip. Why on earth did you spill the beans to Mr. Su? You¡¯re just causing him unnecessary worry,¡± President Chen chided, unable to contain his reproach. Though his words were tinged withint, his face was undeniably beaming with smiles. Wang had reached his limit. ¡°President Chen, I¡¯m not sure if I should bring this up,¡± he said, hesitating. ¡°Out with it, Wang. Haven¡¯t I always said to be forthright? If you¡¯ve got something on your mind, speak up,¡± urged President Chen. ¡°President Chen, it¡¯s just us here¡ªno nurses, no doctors outside, and no cameras in the room. There¡¯s really no need for pretense.¡± Truth be told, Wang saw no point in it, especially with Mr. Su absent. ¡°Wang, you must understand the importance of integrity. Never badmouth others behind their backs,¡± President Chen advised. ¡°My respect for Mr. Su is genuine. My reactions earlier came straight from the heart,¡± Wang replied, taken aback by the sincerity in his own words. President Chen truly was someone who had worked his way up from the very bottom to his current stature, and his conduct was nothing short of remarkable. After a moment of reflection, President Chen coughed and settled back onto his bed. ¡°Wang, how¡¯s Mr. Su been? Did you find out where he¡¯s gone? What¡¯s that you¡¯re holding? Ink? Are you nning to practice calligraphy at home? That¡¯s amendable pursuit¡ªit soothes the soul. Is that something Mr. Su suggested?¡± Wang felt a twinge of embarrassment. President Chen, you¡¯ve got it wrong. This isn¡¯t ink. The item I¡¯m holding is the one Mr. Su gave you; everything else is my purchase. Wang suddenly wondered: What would President Chen do if he spoke the truth? ¡°President Chen, this is from Mr. Su for you,¡± Wang said, hesitating before speaking softly. ¡°What?¡± Upon hearing this, President Chen eagerly extended his hand, ¡°Quick, go out and get me a pen and paper. I¡¯m suddenly seized with the urge to practice calligraphy. Mr. Su¡¯s thoughtfulness is truly exceptional.¡± Wang¡¯s face showed embarrassment. But this wasn¡¯t ink. ¡°President Chen, there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. This isn¡¯t ink; it¡¯s a drink from Mr. Su.¡± President Chen¡¯s eyes widened in surprise and delight: ¡°Is this c? Mr. Su is really looking out for me.¡± ¡°You might not be aware, but c was originally a medicine with the power to cure colds. Mr. Su is indeed knowledgeable; he¡¯s actually sent me something like this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m deeply moved. It¡¯s been ages since Ist had c. Bring me that cup, quickly.¡± ¡°Be careful. If you spill the c, I¡¯ll have your head.¡± Yet, what was in the bottle didn¡¯t resemble c at all. C might be ck, but upon closer inspection, it had a reddish hue. This bottle clearly contained ink. Wang was at a loss. This is why others could be a president, and he could not. Hecked the necessary smoothness! He resolved to follow President Chen for life! Wang nced cautiously at the gifts piled in the corner; they had everything here. There were all sorts of premium supplements. Any gift he picked out was far superior to this half-bottle of ink. But an item¡¯s value is rtive. Without humans on Earth, gold means nothing to animals. Yet, with humans, it¡¯s a different story. Gifts from ordinary folks might be worthless, but not those from Su Ming. President Chen was thrilled. If Mr. Su sent it, he would drink it, even if it were poison, not just ink! Of course, that was hyperbole. Mr. Su wouldn¡¯t send poison, would he? Wang fetched a cup, and President Chen opened the bottle, inhaling a strong medicinal scent. It was medicine after all! President Chen was on the verge of tears. It was Chinese medicine, and he was profoundly moved! Chapter 113 C113 ¨C Miraculous Medicine! President Chen downed the drink without a second thought. The chilly concoction slid down his throat¡ªa tad bitter with a hint of sweetness. The warmth spread from his lower abdomen, radiating energy in every direction. Almost instantly, President Chen felt a wave of relief wash over him. He yanked out the IV, slipped on his shoes, and paced the floor. His cold had vanished, and the headache was gone. Bouncing twice in ce, President Chen was brimming with excitement. He was on the verge of shouting when Wang watched, utterly taken aback by the disy. ¡°This medicine is incredible!¡± Wang suspected an act, but with Mr. Su absent, he doubted President Chen had any reason for theatrics. ¡°I feel amazing!¡± Catching sight of the bottle in Wang¡¯s grasp, President Chen downed the remaining medicine in one go. Wang¡¯s jaw dropped. Had President Chen lost his mind? After finishing the medicine, President Chen wiped his mouth and felt a rush of well-being. Wang asked, concerncing his words, ¡°President Chen, are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine.¡± With a heartyugh, President Chen boomed, ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, I feel fantastic. You thought you brought me poison? What¡¯s in this bottle is traditional Chinese medicine. It¡¯spletely healed me.¡± ¡°Mr. Su is remarkable. Others just send expensive tonics, but Mr. Su¡¯s gift actually cured my ailment.¡± President Chen was in top form. Wang was speechless, his mind filled with regret. Had he known the medicine¡¯s potency, he would¡¯ve taken a sip himself. A little wouldn¡¯t be missed by President Chen, he reasoned. As President Chen continued his jubnt strides across the room, his eyes bulged, and his body shook. He let out a piercing scream of agony and copsed, writhing on the floor. ¡°The medicine¡¯s poisoned!¡± Wang bolted to summon the doctor and nurse. But in a heartbeat, President Chen was on his feet again. Unable to contain himself, he eximed, ¡°Fantastic!¡± Wang, fraught with anxiety, pressed, ¡°President Chen, what in the world is going on?¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay? Should I get the doctor?¡± President Chen blinked and dered, ¡°My nearsightedness is gone.¡± Wang stood up abruptly, his shock palpable. ¡°These damp days have been torturing my leg with rheumatic pain, but now, it¡¯s gone.¡± ¡°In my youth, working in the countryside left me with a back injury, yet now, I¡¯m pain-free.¡± ¡°But the real miracle is my severe stomach condition. I used to be unable to eat anything, but suddenly, I feel like I can eat everything!¡± Back when President Chen was younger, there was an exceptional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in the vige. Those with colds would drink his concoction and feel a chill descend from their heads, seeping through their bodies until they were cured. This man was a genuine TCM doctor, and his potent herbs were handpicked from the mountains. Incredibly, after taking this particr remedy, President Chen¡¯s longstanding ailments were healed. His rheumatism, stomach issues, and lumbar strain vanished. Even more astonishing, numerous other hidden ailments disappeared. He removed his sses and saw the world with crystal rity¡ªsharper than with his lenses! ¡°Wang, give it to me straight. Did Mr. Su say anything else when he handed you this?¡± President Chen seized Wang, eager for answers. Wang, still dazed, blinked and racked his brain. ¡°Mr. Su didn¡¯t say much. He simply instructed you to drink it.¡± President Chen burst into heartyughter. ¡°I knew it! Mr. Su never ceases to amaze.¡± ¡°Look at me! I was in such poor health, but after this drink, I¡¯ve been transformed. I feel like I¡¯ve gained another 50 years!¡± Overjoyed, President Chen knew well that a severe cold alone could take a week to ovee. Yet his cold had vanished instantly after the medicine, and with it, all his hidden health issues. ¡°It¡¯s nothing short of a divine gift. Mr. Su, you¡¯re my guiding light from now on.¡± Wang stood there, utterly bewildered. President Chen¡¯s transformation seemed genuine, especially remarkable given his long history of severe nearsightedness. Now, having cast aside his sses, his eyes were astonishingly clear. ¡°President Chen, please, take a moment. Should I go and fetch a doctor to check on you?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, we need to get the doctor here, fast.¡± Soon enough, the doctor and nurses arrived to examine President Chen. ¡°Have all your symptoms really vanished?¡± ¡°Your lumbar muscle strain is gone.¡± ¡°My goodness, your eyesight is in perfect condition!¡± ¡°Even the minor kidney stones you had before are no longer there,¡± Wang Yao noted. ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Mr. Su eximed in disbelief. Chapter 114 C114 ¨C He Was Extremely Excited! The senior doctors at the hospital huddled together, each one as baffled as the next, their faces a picture of utter bewilderment. President Chen¡¯s role in the hospital¡¯s establishment was indispensable. The director himself had insisted on summoning the hospital¡¯s finest doctor for President Chen¡¯s consultation. Many doctors had hurried from their homes to the hospital, yet upon reviewing the examination results, each was left utterly dumbstruck. These were seasoned physicians, their hair silvered with experience, facing a scenario like none before. The pulmonologists had detected a minor infection in President Chen¡¯s lungs earlier that afternoon. Typically, one would expect the symptoms to worsen before gradually subsiding, possibly leaving behind negligible aftereffects. But now, President Chen¡¯s symptoms had vanished, his respiratory system in exceptional health. The ophthalmologists were perhaps the most perplexed. They had prescribed President Chen¡¯s sses, yet now his vision had inexplicably improved to optimal levels. Unable to contain their curiosity, they whisked President Chen away for a brain CT scan, only to discover his brain teeming with the vigor and vitality of youth¡ªa medical marvel! Brain cells, once thought irreparable, defied expectations in President Chen¡¯s case. He reported enhanced hearing and vision, improved memory¡ªit was as if he had reverted to the prime of his twenties. ¡°How can this be?¡± ¡°President Chen, what exactly happened?¡± ¡°Did you consume something extraordinary?¡± ¡°Could the equipment be faulty?¡± The white-haired doctors, after much puzzlement, ventured their questions with caution. Wang stood to the side, mouth shut, head bowed, saying nothing. Mystery was of the essence. True to form, President Chen offered no exnation, merely a serene smile. ¡°Doctors, my health is satisfactory, wouldn¡¯t you agree? Surely, I¡¯m fit for discharge?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Even the deputy director was at a loss. Frankly, were it not for the man¡¯s identity as President Chen, they might have been tempted to detain him for a thorough examination to unravel the mystery. An ordinary individual would have been subjected to a battery of tests by now, but President Chen was not someone they could simplypel. Arriving by ambnce, President Chen had appeared listless. Yet within a mere day, he emerged from the hospital, the epitome of rejuvenation and vigor. He suddenly felt invigorated, believing he could work until he was 80, 90, or even retire at 100 without issue! ¡°Wang, make sure to round up a few peopleter to pack up these supplements and deliver them to my house.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± President Chen drove straight to the city center. As he was about to step out of his car, he nced at the time¡ªit was already past ten in the evening. Su Ming was likely asleep. It wouldn¡¯t be right to disturb him at this hour. After a moment¡¯s consideration, President Chen decided he must pay Su Ming a personal visit the next day. ¡°I¡¯m amazed Mr. Su still remembers me; this medicine is certainly extraordinary.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re aware that my dealings with you were initially just for financial gain, but I never imagined you¡¯d not only wee me but also consider me a friend.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, from this point forward, I will loyally follow you and dedicate myself to your service.¡± Moved to the brink of tears, President Chen sat in his car, overwhelmed with emotion. He had no doubts about the medicine¡¯s integrity. There are many wonders hidden among the folk¡ªperhaps those fabled traditional Chinese medicines aren¡¯t just myths. It¡¯s quite possible that Su Ming hase into possession of something truly valuable. A treasure of immeasurable worth. And yet, Su Ming was willing to share it with President Chen. ¡°Mr. Su, why are you so kind to me? I am utterly humbled.¡± ¡°Previously, when you deposited several hundred million in my bank and sold some bamboo shoots, I admit I felt slighted, though I never let it show.¡± ¡°Now, I realize how petty I was. Even if you hadn¡¯t deposited a penny, the privilege of calling you a friend is an honor in itself.¡± Su Ming had nonchntly stacked what President Chen regarded as a miraculous medicine in a corner. It was in abundant supply. With just one nting, he could harvest plenty of this substance. Truth be told, Su Ming hadn¡¯t anticipated such impressive results. His only intention was for President Chen to recover quickly, especially since President Chen had been quite helpful to him. The most crucial detail was that Su Ming had only filled the bottle halfway. He harbored some concerns that if the medicine¡¯s effects were too astounding, it could cause an uproar. Little did he expect that even half the dosage would prove so effective. After lingering at the door for quite some time, President Chen finally started his car and left. He had to arrive early the next morning to properly express his gratitude to Su Ming. He couldn¡¯t possibly show up empty-handed, yet given Mr. Su¡¯s esteemed position,vish gifts like expensive jewelry would be inappropriate. Upon returning home, President Chen found his family sound asleep. Energized and wide awake, he had no desire to go to bed. Instead, he sat on the sofa, deep in thought about the perfect gift for Su Ming. Before he knew it, daylight broke. With a sigh, President Chen headed to the bathroom for a quick freshening up. By then, his wife had also awakened. Despite the early hour, not yet five in the morning, she rose to prepare breakfast for President Chen. Chapter 115 C115 ¨C Bring the Car! Mrs. Chen had barely stepped out when she spotted a man sitting on the couch. It was President Chen, and he was startled by her sudden scream. He was in the midst of contemting how to express his gratitude to Su Ming when the piercing shriek interrupted his thoughts. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± President Chen asked with urgency. ¡°When did you get back?¡± Mrs. Chen¡¯s voice was a mix of surprise and relief upon seeing her husband, though her heart still raced. ¡°I got backst night, saw you were sleeping deeply, and didn¡¯t want to wake you,¡± he exined, visibly rxing. ¡°But why are you here? Weren¡¯t you supposed to stay in the hospital?¡± she inquired, her concern evident. ¡°I¡¯ve recovered,¡± President Chen dered, rising to his feet. ¡°This time, you need to heed my advice. No more hiding behind work; your health is paramount. Wait, you¡¯re better?¡± Mrs. Chen¡¯s astonishment was palpable. He had been down with a severe cold, and the doctor had even warned of a near miss with pneumonia. She had left the hospital at six the evening before, and President Chen had been in considerable difort. Could he really be well already? ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± Stunned, Mrs. Chen stood frozen, rubbing her eyes in disbelief. ¡°I truly am better,¡± President Chen assured her with a heartyugh. ¡°I¡¯m starving. Make me something to eat, will you? Honestly, it was Mr. Su¡¯s medicine that did the trick. He¡¯s quite remarkable.¡± ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Mrs. Chen recognized the name; her husband had a major client by that surname. Without further questions, she nodded briskly and scurried to the kitchen to prepare a meal. Meanwhile, President Chen pondered, ¡°What should I offer as a token of my appreciation to Mr. Su?¡± Su Ming, having risen early, had already plowed the field. Wang¡¯s visit the day before had kept him from his tasks, but today he was determined to catch up. After finishing with the plow, Su Ming surveyed his seeds, contemting his next choice of crop. He had grown a variety of vegetables before, but he wasn¡¯t inclined to rent the same ones anytime soon; they simply didn¡¯t pique his interest anymore. Then, his eyesnded on the corn seeds. Corn, a staple and significant economic crop in the country, was versatile¡ªconsumed by both humans and livestock, and its oil was an essential in many households. Su Ming brought a wealth of nting experience from his hometown. He would dig a hole in the soil, sprinkle a bit of fertilizer, drop in some seeds, and then cover it up. Since corn is typically produced inrge quantities, the nting was done at a high density. Su Ming was confident that with this round of nting, he would achieve another level up. After a morning of hard work, he had the ground covered in corn. He proceeded to fertilize and water the crops to boost yield and reduce growth time. ¡°Corn sessfully nted. Harvestable in 36 hours.¡± Su Ming paused, realizing the actual growth cycle for corn wasn¡¯t short. It appeared the System¡¯s timing was arbitrary. Once he finished up in the field, Su Ming grabbed a bite to eat and drove to the car dealership, which hadn¡¯t opened for business in days, though the staff had beening in daily. They all knew Su Ming¡¯s license te by heart. ¡°He¡¯s here!¡± Eyes brightened as a sleek car pulled up¡ªthey had been waiting for Su Ming for days. Inside, Zhou Hai was poring over documents when the door burst open. He looked up, ready to rebuke the intruder, but the man¡¯s face was alight with excitement. ¡°He¡¯s here?¡± ¡°Yes, he¡¯s here!¡± Zhou Hai was on his feet and out the door in an instant. He made his way to the entrance, took a deep breath, and greeted the young man in slippers with an enthusiastic smile. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Zhou Hai approached Su Ming, offering a hearty handshake. ¡°Are you here to collect all the cars today?¡± ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve just finished building my underground garage,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. The sales staff overheard and were impressed. Su Ming had constructed an underground garage just for his fleet of cars! It must have taken months to build, indicating Su Ming had nned this well in advance. He spoke with such nonchnce, as if he were discussing storing cabbages in a root cer. ¡°Mr. Su, we¡¯ve kept your car here, and all the paperwork is ready,¡± they informed him. ¡°The license tes are all set as well.¡± Su Ming examined the documents carefully, finding everything in order. ¡°Thanks for your effort, but thebined insurance payout for all these cars is quite a substantial amount,¡± Su Ming acknowledged with a smile. Zhou Hai vigorously shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re just following orders from our superiors,¡± he insisted. Hearing this, Su Ming found it difficult to object. It was clear what Zhou Hai was after¡ªhe was keen on forging a friendship with Su Ming. Su Ming was known for hisid-back nature; apart from his work on the farm, he preferred not to get his hands dirty with other tasks. Should he need assistance in the future, a simple phone call to Zhou Hai would suffice, and Zhou Hai would undoubtedly handle it with aplomb. Chapter 116 C116 ¨C Really Spectacr! ¡°Much appreciated, Manager Zhou.¡± Zhou Hai was thrilled to hear that. ¡°No need to thank me. It¡¯s part of our job and truly an honor,¡± Zhou Hai said, beaming. However, his smile soon turned to a frown as he pondered, ¡°But how do you n to transport all these cars back? With over 400 vehicles here, even if we each took one, it would take us well over 50 round trips.¡± It was a genuine concern. Su Ming was momentarily taken aback; he hadn¡¯t considered this. Noticing Su Ming¡¯s look of consternation, the sales staff nearby could barely contain themselves. They were eager to assist in driving the cars back, not minding the hassle one bit. Still, it was a daunting task. Even hiring arge transport truck would consume an entire afternoon. The shop¡¯s staff, including security, totaled only eight or nine people. Plus, these were luxury vehicles. Su Ming wasn¡¯t worried about them causing damage, but he suspected they¡¯d be hesitant to drive them, fearing the cost of potential damages they couldn¡¯t afford. Su Ming stroked his chin and furrowed his brow in thought. ¡°Mr. Su, if you¡¯re troubled, I might have a suggestion,¡± Zhou Hai offered. His line of work had made him quick-witted, and an idea had just sparked in his mind, which he shared with a grin. ¡°What is it?¡± Su Ming asked, intrigued. ¡°With this many cars, it would take several trips to move them all. And considering the value of your cars, we¡¯re honestly apprehensive about driving them.¡± ¡°But here¡¯s my thought: why not reach out to a proxy driving service and hire a fleet of drivers? That should solve our problem,¡± Zhou Hai suggested softly. It was an excellent solution! Su Ming¡¯s eyes brightened. The drivers from the service typically worked evenings, and it was only noon¡ªchances were they¡¯d be avable. Besides, in a bustling metropolis like Eastsea City, with a poption exceeding ten million, there would be no shortage of drivers. If the driving service didn¡¯t have enough hands, he could always recruit from security firms and the like. After all, these drivers were professionals, trained for the task. They¡¯re adept at handling sports cars, and their driving is steady enough to avoid any major incidents. To be frank, Su Ming wouldn¡¯t bat an eye if his cars got scratched or dented. For Su Ming, these vehicles are no longer mere cars; they¡¯re essentially four-wheeled toys. He¡¯se up with a n to use an app to randomly select which car to drive each day. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go with that n!¡± Su Ming gave a nod of approval, and Zhou Hai¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. If President Chen were here, he¡¯d surely grumble about Zhou Hai upstaging him. Meanwhile, Ma Chui, the general manager of Eastsea City¡¯s driving service, was lounging in his chair, sipping tea and enjoying a tune. Thepany¡¯s tform offered chauffeur services. Customers paid for drivers to take the wheel, and thepany earned a cut of the profits. This venture was not only low in risk but also promised high returns. As Ma Chui was absorbed in the music, his phone abruptly rang. He nced at the caller ID. Could this be Zhou Hai? They were both prominent figures in theirmunity¡ªZhou Hai in car sales and Ma Chui in the driving service business. They were friends from way back, although their professional circles didn¡¯t ovep much, making them somewhat distant. ¡°Manager Zhou, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?¡± Ma Chui inquired. ¡°Manager Ma, I¡¯m bringing you a lucrative deal this time, and I¡¯ll introduce you to a VIP in the process.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Ma Chui perked up at the news. Zhou Hai, as the head of a 4S dealership, held a status equal to his own. And since Ma Chui wasn¡¯t too close to Zhou Hai, he knew this was no joke. ¡°Could you give me more details, Manager Zhou?¡± ¡°Mr. Ma, remember the deal I mentioned earlier? A friend visited our store and purchased over 400 cars.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± Ma Chui was quick on the uptake, instantly connecting the dots to the enigmatic VIP. ¡°Mr. Su picked up his car today, but he¡¯s bought a total of 480 vehicles. There¡¯s no way a few of us can drive them all. Could you mobilize all the drivers from your app? The more, the better.¡± Upon hearing the news, Ma Chui sharply inhaled a breath of shock. They intended to drive off with all 480 cars? Ma Chui had never witnessed such an event. Mr. Su was incredibly formidable. ¡°Mr. Ma, is it possible or not?¡± Zhou Hai could tell that Ma Chui was undoubtedly stunned by the news. But Su Ming was waiting, and he couldn¡¯t afford to keep Su Ming in suspense. ¡°Absolutely. Rest assured. Tell Mr. Su I¡¯m on the phone this instant. Within ten minutes, I¡¯ll have this sorted out!¡± Setting aside Mr. Su¡¯s enigmatic status, anyone in the market for 480 luxury cars was clearly no average Joe. This single deal would them a hefty profit. After ending the call, Ma Chui strode purposefully to the door and burst into the vice president¡¯s office. The vice president, a corpulent man, was in the midst of a flirtatious exchange with his secretary. The abrupt entrance startled the man. ¡°Manager, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± The vice president wasn¡¯t the least bit sheepish; they were both men, after all, and he frequently apanied Ma Chui on their escapades. Chapter 117 C117 ¨C A Lot of Cars! ¡°Hurry up! We need more drivers ¨C as many as we can get!¡± He suspected the general manager had one too many drinks. They were the drivers; there was no need to hire more. ¡°A mysterious tycoon at Zhou Hai¡¯s 4S store just bought 480 cars.¡± Fatty¡¯s eyes bulged with realization as he sprang to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m on it right away!¡± Fatty was in charge of the drivingpany¡¯s Human Resources Department. He swiftly phoned the regional teams, each with dozens of drivers. Though the team leaders were confused by the news, they obeyed the orders. The drivers, too, were baffled. ¡°A meeting?¡± ¡°I¡¯m currently hauling bricks at the construction site. I can¡¯t make it to a meeting.¡± ¡°Usually, thepany gives us a heads-up before any meeting. What¡¯s this about?¡± ¡°Some bigwig bought 480 cars at the 4S store, and we¡¯re short on drivers. Complete the task, and you¡¯ll each get a 500 yuan bonus! It¡¯s firste, first served!¡± Ma Chui, who rarely showed up in the group chat, suddenly joined and made an announcement. ¡°Forget bricying¡ªI¡¯m off to drive!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got to see who this big shot is.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get moving!¡± Whether resting at home or busy with other tasks, everyone headed to the 4S store upon hearing the news. In under ten minutes¡­ The streets filled with drivers in blue, zipping along on their electric scooters. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± ¡°Are they gearing up for a brawl?¡± ¡°Do we need to call the cops?¡± ¡°Are you out of your mind? They haven¡¯t done anything.¡± Passersby were perplexed by the sight. The drivers, all heading in one direction, seemed both ted and urgent, as if on the verge of a skirmish. Two patrol officers were taken aback by the spectacle. Maintaining public order was their duty, and this crowd, all moving en masse¡ªwere they looking for trouble? The group was sizable, at least two hundred strong. ¡°Hold on,rade, where are you headed?¡± A policeman gged down one of the drivers to inquire. ¡°Officer, I really can¡¯t chat¡ªI¡¯ll miss out if I¡¯mte. We¡¯re on the job, driving on behalf of others.¡± The officer was taken aback. Who in the world needs that many drivers? ¡°Sir, someone just bought 500 cars at the 4S dealership and they¡¯re short on drivers.¡± A grinning young man beside him offered an exnation before the pair zipped off on their electric bikes. The policeman was left scratching his head. Who would purchase such a staggering number of cars? Both officers found it hard to believe and decided they needed to check out the situation for themselves. Before long, the video had gone viral, sparking curiosity among many who were eager to see what the fuss was all about. Initially, the 4S dealership¡¯s entrance was empty, but it wasn¡¯t long before a crowd began to form. As the crowd swelled, a sea of electric bikes filled the storefront. Ma Chui had just arrived at the dealership. ¡°Mr. Ma, meet Mr. Su, the man who purchased five hundred cars. Mr. Su, this is Ma Chui, the general manager of the driver servicepany.¡± ¡°Hello, Mr. Su. Feel free to call me Ma.¡± Su Ming wasn¡¯t the only one feeling ufortable; Zhou Hai was also put off by the encounter. Ma Chui was eager to foster a good rtionship with Mr. Su, but his approach was off-putting, especially considering his advanced age. ¡°Manager Ma, I truly appreciate your help,¡± Su Ming said with a light smile. Ma Chui thought to himself how unusually courteous the young man was. ¡°Serving our customers well is our ultimate pursuit,¡± Ma Chui said,ying on the ttery. This young man was something else. Most people with such wealth would be arrogant, but not Su Ming. He behaved as though buying hundreds of cars was no big deal. Once everyone had gathered, Su Ming gave a nod. Ma Chui stepped forward and cleared his throat. Everyone recognized him as theirpany¡¯s general manager. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, any car here with a red ribbon is one of Mr. Su¡¯s. Each of you will take one. Make sure none are left behind.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± the drivers responded, their enthusiasm palpable. They had seen it with their own eyes: the man their general manager was trying so hard to please was no ordinary customer. ¡°The destination has been sent to your phones,plete with GPS coordinates. Remember, drive carefully. If you damage any of these cars, the cost will be more than you can handle!¡± The drivers nodded in agreement and made their way into the 4S store one by one. The sight was truly magnificent: luxury cars filled the interior, while electric vehicles lined the exterior. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°Oh my goodness, is that a Ferrari?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this sports car a limited edition, avable worldwide?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen this car before¡ªit¡¯s worth over 80 million yuan, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare drive this car.¡± ¡°The car I drive is valued at two million yuan. I used to think it was pretty decent, but next to yours, it¡¯s practically insignificant.¡± The drivers were gobsmacked as they flooded in. Mr. Su truly lived up to his reputation as the man who cleared out the entire 4S store. He was incredibly impressive. But then, the drivers who arrivedter found hardly any cars left. Why had he summoned so many people? ¡°Why are you all just standing there? There are more cars upstairs.¡± Ma Chui, noticing the drivers¡¯ stunned expressions, urgently raised his voice. Everyone dashed upstairs. Then, the whole floor erupted with gasps of astonishment and the clicking of cameras as they captured the moment. Chapter 118 C118 ¨C A Magnificent Fleet of Cars! Su Ming nced around before dering, ¡°Let¡¯s set out.¡± Zhou Hai took the lead. Ma Chui was right behind Su Ming¡¯s car, ensuring his safety. A procession of vehicles trailed behind him¡ªall of them luxury cars. Two police officers, having arrived from a distance, halted at the intersection to observe the impressive convoy. A throng of onlookers gathered to gawk at the luxury vehicles. The sight of hundreds of luxury cars arriving simultaneously left everyone in awe. Upon recognizing Su Ming inside one of the cars, the officers pieced it together. These cars had to be Su Ming¡¯s purchases. Given Mr. Su¡¯s wealth, such a spectacle seemed quite fitting. While the officers regained theirposure, the crowd buzzed with excitement. ¡°Look at all these luxury cars!¡± ¡°It¡¯s absolutely breathtaking!¡± ¡°I remember reading a post online a while back about a mysterious rich person buying out an entire car dealership. I was skeptical, but now it¡¯s clear¡ªit was true.¡± They had never witnessed such an extravagant disy of luxury vehicles. Each car was a high-end model, with the least expensive worth millions and the most expensive valued at over a hundred million yuan. Su Ming had made it a point through Ma Chui to remind everyone to adhere strictly to trafficws and, above all, not to disrupt the regr flow of traffic. However, to their surprise, only a few police cars were clearing the path ahead, and the road was nearly devoid of other traffic. Countless individuals snapped photos while numerous live streamers began broadcasting the event. Such cars were a rare sight for them. Now, assembled together, they created a truly remarkable spectacle. Some onlookers spected that the cars weren¡¯t actually purchased but were part of an automobilepany¡¯s marketing stunt. But quickly, Ma Chui dispatched his PR team to dispel the rumors and confirm the truth. The announcement went out that a mysterious buyer had acquired hundreds of cars and was in need of a substantial number of drivers. Despite initial skepticism, the official statement was swiftly released. The police also confirmed that this was no promotional gimmick; someone had indeed bought all those cars. ¡°This young man has actually bought so many cars!¡± ¡°He¡¯s incredibly wealthy.¡± ¡°Thebined value of all these cars might well exceed one billion yuan.¡± ¡°It¡¯s unlikely there¡¯s another person in the world with a collection of cars to match his.¡± ¡°Normally, when we shop, we might buy fruits and vegetables in bulk, but buying luxury cars wholesale? That¡¯s unheard of.¡± ¡°This wealthy individual might spend every day pondering which car to take out for a spin.¡± ¡°The sight is absolutely staggering.¡± They were green with envy over Su Ming¡¯s sess. Before long, the motorcade pulled up to Su Ming¡¯s newly constructed vi in the heart of the city, with the entrance to the underground garage just a stone¡¯s throw away. The construction site supervisor had wrapped up all the final details and was eagerly awaiting Su Ming¡¯s approval. Out of sheer boredom, he was flicking through the news. The live broadcast made him do a double-take. But once he caught a glimpse of Su Ming¡¯s photo, he was bbergasted, suddenly realizing why Su Ming had insisted on building two parking lots simultaneously. Initially, he had thought Su Ming¡¯s decision to construct a two-level parking facility was extravagant. He no longer held that opinion. He had started the project under the weight of his boss¡¯s expectations, but learning about Su Ming¡¯s two-acre property downtown had filled him with immense respect. Now, he was convinced Su Ming was even wealthier than he¡¯d imagined. Su Ming had snapped up hundreds of high-end cars in one fell swoop. He himself had been over the moon with his recent Audi A6 purchase. Inparison to Su Ming, he felt utterly insignificant. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± As Su Ming¡¯s car rolled to a halt before him, the supervisor¡¯s eyes were dry as he swallowed hard, his voice quivering. ¡°Are you alright? Coming down with something?¡± ¡°No!¡± The supervisor vigorously shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m just overwhelmed with excitement.¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile, ¡°Is everything inside good to go?¡± ¡°Rest assured, all is in order.¡± ¡°Good. I appreciate your diligence.¡± Leading the way, Su Ming watched the cars file in behind him, one after another. The drivers were exceptionally skilled, managing to avoid any scrapes or mishaps, and had a clean record of no traffic incidents en route. The excitement was palpable among the drivers. Though the cars weren¡¯t theirs, just the experience of driving such fine vehicles was a thrill of a lifetime. Quickly, the cars were neatly parked, and as the drivers stepped out, their legs were nearly giving out. ¡°Good heavens, my legs are like jelly.¡± ¡°Same here! If I had caused even the slightest damage to one of these cars, I¡¯d never be able to cover the cost.¡± ¡°But honestly, there¡¯s nothing quite like the thrill of driving this luxury car. That Bentley I had before just doesn¡¯tpare¡ªit was too much of a bargain.¡± ¡°Zip it! I drive a Bentley, you know! You¡¯re one lucky guy, getting to drive a sports car with an 80 million price tag!¡± Chapter 119 C119 ¨C This Is the Rich! Regardless, they got a taste of driving luxury cars this time. They¡¯ll have stories to tell in the future. Even though the cars weren¡¯t theirs, they had the chance to drive them. A group of drivers huddled together, reflecting on the day¡¯s events. Their eyes filled with envy as they focused on the young man. So young, and yet he¡¯d driven so many luxury cars. Today¡¯s events truly broadened the drivers¡¯ horizons and altered their life perspectives. Nothing would surprise them anymore. After all, who buys 480 luxury cars in one go? The drivers lingered in the corner, not blocking entry, yet reluctant to leave. Many snapped photos, overwhelmed by the spectacle. ¡°Great job, everyone!¡± Su Ming called out to them, his voice earnest. He could sense their trepidation as they returned the cars. These were, after all, high-end sports cars. Any damage could mean a hefty bill. ¡°Mr. Su, we¡¯re just doing our job.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been an honor to drive for you.¡± Su Ming gave a light round of apuse. Zhou Hai soon appeared, lugging two suitcases. Curiosity piqued as people watched. Opening the cases, Su Ming revealed stacks of cash. He generously handed out 1,000 yuan to each driver. With the tform¡¯s bonus of 500 yuan, everyone pocketed a total of 1,500 yuan. Su Ming didn¡¯t regret the expense; he recognized the drivers¡¯ diligent efforts in returning his vehicles. ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s really no need for this. Our tform¡­¡± ¡°Manager Ma, that¡¯s your tform¡¯s concern. This is my way of showing gratitude to the drivers. But don¡¯t let my contribution be an excuse not to give them their due 500.¡± Su Ming advocated for the drivers. Ma Chui¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment at the implication; he had indeed entertained the thought. ¡°Mr. Su, they will be paid.¡± Hearing this, the drivers exchanged knowing looks, rolling their eyes. Ma Chui was notorious for finding reasons to skimp on their pay. Their gratitude toward Su Ming deepened. ¡°Su Ming truly is a man of wealth.¡± ¡°I¡¯m deeply moved.¡± ¡°Before, I might have envied someone this wealthy. But now, I don¡¯t feel a twinge of jealousy.¡± The drivers nearby were profoundly thankful to Su Ming. Su Ming was aware that these individuals were earning their pay through hard work. Driving, after all, demands focus. Being wealthy now didn¡¯t mean Su Ming had lost touch with his roots. He too had once toiled at the bottom. He understood that while wealth was a blessing, the majority weren¡¯t so fortunate. They were still striving to make ends meet. ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do.¡± With a casual smile, Su Ming warmly bid each driver farewell, leaving several close to tears as they departed. They were overwhelmed with emotion! After seeing Zhou Hai and Ma Chui off, Su Ming pped his hands, surveyed the two-story car facility, and nodded in satisfaction. The task wasplete. Meanwhile, the manager remained at the entrance. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve just been to your house. We¡¯ll begin work shortly. We¡¯ve already assisted your parents with moving. They¡¯re now renting a house in town, which we arranged for them,¡± the manager reported eagerly. He had been briefed by his superior, who he suspected was also aware of Su Ming¡¯s purchase of 480 cars. ¡°I appreciate your efforts! I insist on paying you for this job. Please, don¡¯t rush to decline. Money is not an issue for me,¡± Su Ming said with a smile, giving the manager a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Initially inclined to refuse, the manager found himself speechless after Su Ming¡¯s remark. Walking to his own doorstep, Su Ming was surprised to see a very familiar figure. Was that not President Chen, back at work? ¡°Mr. Su, I can¡¯t thank you enough for what you did yesterday. I racked my brain but couldn¡¯te up with a suitable gift. I apologize¡­¡± President Chen faltered, struggling to articte his gratitude. After all, Su Ming was so affluent that he wanted for nothing. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, President Chen. You¡¯ve been a great help to me over time. We¡¯re friends, after all.¡± Hearing Su Ming¡¯s response, President Chen was on the verge of tears, deeply moved by the gesture. ¡°Looks like your plot has sprouted some new grass. Let me help you take care of the weeding right away.¡± After President Chen had spoken, he wasted no time, promptly rolling up his sleeves to get down to work, leaving Su Ming feeling rather resigned. Just yesterday, Wang had finished weeding for him, and the grass hadn¡¯t even had a chance to grow back yet. And now, here was President Chen, ready to tackle the job again. It seemed almost impossible for weeds to take hold on Su Ming¡¯snd. While he was getting ready to work, President Chen¡¯s phone rang out of the blue. He paused, about to dismiss the call, but then he noticed something peculiar about the caller ID. ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies, I need to take this call.¡± ¡°No problem at all.¡± Baskingfortably in the sunlight on his recliner, Su Ming watched as President Chen acknowledged him with a nod and answered the phone. Chapter 120 C120 ¨C A Mysterious Call! ¡°President Chen?¡± Upon connection, a voice both deep and authoritative emerged from the other end of the line. Yet despite itsmanding tone, it carried an unmistakable weariness. ¡°I¡¯m President Chen, how may I assist you?¡± This wasn¡¯t the number President Chen typically used for work. It was a private line known only to his family and closest rtives. Rarely did anyone call his office line; those seeking him would normally schedule through his secretary. So who was this enigmatic caller who had managed to bypass the usual channels? ¡°President Chen, your reputation precedes you. Allow me to introduce myself¡ªI¡¯m Wang Guohui from Angel Group. Perhaps you¡¯ve heard of us?¡± A moment of recognition flickered across President Chen¡¯s mind. The name Wang Guohui rang a bell. With a blink, the realization hit him¡ªhe was speaking to a major yer. Bing the president of Tianhua Bank had catapulted President Chen to the upper echelons of Eastsea City society. He was known for his distinct way of handling affairs, not one to be readily essible to just anyone. This was only the second time President Chen felt such a surge of excitement upon answering a call¡ªthe first being when Su Ming had reached out to him. The Angel Group, a titan in maritime trade, conducted most of its business overseas, with their products manufactured domestically but seldom branded locally. While their domestic profile was modest, their international reputation was ster. The general public might be oblivious to such details, but President Chen, well-versed in the affairs of major corporations, was all too aware. And there he was, on the line with Wang Guohui, the esteemed chairman of Angel Group. A figure of legend, Wang Guohui was in his fifties, a peer in age to President Chen, yet his stature far exceeded that of Chen¡¯s. President Chen had entertained the idea of coborating with Wang Guohui, envisioning the financial windfall should Guohui choose to bank with him. Such a partnership could exponentially increase his bank¡¯s market value. In that scenario, not only the banks of M City but even those in the capital would pale inparison to his. Yet, despite the allure of the limelight, President Chen was acutely aware of his true standing. Though he held the title of president at the Eastsea City Bank, he was, in the grand scheme of things, merely a minor branch president within the vastwork of Tianhua Bank. Wang Guohui had his sights set on international markets, with many prominent foreign banks holding his overseas ounts. A fixture on the domestic rich list, his wealth was formidable, though the exact amount was unknown to President Chen, who was certain it was substantial. ¡°Ah, Mr. Wang, what a pleasure it is to speak with you. I¡¯m truly honored by your call. How may I assist you today?¡± President Chen¡¯s excitement was usually reserved for calls from Su Ming, but receiving a call from Wang Guohui elicited an equal thrill. Wang was an industry titan, his stature surpassing even that of the head of their own bank. ¡°President Chen, you tter me. There¡¯s no need for such honorifics between friends,¡± Wang Guohui offered a weary greeting, clearly not eager to dwell on pleasantries. Quick-witted, President Chen grasped that Wang wanted to discuss serious matters. ¡°Mr. Wang, ¡­¡± He trailed off, hoping Wang was about to propose a partnership, potentially boosting his bank¡¯s funds significantly. ¡°President Chen, I¡¯ve been informed that you were gravely ill, nearly sumbing to pneumonia, yet you made a miraculous overnight recovery and were discharged. Is there any truth to this?¡± The fatigue in the caller¡¯s voice was palpable,ced with profound exhaustion. The news left President Chen momentarily speechless. His mere cold had somehow caught the attention of both Mr. Su and Wang Guohui? He reflexively touched his face. ¡°Indeed, Mr. Wang, that is the case. I appreciate your concern, and I¡¯m pleased to report that I¡¯ve fully recovered.¡± Initially, President Chen had thought Wang¡¯s inquiry might segue into a discussion about a potential coboration, a chance to subtly strengthen their rapport. However, it seemed he might have been a bit presumptuous. ¡°President Chen, the reason for my call is to inquire about the specifics of your recovery. The doctors suggested a serious condition requiring weeks of convalescence, yet you bounced back in a single night. Could you share your treatment method? I find myself in need of such a remedy.¡± President Chen was taken aback, realizing he had overthought the situation. He let out a silent sigh. Wang Guohui was a heavyweight, while he himself was insignificant byparison. It was likely that only the president of Tianhua Bank had the clout to discuss business with Wang Guohui. After all, he was merely the president of a branch of Tianhua Bank. Their statuses were worlds apart. A twinge of disappointment settled in President Chen¡¯s heart, yet he had a clear understanding of where he stood. Disappointed he may be, he wasn¡¯t surprised, nor did he show any sign of it. Wang Guohui had cut straight to the chase, leaving no room for other topics. Still, a flicker of surprise crossed President Chen¡¯s mind. He had only been discharged from the hospital yesterday¡ªhow did Wang Guohuie by that information? Wang Guohui had his ways of staying informed. But upon further reflection, President Chen considered that perhaps someone in Mr. Wang¡¯s family or his circle had fallen ill. Mr. Wang would surely seek out a doctor with a strong reputation. Given that Mr. Wang likely resided nearby, a simple inquiry would have led him to the news. Being somewhat of a public figure himself, it made sense that Mr. Wang would be privy to such information. ¡°Mr. Wang, have you caught a cold as well?¡± President Chen inquired instinctively. Why else would he inquire about a treatment? Wang Guohui paused briefly before letting out a weary sigh, tinged with a mix of fatigue, resignation, and a hint of sorrow. Truth be told, Wang Guohui had been quite taken aback by the news himself. It was astonishing that someone could recover from a severe cold overnight. Chapter 121 C121 ¨C Please Help Me! The idea that this news might be believed by only a few might seem far-fetched, yet Wang Guohui was confident that the information he received was urate; he knew the hospital doctors wouldn¡¯t dare deceive him. Still, Wang Guohui harbored some concerns. Indeed, anything capable of curing his illness outright couldn¡¯t possibly be trivial. Wang Guohui was a man of the world, well-versed and well-traveled. Despite the seemingly fantastical nature of the situation, he was not taken aback. In a country as vast as this, it was not umon to find masters of their craft living in obscurity. He was convinced that such skilled physicians existed. The question that gued him, however, was whether President Chen would be forting about the nature of this cure. If President Chen was willing to divulge the details, all would be well. But if he chose to remain silent, Wang Guohui couldn¡¯t very wellpel him. Truth be told, Wang Guohui was rather displeased. In his eyes, President Chen¡¯s status was insignificant, and yet here he was, needing to seek his assistance. ¡°President Chen, could you please tell me? This matter is of great importance to me,¡± Wang Guohui implored, his voice weary. President Chen paused, momentarily taken aback. The credit for his recovery, after all, belonged to Mr. Su. But President Chen was puzzled. It was just a cold. Wang Guohui was usually so protective of his health. Surely a cold wouldn¡¯t warrant such urgency to warrant a phone call. ¡°Mr. Wang, have you caught a cold as well? Surely it¡¯s not that grave? If it¡¯s just a cold, a good rest at the hospital should suffice, shouldn¡¯t it? I¡¯m not unwilling to share, but I fear the influential individual involved might not consent. Besides, you understand theplications that could arise if word of this were to spread.¡± President Chen spoke with measured caution. This remedy was Su Ming¡¯s secret, and he couldn¡¯t risk causing him any trouble. Initially, Wang Guohui hadn¡¯t held out much hope, but President Chen¡¯s words filled him with certainty and joy. Clearly, there was indeed something miraculous at y. Consuming it would restore his health instantly. Had President Chen imed robust health or attributed his recovery to an injection, Wang Guohui would have been left without recourse. But now, there was hope! Wang Guohui found President Chen¡¯s cautious tone to be perfectly understandable. After all, since President Chen had received the item from someone else, it was clear that the individual would prefer to remain anonymous and avoid anyplications. ¡°President Chen, allow me to exin the situation,¡± Wang Guohui said. He proceeded to share the entire backstory with President Chen. The reason Wang Guohui had personally reached out to President Chen was solely for the sake of his mother. In his twenties, Wang Guohui joined apany and worked his way up from a junior position to general manager. Eventually, he acquired thepany and founded a Trade Company. He had single-handedly transformed a modest trading business into a major multinational enterprise. With tens of thousands of employees and substantial assets, he owned severalrge ships, each worth hundreds of millions. Wang Guohui¡¯s intellect and foresight were truly exceptional. Even after amassing wealth, Wang Guohui preserved severalmendable qualities. First and foremost, he treated his employees well, offering them generous sries and benefits. Employees received overtime pay without fail, and female staff were entitled to paid maternity leave. Single, young employees had the option to reside inpany apartments, which they could purchase at a significantly reduced cost upon deciding to marry. Wang Guohui was a man of integrity. His critiques were always fair and issue-focused, never resorting to personal attacks. His staff held him in high regard, recognizing the privilege of working for such an esteemed leader. Above all, despite his affluence, Wang Guohui remained deeply devoted to his family. In his early twenties, when his father passed away, Wang Guohui was just embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. His mother sold their family home and moved to be by his side, managing his affairs and maintaining the cleanliness of hispany. She even took on a job as a nanny to financially support Wang Guohui¡¯s burgeoning career. Now, at over seventy years old, Wang Guohui¡¯s mother had reached an age for rxation and enjoyment. Yet, it was at this very moment that an unforeseen incident urred. Wang Guohui felt utterly helpless. Despite his wealth and high status, which allowed him to hire numerous doctors, his mother¡¯s illness weighed heavily on him. Recently, she had taken ill, but it was merely a cold, nothing serious. Yet, out of fear that Guohui would worry, she sought treatment at a local clinic. Tragically, she encountered a quack doctor, and now, with her lungs infected and multiple organspromised, her condition had be difficult to manage. Age was not on her side, and this serious illness onlypounded her frailty. The doctors warned that surgery posed a high risk of death on the operating table and wasn¡¯t the best course of action. Her weakened state also meant she couldn¡¯t handle a heavy dose of antibiotics. She now resided in the ICU, with a team of top doctors vigntly attending to her around the clock. Despite their efforts, her health continued to decline, her life hanging by a thread, sustained only by medication. The ordeal had taken its toll on Guohui. He had visibly aged, his once ck hair now peppered with gray. Eating and sleeping had be difficult tasks, and hecked the energy to tend to his business affairs. He consulted numerous physicians, both traditional Chinese and Western, but after examining his mother, they all felt helpless. Under normal circumstances, they might have attempted surgery, but no better options were avable. However, the patient was Wang Guohui¡¯s mother. The doctors could not shoulder the responsibility if she were to die on the operating table. Even his mother urged him, ¡°You¡¯ve been working too hard. I¡¯ve lived over seventy years and enjoyed my life. It¡¯s okay, let me go.¡± It wasn¡¯t that she no longer wished to live or be by Guohui¡¯s side; she simply couldn¡¯t bear to see her son so worn out. Chapter 122 C122 ¨C A Filial Son! What kind of man is Wang Guohui? Despite nearly facing bankruptcy, he remained remarkablyposed. Yet, upon hearing his mother¡¯s words, he secluded himself in a corner and wept bitterly. His mother had endured great hardships in her youth, alongside him. Now, he could do nothing but watch helplessly as she inched closer to death. The situation was utterly despairing. Wang Guohui had wealth, but his money was powerless to fix this. For the first time, he felt a profound sense of helplessness. The doctors pinpointed a severe lung infection as the critical issue. If the infection could be cured, the other health problems could be managed over time, posing no significant threat. However, the difficulty of treating the infection was immense. Then came the news that President Chen had also suffered from a lung infection but had been discharged from the hospital overnight. Subsequent examinations showed that President Chen was in better health than before, with many of his old ailments having disappeared. Wang Guohui sought out the doctor personally. The doctor was startled upon seeing him and uttered words that plunged Wang Guohui into deeper despair. ¡°Mr. Wang, the details of this are known only to President Chen. We are as much in the dark as you are.¡± Hearing this, Wang Guohui felt a twinge of despair mixed with a glimmer of hope. Without a second thought, he located President Chen¡¯s number and called him directly. ¡°President Chen, my mother¡¯s condition is critical and cannot wait. Rest assured, whatever your terms, I am prepared to meet them.¡± Wang Guohui¡¯s desperation was clear; he would relinquish his chairmanship without a second thought if President Chen so desired. However, President Chen had made a promise to Mr. Su to keep the information confidential, which put him in a difficult position. Wang Guohui grew increasingly anxious. ¡°President Chen, where are you? I¡¯lle to you immediately. I¡¯m ready to offer you 10% of ourpany¡¯s shares. I can even transfer all our trade stocks to your bank,¡± Wang Guohui persisted. ¡°If it¡¯s money you want, I¡¯m willing to provide whatever I can. And if that¡¯s not enough, I¡¯m prepared to step down as chairman in your favor. What do you say?¡± Wang Guohui was prepared to go to any length. That was his own mother. Nothing could hold a candle to his mother. All he wanted was for his mother to be alive! ¡°Mr. Wang, please don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m not being greedy; it¡¯s just that I don¡¯t have the authority to decide on this matter.¡± ¡°A friend actually gave me a bottle of medicine that looked like ink. After I drank it, I got better. Honestly, I still don¡¯t know what was in it.¡± If the medicine had been President Chen¡¯s, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to give it to Wang Guohui. But the truth was, it wasn¡¯t President Chen¡¯s to give. The medicine was Su Ming¡¯s and had nothing to do with him. Setting aside whether Su Ming would be willing to part with it, it wasn¡¯t even certain he still had any of the medicine left. Yet, from that conversation, Wang Guohui discerned the most crucial piece of information. It was real! The substance truly existed! ¡°President Chen, I¡¯m begging you, could you please reach out to your friend for me? Whatever you ask for in return, I¡¯ll provide!¡± On the other end of the line, Wang Guohui¡¯s weariness had vanished, reced by a look of sheer excitement. President Chen hesitated. ¡°Mr. Wang, I¡¯ll try my best. I¡¯ll get back to you shortly.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Upon hearing this, Wang Guohui quickly agreed and hung up without a second thought. Time was of the essence. Holding his phone, President Chen sighed deeply and gazed at Su Ming, who was meditating quietly in the distance. This was going to be tricky. He was admittedly a bit fearful; the word was out. If Su Ming held this against him, it could ruin the amicable rtionship they had built. Wang Guohui¡¯s devotion to his mother was undeniable; he couldn¡¯t refuse to help. President Chen knew that if Wang Guohui were there in person, he might even kneel in plea. Moved by Wang Guohui¡¯s filial piety, President Chen resolved to assist him this once. With determination, President Chen approached Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡± President Chen reached Su Ming¡¯s side, pausing with uncertainty. Su Ming¡¯s eyes opened slowly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Anxious, President Chen fidgeted, took a moment to gather his courage, and finally asked with resolve, ¡°Mr. Su, do you have any more of that ck water?¡± President Chen might have sensed a hint of greed in his own tone, as if he were asking for a favor, so he quicklyid out the entire situation. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t get the wrong idea. I¡¯m not after this item for myself. You¡¯re familiar with Angel Group, aren¡¯t you? Its chairman, Wang Guohui, is the one requesting this medication for his mother.¡± After listening to the exnation, Su Ming blinked in understanding. He was aware of Angel Group, being a local enterprise in Eastsea City. Yet, despite itsck of widespread renown, he didn¡¯t have a deep knowledge of thepany, nor did he know Wang Guohui personally. However, Wang Guohui¡¯s devotion to his mother struck a chord with Su Ming, considering his own parents were also in good health. He pondered that if he ever found himself in a situation simr to Wang Guohui¡¯s, he might well make the same decisions. A sessful son showing such profound respect and care for his mother was indeedmendable. ¡°So, it¡¯s like that. Wang Guohui learned about your situation and now he¡¯s hoping I can lend a hand, correct?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± President Chen confirmed eagerly. ¡°And he¡¯s prepared to meet any terms you set¡ªbe it shares, cash, or even offering you the chairman¡¯s seat.¡± President Chen was well aware that Su Ming wasn¡¯t in need of money. With a prime real estate parcel in the city center valued at ten billion yuan and the means to purchase five hundred luxury cars, financial concerns were the least of his worries. Nevertheless, it was crucial tomunicate the offer Wang Guohui had made. Whether or not Su Ming was interested in the rewards was his prerogative, but the willingness of Wang Guohui to provide them was a clear indication of his intent, and President Chen felt obligated to convey that. Chapter 123 C123 ¨C Save His Mother! ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m aware that this item must be incredibly valuable and scarce, so I understand if you choose not to consent¡­¡± President Chen spoke with caution, wary of upsetting Su Ming over the matter. He had, after all, disclosed the information to Wang Guohui without Su Ming¡¯s approval. If this angered Su Ming, President Chen had no recourse. Su Ming paused, then let out a chuckle and shook his head. President Chen was being overly cautious. To others, this medicine might be priceless, but for Su Ming, it was trivial. He had an abundance of Body-stretching Pills. President Chen¡¯s face drained of color as he watched Su Ming shake his head. Was Su Ming upset? What could he do now? ¡°Just give me a moment,¡± said Su Ming as he stood and entered the house. President Chen was momentarily taken aback. Su Ming returned inside, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, and dropped an entire Body-stretching Pill into it. Wang Guohui¡¯s mother was seriously ill, President Chen had mentioned, necessitating arger supply of the pills. President Chen¡¯s spirits lifted when he saw Su Ming holding a bottle of mineral water filled with what looked like ck ink. He believed in the curative power of this item, having experienced it firsthand. The Body-stretching Pill¡¯s effects were indeed miraculous. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su. I¡¯ll call Wang Guohui immediately. How much are you asking for it?¡± President Chen asked eagerly. As a middleman, President Chen couldn¡¯t afford to let Su Ming incur any losses. Yet, President Chen had his own agenda. While the item belonged to Su Ming, he was the intermediary. Wang Guohui would surely be grateful to him in the end. If he could secure a partnership with Wang Guohui, the financial rewards would be substantial. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Su Ming said with a smile, pressing the item into President Chen¡¯s hand. ¡°I won¡¯t be joining you. Please deliver it on my behalf; the olddy has been ill for quite some time. You should get going.¡± President Chen stood there, stunned. As a banker and a businessman, President Chen knew that securing the profit was paramount. You didn¡¯t hand over goods without it. That was his instinctive business mindset. Su Ming was unfazed by such concerns. President Chen couldn¡¯t help but silently marvel at Su Ming¡¯s lofty character. Had President Chen possessed such a treasure, he would have certainly sold it for a hefty sum. Yet, for Mr. Su, price was inconsequential; saving a life was paramount. Though Su Ming was not in want of money, he was still a regr person and wouldn¡¯t just hand out items for free. Wang Guohui¡¯s status was lofty, his position esteemed, his wealth abundant. His willingness to sacrifice everything for his mother¡¯s sake was a testament to a filial devotion that could stir the heavens. To Su Ming, money was of little consequence. He had numerous renowned paintings and antiques yet to be auctioned, and a substantial sum of money still to be deposited. The bags, too, remained unsold. The eventual deposit of these funds was sure to astonish. Setting aside other considerations, thend beneath his feet alone was valued at tens of billions. Money was the least of Su Ming¡¯s worries. What was exceedingly valuable to others was, to Su Ming, rather trivial. The revtion that Su Ming had a stockpile of these special medicines, just gathering dust in a corner, would surely astound anyone. ¡°Come on, President Chen, snap out of it. You better get going. The olddy¡¯s health is what matters most.¡± With those words, Su Ming settled into his chair, gently rocking as he soaked up the sun. President Chen stood there, momentarily frozen. He realized that even if Su Ming were an average Joe, he would have offered the medicine without a second thought. A typical person would have seized the chance to inte the price. Was Su Ming a naive youngster, easily fooled? Impossible! Su Ming¡¯s conduct consistently reflected a deep-seated life philosophy. President Chen inhaled deeply, having thought he understood Mr. Su. He now recognized his error. Su Ming, in his view, had grown even more impressive and deserving of admiration. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, I¡¯ll take care of the task you¡¯ve entrusted to me.¡± With a nod from Su Ming, President Chen wasted no time. He spun on his heel, rushed to his car, fired up the engine, and immediately ced a phone call. Wang Guohui kept vigil in the VIP ward of the hospital, seated wearily at the entrance to the room. Sleep had eluded him the previous night; his mother¡¯s health was precarious, and she could require emergency care at any moment. As her next of kin, he was tasked with both monitoring her condition and being on standby to sign any necessary documents, leaving no opportunity for rest. The sound of his ringing phone jolted him into action, and he quickly fished it out. Recognizing the caller ID as President Chen, he involuntarily inhaled sharply. He was aware that the call could carry news, potentially good but equally likely to be bad. With a deep breath to steady himself, Wang Guohui shakily answered the call. It was rare to witness such a prominent figure gripped by anxiety. ¡°President Chen,¡± he greeted, his voice quivering. President Chen¡¯s response was immediate, his tone conveying an understanding of the tension Wang Guohui felt. ¡°It¡¯s settled, Mr. Wang. Where are you? I¡¯m on my way.¡± ¡°Really?!¡± A spark of hope ignited in Wang Guohui¡¯s eyes as he perked up, his exhaustion vanishing in an instant, his face breaking into a wild grin. But he realized this was no time for astonishment. He quickly ryed the hospital¡¯s location to President Chen. ¡°Understood. Just wait a moment. Have someone meet me downstairs; I¡¯m on my way,¡± President Chen said before ending the call and flooring the gas pedal, racing off. Wang Guohui rose to his feet and peered out the window at his mother, a surge of determination filling him. ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve found a way to save you!¡± Chapter 124 C124 ¨C Divine Medicine! After Wang Guohui finished speaking, he bolted down the stairs without a second thought. An elevator was right beside him, but Wang Guohui was too impatient to wait for it. He preferred to take the stairs. Soon, a car appeared in the distance, escorted by a police car at the front and back. President Chen had been stopped for speeding, but after a quick exnation, the officer didn¡¯t hesitate to escort him. What would have been a 20-minute drive took only 5 minutes. ¡°Mr. Wang!¡± President Chen approached briskly, holding a bottle filled with ck ink. ¡°Thank you, President Chen. Do you have it?¡± Wang Guohui asked urgently. ¡°Right here!¡± President Chen handed over the item, which Wang Guohui received with a momentary pause. Had he not been previously informed, he might have suspected an attempt to poison his mother. ¡°Mr. Wang, let¡¯s save the other talk forter. We need to get upstairs and save your mother now!¡± President Chen urged. Wang Guohui nodded quickly and took off running. He was agile and swift! Upon reaching the upstairs ward, he found the door ajar. Nurses stood by as urgent medical instructions echoed from within. ¡°Get ready¡­¡± A doctor called out loudly. Terrified, Wang Guohui dashed into the room, where seven or eight doctors were huddled in a circle, their expressions etched with concern. Nurses bustled about in a frenzy. ¡°What¡¯s happened? What¡¯s going on?¡± Wang Guohui demanded loudly. ¡°Mr. Wang, your mother¡­ she suddenly¡­ I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no hope for her this time¡­¡± The lead doctor sighed heavily behind his sses. ¡°Guohui¡­¡± The elderly woman opened her eyes, gazing at her son with a cloudy gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not young anymore. Passing away now isn¡¯t so bad. You¡¯re grown up; take good care of yourself¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± Wang Guohui vehemently shook his head, dropping to his knees before his mother, and quickly unscrewed the bottle of mineral water. ¡°Mom, drink this. Once you do, you¡¯ll get better.¡± The doctors around were taken aback. Upon closer inspection, the mineral water in the bottle was as ck as ink. There were practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine among them, yet they were certain this could not be any form of TCM. ¡°Mr. Wang, given the olddy¡¯s condition, we¡¯ll do everything we can. But please, don¡¯t fall for any bizarre treatments. They could hasten her passing¡­¡± ¡°Enough from all of you!¡± Wang Guohui snapped, turning to silence them with a shout. He stepped forward, positioning the bottle at his mother¡¯s lips, supporting her back and neck with his hands to help her sit up slightly. Wang Guohui¡¯s actions caused every nurse and doctor left in the room to watch with bated breath. They were unsure what he had given her, but they knew Wang Guohui was no fool. Someone as astute as Wang Guohui wouldn¡¯t be easily deceived. The doctors scarcely dared to breathe, while President Chen stood motionless at the doorway. The olddy managed to drink more than half the bottle in just a few sips before she couldn¡¯t take any more. Wang Guohui¡¯s eyes were wide with intense anxiety. Suddenly, the olddy¡¯s eyes snapped open. The next second, her body began to shake violently. Wang Guohui¡¯s fists clenched, his lips tight. Was the medicine not working? Or¡­ ¡°Look, it¡¯s taking effect. Her heartbeat is strengthening, her blood pressure is normalizing¡­¡± Just then, a nurse eximed loudly. Wang Guohui, momentarily stunned, quickly turned his attention. His mother¡¯s blood pressure had been dangerously low, her heart beating only forty times a minute¡ªa rate indicative of someone nearing death. But now, her heartbeat had not only grown stronger but was also nearing the rate of a healthy person. Most crucially, her breathing had evened out, and the pallor of her face was returning to a healthy glow. ¡°It¡¯s incredible!¡± Wang Guohui eximed, unable to contain his relief. Immediately, several doctors converged on her to begin their examinations. ¡°My goodness, this is miraculous!¡± The olddy, previously suffering from severe pneumonia and multiple organ failure, was now showing signs of recovery ording to the medical instruments. At this pace, her recovery won¡¯t be far off. The key issue was the olddy¡¯s chronic rheumatism. Her legs had always been cold, but now they were gradually warming. Wang Guohui stood, his whole body shaking with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s nothing short of a medical miracle!¡± ¡°Mr. Wang, what is this medicine? Could you spare a drop for me to analyze back at theb?¡± ¡°If this were to be widely distributed, it would be incredible¡­¡± The surrounding doctors were beside themselves with excitement. Among them were seasoned veterans, utterly speechless at the sight, unable to believe their eyes. Wang Guohui fixed his eyes on President Chen, strode over, seized his hand, and knelt down emphatically. ¡°Thank you, President Chen. From this day forward, we are brothers. Whatever you need, I won¡¯t hesitate to help.¡± President Chen immediately shook his head, quickly lifting Wang Guohui to his feet. ¡°Mr. Wang, you¡¯ve got it wrong. This isn¡¯t my doing.¡± ¡°What?¡± That¡¯s when it clicked for Wang Guohui; President Chen had mentioned this before. Regardless, President Chen yed an undeniable role in his mother¡¯s turnaround. ¡°Regardless, you yed a significant part in saving my mother. Please, don¡¯t dismiss my thanks.¡± Wang Guohui implored with urgency. His mother had been critically ill, teetering on the brink of death, and the session of blows had left Wang Guohui in utter despair. Moreover, he was wracked with guilt. If only he hadn¡¯t been so consumed by work and had spent more time with her, she wouldn¡¯t have resorted to that sham clinic for treatment and nearly lost her life. Chapter 125 C125 ¨C He Was Very Touched! Wang Guohui felt a deep sense of gratitude toward President Chen. ¡°This isn¡¯t mine; it belongs to Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Which Mr. Su?¡± Wang Guohui paused, racking his brain, but no renowned doctor by that name came to mind. Yet, Wang Guohui was no fool. As soon as President Chen mentioned it, he got the picture. The item belonged to Mr. Su. Without Mr. Su¡¯s intervention, his mother might well have passed away long ago. ¡°Mr. Su is the rightful owner. Upon hearing the news, he entrusted it to me without a second thought, urging me to hurry here. He never once brought up the issue of payment.¡± Reflecting on Su Ming¡¯s words and demeanor, President Chen couldn¡¯t help but hold him in high esteem. Hearing this, Wang Guohui was moved to tears. As a businessman engaged in international trade, he¡¯d spent years pursuing profit. There was no shame in that, of course. He was ustomed to making deals, with every transaction serving the almighty dor. Deep down, he believed that if someone possessed a miracle drug that could save his mother¡¯s life, they would surely demand a king¡¯s ransom without hesitation. He had braced himself to pay whatever it took, having already moved 20 million into a highly confidential ount to ensure his and his mother¡¯s future. But he hadpletely misjudged Mr. Su. Once Mr. Su was informed, he had the item sent over immediately. ¡°Mr. Wang, Mr. Su emphasized that nothing is more important than your mother¡¯s well-being,¡± President Chen said, his voiceden with emotion. At those words, Wang Guohui let out a heavy sigh, tears streaming down his face. He had been ready to leave hispany behind, having nearly finished arranging its transfer. Upon receiving the news, Mr. Su had President Chen deliver the item without dy. President Chen had made it just in time; his mother¡¯s condition had be critical upon his arrival. Had he been dyed by even a few minutes, she might not have survived. If Su Ming had shown any greed, his mother surely wouldn¡¯t have made it. ¡°Mr. Su is my lifesaver.¡± ¡°Had it not been for his swift and selfless actions, my mother would no longer be with us.¡± For the first time in many years, Wang Guohui found himself deeply moved by someone other than his mother. ¡°President Chen, I must make a proper visit to Mr. Su. He saved my mother¡¯s life. I need to thank him face-to-face!¡± President Chen paused briefly, then offered, ¡°Take my car, I¡¯ll drive you.¡± ¡°Great!¡± As Wang Guohui turned to leave, a thought struck him. He spun back to address the doctors: ¡°You must keep this a secret, tell no one. And please conduct another full-body examination on my mother.¡± The doctors in the room were momentarily taken aback. Upon hearing Wang Guohui¡¯s request, they quickly nodded in agreement. Then they followed President Chen out of the room. Seated in the passenger seat, Wang Guohui couldn¡¯t help but smile. After so many exhausting days, he finally sumbed to a deep sleep,forted by the news of his mother¡¯s rescue. Before long, they reached their destination. Wang Guohui opened his eyes, slightly confused. Isn¡¯t this the city center, surrounded by office buildings and shopping malls? Could Mr. Su be the owner of one of these stores? ¡°Mr. Wang, take a look at the plot ofnd to your right.¡± Sensing Wang Guohui¡¯s bewilderment, President Chen exined with a smile, ¡°Thisnd spans nearly three acres, and Mr. Su resides here. He has a vi on one acre and grows wheat and other crops on the remaining two.¡± ¡°What?¡± Wang Guohui was momentarily speechless. When the realization hit him, he was astounded. This was prime city centernd, and he was acutely aware of its worth¡ªtens of billions. If thisnd were developed effectively, its auction value could skyrocket. Yet its owner chose to cultivate crops here? It dawned on him why Su Ming had refused his money. Su Ming was genuinely wealthy! A man as affluent as Su Ming sought only the quality of life and was indifferent to the allure of money. President Chen continued to lead the way, sharing insights: ¡°Mr. Su is actually quite young. I never imagined I¡¯d learn so much from him. He imparts new knowledge to me every day. He¡¯s truly an impressive individual¡­¡± President Chen continued speaking as he stepped inside. With a look of curiosity, Wang Guohui followed suit. To their side, a two-acre plot was sown with wheat. Mr. Su owned thisnd, yet he chose to cultivate only wheat on it. Soon enough, Wang Guohuiid eyes on the young man in slippers, his clothing smeared with dirt. The young man sat with his eyes closed, soaking up the sun. A radio by his rocking chair filled the air with the strains of Peking Opera. He seemed the very image of a retiree. ¡°Here we have Mr. Su,¡± President Chen murmured at the entrance. Wang Guohui paused, taken aback, then strode forward decisively. He knelt before Su Ming and fervently bowed his head three times. Startled by themotion, Su Ming, who was nearly dozing off, jolted awake. Chapter 126 C126 ¨C You Can¡¯t ckmail Me like This! Seeing Wang Guohui kneeling before him, Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Who are you? Are you sure you¡¯re kneeling to the right person?¡± Blinking in surprise, Su Ming quickly got to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m not even married yet.¡± He had been on the verge of dozing off, enjoying the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun, with the strains of Peking Opera in the background. But suddenly, footsteps approached, and a man knelt before him, bowing his head three times, giving Su Ming quite the shock. Was this a plea for money? The man had knelt so abruptly. Yet, the problem was Su Ming had no cash on him. Should he rummage through his house for something to give? But everything he owned was worth a small fortune, even the cheapest items were his phones. He couldn¡¯t possibly hand over a phone to a beggar. What if word got out? Would that draw all the other beggars to his doorstep? This was Su Ming¡¯s initial panicked thought. However, he quickly sensed that something was off. The man was smartly dressed in a suit and tie, looking very tidy. It was clear his circumstances were far from dire. ¡°Mr. Su, I never imagined you¡¯d be so young. I had you pegged for someone in their forties or fifties, at least.¡± Wang Guohui blinked in disbelief. He had assumed that anyone possessing such wealth must be in their seventies or eighties. Yet here stood a young man in his twenties. It was then that Su Ming noticed President Chen at the doorway, giving a nod and a knowing wink. It all clicked for Su Ming. This was the Wang Guohui he had spoken with on the phone. ¡°Please, get up. We¡¯re surrounded by malls here; it¡¯s a busy ce with lots of people around.¡± Su Ming tried to help him up, but Wang Guohui resisted. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re a lifesaver to my mother. Without you, she would surely be gone by now. How can I ever repay you?¡± Wang Guohui moved to bow again. ¡°Stop!¡± Su Ming interjected sharply, ¡°If you bow one more time, I¡¯ll take offense!¡± At that, Wang Guohui scrambled to his feet. Thest thing he wanted was to upset Mr. Su. ¡°Mr. Su¡­¡± Wang Guohui¡¯s vision went dark, and he copsed. Su Ming was frozen in shock. President Chen hurried over, gave a quick check, and breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°He¡¯s okay, Mr. Su. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s not in any danger. I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s been missing out on sleep these past few days. He¡¯s utterly exhausted. Plus, the kowtowing he did earlier was so intense, he¡¯s even bleeding from the head.¡± He advised, ¡°Take him to the hospital. He needs to rest up properly.¡± Just then, two bodyguards entered. They had apanied President Chen and Wang Guohui. Upon seeing their employer faint, they rushed to his side. After President Chen briefly exined the situation, the bodyguards were caught between concern and amusement. Nheless, Wang Guohui¡¯s well-being was paramount. They quickly ced him in the vehicle and sped off to the hospital. With Wang Guohui gone, President Chen resumed his work with the bucket, while Su Ming reclined in his chair, soaking up the sun. Thepany executives, upon hearing of the chairman¡¯s mother¡¯s recovery, were ecstatic and made a beeline for the hospital. Their joy was genuine; their boss had always been good to them. Not long ago, they had been anxious upon learning that their boss was considering selling his shares and stepping down as chairman to fund his mother¡¯s treatment. They feared that a change in leadership could mean an overhaul of thepany¡¯s policies. And if the new boss turned out to be harsh, their days would be tough. But what they didn¡¯t expect was to arrive at the hospital to find Wang Guohui being carried out of the car. After some time, Wang Guohui¡¯s eyes fluttered open, his head throbbing with pain. Blinking, he took in his surroundings¡ªhispany¡¯s top executives encircled him, looks of concern etched on their faces. ¡°Chairman, you got too worked up and passed out,¡± one bodyguard said, holding back the details of Wang Guohui¡¯s kowtowing to Su Ming in front of the employees. Wang Guohui blinked again, his mind slowly piecing things together. ¡°How¡¯s my mother? Did the test resultse back?¡± he asked with urgency. ¡°Mr. Wang, please be at ease. We¡¯ve conducted a thorough new examination of your mother¡¯s health. Her previously failing organs have made a remarkable recovery, and she¡¯s on the path to regaining her strength. Even the colds and back pain she endured in her youth have vanished. She¡¯s in excellent health now. I can assure you, she could easily enjoy another thirty years of life!¡± An enthusiastic doctor proimed, marveling at the miraculous turn of events. Wang Guohui let out a deep sigh of relief upon hearing the news. He closed his eyes, taking a moment to process the information, and then slowly reopened them. ¡°Is Secretary Yang around?¡± he inquired. Secretary Yang made her way through the crowd. ¡°Chairman, what do you need?¡± ¡°Do we own any property in the downtown area?¡± Secretary Yang looked puzzled. ¡°Boss, our business is in international trade. We¡¯ve never dabbled in domestic real estate.¡± ¡°Do you have a downtown map on you?¡± Secretary Yang pulled out her smartphone,unched the map app, and disyed a map of the city center. ¡°Are you all familiar with this location?¡± ¡°Absolutely. That¡¯s the Guoxing Building, the tallest in Eastsea City.¡± The employees exchanged curious nces. What exactly was their boss up to? Chapter 127 C127 ¨C He Was Very Fast in Carrying out His n ¡°There¡¯s a vacant lot next to the Guoxing Building, you¡¯re all aware of it, correct?¡± ¡°We¡¯re aware, but that plot has been unused for quite some time. Rumor has it that there were ns to develop it into a real estate project, but no one could locate the owner, and the city government has yet to give its approval,¡± a deputy general managermented. ¡°Excellent. Focus your investigation on every property within a 500-meter radius of thatnd,¡± Wang Guohui instructed urgently. The employees, interpreting their boss¡¯s directive, surmised he was eyeing a venture into real estate. This wasn¡¯t surprising or out of the ordinary. Real estate was lucrative, and with Guohui¡¯s substantial funds and extensivework, it was unlikely he¡¯d incur losses in property development. It appeared Guohui had an epiphany. Trading was fraught with risk, particrly his dealings with foreigners, which were often riddled with pitfalls. But real estate was a different game. There was no need for deception like some domesticpanies practiced. All he had to do was follow the proper procedures, ensure the construction met quality standards, and the money would pour in like a tide. They were convinced that by engaging with the impersonal nature of buildings rather than people, they could turn a profit. ¡°Excellent. In addition to your current tasks, your next major assignment is to thoroughly investigate all nearby properties, be they hotels or office buildings, and find out if any are for sale,¡± Guohui continued. The team nodded in agreement. Their boss was nning to build on thisnd and create a chain operation. What a wless strategy! ¡°I don¡¯t care how you do it or what it costs, but you must acquire at least one property.¡± ¡°Chairman, rest assured, we¡¯ve got this covered. Our negotiation team is highly skilled,¡± they assured him confidently. They were adept at such transactions; with sufficient incentive, no property owner would refuse a sale. ¡°After purchasing the building, dispatch a construction crew to demolish it immediately. Clear out the foundations and convert thend into farnd.¡± Wang Guohui¡¯s subsequent statement left the employees utterly stunned. Had the chairman lost his mind? These were prime city center buildings, each worth at least a billion yuan. If they were serious about purchasing that plot ofnd, it could cost them tens of billions of yuan. They had the funds, yet astonishingly, after acquiring thend, Wang Guohui intended to convert it into farnd. What was the boss thinking? Regardless of their reactions, Wang Guohui simply closed his eyes and pondered in silence. Mr. Su was cultivating crops right in the heart of the city, but his farnd was far too limited. He needed to allocate more farnd to Mr. Su. Imagine if he bought up the entire downtown area and transformed it into farnd¡ªMr. Su¡¯s plots would be nothing short of impressive. Yet, Wang Guohui¡¯s rationale remained a mystery to everyone. The employees werepletely taken aback, eyes bulging in disbelief at what they were hearing. ¡°From now on, remember, you¡¯ll all follow Mr. Su¡¯s lead.¡± ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Confusion struck them once more. Who was this person? Perhaps the boss had a dream during a moment of unconsciousness, a vision of a sage? Hopefully, he wasn¡¯t mixing up dreams with reality. Some employees even contemted secretly arranging for a doctor to perform a brain CT scan on their boss, to check if something was amiss with his brain. If Wang Guohui wanted to farm, the countryside was full of avable farnd. With 10 million yuan, he could secure a vast expanse. But to purchase a costly skyscraper in the city center only to farm on its ruins? That was utterly bewildering. Yet, the two security guards seemed to grasp the situation, nodding in understanding, as did a few doctors nearby. ¡°Enough. Don¡¯t linger here. You¡¯re not privy to the full story. Just follow mymands.¡± Wang Guohui, growing impatient and not in the mood to borate, quickly sat up. ¡°Where¡¯s my mother? I need to see her.¡± The employees¡¯ heads were swirling with confusion, but they dared not object. Thepany was Wang Guohui¡¯s domain, and his authority was unmatched by any ordinary individual. Even Secretary Yang, the longest-serving employee under Wang Guohui, could only offer a nod of agreement. Observing Wang Guohui¡¯s demeanor, they were convinced he hadn¡¯t lost his mind, but the rationale behind his decision was baffling. There had to be an underlying motive. They weren¡¯t fools; the boss¡¯s mother hadn¡¯t passed away that morning but had miraculously regained her health in an instant. Clearly, someone had saved her. The crux of the matter was that even after this person had saved his mother, there was no need for his boss to sell the Guoxing Building to turn it into farnd. It was unheard of. A group of employees emerged from the hospital, their minds swirling with confusion. ¡°You folks are in the dark about this whole situation, aren¡¯t you? Well, we¡¯re clued in,¡± chimed in the two bodyguards, grinning broadly. ¡°What¡¯s the story?¡± Usually, these bodyguards would have to show the utmost respect to the executives. But now, it was the bosses who were treating the bodyguards with exceptional courtesy. With smiles still on their faces, the bodyguards recounted the entire sequence of events. The employees were gobsmacked by the tale. The idea that such a thing could happen was beyond their wildest dreams. But the most astonishing part was that this enigmatic figure, Mr. Su, was actually cultivatingnd right in the heart of downtown. It was utterly bewildering. ¡°Let¡¯s put that aside. We may not understand why this VIP is farming in the city center, but there¡¯s something critical we need to focus on,¡± CEO Fu said, his brow furrowed in thought. ¡°Starting today, we follow the boss¡¯s orders to the letter. This task takes precedence over everything else. All other business dealings are on hold. We¡¯re going to give this our all.¡± ¡°Absolutely. It¡¯s thanks to the boss that we enjoy thepany¡¯s perks, share in its profits, and receive annual bonuses. Since he¡¯s tasked us with this, we¡¯ve got to excel at it. Disappointing him isn¡¯t an option.¡± ¡°After all, we owe a debt of gratitude to the mysterious Mr. Su. Without him, we might be dealing with a whole new boss right now.¡± ¡°True enough.¡± Chapter 128 C128 ¨C The Commotion in Angel Group! In their eyes, Su Ming¡¯s actions had not only saved them but also the livelihoods of tens of thousands of employees at Angel Group. He had also been a savior to Wang Guohui and his mother. Su Ming was their hero. ¡°Let¡¯s call an emergency meeting immediately and devise an action n as quickly as possible. We need to purchase thatnd without dy.¡± ¡°I¡¯m on it. I¡¯ll get in touch with the demolition crew right away to ensure they¡¯re ready with all the tools needed for a swift teardown.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll canvass the area around the mall to see who¡¯s willing to sell their property. If there are no takers, we¡¯ll keep increasing the offer until they can¡¯t refuse.¡± ¡°Could you two reach out to President Chen for a photo of Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Absolutely, we need tomit Mr. Su¡¯s face to memory. From now on, whenever we encounter Mr. Su, we must show him the utmost respect.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, even if we overlook our own boss, we can¡¯t afford to overlook Mr. Su!¡± The employees were invigorated after getting the full picture. Wang Guohui was known for his exceptional character and devotion to his mother, and his staff were equally honest and upright. They were all aware of the tough times Wang Guohui had been enduring, visibly losing weight and spirit. Yet, it was Su Ming¡¯s intervention that had rejuvenated their boss. They were determined to make this project a sess. After finalizing their ns, they dispersed in their cars to attend to their respective tasks, all with the knowledge that Su Ming was the savior of Angel Group. This was precisely why Wang Guohui had made his decision. For the first time, Angel Group¡ªa prestigious conglomerate known both internationally and among the domestic elite¡ªwas united in effort for a single cause. The city center buzzed with the activity of countless diligent workers. Unbeknownst to Su Ming and President Chen, thetter basked in the sun, ready for a nap, while President Chen was busily tending to the grounds with great diligence. President Chen¡¯s efficiency had been remarkable, maintaining the entire area in pristine condition. Moreover, he had meticulously cleaned the vi, inside and out, attending to the overlooked nooks and crannies left by the previous clean-up crew. With a heamp affixed and an assortment of tools in hand, President Chen scoured everyst corner, leaving no spot untouched. To tell you the truth, Su Ming wasn¡¯t bothered by the small stuff. He was a country boy at heart. But President Chen, he had a bit of a thing for cleanliness. President Chen, true to his rural roots, could clean like a whirlwind. If that weren¡¯t the case, Su Ming would never have entrusted him with a plot ofnd valued at ten billion, capable of yielding a cornucopia of crops. That afternoon, Su Ming and President Chen teamed up to give the vi a thorough cleaning. The ce was decked out in opulence. The second subterranean level was spotless, lined with warehouses. Each one featured a sophisticated temperature and humidity control system that Su Ming could adjust at will¡ªa boon for storage. By day¡¯s end, both men were beat. Su Ming produced a bottle of ck elixir. A cup each and they were reinvigorated, as if their energy had multiplied a hundredfold. Dusk was closing in. After a hearty meal with President Chen, Su Ming was ready to bid him farewell. Mr. Su cherished his privacy, yet President Chen found it hard to part ways. He always felt uneasy leaving Mr. Su¡¯s side. But leave he must. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll be taking off now.¡± ¡°Alright, I really appreciate your hard work today.¡± ¡°No worries, Mr. Su. It¡¯s all part of the job. I¡¯lle by again tomorrow!¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. You¡¯ve left the ce spotless.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± With that, President Chen departed, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he wouldn¡¯t return the next day, wouldn¡¯t see Mr. Su. Just yesterday at work, President Chen overheard Zhang Chongyang recounting his encounter with Su Ming back in their hometown. Regret gnawed at him¡ªif only he had gone back with Zhang. That¡¯s why today, he poured extra effort into his tasks for Su Ming. Sitting in his car, President Chen exhaled deeply. He¡¯d acquitted himself well and now pondered a bit of rxation. Perhaps a visit to a reputable massage parlor. Though President Chen could be audacious in his actions, he was meticulous in his personal life. Getting caught in apromising situation was thest thing he needed. Frankly, President Chen initially aligned with Su Ming for thend and the endless wealth, shrouded in mystery. But the more he learned about Su Ming, the deeper the enigma seemed. Su Ming had effortlessly cured Wang Guohui¡¯s mother, a feat that didn¡¯t go unnoticed. He was convinced that there was more to Su Ming than met the eye, that he harbored many more secrets. Determined, he resolved to keep pace with Su Ming from that moment forward. Upon returning to the thatched hut, Su Ming flung open the box and haphazardly packed its contents. He then transported everything to the vi in several trips. The distance was short, and he had no other evening ns. Selecting a bedroom in the vi, Su Ming set up hisputer. It was time to start savoring the vi lifestyle. That night, Su Ming was engrossed in gaming. He teamed up with two yers whose skills were impressively high. What stood out was that these yers routinely passed on all their in-game earnings to Su Ming. Despite not being particrly skilled at the game, Su Ming managed to rack up an impressive record by the night¡¯s end. Chapter 129 C129 ¨C How Did This Building Disappear? Su Ming had spent the entire night ying and felt incredibly refreshed. He had gone to bed in the wee hours and by the time he woke up, it was already noon. After ordering some takeout and eating his fill, Su Ming took a refreshing bath and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Then, he stepped outside, intending to check on his fields first. The corn was thriving; the ears had formed but were still quite small. Su Ming figured that in roughly twelve hours, the corn would be ready to harvest. That would be in the early morning hours. ustomed to the growth patterns of his crops, Su Ming felt no urgency. He strolled leisurely to the door. Despite it being midday, there was a bustle of people and traffic. Yet, something felt off to Su Ming today. He blinked, taking in his surroundings. Having lived here for some time, he sensed an oddity about the ce today. A sudden realization hit him, and he gaped, looking to his left. Where had the building gone? Just yesterday, as he finished moving his things, he had noticed lights on in the neighboring building. Su Ming had even remarked to himself about the exhausting overtime work of the people inside. But now, the building was gone? Su Ming¡¯s field was situated to the right of the Guoxing Building, with a tall office building to the left, a road in front, and several more buildings behind. His field was essentially encased by these structures. The presence of the neighboring buildings, along with a ring of trees and fences, had always given Su Ming a sense of security. How could the building simply vanish? Confusion washed over Su Ming. The building¡¯s disappearance was rmingly swift. Having mingled with construction workers in the past, Su Ming knew that demolishing such a structure would take at least a month, from sting to clearing the debris. Yet now, there was no trace of dust, and the entire building had vanished without a trace. What in the world was happening? Puzzled, Su Ming headed towards where the building once stood. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder as he walked¡ªhad demolition speeds really be this rapid? In just one night, the building had been taken down. It reminded Su Ming of a news story he had once seen about a train station that was rebuilt overnight. He never imagined he¡¯d witness such construction speed firsthand. Su Ming had previously struck up conversations with the upants of the Guoxing Building. As he approached and surveyed the scene, Su Ming remained indifferent. The building held no significance for him. Yet, for the Angel Group¡¯s team, the task was grueling. Aware of Su Ming¡¯s proximity, they had to keep the demolition noise to a minimum and ensure the swift removal of debris. They had worked tirelessly throughout the previous night. Scores of workers had toiled at the site the night before, pulling off a seemingly impossible feat in just twelve hours. But, this was par for the course. Once Wang Guohui issued themand, his employees snapped up the property with remarkable speed, promptlymencing the internal strip-down. They stripped the building of all its internal fixtures, revealing that the individuals Su Ming had observed the night before weren¡¯t working; they were dismantling the structure from within. Numerous expert crews were enlisted, including the original construction teams and architects who were intimately acquainted with the building¡¯s design. Concurrently, they obliterated the underground foundation. They also introduced cutting-edge demolition techniques, opting for a machine that methodically deconstructed the building floor by floor from the top down, rather than using explosives. This approach allowed for rapid demolition with minimal dust, facilitating the immediate disposal of the rubble. The cost of the demolition was substantial, but the Guoxing Building had stood for many years. Constructed of brick, the building came down with surprising speed. Its central location was key, and the designers had anticipated the potential for its eventual demolition. The Angel Group and the construction crews had exerted tremendous effort to dismantle the building in such a short span. Workers were roused from their beds and converged from various sites, driven by the promise of pay. They gave it their all. To Su Ming, however, the demolition was inconsequential. Erecting and razing buildings was all in a day¡¯s work. The demolition not only promised additional revenue for the local government but also the opportunity to erect iconic new structures in its ce¡ªa scenario where everyone stands to gain. Su Ming simply nced around and, without a word, headed straight back. He surveyed the field, found no work to be done, gave the yard a quick sweep, and organized his modest storage shed. As he was about to return, a sudden noise at the entrance caught his attention. Turning his head, Su Ming was met with a line of sleek ck cars. It was clear that these vehicles were of high value, each one custom-ordered from overseas. Wang Guohui stepped out of one of the cars, looking sharp in a suit and exuding an energy that belied his previously listless demeanor. A sizable entourage followed, unmistakably his associates. The day before, after visiting his mother, Wang Guohui was overjoyed to find her truly on the mend. Her appetite had returned, her spirits were high, and they had shared a meal together. Despite a sleepless night fueled by excitement, Wang Guohui felt more invigorated than ever. He couldn¡¯t help but attribute this vigor to the ink¡ªafter all, his mother had only consumed half, and he had tasted the remainder. That single sip seemed to have revitalized his health and boosted his vitality. The doctors, too, were astounded by the swift improvement in his mother¡¯s condition. Chapter 130 C130 ¨C He Is Completely Rich Now Even the top doctors from the neighboring city, who were away on business, couldn¡¯t resist driving through the night to get there. ¡°It¡¯s incredible. She was suffering from such a severe infection, yet she managed to recoverpletely overnight.¡± ¡°The condition of these organs is akin to those of a middle-aged person. To find them in an elderly woman in her eighties is simply astonishing.¡± ¡°As long as this elderlydy keeps exercising, her health is sure to be excellent.¡± As people age, their organs begin to fail, bones be brittle with osteoporosis, and muscles atrophy. Some even experience brain shrinkage. But this olddy is an exception. Her bones are not only strong, but her bone density isparable to that of a young adult. Her muscle atrophy has beenpletely reversed. Her organs show no signs of failure; on the contrary, they¡¯re improving. Her once snow-white hair is now showing dark roots. And all this change happened in just one night. It¡¯s nothing short of a miraculous phenomenon! Wang Guohui had never anticipated such an astonishing turn of events. For him, it was more than enough that his mother had regained her health. Yet, Su Ming¡¯s medicine did more than cure the olddy¡¯s illness; it rejuvenated her to the vitality she had in her forties or fifties. She could easily live another three or four decades without any issues! Amidst his overwhelming joy, Wang Guohui was acutely aware. It was all thanks to Su Ming. Without him, his mother would have been long gone. So, he had been waiting here for quite some time, but he refrained from disturbing Su Ming, knowing that young people often keepte hours. It wasn¡¯t until Su Ming stepped out and noticed Wang Guohui that he signaled his motorcade to approach from a distance. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Upon seeing Su Ming, Wang Guohui quickly approached him. This wasn¡¯t Wang Guohui attempting to ingratiate himself; it was a genuine disy of respect. The executives behind Wang Guohui exchanged nces, their surprise evident. Even in the presence of foreign dignitaries, Wang Guohui had never shown such deference. This alone spoke volumes about the young man¡¯s formidable presence. ¡°So it¡¯s Chairman Wang. How¡¯s your mother doing?¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile. ¡°Mr. Su, I owe you a debt of gratitude. My mother has made a full recovery. Her health has even reverted to what it was in her forties or fifties. She could easily live another thirty or forty years!¡± Wang Guohui couldn¡¯t contain his enthusiasm. Su Ming¡¯s immediate concern for Wang Guohui¡¯s mother showed his deep care for her, which deeply moved Wang Guohui. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful to hear. Just make sure you take care of yourself too. At your age, try not to get too worked up.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, did you notice it?¡± Wang Guohui asked, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Notice what?¡± Su Ming paused, puzzled by Wang Guohui¡¯s question. ¡°This vacant lot right next to us.¡± Su Ming paused again, taking in the information. ¡°I came here today specifically to bring you a gift.¡± Wang Guohui continued, beaming. Su Ming responded, ¡°There¡¯s really no need. I¡¯m not in need of money, and I¡¯m not interested in acquiring apany.¡± Su Ming¡¯s assistance wasn¡¯t motivated by Wang Guohui¡¯s wealth. He was willing to help anyone who showed filial devotion to their mother. Filial pietyes first, after all. And Su Ming himself was a devoted son. He understood Wang Guohui¡¯s desperation when his mother fell ill. ¡°But you must ept this gift. It¡¯s a token of my appreciation. I would be heartbroken if you refused.¡± Wang Guohui urged, his face etched with earnest desire. With a resigned sigh, Su Ming knew he couldn¡¯t turn him down. ¡°Alright, what have you got there?¡± Wang Guohui gave a secretive smile, took a document from his assistant, and handed it to Su Ming. Su Ming looked at it, momentarily taken aback. It was indeed a document. Why did it look so familiar? ¡°Mr. Su, I had a conversation with President Chen yesterday. He mentioned your keen interest in agriculture. But with only two acres to your name, how could that possibly satisfy your hobby? So, I took the liberty of purchasing the office building next door. I¡¯ve had it demolished. I hope the noise didn¡¯t disturb your sleepst night, did it?¡± ¡°This was a decision I made on my own, so please, don¡¯t be upset. I figured you¡¯d need at least five acres to have enough space.¡± ¡°You see, this field is sown with wheat, but you could also nt a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.¡± Wang Guohui offered the exnation. At that moment, Su Ming was taken aback. It suddenly made sense why the document felt so familiar¡ªit was and title deed! It confirmed one thing: thend was Su Ming¡¯s. He already owned three acres¡ªone for his home and two for farming. Now, he had acquired an additional three acres. Thest thing he expected was for Wang Guohui¡¯s gift to be this. ¡°Mr. Su, are you pleased with my gift?¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming was torn betweenughter and tears. He possessed what one might call a ¡®golden touch.¡¯ The crops he grew here not only matured quickly but also yielded many extraordinary things. Ordinarynd held no value for him. Yet, Su Ming found it hard to be brutally honest, considering the thoughtfulness behind Wang Guohui¡¯s gift. As Su Ming was about to respond, a notification tone unexpectedly echoed in his mind. ¡°System check: Host has acquired an additional three acres ofnd, adjacent to the existing property.¡± ¡°These three acres meet the System¡¯s criteria for generation!¡± ¡°Congrattions, Host, on initiatingnd integration!¡± Su Ming¡¯s eyes bulged with astonishment! This time, he had truly struck it rich. The two parcels ofnd had merged! He definitely owed Wang Guohui a debt of gratitude. Chapter 131 C131 ¨C Su Ming Is the Most Powerful Person Su Ming had hit the jackpot! Wang Guohui had presented Su Ming with a generous gift! Truth be told, an additional three acres ofnd didn¡¯t particrly excite Su Ming. Even though thend in the city center was highly valuable, Su Ming was well aware that its worth wasn¡¯t intrinsic to thend itself, but to the System. With the System, these two acres ofnd were truly valuable. Without it, they were just another plot in the city center. The amount of real estate didn¡¯t concern Su Ming. But the System had the capability to integrate thesends. And that was a tremendous gain for Su Ming. His heart swelled with an indescribable joy! With the new three acres, Su Ming¡¯sndholdings had expanded to five acres. His farming operation had more than doubled overnight. Only with the System¡¯s enhancement did thisnd gain its true significance; without it, it was merely a plot of earth. Its location in the city center lent it some value, but otherwise, it would be worthless. Clutching the red booklet, Su Ming could scarcely believe this was reality. Frankly, when the System initially allotted him an acre to build a vi, he had his reservations about the System. He could have lived in a vi anywhere. Building one on thisnd seemed like a waste. Now, with his extensivendholdings, Su Ming was indifferent. ¡°Thend has been sessfully integrated!¡± The alert prompted a heartyugh from Su Ming. Wang Guohui had been anxious all this while. He hadn¡¯t known Su Ming for very long, after all. This was only their second meeting. Wang Guohui was clueless about Su Ming¡¯s temperament, his likes and dislikes. But with Su Ming¡¯s profound background and enigmatic identity, money was surely no object for him. Wang Guohui feared that Su Ming might dismiss thend as inconsequential. He was concerned that Su Ming wouldn¡¯t appreciate his gift. But now, he could breathe easy. Seeing Su Ming¡¯s reaction, Wang Guohui was certain that the gift was well-received. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m d you like the gift.¡± ¡°I was worried about what I¡¯d do if you didn¡¯t. Now, I can rest easy.¡± To tell you the truth, he was at a loss about what thank-you gift to give Su Ming. Knowing Su Ming¡¯s passion for farming, he decided to secure this plot ofnd for him. It seemed like the perfect gift, especially since Su Ming wasn¡¯t interested in wealth. In a single night, he brought in a legion of workers who, using an unconventional demolition technique, razed the building to the ground, damaged the foundation, and transformed the area into arablend. Wang Guohui had spent a fortune, but if it made Su Ming happy, it was all worthwhile. After all, Su Ming¡¯s mother was currently in the hospital, her health restored. She could live for several more decades without any issues! Su Ming had saved his mother¡¯s life! If she could actually live past 100, that would be incredible. How many people get to live over a century? The senior executives who witnessed this transformation breathed a collective sigh of relief. They were thrilled for Wang Guohui; he had finally forged a friendship with Su Ming. The night before, these executives had gone without sleep, with some of the healthier ones even lending a hand in the demolition. This was the first time Wang Guohui had issued such a sternmand, prompting the entirepany to drop their tasks, set aside all other business, and focus solely on executing Wang Guohui¡¯s directive. These employees had been with Wang Guohui for years. They understood his devotion to family. If something happened to the elderlydy, their boss might disregard them, potentially leading to significant issues for thepany. They were skilled, but none had the capacity to lead. Without their boss, Angel Group could face bankruptcy. Su Ming¡¯s gesture not only saved his mother¡¯s life but also the future of thepany. So, seeing Su Ming¡¯s joy, they couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved. Noticing Su Ming still lost in thought, Wang Guohui approached cautiously and said, ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Su Ming snapped out of his reverie and blinked. ¡°Mr. Su, I hope the three acres ofnd I¡¯ve given you haven¡¯t caused any inconvenience?¡± Su Ming didn¡¯t see it as a bother at all. It could be said that this was the finest gift Su Ming had ever received in his life. ¡°Mr. Wang, the gift you¡¯ve given me is truly wonderful.¡± Both Su Ming and Wang Guohuiughed, a shared moment of joy. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. When the time came for his mother to inquire about it, he could honestly say that Mr. Su was thoroughly pleased with the gift he had presented. With a smile, Wang Guohui said, ¡°You saved my mother¡¯s life; you¡¯re my hero. It¡¯s the least I can do.¡± Su Ming blushed slightly at the sentiment. Wang Guohui was unaware of the true worth of those three acres, but Su Ming was acutely aware of their excessive value. ¡°Hold on, don¡¯t leave just yet. Give me a moment.¡± Su Ming returned to the thatched cottage with a notebook in hand, then emerged with a box of mineral water bottles filled with pitch-ck ink. ¡°You¡¯ve all put in a hard night¡¯s work. Please, take this ink as a token of my appreciation.¡± Su Ming handed out the bottles of ink to each person. Wang Guohui was visibly moved by the gesture. To think there was so much ink here! If Su Ming could read Wang Guohui¡¯s thoughts, he¡¯d surely have a chuckle. Su Ming had an abundance of ink. Truth be told, while this ink was a rarity for others, for him it wasmonce. His cacti yielded an endless supply of ink. That was Su Ming¡¯s perspective, yet Wang Guohui saw it differently. He assumed that Su Ming was running low on ink. After all, this was ink crafted from a secret form, a treasure in its own right. And yet, Su Ming had generously offered it as a gift. Wang Guohui was deeply moved. Indeed, Su Ming was a man of great kindness. Chapter 132 C132 ¨C Don¡¯t Kneel! For Wang Guohui and his colleagues, these items were treasures beyond value, impossible to purchase with any amount of money. After all, Mr. Su was not exactly strapped for cash. Mr. Su likely felt a pang of guilt, knowing Wang Guohui had spent a considerable sum. He didn¡¯t want Wang Guohui to be at a loss, hence his decision to gift these items. Perhaps Mr. Su didn¡¯t see much mary value in them. But Wang Guohui was well aware that there would be countless people in the market willing to pay top dor for such a thing. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± Clutching the water bottle, Wang Guohui was so moved that he trembled and knelt down. He gave Su Ming quite the scare. ¡°Stand up!¡± Su Ming hurried to lift him to his feet. ¡°No, I won¡¯t stand. Mr. Su, you¡¯ve been incredibly kind to me. You¡¯ve given me something so valuable. How can I ever thank you?¡± The senior executives behind him followed suit, kneeling as well. It was an astonishing sight. Angel Group was a leading trade conglomerate. Yet there they were, the chairman and top brass, all kneeling. Su Ming, witnessing this, could only press a hand to his forehead in disbelief. Was this really the corporate culture of theirpany? Surely there was no need for such frequent kneeling. Especially here, in the heart of the city center, right next to the Guoxing Building. The bustling crowd stopped in their tracks, taken aback by the spectacle. ¡°Look, isn¡¯t that the Angel Group¡¯s logo on the car?¡± ¡°That¡¯s definitely Angel Group.¡± ¡°The man at the front looks like the chairman of the Angel Group. I recognize his silhouette.¡± ¡°It does look like him!¡± ¡°The chairman and executives of the Angel Group are actually kneeling before a young man.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the situation here?¡± The crowd was dumbfounded. They formed a ring around the scene, capturing themotion with their phones. Su Ming was at a loss for words. ¡°Please, stand up. There are too many onlookers. Honestly, the Body-stretching Pill is no big deal to me.¡± Wang Guohui blinked. Body-stretching Pill? What a fitting name! Indeed, only the living can stretch out their legs and open their eyes wide. And only the healthy can manage that. People with full-body paralysis can only open their eyes, unable to even stretch their legs. If Su Ming were aware of what was going through Wang Guohui¡¯s mind, he¡¯d be torn betweenughter and tears. Yet, the more Su Ming insisted, the less they were able to rise. The item in question was of extraordinary value. Exchanging nces, they couldn¡¯t resist turning their attention to the building next to them. Were they considering purchasing it just to demolish it? Su Ming was suddenly filled with regret. Had he anticipated this oue, he wouldn¡¯t have given it to them in the first ce. It wasn¡¯t a matter of stinginess; the issue was the excessive attention it garnered. ¡°If you don¡¯t stand up this instant, I¡¯m going to get angry.¡± With a stern expression, Su Ming said, ¡°I¡¯m going to be frank with you. These items might be of great value to you, but to me, they¡¯re insignificant. I could obtain them anytime I want. However, the three acres ofnd you¡¯ve given me hold considerable value. So, our exchange is mutually beneficial. In fact, thend you¡¯ve offered is worth much more to me than the Body-stretching Pill.¡± Su Ming had no choice but to feign anger. As expected, upon hearing Su Ming¡¯s displeasure, Wang Guohui and hispanions quickly scrambled to their feet. ¡°Mr. Su, our sincerest apologies, we must be going now.¡± With his hands sped behind him, Su Ming gave a silent nod. ¡°This remedy is good for health, whether you¡¯re ill or not. If you¡¯re well, it can prevent sickness; if you¡¯re unwell, it can fortify your body. Mr. Wang, in particr, I suggest you drink more. It might help you keep your spine straight when you walk.¡± Wang Guohui was at a loss for words. He could stand tall in front of others, but in Su Ming¡¯s presence, he feltpelled to kneel. Eventually, Su Ming sent them all packing. Striding ahead with determination, Wang Guohui offered a casual smile to the onlookers: ¡°Mr. Su is a valued friend of Angel Group. However, I¡¯d advise against disturbing him, lest you wish to incur my displeasure.¡± With that, they climbed into their car and left. The onlookers at the Guoxing Building blinked in surprise. Most of them worked there and were familiar with Angel Group, a prestigiouspany within their professionalwork. They all had connections to one another. ¡°Who exactly is this young man?¡± ¡°Ie here to work every day, and this guy is out here farming of all things.¡± ¡°Thisnd must be worth at least ten billion.¡± ¡°We should move on. We¡¯re never going to rub shoulders with someone like him in our lifetime.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right about that.¡± The onlookers exhaled in resignation, abandoning any thoughts of making Su Ming¡¯s acquaintance. If even Wang Guohui had to kneel before him, they stood no chance of forming a connection. They simply weren¡¯t in the same league. But it wasn¡¯t long before the video made its way online. Far from being upset, Wang Guohui was actually thrilled when he learned of it. It was as if his association with Su Ming was now public knowledge. Wang Guohui sat in his car, circling the city center. He scrutinized theyout of downtown and the nearby skyscrapers before phoning his secretary. ¡°Check which buildings around here are on the market. Purchase them all and level the area!¡± Chapter 133 C133 ¨C Mr. Su Is Too Great!!! Back in the day, the secretary would have been clueless about his boss¡¯s intentions. ¡°Has the boss lost his mind?¡± ¡°If his boss wanted to show gratitude for saving his life, wouldn¡¯t a few acres ofnd be more than generous?¡± But now, it all clicked for him. Clutching a bottle of medicine, his thoughts turned to his bedridden mother at home. He was willing to sell his house and give every penny to Su Ming. If that was his line of thinking, imagine what was going through Wang Guohui¡¯s mind. Yet, Wang Guohui¡¯s statement was giving him a headache. The situation was unique, surrounded by office towers and banks. Wang Guohui had managed to purchase that building yesterday because its owner was an old friend who owed him a big favor. Moreover, the owner had suffered a business failure and was deep in debt, desperate to sell the property to settle his ounts. Fortuitously, he met Wang Guohui, who was willing to buy the property at a premium, resulting in a smooth transaction. The contract was signed swiftly, and the demolition of the building followed suit. But acquiring another building would likely be a Herculean task. Wang Guohui mused over this as he sat in his car. Driving past Su Ming¡¯s plot ofnd once more, Wang Guohui¡¯s gaze lingered there, unable to move on. He had thought that gifting Su Ming three acres would ease his conscience, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated Su Ming¡¯s reciprocation with something so invaluable. He had believed himself to be quite generous. But inparison to Su Ming, he felt insignificant. Once the crowd at the gate dispersed, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. He shut the door and phoned the contractor responsible for building his parents¡¯ vi. ¡°Mr. Su, rest assured, your family¡¯s vi is underway!¡± ¡°Per your specifications, we¡¯re using standard materials of guaranteed quality. It may take a couple of months toplete!¡± ¡°Just leave it to us, you have nothing to worry about!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll ensure your parents are well looked after!¡± The contractor assured him in a rush after picking up the call. These folks sure have their ear to the ground. Wang Guohui expressed his gratitude to Su Ming. The constructionpany¡¯s boss was already in the loop. But who is Wang Guohui? Wang Guohui is none other than the chairman of Angel Group, a heavyweight on the Wealthy Elite List! It was his overseas tradepany that Wang Guohui had contracted to build. Wang Guohui¡¯s daily earnings could match several months of his ie. Truth be told, the boss had his grievances when he initially built Su Ming¡¯s vi for free. Thankfully, Su Ming settled the bill, and owing him a favor, the boss begrudgingly went along with it. However, his attitude has since taken a turn. Just who is the man who got Wang Guohui on his knees? He had been resentful before, and now he felt like giving himself a few good ps! So, upon receiving the news, he immediately rang up the vi project manager, insisting on utmost dedication to the build! He also emphasized that the vi must be constructed to perfection, surpassing even Su Ming¡¯s vi in excellence. He needed to get on Su Ming¡¯s good side. This was someone of significant stature! The project manager was startled by his boss¡¯s call, but once he understood the situation, he was filled with trepidation. He knew Su Ming was influential, but he hadn¡¯t realized the extent of his clout. Such a narrow-minded man! Thus, when the project manager got a call from Su Ming, he was so startled that he shivered, quickly answering the phone. Su Ming paused, blinking in surprise. What¡¯s the matter? Why is this project manager so worked up? Su Ming spoke up, ¡°I trust you with the construction of my parents¡¯ vi. But I need a favor.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, it would be our pleasure to assist you. What do you need?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve acquired an additional three acres. I need a wall built around it.¡± ¡°Not a problem, we¡¯ve got it covered. Just send us the location, and we¡¯ll dispatch a team right away.¡± ¡°Great!¡± After hanging up, Su Ming promptly sent over the coordinates. The project manager nodded upon receiving the location and immediately dialed another construction crew. It was only after the call that it hit him. Something seemed off! He quickly pulled out his phone for another look! This was the plot ofnd adjacent to Su Ming¡¯s property! He had spent several days working at that construction site and was intimately familiar with the area, which was surrounded by buildings. The supervisor blinked in disbelief. Could Su Ming have possibly purchased the neighboring building to convert it into farnd for his agricultural pursuits? The idea was beyond the supervisor¡¯sprehension; such actions were unheard of for the average person. But Su Ming was extraordinarily wealthy, and the simple life of a farmer was what he truly desired. He promptly phoned his boss, who, upon hearing the news, drove out to see for himself and confirmed it to be true. Before long, the world gained another figure like President Chen. Yet, Su Ming remained oblivious to these developments. ncing at the time, he noted the corn still required more time to ripen. He also checked on the additional three acres ofnd he owned, finding the soil to be exceptionally fertile. But there was no rush to nt; erecting a fence around the three acres would only take a few days. Su Ming was ustomed to cultivating within the confines of a fence, and the sudden absence of one left him feeling oddly exposed, as if stripped bare for all to see. Settling into his lounge chair, he soaked up the sun¡¯s warmth. Within five minutes, a gentle tapping sounded at the door. Startled, Su Ming wondered if a journalist hade seeking an interview, though he wasn¡¯t in the mood to entertain them. Approaching the door, he swung it open and recoiled in surprise! A crowd stood before him, all donning construction helmets, with a fleet of heavy machinery behind them. The adjacentne was lined withrge trucksden with building supplies. The workers¡¯ gazes were fixed on Su Ming with keen interest. Leading the pack was a middle-aged man sporting a white hat, his face creased with an ingratiating grin. ¡°Good day, Mr. Su. Allow me to introduce myself¡ªI¡¯m the owner of Dihua Construction Company!¡± Chapter 134 C134 ¨C A Busy Construction Site! ¡°Hello,¡± Su Ming greeted, reaching out his hand. They shook hands briefly. The boss was on the verge of tears. He had just shaken hands with Mr. Su! It was an immense honor for him. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, we will construct the most impable wall for you in record time to meet your daily agricultural needs!¡± the boss dered, thumping his chest with confidence. Su Ming observed the workers, buzzing with energy as if they had been given a shot of adrenaline. He blinked, puzzled. Had they all taken the Body-stretching Pill? He had simply asked for a wall to be built. Yet, the boss had personally arrived, fully prepared. Gathering such a quantity of materials in a brief period was no small feat. The boss had mobilized the entire construction site, directing them to transport only the finest materials. They were in luck; a wall was already scheduled for construction at another site, and since the factory was for their own use, they had ess to premium materials. That¡¯s how they managed to deliver everything so swiftly. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. But the boss was adamant, shaking his head vigorously. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t worry. We understand your expectations and I assure you, we¡¯llplete the task as quickly as possible!¡± Without waiting for a response, he signaled the workers to start, and they sprang into action. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll leave you be!¡± With that, the boss headed to the construction site to oversee the work. Su Ming blinked again. This boss was the head of a constructionpany and was acutely aware of the value of the central building. Demolishing an entire building and reverting it to farnd was a colossal task, typically requiring at least half a month. Yet, Su Ming had aplished it overnight, a testament to his significant influence. This time, the boss had taken it upon himself to be present. Not only was he personally involved, but he also supervised the workers on-site. He had even tripled their wages and hired a chef to set up a small kitchen nearby. He was determined to ensure the workers had ample energy and unwavering morale to build a wall that was nothing short of perfection. He had also instructed the vige head to spare no effort in supporting the project. At that moment, Su Ming sat in a chair, his eyes closed in contemtion. The gift had taken him by surprise, but what astonished him even more was the System¡¯s fusion of the two parcels ofnd. He had never entertained such a possibility, having resigned himself to the idea of forever owning just two acres. Recently, Su Ming had made a trip back home. Although he had considerable farnd there, the System had remained silent, suggesting that perhaps only adjacentnds could be merged. Any otherbination seemed out of the question. From a bird¡¯s-eye view, Su Ming¡¯s location formed a perfect square, encased by four major roads at its borders. He stood on a vacant lot, with two major trading firms at his back. Beside him rose the imposing Guoxing Building, along with the newly acquired empty plot. Several towering buildings nked the area, their collective presence creating a square enclosure. A thought struck Su Ming: if he were to acquire all the surrounding structures, the expanse of hisnd would multiply exponentially. Money had never been Su Ming¡¯s driving force. Yet now, he pondered whether he should amass more wealth to purchase all the neighboring properties. This time, Su Ming had resolved to cultivate vegetables, fruits, and other crops. He phoned the shopkeeper, requesting a delivery of additional items. Perhaps he should consider nting coconut trees? The idea of growing fruit had long appealed to Su Ming. But anyone who had visited an orchard knew well the low density at which fruit trees could be nted; a mere two acres could hardly amodate a few. Now, however, the situation had changed; three acres had appeared as if from thin air. All of Su Ming¡¯s previous ntings, including the cacti, had withered after harvest. He was curious to see if fruit trees might yield a different oue. Could it be that each harvest would bring a new surprise, given thend¡¯s remarkably short growth cycle? The prospect of harvesting every couple of days thrilled him. Yet, Su Ming realized hisndholdings were still insufficient. He should consider establishing another breeding farm, in line with his ranch system. Previously, the limited size of hisnd had curbed such ambitions. But with enough acreage, Su Ming might just see his nse to fruition. All of a sudden, Su Ming found himself with a multitude of admirers. It must be acknowledged that the gift from Wang Guohui had ushered in a whole new world for Su Ming. Chapter 135 C135 ¨C Why Did You Come Again?? The construction workers were bustling with activity at the site. ncing over, Su Ming estimated that the corn would be ready for harvest very soon. Indeed, the corn had sprouted. Upon entering the field, he observed that the stalks had reached over two meters in height. Su Ming faintly recalled the days of his youth when his family lived in poverty. He remembered cutting the corn, savoring the subtle sweetness in the final segments of the stalks, reminiscent of sugarcane. To the eye, this corn seemed indistinguishable from any other. Yet each ear was tightly swathed in its husk, concealing the kernels within. A sense of anticipation stirred in Su Ming. What wonders might this crop yield? Lost in thought, Su Ming caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette at the door. President Chen! With a warm smile and hands rubbing together, President Chen entered with enthusiasm. ¡°Mr. Su, I see you¡¯re hard at work.¡± Su Ming paused, puzzled. What brought President Chen here today? Hadn¡¯t he specifically asked President Chen not to visit? ¡°President Chen, what brings you here?¡± Su Ming inquired with a smile. Anxiety was written all over President Chen¡¯s face. He knew he should have stayed away today, yet here he was, unannounced and uninvited. The fear of upsetting Su Ming weighed heavily on him. Fidgeting at the doorway, President Chen broached the subject, ¡°Mr. Su, I have friends from the capital looking to purchase jade. I¡¯m not well-versed in it, but I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re familiar with these matters. Could you possibly lend your expertise¡­?¡± Su Ming, taken aback, rified, ¡°President Chen, are you asking me to join them in buying jade?¡± ¡°No!¡± President Chen vehemently denied, shaking his head. He respected Mr. Su¡¯s stature too much to impose on him as a mere guide. ¡°Is Mr. Su single, by any chance?¡± President Chen¡¯s expression turned mischievous as he added, ¡°Among those apanying you is a stunning beauty, and I¡¯ve spoken of your credentials. Rest assured, there will be noplications.¡± Su Ming offered a nonchnt smile in response. His recent experiences with Wang Xue had left him with little interest in romance. Su Ming knew that with wealth and status, admirers were never in short supply. He was neither capricious in love nor a womanizer. While he did appreciate beauty, the true measure for him was whether she loved him in return. Su Ming was well aware that President Chen was keen on setting him up with a girlfriend. Yet, he wasn¡¯t particrly interested in the idea. Still, he couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that President Chen had been a great help to him. And now, President Chen had a small favor to ask, and Su Ming wasn¡¯t otherwise upied. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming agreed, nodding. ¡°Let me get ready, and I¡¯ll be with you shortly.¡± With that, Su Ming went back to his vi to change into fresh, crisp clothes to look a bit more presentable. ¡°Mr. Su, thank you so much!¡± President Chen was ecstatic, deeply moved by Su Ming¡¯s acquiescence. Instead of taking his own car, Su Ming joined President Chen in his vehicle, with President Chen taking on the role of chauffeur. He drove with meticulous care, and soon they reached their destination¡ªa five-star hotel. At the hotel entrance, three people were waiting. The man in the center was middle-aged, slim, and exuded an air of nobility. Despite his simple attire, his distinguished status was apparent. nking him were two individuals: to his left, a short, plump man gently fanning himself, his slightly squinted eyes giving off an air of simplicity; to his right, a young girl who appeared no older than seventeen or eighteen, with a cute, doll-like face that hinted at her intelligence. ¡°Mr. Zhang, my apologies for our tardiness,¡± President Chen said as he approached and shook hands with the middle-aged man. ¡°Mr. Zhang, this is Mr. Su, the gentleman I¡¯ve told you about.¡± Zhang Tao paused, taking in Su Ming. President Chen had briefed him on Su Ming¡¯s remarkable situation¡ªa young man in possession of a city-center plot worth billions, who chose to cultivate thend himself. To Zhang Tao, the concept was almost beyond belief. After making a few inquiries with his contacts in the capital, Zhang Tao found no mention of a Su Ming among the city¡¯s prominent families. Just who was this Su Ming? ¡°Hello, my name is Zhang Tao. Please, feel free to call me Uncle Zhang,¡± said Zhang Tao, offering a warm handshake. Su Ming responded with a serene smile, and they shook hands. ¡°I¡¯m Su Ming.¡± Zhang Tao nodded with a warm smile. ¡°Mr. Zhang, Mr. Su, it¡¯s sweltering outside. Shall we continue our conversation in the car?¡± ¡°Sounds good.¡± Shortly thereafter, an RV rolled up from a distance, and they climbed aboard one by one. Zhang Tao grinned, gesturing towards the plump fellow beside him. ¡°This is my friend, Lee Tiankuo, a seasoned pro in the world of antiques. He¡¯s here to lend me a hand with my purchases.¡± Lee Tiankuo, a man of few words, simply offered a shy smile and a nod in response. ¡°And this is my daughter, Zhang Tongtong. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ve doted on her a bit too much. If she happens to say anything out of turn, please don¡¯t take offense.¡± Zhang Tao chuckled. ¡°Dad!¡± Zhang Tongtong¡¯s mood soured at the remark. She pursed her lips and protested, ¡°I¡¯m very well-behaved. Nice to meet you, Mr. Su!¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smile. One nce at the young woman¡¯s demeanor, and he could tell Zhang Tao¡¯s words were spot on. Once the introductions were out of the way, Zhang Tao got down to business. ¡°My father¡¯s 80th birthday ising up, and he¡¯s always had a passion for antiques.¡± ¡°I¡¯m here on a work trip and lost track of time. I¡¯ll be heading back in a few days, and it would be toote to shop for antiques elsewhere.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard about a famous spot in Eastsea City known for its antiques, so I thought I¡¯d check it out.¡± ¡°Su Ming, I¡¯ve been told you¡¯ve aplished quite a bit in the field of antiques, and I was hoping you could assist me. Would that be possible?¡± Zhang Tao¡¯s request was delivered with a pleasant ease. Su Ming replied, ¡°President Chen might be giving me too much credit. My experience is limited, and I¡¯m not sure how much help I can be.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short.¡± Zhang Tao let out a heartyugh. Su Ming was no stranger to Antique and Jade City. Legends of his expertise still circted there. Chapter 136 C136 ¨C Ancient Antique Shop ¡°Mr. Zhang, are you looking to purchase a finished jade piece this time, or are you considering cutting your own stone?¡± President Chen inquired from nearby. In the past, the jade trade was the domain of professionals. But as living standards improved, the industry flourished rapidly, attracting a surge in counterfeiters. Finished jade pieces are, of course, extracted or carved from raw stones, and there are many varieties. The most coveted are the top-tier emeralds and earth king greens. Often, it¡¯s a matter of luck. Some strike it rich overnight, while others fall into poverty just as quickly. Finding a wless piece of jade is no small feat, yet even the simplest carving can fetch an exorbitant price if the stone is right. ¡°We¡¯ll see how it goes,¡± Zhang Tao mused. ¡°I might just pick up a finished piece.¡± President Chen nodded, then added, ¡°However, I¡¯ve heard that a new shipment of foreign raw stones recently arrived. Wouldn¡¯t you like to give it a try?¡± Zhang Tongtong¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention. ¡°I want one!¡± she eximed. Zhang Tao affectionately stroked his daughter¡¯s hair. At over fifty, he was the father of a twenty-year-old, a fact that seemed to delight him. Their conversation flowed easily as they made their way to their destination. Su Ming had visited before but hadn¡¯t ventured inside; this time, he was keen to explore. President Chen, well-acquainted with the area, led the way with ease. Lee Tiankuo, the quiet one, kept to himself, while the beautiful Zhang Tongtong, close in age to Su Ming, chatted with him nonstop. Two hours flew by as they browsed through numerous shops, yet few items truly captured Zhang Tao¡¯s attention. Nheless, he hade prepared and had mentally noted a few pieces of interest: an ivory fan, a high-quality jade ruyi, and an inkstone. The trade in ivory was now illegal, with only heirlooms remaining on the market. This particr fan was a rarity, valued at over three million. Its price was lower than it should have been due to minor defects¡ªtwo of the fan¡¯s des had cracks. The jade was of decent quality, albeit with some impurities. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but realize the immense profitability of the antique business. He had a knack for finding treasures in the countryside and other ces, often earning hundreds of times the profit margin. ¡°I didn¡¯t eat much at lunch, and now I¡¯m actually feeling quite hungry,¡± Zhang Tao remarked as he paused. He had been tied up in meetings all morning and had only grabbed a quick bite with his daughter and Lee Tiankuo at noon. His hunger was catching up with him now. President Chen quickly located a restaurant he had visited before, known for its tasty cuisine. Su Ming, upon entering, immediately noticed the prime location of the establishment. The top floor was the third, and it was adorned with elegant mahogany furniture that exuded an air of antiquity. The waitresses were all tall and attractive, adding to the pleasant ambiance. It was no surprise, given that this was Antiques City, a ce frequented by the affluent. Those less well-off seldom ventured here. Though Su Ming was wealthy, he seldom indulged in such luxuries. The group of five settled at their tables, ordering six dishes in total, with a bowl of rice each. Zhang Tao, being older and having a diminished appetite ofte, didn¡¯t eat much. Lee Tiankuo¡¯s hefty size made sense, given his hearty appetite. Su Ming, not one for fuss, had worked up a hunger after skipping lunch and ended up eating three bowls of rice. Watching him, Zhang Tao felt a pang of envy; in his younger days, he could out-eat Su Ming and found himself longing for those times. Zhang Tongtong, who was usually very disciplined with her diet to maintain her figure, was tempted by the sight of Su Ming¡¯s enjoyment and allowed herself a bowl of rice. After a period of rxation and some tea, they descended the stairs. As they approached the entrance, a middle-aged man holding a box brightened up and approached them. ¡°President Chen, you¡¯ve arrived?¡± With a heartyugh, President Chen replied, ¡°This time, I¡¯m apanying Mr. Zhang from the capital. He¡¯s looking for a birthday gift for a rtive.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Boss Zhu, momentarily taken aback, smiled at Zhang Tao. ¡°Mr. Zhang, what kind of gift are you looking to buy? I have a few treasures that might interest you. Would you honor me by taking a look at my collection?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Zhang Tao readily agreed to the request. As they traveled, President Chen took the opportunity to tell Zhang Tao a bit about Boss Zhu. Boss Zhu owned a sizable shop known as Fragrance Hall. He indeed possessed some fine treasures. President Chen had previously purchased several items from him, and over time, they had be friends. Chapter 137 C137 ¨C Good Stuff Boss Zhu led the way, and the group of six quickly reached their destination. The area was bustling, so Boss Zhu took them through a back entrance, up a narrow set of stairs, directly to the third floor. The first and second floors were crowded with vendors, creating a cacophony of noise. In contrast, the third floor was a haven of tranquility. This level was entirelyposed of private rooms¡ªfour in total. It wasmon knowledge that these rooms were reserved for dealing in particrly valuable treasures. Boss Zhu ushered them into one of the private rooms, and upon entering, they were struck by its spaciousness. Bookshelves brimming with volumes lined the walls, and a circr sofa upied the center of the room. Next to the sofa stood a tea table, upon which tea was steeping, and at its heart, a sandalwood burner emitted a fragrant smoke. The walls were adorned with the calligraphy and paintings of notable figures. Lee Tiankuo cast a cursory nce at the surroundings before dismissing them; the artwork was clearly counterfeit. After all, who would hang genuine masterpieces in amercial establishment? ¡°Boss Zhu, let¡¯s dispense with the pleasantries,¡± President Chen said with a smile. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have invited us here unless you had some treasures to show. Please, bring them out for us to see.¡± ¡°Not a problem, just give me a moment,¡± Boss Zhu replied and stepped out to have a waitere in and serve tea. ¡°Boss Zhu really is a major yer; he¡¯s got a few treasures,¡± President Chen remarked, a twinkle in his eye. ¡°I¡¯ve heard he recently acquired some impressive items.¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably gone to his office,¡± chimed in Zhang Tao. ¡°I¡¯ve heard he has a custom-made safe there, costing him millions from overseas. That¡¯s where he keeps all the treasures.¡± As President Chen and Zhang Tao engaged in lively conversation, Lee Tiankuo remained preupied with the tabletop. Meanwhile, Zhang Tongtong and Su Ming were huddled together, whispering quietly. Zhang Tao looked on with delight at the scene¡ªhis daughter was at the age to find a boyfriend, and Su Ming, who had merelye to apany President Chen, had inadvertently turned into an exceedingly suitable son-inw. After a short wait of about fifteen minutes, the door swung open, and Boss Zhu re-entered, beaming as he approached with several boxes in hand. ¡°I understand you¡¯re looking for a gift for an elder, and naturally, you wouldn¡¯t settle for anything ordinary. I have a selection of items here for you to consider.¡± As Boss Zhu spoke, he unveiled the first box to reveal a painting. The group leaned in for a closer inspection and were astounded to discover it was a Tang Bohu original. ¡°Boss Zhu, you¡¯ve got quite the knack for acquiring rare pieces. How did you manage to obtain a Tang Bohu painting?¡± President Chen eximed, well aware of the high market value of Tang Bohu¡¯s work, not to mention the fact that his paintings were considered priceless treasures rarely sold. ¡°Nothing is impossible. I stumbled upon it by chance in a rural area,¡± Boss Zhu replied with a satisfied grin. ¡°However, based on the style, it appears to have been painted during Tang Bohu¡¯s youth, before his technique had fully matured.¡± Lee Tiankuo perked up at this and scrutinized the painting with great interest. President Chen and Zhang Tao also studied the artwork attentively. Zhang Tongtong, however, seemed unimpressed and listlessly shifted her gaze to the other boxes. ¡°This is no forgery,¡± Lee Tiankuo finally dered after a thorough examination, giving a nod of approval. Zhang Tao breathed a sigh of relief, relieved to have found a gift option that met his satisfaction for the day. ¡°But¡­¡± Lee Tiankuo paused, ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, there used to be a significant stain in the lower right corner, which has since been expertly cleaned and restored. Without that stain, the painting¡¯s value would undoubtedly be higher.¡± Boss Zhu was taken aback, not expecting Lee Tiankuo to be such a connoisseur. ¡°You¡¯re quite impressive! Indeed, the painting had a stain previously,¡± Boss Zhu admitted openly, without any attempt to conceal the truth. Zhang Tao¡¯s face fell slightly upon hearing this; his grandfather was an expert in these matters. ¡°Let¡¯s move on to the next item,¡± Boss Zhu suggested with a chuckle, setting aside the small box next to him and revealing its contents. To their surprise, it contained a pearl. ¡°And this is¡­¡± Lee Tiankuo carefully donned a pair of gloves and examined the object closely. ¡°Could this be a pair of Night-Luminescent Pearls?¡± ¡°They¡¯re quite remarkable, but my grandfather isn¡¯t fond of such items,¡± Zhang Taomented, shaking his head in disinterest. ¡°No worries, I have more treasures to show you,¡± Boss Zhu assured them, undeterred. Zhang Tao, with an air of mystery, carefully opened thest box, revealing a tiny wine cup. ¡°This is¡­¡± Lee Tiankuo¡¯s eyes sparkled with recognition. This artifact was thought to be lost to time. Crafted from porcin, the small wine cup was a relic of a bygone era. The technique used to fire such pieces had vanished long ago. The ceramic was so delicate, as thin as a cicada¡¯s wing, that it would break upon the slightest touch. In ancient times, only the Wang n nobility possessed such treasures. Yet, a century ago, during a dark chapter in history, the artisan who mastered this craft destroyed it to prevent its secrets from spreading. Since then, the technique had been lost. Now, such porcin was exceedingly rare on the market. The cup was modest in size, so its price wouldn¡¯t be exorbitant, but it wouldn¡¯t be cheap either. Lee Tiankuo refrained from handling it directly, instead examining it closely within the box. ¡°Boss Zhu, we¡¯vee with genuine intentions this time. Please, name your price,¡± President Chen said with a smile. Boss Zhu returned the smile and leisurely held up four fingers. President Chen nced at Zhang Tao, who in turn looked to Lee Tiankuo. After scrutinizing the piece for a full thirty minutes, Lee Tiankuo finally nodded in approval. Su Ming watched on, internally marveling. Four fingers likely meant 40 million. They might not be experts in this field, but they were no strangers to the headlines. Blue and White Porcin carried a hefty price tag, especially when crafted using a technique that had disappeared. A decade ago, an auction that captivated the nation featured a royal blue and white porcin bowl that fetched an astronomical 300 million. Chapter 138 C138 ¨C Is It Fake?? But that was the price a decade ago. Nowadays, intion has driven costs up. ¡°Boss Zhu, how did youe by this item?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I acquired it from a friend. He had borrowed money from me, but due to hispany¡¯s troubles, he couldn¡¯t repay it. So, he sold it to me. I paid 20 million yuan for it.¡± Boss Zhu certainly wouldn¡¯t be so candid with just anyone. Yet, those in the antiques trade ce great importance on an item¡¯s provenance. A treasure once used by royalty and handed downmands a premium. Conversely, antiques of dubious or stolen origin fetch far less. And the potential for appreciation in value for antiques is significant. ¡°This piece is exceptional, and it¡¯s Chenghua porcin.¡± ¡°Its craftsmanship is highly refined. It¡¯s clear that the creator was a master. The most remarkable aspect is how well this precious item has been preserved. It¡¯s wless ¨C truly miraculous.¡± ¡°The motif appears to be ¡®All Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,¡¯ likely an artifact intended for royal use, possibly even for the empress.¡± ¡°It seems there was a minor issue during production, which has left the red color somewhat less vibrant.¡± Lee Tiankuo is usually a man of few words, but in situations like this, he can¡¯t stop talking. Su Ming, sitting to the side, struggles to grasp his full meaning. But Lee Tiankuo¡¯s insights are sound, and his observations factual. ¡°Mr. Lee, you¡¯re clearly a connoisseur. You¡¯re spot on,¡± Boss Zhu acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Perhaps we could discuss the price now?¡± interjected President Chen. ¡°President Chen, my asking price is steep. Frankly, for anyone else, I¡¯d inte it tenfold. But for you, a friend, I¡¯ve quoted a fair figure.¡± Boss Zhu then opened a folder, revealing it was brimming with photographs ¨C snapshots of industry experts posing with antiques. The items Boss Zhu had prepared were indeed impressive. With such photos, the price could only go up, never down. Zhang Tao was quite content. The elder in his family adored Blue and White Porcin. Securing this gem would surely delight him. For Zhang Tao, a few tens of millions of yuan was a trifle. ¡°If I can, I¡¯ll just buy this piece outright.¡± Zhang Tao said with a grin, ¡°Boss Zhu, give me your rock-bottom price.¡± After a moment¡¯s consideration, Boss Zhu replied, ¡°35 million yuan.¡± Boss Zhu had his reasons for the price drop. Firstly, President Chen was the head of thergest local bank. A sessful deal would ensure that he¡¯d be the first person President Chen thought of for future business, potentially yielding profits well beyond five million yuan. He could see that Zhang Tao was no ordinary man¡ªthere were plenty of wealthy individuals in the capital. He also noticed the old man of Zhang¡¯s family had a penchant for antiques. So, while he earned less on this deal, he viewed it as an investment in his future. He was acquainted with a heavyweight in the capital, which could lead to more clients from that area. Zhang Tao considered the price to be quite a bargain. They weren¡¯t rushing to close the deal; instead, they struck up a conversation. Su Ming and Zhang Tongtong were engaged in lively chatter. Being close in age, Su Ming saw no reason to decline a conversation with a beautiful woman. At that moment, Zhang Tongtong examined the item with a magnifying ss. After a long inspection, finding nothing, she passed it to Su Ming. Su Ming hadn¡¯t intended to speak up today. But when Zhang Tongtong handed over the item, he couldn¡¯t resist activating the scan. Blue and White Porcin, the base of the cup is a forgery, valued at 500,000 yuan. Su Ming was dumbfounded by the result. He blinked, struggling to believe his eyes. Staring intently, he scrutinized the piece for a good while. The System was infallible. This meant the so-called 35-million-yuan treasure was a counterfeit. Su Ming looked up at the group, still deep in jovial conversation, then took the magnifying ss and gave the Blue and White Porcin another close examination. Indeed, he discovered several minuscule cracks at the base. Lee Tiankuo had been specifically brought in by Zhang Tao. President Chen had described Su Ming as a formidable figure in the field. Even Lee Tiankuo had not detected the fake. Su Ming nced at Boss Zhu again, who remained unfazed. Could Boss Zhu also be in the dark about this? Considering that even Lee Tiankuo failed to notice, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if Boss Zhu missed it too. Or could it be that Lee Tiankuo and Boss Zhu are in league with each other, conspiring to fool everyone? That seems highly improbable, given that Lee Tiankuo hails from the capital and likely hasn¡¯t visited this ce before. Moreover, their visit was prompted by President Chen. Su Ming carefully took the object and examined it closely. He activated the scanning system again, and this time, the system revealed a crack to Su Ming. The base of the cup was a counterfeit! Su Ming blinked,ing to terms with the reality before him. Chapter 139 C139 ¨C It Was Actually Fake!! ¡°This expert is truly remarkable,¡± Su Ming marveled. The counterfeit was so masterfully crafted that it managed to deceive both Boss Zhu and Lee Tiankuo! Rumors had been circting about a group of experts in the market who specialized in creating fakes. These individuals had been around for over a century, blending seamlessly into society. Resorting to fluorescence powder was the most basic trick in the book. If a counterfeit was the work of a truly skilled expert, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to detect its falseness. Take this Blue and White Porcin bowl, for instance. Without the scan, Su Ming would never have spotted the subtle signs. The bowl¡¯s main body was authentic, but its base was a forgery. Yet, the base¡¯s origin was peculiarly unique, and itmanded a hefty price. It seemed quite possible that the two pieces were originally one, but had separated due to some mishap. An expert had then meticulously restored the bowl, reuniting the main body with the base. Nevertheless, if the bowl had ever been broken, its value would be significantly diminished, regardless of its original unity. At that moment, Zhang Tao and Boss Zhu had just shaken hands, with Zhang Tao preparing to make the payment. Su Ming blinked and interjected, ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± His words cast a hush over the room as everyone turned to look at him. President Chen paused before inquiring, ¡°Mr. Su¡­?¡± Truth be told, Su Ming had no desire to entangle himself in this debacle. But Zhang Tao was a decent man, and the stakes were high¡ªthe bowl¡¯s price tag exceeded 30 million. ¡°I¡¯m rtively new to the world of antiques,¡± Su Ming confessed. ¡°I¡¯m not particrly knowledgeable about them either. However, something about the base of this Blue and White Porcin bowl seems off to me. Perhaps we should examine it more closely?¡± He spoke with deliberate caution. His statement left the onlookers dumbfounded, exchanging bewildered nces. Lee Tiankuo and Zhang Tao¡¯s brows furrowed as they carefully inspected the bowl. Boss Zhu¡¯s anxiety spiked. Could there actually be an issue with the item? A sessful transaction would him a profit of over ten million, not to mention a new friend. But if the deal was wed, the money would pale inparison to the potential damage to his reputation. Lee Tiankuo scrutinized each bowl with a magnifying ss, examining the details with intense concentration. Despite his efforts, the problem eluded him. Su Ming let out a sigh. ¡°Take a look at where the base meets the bowl; there seems to be a gap,¡± he suggested abruptly. Lee Tiankuo was momentarily taken aback. He hadn¡¯t noticed any issue. ¡°Mr. Su¡­¡± President Chen was equally puzzled. He respected Su Ming as a man of reason, who wouldn¡¯t speak without cause. Yet, with Lee Tiankuo¡¯s extensive experience in the antiques trade, even he had failed to detect any w in the bowl. What was the exnation? ¡°Su Ming, there¡¯s no need to hold back. Speak your mind,¡± Zhang Tao urged, his smile tinged with seriousness. The gift was meant for a respected elder in the family, and it mattered greatly. ¡°I¡¯ll be straightforward then. I suspect that the bowl¡¯s base and sides were once broken and have been glued back together,¡± Su Ming dered. Boss Zhu burst intoughter. ¡°Brother, don¡¯t spout nonsense. I¡¯ve had the bowl¡¯s authenticity verified by experts. There¡¯s no chance it¡¯s wed. We even have signed photos and a certificate of authentication. I would never dream of deceiving President Chen with a counterfeit.¡± ¡°I was merely specting,¡± Su Ming responded with a nonchnt shrug. Boss Zhu¡¯s mood soured. Zhang Tao was on the verge ofpleting the transaction when Su Ming interjected his doubts, potentially jeopardizing the deal. Zhang Tao¡¯s face grew stern. Quick-witted Zhang Tongtong chimed in, ¡°Dad, this ce is vast. How about we explore a bit?¡± Gift-giving should be apanied by auspicious signs, especially when it¡¯s for an elder¡¯s milestone 80th birthday. A smooth purchase process boded well, but anyplications could be seen as a bad omen. As Zhang Tao prepared to leave, frustration boiled within Boss Zhu. His potential sale was slipping away, along with a valuable friendship. ¡°President Chen, we¡¯ve been acquaintances for years. You¡¯re familiar with my integrity in business. How could this possibly be a fake?¡± Boss Zhu was growing impatient. President Chen blinked, his gaze shifting from Zhang Tao to Su Ming, and finally resting on Boss Zhu. He simply shook his head, remaining silent. He was in a bind, unable to risk offending either man¡ªone a friend of the head of the capital¡¯s central bank, the other the enigmatic and influential Mr. Su. On the sidelines, Lee Tiankuo peered through his magnifying ss, absorbed in scrutiny. Su Ming¡¯s words had nted a seed of suspicion in his mind. No matter how he looked at it, something seemed off. Boss Zhu, unable to contain his frustration, turned to Su Ming. ¡°How about a wager, Boss Zhu? If this item is a counterfeit, what kind ofpensation are you thinking?¡± Boss Zhu¡¯s patience had reached its limit. ¡°Prove that my item is a fake, and you can choose anything from my shop. But if it¡¯s genuine, my loss today will be substantial. How will you make it right?¡± With a serene smile, Su Ming replied, ¡°Tenfoldpensation.¡± With that, Su Ming tapped the bowl on the table, eliciting gasps from the onlookers as it shattered with a crisp, resonating snap. The once thought-to-be-lost ceramic bowl fragmented in an instant. Before the crowd could voice their astonishment, they saw the bottom of the Blue and White Porcin bowl, perfectly intact. The break revealed the hidden chemicals inside. The room was filled with astonishment¡ªthe item was indeed a fake. Chapter 140 C140 ¨C Good Gift Boss Zhu was initially furious, but the sight before him made him rise to his feet in an instant. Lee Tiankuo quickly brought the item over and after examining it intently for a while, he let out a sigh. ¡°You¡¯re truly impressive.¡± Truth be told, everyone present knew the reality of the situation, even without Lee Tiankuo¡¯s acknowledgment. Having worked on Antique Street for many years, their judgment was sharp. Boss Zhu was on the verge of tears. He had hoped to turn a profit and perhaps gain a friend in the process. Instead, his predicament had only worsened. Zhang Tao was equally taken aback. A heavyweight in the capital, he wielded considerable status and power. Yet, even for someone of his stature, the unfolding events were startling. The sophistication of the forgery was remarkable, but it had been exposed by the young man. They had been outsmarted by someone much younger. The forger had been clever, indeed. The bowl was so thin and delicate that most would refrain from handling it too much. Hence, the adhesive used wasn¡¯t very strong. It only needed to maintain a semnce of integrity. But the forger likely never anticipated that today, a young man would shatter it outright. The thought still sent shivers down Zhang Tao¡¯s spine. If he had spent tens of millions on this counterfeit today, it would be one thing. But the consequences would be dire if the elder found out. President Chen¡¯s expression grew stern. The guests at Boss Zhu¡¯s were there on ount of Zhang Tao¡¯s influence. Yet, Boss Zhu had attempted to deceive them with such an item. Boss Zhu¡¯s actions seemed a deliberate attempt to disgrace me. President Chen fixed his gaze on Boss Zhu. ¡°Boss Zhu, we¡¯ve known each other for quite some time. Can you exin what¡¯s happened here?¡± Boss Zhu stood there, his hands shaking, hisplexion ashen, his feet tapping nervously. ¡°President Chen, I truly had no idea it was a fake. I¡¯ve been duped just the same!¡± Boss Zhu seemed so frail he was nearly copsing. ¡°Boss Zhu, buying a fake is your own doing. But our patronage today was based on the trust we ced in your honesty.¡± Mr. Zhang is a prominent figure from the capital, and this time he¡¯s looking to purchase a birthday gift for a senior family member. Should his elder discover the gift is a counterfeit, it would reflect very poorly on Mr. Zhang,¡± President Chen stated with an icy gaze. ¡°I am truly sorry!¡± Boss Zhu quickly offered his apologies. ¡°President Chen, you know my character. I would never intentionally sell fake merchandise.¡± Everyone present could almost certainly conclude that Boss Zhu had been unwittingly swindled, given hisck of awareness. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± President Chenmanded, his face a mask of stoicism as he led the way out, with the others trailing behind him. Boss Zhu remained in the private room, lost in thought. The item had cost him a staggering 20 million yuan. Not only had he suffered a significant financial loss, but he had also managed to offend President Chen. Should word get out, his reputation would be tarnished. Once the group descended to the street, they noticed the sky had darkened. Zhang Tao let out a sigh and shook his head, ¡°I think I¡¯ll return to the capital to find a birthday present.¡± ¡°Mr. Zhang, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience today,¡± President Chen said, clearly mortified. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all,¡± Zhang Tao replied with a smile, giving President Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. His attention then shifted to Su Ming. ¡°Young man, you have an impressive eye for detail. Without you, I might have been duped today.¡± Lee Tiankuo chimed in with a grin, ¡°I¡¯ve always prided myself on my discerning abilities, but I must admit, I pale inparison to this young man.¡± Laughter filled the air, dissipating any lingering difort from earlier. He promptly left the parking lot in his car. After saying goodbye to Zhang Tao, Su Ming and Zhang Tongtong exchanged contact details before heading their separate ways. President Chen had initially nned to join Su Ming in the fields for some work, but after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he refrained from asking. Su Ming had, after all, told him not toe today. With a heavy heart, President Chen returned home, while Su Ming made his way back to the fields. Upon his return, Su Ming observed that the construction workers had nearlypleted the perimeter wall. At this rate, the job would be finished within two days. Yet, Su Ming noticed another group ofborers busily working on a small patch of open ground just beyond the area. Su Ming didn¡¯t dwell on the construction noise, chalking it up to likely being a city-nned project that had no bearing on him. Yet, no sooner had he entered the courtyard than the sound of a car engine drew his attention to the gate. Turning around, Su Ming spotted a ck car that seemed vaguely familiar. As he pondered its origin, the car door swung open, and out stepped Wang Guohui. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± Wang greeted, approaching with a congenial smile. Surprised, Su Ming queried, ¡°Mr. Wang, what brings you here?¡± Wang Guohui¡¯s chuckle left Su Ming feeling slightly uneasy. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve heard about the underground garage you¡¯ve built, housing hundreds of cars,¡± Wang began. ¡°I imagine refueling them all could be quite the hassle.¡± ¡°Therefore, I¡¯ve constructed a gas station right next to your property. Rest assured, it¡¯s exclusively for your use.¡± With that, Wang Guohui produced an oil card from his pocket, offering it to Su Ming. ¡°Please, take this.¡± Blinking in astonishment, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. It was clear why Wang was the chairman of the Angel Group. The oil card, while of modest value to someone like Su Ming who wasn¡¯t concerned about money, addressed the sheer inconvenience of refueling his extensive collection of vehicles. He was genuinely pleased with the gift. ¡°I¡¯m aware that money isn¡¯t an issue for you, but convenience can be when you¡¯re on the go. Moreover, this card is a supreme VIP card from the Business Alliance,¡± Wang continued. ¡°I registered it under your name. With it, you¡¯ll enjoy significant discounts and top-tier service whenever you patronize any Business Alliance hotel or shopping center.¡± Wang then handed over a sleek ck card, cing it into Su Ming¡¯s hand. This gesture was yet another that Su Ming found immensely gratifying. Wang Guohui¡¯s talent for ingratiation clearly outshone that of President Chen. The gift might not have been extraordinary, but its utility was undeniable. Chapter 141 C141 ¨C Fight for the Job Wang Guohui was acutely aware that Su Ming wasn¡¯t in need of money. Therefore, he aimed to choose a gift that was both practical and thoughtful. After much deliberation, President Chen was still at a loss. Consequently, he convened a meeting of all thepany¡¯s senior executives¡ªa highly unusual move. The summoned employees were taken aback, wondering if a significant event was on the horizon. It was a rare urrence for Wang Guohui to call for such a wide assembly; he typically preferred targeted meetings with relevant departments. A gathering of this magnitude often signaled a grave issue within thepany. Upon entering the conference room, the executives were in for a surprise. The sole agenda item was the art of gift-giving¡ªa task that required finesse to genuinely delight the recipient. During the discussion, one employee mentioned that Su Ming had purchased numerous cars, and the hassle of refueling them must be a nuisance. This insight struck a chord with Wang Guohui, who promptly secured a plot ofnd nearby andmissioned the construction of a gas station. Building a gas station was no small feat, demanding extensive connections and authority, as well as passing stringent inspections. But Wang Guohui was no ordinary man; a few phone calls were all it took to get the green light. Gift-giving, however, necessitates an appropriate asion. Wang Guohui had previously gifted Su Ming three acres ofnd as gratitude for curing his mother¡¯s illness, but he couldn¡¯t use the same reason again. A new justification was needed for thistest gesture. After some thought, it dawned on him that Su Ming had just finished building his vi and was about to move in. Seizing the moment, Wang Guohui expedited the gas station¡¯s establishment and promptly delivered the fuel card to Su Ming. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wang,¡± Su Ming expressed, ¡°I must say, your gift has trulye to my rescue at a critical time.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. Upon hearing this, Wang Guohui nearly burst into tears. His hard work hadn¡¯t been for nothing. It seemed he would need to continue seeking everyone¡¯s input in the future. Just look at how pleased Su Ming was with the gift! Could just anyone pick out something so perfect? Wang Guohui blinked, taking in his surroundings. ¡°I¡¯m from the countryside too. As a child, my parents supported me through farming¡­¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to farm in such a long time. Mr. Su, you simply must let me have a go at it.¡± The sentiment struck a chord with Su Ming; it was all too familiar. Could it be that you and President Chen are cut from the same cloth? Are you two from the same vige by any chance? Before Su Ming could respond, Wang Guohui had already shed his suit and leather shoes. He grabbed a bucket and set to watering and weeding with practiced ease. Wang Guohui worked with remarkable efficiency, outpacing even President Chen. Su Ming watched, gobsmacked. Was it possible that Wang Guohui and President Chen had orchestrated this behind the scenes? Something about him seemed incredibly suspect. The movements of Wang Guohui and President Chen were nearly identical. Wang Guohui¡¯s secretary had apanied him here. Seeing his boss ready to take to the fields, he too prepared to join in. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± Wang Guohui bellowed. A sense of urgency overtook him; this was his time to shine. He didn¡¯t want his secretary stealing the spotlight. ¡°Go back now. I¡¯ll catch a taxi hometer. Just leave!¡± The secretary paused, blinked in surprise, but then nodded in agreement. Having worked with Wang Guohui for so long, he knew his boss genuinely relished this task. Wang Guohui was typically a man of swift action. Yet today, in front of Su Ming, he seemed like a consort vying for the emperor¡¯s favor. The secretary figured, let him seek Su Ming¡¯s attention. He could use this opportunity to head home for a meal. ¡°Mr. Su, please, go rest! I¡¯ve got this under control,¡± Wang Guohui urged, seeing Su Ming standing there, lost in thought. Rooted to the spot, Su Ming could only let out a resigned sigh, allowing Wang Guohui to indulge in his desires. Su Ming retreated to his room and dove into his video games. Meanwhile, Wang Guohui was a whirlwind of activity, tending to thend with gusto. He weeded, watered, and fertilized with zeal, even going so far as to sweep the entire corridor until it was spotless. He took such care with Su Ming¡¯s farm vehicles that not a single tire bore a trace of dirt. Before they knew it, the clock struck past ten at night. Wang Guohui, though breathless from his exertions, was brimming with pride. Unbeknownst to President Chen, he had unwittingly gained a new rival. Standing at the vi¡¯s entrance, Wang Guohui lightly rang the doorbell. Su Ming answered, and Wang Guohui, with a hurried smile, said, ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve nearlypleted all the tasks. It¡¯s quitete, so I won¡¯t keep you from your rest. I¡¯ll be heading back now¡­¡± ¡°Let me walk you out¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need, please get some rest!¡± With that, Wang Guohui dashed off. Su Ming sighed and shook his head, stepping outside to check the time. The corn was on the cusp of readiness. At the construction site, he found it aze with light, the workersboring with fervor. Yet, a fewy sprawled on the ground, sound asleep. A frown creased Su Ming¡¯s brow, a pang of sympathy stirring within him. He felt a twinge of guilt; he had always provided meals for the vi¡¯s builders and insisted they stay at a hotel to rest. With that thought, Su Ming approached the site. ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Su!¡± the foreman eximed, rushing to greet him. ¡°Mr. Su, rest assured, given our current pace, we¡¯ll finish in two days! And since your plots ofnd are adjacent, I¡¯ve installed a door where your thatched hut once stood, so you can drive the farm vehicles straight through.¡± Su Ming nodded in approval. ¡°There¡¯s no need to push yourselves so hard,¡± he advised. ¡°Please, don¡¯t overexert yourselves. I¡¯ve booked a hotel for you all; go and get some rest.¡± He showed the foreman the hotel reservation on his phone. It wasn¡¯t a five-star establishment, but it was far from shabby, equipped withputers, TVs, and air conditioning. Su Ming¡¯s choice wasn¡¯t about sparing expenses; this hotel was simply the closest and the finest option avable. ¡°This¡­¡± Chapter 142 C142 ¨C The Corn Matured Su Ming understood these workers all too well. If the five-star hotel he had reserved was too far away, they would undoubtedly be reluctant to stay there¡ªit would mean precious time lost from their work. That¡¯s why Su Ming opted for a hotel just over a hundred meters away, which also boasted a rather pleasant environment. ¡°Mr. Su, we¡­¡± The boss, clutching his phone, was visibly moved to tears. Su Ming was not only wealthy but also genuinely kind-hearted. Inparison to those sly tycoons, Mr. Su was in a league of his own. ¡°Enough talk,¡± Su Ming interjected. ¡°I¡¯ve ordered some food for you all. Once you¡¯ve had your fill, go and get some rest. You shouldn¡¯t wear yourselves out just because you¡¯re helping me build a fence.¡± He gave the boss a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The nearby workers listened, eyes wide with disbelief. This was a first for them¡ªan employer who not only booked a hotel but also took care of their meals. ¡°He booked such a nice hotel for us?¡± one murmured. ¡°We¡¯re used to employers who¡¯d rather have us work nonstop, without even a break for food or water,¡± another added. ¡°It¡¯s incredible how different people can be. Mr. Su is truly a good soul.¡± ¡°People usually dismiss us, the workers on the ground, but Mr. Su has given us both a ce to stay and food to eat.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to work even harder to get that wall up as soon as possible!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we don¡¯t need a hotel. Rest assured, we appreciate your generosity and we¡¯ll put in our best effort!¡± Though weary, the workers were buzzing with excitement. As constructionborers, they were ustomed to being at the bottom rung of society, always grimy from their grueling physicalbor, health concerns a distant afterthought to the imperative of earning a living. They had worked for many who wished they would forgo rest and meals altogether. Typically, their amodations were dormitories on the job site, where they¡¯d pack into a single room by the dozens, in less-than-ideal conditions. If they were lucky enough to find a small hotel, it was always the cheapest option. Otherwise, they¡¯d just find any avable spot to crash for the night. Passersby would often give them a wide berth, as if a mere brush against them would stain their clothes. But an employer aspassionate as Su Ming was a rare find indeed. They certainly owed him a great deal of gratitude! Su Ming stood there, lost in thought for quite some time, feeling somewhat at a loss. He genuinely wanted the workers to take a break, not to spur them on. With a sense of resignation, Su Ming shook his head. ¡°The meal I ordered is already on its way, and the hotel reservation is non-refundable.¡± ¡°If you all don¡¯t go, that money is just going down the drain,¡± he said, spreading his hands. The workers looked on in stunned silence. ¡°Alright then, carry on. I¡¯m heading out,¡± he said, and without waiting for a response, Su Ming turned and made a beeline back, sensing that the corn was ready for harvest. Upon his return, he found the corn indeed ripe and ready! Just by looking, one could tell how plump the ears were. Drawn in by curiosity, Su Ming approached and plucked an ear of corn, hastily peeling back the husk to inspect it more closely. What was this? No corn kernels were to be found. Instead, he discovered a ss bottle filled with a red liquid. Red wine? He had nted corn, yet here he was, reaping an abundance of red wine. Su Ming wasn¡¯t much of a drinker. At gatherings with ssmates, he stuck to beer and baijiu. Red wine was a rarity for him. Intrigued, Su Ming took to the inte for answers. Romanee-Conti. The Romanee-Conti vineyard was renowned as one of the finest producers of red wine in the market, its bottles considered treasures. Its yield was quite limited, producing only about 6,000 liters annually. The Romanee-Conti in Su Ming¡¯s possession was not just precious but also carried a hefty price tag. A standard bottle of Romanee-Conti could fetch hundreds of thousands of yuan. Aged for decades under optimal conditions, this wine offered an exquisite taste experience. Such a bottle could easily be the star of an auction. Su Ming swallowed hard, setting the bottle aside to examine another ear of corn. In his hand materialized yet another bottle of the coveted Romanee-Conti. A surge of excitement washed over him. He had stumbled upon several bottles of Romanee-Conti, but the surprises didn¡¯t stop there. Other varieties of red wine began to appear. Thetest bottle was a 1998 vintage, its color a deep, dark purple. He took a sip, and the rich vors of fruit, caramel, mocha, and vani filled his senses. After swallowing, a lingering sweetness and tartness remained in his mouth. Next, Su Ming acquired a bottle of ck cherry red wine. This variety was highly sought after by collectors, and its value was exceedingly high. Surveying the sea of red wine before him, Su Ming felt a twinge of concern. There was simply too much wine. There was no way he could drink it all on his own. His collection grew with the addition of white wines, including Maotai Liquor, Sorghum Liquor, and Five Grain Liquor. Rare red and white wines, usually scarce on the market, were all present here. Su Ming was certain that any wine enthusiast or collector would be thrilled at the sight of such a bounty. With a sigh of resignation, Su Ming heard the System¡¯s notification in his mind: ¡°Fragile items detected in the harvest. A two-hour protection period for the new items has been initiated.¡± Startled by the prompt, Su Ming quickly wheeled over a small cart and began loading the bottles into it. It took him an hour and a half to transfer all the red wine into the cer, where he stacked them haphazardly. Whenever exhaustion set in, he would take a Body-stretching Pill. The effect was immediate, revitalizing his strength. After consuming five of these pills, Su Ming hadpleted all the tasks at hand. He did a rough count of his haul. The two acres of corn had yielded 7,000 ears, tranting to 7,000 bottles of wine. Chapter 143 C143 ¨C Leveled Up Again It upied three of Su Ming¡¯s storage rooms. Yet, what truly thrilled Su Ming wasn¡¯t the wine; it was the imminent prospect of leveling up. He realized that cultivating such extensive crops was essential for rapid advancement. Each level up promised significant transformations. Crucially, the farm¡¯s level remained unparalleled. Even after an upgrade, there were no indications that further leveling was possible. Nheless, Su Ming trusted the System. It wouldn¡¯t act without reason. There had to be a way to ascend in level, but he wasn¡¯t quite there yet. As Su Ming¡¯s level climbed, he felt the system¡¯s vastness, akin to the ocean, brimming with untapped features. ¡°Ding! Crops harvested sessfully. You¡¯ve earned 7100 experience points!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, your level has risen!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, you¡¯ve unlocked a new feature: Stamina Talent!¡± ¡°Ding! With Stamina Talent, you¡¯ll remain forever vigorous, with robust sinews, free from chronic fatigue. This Passive Talent can be toggled off at will!¡± The notification left Su Ming momentarily dumbfounded. Was this talent tailor-made for him? Did it anticipate his weariness from extended farming? Su Ming had assumed his Body-stretching Pill would suffice for energy replenishment. Yet, the System preemptively addressed his stamina shortfall. What was there to fear? The System ensured perpetual vigor! Su Ming realized that not only would farming cease to exhaust him, but he would also tackle any task without fatigue. And after marriage¡­ Delving deeper into that thought might just earn him a block from the System. Initially, Su Ming viewed the talent as somewhat trivial. But upon reflection, it was an unbeatable asset. What did perpetual stamina entail? It meant he could run a marathon without pausing for a breath. Tiredness was a sensation he¡¯d no longer know. Su Ming was destined to maintain boundless energy! The System had spelled it out clearly. Those ailments that gued the overworked would never touch him. And the chronic neck issues from prolonged stooping? They wouldn¡¯t be his to bear. People who spend too much time sitting are prone to lumbar spondylosis. But he wouldn¡¯t sumb to such ailments. He was unbeatable! Fantastic! Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV4 Experience Points: 8950/10000 Farm Level: Level One Skills: Basic Scanning Function; Blessing from nts; Stamina Talent ¡°[Ding! System Notice: The system will update after reaching level 5!]¡± While Su Ming was reviewing his data panel, the familiar notification chimed in once more. Atst! Su Ming was pleasantly surprised. He seemed to have noticed a pattern, theorizing that maybe the System would update with a new feature every five levels. But whaty beyond that¡­ No use specting; the future was still a mystery. Su Ming was ted, bursting intoughter. Thanks to his Stamina Talent, Su Ming was energetic and tireless. He hopped into the farm vehicle and began gathering items. In no time, the two-acre plot was spotless. ¡°Ding! Items have been collected. Congrattions to the host for earning 200 experience points!¡± It was undeniable; the heavier the item, the more rewarding the experience points. Su Ming resolved to nt some fruit trees¡ªapples and peaches, to be specific. Truth be told, with his boundless energy, he feared insomnia. So, Su Ming proactively deactivated his talent. After all, he considered himself an ordinary person. Sleep seemed trivial now, yet he was ustomed to it. Without it, something felt amiss. The next morning, Su Ming awoke with a yawn and made his way to the garage. Standing before it, he was struck by indecision. Too many cars. He couldn¡¯t decide which one to drive. A lottery system might be necessary in the future¡ªhe¡¯d simply drive the car that got picked. He nced around. Su Ming stepped aside and picked up a small stone from a corner. With a light toss, the stone joyfully skipped across the ground,ing to a halt in front of a vehicle. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming marveled at the coincidence¡ªit was the Rolls Royce Phantom once again. Su Ming could only shrug and drive off. He noticed that the perimeter wall waspletely erected. It seemed their task for the day was cleaning. Surprisingly, the gas station next door was already up and running. Su Ming pulled in, stopped, and filled his tank with gas before driving off. Having a gas station right by his house was a huge convenience. ¡°Why is there a new gas station here?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not mistaken; there was nothing here just yesterday.¡± ¡°A gas station in the city center?¡± ¡°I¡¯m clueless too.¡± Many drivers passing by couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. A few tried to use it but were unable to pump any gas. The fuel pump disyed a message that this was a private station! Surely this was an illegal construction? Several drivers didn¡¯t hesitate to report it to the police, who promptly arrived to investigate. They discovered the gas station was owned by the Angel Group Trade Company. Only employees of the Angel Group could use the station, which was perfectly legal. Su Ming then drove directly to the farm supply store. The owner was tidying up at the entrance and his eyes nearly popped out of his head at the sight of a Rolls Royce Phantom pulling up. Once Su Ming emerged from the vehicle, the owner had an epiphany ¨C Su Ming was someone who could afford such a car. ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve really let me down. I told you I needed a fruit tree, why haven¡¯t you delivered it?¡± Su Ming asked, grinning as he stepped out of the car. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯ve got me all wrong. I wouldn¡¯t dare neglect that.¡± The store owner quickly gestured with his hands, ¡°I always aim to provide the best. Those fruit trees need a few more days to mature.¡± Su Ming nodded, understanding. ¡°Do you have any other types of fruit trees avable?¡± The owner, eager to please, nodded vigorously. ¡°Yes, we do.¡± He rushed inside and returned shortly with a notebook. ¡°We have pear trees, cherry trees, and of course, mulberries and chestnuts.¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, Su Ming decided, ¡°I¡¯ll take a pear tree.¡± Chapter 144 C144 ¨C Banker Chen Su Ming was well aware that in many instances, pear trees require grafting. The rootstock was from a local variety. While the pear tree was hardy, its fruit was tiny and tasted awful. But grafting brought together the best of both worlds. Su Ming, however, wasn¡¯t concerned, thanks to his System. He didn¡¯t have to worry about nting conditions or whether to graft. The System would ensure optimal conditions for him. ¡°By the way, load up on the fertilizer,¡± he requested. ¡°Sure thing!¡± the shopkeeper replied hastily. ¡°Have it delivered using the truck.¡± After paying, Su Ming set off, leading a convoy of tworge trucks. One truck was filled with saplings, the other with fertilizer, creating an impressive sight. Entering the city center, they came to a stop at a red light. The two trucks trailing a Rolls Royce Phantom turned many heads. At the intersection, two traffic cops were managing the flow of vehicles. One, new to the job, was visibly perplexed by the scene. ¡°Brother Sun, what¡¯s with the big truck downtown?¡± he inquired. The officer blinked, his mind racing with scenes from countless movies he¡¯d seen, all the various smuggling tactics he knew of. He was itching to put his knowledge to the test! Was he about to crack a major case so early in his career? The veteran cop took a puff of his cigarette, arched an eyebrow, and advised, ¡°Don¡¯t stick your nose where it doesn¡¯t belong.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± the younger cop was taken aback. This didn¡¯t sound like Brother Sun. Brother Sun was the epitome of a hard-boiled cop, a paragon of justice. Why would he say such a thing? Could it be¡­ Noticing the young cop¡¯s puzzled look, Brother Sun chuckled and gave a light tap on the officer¡¯s cap. ¡°Kid, he¡¯s driving fine, not breaking anyws. What¡¯s it to you? Here¡¯s a tip: memorize the license te of that Rolls Royce Phantom. And don¡¯t you meddle with it from now on.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The young officer was baffled. What exactly was happening? He was brimming with questions, yet he dared not voice them. Meanwhile, Su Ming remained oblivious to the entire exchange. He kept driving and quickly reached his destination. The workers unloaded the cargo at breakneck speed. Without further ado, Su Ming tidied up the two acres and fired up the specialized fruit tree nting machine. Fruit trees require a lot more space to grow than corn. Typically, an acre can support three thousand stalks of corn. But for fruit trees, you¡¯re looking at just a few dozen to a little over a hundred per acre. For pear trees, you¡¯re talking about a hundred per acre. In no time, thanks to Su Ming¡¯s diligent work, the two acres were nted. ¡°Pear trees sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± Once he was done, a familiar alert chimed in his mind, prompting Su Ming to breathe a sigh of relief. Yet hearing the same alert as before sparked his curiosity. Why was it identical? There should have been at least a slight variation. This time, Su Ming hadn¡¯t purchased many pear trees¡ªjust around 150 grams, leaving half an acre fallow. He wasn¡¯t one to idle away his time. After rummaging around the seeds, something caught his eye. Fennel! This crop, with its unique aroma akin totro, was prizing¡ªirresistible to some, intolerable to others. But Su Ming was a fan. The scent of fennel in dumplings was unforgettable¡ªa little in a te of meat filling brought out a subtle, rich fragrance. He chuckled to himself and got straight to nting the fennel. His hands moved with practiced ease. In under two hours, he was done. ¡°Fennel sessfully nted! Time to maturity: 2 hours!¡± That quick? Su Ming had never seen such a rapid growth time in all his nting. Watering and fertilizing would only speed up the process. Heughed again, unable to contain his excitement, and started off to the side. But before he could take another step, a familiar silhouette appeared at the doorway. President Chen made another visit! ¡°Mr. Su, I see you¡¯re hard at work!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you shouldn¡¯t be doing such grueling tasks yourself. Let me handle it!¡± ¡°Since I¡¯ve been working in the fields recently, I¡¯ve noticed my back doesn¡¯t ache, my legs aren¡¯t sore, and I¡¯ve got more energy when I walk. There¡¯s definitely a benefit to hard work. Please don¡¯t hesitate to let me pitch in!¡± While talking, President Chen moved beside Su Ming, took the bucket, and began watering with ease. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve always enjoyed ying with water since I was a kid. I used to swim in the reservoir with my friends all the time.¡± ¡°Every spring, I¡¯d help my parents water the rice paddies. Those were the days I cherished the most.¡± ¡°Sadly, I stopped farming after high school, and university took me even further from the countryside¡¯s serenity. Now, in the hustle and bustle of the city, I often feel agitated.¡± ¡°But meeting you has brought back that inner peace. I owe you a debt of gratitude; you¡¯ve elevated my life to a new level!¡± President Chen cheerfully continued his work and conversation, effortlessly offeringpliments to Su Ming. Truth be told, Su Ming had grown somewhat indifferent to President Chen¡¯s ttery. He wasn¡¯t one for vanity. But then again, who doesn¡¯t enjoy a little praise? With President Chen around, Su Ming could enjoy some downtime, especially since President Chen was much quicker at these tasks. Yet, the field¡¯s weeds were somewhat forlorn. The crops that grew here were invisible and untouchable to others, only Su Ming could see and harvest them. And it was only when he stepped onto the field that he could actually see the crops. To any onlooker, it appeared to be just a wheat field. But the weeds that truly grew there were visible to all. President Chen was delighted to have taken the route that led him here today. This ce had be his daily destination, almost like a second job. However, it had been a long while since hest visited the bank. Mr. Su was the priority, after all! Above all, President Chen had bepetitive. Wang Guohui was also vying for Mr. Su¡¯s favor. If Mr. Su took a liking to Wang Guohui, President Chen¡¯s efforts would be rendered pointless. His diligence is unmatched; he makes it a point toe here and work every day. It¡¯s amitment he steadfastly adheres to¡ªit¡¯s his principle! However, age has caught up with President Chen. After a bit of work, he begins to feel the strain in his waist and legs. Chapter 145 C145 ¨C Buying the Fruit Tree Su Ming offered a wry smile as he entered the house and retrieved a bottle of ck mineral water. ¡°President Chen, you¡¯ve been such a great help to me. Have some water to quench your thirst,¡± he said, cing the bottle in front of President Chen. President Chen was visibly moved, nearly brought to tears. ¡°This is far too valuable; I simply can¡¯t ept it!¡± He was acutely aware of its worth. It was a cure for severe illness, a miraculous remedy. Wang Guohui¡¯s mother had been on the brink of death, yet she regained her health after consuming just half a bottle. And now, Su Ming was offering it to him! ¡°President Chen, I have plenty to spare,¡± Su Ming reassured him. With a casual toss, Su Ming sent the bottle into President Chen¡¯s arms. Catching it quickly, President Chen delicately wiped it with his fine suit before setting it down with care. He knew that many would mor to purchase such an item. Among his acquaintances were wealthy individuals gued by grave illnesses who would surely seek out this wonder drug if they knew of its existence. Yet both President Chen and Wang Guohui understood that Mr. Su was not in need of money. They shared an unspoken agreement to keep this secret, with Wang Guohui even instructing his staff to maintain silence on the matter. President Chen treasured the bottle too much to drink from it. He was getting on in years, as was his wife, and they had both children and elderly to care for at home. His own parents may have passed away, but his inws were still with them. This elixir could prove essential in the future. Currently in good health, President Chen had felt a surge of vitality after hisst drink of Su Ming¡¯s concoction. He was astonished that Su Ming would gift him such a valuable medicine for the modest assistance he had provided. A newfound vigor filled President Chen. He threw himself into his work with renewed zeal. ¡°President Chen, as I mentioned, I¡¯m well-stocked,¡± Su Ming reminded him. ¡°It¡¯s only right to share some with you after all the help you¡¯ve given me.¡± Hearing this, President Chen was on the verge of tears. His hard work had paid off. The daily grind had its rewards, and Mr. Su¡¯s generosity was proof of that. Even a lifelongborer would feel the ache in their back ease with such gratitude. President Chen had sampled that concoction, and now his body felt significantly more robust than before. He was somewhat weary, sure, but it was hardly worth mentioning. With a clear objective in mind, President Chen set about his tasks with meticulous care. He simply wanted to spend more time in Su Ming¡¯s presence. ¡°Mr. Su, the fertilizer you¡¯ve purchased is quite impressive. It¡¯s the best on the market at the moment. You certainly have an eye for quality,¡± heplimented. ¡°No worries, I can handle it myself. I grew up in the countryside; I¡¯m used to physicalbor,¡± President Chen assured. He hurried over to where the fertilizer was stored. Having boasted about his strength, he was determined to live up to his words. But the sight of the fertilizer bags took him aback. There was a mountain of bags, each weighing a hefty 100 kilograms. Such a weight would be a challenge for anyone not ustomed to regr heavy lifting. Stealing a nce at Su Ming, President Chen felt a twinge of helplessness. He had imed to be strong, but calling Mr. Su over now would be mortifying. Resolved to try, President Chen inhaled deeply and positioned himself beside a bag. cing his hands firmly on it, he hoisted the bag onto his shoulder with a grunt, then took another breath and found his bnce. His eyes went wide with astonishment. He could hardly believe he had managed to lift it. The bag was heavy, akin to an ordinary person hefting arge watermelon, but he had done it. The revtion stunned him. He was no longer a young man, and in the past, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to lift such a weight without risking injury. But now, it seemed effortless, and he felt confident he could lift another. It dawned on President Chen that his newfound strength was thanks to Su Ming¡¯s miraculous water. Could it really cure ailments and fortify the body? His thoughts turned to his daughter. She had grown upfortably, which had led to a bit of extra weight and poor physical fitness. Could this elixir improve her health as well? He resolved to try it out when he returned home. With his body invigorated, President Chen was overjoyed and threw himself into his work with even greater vigor. Before long, he hadpleted the watering and fertilizing tasks. Next, he meticulously cleaned Su Ming¡¯s farm vehicle until it was spotless. After sharing a meal with Su Ming, he departed with a sense of reluctance. Su Ming headed over to the neighboring construction site. Noticing that the workers were stillboring diligently, he advised them to take it easy and provided them with some food. Having done so, Su Ming returned to rest. Chapter 146 C146 ¨C Knocked on the Door As Su Ming made his way back, he was caught off guard by a sudden gust of wind. He nced upward. The sky was a nket of dark clouds, with the moon now hidden from view. Though it was just past seven in the evening, darkness had already fallen, obscuring the once-visible mountains in the distance. Checking the weather forecast on his phone, Su Ming saw a heavy downpour was predicted for the night. He needed to rush back and tell the workers to call it a night. The construction site foreman, upon hearing of the impending storm, quickly directed his crew to secure the building materials. The tasks were a breeze for them, and in no time, they had tidied up the site and headed off to rest. Back at the vi, Su Ming flicked on the lights and settled into his bedroom. He booted up hisputer, ready for a gaming session. Just then, lightning streaked across the window, followed by a massive gust of wind and the onset of torrential rain. A wave of concern washed over Su Ming. Could this deluge harm his crops? Still uneasy, he grabbed an umbre and decided to check on his fields. Standing there, everything was serene, as if untouched by the storm. The soil was dry, the crops thriving. Yet, just beyond, the rain was relentless. Could the System truly be this formidable? Relieved, Su Ming let out a sigh. With the System¡¯s safeguard, his crops were in no danger. He yawned, ready to dive back into his game. But as the game loaded, a knock at the door jolted him. Su Ming paused, realizing in his haste, he¡¯d left the door ajar. Only President Chen and Wang Guohui would visit, and the construction boss had already retired for the night. With a hint of curiosity, Su Ming approached the window for a closer look. A woman stood there. From this distance, her features were indistinct, but her silhouette was striking in a short skirt, showcasing her slender, pale legs. With a smile, Su Ming made his way downstairs to greet his unexpected guest. The girl burst through the door. ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Completely soaked, she apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it started pouring out of nowhere while I was walking, and with no shelter in sight, I took the liberty of knocking on your door. I hope I haven¡¯t intruded¡­¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared I might be a bad guy?¡± He smirked mischievously. But to his surprise, the girl burst intoughter. Su Ming was perplexed. Was she questioning his intentions? ¡°Tell me, what was thatugh about?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, so sorry!¡± she quickly realized her mistake and apologized profusely. She had been lucky to find shelter from the rain and couldn¡¯t risk offending Su Ming. ¡°I, I, I¡­¡± Then, an idea struck her. ¡°Someone as good-looking as you couldn¡¯t possibly be a bad person, right?¡± Su Ming arched an eyebrow, skeptical of her ttery. ¡°I¡­¡± The girl, catching Su Ming¡¯s doubtful look, hung her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She seemed extremely anxious. With a resigned shake of his head, Su Ming said, ¡°The third room on your right is the shower. Once you¡¯re done, you¡¯ll find clean clothes in the wardrobe; they¡¯re all men¡¯s, but feel free to wear whatever fits. Next to the shower is the kitchen, stocked with food. Help yourself to whatever you¡¯d like to cook.¡± With that, Su Ming headed upstairs. The girl breathed a sigh of relief as he left, still feeling a bit on edge. She had only just recovered from an illness and was still quite frail. The area was dominated by office towers ¨C banks, business centers ¨C ces she couldn¡¯t enter without an ess card. The downpour had been abrupt. She had been right at this doorstep when the skies opened up. Even if she had dashed for the nearest Guoxing Building, it was a good two hundred meters away. By then, she would have been drenched. Taking a taxi home would mean another half-hour on the road. She was certain to catch a cold, perhaps even ending up in the hospital. Above all, she had a deep-seated fear of thunder. With a quiet sigh of relief, she watched Su Ming ascend the stairs to the second floor. Stealthily, she slipped into the room, gently closed the door behind her, and turned the lock. Upon opening the wardrobe, she was met with an array of pristine men¡¯s clothing, the packaging untouched. She grabbed a towel from nearby and headed into the bathroom. She quickly showered in the hot water, her nerves heightened by the unfamiliarity of being in someone else¡¯s home. Post-shower, she was somewhat dismayed at not having brought any undergarments. Her only option was to wash her underwear and use the dryer to dry them. With everything taken care of, she finally felt a bit more at ease. No sooner had she stepped out of the room than she let out an involuntary sneeze. ¡°Are you okay?¡± It was then that Su Ming descended from the second floor, suggesting, ¡°Take a seat on the sofa for a bit. I¡¯ll whip up some ginger soup for you.¡± She nodded meekly and settled onto the sofa, taking in her surroundings. The vi was expansive and exuded luxury. What kind of person was he to own such a ce in the heart of the city? Her curiosity piqued. Su Ming prepared a bowl of ginger soup, into which he dropped a Body-stretching Pill. As he did this, memories flooded back to him. He recalled a time with Wang Xue when she had a cold, and he had made her ginger soup. Times had changed, though. A smile crept onto Su Ming¡¯s face. Since when had he be so nostalgic? Shaking off the sentiment, he presented the ginger soup to the young woman. She eagerly clutched the steaming cup with both hands and began to drink. After a cautious blow to cool it, she took a tentative sip. The scalding ginger soup slid down her throat, sending aforting warmth radiating through her body, soothing her considerably. ¡°Thank you.¡± Chapter 147 C147 ¨C The Kitchen Destroyer! ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Su Ming inquired, a smile on his face. ¡°I¡¯m Hsiao Kemeng. My parents and friends just call me Kemeng,¡± the little girl replied, taking another sip of her drink. Su Ming nodded understandingly. ¡°I checked the weather forecast earlier. The rain won¡¯t let up until tomorrow morning, so you should stay here tonight. Feel free to choose any room on the first floor; I¡¯ll be upstairs on the second floor and won¡¯te down.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Hsiao Kemeng said, feeling a warmth in her heart. She appreciated that Su Ming was trying to put her at ease. ¡°May I ask you a few questions?¡± she ventured. ¡°No!¡± ¡°How about just one question?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°What¡¯s your name, then?¡± ¡°Su Ming.¡± ¡°What do you do for a living?¡± Hsiao Kemeng continued. ¡°I¡¯m a bad guy!¡± he joked. Hsiao Kemeng couldn¡¯t help butugh. Su Ming was puzzled. Did he note across as a bad guy at all? It was the dead of night, a storm raging outside. She should be on high alert in a stranger¡¯s home. Yet, she seemedpletely at ease, as if she were in her own home. Where did this sense of securitye from? Was it his kindness? ¡°Alright, I¡¯m off to bed. You should get some rest too,¡± he suggested. ¡°Wait!¡± Hsiao Kemeng called out suddenly, then added sheepishly, ¡°I haven¡¯t had dinner yet.¡± ¡°Do you know how to cook?¡± ¡°A little.¡± ¡°There¡¯s food in the fridge; help yourself.¡± Standing up, Su Ming added, ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, could you make something for me as well? I¡¯m getting hungry.¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Hsiao Kemeng agreed enthusiastically, rising to her feet. Half an hourter, Su Ming set aside his phone and stared at the charred mess before him, frowning in dismay. What on earth was this? ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hsiao Kemeng murmured, her head bowed in guilt, hands nervously clutching her apron. ¡°Stop!¡± Su Ming quickly intervened. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin the apron, give it here.¡± Donning the apron himself, he rummaged through the fridge for some vegetables and meat. Hsiao Kemeng watched from the sofa as Su Ming got to work in the kitchen. In no time, the meal was prepared. Hsiao Kemeng¡¯s eyes widened in admiration. ¡°You¡¯re incredible!¡± ¡°You¡¯d be a good cook too if you lived alone for two years,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. Su Ming chuckled as he grabbed his bowl and chopsticks and started eating heartily. Soon enough, both he and Hsiao Kemeng were contentedly full. Eager to help, Kemeng took the initiative to wash the dishes. Shortly after, a crisp sound echoed from the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Then, another sharp sound rang out. Su Ming had no choice but to take over the dishwashing himself. He realized he¡¯d need to buy more bowls tomorrow; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have enough for his own use. ¡°Time for bed!¡± Su Ming dered, feigning anger as he tidied up the kitchen and gestured towards the bedroom. Kemeng, unphased, giggled, ¡°I know you¡¯re not really mad.¡± With that, she scampered off to the bedroom. Su Ming could only sigh in resignation. Outside, a fierce storm raged, but inside, it was as cozy as spring. Su Ming stretchedzily and settled down to y video games, his skills noticeably improving. He gamed into the wee hours, ande early morning, he slowly opened his eyes. After a refreshing shower and changing into a clean outfit, he headed downstairs. Kemeng was already up, a freshly bought breakfast waiting on the table, dressed again in yesterday¡¯s clothes. ¡°Thank you for letting me stay overst night. I really appreciate it,¡± she said with a mischievous smile. ¡°I got you breakfast. You can¡¯t skip it; it¡¯s bad for your health. Here¡¯s my name and contact info. I¡¯ve got to run, but let¡¯s keep in touch.¡± With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and dashed off, clearly in a rush but having waited for Su Ming to wake before leaving. Shaking his head with a smile, Su Ming didn¡¯t dwell on it. It was just a small interlude in the grand scheme of life. After breakfast, he made his way to the field and was struck by a realization¡ªthe fennel had matured! ¡°Ipletely forgot!¡± he eximed, a smile spreading across his face. He had thought Kemeng¡¯s visit wouldn¡¯t make a difference, but it had indeed thrown off his usual routine. Grabbing his sickle, he headed out to the field. As his feet touched the soil, he paused. Despite all his efforts, thend had yet to yield a single fruit. Yet now, the ground was dotted with fennel. Su Ming crouched down and tenderly plucked a sprig of fennel. The scent of fennel wafted up to him. Doubt swirled in Su Ming¡¯s mind. Could there be a glitch in the System? Impossible! He was more inclined to ept the end of the world than to entertain the thought of a malfunction in the System. But why fennel? Perhaps it was akin to the Body-stretching Pill. It might possess some unique properties. Chapter 148 C148 ¨C I No Longer Doubt the System This item was different from the Body-stretching Pill; thetter came with instructions, while this had none whatsoever. Su Ming paused, blinking thoughtfully, before deciding not to dwell on it any longer. He swung his sickle, harvesting arge swath of fennel, then carried it over to a nearby faucet for a thorough rinse. In the kitchen, he nched the fennel in boiling water, chopped it into bite-sized pieces, and wrung out the excess moisture. Next, he found a piece of pork in the kitchen. Everything was ready, but then Su Ming froze. He was out of dumpling wrappers! With no other choice, Su Ming headed to the garage and drove off to the market. Today, Su Ming was behind the wheel of a Hennessy Venom GT. This wasn¡¯t just any sports car; it was a globally limited edition worth over a hundred million, with only ten in existence. The engine¡¯s roar was music to the ears, a far cry from mere noise. The car¡¯s hefty price tag wasmon knowledge, prompting countless onlookers to turn their heads. It stood alone, with no other vehicles in sight. If they knew Su Ming was driving this car just to buy dumpling wrappers, they¡¯d be gobsmacked. Even the designer of the Hennessy Venom GT probably never envisioned such a scenario. But for Su Ming, it was of no consequence. The car was his to use as he pleased. Still, Su Ming wasw-abiding; he wouldn¡¯t use the car for hauling goods. He parked at the market entrance, an old hand at vegetable shopping. The vendor quickly packed his purchase, announcing, ¡°That¡¯ll be 58 yuan.¡± Su Ming paid with his phone and left the market, goods in hand. The vendor¡¯s eyes then caught a glimpse of a vehicle. Upon closer inspection, a wild sports car was parked not too far off. ¡°Hennessy Venom GT!¡± The young owner, in his thirties and a car enthusiast, couldn¡¯t resist the urge to snap a photo. With only ten of these cars worldwide and seemingly none yet in China, it was a rare opportunity. It wasn¡¯t that people in China couldn¡¯t afford it; rather, hefty tariffs made importation a challenge, and the international demand was simply overwhelming. Just as the boss was about to join the young man for a photo, he realized the guy had slipped into the car and started the engine. The boss was left speechless. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right? You¡¯re a billionaire and you¡¯re haggling over prices at the farmers¡¯ market?¡± But Su Ming was oblivious to themotion. He vanished in the blink of an eye. Back at home, Su Ming expertly prepared a pot of dumplings. He dropped them into boiling water. There are many techniques for cooking dumplings, but Su Ming¡¯s go-to method was the one his mother always used. Once the dumplings bobbed to the surface, they were about 80% done. He then added a ssh of cold water and waited for the boil to return. After the second boil, he added another ssh of cold water and waited for a third boil. After that, the dumplings were perfectly cooked. The cold water trick not only lowered the temperature, causing the dumpling skins to contract and be delightfully chewy, but it also left the filling untouched. Su Ming was eager to feel the effects of the dumplings on his body. The dumplings were ready in no time. Su Ming scooped out a bowlful and whipped up some garlic sauce. He hastily popped a dumpling into his mouth. After swallowing, he was perplexed. Aside from the scalding heat, he felt nothing. He blinked and tried another. Still nothing. One more try! Eventually, Su Ming polished off the entire bowl. His belly was full, yet he felt no different. What was going on? Could the System have glitched this time? Then, Su Ming froze. A fiery warmth surged in his stomach, spreading to his lower abdomen and beyond. Su Ming was astounded! The System was functioning perfectly! And the effect? It was something countless men could only dream of! If a man were standing in the middle of the street, and a crowd imed he wasn¡¯t handsome, I¡¯d be that man and take it in stride because, truthfully, I¡¯m not handsome. If theybeled him poor, I¡¯d be that man and shrug it off. Sure, I¡¯m poor now, but I can make money with my own two hands. But if they said your lovemakingsted only a brief moment¡­ I assure you, any man would either seethe with rage or flee in sheer embarrassment. The Barbarian King¡¯s ultimate movests at least 6 seconds, and you¡¯re done in 3? Who could stand for that? The Body-stretching Pill works wonders for healing and fortifying muscles and bones. Its effects might be straightforward, but they¡¯re the stuff of countless men¡¯s dreams. With such a marvel, you¡¯d be an unstoppable force in the realm of romance! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. From that moment on, Su Ming could never doubt the System again¡ªit was the most formidable force in the world! How could anything from the System be anything less than ster? Absolutely out of the question! And Su Ming believed that even if you didn¡¯t wrap fennel into dumplings but simply ate it fresh from the earth, its potency wouldn¡¯t diminish. If he mastered the art of extraction and condensed the fennel into a single pill¡­ Enough said. Should word of fennel¡¯s benefits get out, he¡¯d likely have crowds flocking to his doorstep. Chapter 149 C149 ¨C I¡¯ll Give You Guys Some Good Things! As Su Ming stood in surprise, two familiar figures emerged at the doorway: President Chen and Wang Guohui. These elderly gentlemen held positions of distinction¡ªone as a bank president, the other as the chairman of a tradepany. Yet, they found themselves on Su Ming¡¯s property. Despite their irritation, they were powerless to act, which was quite endearing! ¡°Mr. Wang, I got here first, yet you¡¯ve snatched my job. That¡¯s hardly fair, is it?¡± ¡°Cut the pleasantries. Only thepetent get to stay.¡± ¡°Firste, first-served should be honored. Don¡¯t think you can unt your wealth and intimidate Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Bringing up ¡®firste, first-served¡¯ is pointless. We both runpanies. Why haven¡¯t your employees shown any improvement?¡± ¡°Wang, if you¡¯re going to talk like that, don¡¯t expect me to hold back!¡± ¡°What¡¯s that? Boss Chen, are you challenging us to a fight?¡± Each old man grabbed a bucket, poised for a scuffle. Themotion inside the room startled Su Ming. He wondered, Who could this be? Was someone drunk and brawling at his doorstep? Rushing outside, Su Ming found the two seniors tussling over a bucket, both donned in the quintessential old man¡¯s shirt. He couldn¡¯t help but feel exasperated. Good heavens! It was a good thing he came out when he did. Otherwise, he might have been the one with a cracked skull and brains spilling out. ¡°Hold on, hold on!¡± Su Ming intervened hastily. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯ve finally appeared. Please, I need you to set things right. This man has taken my livelihood, and he¡¯s only been here a short while. I¡¯ve been the one assisting you all along,¡± pleaded President Chen. ¡°Mr. Su, don¡¯t buy into his bluster. His work is sloppy, not nearly as thorough as what I do,¡± retorted Wang Guohui. ¡°Wang, listen up. Yourpany may be more profitable, and I can¡¯tpete there. But don¡¯t you dare try to usurp my ce helping Mr. Su!¡± ¡°I will vie for it! What are you going to do about it? If you¡¯re brave enough, go ahead and hit me!¡± President Chen continued defiantly. Su Ming¡¯s head throbbed with the onset of a sudden headache. Typically, these scenarios involved a dramatic struggle for favor within a harem. But now, it was two elderly men vying for attention. Why is my life filled with so much hardship? Su Ming wondered. After a moment¡¯s thought, he told them, ¡°Hold on a second.¡± With a shake of his head, Su Ming headed to the neighboring warehouse and retrieved a bucket. ¡°One bucket per person, one acre each. That should suffice, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± The two seniors each grabbed a bucket, exchanging nces before snorting coldly and turning away, refusing to acknowledge one another. Outside, two lines of carriages stood at the ready¡ªone belonging to Wang Guohui, the other to President Chen. The tension between the two parties was palpable. Su Ming couldn¡¯t resist the urge to rub his temples. ¡°Could you have your men stand down for now?¡± he asked them. ¡°Sure!¡± one replied. ¡°No problem,¡± the other agreed. Despite their mutual animosity, both men showed considerable respect toward Su Ming and promptly dismissed their followers. Before Su Ming even had the chance to delegate tasks, the two elders were already fiercelypeting in a race to weed, fertilize, and water¡ªlike rivals in a contest. Their pace was astonishing. Su Ming watched them for a long while, his expression nk with astonishment. He blinked, his mouth agape in surprise. Let them have their fun. I¡¯m staying out of it, Su Ming resolved. After indulging in another round of dumplings, Su Ming patted his full stomach and was struck by a sudden thought. President Chen had been a great help to him, and Wang Guohui had presented him with a generous gift. Truth be told, the two seniors had put in a lot of effort, and Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of guilt. As he gazed down at the fennel, a spark of inspiration flickered in his eyes. These two gentlemen were no longer in their youth, and after years of toil, their strength was not what it once was. Perhaps in certain respects, they might¡­ The old adage goes, when one reaches middle age, they have little choice but to add wolfberries to their thermos. Yet, even a potent brew of ginseng, turtle, and oyster might struggle to rejuvenate a man¡¯s vitality in certain areas. Could these two seniors regain their youth by eating fennel? Would they be ecstatic to the point of madness? Su Ming chuckled at the thought. He went to the kitchen and retrieved the previously harvested fennel that had no immediate use. He split it into two roughly equal bundles, intending to present them as gifts once the elderly gentlemen had finished their work. Before long, it was midday, and the two seniors, having previously benefited from Su Ming¡¯s medicinal concoctions, were in robust health andpleted their tasks with ease. Su Ming emerged to treat them to a lunch in gratitude. ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Su Ming said. ¡°You¡¯ve both assisted me greatly, and I can¡¯t thank you enough. Please ept a small token of my appreciation.¡± With that, he handed each of them a bag. He patted their shoulders with a significant look. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate these gifts or discard them; they possess extraordinary properties.¡± The two men exchanged puzzled nces, recognizing the fennel but unsure of its significance. One was the president of Tianhua Bank, the other the chairman of a Trade Company¡ªboth highly esteemed figures. They were ustomed to receiving countless gifts, yet they wanted for nothing. And now Su Ming was offering them fennel? The thought would surely amuse anyone in the know. These wealthy individuals had no need for such a simple herb. President Chen and Mr. Wang exchanged a knowing look. They were no ordinary men, especially having witnessed the wonders of Su Ming¡¯s medicinal brews. The potions, resembling ink and tasting almost lethal, were in fact potent tonics capable of bolstering health and even saving lives. Mr. Su had been explicit about the fennel¡¯s remarkable effects. Could it be just an ordinary herb? Certainly not! It must be as beneficial as the famed Body-stretching Pill. ¡°Mr. Su, we don¡¯t doubt you,¡± they said. ¡°We know this must be akin to that miraculous pill you gave us before. But forgive our ignorance¡ªwhat exactly does this fennel do?¡± President Chen inquired with cautious curiosity. He had no idea what the object was for. Su Ming chuckled and gave the shoulders of the two elderly gentlemen a reassuring pat, his toneced with intrigue, ¡°You¡¯ll find out in due time.¡± At his words, the eyes of the two seniors sparkled with anticipation. It had to be a Top Grade treasure! After all, Su Ming wouldn¡¯t wear such an inscrutable expression for nothing. Chapter 150 C150 ¨C So That¡¯s How It Is Su Ming had left things unsaid. ¡°You¡¯ll understand once you¡¯ve had a taste,¡± he hinted. ¡°Just don¡¯t call me after you figure out what it¡¯s for,¡± he warned with a smirk. ¡°Enjoy it at your leisure.¡± With that, he departed, leaving the two elders frozen in the hallway. No longer vying for the upper hand, they exchanged a nce, each pondering the same question: What was the purpose of this item? Yet, they knew anything from Mr. Su was bound to be extraordinary. Unable to contain himself, Wang Guohui dered, ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day on our little contest. I¡¯ve got other matters to attend to. Farewell.¡± ¡°Wang, we¡¯ll pick this up tomorrow,¡± came the reply. Driven by insatiable curiosity, the two hastened home to discover the use of their mysterious acquisition. From his doorway, Su Ming watched the pair scurry away, confident they¡¯d be singing his praises once they¡¯d sampled the item. He had long noticed their declining health. President Chen and Wang Guohui raced home, with President Chen¡¯s wife, still the picture of grace and elegance in her forties, awaiting them. ¡°Old man, why on earth did you bring home fennel?¡± Mrs. Chen asked, taken aback. In nearly thirty years of marriage, he¡¯d never once shopped for groceries. President Chen offered a knowing smile. ¡°You¡¯re in for a treat. This is from Mr. Su. He insisted we eat it promptly, iming it works wonders.¡± Her interest piqued, Mrs. Chen was visibly startled. She had once taken a tiny sip of a potion Su Ming had given her husband, and to her amazement, her chronic rheumatism had vanished. Her esteem for Su Ming was every bit as profound as her husband¡¯s. Unable to wait, Mrs. Chen took to the kitchen. She washed the fennel and stir-fried a modest serving, careful to add just a touch of oil and salt, fearing she might diminish its potency. The couple exchanged a tentative look, then cautiously sampled a piece. No immediate effect. But then, a shared nce. They sensed a subtle change in their bodies, a faint stirring in a ce long forgotten. President Chen¡¯s eyes bulged in astonishment. It had been years since he¡¯d experienced such a sensation. ¡°This truly is a miraculous gift from Mr. Su¡ªit¡¯s nothing short of magical.¡± In that moment, President Chen was profoundly grateful for his past decision to align himself with Su Ming. It had brought only benefits and not a single downside. A mere casual gift from Su Ming had brought him immeasurable rewards. President Chen even felt as though he had regained the vitality of his youth! Mrs. Chen blinked in surprise. Truth be told, after years of marriage and since hitting their thirties, the asions they shared a bed had dwindled to a rare few. But now, President Chen was brimming with vigor. ¡­¡­ Wang Guohui returned to hispany. His actual home was in the capital, not here. Old Wang¡¯s wife had died a few years prior. He had remained single due to his dedication to work, and with his children grown, he found solitude to be quite agreeable. Yet, after consuming the fennel, he was utterly astounded by the transformation in his body. He was acutely aware of the changes within himself. Wang Guohui licked his lips, and just then, his secretary approached. She was taken aback to see Wang Guohui had cooked a dish himself. He had prepared it right in thepany cafeteria, to the astonishment of everyone present. The man running the cafeteria was particrly shaken, fearing that Wang¡¯s actions were a critique of the cafeteria¡¯s offerings. In truth, despite the manager¡¯s minor skimming, the food quality wasn¡¯t poor. But having done misdeeds, he couldn¡¯t help but feel fearful! Little did Wang Guohui realize that his simple act would transform the cafeteria¡¯s culture! ¡°Do you need something from me?¡± Wang Guohui nced at his secretary before inquiring. Despite her being an attractive woman, Wang Guohui was far from ascivious man, especially considering that his secretary was married with children. ¡°Chairman, the chairman of Cloudsea Navigation Company called just now. He¡¯s invited you to unwind with him this evening.¡± Wang Guohui was always swamped with work, and he typically wouldn¡¯t ept such invitations. However, the chairman of Cloudsea Navigation Company was a man of considerable standing. Wang Guohui would usually respond courteously, exining that his work schedule was packed and he couldn¡¯t spare the time to attend. ¡°Where¡¯s the event?¡± Wang Guohui inquired. ¡°The Green Cloud Club,¡± replied the secretary, momentarily taken aback. Chapter 151 C151 ¨C Happiness Wang Guohui asking for directions? That was a first! ¡°The Green Cloud Club?¡± Wang Guohui paused, then gave the table a solid thump: ¡°Tell him I¡¯m in. But he doesn¡¯t need to foot the bill¡ªI¡¯m hosting tonight!¡± The secretary was taken aback. Wang Guohui was usually swamped with work, not known for being particrly demanding in other areas. He had simply preferred his secretaries to be younger and more attractive, though their work capability always came first. Truth be told, they had been somewhat apprehensive when they first started working for him. However, years passed, and they found that he never once harassed them. The chairman of Cloudsea Navigation Company had extended multiple invitations to Wang Guohui, who seldom epted. Filled with curiosity, she quickly returned the call. At the club, two men past fifty were enjoying the hot springs. CEO Sun gave Wang Guohui a sly smile: ¡°Old Wang, you used to tell me to stay away from here. What¡¯s gotten into you today, suddenly inviting me and offering to pay?¡± ¡°That¡¯s my business!¡± Wang Guohui replied with a secretive grin. ¡°Come on, drop the act. What¡¯s the deal?¡± ¡°You¡¯re always buried in work, and it¡¯s taken a toll on you. It¡¯s about time you took a break. Yourpany is so well-established that you hardly need to lift a finger anymore; your team can handle everything, can¡¯t they?¡± ¡°Exactly, and I happen to know the club owner. He mentioned they¡¯ve got some new staff these days. I thought I¡¯d bring you along to meet them.¡± They exchanged a knowing look and burst intoughter. After their bath, they made their way to the top-floor VIP room. Old Sun was visibly surprised by Wang Guohui¡¯s confidence. The following morning. Old Sun was helped out by attendants. He had twisted his waist the night before. Luckily, being at a massage club, he got some therapists to work on him, and he was almost back to normal. Standing at the door, Old Sun was all set to tease Wang Guohui as he came out. But to his surprise, Wang Guohui emerged with his back straight and a spring in his step, nked by the two technicians from the previous evening. The two technicians were visibly ufortable. They kept smiles stered on their faces and clung to Wang Guohui with their arms, seemingly unable to bear the thought of letting go. Theirplexions were pale, and they walked with a noticeable wobble. Old Sun spotted the oddity immediately and was utterly baffled by it. Old Sun gulped down his saliva and cautiously approached Wang Guohui: ¡°Old Wang, you¡¯ve got to spill it¡ªdid youe across some kind of miracle drug? Look, we go way back, you can¡¯t keep secrets from me. If you¡¯ve got something good, name your price¡ªI¡¯ll pay whatever it takes.¡± Wang Guohui, now in his fifties, was brimming with vitality, a clear sign that something was amiss. ¡°Old Sun, don¡¯t spout such nonsense. I¡¯m not on any strange medication. You know every druges with side effects.¡± Wang Guohui was feigning ignorance, but what if this charade upset Mr. Su? ¡°I¡¯ll offer two million.¡± ¡°Do I look like I need your two million?¡± ¡°Five million!¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± ¡°Ten million!¡± ¡°Old Sun, you¡¯re chasing fantasies.¡± Yet, Wang Guohui had no intention of revealing the truth. Indeed, his visit was to gauge the potency of Su Ming¡¯s fennel. He hadn¡¯t expected much, butst night¡¯s oue had taken him by surprise. The efficacy of the fennel was astonishingly potent. It had exceeded all his expectations. He vividly recalled not even being this formidable at eighteen. If word got out, Mr. Su would surely hold him ountable. What¡¯s more, Mr. Su had mentioned having an ample supply of both the potion and the item. This implied that Mr. Su had even more valuable treasures at his disposal. Should Mr. Su feel generous enough to share even a fraction with Wang Guohui, the benefits would be immense. But if Wang Guohui managed to offend Mr. Su over this trifle, the regret would be unbearable. Lost in his ted thoughts, Wang Guohui was jolted back to reality when Old Sun suddenly dropped to his knees. The gesture took Wang Guohuipletely by surprise! Chapter 152 C152 ¨C Kneeling Down? Old Sun was crying and sniffling. ¡°Old Wang, we¡¯ve been friends for years, always supporting and looking out for each other. I¡¯ve always treated you well. How could you keep such good news from me?¡± Wang Guohui was taken aback. My goodness. Old Sun, when did you master my ultimate move of kneeling down in desperation? ¡°This could have negative repercussions! The club entrance is always bustling with people. What happens if they see us?¡± It wasmon knowledge that the club was involved in shady dealings, yet no one could openly discuss it. The mornings were particrly busy, and it wouldn¡¯t do for people to witness such a scene. ¡°I¡¯m certain it¡¯s true! Listen, if you don¡¯t exin what¡¯s happening, I¡¯m prepared to kneel right alongside you to prove it!¡± Wang Guohui was exasperated. How did he end up with such a persistent character? ¡°Old Sun, stand up first, then I¡¯ll fill you in,¡± Wang Guohui offered. ¡°Don¡¯t deceive me.¡± Reluctantly, Old Sun rose to his feet, still skeptical. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll give it to you straight. I did receive something from someone. But I beg your forgiveness. The person has a mysterious background and the backing of a formidable power. I wouldn¡¯t dare cross him. If he doesn¡¯t give the word, I wouldn¡¯t even dare speak to him.¡± Guohui felt a sense of helplessness. Seeing his old friend kneel before him was deeply unsettling. But he couldn¡¯t just offend Mr. Su Ming over this, could he? Only a fool would dare cross Mr. Su Ming. Old Sun was taken aback. So that was the issue? Such talk was pointless. ¡°Old Wang, you¡¯re not treating me like a friend. We¡¯ve been partners for over two decades. I¡¯ve always charged you less for transporting your goods, never once demanding a higher fee.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Wang Guohui acknowledged. ¡°So, you shouldn¡¯t keep secrets. Are you trying to make money without considering me a friend? I¡¯m not asking for much, just a small share, okay?¡± Wang Guohui was troubled. Old Sun had indeed been a long-time coborator. He managed the transportation team for the overseas Trade Company. They had severalrge ships, and many of Wang Guohui¡¯s shipments were handled by Old Sun. And Old Sun was someone who paid great attention to detail. Old Sun¡¯s shipping fee was just about 10% above the going rate. It might not seem like much, but that 10% adds up when you¡¯re dealing with shipments valued in the tens or even hundreds of millions. They were friends, after all. Minor slip-ups happened now and then, but they weren¡¯t significant enough to fuss over. Without this partnership, Wang Guohui¡¯s business would face serious obstacles, and finding a recement partner would be a daunting task. Yet, Mr. Su had gifted him something truly valuable. If Wang Guohui spread the word, Mr. Su might think he was bragging. Being too conspicuous could prompt Mr. Su to cut ties, which would be a devastating blow to Wang Guohui. Seeing Wang Guohui¡¯s dilemma, Old Sun¡¯s resolve faltered, and he found himself kneeling once more, powerless. This was a matter of his pride as a man. Old Sun was wealthy, with a worth surpassing President Chen¡¯s, though not quite reaching Wang Guohui¡¯s level. His health had been in decline since he turned 45. Medical checks revealed no illness, but his virility was severely diminished. A barbaric king in a game could unleash his power move for six seconds; Old Sun¡¯s stamina fell short of even three. He tried everything: herbal remedies, Western medicine, acupuncture, and countless local concoctions. Despite his wealth, it was all for naught. Money couldn¡¯t cure everything, and he knew it. Wang Guohui had been through it himself, understanding that such prescriptions were futile, which is why he seldom sought them. Holding off for a few months before seeking help would have been preferable. Now, with a potential solution within reach, Old Sun couldn¡¯t afford to let the opportunity slip by. Feeling cornered, Wang Guohui quickly lifted Old Sun to his feet, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve recentlye across a master named Su. He¡¯s the one who provided this. I can¡¯t promise he¡¯ll be willing to assist you, but I can at least put you in touch with him.¡± Seeing Old Sun in such a state, Wang Guohui felt a pang of sympathy. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Old Sun, who was well-acquainted with Wang Guohui and his circle of friends, inquired, ¡°When did you meet such a friend? What¡¯s his upation? Is he a practitioner of Chinese medicine?¡± ¡°Quit specting¡ªhe¡¯s a young fellow, yet a remarkably formidable sage from beyond this world.¡± ¡°Look, I¡¯m not concerned with Mr. Su¡¯s background, but I truly desire this item. Please, help me out. Money is no object.¡± Old Sun¡¯s grin was irrepressible as he sensed a shift in their fortunes. ¡°Fine, hop in my car, and I¡¯ll take you there shortly.¡± ¡°However, we need to set some ground rules first. Stay in the car until I¡¯ve had a chance to check things out. If Mr. Su gives the green light, then you cane in. But if he doesn¡¯t, we leave right away¡ªno fuss, understood?¡± Old Sun nodded eagerly, ¡°Rest assured, I¡¯ve got this.¡± ¡°Now listen, Old Sun, don¡¯t even think about offending him with money. Mr. Su might very well be wealthier than I am.¡± Wang Guohui, as an old friend, was well aware of the gears turning in Old Sun¡¯s head. Never mind that Su Ming owned six acres in the heart of the city. The Body-stretching Pill and fennel that Su Ming had bestowed upon him were in themselves invaluable. Yet Su Ming was indifferent to such wealth; his sole passion was tending to hisnd. Upon arrival, Old Sun¡¯s eyes were opened to the truth of Wang Guohui¡¯s words. ¡°Good heavens, you can¡¯t be serious that all this prime city centernd belongs to him. These six acres are easily worth tens of billions!¡± Although Old Sun himself was no stranger to wealth, the revtion still left him astounded. ¡°You old coot, always sizing up noble intentions with your narrow-mindedness. Did you honestly believe Mr. Su was nning to develop this site? You couldn¡¯t be more wrong. Mr. Su has no intention of building here¡ªhe¡¯s cultivating thend right in the city center.¡± ¡°What?¡± Old Sun was utterly bbergasted, his admiration for Su Ming growing by the moment. He had heard tales of reclusive sages who shunned worldly riches. But he never imagined he would encounter such a person in real life. ¡°Remember what I¡¯ve told you. If you don¡¯t, I won¡¯t be able to bail you out.¡± Chapter 153 C153 ¨C Fennel Su Ming was busy filling his newly constructed fish pond with water. Where awn once greeted visitors at the vi¡¯s entrance, Su Ming had envisioned something grander. He had the builders transform it into an expansive fish pond. Earlier that morning, he had phoned the market to deliver a selection of ornamental fish. They arrived and were now swimming in a ss tank beside him, a collection of exceptionally valuable species. Among them were goldfish and the highly prized Golden Arowanas, along with a variety of other species. Su Ming had ns to excavate another pond nearby, with the idea of raising piranhas. The crunch of footsteps on gravel drew his attention, and he looked up to see Wang Guohui approaching. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re up with the dawn. I specifically came over to express my gratitude for the gift you gave me yesterday¡ªit was truly remarkable!¡± ¡°Did it wear you outst night?¡± Su Ming asked, a hint of intrigue in his smile. ¡°Not at all. Thanks to the medicine you gave me, I¡¯m feeling robust,¡± Wang Guohui replied. ¡°But Mr. Su, I need to discuss something with you, and I hope it won¡¯t upset you. I have this friend, we¡¯ve been close for over two decades. Physically, he¡¯s much like me, but he¡¯s facing some¡­ delicate issues,¡± Wang Guohui said, cautiously watching Su Ming¡¯s reaction, wary of offending him. ¡°I understand,¡± Su Ming said, turning off the water faucet. ¡°Please, Mr. Su, rest assured. I¡¯m only here to inquire. If you¡¯re not on board, I¡¯ll take my friend away at once!¡± Wang Guohui was visibly anxious, knowing full well the importance of staying on Su Ming¡¯s good side. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry,¡± Su Ming reassured him with a smile. Su Ming was a man of principle. Wang Guohui had presented him with a generous gift and always treated him with the utmost respect. Besides, Wang Guohui had brought him a significant amount of fennel¡ªamodity of great value to others but of little consequence to Su Ming. ¡°I have a bit more left. Just wait here,¡± Su Ming said as he headed back into the vi. He had harvested all the fennel the previous night. Now, he grabbed a handful of the fragrant herb and brought it out. ¡°Pass this along to your friend,¡± Su Ming said, cing the fennel in Wang Guohui¡¯s hands, who was moved to the brink of tears by the gesture. Above all, Su Ming acted out ofplete trust in him. Su Ming had never once asked him for money. But he was determined to repay Su Ming¡¯s kindness. Old Sun sat in the passenger seat, fighting the impulse to bolt out. Then, he finally caught sight of Wang Guohui. As Wang Guohui slid into the car, Old Sun blurted out, ¡°Did he agree?¡± ¡°He did. You¡¯re in luck. Ten million apiece.¡± Old Sun wasn¡¯t balking at the price; he was just shocked to discover the items were merely fennel. ¡°Come on, Old Wang, don¡¯t mess with me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m serious, I¡¯ve eaten this stuff. Are you buying or not?¡± Old Sun¡¯s skepticism irked Wang Guohui, who was starting to second-guess his decision. ¡°Ten million yuan each.¡± Old Sun hesitated. Could even a solid gold bar fetch such a price? Indeed, he had the funds to purchase them. ¡°You¡¯re not serious, right? Not even gold and diamondsmand such a price.¡± Old Sun wavered. ¡°Do I look senile to you? I¡¯m telling you, this is Mr. Su¡¯s prized possession. It was hard enough to get my hands on it. If you¡¯re not interested, I¡¯ll take it back.¡± Wang Guohui made a move to grab the bag. Yet, Wang Guohui was aware that Su Ming hadn¡¯t asked for money, but he himself couldn¡¯t afford to give it away for free. ¡°Fine, I trust you. But you do realize this small bunch has at least thirty pieces, right? Combined, they¡¯re worth a fortune¡ªthree hundred million at least.¡± ¡°How about a discount?¡± Old Sun gazed at him hopefully. ¡°If you don¡¯t want them, hand them over,¡± Wang Guohui said, showing no signs ofpromise, ready to walk away. ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll take it!¡± Old Sun knew Wang Guohui wasn¡¯t the type to deceive, especially after noticing the changes in him. With a heavy heart, he made up his mind to make the purchase. ¡°Why the long face, Old Sun? Ever wonder what these could fetch at auction?¡± Wang Guohui was clearly annoyed. ¡°I¡¯m paying right now!¡± Without further hesitation, Old Sun paid up. Truth be told, it did sting a little to part with that much money. Hispany was valued in the tens of billions, yet his bank ount held a mere 400 million. He blinked, peering into his pocket, uncertain of the medicine¡¯s efficacy. Just then, Wang Guohui approached Su Ming with haste. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve sessfully sold the item. Rest assured, it fetched a handsome price!¡± ¡°What?¡± Su Ming paused, caught off guard. But upon reflection, he recognized Wang Guohui¡¯s kind gesture. To him, the item was worthless, but its market value could be astronomical. ¡°Mr. Su, the card holds a total of 380 million!¡± Wang Guohui ced the card in Su Ming¡¯s hand reassuringly. ¡°This bank card may be mine, but please, feel free to use it as you wish.¡± ¡°10 million yuan each?¡± Su Ming asked, astonished. Su Ming blinked again. Chapter 154 C154 ¨C Effect Upon seeing Su Ming¡¯s bewildered look, Wang Guohui was at a loss for words. The asking price was just too low. Who exactly was Mr. Su? And what was this medicine? ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies. Please, just name your price, and I¡¯ll have the money wired to you right away!¡± Wang Guohui pleaded urgently. He simply couldn¡¯t afford to alienate Su Ming. His connection with Su Ming was of utmost importance. Thankfully, they were within the privacy of Su Ming¡¯s vi, enclosed by towering walls. Their conversation was hushed, ensuring that no passersby could eavesdrop. Otherwise, outraged onlookers might have stormed in and demolished the vi! In the market, arge bunch of fennel could be had for a mere 10 yuan. Observing Wang Guohui¡¯s tense demeanor, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it.¡± With a smile, Su Ming gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ve done well.¡± Truth be told, the money was a trifle to Su Ming. Not long ago, he had raked in several billion. For Su Ming now, money was merely a series of digits. What truly mattered was his five-acre property in the heart of the city. Wang Guohui breathed a deep sigh of relief, only then noticing his sweat-soaked clothes. With augh, he said, ¡°Mr. Su, as long as you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s all that matters. I¡¯ll be on my way now!¡± With that, Wang Guohui turned and made his exit. Old Sun sat in his car, examining a piece of fennel with scrutiny. Could it be that he¡¯d been duped? Still, Wang Guohui was an old friend. Resolved, Old Sun decided to just eat it. At that moment, Wang Guohui climbed into the car. ¡°Old Sun, let¡¯s get you home. Oh, right, you didn¡¯t drive. I¡¯ll take you. And when you get there, have your wife whip up something good for you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if this doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll pay you back ten times over,¡± he assured. Old Sun blinked in confusion. ¡°Is it only effective when fried?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Wang Guohui had just started the car and was about to drive off when he suddenly realized something and mmed on the brakes. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat it raw, did you?¡± Old Sun¡¯s face was the picture of bewilderment. Could it be? He felt as though he¡¯d thrown his money away. Wang Guohui asked urgently, ¡°Do you feel anything?¡± Truth be told, he wasn¡¯t sure if Old Sun could eat the fennel raw; he always cooked it at home before consuming it. Tears in his eyes, Old Sun replied, ¡°Nothing.¡± Despair washed over Old Sun. Wang Guohui had just mentioned how incredibly rare the fennel was. But in his haste, Old Sun had eaten it without knowing the proper way to do so. Wang Guohui couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°Why did you rush into it?¡± Old Sun was filled with regret. As he was on the verge of tears, he suddenly froze. He noticed a gradual warmth in his lower abdomen, and his bodily functions were slowly being restored. Old Sun blinked in astonishment. Wang Guohui realized what was happening. pping Old Sun on the shoulder, he said, ¡°See, I didn¡¯t lie to you, did I?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± Old Sun confirmed. In his youth, Old Sun hadn¡¯t taken good care of himself, and his health had suffered for it. It had been ages since he¡¯d felt this good. ¡°So, was it a fair trade?¡± Wang Guohui asked. Old Sun, with dramatic ir, dered, ¡°This is the most worthwhile transaction of my entire life.¡± It was only then that Old Sun truly grasped the truth in Wang Guohui¡¯s earlier words. Even if the fennel was valued at a hundred million, there would be buyers. ¡°Old Wang, I¡¯ve been in this city for some time, yet I¡¯ve never heard of Mr. Su. What¡¯s his story? Could you introduce us?¡± Old Sun inquired, his curiosity piqued. He was eager to learn who Su Ming was. Wang Guohui quickly shook his head, ¡°Mr. Su¡¯s choice to farm in the city center speaks volumes¡ªhe shuns the limelight and prefers not to make too many acquaintances. Please, don¡¯t bother him.¡± Old Sun sighed, a twinge of disappointment in his breath. Wang Guohui wouldn¡¯t be making introductions to Mr. Su. To him, Mr. Su was an almost divine figure. Thus, he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to disrupt Mr. Su¡¯s peaceful existence. Chapter 155 C155 ¨C I Understand He was well aware that President Chen had been a constant presence by Su Ming¡¯s side, likely reaping considerable benefits. Now, with President Chen as a rival, the addition of anotherpetitor would only make things more challenging for him. However, if it were just him and President Chen, there would be no issue. It was, after all, just the two of them. Mr. Su wasn¡¯t one to be tightfisted; he would treat them both with fairness. But with more people in the mix, the dynamics could shift. As Wang Guohui drove, he mopped the sweat from his brow. He had never imagined that at his age, these concerns would still weigh on him. ¡°Old Wang, is it so much to ask to meet him just once? Do you have a photo of him?¡± ¡°Old Sun, you¡¯d better drop it!¡± Wang Guohui brought the car to a stop at the red light, turning to face his friend with a seriousness he had never shown before: ¡°Listen, Old Sun, we may be friends, but I¡¯ve told you clearly¡ªMr. Su doesn¡¯t want any disturbances. If you dare to bother him, I¡¯m willing to take a financial hit just to cut our ties immediately!¡± Wang Guohui meant every word. The two had been friends for ages, having met in their youth, and such a stern warning from Wang Guohui was unprecedented. Old Sun was no fool; he got the message loud and clear, silently nodding in understanding. Truth be told, he wasn¡¯t interested in ingratiating himself with Su Ming; he was simply curious to see what this reclusive sage looked like. Despite Wang Guohui¡¯s harsh tone, Old Sun¡¯s spirits remained undampened. He hummed a tune, bobbing his head in contentment. He was eager to head back and experience the newfound changes in his body. Knowing what needed to be done, Wang Guohui decided to drive back to the same clubhouse they had visited the day before. ¡°You old rascal, it¡¯s because of you that those girls are workingte!¡± Old Sun just grinned, offering no reply. He hopped out of the car and vanished into the clubhouse like a puff of smoke. Unbeknownst to Su Ming, these events were unfolding. He had given the fish pond a quick clean, drained it, and then refilled it with fresh water. After checking the water for impurities and pH levels, he was satisfied. The water quality was quite good¡ªperfect for the fish he was raising. Su Ming released the fish into their new home, infusing the water with oxygen and adding touches of gravel, artificial rock formations, and a sprinkling of sand. This was a task Su Ming took on personally, as he grew up with a vastke right at his doorstep. As a child, he spent countless hours ying by its shores, developing an innate connection to the water. Afterwards, Su Ming retreated to his vi for a refreshing shower before settling down at the entrance. Early autumn had brought with it a crisp coolness. Sheltered by the trees, he gently swayed in his rocking chair, the soothing sounds ofedic crosstalk in his ears and the tranquil sight of goldfish at the vi¡¯s threshold. Yet, Su Ming¡¯s thoughts were far from still. The fence enclosing his three-acre plot was nearingpletion. What should he cultivate there? Perhaps more fruit trees? That was certainly an option. But Su Ming¡¯s mind wandered further afield. The discovery of the System¡¯s absorption feature had sparked a flurry of ideas. Imagine purchasing all the high-rises surrounding the city center, leveling them, and then, with other walls dismantled, encircling the area with one massive barrier. Inside, he could cultivate thend at his leisure. To Su Ming, wealth was merely an external asset, but the happiness derived from tilling the soil was irreceable. Yet, realizing such a vision would require significant expenditure. Thend in question was prime city center real estate, valued at tens of billions. Most crucially, Su Ming couldn¡¯t voice these ns just yet. Proiming intentions to demolish the city¡¯s heart and revert it to farnd would surely earn him thebel of a madman. After all, securing a residence in or near the city center was a mark of prestige. But Su Ming had gone beyond mere acquisition; he envisioned reducing buildings to fields. A twinge of concern lingered¡ªcould this patchwork of properties truly be unified into a single, fertile expanse? If, after all his efforts, he ended up with nothing more than ordinary farnd, it would all be for naught. With a heavy sigh, Su Ming¡¯s contemtion was interrupted by the sound of footsteps at the door. In that moment, he realized he had perhaps developed a new skill. The footsteps were firm and strong, signaling the approach of President Chen. Looking up, Su Ming confirmed it was indeed President Chen. But the man before him now was a stark contrast to his former self. After taking the medicine, President Chen had been robust, yet hisplexion remained pallid. Now, he strode confidently, his posture erect, his cheeks flushed with health. His looks hadn¡¯t changed much, but the transformation was undeniable. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but be amused. Noticing the dark circles under President Chen¡¯s eyes, Su Ming deduced he likely hadn¡¯t slept a wink the previous night. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re truly remarkable. I¡¯ve never experienced such potent fennel!¡± President Chen eximed, rubbing his hands together with enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve felt like this,¡± he said, his excitement palpable. Feeling slightly awkward, Su Ming quickly steered the conversation in a different direction. Chapter 156 C156 ¨C nted a Coconut Seeing President Chen¡¯s weary appearance, Su Ming immediately realized the old man hadn¡¯t rested at all the previous night. President Chen hade to express his gratitude to Su Ming, and his timing couldn¡¯t have been more perfect. Su Ming allowed himself a smile when he noticed President Chen¡¯s excitement had somewhat subsided. ¡°President Chen, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to inquire about,¡± Su Ming said with a serene smile. ¡°I¡¯ll share everything I know, and if I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll make sure to find out for you!¡± President Chen replied, his spirits lifted even higher than before, as if he¡¯d been invigorated with a surge of energy. He was thrilled at the prospect of finally being able to handle a significant task for Mr. Su! Hadn¡¯t he been eagerly anticipating this very moment? He was determined to respond thoroughly and make a good impression, to show Mr. Su that he was indeed valuable. ¡°Take a look, this is the Guoxing Building, and there are two more office buildings behind it. If I wanted to purchase and demolish them, how much would that cost?¡± This was a topic Su Ming had not previously considered in depth. ¡°Su Ming?¡± President Chen was momentarily taken aback. He wondered if he had misunderstood. The office buildings were in fine condition; why would anyone want to tear them down? But President Chen was quick on the uptake. He soon grasped the situation. Was Su Ming nning to convert the area into farnd? ¡°You¡¯ve guessed it,¡± Su Ming confirmed. ¡°I feel that five acres isn¡¯t sufficient. Including these two office buildings should make up the difference. I¡¯m not considering demolishing the Guoxing Building just yet. Could you help me figure out the total cost?¡± Su Ming¡¯s tone remained even as he proposed this astonishing n. President Chen felt a whirlwind of emotions. He himself would never consider such an action if he owned a piece of prime city centernd. The audacity of Su Ming¡¯s n astounded him! President Chen managed to speak, despite his shock: ¡°Mr. Su, you must realize that Eastsea is a top-tier national city, and downtownndes at a premium. These two buildings upy a significant area. To acquire them, you¡¯d be looking at a minimum of 20 billion.¡± President Chen blinked, adding, ¡°And if you n to purchase and then demolish them, the cost could be substantially higher, perhaps by several billion more.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Su Ming said, now with a clear idea in mind. ¡°Is 30 billion really going to be enough?¡± Su Ming gave a slight nod, signaling his acknowledgment. President Chen felt a twinge in his heart. We¡¯re talking about 30 billion here. Why did Mr. Su seem to treat such an astronomical amount of money as if it were chump change? Su Ming stroked his chin, contemting. The total in his bank ounts was nearing a billion. It seemed a bit of a stretch, but Su Ming was confident he¡¯d reach his goal before long. After all, the Body-stretching Pill and fennel alone promised to bring in a substantial revenue. President Chen managed to quell the astonishment bubbling inside him. Yet, a part of him felt a surge of joy. Farming was exhausting work. He used to manage two acres ofnd on his own, but now Old Wang waspeting for the same work. However, if Su Ming were to purchase two more Guoxing Buildings, the farmingnd would significantly increase. The workload was too much for one person, and even Su Ming couldn¡¯t handle it all alone. ¡°Mr. Su, I have no doubt you¡¯ll make it happen. Please, if there¡¯s ever anything you need, don¡¯t hesitate to call me. Anytime, day or night,¡± President Chen offered eagerly. He had made some money over the years, but it paled inparison to what he¡¯d earned in just half a month working with Su Ming. The Body-stretching Pill and the fennel alone hadted him more than all his previous earningsbined! ¡°Rest assured, if I truly need assistance, you¡¯ll be the first to know,¡± Su Ming reassured him, standing and giving President Chen¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll keep you in mind for any future opportunities.¡± Su Ming offered a warm smile. He genuinely appreciated President Chen. If he came across another windfall like the Body-stretching Pill, sharing a bit with President Chen was the least he could do. At those words, President Chen felt a lump in his throat. To him, not even the world¡¯srgest bank couldpare. No amount of money could outweigh the importance of Mr. Su! His health had been failing, but after taking the Body-stretching Pill, he felt revitalized. His family¡¯s health had improved dramatically too. And that handful of fennel? It brought back the vigor of his youth. ¡°Mr. Su, I won¡¯t keep you from your rest any longer. I¡¯ve got things to attend to.¡± President Chen set his clothes aside and got down to work. With Old Wang absent today, he was on his own. Su Ming blinked, his mind turning over ways to make money. He still had arge collection of antiques that hadn¡¯t been sold at auction. Together, the proceeds should suffice. But Su Ming gave it some more thought. Their approach made sense; this cycle was likely to be a lengthy one. After all, flooding the market with antiques all at once would depress prices across the industry. Su Ming wasn¡¯t worried. The fence around the adjacent three-acre plot was nearlyplete. He needed to decide what he would nt there first. He rose and strode to the nearby warehouse, swung the door open, and surveyed the seeds within. The usual array of fruits and vegetables no longer piqued Su Ming¡¯s interest. Then something caught his eye. Coconuts! A moment of realization struck Su Ming. He could nt coconut trees right there in the soil. Chapter 157 C157 ¨C The Pear Tree Matured Coconut trees require quite specific growing conditions. They are typically found in the southern regions. Although Su Ming resides in Linhai, which is coastal, it leans more towards the north. As a result, the winters there can be somewhat chilly. The chances of coconut trees surviving in that climate are slim, but with the System in ce, there¡¯s nothing to worry about. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but let out a heartyugh as he strode confidently out to the adjacent construction site. The workers were already wrapping things up, ready to depart, while the boss meticulously inspected every detail of the wall, head bowed in concentration, fearful of overlooking the slightest w. From an aerial view, One could see that the previously separate two-acre and three-acre plots were now enclosed by a single wall. The wall that had bordered the three acres was gone. From thefort of his vi, Su Ming could survey the three-acre expanse. And, in line with his wishes, there was also an exit on this tract ofnd. The wall stood impressively tall, reaching a full three meters. Constructed of reinforced concrete, it was designed to endure Level-13 gales. Yet, the boss confidently imed it could easily withstand Level-15 gales, not just Level-13. Upon spotting Su Ming, the boss quickly rose to his feet and approached with a beaming smile. ¡°Mr. Su, take a look¡ªthe wall isplete. Does it meet your expectations?¡± Su Ming, hands sped behind his back, circled the wall twice, scrutinizing it as a foreman would a job site. ¡°The wall is exceptionally well-built.¡± Hearing this, the boss was inwardly delighted. He recognized the extent of Su Ming¡¯s influence. President Chen and Wang Guohui had visited several times in recent days, their earnest attention to Su Ming¡¯s affairs signaling their respect. The boss was well aware of their stature, far surpassing his own, and he rarely had the opportunity to even meet such individuals. Yet, in Su Ming¡¯s presence, these influential figures seemed like mere staff members. Clearly, Su Ming¡¯s status was far greater than the boss had ever imagined! ¡°I¡¯m pleased to have your endorsement. Everything¡¯s been cleared; thend is ready for you to cultivate whenever you wish.¡± ¡°Thank you for your diligence.¡± Su Ming offered a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve reserved a few tables for you at the nearby restaurant. Enjoy your meal before you head out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not quite right for us to do this.¡± ¡°Are you turning down my invitation?¡± Su Ming feigned irritation. ¡°We will certainly ept your invitation!¡± The boss, startled by the response, quickly assured, ¡°We¡¯ll not only join you for the meal, but we¡¯ll make sure to clean our tes!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Off you go.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡± The boss, in a fluster, nodded and dabbed at the cold sweat on his forehead. He was nearly scared out of his wits. ¡°By the way, I¡¯ll make sure to pay you your wages once our vi ispleted.¡± ¡°What payment are you referring to?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you aware of the bill?¡± ¡°The bill? I¡¯ll send it to youter!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± By the time the boss got to the door, his clothes were drenched. It wasn¡¯t the heat; it was sheer fright that had him sweating bullets. He had never encountered such a situation before. Usually, those who owe money are reluctant to pay, while those who earn their living by working can¡¯t wait to ask for more. But with Su Ming, it was theplete reverse. One reluctant to take money, the other insistent on giving it! Standing at the doorway, the boss shook his head, realizing his perspective had been too narrow. To Mr. Su, the sum on the bill was trivial. He had nearly angered Su Ming. Thankfully, Su Ming wasn¡¯t upset. It looked like the boss would need to tread more carefully from now on! Su Ming checked the time. Due to the regr fertilizing and watering, the pear tree was expected to bear fruit by tonight. With a sense of excitement, Su Ming headed to the warehouse, pulled out the farm vehicle, and tilled the entire three-acre plot. President Chen was eager to lend a hand, but Su Ming stopped him. ¡°President Chen.¡± Su Ming handed over the bank card Wang Guohui had given him: ¡°There are hundreds of millions on this card. Take care of it for meter. No, do it now, and transfer the funds to my bank ount. It¡¯s important, and I need you to handle it personally.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± President Chen snapped to attention, ready to carry out his boss¡¯smand. This was a task entrusted to him by Mr. Su. He was in Su Ming¡¯s service now. There was no need to question the reasons. Following orders was all that mattered! Just follow Mr. Su¡¯s orders without question! Su Ming chuckled as he watched President Chen drive away. It wasn¡¯t that Su Ming distrusted Wang Guohui; he simply wanted to distract President Chen to nt coconuts! After all, an acre could only sustain 25 to 30 grams of coconut trees. Thus, for three acres, 100 grams were sufficient. He was sure to finish nting before President Chen¡¯s return. Su Ming downed a Body-stretching Pill, feeling a surge of strength. He hoisted two bags of coconuts and strode into the field, quickly getting the nting done after measuring the distances. Satisfied, he dusted off his hands and stood in the aisle. The System seamlessly disguised the three acres, leaving no trace of disturbance. Shortly after Su Ming wrapped up, just as he took a sip of water, President Chen was back. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯vepleted the task you assigned to me!¡± ¡°Good.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve just finished with these three acres. Could you water and fertilize them for me?¡± ¡°You got it!¡± President Chen¡¯s eyes sparkled at the request. He licked his lips eagerly, eyeing the three acres as if they were a stunning beauty. Su Ming couldn¡¯t suppress a chuckle at President Chen¡¯s fervor. ¡°Coconuts sessfully nted! Harvest time: 28 hours!¡± Not wanting to interrupt President Chen¡¯s enthusiasm, Su Ming let him be. Wang Guohui arrivedter in the afternoon. The two old men nearly came to blows upon meeting. Eventually, Su Ming had to set boundaries for them. President Chen took on the weeding, watering, and fertilizing of the three acres. Wang Guohui handled the same tasks for two acres, plus the maintenance of the farm machinery. This arrangement finally brought some peace between the two. Night fell in the blink of an eye. After tidying up, President Chen and Wang Guohui said their goodbyes and departed. The once-lively courtyard fell silent. Su Ming grabbed a bite to eat and nced at the clock ¨C it was past eight in the evening, and the pears would ripen in an hour. In the past, he might have been antsy, but now he remained perfectly serene. Su Ming headed upstairs for a bit of gaming before ncing at the clock. Time¡¯s up! Setting the mouse aside, Su Ming hummed a tune while making his way downstairs to the yard. A garden of pear trees, heavy with fruit, greeted him. Chapter 158 C158 ¨C Shock Upon catching the scent of fruit, Su Ming¡¯s initial thought was: Could this be akin to fennel? The trees bore pears, but was there something else special about them? Approaching for a closer look, Su Ming was astounded. The trees wereden with diamonds! These weren¡¯t like the diamonds he¡¯d unearthed before; these sparkled with color. Pink diamonds, blue diamonds, ck diamonds ¨C all of considerable size. Su Ming had a friend who was a designer in the diamond industry, who once mentioned that a 24-carat pink diamond fetched 320 million yuan at auction. That was a decade-old price. Today, it would have surely doubled at the very least! Nearby, a pink diamond dangled from a branch, appearing evenrger. The notion of diamonds as luxury goods was a deception in itself. Long ago, there was no link between marriage and diamonds. Yet, diamond merchants coined a phrase that married the two concepts, crafting one of the most sessful advertising campaigns ever. It shifted the marital values of countless people! While diamonds are seen as luxury in society, they aren¡¯t inherently rare. The world is home to numerous diamond mines. If all the earth¡¯s diamonds were extracted, everyone could have a handful, diminishing their worth. Diamond merchants, to maintain market value, curtailed mining. Yet, the value of colored diamonds has never waned. Colored diamonds are the epitome of luxury! Each tree bore diamonds of a single hue ¨C one tree pink, another blue. Su Ming recalled an auction four years prior where a 14.62-carat Auburn Heimeran diamond sold for an astonishing 400 million yuan, breaking the world record for diamond auctions! Su Ming blinked in disbelief. With roughly ten diamonds per tree, the collective sum amounted to thousands. He had fretted over financial sources, but with these gems, thirty billion seemed trivial. Even now, Su Ming was momentarily stunned. He swallowed hard and rushed back inside to grab more bags for harvesting diamonds. After a quick tally, he estimated nearly 2,000 diamonds in his possession! The yield seemed modestpared to when red wine had grown in his cornfield. But when ced next to diamonds, red wine just seemed too inexpensive. Su Ming chuckled heartily, ready to unfold his grand ns atst! Containing his excitement, Su Ming strolled over to the field and tidied it up a bit. The pear tree remained verdant and thriving, clearly poised for another fruitful season. Could diamonds actually be sprouting from the tree? Having over two thousand diamonds wasn¡¯t too concerning for Su Ming, and he had no intention of selling them all. Selling too many at once would surely disrupt the market value. He resolved to offload his diamonds gradually, but if the quantity became overwhelming, he¡¯d be at a loss. Su Ming had assumed that two subterranean levels would suffice for storage. Yet, he now found the space somewhat cramped. In just a few days, the warehouse was nearly filled to capacity. What was he to do? You can¡¯t even fathom your own luck! If it¡¯s too much for you, pass one our way. We certainly don¡¯t see it as excessive. ¡°Ding! Crop harvest sessful. You¡¯ve earned 2,000 experience points! Next harvest in 24 hours!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, your level has increased! In 24 hours, the System will unlock new features!¡± The sudden notification sound in his head left Su Ming momentarily dazed. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV5 Experience Points: 11,050 / 20,000 Farm Level: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts; Initial Scanning Ability; Stamina Talent Su Ming hadpletely forgotten! His level had gone up! He burst into jubntughter. This time, his profits were substantial. The System had not only unlocked a new feature but also rewarded him with a plethora of diamonds. And he had harvested crops once again. Su Ming couldn¡¯t be sure diamonds would be part of the next haul. But whatever the next yield brought, it was bound to be valuable. He had enough diamonds tost a considerable time! Thus, Su Ming hoped for something different next time ¨C perhaps a genuine pear tree that bore sulent fruit for him to savor. Calming his racing heart, Su Ming made his way upstairs. Real estate was foreign territory to Su Ming. But President Chen and Wang Guohui were likely to assist him with the endeavor. He needn¡¯t be involved personally. The top priority was to offload these items. He needed to make enough money. Lying in bed for a bit, Su Ming drifted off to sleep. The next day, bright and early, Su Ming had just finished freshening up when President Chen arrived. ¡°President Chen is here so early,¡± Su Ming mused. Feeling somewhat resigned, Su Ming watched as President Chen, without disturbing him, quietly made his way to the three-acre plot and started watering and fertilizing. Su Ming chuckled to himself as he headed downstairs. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re up early!¡± President Chen expressed his surprise. Mr. Su had the air of a sage about him, but he was still a young man. Sleeping in would have been perfectly normal. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smile at President Chen, thinking about how he must have been upte against night, likely in a lengthy battle of sorts, undeterred by the thought of his wife being exhausted. ¡°President Chen, I need to ask you something,¡± Su Ming said. ¡°Of course, ask away.¡± President Chen responded eagerly. ¡°Do you know of any ces that offer diamond recycling services?¡± inquired Su Ming. ¡°Diamonds?¡± President Chen paused briefly before responding, ¡°Our bank provides that service. Plus, there are specialized jewelry stores that also recycle diamonds.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡± Su Ming nodded, showing his understanding, then posed another question, ¡°Can your bank handle a 30 billion transaction?¡± ¡°How much?¡± President Chen was taken aback. He had assumed Su Ming would bring out a few more diamonds from his stash to sell. President Chen had figured Su Ming might want to offload diamonds worth a few tens of millions at most. But the idea of Su Ming wanting to sell diamonds valued at a staggering 30 billion caught him off guard. For a moment, President Chen couldn¡¯t decide who was more out of touch with reality ¨C himself or Su Ming. Then he remembered their conversation from the day before. That exined why Su Ming had asked him about the cost of purchasing two buildings. ¡°Mr. Su, diamonds are indeed valuable, but 30 billion¡­¡± President Chen hesitated, unsure how to continue. Ordinary diamonds worth 30 billion would require such a massive quantity, they¡¯d need to be hauled by train. And even several high-grade diamonds wouldn¡¯t fetch a price anywhere near 30 billion. Chapter 159 C159 ¨C Shortsighted! Su Ming caught the wary look on President Chen¡¯s face and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself. ¡°President Chen, are you questioning my abilities?¡± ¡°Just be straight with me, is it enough or not?¡± Su Ming asked with a serene smile. Upon hearing this, President Chen¡¯s mind raced. Could Su Ming actually possess diamonds worth 30 billion? President Chen had always considered himself wealthy, but next to Mr. Su, he felt as poor as a church mouse. ¡°It¡¯s enough,¡± President Chen finally managed to say, though the words came out with great difficulty. ¡°Chen Guosheng, you¡¯re utterly useless! Mr. Su gives you a simple task, and you can¡¯t even manage that?¡± He used to take pride in his title as president, but now he saw himself as aplete failure. The more President Chen dwelled on it, the more despondent he became, until he abruptly pped himself. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize, I¡¯m not able to assist you,¡± President Chen confessed, his eyes brimming with tears. Su Ming was taken aback. Why did this remind him so much of Wang Guohui¡¯s behavior? ¡°President Chen, calm down, I was just asking,¡± Su Ming said, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Is there anyone capable of handling such arge transaction with us?¡± President Chen paused, scratching his head in thought. Then, a spark of realization lit up his eyes. ¡°You know what, Mr. Su? There actually is someone in Eastsea City who can handle it!¡± ¡°Good!¡± Su Ming nodded in approval. ¡°Then follow me.¡± Leading the way, Su Ming set off with President Chen trailing behind. Approaching the vi, President Chen was a bundle of nerves¡ªit was his first time stepping inside Su Ming¡¯s home. He took several deep breaths to calm his racing heart, reminding himself not to touch or gaze at anything out of ce. Before entering, President Chen meticulously cleaned his shoes at the roadside before cautiously stepping onto the floor. But as soon as he reached the basement, he was dumbstruck. Is this a dream? What in the world? Rows upon rows of red wine, and not just any red wine¡ªthese were bottles of exceptionally rare and valuable vintage! In anyone else¡¯s care, these bottles would be treasured and carefully preserved. Yet here, Su Ming had them scattered carelessly. President Chen was frozen in ce. Su Ming offered a smile. ¡°President Chen, if any catch your eye, feel free to take a few bottles home to enjoy.¡± ¡°What?¡± President Chen was taken aback, then quickly shook his head: ¡°No!¡± ¡°Fine, once you¡¯ve handled this for me, I¡¯ll pick out a few bottles for you.¡± Su Ming chuckled to himself. To others, this liquor was a treasure, but to him, it was of no value. They soon arrived at the adjacent warehouse. Su Ming pulled open the door and stepped inside. President Chen was rooted to the spot in shock. This time, he lingered at the doorway for a full thirty seconds, his breath caught in his throat. His earlier surprise was premature. The room was filled to the brim with diamonds! Large, raw diamonds were carelessly arranged in boxes by Su Ming. The disy-worthy ones were all ck, pink, or blue diamonds. President Chen had harbored doubts about Su Ming¡¯s ability to produce such an abundance, but now his belief was unshakeable. President Chen gave himself a sharp p. It served both to jolt him back to reality and to banish any lingering skepticism he held towards Mr. Su. If Mr. Su imed he could scoop up the moon, President Chen would take him at his word. Noticing President Chen¡¯s dumbfounded look, Su Ming blinked. Was there a side effect to the Body-stretching Pill? He had taken it as well, yet noticed no adverse effects. ¡°Mr. Su, I was mistaken. I¡¯ll never doubt you again!¡± President Chen dered emphatically from the doorway. Su Ming paused, his mouth agape, eyes blinking in surprise. He was oblivious to President Chen¡¯s inner turmoil. Had he known, he surely would haveughed. ¡°President Chen, I¡¯m not well-versed in diamonds. Could you have a look for me?¡± Su Ming gestured towards a nearby shelf. ¡°How many diamonds would you say are needed to fetch 30 billion?¡± President Chen inhaled sharply, gathering his courage before stepping inside with caution. He seemed to forget that diamonds are among the hardest materials on Earth. Initially overwhelmed, President Chen eventually regained hisposure. After witnessing Mr. Su¡¯s stockpile, no diamond, no matter how precious, would ever impress him quite the same way again. With his extensive banking experience, President Chen had encountered numerous diamonds and his appraisals were spot on. He selected roughly 100 diamonds. ¡°Mr. Su, these ought to do the trick.¡± ¡°Is this sufficient?¡± President Chen chuckled. ¡°I presume you¡¯ve already researched the prices of these diamonds online. While pricey, they don¡¯te close to matching the size and quality of your stones. I¡¯d wager your diamonds could fetch at least several times more.¡± ¡°You¡¯re aware that therger diamonds are nearly depleted. Should these gems hit the auction block, I¡¯m confident the wealthy would spare no expense.¡± ¡°However, auctioning them means paying amission, not to mention the lengthy process.¡± ¡°I estimate that 70 diamonds ought to do the trick.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. He ascended the stairs and retrieved an old suitcase. Once, he had acquired a diamond. It was a mere third of the size of Su Ming¡¯s. That diamond had been secured in a heavy-duty safe, escorted by a police car, as bystanders steered clear. Chapter 160 C160 ¨C Are You Guys Buying Diamonds?? He tossed all the diamonds into the suitcase. Even someone as desensitized as President Chen found his eyelids twitching at the sight. Why did Su Ming look as though nothing was amiss? Having followed Mr. Su for so long, President Chen had not only expanded his worldview but also deepened his knowledge. Those he once considered formidable now seemed insignificant next to Su Ming, like a light rain. President Chen was taken aback once more when Su Ming led him to the underground garage. He knew of Su Ming¡¯s penchant for cars, but the sight of the luxury vehicles lined up left him in awe: the disy was simply breathtaking! Su Ming let out a sigh, startling President Chen. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Mr. Su, are you feeling unwell? Or has something happened?¡± President Chen was visibly concerned. ¡°President Chen, do you ever find yourself extremely frustrated?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he replied earnestly. ¡°And how do you deal with the issue that¡¯s bothering you?¡± ¡°Just let things take their course¡­¡± President Chen was puzzled. ¡°That¡¯s a good approach,¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. ¡°Mr. Su, may I ask what¡¯s troubling you?¡± President Chen was genuinely perplexed; he had no clue about Su Ming¡¯s concerns. Su Ming¡¯s sigh was enigmatic, leaving everyone in the dark about its cause. ¡°With all these cars, which one should I choose to drive?¡± Su Ming mused aloud. President Chen felt like he was going to lose it. All this time, Su Ming¡¯s dilemma was simply choosing a car to drive. Mouth agape, President Chen was at a loss for words. After pondering for a moment, Su Ming stroked his chin. ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll stick with the usual method.¡± With that, he picked up a pebble from the ground and tossed it forward. The pebble rolled several meters beforeing to a halt. ¡°That¡¯s the one!¡± Su Ming had made his choice. It was a shy red Ferrari sports car. Witnessing Su Ming¡¯s unconventional selection process, President Chen was dumbfounded. Could it really be that simple? he wondered. Su Ming was truly in a league of his own. President Chen realized he had learned something new. ¡°Mr. Su, your approach is truly impressive. It appears effortless, yet it¡¯s underpinned by profound wisdom.¡± President Chen offered his heartfelt admiration. Su Ming turned to face President Chen. He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Su Ming wondered if President Chen¡¯s love life had been particrly vibranttely. How did he suddenly get so sharp? His talent for doling outpliments seemed to be on the rise. Without hesitation, President Chen swiftly stowed Su Ming¡¯s suitcase in the car¡¯s trunk. Truth be told, the trunk space in a sports car is quite limited. Taking his ce behind the wheel, President Chen assumed the role of Su Ming¡¯s personal chauffeur. The car was a Ferrari, equipped with a state-of-the-art suspension system. Plus, they were in the heart of the city, where the roads were impably smooth, without a single pothole in sight. Still, Mr. Chen drove with utmost caution. He even touched the brakes with a feather-light press. After all, if he upset Mr. Su and caused him any difort, the regret would be immense. Especially considering there was a case of diamonds in the trunk. Imagine if he tossed that diamond-filled suitcase onto the street¡­ And then proimed, ¡°Help yourselves to the diamonds! They¡¯re free!¡± He was certain that his international friends would hear the news and swoop in with fighter jets to snatch them up, risking life and limb if necessary. Eastsea City was expansive. It was, after all, a coastal metropolis and a top-tier national city. Su Ming was situated downtown. The city itself wasid out like a disk, divided into four quadrants: north, south, east, and west. Su Ming had spent time working and living in the East District. Whether shopping or heading home, he always passed through the East District. The antique market he had visited was also on the outskirts of this area. Now, he was venturing into the West City District, a region he seldom explored. Walking the streets, he took in the somewhat unfamiliar architecture with a quiet sense of wonder. Previously, Su Ming¡¯s relentless work schedule left him no leisure to visit the West City District. But now, with time on his hands, it seemed right to broaden his horizons. The city was vast, after all, and driving from one end to the other could take close to an hour. Before long, President Chen pulled up to their destination. Su Ming noted it was a clubhouse. It boasted an expansive area,plete with a massive parking lot at the entrance. The doors were wide open, with a steady stream of people bustling in and out. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, a testament to the wealth that frequented the area. ¡°Mr. Su, this is thergest jewelry appraisal and trading center in Eastsea City,¡± someone exined. ¡°Only multinational corporations have the expertise to appraise jewelry here.¡± ¡°They won¡¯t hesitate to acquire something valuable, even if it means borrowing money to do so.¡± ¡°The profit they turn after a second round of processing the jewelry is substantial.¡± Su Ming simply nodded in understanding. The arrival of a shy red sports car turned heads. Good cars weremon here, but most were worth a few million at best. A car with a price tag in the tens of millions was a rare sight indeed. The owner of such a vehicle was undoubtedly someone of significance, and onlookers couldn¡¯t help but pause and stare as several people approached. President Chen popped the trunk of his car and retrieved a worn suitcase, catching everyone off guard. Sellers in this market handled their wares with the utmost care; no one used a battered suitcase for precious jewels and jade. Could it possibly contain money? That seemed unlikely¡ªcash transactions were a rarity these days, and the suitcase was too small to hold more than a million, a mere starting bid in this marketce. Unconcerned with the spection swirling around him, Su Ming strode confidently inside alongside President Chen. The onlookers exchanged nces, certain that these two men were wealthy. What could possibly be inside that dpidated suitcase? Curiosity was a powerful force, and several people, unable to resist, discreetly followed them. President Chen led the way with Su Ming in tow. They ascended to the third floor by elevator and continued deeper into the building. Soon, they arrived at an expansive shop with a grand hall at its center, nked by two attractive attendants. Recognizing a familiar face, the attendants¡¯ eyes sparkled with recognition. ¡°President Chen, wee back! We¡¯ll notify the boss right away.¡± ¡°Make it quick,¡± he replied with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ve brought him a major business opportunity this time!¡± The attendants hurried to amodate, eager to please. Chapter 161 C161 ¨C Really Strange Who is President Chen? He¡¯s none other than the president of Tianhua Bank. A major yer, his standing is on par with their own boss. Each visit from President Chen is met with personal hospitality from their boss. Yet, despite several visits, President Chen never hinted at any significant deals. His idea of ¡°big business¡± must be beyond their wildest dreams! Before long, a spry, middle-aged man in his fifties, smartly dressed in a suit and tie, approached with a beaming smile. ¡°President Chen!¡± The man grinned. ¡°Thank you foring to support my business once again, President Chen.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong, Boss Fong.¡± Mr. Chen gave a knowing smile and stepped aside. ¡°This time, it¡¯s Mr. Su who has brought business your way.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Boss Fong was no fool. Was he not aware of the kind of man President Chen was? Only someone extraordinary couldmand such respect from President Chen. ¡°My apologies, Mr. Su. We¡¯ve been a bit slow on the uptake. Please,e in!¡± Boss Fong stepped aside to let them pass, though a question nagged at him. Why would someonee to do business carrying a battered old suitcase? But Boss Fong held his tongue. He understood that he would learn what he needed to know in due time; it was better to ask fewer questions. They were quickly ushered into the VIP room. ¡°Boss Fong, let¡¯s skip the formalities. I¡¯m here to sell something, and I¡¯m curious if yourpany can handle it,¡± Su Ming said, his tone light. ¡°Haha!¡± Despite knowing Su Ming¡¯s distinguished identity, Boss Fong couldn¡¯t suppress a heartyugh. ¡°Mr. Su, surely you jest. Our store is thergest in the entire appraisal center. There¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t handle.¡± Su Ming nodded in assurance. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± He then ced the suitcase down and smoothly unzipped it. Initially, Boss Fong wasn¡¯t impressed. What treasure could a shabby suitcase hold? The idea that he might not be able to afford it wasughable. But as Boss Fong glimpsed the contents, he shot to his feet. The ever-steady Boss Faang became rigid at the sight of the diamonds, his body shaking uncontrobly until he fainted momentster. President Chen was immediately thrown into a state of panic. They had simplye to sell items, so why were they now facing extortion? ¡°Come on, Boss Fong, you can¡¯t fool me. Even if you fake a faint, we¡¯re not dropping the price.¡± President Chen rushed over to examine Boss Fong more closely. He had actually fainted! He was convulsing and frothing at the mouth! Seeing this, Su Ming became rmed. It was just a sale. And now, someone¡¯s life was at stake. The staff outside heard themotion and burst into the room. ¡°Boss Fong, are you okay?¡± ¡°Boss Fong, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Boss Fong hasn¡¯t had a seizure in over a decade. What happened?¡± Hearing this, Su Ming¡¯s expression grew grim. He wondered how Boss Fong could risk running a diamond recycling business with his epilepsy. Boss Fong must have thought he was beyond being surprised by anything he saw. Yet he hadn¡¯t anticipated that Su Ming¡¯s item would astonish him to such an extent. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°My goodness, they¡¯re all diamonds!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that the pair who just walked in?!¡± ¡°It turns out this shabby suitcase is stuffed with top-tier diamonds.¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Several more people copsed. President Chen observed the scene. His subordinate was quite the mimic of the boss. Aside from this act, Boss Fong hadn¡¯t taught him anything else. Was extortion part of their corporate culture? ¡°What¡¯s this about? Top-grade diamonds?¡± ¡°Let me have a look.¡± ¡°They are indeed real!¡± The disturbance inside inevitably caught the attention of those outside. Several elderly gentlemen with snowy hair charged in. Their chests bore name tags indicating their prestigious roles¡ªfive-star appraisers. In the appraisal world, the more seasoned the appraiser, the more formidable their expertise. These senior appraisers were treasures in their field, seldom making mistakes. With just one look, these veterans confirmed the authenticity of the diamonds, and not just any diamonds¡ªthese were all of the highest quality! If the younger man had fainted, how could these elders withstand the shock? In no time, several of them had keeled over. More people had sumbed to unconsciousness! By now, Su Ming and President Chen had be desensitized to the chaos. It no longer fazed them. Su Ming was simply here to make a sale, yet you all seem intent on turning it into a tragic con? Those in the know understood that Su Ming hade to sell diamonds. To the uninformed, it might as well have been poison gas bombs he was peddling. Just then, a frail voice broke the silence. Boss Fong regained consciousness and unsteadily rose from the floor. Barely on his feet, he quivered with urgency, ¡°Where are the diamonds? Where are my diamonds?¡± Now that¡¯s how a boss behaves! His words seemed to revive the others; the young and the elderly alike began to find their footing, rising slowly one after another. But wait! One old man remained on the ground! ¡°It¡¯s a stroke. Call an ambnce¡ªnow!¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. All he wanted was to conduct a quiet transaction: money exchanged for goods, and then he¡¯d be on his way. Who could have predicted that upon opening the case, everyone would keel over! And to top it off, an old man had suffered a stroke! The club had its own medical team, which suggested this wasn¡¯t their first rodeo with such incidents. Seeing top-tier merchandise like today¡¯s was a rarity, of course. More often than not, people would splurge on what they believed to be premium items, only to bring them here for authentication. And then they¡¯re bluntly informed that their prized possession isn¡¯t an artifact from the Western Zhou dynasty, but rather fromst week. Quite the letdown. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry. The old master is just overly thrilled!¡± An experienced doctor among them took charge, deftly making a small cut in Boss Fong¡¯s vein. A little bloodletting was all it took for Boss Fong to starting around. ¡°A top-grade diamond!¡± The doctor caught sight of the gems. His eyes bulged. And then he, too, hit the floor! After some initial chaos, a semnce of calm was restored. Yet the crowd swelled as word spread, with neighboring merchants swarming in a frenzy. ¡°May I touch them?¡± Boss Fong resembled a bachelor who¡¯d been deprived of femalepany for far too long. With his tongue out and lips puckered, his face was etched with raw longing. He swallowed hard, anticipation building. He carefully sought Su Ming¡¯s opinion. ¡°Sure thing.¡± Su Ming was indifferent. After all, he was in the business of selling, and it was only proper for Boss Fong toe and evaluate the merchandise. Su Ming was unconcerned with Boss Fong¡¯s meticulousness, though Boss Fong himself proceeded with great caution. Boss Fong was visibly shaking, steadied by two of his aides. With deliberate care, he reached for a ck diamond from the top of the pile. Who was Boss Fong? A man of his standing had encountered countless diamonds, enabling him to instantly recognize the authenticity and exceptional quality of these stones. Furthermore, these diamonds were still in their unprocessed, raw state. Chapter 162 C162 ¨C It Shocked Everyone An uncut diamond is akin to a nk canvas, alreadymanding a high base price. And if it were to be crafted by a master sculptor, its value would skyrocket. In the end, Boss Fong was moved to tears. ¡°This is a top-grade diamond! I never imagined I¡¯d see such a gem in my lifetime. I can die content!¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words over Boss Fong¡¯s dramatic reaction. Boss Fong¡¯s passion for the industry stemmed from his love for such treasures. For someone of his stature, the pursuit transcends mere profit; it¡¯s the thrill of discovering top-grade items that brings true joy. It had been years since Boss Fongst experienced such tion! Just then, an elderly man next to Su Ming, his voice quivering, asked, ¡°Sir, may I take a photo?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Su Ming offered a serene smile. A group of septuagenarians with silver hair gingerly photographed the diamond, posing alongside it, even nning to frame their photos for posterity. These photos were destined to apany them to the grave¡ªa testament to the allure of a genuine top-grade treasure. Meanwhile, next door, Boss Fong¡¯s rival, Boss Lee, was basking in thefort of his air-conditioned shop. A portly middle-aged man, he was engrossed in examining a newly acquired diamond through his magnifying ss. It was a pink diamond, sold by a greenhorn. The stone was clearly worth over ten million yuan, yet it had been snatched up by Boss Lee for a mere eight million, thanks to his smooth talking. With just a touch of refinement and an auction, Boss Lee was poised to make a fortune. His reverie was interrupted by themotion outside, which irked him. Stepping out, he saw the crowd at Boss Fong¡¯s storefront. ¡°What¡¯s Old Fong up to now? What¡¯s the fuss about?¡± Boss Lee scowled, clearly annoyed. ¡°Boss! Boss!¡± A man came running, breathless and flustered, ¡°Boss Fong¡¯s got a big fish¡ªa diamond seller!¡± At this, Boss Lee¡¯s interest waned, ¡°It¡¯s just a diamond. Are you really that worked up? What¡¯s the quality of the stone? How much did Old Fong bid? Try to convince the seller to deal with us instead. But remember, we¡¯re only in the market for top-grade diamonds worth over a million yuan.¡± Boss Lee¡¯s enterprise had expanded significantly, and he had little interest in run-of-the-mill diamonds. A single lucrative deal could sustain his operations for an extended period. The man paused, scratching his head in confusion. ¡°Boss, why don¡¯t youe and take a look for yourself?¡± Upon hearing this, Boss Lee let out a scornful chuckle. ¡°After all this time with me, you still haven¡¯t picked up a thing? Come on, I¡¯m curious to see the kind of diamond that¡¯s causing such a fuss.¡± With his hands sped behind him, Boss Lee had the newly acquired diamonds snug in his pocket. Should he discover that Old Fong¡¯s recent purchase paled inparison to his own, he¡¯d relish the opportunity to unt his superior gem and rib Old Fong in the process. ¡°Old Fong, I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve got a major deal in the works. Show me the diamond that¡¯s got you so worked up you¡¯ve called in a medical team. You reallyck sophistication. My goodness!¡± Moments before, Boss Lee was brimming with excitement and confidence. But at the sight of the diamond, he was utterly dumbfounded, his excitement surpassing even Boss Fong¡¯s. Boss Lee shivered uncontrobly, nearly passing out. The seasoned man behind him gave his back a reassuring pat, bringing Boss Lee back to his senses. ¡°Whose exquisite diamond is this?!¡± ¡°Old Lee, what¡¯s that supposed to mean? Are you angling for my client?¡± ¡°Old Fong, you know as well as I do¡ªit¡¯s the highest offer that counts in business.¡± ¡°They¡¯re already in my store!¡± ¡°But you haven¡¯t sealed the deal yet, have you?!¡± ¡°Old Lee, I¡¯ve put up with you for far too long!¡± The onlookers were taken aback, then shook their heads in resigned amusement. The two were adversaries as much as they wererades. Unable to bear the spectacle any longer, President Chen cleared his throat pointedly. Boss Fong snapped to attention. ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies for themotion.¡± He continued, addressing Mr. Su, ¡°What are your ns for these diamonds?¡± ¡°I intend to sell them all, of course.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Boss Fong¡¯s pulse raced. ¡°While I¡¯m confident in their authenticity, I still need to follow protocol and have them appraised.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine by me.¡± Su Ming loungedfortably on the sofa, casually pulling out his phone to y a game. The appraisers nearby were all of five-star caliber. They gingerly positioned a table, donning gloves beforeying out a thickyer of nket on its surface. With equal care, they took out the diamonds for appraisal, cing them upon the nket. ¡°Mr. Su, I hope you won¡¯t take offense to a small question of mine. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m quite curious about the origins of these diamonds,¡± Boss Lee inquired with caution. Upon hearing this, Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Do you doubt me?¡± Boss Lee vigorously shook his head. His curiosity was genuine! Considering the volume of diamonds Su Ming had brought to sell, theft was out of the question. Could it be that Su Ming was the scion of a prominent family? ¡°Old Lee, that¡¯s enough!¡± Boss Fong interjected, displeased. He hadn¡¯t dared to ask a single question, yet Boss Lee had posed several. If Su Ming were to take offense, it could spell trouble. Meanwhile, Boss Fong was secretly thrilled. Securing this lot of diamonds would mean a substantial profit. It would certainly put his shop on the map, and even more so, it might lead to acquiring additional rare finds. The appraisers finished their assessment swiftly¡ªall the diamonds were authentic. The lead appraiser spoke with a hint of distress, ¡°These items are of such high value, it¡¯s truly challenging for us to offer a fair price.¡± Chapter 163 C163 ¨C Deal Setting prices always follows precedent. Even when faced with something entirely new to them, they could determine its selling price by assessing its value. But there had never been diamonds of such exceptional quality on the market, and here there were so many! Top Grade diamonds were typically auctioned off, circting among the wealthy elite. They had never encountered such exquisite diamonds before! Su Ming was bewildered. He had a pile of treasures, yet he couldn¡¯t sell them? ¡°Mr. Su, please, let¡¯s talk this over,¡± Boss Fong implored, his anxiety causing him to break into a sweat. If Su Ming walked away, it would be a tremendous loss for him. The bystanders were astounded. This was an unprecedented situation for them! The diamonds were authentic, but they were at a loss for a price due to their extraordinary value. Boss Fong and the others were deep in discussion. Minutes passed. Then, suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance. An elderly man, dressed in a traditional Zhongshan suit, with snow-white hair and a slight stoop, entered slowly, leaning on a cane. ¡°Dad!¡± Boss Fong eximed in surprise. What brought his father here? Old Master Fong had once worked in this field, but now, well into his eighties, he seldom ventured out. His reputation in Eastsea City as the former president of the jewelry appraisal industry was unparalleled. Though retired, hemanded immense respect and no one dared cross him¡ªa venerable figure in the trade. His decades of experience had honed his eye for quality. ¡°You¡¯ve acquired a Top Grade treasure and didn¡¯t think to inform me?¡± Old Master Fong chided, tapping his son with his cane, prompting suppressed chuckles from the onlookers. Despite Boss Fong¡¯s prominence, he was always cautious around his father. ¡°Mr. Su, President Chen, this is my father.¡± Su Ming and President Chen rose to their feet, showing deference to the elder Fong. ¡°And you must be Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Old Master, others may address me as Mr. Su, but as my elder, please feel free to call me Su,¡± Su Ming responded with a smile. Pleased, the old man nodded and dered, ¡°These are fine pieces. We¡¯ll take all of these diamonds.¡± From the side, Boss Fong nudged his father, reminding him, ¡°We haven¡¯t agreed on a price yet.¡± ¡°How many diamonds are we talking about here?¡± ¡°A hundred, exactly.¡± ¡°Good.¡± The elder approached Su Ming. ¡°Let me offer you a price: two hundred million per diamond, totaling twenty billion. Su, how does that sound to you?¡± Su Ming paused, a frown creasing his brow. This was somewhat off from the figure President Chen had quoted. President Chen¡¯s expression grew slightly stern. Old Master Fong chuckled, ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood; I have no intention of undercutting the price.¡± ¡°You should realize that scarcity drives value. These diamonds are exceedingly rare in the market.¡± ¡°If only one or two were sold today, someone might be willing to pay four hundred million each. But flooding the market with a hundred diamonds all at once would disrupt the market and drive prices down.¡± ¡°I assure you, the price I¡¯m offering is the absolute highest. You won¡¯t find a better offer anywhere else.¡± ¡°If you agree to sell these hundred diamonds to me, keep in mind I¡¯ll need to offload them gradually, which will take considerable time.¡± Su Ming¡¯s realization dawned. Old Master Fong¡¯s reasoning was sound. Moreover, Old Master Fong had indicated he wouldn¡¯t immediately liquidate his purchase but would sell them off periodically. Su Ming could do the same, of course. But he didn¡¯t have the luxury of time. Besides, Su Ming wasn¡¯t attached to the diamonds; to him, money was merely a number. He had plenty more diamonds stashed away in his warehouse. Old Master Fong¡¯s words did serve as a wake-up call, though. Su Ming decided he wouldn¡¯t rush to sell his warehouse stock. He¡¯d hold onto them for a rainy day. After giving it some thought, Su Ming found the offer eptable. President Chen had mentioned it would take twenty billion yuan to acquire that property. The proceeds from the diamond sale would cover it. Even though demolition would cost extra, he had funds on hand that should suffice. Su Ming nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡± Without a trace of hesitation. Old Master Fong let out a heartyugh, lifting a diamond to the light. ¡°The wonders of this world never cease¡ªsuch exquisite treasures do exist.¡± ¡°Send the funds to Mr. Su right away!¡± ¡°Got it!¡± The individual trailing behind Old Master Fong quickly stepped forward, jotting down Su Ming¡¯s ount details. In no time, the transaction was confirmed. With the deal sealed, Boss Fong let out a deep sigh of relief and slumped to the ground, his exhaustion evident as he disregarded his appearance. The evaluators were intently examining the diamond they held. Boss Lee, observing from the sidelines, was green with envy. He had just been ted over that very diamond, but now it seemed trivial! ¡°Old Fong, we go way back. How about selling me a diamond? What do you say to 300 million yuan?¡± inquired Boss Lee. ¡°I don¡¯t have the authority to decide that¡ªyou¡¯ll have to ask my father.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t do that; I¡¯ve been scared of your dad since I was a kid!¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s out of my hands.¡± ¡°Old Fong, my dear friend, please!¡± he pleaded. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any pride?¡± Boss Lee and Boss Fong were murmuring in hushed tones when the Identification Center¡¯s security team arrived, dozens strong. And that wasn¡¯t all; they had summoned the police as well. Two SWAT teams, armed and ready, dozens in number. The staff began packing the items into boxes. Short on supplies, they borrowed boxes from neighboring stores until they scraped together a hundred, which they then cautiously transported to the vault. Chapter 164 C164 ¨C Diamonds Old Master Fong cradled a diamond in his palm, clearly intent on keeping it for his personal enjoyment. ¡°Su, I¡¯ve met many young folks, but it¡¯s rare to find someone as exceptional as you,¡± he remarked. ¡°I¡¯ve spent my life chasing after diamonds of this caliber. My friends each have one or two of these top-grade gems, and they¡¯ve been unting them to me. You¡¯ve really done me a favor.¡± Su Ming chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re giving me too much credit, old man.¡± President Chen trailed behind Su Ming, the very picture of a dutiful secretary. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Boss Lee approached eagerly. ¡°Do you have any more diamonds? Could you sell me a few?¡± ¡°You¡¯re interested in buying?¡± Su Ming mused, considering Boss Lee¡¯s request. ¡°Yes!¡± Boss Lee¡¯s eyes were alight with longing. ¡°There are a few diamonds left, but not many,¡± Su Ming replied after a thoughtful pause. Su Ming had his reasons for this cautious response. He figured he had enough to purchase the property, but the demolition and reconstruction would require additional funds. The prospect of a shortfall had been a niggling concern. Selling a few diamonds wouldfortably bridge that gap. Boss Lee was overjoyed. Hecked Old Master Fong¡¯s wealth, but he could afford a diamond. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯d like to buy some diamonds as well,¡± Boss Fong interjected, pushing forward. ¡°Old Fong, you¡¯re out of line. I was the first to ask Mr. Su!¡± Boss Lee protested. ¡°Mr. Su is in our store, and we were his first business partners,¡± Boss Fong countered. ¡°Old Fong, please, is it so hard to let me make a little money?¡± Boss Lee pleaded. ¡°You¡¯ve got a point,¡± Boss Fong conceded, but the tension remained high. The old man intervened with a strategic cough, his cane thudding against the ground. ¡°Give the diamond to Lee. His dying father entrusted me to look after him.¡± The old man¡¯s word was final. ¡°Fine,¡± Boss Fong conceded, albeit reluctantly. ¡°I want one too!¡± ¡°So do we!¡± The other eager buyers behind Old Master Fong began to mor. Su Ming was at a loss for words. After a moment of contemtion, he said, ¡°I do have a few diamonds left, but not enough for everyone here.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all good!¡± It didn¡¯t matter to them; securing the diamonds was the main goal. They could even share a diamond between two people! ¡°Mr. Su!¡± One of the men approached cautiously and said, ¡°I have a modest proposal.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Su Ming asked, his tone light and amiable. ¡°We all chip in to gather the funds. We pay upfront and then collect the diamonds.¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± ¡°And we won¡¯t bother you toe out. Just a phone call from you, and we¡¯ll have someone pick them up.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll divide the diamonds among ourselves here,¡± Wang Yao added. ¡°You won¡¯t have to lift a finger. We¡¯ll handle everything.¡± Their desire for the diamonds was palpable. They were seasoned veterans in the jewelry business. They conducted their dealings with utmost caution. With anyone else, they wouldn¡¯t dream of paying first before receiving the goods. Despite their shy attire, they were known to be quite frugal. Before Su Ming could even agree, the bosses were already outside, hastily counting their money. They were the titans of the jewelry appraisal business. Each had once invested a minimum of ten million to get a stake. ¡°Honey, sell all our properties. Got tenants? Evict them. No questions now, I¡¯ve stumbled upon a goldmine!¡± ¡°Son, I¡¯m cutting off your allowance while you¡¯re abroad. We¡¯re strapped for cash.¡± ¡°Old Sun, sell my factory!¡± ¡°I need both of my cars sold. I expect cash in hand within five minutes!¡± Su Ming was astounded as he overheard themotion from behind the door. This deal was costing them everything! Yet, Su Ming didn¡¯t intervene. This was a temporary sacrifice. By this afternoon, once they had the goods, and in the days or months to follow, their returns would multiply exponentially! After some time, a man approached Su Ming, bank card in hand. ¡°Mr. Su, we can¡¯t match Old Master Fong¡¯s financial power, so we¡¯ve only managed to scrape together 800 million. I hope it¡¯s not too disappointing¡­¡± Boss Lee, leading the charge, spoke with trepidation. They were concerned that the sum they had raised was too meager, that it might not meet Su Ming¡¯s expectations. ¡°It¡¯s settled, I¡¯ll ept it!¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile, nodded, and tucked the bank card into his pocket. Boss Lee and the others finally exhaled in relief, their earlier tension dissipating. This venture hadted them a staggering 20.8 billion. The other small business owners could only look on with envy as they watched the big yers rake in the profits. They had just pocketed a staggering 20.8 billion yuan! If they were to convert that 20.8 billion into cash, there wouldn¡¯t be enough room in the house to store it all. That¡¯s why there¡¯s a saying that those who deal in antiques and jade are the quickest to amass wealth. It¡¯s a rich man¡¯s game, out of reach for them. They might be considered wealthy by the average person, but next to these tycoons, they¡¯re just small fry. Despite the sizable crowd of onlookers, the presence of security guards and police ensured everyone¡¯s safety. ¡°I¡¯ll head back and get your orders ready soon. It¡¯s noon now; you can pick up the goods from Tianhua Bank at four o¡¯clock.¡± President Chen¡¯s eyes sparkled at Su Ming¡¯s words. Su Ming was giving him free publicity. ¡°This gentleman is Chen Guosheng, the president of Tianhua Bank.¡± Su Ming gave President Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder, ¡°He handles all my affairs. Just see him this afternoon to collect your items.¡± ¡°President Chen, I¡¯ve long admired your reputation, and meeting you in person, it¡¯s clear you truly deserve it!¡± ¡°President Chen, with Mr. Su by your side, your prospects are limitless!¡± ¡°President Chen, do you have any free time tonight? May I treat you to a drink? I¡¯m looking to open a savings ount and am unsure which bank to choose.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m also looking to deposit some money.¡± They might not be able to befriend Su Ming, but they saw an opportunity to get close to President Chen. Surrounded by a crowd eager to make his acquaintance, President Chen was pleasantly overwhelmed. He was ecstatic. He was filled with profound gratitude; Su Ming was a true heavyweight. His mere endorsement could lead to a windfall. This would surely cause his bank¡¯s deposits to soar! Come year-end, when he attended the big meeting in the capital, he was bound to be showered with des. But as for being transferred to another bank by his superiors, that was out of the question. He wasmitted to following Mr. Su for life. Chapter 165 C165 ¨C The News ¡°Let¡¯s break it up, folks. Mr. Su is worn out.¡± Boss Fong rose to his feet, and with a nod from Su Ming, he and President Chen made their exit, the police-escorted crowd unable to get anywhere near them. Once they were in the car, Su Ming and President Chen sped away, quickly returning to the heart of the city. ¡°Here¡¯s the key. Select a few diamonds that meet Old Master Fong¡¯s criteria, roughly worth 900 million.¡± Su Ming tossed the vi keys into President Chen¡¯s hands. President Chen caught on instantly. He knew diamond valuations could fluctuate, and Su Ming didn¡¯t want anyone to be shortchanged. If someone paid Su Ming 800 million but the diamonds wereter valued at 750 million, they might use Su Ming of being hical. They probably wouldn¡¯t, knowing Su Ming wasn¡¯t well-versed in the industry. But that wasn¡¯t Su Ming¡¯s style. He¡¯d rather take a hit himself than let someone else lose out, as long as they were fair with him. Unbeknownst to Su Ming, the day¡¯s events at the appraisal had already gone viral. Industry insiders, particrly those in the jewelry sector, were abuzz with the news. Eager journalists had converged on the scene, snapping up photos and videos on the sly. By the time Su Ming got home, he was already making headlines: ¡°Several diamonds fetch 20.8 billion? Genuine transaction or tant moneyundering?!¡± The headline was a ma for attention. The news spread like wildfire. Journalists often have a penchant for sensationalism. In this information age, smartphones are indispensable. TV, media, tforms¡ªall vying for eyes and clicks, and many were stirring the pot over this story. ¡°Did those few diamonds really sell for over 20 billion?¡± ¡°Laundering money!¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯sundering. Saw it with my own eyes on TV.¡± ¡°How dare theyunder money so brazenly? What about thew?¡± ¡°I work in the jewelry business, and 20.8 billion is totally justified!¡± ¡°You think we haven¡¯t seen these tricks before? Trying to fool us?¡± ¡°Someone call the cops!¡± ¡°Diamonds are a luxury. Who stores them in a shabby box? They could be ss for all we know!¡± ¡°This is a disgrace to us Eastsea folks!¡± When faced with such events, people often jump to the most skewed conclusions. Particrly when ites to the wealthy, there¡¯s often a sense of resentment that surfaces. At that moment, Su Ming was lounging in a chair, soaking up the sun. Unbeknownst to him, their downtown service center had been reported, and calls were flooding in from across the nation to lodgeints! He was the captain of the city¡¯s criminal investigation division. A man in his forties, he had apprehended numerous criminals throughout his career and was known for his fairness. Upon hearing the reports, he mmed his fist on the desk. ¡°This is outrageous! Openlyundering money and causing such a negative social impact¡ªI have to arrest him!¡± Captain Wu grabbed his phone: ¡°Get Team 6 on this. We¡¯re going to apprehend thiswbreaker!¡± In Eastsea City, Captain Wu¡¯s reputation was ster. Where he was, safety was assured. Soon, three police cruisers were speeding down the road. They moved swiftly, pinpointing Su Ming¡¯s location through surveince footage in no time. But Captain Wu wasn¡¯t focused on the positioning. That was the driver¡¯s job; he was preupied with refining the arrest strategy. Yet, upon reaching the location, Captain Wu was taken aback. This was Mr. Su¡¯s residence. Mr. Su involved in illegal earnings? That had to be a joke. ¡°Captain Wu?¡± President Chen blinked in surprise: ¡°Captain Wu, what brings you here with such arge entourage?¡± A mix of amusement and frustration crossed Captain Wu¡¯s face. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe it. Do you have any idea how many reports we¡¯ve received about you having illegal ie?¡± Su Ming was equally shocked. Illegal ie? How could that be possible? ¡°There must be some mistake, Captain Wu.¡± President Chen¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully: ¡°The police have already responded, right? They should be able to discern the truth of the matter.¡± No sooner had President Chen spoken than Captain Wu¡¯s phone rang. After the call, Captain Wu was at a loss. The local precinct had already dispatched officers to secure the scene. The events were clear for all to see. The body cameras had captured everything. And those diamonds? They were genuine. The diamonds were worth every penny, and Su Ming¡¯s earnings were entirely legitimate. Captain Wu had heard of Su Ming before. Su Ming owned six plots ofnd in the heart of the city. Withnd that valuable, he had no need for illicit ie. Moreover, the police had already called him earlier. Old Master Fong, a venerable figure in the jewelry world, was ready to vouch for Su Ming. The entire jewelrymunity could collectively guarantee for Su Ming¡ªthat¡¯s how genuine the diamond was. Su Ming was somewhat at a loss for words. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize for the misunderstanding. But, I¡¯m curious. What¡¯s the reason for withdrawing such arge sum of money all of a sudden?¡± Captain Wu was genuinely intrigued. ¡°It¡¯s simple. Mr. Su intends to purchase all the buildings in the vicinity. He ns to demolish them and convert thend into farnd.¡± Captain Wu, along with his officers, was taken aback. Yet, Su Ming was engaging in a legitimate transaction; there was no illegal activity whatsoever. Provided he didn¡¯t construct any unauthorized buildings on thend. Furthermore, agriculture is a time-honored virtue of our imperial heritage. Recently, when the imperial court¡¯s satellite returned from the moon, the whole world was analyzing the soilposition. But our people from the imperial court? They were more interested in whether the moon could be farmed. It¡¯s in their DNA; it¡¯s something they can¡¯t change! ¡°Mr. Su, President Chen, I sincerely apologize for my hasty actions and any inconvenience I¡¯ve caused. But I was just doing my job.¡± ¡°Captain Wu, you¡¯re too kind. Our city is safe because of you, which allows me to even consider farming in the city center. Without you, my property would have been long gone.¡± Su Ming approached with a beaming smile. Had Captain Wu known it was Mr. Su who had been reported, he would have refrained froming. 20.8 billion is certainly a hefty amount. But Mr. Su is not one to engage in illegal activities. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be heading back now.¡± Chapter 166 C166 ¨C Abide by the Law Captain Wu exchanged greetings and then returned to his duties. Su Ming didn¡¯t dwell on the issue. President Chen remained unflustered, taking a few diamonds and heading straight back to the bank. After briefing his team, he quickly returned to his agricultural tasks, resuming the weeding and tilling of thend! As Captain Wu arrived back at the police station, Old Master Fong made an appearance. ¡°Old Master Fong, what brings you here?¡± Upon seeing him, Captain Wu quickly rose to greet the esteemed elder, a man of high moral standing and prestigious status. It was Old Master Fong¡¯s assistance in the past that had helped him clear up criminal activities within the jewelry sector. ¡°Captain Wu, I felt a sense of responsibility when I saw the news online.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve instructed the jewelry store to issue a public statement and to disy the diamonds sold by Mr. Su.¡± ¡°We invite anyone to inspect them. Should anyone find a diamond to be counterfeit, we willpensate them a hundredfold!¡± ¡°However, the inte is notwless, and I hope, Captain Wu, that you can apprehend those who spread these rumors.¡± ¡°Particrly the hical news outlets.¡± Old Master Fong implored earnestly. ¡°Rest assured, sir, I am already on it. Thew applies to the inte as well.¡± Captain Wu nodded firmly, indicating hismitment to the task ahead. ¡°Very well!¡± Old Master Fong breathed a sigh of relief. The jewelry industry¡¯s announcement followed shortly after. ¡°Do they take us for fools?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the ones involved in moneyundering, so naturally, you wouldn¡¯t admit to such activities.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t attempt to whitewash the truth; you¡¯re not deceiving anyone.¡± The police announcement, however, arrived promptly. In addition, the police and the jewelry industry issued a coborative statement. They announced ns to exhibit all the diamonds Su Ming had sold. Should any be found to be fake, they promised to offer a hundredfoldpensation! They also published the high-definition video of Su Ming¡¯s sales online. The police apprehended the journalists responsible for initiating the rumors and tracked down numerous individuals who had maliciously targeted Su Ming on the inte. Before long, the online sentiment took a sharp turn. ¡°Could it really be authentic?¡± ¡°Fes, I just checked out the merchandise on-site¡ªgenuine diamonds indeed!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve said it before; I¡¯m a certified appraiser for a jewelry store. The diamonds are legitimate. You wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°Take a look at this pink diamond¡ªit¡¯s absolutely stunning!¡± Online, it wasn¡¯t long before numerous celebrities with verified badges began to emerge. ¡°I stake my reputation on the authenticity of these diamonds. If they¡¯re fake, you can call the cops and have me arrested on the spot.¡± ¡°Indeed, such diamonds are exceptionally rare, and it¡¯s only natural that they fetch a high price. Do a quick search online, and you¡¯ll find that a diamond half this size once sold at auction for nearly 100 million!¡± ¡°The crown jewel among these has to be the ck diamond¡ªits purity and rarity are unmatched in the world. This single stone could easily be worth 300 million!¡± ¡°While the abundance of these diamonds might shake up the market and potentially lower prices, don¡¯t expect them to plummet. These are high-end luxury goods we¡¯re talking about, with incredibly high artistic value.¡± Their boldness was a clear sign of their confidence. The naysayers quickly fell silent, frantically deleting theirments to avoid police attention. Onboard a high-speed train. In a private VIPpartment. An elderly man sat in meditative repose, a butler standing at his side. All at once, the door was flung open by an exuberant young man, phone in hand. ¡°Grandfather! I¡¯ve discovered an exceptional diamond!¡± The elder¡¯s eyes opened slowly, a frown creasing his brow, irritation evident in his tone, ¡°You¡¯re on the verge of taking over the family business, and yet youckposure. We have no shortage of diamonds. There¡¯s no need for such theatrics.¡± ¡°But Grandpa!¡± The young man persisted, thrusting the phone before the elder, ¡°Just look at this!¡± Initially indifferent, the elder took the phone. But as the image came into focus, his eyes widened, his face a portrait of astonishment. He rose abruptly, hisposure shattered, his excitement surpassing even that of his grandson. This elder was a person of considerable stature. If Old Master Fong was known as a renowned collector in Eastsea City, then this man was celebrated throughout the imperial court. Born into affluence, his family¡¯s wealth was substantial. Aside from managing family affairs, his singr passion was the collection of antiques. The old master purchased a sprawling quadrangle courtyard in the capital, valued at several billion. Outsiders perceived the price of this property as exorbitant. However, they were unaware that, despite its high cost, the value of the courtyard paled inparison to the treasures it housed. The old master had arranged his lifetime collection of antiques throughout the property, with the most extraordinarily valuable pieces secured in a concealed chamber. Previously, he had presided as the president of the imperial court¡¯s jewelry industry. Now advanced in years, he was nearing his nieth birthday, yet he continued tomand immense respect from all. ¡°Where to next?¡± the old master inquired abruptly. ¡°Grandpa, we¡¯re heading to Linhai,¡± came the reply. ¡°Which station along our route is closest to Eastsea?¡± ¡°If we¡¯re driving, East Station is the nearest. But we could just fly directly from Linhai.¡± ¡°Good.¡± The old master nodded with a spark of excitement, pacing the room energetically. ¡°Make the arrangements!¡± ¡°Right away!¡± The young man grabbed his phone and swiftly departed to book the flight. ¡°Get Old Fong on the phone now.¡± Old Fong was at home, idly holding two diamonds when his phone suddenly rang. It was his old friend, Shangguan Wenqiang, calling. ¡°Old Fong, life¡¯s been treating you well, I see.¡± Shangguan Wenqiang ribbed him as soon as the call connected. ¡°Stop teasing me. I¡¯m getting on in years, and who knows how much time I have left.¡± ¡°That line might work on others, but you can¡¯t fool me,¡± Shangguan Wenqiang chided with augh. ¡°With all the fine things you¡¯ve acquired, would you really be ready to part with this world?¡± Shangguan Wenqiang was always remarkably well-informed. ¡°Let¡¯s skip the small talk. Three hundred million. Will you sell me one?¡± Chapter 167 C167 ¨C Two Stubborn Old Men ¡°No!¡± ¡°Four hundred million!¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°Five hundred million, that¡¯s got to be enough, right?¡± Shangguan Wenqiang persisted. ¡°Impossible, goodbye!¡± Old Fong abruptly ended the call. Shangguan Wenqiang exploded with curses. The butler watched, dumbfounded. The old man had actually sworn. Shangguan Wenqiang clutched the phone, still in shock. Five hundred million! If Old Fong agreed to sell him a diamond for that price, he¡¯d stand to make a clean three hundred million profit. Such a lucrative deal, and yet Old Fong refused. With the number of diamonds Old Fong had, the market price was bound to drop. There was no logical reason for Old Fong to deny the sale. Old Fong¡¯s t refusal left no room for discussion. It was no surprise that Shangguan Wenqiang was furious enough to swear. But Shangguan Wenqiang was not one to give up easily. ¡°Tell the young master to buy a ne ticket immediately. I can¡¯t wait any longer!¡± ¡°Right away!¡± The butler left promptly, without another word. The old man was usually the picture ofposure, speaking and acting with deliberate consideration. This was the first time the butler had seen him so agitated. Shangguan Wenqiang paced the room, hands sped behind his back, not even needing his cane. He had amassed a wealth of antiques, calligraphy, sandalwood, and precious stones and jewels. He aimed to collect any rare artifact he could find. Cars, cosmetics, handbags, and watches held no appeal for him. He had once acquired a diamond during an overseas trip, a chance find. That beachside discovery had been snapped up by him for a handsome sum. The seller had been ecstatic, and the old man quite pleased. But that diamond paled inparison to the one in the photograph! Before long, Shangguan Tianyu had secured their ne tickets, and they disembarked. Upon reaching their destination, they made a beeline for Old Fong¡¯s residence. ¡°Old Fong, we go way back. You have a hundred diamonds; can¡¯t you part with just one for me?¡± ¡°No!¡± Old Fong shook his head, rejecting them through the iron gate. ¡°Old Fong, why not sell the diamond to me? I¡¯ll pay you cash. Isn¡¯t that a good deal?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to do you this favor; I just haven¡¯t decided what to do with it yet. I¡¯m still enjoying it. Once I¡¯m done, it¡¯s yours.¡± ¡°Fifty years ago, you got your hands on an original Wang Xizhi. You said you¡¯d give it to me after you¡¯d had your fill of looking at it. Fifty years have passed, and I¡¯m still waiting!¡± ¡°Had you not brought it up, it would¡¯ve slipped my mind. Do you want it now?¡± ¡°Absolutely, if you¡¯re willing to part with it, I¡¯m eager to have it!¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m still not done admiring it!¡± The two elderly men started hurling insults at each other across the metal gate. The butler and Shangguan Tianyu were at a loss for words. All they could do was try to calm the old gentleman down. ¡°Grandpa, there¡¯s no need to rush. I¡¯ve done some digging; the seller¡¯s name is Su Ming. You can pay him a visit directly.¡± ¡°Really?¡± The old man¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry over!¡± Su Ming was busy watering his fishpond, with little else to upy his time. President Chen was out in the field, pulling weeds. All of a sudden, they heard the sound of footsteps at the entrance. Su Ming and President Chen exchanged nces. Today was shaping up to be quite eventful! Boss Fong entered, followed by an older gentleman, with two others trailing behind. Who was this elder? Seeing Boss Fong, Su Ming felt a chill run down his spine. Back at the shop, Boss Fong had a seizure, and luckily, there were plenty of witnesses to vouch for Su Ming. Now, if Boss Fong were to copse in front of Su Ming¡¯s house, it would be hard to exin. Unaware of Su Ming¡¯s concerns, Boss Fong grinned and said, ¡°Mr. Su, allow me to introduce Shangguan Wenqiang, the honorary president of our national jewelry industry. He¡¯s a senior of mine who came specifically after hearing you sold my father a hundred diamonds. Perhaps you could¡­¡± Su Ming, taken aback, blurted out, ¡°You¡¯re interested in buying diamonds?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Old Master Shangguan eagerly nodded and eximed, ¡°Mr. Su, I had no idea you were such a young and aplished individual.¡± ¡°You¡¯re toote, Old Master Shangguan,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°All my diamonds have been sold.¡± Su Ming recalled Old Master Fong¡¯s words about the value of scarcity. Flooding the market with too many diamonds at once would devastate their prices. So, he had no intention of selling off all the diamonds immediately. Besides, Old Master Shangguan was a man of high standing. By turning him down, Su Ming was effectively signaling to everyone that he was out of diamonds. ¡°You¡¯ve run out of diamonds?¡± Shangguan Wenqiang was taken aback. Suddenly, he began to tremble and his eyes shut tight, looking as though he might pass out. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Su Ming asked with concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Shangguan Tianyu deftly retrieved a pill from his pocket and ced it into his grandfather¡¯s mouth. Su Ming watched, silently incredulous. Clearly, Old Master Shangguan had a history of fainting, given how practiced Shangguan Tianyu¡¯s response was. A few minutes passed, and Shangguan Wenqiang exhaled deeply, slowly opening his eyes. Reflecting on Su Ming¡¯s words, he was filled with regret for histe arrival. Old Man Fong had snapped up all the diamonds. It was time for Old Master Shangguan to make a move. ¡°Mr. Su, I won¡¯t impose any further. It¡¯s unfortunate I waste,¡± Shangguan Wenqiang said, his voice tinged with disappointment. ¡°Here¡¯s my card. Should youe across any more fine items, please give me a call.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Su Ming replied, epting the card with a nod. In the future, he knew he could reach out to Old Master Shangguan directly for purchases, which would save him considerable hassle. With that, Shangguan Wenqiang departed. He drove straight to Fong¡¯s Residence and parked right at the entrance. ¡°Old Fong, if you don¡¯t sell me those diamonds, I¡¯m not leaving,¡± he dered. ¡°You¡¯re wee to stay at the gate. All thisnd is mine, and I won¡¯t be charging you any rent,¡± came the reply. One person was adamant about purchasing diamonds, while the other was steadfast in their refusal to sell. Chapter 168 C168 ¨C The System Has Been Updated Su Ming, busy cleaning the fish pond, was oblivious to the recent developments. Even if he were aware, he¡¯d likely just smile and shake his head in amusement. ¡°The System Update isplete!¡± ¡°Congrattions, Host, on activating the breeding zone!¡± ¡°Now avable for raising: chickens, pigs, ducks, geese!¡± Out of nowhere, a notification chimed in Su Ming¡¯s mind, catching him off guard. He hadpletely forgotten about the System Update. Now, he could raise livestock! Eagerly, Su Ming checked his data panel: Farmer: Su Ming. Level: LV5. Experience: 11050/20000. Farm: Level Two. Livestock: Level One Chickens, Pigs, Ducks, Geese. Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent. As expected, the System had undergone a transformation, introducing a new livestock feature! And his farm had been upgraded to Level Two. This was just the starting point, and it was already impressive. The future promised even greater things. With determination in farming and breeding, sess was within reach. This thought made Su Ming burst into heartyughter! Just then, a cellphone ringtone interrupted the moment. Turning his head, Su Ming noticed it was President Chen¡¯s phone. Caught off guard, President Chen quickly made his way over, washing his hands before apologizing, ¡°Mr. Su, excuse me, I need to take this call.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Su Ming responded with an understanding smile. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Haven¡¯t I made it clear that no calls are toe through when I¡¯m with Mr. Su?¡± President Chen answered the call, his brow furrowed, his tone firm and reproachful. A timid voice responded, ¡°My apologies, President. It wasn¡¯t intentional. A customer hase to the bank, and they require your personal attention.¡± ¡°Who is it?¡± President Chen¡¯s frown deepened. In his eyes, no one took precedence over Mr. Su. ¡°President, a representative from the headquarters has arrived. It would be best if you could meet with them personally.¡± ¡°Headquarters!¡± President Chen was taken aback. ¡°Did they mention what it¡¯s about?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll return shortly.¡± After hanging up, President Chen offered an apologetic smile and said cautiously, ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m terribly sorry for the interruption.¡± ¡°No problem at all, go ahead with your business.¡± Su Ming shed a smile and gave President Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°No need to worry, there¡¯s nothing I need help with at the moment.¡± ¡°Much appreciated, Mr. Su.¡± President Chen let out a deep sigh of relief, fearful of upsetting Su Ming. He wiped the sweat from his brow and made a swift exit. Once President Chen was out of sight, Su Ming made his way into the fields. He was currently tending to two plots ofnd. To the left of the housey the original two-acre plot. To the right, the three acres gifted to him by Wang Guohui. Unsure which plot had been designated as the breeding zone, Su Ming decided to inspect each one. Stepping onto the two-acre plot, a system alert chimed in. ¡°Breeding zone unlocked. Crops detected within the breeding zone, preventing building construction.¡± ¡°Buildings will generate automatically once the breeding zone is cleared of crops!¡± Caught off guard by the alert, Su Ming paused. A patch ofnd in the corner stood out with its distinct color¡ªclearly the breeding zone. The pears nted there were the only thing keeping the buildings from being erected. ncing over, Su Ming noted the pears were nearly ripe. Once harvested, he nned to clear the breeding zonepletely. He was eager to start raising livestock and build his wealth! With the System unveiling new features, Su Ming¡¯s spirits were high, and he was in no rush. Then, his stomach growled, reminding him that he had barely eaten all day. He returned to the vi for a refreshing shower and slipped into fresh clothes. Then, he picked a car from the garage and drove to the night market on the city¡¯s east side. Parking the car along the street, he entered a cozy eatery. Tonight, Su Ming was in the mood for ate-night snack. He ordered a hot pot and selected an assortment of food, settling down by the pot, ready to dine. ¡°Su Ming?¡± A voice, filled with surprise, called out. Su Ming looked up to see Wang Kai. Wang Kai¡¯s face lit up with a broad grin. He pped Su Ming on the shoulder and took a seat beside him. ¡°What are the odds!¡± ¡°You¡¯re no beauty, you know.¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t resist ribbing him. Wang Kai couldn¡¯t resist either, andnded a punch on Su Ming. ¡°Why haven¡¯t youe to see metely?¡± Su Ming inquired. After all, Wang Kai worked right next door at the Guoxing Building. With a sigh and a shake of his head, Wang Kai replied, ¡°By the time I finish work, you¡¯re already asleep. And when I start, you¡¯re still not awake.¡± ¡°That bad, huh?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. ¡°It¡¯s out of my hands!¡± Wang Kaimented dramatically, as if pondering his destiny. ¡°Once upon a time, I had a full head of hair, youthful and dashing. Now, it¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve even thought about shampoo.¡± Su Ming listened and couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit hopeless. Too bad he didn¡¯t have anything to promote hair growth. ¡°Sure, you had hair once, but ¡®handsome¡¯ might be stretching it a bit.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to obliterate you in the name of the moon! Hey, boss, hit me with 10 pounds of crayfish, extra spicy!¡± They were old friends. Even with Su Ming¡¯s change in status, Wang Kai showed no signs of estrangement. Today, Wang Kai had finished work early, with time to spare, and they were delighted to run into each other, enjoying food and drinks. They were quite content in the shop, basking in the cool breeze of the air conditioner. Outside, the evening sky was slowly turning to dusk. Suddenly, a striking figure approached from a distance, d in a ck dress and live-streaming on her phone. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, wee to Eastsea City¡¯s renowned snack street in the Dongcheng District.¡± ¡°There¡¯s an array of tasty treats here, all worth trying. If you¡¯re visiting Eastsea City, make sure to stop by.¡± ¡°And the most famous spot has got to be this one!¡± ¡°This is the Hennessy Venom GT!¡± She was a food vlogger, showcasing the street¡¯s culinary delights. But then, her eyes caught a glimpse of a sleek sports car, and upon closer inspection, she was dumbfounded. A globally limited, hundred-million-dor sports car was right there before her eyes! Could she be dreaming? Chapter 169 C169 ¨C Little Streamer Little Streamer gripped her phone and circled the car. ¡°Behold, a top-grade sports car¡ªonly ten of these exist worldwide!¡± She nced at the sparse audience in her live stream and a wave of helplessness washed over her. Bing a popr streamer was no easy feat these days. Beauty seemed to be the ticket to fame. And Little Streamer? She was stunning. But good looks weren¡¯t enough; she needed connections. Without them, she¡¯d be voiceless, even if the tform mped down on her. ¡°Sports cars just have that allure,¡± she mused,pleting herp around the vehicle. The street was known for its culinary delights. As evening approached, the crowd swelled with hungry patrons. Parking was at a premium¡ªyet not a single car dared park near this one. After all, it was a hundred-million-dor machine! No one wanted the liability of an idental scratch. While Little Streamer snapped pictures, Su Ming and Wang Kai emerged. A bit tipsy, they were on the hunt for their driver when Su Ming spotted Little Streamer by his car. With a twinkle in his eye, Su Ming approached, all smiles. ¡°This car is perfection incarnate, the dream of countless men.¡± Little Streamer¡¯s hand graced the hood, savoring the unique texture. Suddenly, thements in her live stream multiplied. ¡°Little Streamer, run! You¡¯ve caught someone¡¯s attention!¡± ¡°Hard to make out his features, but he looks pretty handsome.¡± Startled, Little Streamer spun around and there she was¡ªHsiao Kemeng, the girl from the other night! ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± Both Su Ming and Little Streamer eximed in unison. ¡°Do they know each other?¡± ¡°If this were a movie, they¡¯d be destined to fall in love,¡± the viewers spected. Wang Kai, meanwhile, nonchntly scratched his nose. He gave Su Ming¡¯s shoulder a friendly tap. ¡°My ride¡¯s here; I¡¯m heading out.¡± ¡°You sure you can make it?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Wang Kai assured him with a chuckle, his tolerance for alcohol well-known. Before leaving, Wang Kai leaned in, whispering with a mix of caution and mischief, ¡°Old Su, don¡¯t overdo it tonight.¡± ¡°Beat it!¡± Su Ming retorted,ughter in his voice. Wang Kai¡¯sughter echoed as he strolled to his car, a tune on his lips. ¡°Thank you so much forst time.¡± Little Streamer said with a grateful smile, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you taking me in, I would¡¯ve definitely caught a serious cold.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Su Ming replied with a casual smile. ¡°Is there something going on between them?¡± ¡°Is that guy an actor?¡± The audience was set abuzz by Little Streamer¡¯sment, their imaginations running wild. ¡°You¡¯re fond of this car too?¡± Little Streamer¡¯s eyes were fixed on the Hennessy Venom GT: ¡°This car is truly a top-grade sports car, one of only ten in the world. I never expected to see one here in Eastsea City. Who do you think the owner is?¡± Su Ming thought for a moment, then pulled the car keys from his pocket and pressed the unlock button. The roar of the engine broke the silence, and the taillights shed on. ¡°It¡¯s quite warm out here. Would you like to go inside and cool off with the AC?¡± ¡°This car is yours?¡± Little Streamer was taken aback. She knew Su Ming had money. He did live in a vi in the city center, after all. But she had never imagined that he owned this car. Though the car¡¯s price was sky-high, there were certainly many people in the world who could afford to spend hundreds of millions on a car. For the ultra-rich, money was no object. But the real catch was that there were only ten of these cars worldwide! She could hardly believe that Su Ming owned this car! Wasn¡¯t that just incredible? ¡°Looks like Little Streamer is embarrassed.¡± ¡°Little Streamer just said she¡¯d follow the owner of this car. Now that he¡¯s right in front of you, what are you waiting for?¡± Little Streamer was utterly bbergasted. Could this really be happening? The car was Su Ming¡¯s! ¡°So, you¡¯re the Little Streamer.¡± Su Ming smiled, clearly amused. ¡°I am not Little Streamer!¡± The teasing tone Su Ming used, along with the recent awkward moment, made her slightly furious. She stamped her foot in frustration! Su Ming casually nced at Little Streamer¡¯s phone screen. ¡°With so few viewers in your livestream, you¡¯re definitely Little Streamer!¡± He couldn¡¯t resistmenting. Upon hearing this, Little Streamer responded defensively, ¡°Take a good look, I have over 100,000 poprity points!¡± Seeing the defiant expression on the Little Streamer¡¯s face, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. He had spent some time watching live streams himself and was well-acquainted with the rules of the game. Poprity and viewer count are two entirely different beasts, aren¡¯t they? The channels of elite streamers might boast a poprity score in the millions, yet their actual live audience might number merely in the tens of thousands. And here she was, a Little Streamer who had only recently surpassed the ten-thousand-fan mark. Chapter 170 C170 ¨C Driving for Su Ming ¡°Turn off the camera first,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°100,000 fans? I bet there are barely a couple hundred people tuning into your stream, right?¡± The female streamer¡¯s face flushed with anger at being called out, but obediently, she switched off the camera. ¡°The big spender¡¯s got a point!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t turn off the camera! The rich guy looks pretty handsome.¡± ¡°This streamer is such a joke!¡± ¡°She has the nerve to im she¡¯s famous.¡± ¡°There¡¯s probably just around a hundred people watching her stream, if that.¡± The streamer¡¯s irritation soared as she read thements. ¡°Hey! Would you all zip it? I¡¯m your streamer, remember?¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the moderator? Ban them frommenting!¡± Moderator: ¡°I can¡¯t do that. If I ban them, your stream will be a ghost town.¡± ¡°Now even the moderator¡¯s not taking her side.¡± ¡°Streamer, why so overconfident?¡± ¡°You barely have an audience, and now you want to silence us too?¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the streamer¡¯s frazzled state. ¡°It¡¯s sweltering out here. Come sit in the car for a bit.¡± He opened the car door, then suddenly recalled he¡¯d been drinking. Driving under the influence was a crime, and Su Ming prided himself on being aw-abiding citizen. ¡°Oh, can you drive?¡± he asked, blinking innocently. The streamer looked puzzled. ¡°Yes, I can drive. Why?¡± ¡°Perfect. You can drive me home. Saves me the trouble of finding a ride-share.¡± Su Ming settled into the passenger seat and shut the door. The streamer blinked, rooted to the spot in disbelief. What in the world? She didn¡¯t recall agreeing to drive Su Ming anywhere. Is this how all wealthy people act? ¡°What? I¡­¡± She blinked again, her words faltering. ¡°Come on, get in. What are you waiting for?¡± Su Ming called out, a hint of bewilderment in his voice as he rolled down the window. ¡°Alright.¡± She nodded meekly and climbed into the car. ¡°They¡¯re on the move!¡± ¡°What¡¯s going to happen next?¡± ¡°Do rich people really get to do as they please?¡± Thements only heightened the streamer¡¯s anxiety. Was Su Ming nning something? ¡°Car keys.¡± Su Ming tossed the keys into the streamer¡¯s hands. ¡°Drive carefully, okay? I don¡¯t want any disturbances while I¡¯m sleeping.¡± The female streamer was perplexed. He was nning to sleep? Her mind shed back to that stormy night. Alone in a room with Su Ming, nothing had happened. She was attractive, so why didn¡¯t Su Ming show any interest? Could Su Ming be into guys? ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Su Ming asked, catching the puzzled gaze of the streamer. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. I¡¯m just not into you. And just so you know, you won¡¯t get paid for driving. But feel free to stream from my car, camera and all.¡± He stressed the point deliberately. As expected, the streamer bristled at his words. But she had no choice and revved up the car. Su Ming watched, slightly taken aback. She could handle a sports car like this? Driving a sports car isn¡¯t like driving a regr vehicle; it takes special training. Yet, here she was, maneuvering the Hennessy Venom GT with ease. She was no ordinary streamer, but Su Ming didn¡¯t pry or dwell on it. ¡°Pretty impressive!¡± ¡°Poor streamer, overthinking things.¡± ¡°She really is unfortunate.¡± ¡°We can never predict the boss¡¯s thoughts!¡± ¡°Maybe she should just be a professional driver.¡± Initially, Little Streamer was tense, worried Su Ming might have other intentions. Turns out, she was worrying over nothing. Su Ming, having drunk alcohol, was in no state to drive. Finding a substitute was a hassle, so he had her drive instead. ¡°Alright, you know where I live. Let¡¯s hit the road.¡± Su Ming nced at the time. The pears should be ripe, ready for a fruitful harvest. He was also curious to check out the breeding zone. Realizing she was indeed just a stand-in driver, she rolled her eyes. But the opportunity to stream from the car was too good to pass up, so she kept quiet. To her viewers, she boasted, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the interior of the Hennessy Venom GT. Isn¡¯t it the epitome of luxury and cool?¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s hit the road!¡± She fired up the engine. Su Ming settled into the passenger seat, closing his eyes for a quick rest. ¡°Ease up on the brakes, will you? Take it slow.¡± Midway through the journey, Su Ming warned, ¡°Watch it. I might just leave you a bad review.¡± Annoyed by hisment, she retorted, ¡°Got it!¡± Despite her impatience, her driving did be noticeably smoother. Su Ming appeared to doze off in his seat. Before thirty minutes had passed, they had reached their destination. Su Ming stirred awake right on cue. ¡°Thanks for your efforts.¡± Su Ming gave a nod, adding, ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to call on you as my driver in the future.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not some stand-in driver; I¡¯m a streamer!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not just a streamer; you¡¯re Little Streamer!¡± ¡°You!¡± ¡°See ya!¡± With that, Su Ming exited the car, leaving a fuming Little Streamer behind. She hadn¡¯t expected Su Ming to be so adept at getting under someone¡¯s skin. ¡°Little Streamer seems really ticked off.¡± ¡°Poor Little Streamer got picked on.¡± ¡°The boss sure took off in a hurry.¡± ¡°Little Streamer was so self-assured, but the boss didn¡¯t spare her a second nce.¡± Reading thesements, Little Streamer was seething, yet powerless to respond. Biting back her frustration, she stormed off. Su Ming chuckled to himself as he watched her go. He made his way into the orchard, examining a pear tree. The fruit was ripe, though the tree bore only pears. No diamonds or other treasures were to be found. Could it be that pears, like fennel, possessed unique properties? Curiosity piqued, Su Ming blinked. He approached a pear tree and plucked a fruit from its branches. The scent of the pear was enticing. After giving the pear a thorough wash, Su Ming sank his teeth into it. ¡°Deliciously sweet!¡± Su Ming¡¯s eyes lit up, savoring the delightful vor of the pear. Chapter 171 C171 ¨C My Pear Can Make People Grow Hair The pear was intensely fragrant. Su Ming savored its delightful taste, even though he was clueless about any special benefits it might possess. After finishing the pear, he paused to survey his surroundings, only to find that nothing had changed. Was it possible that it was merely an ordinary fruit with no special properties? Lost in contemtion, Su Ming¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by an alert from the System. ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained the Hair-Growth Pear.¡± ¡°This pear is sulent and has the power to promote hair growth.¡± Su Ming was astonished. Instinctively, he ran his fingers through his hair, which was now lustrous and dark. This would surely be a boon for programmers. He thought of Wang Kai, whose hair was thinning, much like several of his colleagues. Su Ming resolved to share some pears with them when time permitted. ¡°This item is perishable. The System will prolong its shelf life. Please be assured.¡± The System¡¯s prompt message brought relief to Su Ming. He had previously experienced how quickly purchased fruit could spoil, and even refrigeration only helped so much. With the System¡¯s intervention, spoge was no longer a concern. He carted all the harvested pears into the warehouse. Upon his return, he discovered the pear trees had withered¡ªa sobering sight. It appeared that these perennial nts were now limited to bearing fruit just twice. The first yield had been of superior quality, and the second yield, while merely fruit, had its own unique benefits. That was quite satisfactory. Without hesitation, Su Ming tidied up the area, earning 2,000 experience points in the process. He then attended to the withered pear tree, gaining an additional 50 experience points. With the tree¡¯s disappearance, a small house materialized in the corner. Measuring 10 meters by 5 meters, it contained numerous separatepartments within its 50 square meter space, resembling a pigpen. Su Ming quickly inspected the structure. The System had automatically generated a small house,plete with all necessary equipment. Though roofless, the System¡¯s protective measures ensured an optimal environment for the growth of crops and animals housed within. Su Ming had no reason to worry. ¡°Congrattions on unlocking the breeding zone!¡± ¡°Animal waste and other refuse in the breeding zone will be automatically cleared by the System.¡± ¡°Please be aware that the animals in the breeding zone require timely feeding to prevent starvation.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming grasped the situation immediately. The System would take care of everything else for him. Yet, to truly engage in the breeding process, Su Ming was responsible for feeding the animals himself. And if he neglected to feed them for too long, they were at risk of starving. Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. Before himy a vast expanse of opennd and the newly acquired breeding zone. What should he nt and raise? The thought left Su Ming feeling both exhrated and overwhelmed. Eventually, he decided to put it out of his mind. The next morning, Su Ming nned to visit the owner of the local farming co-op. He could pick up a few live poultry from there. While he was at it, he might as well purchase some additional seeds. With this n in mind, Su Ming spun around decisively and, humming a tune, made his way back to the vi. Back at the vi, Su Ming settled in front of hisputer, turned it on, and hummed contentedly. He was in his element. The moment Su Mingunched his game, Little Streamer popped into his head. He had noticed the name of her live broadcast room while eating. Why hadn¡¯t he tuned into Little Streamer¡¯s broadcast? Earlier that day, after parting ways with Su Ming, Little Streamer had been yfully ribbed by her audience, leaving her feeling somewhat downcast. She had been in the streaming business for a year and was no stranger to the many pitfalls and unwritten rules of being a broadcaster. Little Streamer was attractive and had a great figure, which had led many viewers to seek favors from her in the past, only to be turned down. But their approaches had always been covert. Su Ming was different. He hadn¡¯t even sought her consent. He had simply assumed she would be his stand-in driver! Initially, she had thought Su Ming was ying hard to get. But eventually, she realized it was just a figment of her imagination. Su Ming¡¯s behavior had taken her by surprise. With the time for her broadcast approaching, Little Streamer inhaled deeply,posed herself, and with a smile, went live. The scene hadn¡¯t changed a bit from before. The live stream¡¯s audience remained sparse, mostly made up of casual passersby. The top viewer on the leaderboard had a username that caught the eye: ¡°I tipped by mistake, Little Streamer, give me back my money!¡± Su Ming chuckled upon reading it. ¡°Little Streamer, when will you give me back my money?¡± As soon as Little Streamer went live, that viewer wasted no time in shooting her a private message. ¡°Thanks for reaching out!¡± ¡°When will you return my money?¡± ¡°Thanks for the tip! You¡¯re incredibly generous, thank you!¡± The viewer was at a loss for words. His intention had been to get his money back from Little Streamer. It was his own fault, really, for getting drunk a few days prior. In his inebriated state, he had tipped Little Streamer, aplete stranger to him. ¡°Little Streamer, don¡¯t feign ignorance. I want every penny back!¡± ¡°Thanks for the glow stick, dear viewer!¡± Little Streamer paid no mind to his demands. Unless the viewer was a minor, she had every right to keep the money. Let¡¯s face it, Little Streamer was strapped for cash. The viewer¡¯s tip of 5,000 yuan was thergest she had received all year. ¡°Appreciate your affection, but there¡¯s no chance for us!¡± The viewer was seething with anger. Chapter 172 C172 ¨C Poor Little Streamer Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the sight before him. He decided to update his ID. Farming Expert! Farming Expert chimed in on the chat: ¡°Little Streamer, I¡¯ve got my wine and peanuts ready. Shout out the story of you and your NO.1 fan for us!¡± ¡°Sorry, there¡¯s no epic tale to tell. Just a mishap!¡± NO.1 fan clenched his jaw in frustration. ¡°NO.1 fan, you¡¯re being so cold. You didn¡¯t talk to me like this when things between us were sweet¡­¡± ¡°Little Streamer, you¡¯re shameless. We¡¯ve never actually met!¡± ¡°I always knew I should let go of things I can¡¯t hold onto. I knew this day woulde¡­¡± Little Streamer feigned heartbreak, dramatically pressing a hand to her forehead. Big Brother NO.1 fan was shaking with anger. He nearly met his maker at 21, but the thought of Little Streamer¡¯s unpaid debt to him spurred him to hang on. That¡¯s the power of money for you! ¡°I totally forgot tonight¡¯s the guild¡¯s PK battle. I need all the support I can get, friends!¡± Little Streamer nced at the clock and gasped in surprise. ¡°Little Streamer, got a fever again?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t slept, and you¡¯re already talking nonsense.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always tuned in for free. You think I¡¯m going to start paying now? Not happening.¡± ¡°Exactly, what¡¯s wrong with free entertainment?¡± The bulletments flew by in a frenzy. Despite her sweet smile, Little Streamer felt a twinge of difort. Such was the plight of a bottom-tier streamer. Many were easily reced, and once they fell from the pyramid, there was noing back. ¡°Little Streamer, life¡¯s been rough on you¡­¡± Farming Expert dropped a bulletment. ¡°Huh?¡± Little Streamer hesitated; ¡°I don¡¯t recognize this ID. Is this your first time in my stream? Please hit follow.¡± ¡°Sorry, you¡¯ve got it wrong.¡± Farming Expert sent anotherment: ¡°I was curious to see what the least popr live stream looked like. Now I¡¯ve seen it.¡± ¡°Well, enjoy the show,¡± she replied. Don¡¯t let her youth fool you; Little Streamer was savvy. Another viewer hoping for a free ride. She discreetly visited Farming Expert¡¯s profile. She saw he followed quite a few streamers, mostly gamers, with the asional beautiful female streamer in the mix. He might have been the highest level, but he¡¯d never spent a dime. Here was a user who wouldn¡¯t open his wallet for anyone! I¡¯ve got plenty of users like that; adding one more to the mix is no problem. Another person adds a bit more buzz to the ce. Just as long as she doesn¡¯t rub anyone the wrong way. ¡°The guild war is about to start. I¡¯m hoping the big shots here can lend a hand. Thanks in advance.¡± Little Streamer stood up, offering a slight smile. ¡°We¡¯ll send you gifts. What¡¯s in it for us?¡± ¡°How about a song, Little Streamer?¡± ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right? Singing¡¯s boring. We want to see Little Streamer dance.¡± ¡°Too bad, this guy¡¯s going to be let down¡ªLittle Streamer can¡¯t sing or dance.¡± ¡°He must be a die-hard fan to know that much about Little Streamer.¡± ¡°Damn! I¡¯ve made the wrong payment before too!¡± ¡°Really? That bad, huh?¡± Little Streamer¡¯s expression soured as she read the bulletments. She trulycked any special talents. She might have been easy on the eyes, but her singing was off-key. And dancing? She had even less aptitude for that. Her streams did better outdoors, where her poprity would spike. But indoors, her viewership would plummet. Come guild PK time, most would vanish into thin air. They¡¯d feel a pang of guilt for not spending after so long. They were somewhat ashamed. We may not spend money, but we¡¯ve got our pride! Exactly, they had their pride! Su Ming chuckled to himself, seeing the few scattered viewers and the sluggish bulletments. Should he propose that Little Streamer take over his driving duties? He was going to be trading goods more often in the future. Besides, Little Streamer was quite the looker. Time was ticking. Little Streamer remained silent, just sitting there, engaging with her audience. She was ustomed to it. She always came inst. Fame was an elusive dream for Little Streamer. ¡°Do you want to win?¡± Farming Expert posted a bulletment. ¡°Are you suggesting you can help me win? Don¡¯t kid me!¡± Little Streamer was visibly annoyed. But Su Ming¡¯s eyes sparkled; he¡¯d picked up on a crucial bit of info. ¡°Have you been tricked by someone?¡± ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡± Su Ming burst intoughter. The girl was just too adorable. Yet, upon further reflection, he realized it made perfect sense. Little Streamer¡¯s thirst for victory was immense. ncing at the clock, Su Ming noted it was already 8 PM. Thepetition was underway. Little Streamer¡¯s adversary was a female streamer, strikingly beautiful in a pink outfit. Her channel was aptly named Ms. Pink. ¡°So it¡¯s you.¡± Ms. Pink¡¯s smile was courteous, her barely concealed excitement evident. Everyone was aware of Little Streamer¡¯s losing streak. Facing her meant a sure ticket to the next round for Ms. Pink. A single win promised a reward. Her fortune seemed boundless! Just then, a high roller entered Little Streamer¡¯s channel. He went by Mr. Pink. ¡°Consider this your medical expenses.¡± Mr. Pink dropped a $99 treasure map gift for Little Streamer before swiftly returning to Ms. Pink¡¯s stream. Little Streamer struggled toe to terms with the gesture. Chapter 173 C173 ¨C The Live Broadcast ¡°Thank you,¡± Little Streamer said with a hint of gratitude. No sooner had the words left her lips than Mr. Pink was on his way out. He didn¡¯t waver for a second, moved by pity to give her a small gift worth just 99 yuan. Little Streamer¡¯s face fell into a somber expression, helpless in her situation. Ms. Pink had her connections, but she was on her own. Su Ming¡¯s brow creased slightly at the scene. Sure, Mr. Pink had more money than Little Streamer¡ªthat was his edge. But that didn¡¯t give him the right to belittle anyone. At least Little Streamer was a reliable driver. ¡°You really have it rough, Little Streamer,¡± Farming Expertmented. ¡°I¡¯ve gotten used to it,¡± she replied with a weary sigh. ¡°This is nothing. Some people don¡¯t even pay me for medical expenses.¡± ¡°Seeing how tough you have it, I¡¯ll lend you a hand,¡± Farming Expert offered. ¡°You¡¯re not drunk, are you?¡± she asked. ¡°Farming¡¯s a tough gig,¡± he mused. ¡°Making a bit of money is never easy.¡± Others in the chat couldn¡¯t resist poking fun at Su Ming¡¯s message. They thought he rarely tuned into live streams, had a low user level, and sported an old-fashioned username. Su Ming just chuckled inwardly. He took pride in his farming life, and he knew they¡¯d be green with envy if they knew what he was growing. After linking his bank card, Su Ming sent over avish gift that left everyone in the live stream room, including Little Streamer, utterly astonished. It was a 5,000-yuan present, only the second time she¡¯d ever seen such generosity. The first was a few days prior when NO.1 fan, in a drunken mistake, sent the same gift. ¡°Did you have too much to drink as well?¡± NO.1 fan teased. ¡°Little Streamer isn¡¯t going to pay you back, even if it was a mistake!¡± he continued. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Why not go to another stream and have a well-figured host dance for you? There goes your three acres of crops, I bet.¡± It was clear he knew a thing or two about farming. The most one could hope to earn from three acres was 5,000 yuan. But Su Ming? He had sold a single fennel for a whopping 10 million yuan. ¡°Thank you for the gift, really, thank you!¡± Little Streamer expressed her gratitude. ¡°NO.1 fan, I¡¯ve paid you back already,¡± she assured him. ¡°I gave you five thousand yuan, and you return just fifteen hundred?¡± NO.1 fan retorted. Little Streamermented, ¡°But I can only take away 30%.¡± NO.1 fan retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it, just pay up! You have no idea how tough it is to lug bricks around.¡± The chat went quiet in an instant. Little Streamer¡¯s two supporters were a farmer and a bricyer. The ce was steeped in the essence of rural life! The viewers in another streamer¡¯s room were left in shock. Especially Ms. Pink. Her eyes popped wide open! Mr. Pink was equally bbergasted. ¡°This is hrious!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Little Streamer. The opposition has no fight in them.¡± ¡°The two heavyweights on the other side are a construction worker and a farmer.¡± ¡°How does Little Streamer manage to draw in such a crowd of nobodies?¡± Right then, Ms. Pink¡¯s stream was flooded with newments. These were from people who had just popped over to Little Streamer¡¯s broadcast to scope things out. Thements brimmed with sarcasm and mockery. Ms. Pink finally breathed a sigh of relief, then cooed, ¡°My dear NO.1 fan, if you secure this win for me, I¡¯ll say yes to anything you want.¡± NO.1 fan, who had been on the fence, perked up at her words. He¡¯d been pursuing Ms. Pink for ages without ever getting a chance to meet her in person. Could this be his chance? Poor Mr. Pink. If he ever discovered that Ms. Pink was actually a fifty-year-old woman¡­ He¡¯d surely pass out! ¡°Hmph! A farmer thinks he can strut around me?¡± Mr. Pink barged into Little Streamer¡¯s broadcast and fired off ament: ¡°If you¡¯re a man, don¡¯t back down!¡± After posting his taunt, Mr. Pink went back to Ms. Pink¡¯s stream and sent her a rocket! Oh, the audacity! Su Ming caught wind of it. This was a challenge! What, he thinks farmers are beneath him? Su Ming thought, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just have to show him a farmer¡¯s strength!¡± Without hesitation, Su Mingunched two more rockets! Brilliant effects lit up the stream. Mr. Pink was gobsmacked. Are farmers really this formidable now? ¡°Big brother NO.1!¡± Seeing defeat looming, Ms. Pink pleaded in her sweetest tone, ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you, help me out! I¡¯ve got plenty of moves up my sleeve¡­¡± Mr. Pink was still on the fence. But Ms. Pink¡¯s final words jolted him to action. She was well-versed in many techniques¡­ Her intentions couldn¡¯t be clearer. Determined to secure his own happiness, Mr. Pink was ready to go all out! Besides, he was up against just a farmer. How much could a farmer possibly have in the bank? Chances were, the farmer had already blown through his entire nest egg. Mr. Pink sent out two more Air Force Ones! But before he could bask in his glory, Su Ming countered with three of his own. Now, Mr. Pink was at aplete loss. ¡°Top fan brother¡­¡± Ms. Pink began. ¡°Stop!¡± Mr. Pink quickly cut her off, ¡°No more, I¡¯m out. This guy is too much to handle!¡± Watching her top fan back down, Ms. Pink realized she had lost this round. She had been so certain of her victory. Yet, unexpectedly, a mere farmer had managed to propel the Little Streamer into the next round. She couldn¡¯t fathom why the farmer would do such a thing. With Mr. Pink conceding defeat, Ms. Pink had no choice but to follow suit. Ultimately, out of three rounds, the Little Streamer clinched two. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Then, something suddenly crossed his mind. Rumor had it that many beauties in the streaming world hid behind beauty filters. In reality, they were far from attractive. He had met the Little Streamer before and knew of her genuine allure. But what about Ms. Pink? Su Ming gave in to curiosity and took a closer look. Oh my¡­ Chapter 174 C174 ¨C What Is This?? Upon scanning, her true identity was unveiled! She was a 50-year-olddy! Su Ming nearly retched. He nced over at Mr. Pink. In just one week, the gifts Mr. Pink hadvished on her totaled nearly twenty thousand yuan. Would he be furious enough to spit blood if he discovered the truth? ¡°Thanks, bro!¡± Little Streamer rose to her feet and gave Su Ming a respectful bow. Her hands were shaking. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile andmented, ¡°Nice driving.¡± The audience bombarded the chat with question marks. ¡°So, this is the tycoon with the Hennessy Venom GT!¡± ¡°Little Streamer, spill the beans, what were you up to hours before the stream?¡± ¡°Watch your words! You could get your ount banned!¡± ¡°A farmer can afford a Hennessy Venom GT? I¡¯m quitting my job to farm tomorrow!¡± The chat went wild. Turns out, the Farming Expert was the tycoon with the Hennessy Venom GT! Little Streamer was bbergasted! Could it really be Su Ming? She was momentarily at a loss for words as she read thements in the stream, suggesting something had transpired between her and Su Ming. But upon reflection, she barely knew Su Ming. Why would Su Ming want to help her? Lost in thought, Little Streamer caught sight of a newment. Farming Expert: ¡°Little Streamer, don¡¯t overthink it. I just couldn¡¯t stand by as they bullied you. And just so you know, you¡¯re not my type.¡± ¡°LOL! Little Streamer just got dissed!¡± ¡°Poor Little Streamer!¡± Su Ming just chuckled and held his tongue. Instead, he reached out to Mr. Pink with a private message. ¡°Bro, you there?¡± Su Ming sent the message. Mr. Pink, phone in hand, read Su Ming¡¯s message. ¡°What¡¯s he up to? I¡¯ve already thrown in the towel! Is he trying to mock me now?¡± ¡°Ever seen Ms. Pink¡¯s real face?¡± Unexpectedly, Su Ming sent another message. ¡°I haven¡¯t.¡± Mr. Pink responded, a sense of foreboding growing inside him. Su Ming shot back, ¡°Bro, you¡¯ve got quite the unique taste.¡± Mr. Pink was taken aback. ¡°rify, now!¡± After Mr. Pink¡¯s demand, Su Ming went silent for a long while. Mr. Pink was on edge. He was a veteran in the audience. He was well aware that the true faces of many streamers were far from pretty. But he trusted his own eyes ¨C he couldn¡¯t have made a mistake. Or could he have this time? Out of the blue, a message from Su Ming popped up. Mr. Pink glimpsed a photo. He clicked on it hastily. What on earth was this? A middle-aged woman stared back at him from the photo. Mr. Pink was dumbfounded! He nced back at theputer screen at Ms. Pink. The streamer he¡¯d been fond of for so long was a middle-aged woman? His mind was in turmoil! ¡°Take care, brother.¡± With those parting words, Su Ming logged off. The photo was a product of the System. Su Ming discovered that activating the scanning feature caused his phone to snap pictures automatically. It captured everything he saw. The System was incredibly potent! Mr. Pink wept. ¡°You chatan!¡± He sted a message into Ms. Pink¡¯s group chat. In that realm, Mr. Pink was the undisputed top dog. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, sweetheart?¡± Ms. Pink was taken aback by the message. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me that!¡± He used to relish that nickname, but now it made him nauseous. Without another word, Mr. Pink uploaded the photo to the group. ¡°Who is this?¡± ¡°What kind of creature is this?¡± ¡°This person looks a bit like the streamer.¡± ¡°Is this actually the streamer?¡± ¡°It is indeed!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t handle this. I need to throw up!¡± ¡°All my hard-earned cash!¡± ¡°I¡¯m done with live streaming!¡± ¡°Poor Mr. Pink, all that money spent!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a moment of silence for Mr. Pink.¡± The group¡¯s heavy hitters were all fiercely reactive. Ms. Pink was in shock. She had been so cautious during her streams; nobody was supposed to know. How did Mr. Pink find out? What was she to do now? Distraught, Mr. Pink left the chat group immediately. Rumor had it that many of Ms. Pink¡¯s patrons ended up in the hospital that night. Some suffered from high blood pressure spikes, others from heart attacks. And many more sought to cleanse their stomachs and eyes. ¡°Even though she¡¯s not widely known, the streamer is quite attractive.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve met Little Streamer. She¡¯s authenticated her features on stream, proving her natural beauty.¡± ¡°No wonder the Farming Expert is such a fan of Little Streamer.¡± ¡°Could farming actually sharpen your eyesight? That¡¯s apelling thought. More time in the fields and less on my phone would certainly be better for my eye health. I¡¯m going to try my hand at farming tomorrow!¡± ¡°You¡¯re making a lot of sense!¡± While Little Streamer was basking in her joy, the number of viewers in her live broadcast room surged. A flurry of bulletments filled the screen. The audience, clueless about the situation, frantically inquired about what was happening. Before long, led by an influential figure, a chat group was formed, and Little Streamer was added to it. Once the truth was unveiled, everyone was astounded. Indeed, with photo editing technology, anyone could transform into a stunner! As the crowd¡¯s attention was fixated, the second round kicked off. This broadcaster was leagues ahead of Ms. Pink. She was a streamer with a following in the hundreds of thousands. She went by the name Wind Zither! Her talenty in her musical performances, and she was strikingly beautiful. Regardless of her actual looks, her artistry was undeniably valuable. And she had no shortage of patrons willing to open their wallets for her. The sponsorship board listed at least a couple hundred names. The top sponsors had contributed tens of thousands of yuan each. But Little Streamer¡¯s situation was quite different; she was rather unfortunate. Aside from Su Ming and one person who donated by mistake, The rest contributed only a handful of yuan. Furthermore, the sponsorship board¡¯s 50 slots weren¡¯t even filled. Just a mere dozen or so people had donated. The disparity was starkly evident. Chapter 175 C175 ¨C Pitiful President Chen The showdown is about to kick off! After sessfully connecting, both sides quickly exchanged courteous greetings. Following tradition, the top sponsor from the opposing side dropped by Little Streamer¡¯s live broadcast. ID: Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen ¡°Sorry, Little Streamer, but we clinched this round.¡± Mr. Chen posted a bulletment and generously threw in five ¡°treasure maps.¡± President Chen topped the big streamers¡¯ sponsorship leaderboard. His generosity was unmatched. ¡°What a coincidence!¡± Su Ming chuckled upon seeing President Chen¡¯s bulletment and fired back with one of his own: ¡°Apologies, but Little Streamer took this round.¡± He then hopped into the rival stream and gifted five treasure maps. ¡°Farming Expert?¡± Mr. Chen scrutinized Su Ming¡¯s ID. Where did this impulsive fellow spring from? Farming Expert? In his circle, only one person bore that title! The rest were nobodies! Mr. Chen let out a scoff after witnessing the Farming Expert¡¯s reciprocal gesture. He was determined to outdo this ¡°Farming Expert.¡± Without hesitation, Mr. Chen sent over three ¡°Air Force Ones¡±! Su Ming countered with five. Mr. Chen, witnessing Su Ming¡¯svishness, refused to back down. He quickly upped the ante with six more! Su Ming responded with eight! The fiercepetition between the two sent the audience into a frenzy. ¡°Farming Expert vs. Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a sh between the working ss and the bourgeoisie!¡± ¡°Seems like someone¡¯s been studying their philosophy.¡± The stream of bulletments grew. Both streamers were dumbfounded. They neglected to thank their generous benefactors or offer any pleasantries. Was the live broadcast duel always this intense? They had never faced such a scenario before. What expression should they wear now? What words should they speak? How could they express their gratitude to these two? They were at a loss for words. Yet, neither Mr. Chen nor Su Ming wished to cease. As one gifted, the other reciprocated, creating a buzz of activity. Mr. Chen mused, ¡°Are farmers really this wealthy these days?¡± Farming Expert sent eight! The items were worth a whopping forty thousand yuan! Surely, that money would be better spent on some tasty treats. Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen stepped into Little Streamer¡¯s live broadcast room. He addressed the Farming Expert, ¡°Making money from farming isn¡¯t easy. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to save your earnings for some tasty treats?¡± Mr. Chen dropped a bulletment. ¡°I¡¯ve just offloaded some space-hogging diamonds. Now, I¡¯m swimming in cash I can¡¯t possibly spend.¡± Su Ming replied to Mr. Chen with a bulletment of his own. ¡°Is generosity amon trait among farmers these days?¡± ¡°What a revtion! He¡¯s actuallyining about diamonds taking up too much space?¡± ¡°The Farming Expert really knows how to talk big!¡± ¡°If diamonds are such a bother to you, feel free to pass them my way.¡± ¡°Even though I suspect you¡¯re all talk, I can¡¯t seem to debunk your im.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t quick enough to dodge that one.¡± ¡°Watch out, Mr. Chen!¡± After much contemtion, Mr. Chen, the financial magnate, sensed that something was amiss. The Farming Expert imed he had more money than he could spend. And he had sold off diamonds, too. The Farming Expert¡­ Mr. Chen ran his fingers through his hair. A sudden realization struck him! Could it be¡­ Mr. Su? Mr. Chen was taken aback. Who else could the Farming Expert be, if not Mr. Su? ¡°Mr. Su, is it you?¡± Mr. Chen messaged the Farming Expert, probing for confirmation. Su Ming read Mr. Chen¡¯s message. How on earth did this man know hisst name? Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen¡­ Could this be President Chen? Su Ming was convinced he was right. To think that a bank president would join a live stream for fun, even adopting such a quirky alias. ¡°Enjoying the fennel vor, Boss Chen?¡± Su Ming teased with a bulletment. President Chen was floored. It was indeed Mr. Su! He must be out of his mind, daring to challenge Mr. Su! This was a death wish! ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies!¡± President Chen hastily sent a bulletment. He then quietly retreated to his original live stream, conceding, ¡°We surrender!¡± ¡°Mr. Chen actually threw in the towel!¡± ¡°What just happened?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t lose your head, Mr. Chen.¡± Wind Zither was equally bewildered. Boss Chen, her new fan of just two weeks, was both wealthy and magnanimous. Every bigwig had their own set of demands, but Boss Chen was simple ¨C he just loved to hear her sing. And when it came to spending money on her, Boss Chen was never tight-fisted. Reflecting on his username, she realized he could indeed be a heavyweight in the finance industry. But how could someone of his stature ever concede defeat? ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Boss Chen?¡± the host inquired. ¡°Just drop it, we¡¯re no match for the Farming Expert!¡± President Chen swiftly posted a bulletment: ¡°Everyone stop sending gifts, stop thepetition. I concede this round!¡± ¡°Can even a financial titan not measure up to a farmer?¡± ¡°Is farming really that trendy now?¡± ¡°After 20 years of my mom insisting I leave farming for an office job, I¡¯m suddenly filled with regret.¡± ¡°I¡¯m considering taking up farming myself!¡± President Chen mopped the sweat from his brow and made his way back to Little Streamer¡¯s live stream. ¡°Hello, Little Streamer. I¡¯ve made up my mind to be your fan from here on out.¡± Following this deration, Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen updated his username to Weeding Expert Chen Xiao¡¯er. The crowd was taken aback by President Chen¡¯s sycophancy. Yet, the more he behaved like this, the more intrigued they became about the real identity of the Farming Expert. Their interactions suggested a familiarity. Moreover, President Chen¡¯s immediate username change implied that the Farming Expert was genuinely into farming. Have farmers be this formidable? Wind Zither watched with a heavy heart as Boss Chen, her patron, walked away. She was deeply upset but powerless; she couldn¡¯t dictate Boss Chen¡¯s actions. Nheless, her mind was now brimming with curiosity. Who exactly was this Farming Expert? Had farming be so alluring? Maybe she should consider streaming her farming activities. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll take it from here. I assure you, I¡¯ll make sure Little Streamer clinches the title!¡± President Chen hastily sent out a message, his nerves frayed. He had just been vying with Mr. Su. On reflection, he felt like giving himself a few good ps. Mr. Su surely had plenty more treasures. If this incident caused Mr. Su to withhold those treasures out of anger, no amount of damage control would suffice. The regret was overwhelming. Chapter 176 C176 ¨C Another Person Who Likes to Show off Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself. President Chen must be in a state of panic right now. To Su Ming¡¯s surprise, President Chen was also into live streams, and he was a fan of a particr female streamer. But what really took the cake was the mboyant name President Chen had chosen for himself: Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen. Fennel must have had quite the effect on him. ¡°Hard work pays off, Boss Chen,¡± Su Ming teased, dropping a bulletment into the chat. President Chen let out a sigh of relief so deep it could have filled a balloon. Thankfully, Mr. Su wasn¡¯t upset. Tomorrow, he¡¯d put even more effort into his farming¡ªPresident Chen was determined. With President Chen¡¯s support, Little Streamer sailed through to the finals without a hitch. There, she faced a heavyweight¡ªa streamer with a staggering fan base of over five million. She was a top-tier streamer, no question about it. Thepetition had barely started when NO.1 fan, the smug contender from the other side, swaggered in. It was President Wang of the Trade Group, his ID proudly disyed. Su Ming raised an eyebrow. The naming style was uncannily simr to President Chen¡¯s. Could this be Wang Guohui? President Wang of the Trade Group wasted no time upon entering Little Streamer¡¯s broadcast, dering with a bulletment, ¡°The finals are ours to win! Just throw in the towel!¡± ¡°Old Wang, the Farming Expert is Mr. Su!¡± President Chen shot back immediately. He was a sharp one. Having previously discussed live streaming over dinner with Wang Guohui, he knew exactly who he was dealing with. ¡°Who?¡± President Wang of the Trade Group was momentarily baffled. ¡°Which Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Think hard¡ªwhat other Mr. Su could it be?¡± President Chen prodded. That¡¯s when it hit President Wang of the Trade Group. He nced at their IDs again: Farming Expert and Weeding Expert Chen Xiao¡¯er. He waspletely bbergasted. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± he repeated, his voice trailing off. Then, in a rush to make amends, he blurted out, ¡°Little Streamer, I¡¯ll ensure you win the championship!¡± Without another word, he changed his ID to Watering Expert Wang Laosan. His sudden switch left everyone, including the streamer on the other side, utterly bewildered. The match was over. It had ended before it even had a chance to start. The onlookers werepletely baffled. ¡°What in the world is happening here?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got to get in on this farming action!¡± ¡°Clearly, the folks from the imperial court have a knack for agriculture!¡± For these individuals who never spent a dime, including those modestly well-off who could drop twenty thousand yuan a month, it was a curious sight. Whether it was Financial Tycoon Mr. Chen or President Wang of the Trade Group, these titans of industry were used to calling the shots! On a good day, they wouldn¡¯t think twice about gifting tens of thousands of yuan. But here they were, suddenly cozying up to a farmer. What was the deal? It looked like they were acquainted, too. Clearly, the Farming Expert¡¯s true identity was beyond anyone¡¯s wildest guesses. The most telling sign was their IDs. This Farming Expert was, indeed, a bona fide farmer. Inspired by the two tycoons¡¯ name changes, the crowd followed suit. Li Laosi, the Fertilizing Whiz! Liu Lao Wu, the Watering Wizard! Zhang Lao Liu, the Harvesting Hero! The live streampetition had turned into a fan meetup for Su Ming. The chat was no longer filled with jokes but had be a hub for agricultural exchange. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, wee to Wheat nting 101¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that guy; he¡¯s a fraud. I¡¯ve been farming for years.¡± ¡°My corn yield¡¯s been disappointingtely. Any tips?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve got a bumper crop of apples¡ªdelicious! Anyone interested in a taste test?¡± Su Ming chuckled to himself. Yes, this was the allure of tilling thend! ¡°Feeling sleepy, off to bed now.¡± With that, Su Ming dropped a finalment and logged off. President Chen and Wang Guohui breathed a sigh of relief¡ªthankfully, Mr. Su wasn¡¯t upset. Little Streamer was left in shock. She had inexplicably made it to the finals and won, again. Her channel had transformed into a hub for farming enthusiasts. She prided herself on being ahead of the curve. Yet, suddenly, she felt out of step with thetest trend. For Su Ming, this was nothing more than a minor detour. After freshening up and checking the time, he noted that the breeding zone was now active. He nned to introduce some livestock there tomorrow. The thought thrilled him! He turned off his Stamina Talent, copsed into bed, and was soon fast asleep. At the crack of dawn the next day, Su Ming was up. He grabbed a quick bite and headed straight for the outskirts. The shop owner had just unlocked the door and was tidying up when Su Ming¡¯s arrival caught him off guard. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re here bright and early!¡± The boss quickly approached Su Ming, recognizing him as a valuable customer. ¡°Do you carry any poultry?¡± ¡°Poultry?¡± The boss mainly dealt in farm products and didn¡¯t stock poultry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Su, we don¡¯t carry that here.¡± The boss¡¯s face showed his dilemma as he wrung his hands. ¡°However, rest assured, I have several contacts in the industry. What exactly are you looking for? I can reach out to them right now.¡± Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. The System imposed a limit; he could only raise four types of poultry. He reminisced about his childhood when his parents often raised chickens and pigs. Those were the animals he knew best. ¡°Do you have pigs and chickens?¡± ¡°Yes, we do!¡± The boss nodded eagerly, recognizing these as the mostmonly sought-after types of poultry. ¡°Let me take you to them, Mr. Su.¡± With that, the boss made a beeline for his vehicle. ¡°Let¡¯s take my car instead.¡± Su Ming offered with a grin. The boss paused, his gaze shifting from Su Ming¡¯s sleek sports car back to his own worn attire. ¡°Please, get in.¡± Su Ming climbed into the driver¡¯s seat as the boss hesitated. After vigorously rubbing his clothes with a towel, he gingerly settled into the passenger seat. ¡°Rx, there¡¯s no need to be nervous.¡± Su Ming chuckled and gave the boss a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Chapter 177 C177 ¨C Experienced too Little The sleek interior and the explosive roar of the engine left the boss feeling a bit lightheaded. Is this the allure of a sports car? It¡¯s no wonder they¡¯re the ultimate fantasy for so many men. So cool! But then, a thought struck the boss. Didn¡¯t Mr. Su arrive in a different car each time? What on earth! The boss was momentarily dumbfounded. Just how many sports cars did Mr. Su own? Was this the true mark of wealth? The boss remained in a state of shock throughout. Stepping out of the car in a haze, it took a moment for the boss to gather his bearings. ¡°Ah? That was quick¡­¡± Blinking rapidly, the boss swallowed hard and rushed to the front: ¡°Mr. Su, right this way, please.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that Boss Faang?¡± He was at a sizable breedingpany. As he approached the entrance, the security guard greeted him: ¡°Boss Faang, what brings you¡­¡± ¡°Enough talk, get your boss out here. There¡¯s an important guest waiting!¡± Boss Faang cut the security guard off mid-sentence. ¡°Huh?¡± The guard was taken aback. He nced at Su Ming trailing behind. Though unaware of Su Ming¡¯s status, he knew anyone whomanded such respect from Boss Faang was no ordinary individual. The guard quickly nodded and made a call to his boss. Soon after, someone approached from a distance. ¡°Faang, who¡¯s this important guest you mentioned?¡± ¡°Wu, you¡¯ll owe me big for this one!¡± Boss Faang stepped aside and introduced, ¡°This gentleman is Mr. Su. He¡¯s interested in purchasing some poultry from you.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Boss Wu perked up at the news. If Faang considered him a major client, his background couldn¡¯t be minor! ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies for not greeting you sooner. What would you like to purchase?¡± Boss Wu ushered Su Ming inside and inquired with a warm smile. ¡°Chickens and pigs.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve got those!¡± Boss Wu¡¯s enthusiasm was palpable. He pped his chest and boasted, ¡°We carry a range of breeds here. We¡¯ve even recently acquired some rare ones. How many are you thinking of buying?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to take a look around first, then we can talk numbers.¡± ¡°Sounds good!¡± Boss Wu led the way, and they quickly made their way into the breeding zone. The area was vast, permeated by a distinctly unpleasant odor. It¡¯s perfectly normal, considering these are farm animals. Even with timely cleaning and a tidy environment, it¡¯s impossible to eliminate the smell entirely. ¡°These are our free-range chickens. Here we have the Treasure Chicken and the Guineafowl. And this beauty is the Snow Chicken, a new breed we¡¯ve just introduced. It¡¯s a rare species endemic to our country. Naturally, we¡¯ve managed to breed them in captivity.¡± Boss Wu knew his stock well and introduced each one in turn. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming¡¯s gaze settled on the Snow Chicken, a breed with an elegant stature and striking appearance. ¡°I¡¯ll take this one. Thirty, please.¡± ¡°Thirty?¡± Boss Wu was taken aback. I pegged you for a major buyer, but you¡¯re only getting thirty? Noticing Boss Wu¡¯s hesitation, Boss Faang nudged him discreetly. Exchanging a resigned look, Boss Wu could only sigh. After all, this was a referral from Boss Faang. ¡°Alright, no problem!¡± Shortly afterward, Su Ming made his way to the pig enclosure. He didn¡¯t seek out any exotic breeds this time, opting instead for the ubiquitous white pig. He purchased a pair. ¡°Okay, that¡¯ll do. Please arrange for their delivery.¡± Su Ming settled the bill. Boss Wu was inwardly irked. You expect me to deliver such a paltry order? Other major clients purchase by the thousands. Your total barely scratches forty. But for Boss Faang¡¯s sake, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll do as he asks. Boss Wu was seething with discontent, yet powerless to act. ¡°The city center?¡± The address left Boss Wu dumbfounded. Could this young fellow be a procurement officer for somepany? But even if he were, who buys live animals for ughter these days? Don¡¯t most people get their meat from the market or a ughterhouse? Boss Wu was puzzled but refrained from prying. Before long, Su Ming was leading the way, with the others trailing behind. After a three-hour drive, they reached the heart of the city. Su Ming pulled over. Stepping out of the car, he directed, ¡°Unload the goods into the courtyard.¡± Boss Wu was baffled. But it didn¡¯t take him long to catch on. Looking up, he was astonished to find such a vast expanse ofnd right in the city center! The area waspletely enclosed by a wall, with a vi nestled within! Upon closer inspection, he was surprised to see a swath of wheat growing on the ground! Mr. Su was actually farming right in the heart of the city! He must have found farming a tad dull, which is why he decided to bring in some livestock to keep things interesting! It all made sense now why Boss Faang had mentioned that Su Ming was a major client! Mr. Su was cultivating crops and tending to animals onnd valued at ten billion dors! Every ounce of frustration in Boss Wu¡¯s heart vanished in an instant! He made a mental note to treat Boss Faang to a meal once he got back. Without Boss Faang, he would never have crossed paths with such an influential figure! Following Su Ming¡¯s instructions, Boss Wu rolled up his sleeves and, along with his team, swiftly moved the goods into the courtyard. Looking up, he noticed a section in the corner of the wall that resembled a pigpen and chicken coop. ¡°Mr. Su, do you n on raising chickens and pigs over there?¡± Boss Wu inquired, gesturing toward the spot. Su Ming paused, taken aback. They could see it? So, the structures created by the System were visible to them, but presumably, they couldn¡¯t see the contents. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. ¡°Mr. Su, now that your structures are ready, I¡¯ll move your items over for you.¡± ¡°Sounds good,¡± Su Ming agreed with another nod. In no time, Boss Wu and his crew had transported everything. ¡°Mr. Su, feel free to call me if you need anything,¡± Boss Wu offered warmly. He had only ever encountered such tycoons in his dreams and on television. ¡°Weeding is my responsibility!¡± ¡°Where does it say that weeding is exclusively your task?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to do that, then I¡¯ll handle the watering!¡± ¡°But that¡¯s my responsibility!¡± Amidst their conversation, Su Ming and Boss Wu were interrupted by a familiar bickering nearby. Su Ming turned to see none other than President Chen and Wang Guohui making their entrance through the gate. Chapter 178 C178 ¨C The Coconut Is Ripe ¡°Mr. Su!¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui¡¯s faces brightened as they spotted Su Ming, and they hastened toward him. ¡°nning on raising pigs and chickens, are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got this. I grew up with these back home!¡± ¡°That¡¯s a bunch of baloney. You said your family were farmers, right?¡± ¡°Cut it out. Haven¡¯t you always boasted to Mr. Su about your farming roots? Do you even know how to care for these animals?¡± The two elders had a restless night following the live broadcast incident. At the crack of dawn, they arrived, unspoken agreement between them, to lend a hand to Su Ming. Eventually, they saw that Su Ming had constructed a coop in the yard and had acquired some chickens and pigs. It all clicked for them. Su Ming could only feel resigned. Yet, Boss Wu, standing right there, was utterly bbergasted. He recognized them; his money was in Tianhua Bank. As the head of a breedingpany worth a hefty one to two hundred million yuan, with tens of millions more to his name, he was a VIP customer at the bank. His poultry was top-notch, having been exported abroad. To him, these two were titans. And yet, they were showing such deference to Su Ming! What did this imply? It meant Su Ming was a force to be reckoned with, far surpassing them. Su Ming wasn¡¯t just a major client; he was akin to a father figure! Looking ahead, he¡¯d have to do more than just dine with Faang; he might even find himself kneeling before him! All thanks to Faang, for without him, he¡¯d never have met someone as awe-inspiring as Su Ming. ¡°Enough. Both of you, knock it off.¡± With a touch of exasperation, Su Ming directed, ¡°President Chen, you¡¯re on chicken coop duty. Boss Wang, you handle the pigsty.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get it done!¡± The two seniors stood tall, invigorated. Boss Wu¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°What are you waiting for? Get over here and pitch in!¡± Caught off guard, Boss Wu quickly spun to his workers and bellowed orders. Then he himself hoisted a crate and set to work! President Chen and Wang Guohui were seething. How dare Boss Wu try to upstage them? Fortunately, once Boss Wu had finished packing up his things, he bid farewell and departed. It was only after he left that the two elderly gentlemen could finally breathe a sigh of relief. ¡°The weeds are taking over the field again!¡± ¡°The soil¡¯s dried out once more!¡± With an unspoken agreement, the two set to work. ¡°Poultry: Chicken, sessfully bred! Growth time: 48 hours! Capable ofying eggs upon maturity. Eggying interval: 8 hours! Egg production multiplier: 3!¡± ¡°Poultry: Pig, sessfully bred! Growth time: 72 hours! Edible!¡± ¡°Host, please ensure the poultry are fed every 12 hours! Should their satiety reach zero, they will perish after three hours!¡± As Su Ming stood to the side, a notification tone unexpectedly echoed in his mind. These alerts filled Su Ming with delight. This was fantastic! Most importantly, the chickens couldy eggs. Maybe these eggs had special properties! He was brimming with contentment. Su Ming moved aside where Boss Wu had left some animal feed. He got the feed ready and distributed it into the chicken coop and pigsty. Above the heads of the chickens and pigs, he noticed progress bars. These bars indicated their fullness. At present, each bar was a stark red and empty. As Su Ming added the feed, their fullness levels gradually rose. With a total of fifteen hours between the feedings every twelve hours and the three-hour grace period, the system proved to be remarkably thoughtful. Once everything was in order, Su Ming pped his hands together, feeling quite pleased with himself. Checking the time, he realized the coconuts should be ripe by now. Unable to resist, he walked over for a closer inspection and, sure enough, the coconuts were ready. Clusters of green coconuts adorned the tree. But with President Chen and Wang Guohui still around, it wasn¡¯t the opportune moment for harvesting. How could he tactfully get the two men to leave? ¡°President Chen, Boss Wang.¡± After a brief moment of thought, Su Ming beckoned them over with a friendly smile. ¡°Mr. Su, what can we do for you?¡± They hurried over in response. ¡°I need to step out for a bit soon.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I assure you there won¡¯t be any thieves getting in!¡± ¡°With both of us here, you can rest easy!¡± The two elders quickly assured him with resolute voices. Su Ming paused briefly and blinked. ¡°I¡¯m expecting some friends soon, and it wouldn¡¯t be convenient for you two to stick around.¡± The two elderly gentlemen exchanged a knowing nce and nodded in sudden understanding. What on earth were they thinking? But Su Ming didn¡¯t feel like going into details. At least they wouldn¡¯t be a bother for the rest of the day. ¡°Mr. Su, do take care of your health.¡± ¡°Mr. Su has fennel!¡± ¡°Old Wang is right!¡± ¡°Well then, Mr. Su, we¡¯ll be on our way.¡± The two old men chuckled, gathered their belongings, and departed. Work mattered, but it paled inparison to Mr. Su¡¯s well-being. Watching them go, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit exasperated. They had gotten the wrong idea. Yet, he had no desire to set the record straight. With a wry smile, he watched the old men drive off, then shut the door behind him and headed out to his coconut grove. The coconuts were ripe all right, but the tree was dauntingly high. Su Ming blinked up at it. Was he really expected to climb? ¡°The System has detected that the Host¡¯s crops are elevated and harvesting poses a risk. The System can assist the Host in picking the coconuts. Does the Host consent?¡± Caught in his quandary, Su Ming¡¯s ears perked up at the System¡¯s prompt. He didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Yes!¡± He was genuinely eager to see what would happen. ¡°Please step back from the coconut tree, Host.¡± Retreating a few paces, Su Ming watched as coconuts tumbled down from the branches, one after another. He knew from experience that coconuts falling naturally were often overripe. In no time, neat little heaps of coconutsy at the base of each tree, which, to his surprise, withered away in moments. Su Ming eagerly scooped up a coconut. It was just a coconut, nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, Su Ming had a hunch there was something extraordinary about the juice inside. Now, how to get a taste of that coconut juice? Chapter 179 C179 ¨C Poison An enigmatic sound echoed through the vi. In reality, Su Ming was grappling with a coconut, screwdriver in hand! Thankfully, Su Ming possessed the Stamina Talent. Without it, he would have beenpletely worn out by now. On TV, Su Ming had watched people effortlessly crack open coconuts. They made it look so easy. Why was it so difficult for him? Feeling defeated, Su Ming was on the verge of frantically twisting the screwdriver when it suddenly plunged into the coconut. Dumbfounded, he pulled it out, noticing the glistening coconut juice clinging to it. Su Ming was at a loss for words. The coconut water was tainted! But it didn¡¯t bother him. He casually set the screwdriver aside and poured out the juice. He had expected the liquid to be pure white, but upon closer inspection¡­ The coconut water was an odd mix of purple and green. It resembled poison. Su Ming considered his options. Was this coconut water even safe to drink? ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯ve acquired the Sober Potion! It ensures you¡¯ll never get drunk, an indispensable remedy for your business negotiations over drinks!¡± Su Ming was astounded. Its bizarre color was one thing, but the name was even more peculiar. He quietly grumbled to himself about the System. Still, he couldn¡¯t deny it was a valuable find. In today¡¯s culture, social drinking was ubiquitous. Contracts required a toast, business deals were sealed with a drink, and even family gatherings weren¡¯tplete without alcohol. Wine had be an integral part of life in the imperial court. Sure, the market was flooded with remedies to prevent drunkenness. Yet, most were ineffective. Though harmless to the body, they did little to keep one sober. But anything the System provided Su Ming was bound to be exceptional. Despite its odd name, the potion¡¯s effectiveness was guaranteed. If Su Ming were to sell this potion, it would surely be a hit. ¡°Not bad at all, this is quite the find,¡± Su Ming chuckled to himself. He pushed his cart inside, organized all the coconuts, and transported them to the warehouse. A total of six hundred coconuts filled the space to capacity. ¡°You¡¯ve sessfully harvested your crops and earned 3,000 experience points!¡± As Su Ming wrapped up his work, a notification chimed in his mind. Could a single coconut really grant him 5 experience points? Yet, it made sense. With the limited yield of coconuts from his three-acre plot, earning merely one point per coconut would have been a significant loss. The System had thought of everything. Su Ming also collected all the coconut trees, gaining additional experience points in the process. Now, with the exception of the fennel, he had harvested all his crops. Su Ming headed to the warehouse. After a lengthy search, he emerged with several strawberry seedlings. These were familiar territory for Su Ming. The family¡¯s farnd was scant, most of it now under stic greenhouses. Come winter, Su Ming intended to nt strawberries there for off-season sales. A kilogram of strawberries fetched no less than 20 yuan. Once the dealer took them off his hands and resold them, their price would soar. And the strawberries were of excellent quality. So, Su Ming was set on nting strawberries, though the oue was uncertain. He was eager to see the results. After downing a bottle of Body-stretching Pill Charging Liquid, he felt a surge of vigor. Normally, the strawberry nting routine was quite intricate. Su Ming had to bury the seeds, cover them with stic film, and wait for them to germinate. Then, he¡¯d remove the film and transfer the seedlings into cup-sized containers before nting them in the soil and watering them. Temperature and sunlight exposure also needed monitoring. But with the System¡¯s assistance, these steps were trivial. Su Ming simply had to dig holes and scatter the seeds into the earth. Covering five acres was no small feat, taking up his entire day. Once the strawberries were in, the System alerted him. ¡°Strawberries sessfully nted! Harvest time: 36 hours!¡± He proceeded with watering and fertilizing. Before long, the tasks wereplete. Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. He washed up at the tap and made his way back to the vi. He ordered some takeout and indulged in a hearty meal before drifting off to sleep. He didn¡¯t wake until noon. Once up, Su Ming whipped up a meal, took a refreshing shower, and slipped into fresh clothes before heading down to his fields. The five acres were a sea of strawberries, a sight so delightful that Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but feel content. Opening the door, he was greeted by the usual bustle of the city center. Just as Su Ming was about to head back inside, something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªcaught his eye. His door overlooked a pedestrian crossing lined with trees. In the heart of Eastsea City, these were Parasol Trees, towering and robust. And there, behind one of the trees, was a foot that seemed oddly familiar. Puzzled, Su Ming approached cautiously. He found President Chen, dressed in a suit and tie, but in a sorry state: one shoe missing, his suit smeared with dirt, and his trousers torn. His face was flushed as he slept off the alcohol, the stench wafting in the air. Clearly, President Chen had overindulged. But why here? Most people would stumble home when drunk. Had President Chen mistaken this ce for his own home? Su Ming realized that to President Chen, this spot must hold a significance greater than home. With a sigh, Su Ming went back inside and fetched the leftover coconut juice from the day before. He gently poured the coconut juice into President Chen¡¯s mouth, much to the shock of passersby. The coconut juice¡¯s odd color might have led them to suspect poison. Did these two have some unresolved feud? This was the city center, teeming with people who were now unwitting witnesses. ¡°What are you doing? Murder is a crime!¡± An elderly gentleman, rmed by the scene, rushed over to confront Su Ming. Chapter 180 C180 ¨C It Smells so Good ¡°Kid, you¡¯re too young to be killing someone!¡± ¡°Murder is a crime, and you could get the death penalty!¡± ¡°You two must have some serious bad blood! Why would you pour poison on him right out here in the street? And if you were going to kill someone, at least pick a secluded spot. You¡¯re doing this in broad daylight, where everyone can see you.¡± The bystanders began to intervene. Su Ming was at a loss for words. He could stomach the first twoments. But what was the third person suggesting? Find a secluded ce for murder? ¡°Brother, you seem to have quite the expertise!¡± Su Ming mused. As the crowd murmured among themselves, President Chen¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°Hey! That smells amazing!¡± Witnessing President Chen¡¯s astonished face, the onlookers were itching to knock some sense into him. Had President Chen lost his mind from the poison? He thought the poison smelled good? Nobody had ever heard of a poison with a particrly pleasant aroma. Aren¡¯t poisons supposed to taste awful? President Chen¡¯s mouth was filled with a delightful scent, and he felt much better. He looked around, bewildered. Isn¡¯t this the city center? Why was he here? And isn¡¯t that Mr. Su? Scrambling to his feet, President Chen dusted himself off and said, ¡°I apologize, Mr. Su. I overindulgedst night and have no idea how I ended up here.¡± The crowd was stunned. Wasn¡¯t he just drinking poison? Why did he suddenly sober up after downing that dark liquid? Judging by his lively gait, he certainly didn¡¯t seem drunk. What in the world was happening? ¡°Young man, are you alright? He just gave you poison,¡± said the elderly gentleman cautiously. ¡°Poison?¡± President Chen was baffled, then it clicked. Mr. Su must have given him another one of his remarkable concoctions! ¡°Thanks a lot, Mr. Su! Look at me, repeatedly on the receiving end of your kindness. I¡¯m quite embarrassed. Are there weeds in your field again? Wang Guohui didn¡¯t show up, did he? Rest assured, I¡¯m on the job today!¡± With that, President Chen strode energetically into the yard. The crowd was left agape. What in the world just happened? What had he ingested? Poison? That can¡¯t be right! Who ever heard of someone bursting with energy after drinking poison? If it wasn¡¯t poison, then what on earth was it? What could possibly sober up a drunk person instantly? ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just promoting his own hangover cure?¡± ¡°That makes sense.¡± ¡°I was worried for nothing. Turns out he¡¯s just an actor.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head out!¡± The crowd around them started murmuring in unison. Su Ming, standing at the doorway, overheard and suppressed the urge to grumble. President Chen adeptly removed his coat. It was filthy anyway, so he tossed it aside. He knew the ins and outs of weeding and watering like the back of his hand. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯ve brought back the joys of my childhood,¡± he said with gratitude. ¡°I feel like something¡¯s missing if I don¡¯t get my hands dirty in the fields every day.¡± ¡°To keep pace with Mr. Su, I¡¯ve leased three acres ofnd just outside the city. Tending to the crops daily has brought immense satisfaction to my life!¡± President Chen showered Su Ming withpliments as he toiled. Su Ming had grown ustomed to the ttery. Still, it was nice to be on the receiving end of such praise. After a long stint of work, President Chen was nearly finished. He cautiously approached Su Ming and asked, ¡°Mr. Su, may I inquire what you fed me this morning?¡± Su Ming then remembered, ¡°Oh, it was nothing special, just some Sober Medicine I had at home.¡± ¡°Sober Medicine?¡± President Chen echoed, puzzled. The fragmented memories of the previous night began to piece themselves back together. A few days prior, an inspector from headquarters had visited to review their operations. They worked by day and socialized by night. The inspector and President Chen had a rocky history, once being rivals. Their mutual animosity was palpable at the dinner table, taking turns with their toasts. Sadly, President Chen¡¯s ambition to drink heavily outpaced his tolerance. A few rounds in, he found himself slumped under the table. Later that night, he stumbled to Su Ming¡¯s doorstep in a stupor and copsed. This wasn¡¯t President Chen¡¯s first rodeo with overindulgence. Typically, a hangover meant a throbbing headache and a day spent in difort. It usually took him at least two days to fully recover. But this time, after taking Mr. Su¡¯s medicine, he felt energized and revitalized. It was truly a testament to the quality of Mr. Su¡¯s remedies! Everything Mr. Su provided was of the highest caliber! He had tried various hangover cures in the past, but none had worked like this. To be honest, those medicines were really just a cebo. ¡°Oh, right, President Chen.¡± Su Ming broke into a smile. ¡°This medicine has an additional benefit.¡± ¡°What kind of benefit?¡± President Chen leaned in, all ears, eager to hear more. ¡°After taking this medicine, you could drink a thousand cups of wine and not feel a thing.¡± Su Ming grinned. ¡°Is that so?¡± President Chen leaped to his feet, startling Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re my savior! Actually, I was hoping to leave early today.¡± ¡°No problem, go ahead.¡± ¡°Thank you!¡± President Chen grabbed his coat with excitement and strode out the door, muttering to himself, ¡°Old man, today you¡¯ll witness what I¡¯m truly capable of!¡± Su Ming, lounging in his chair, knew President Chen was off to settle a score and chuckled at the thought. Inside Tianhua Bank. A lean man in a white shirt and sses sat frowning in the conference room, exuding an air of sophistication. President Chen¡¯s subordinates were busy with the books while he observed. Suddenly, the door burst open and in walked a jubnt President Chen. Zhao Dahai stood up as he saw President Chen arrive, ¡°Chen, back on your feet so soon? Normally, you¡¯d be out for a couple of days at least¡­¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± President Chen scoffed. ¡°Zhao, I wasn¡¯t feeling well yesterday and didn¡¯t perform my best. Care to go another round of drinks with me?¡± President Chen stood with hands on hips, full of bravado. He had downed Mr. Su¡¯s concoction and feared no one. Zhao Dahai gave President Chen a skeptical look. He was well aware of President Chen¡¯s usual alcohol limit. Fine! If President Chen was feeling defiant, Zhao would show him up with his own drinking prowess. ¡°Keep working on the ounts. I¡¯ll check back in a few days. Chen, let¡¯s go have that drink!¡± With that, they left the bank and headed to a nearby restaurant. ¡°Chen, remember to pace yourself. You were stered just yesterday. Are you sure your body can handle it¡­¡± Chapter 181 C181 ¨C Poor Zhao Dahai! Upon hearing this, President Chen¡¯s face lit up with a delighted smile. He mused to himself, ¡°Yesterday, when it came to drinking, I couldn¡¯t best you.¡± ¡°Mr. Su assured me I wouldn¡¯t get drunk.¡± ¡°Could Mr. Su¡¯s words possibly be false?¡± ¡°Never!¡± ¡°Waiter, let¡¯s order!¡± Seated confidently, President Chen dered with a boastful air, ¡°Zhao, you¡¯re going to end up drunk today, and I¡¯m picking up the tab.¡± Zhao Dahai smirked and retorted, ¡°You¡¯re so headstrong!¡± But President Chen was brimming with confidence. He ordered an array of beer, red wine, and white wine. Zhao¡¯s eyes bulged at the sight. ¡°Chen, we shouldn¡¯t drink this much.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not leaving until you¡¯ve finished your drinks today!¡± President Chen was visibly thrilled. ¡°Chen, everyone knows you¡¯re a lightweight. We won¡¯t tease you if you get drunk. Ease up.¡± ¡°Cut the chatter. Are you scared?¡± ¡°Scared of you?¡± ¡°Then quit your yapping and drink up!¡± President Chen, without further ado, snatched a bottle of Maotai and set out three cups. ¡°Zhao, you¡¯ve traveled all the way from the capital, and I¡¯ve yet to properly wee you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to drink three cups first!¡± With that, President Chen downed three cups in quick session. Zhao Dahai was bbergasted. ¡°Zhao, don¡¯t be ridiculous. We¡¯ve had our differences, but there¡¯s no need for you toe here on a suicide mission.¡± Yet President Chen, seemingly oblivious, poured another six cups. ¡°Zhao, I hear you¡¯re three years shy of 60. Here¡¯s to good fortune!¡± And with that toast, President Chen knocked back another six cups. Zhao Dahai was utterly bewildered. Was that excuse even valid? Should he be calling the police? Nobody drinks like this, right? Especially not white wine! Sure, Maotai is a fine liquor, but President Chen can¡¯t just guzzle it down! It could kill him. ¡°Zhao, aren¡¯t you drinking?¡± President Chen set down his cup, ¡°I¡¯ve had nine cups! You can¡¯t drink any less!¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Zhao Dahai blinked, ¡°May I have some food first?¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± President Chen settled into his seat with a contented smile. Zhao Dahai had a purpose for his words; he was well aware of President Chen¡¯s low tolerance for alcohol. Despite not having eaten anything, President Chen had hurriedly downed a considerable amount of liquor, which might soon lead to his fainting, especially since the dishes were still a while away from being served. If President Chen passed out, Zhao would be off the hook for drinking. But as time ticked by, Zhao grew anxious. Why hadn¡¯t President Chen keeled over yet? There he was, sitting and smiling as if nothing was amiss! President Chen, on the other hand, was over the moon. The sensation was incredible. In the past, alcohol would leave his throat burning and his stomach aching. But now, he savored the rich aroma of the wine without any adverse effects. The liquor tasted potent in his mouth, yet it seemed to turn to water by the time it reached his stomach, causing nothing more than a slight bloating. Mr. Su¡¯s creations were nothing short of miraculous. If he decided to sell these items, he¡¯d make a fortune. Soon enough, the dishes arrived one after another. Zhao Dahai couldn¡¯t hide his frustration. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t President Chen passed out yet?¡± he wondered. Had President Chen suddenly be invincible to alcohol? Could he really drink a thousand cups without getting drunk? Such a notion was preposterous. Little did Zhao know that President Chen¡¯s newfound resilience was all thanks to Su Ming¡¯s assistance. With the table finally set, Zhao had no choice but to reluctantly nibble on some food. He licked his parched lips and poured himself a ss of wine. Nine cups. Drinking them slowly was one thing, but to finish them all at once? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Zhao. I know you¡¯re not one for quick drinking. Those earlier drinks were just a toast to you. Now, let¡¯s get down to the real drinking,¡± President Chen said, not even bothering with the food as he filled his ss once more. ¡°Cheers!¡± he dered and downed his drink in one gulp. Zhao Dahai felt a chill run down his spine. What in the world was happening? Was President Chen okay? Had his brain been affected by yesterday¡¯s drinking? With President Chen having taken the lead, Zhao Dahai feltpelled to follow suit. His pride demanded it; he had to drink. The pair clinked sses in a toast. They¡¯d been steadily drinking for a while. Zhao Dahai was thoroughly inebriated. Soon, his eyes swirled, and his tongue felt numb, yet President Chen was bursting with energy. Zhao Dahai was so baffled he wanted to dissect President Chen to figure out his secret. What was happening here? The man who had been floored by a few drinks yesterday was suddenly unstoppable today? ¡°No¡­ I can¡¯t handle any more¡­ I¡¯m done drinking, done¡­¡± Zhao Dahai¡¯s words were slurred and clumsy. ¡°Zhao, are you seriously drunk already? We¡¯ve barely started,¡± President Chen chortled. He was over the moon! You mocked me before, saying I couldn¡¯t hold my liquor. Well, today I¡¯m going to show you what a real drinker looks like! ¡°Waiter, bring a bucket with some ice in it!¡± Zhao Dahai overheard the request. What was President Chen up to? The waiter promptly arrived with a spotless bucket filled with the hotel¡¯s ice cubes. President Chen grinned at Zhao Dahai, ¡°Today, Zhao, you¡¯re going to witness something extraordinary!¡± With that, President Chen uncorked several bottles next to him¡ªbeer, red wine, white wine, and a handful of mixers. A whole bucket brimming with booze! Zhao Dahai was gobsmacked. Wasn¡¯t he worried about wrecking his stomach? ¡°Watch me go to town on this,¡± President Chen dered, and with Zhao Dahai staring in disbelief, he hoisted the bucket and guzzled it down. Zhao Dahai was astounded. He nearly sobered up from the shock. He was utterly outdone! President Chen drank heartily, emptying the bucket in no time. ¡°Fantastic!¡± he eximed, wiping his mouth and bellowing with satisfaction. Apparently, Mr. Su¡¯s concoction had transformed not just his tolerance but also the capacity of his stomach. Downing that much liquor was a breeze. Zhao Dahai was frozen in his seat, his breath nearly caught in his throat. Could this be real? A hallucination? Had he overindulged the night before and was still caught in a drunken stupor? With this thought, Zhao Dahai pped himself. Ouch! That definitely hurt! From then on, a legend circted around the hotel. A deity of drink had rendered a man senseless with his extraordinary capacity for alcohol. As the man left, he continued to shout, ¡°Fake, it¡¯s all fake¡­ Ah¡­ I¡¯ve had enough. I¡¯m never drinking again¡­ Mom, he made me drink¡­¡± President Chen became renowned after that incident. Poor Zhao Dahai, it took him three full days and nights to rise from his bed after getting home. Just as he was feeling better, the sight of President Chen sent a chill down Zhao Dahai¡¯s spine. Without thinking, he blurted out, ¡°I¡¯m not drinking anymore!¡± His voice boomed, echoing through the bank¡¯s lobby. The outburst left customers, bank employees, and even the security guards dumbfounded. What was happening? Why was he refusing to drink? Was Zhao Dahai still half asleep? Could he be sleep talking? Chapter 182 C182 ¨C I will Give You Something to Drink The man dispatched from the capital¡¯s main branch fled in a panic, having uncovered nothing. Muttering to himself in the car, he vowed: ¡°I¡¯ll never touch alcohol again!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve fallen ill from drinking!¡± Su Ming was oblivious to this episode. With ample funds at his disposal, Su Ming contemted purchasing the adjacent building. He clutched a map in his hands. The plot in the city center was sizable. Should Su Ming acquire all the nearby real estate, he could potentially transform it into a farm! He envisioned cultivating flowers and greenery, raising livestock, and creating a home for himself. Such a life seemed idyllic. Yet, he wasn¡¯t particrly knowledgeable about these matters. No matter, he had an ideal person in mind. Wang Guohui had previously gifted Su Ming a skyscraper, indicating his extensive familiarity with the local buildings. With this in mind, Su Ming dialed Wang Guohui¡¯s number. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± The phone crackled with Wang Guohui¡¯s voice, brimming with astonishment, ¡°You¡¯re calling me yourself¡­¡± Feeling a bit awkward, Su Ming said, ¡°I need to ask you something.¡± ¡°Absolutely, Mr. Su. Just hold on, I¡¯m on my way to meet you,¡± Wang Guohui replied. Su Ming gripped his phone, wondering what Wang Guohui was up to. ¡°Mr. Su, please wait for me!¡± With that, Wang Guohui ended the call. Su Ming wasn¡¯t concerned; it was preferable to have Wang Guohuie to him for a more thorough discussion. Wang Guohui arrived in under ten minutes. Seeing him, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Wang Guohui was dressed in a suit jacket but sported pajama bottoms and slippers below. His slippers bore the emblem of the White Cloud Club. Clearly, Wang Guohui had been enjoying himself at the White Cloud Club. Catching Su Ming¡¯s amused look, Wang Guohui nced down and instantly felt embarrassed. He had forgotten to change. The news of Mr. Su needing him had sent him into such a flurry of excitement that he had slipped up. ¡°Mr. Su, what can I do for you?¡± Wang Guohui approached Su Ming, eager to assist. ¡°I¡¯m interested in purchasing several properties in the area. Could you offer some advice? I¡¯m looking to acquire all the buildings around here¡­¡± Wang Guohui was taken aback by Su Ming¡¯s ambition. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m not trying to discourage you, but you¡¯re aware of how costly downtown real estate is. The property I secured for you was only avable because the owner was bankrupt and in dire need of cash. I¡¯ve inquired about the other properties, but no one seems willing to sell¡­¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s do this: arrange a meeting with the other property owners for me. I¡¯d like to have a chat with them to see if they might consider selling theirnd to me.¡± ¡°Absolutely, no problem at all.¡± Wang Guohui nodded. ¡°Mr. Su, may I inquire about your reasons for buying thend?¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, Wang Guohui regretted them, wishing he could give himself a p. There was no need to question Mr. Su¡¯s motives for purchasingnd. Clearly, Mr. Su intended to use it for farming! ¡°The plots I have are too small. I¡¯m looking to buy morend to expand my crop cultivation.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Wang Guohui quickly concurred. He decided not to probe further into why Mr. Su wasn¡¯t purchasing farnd in the suburbs. Mr. Su was a tycoon. Why would he farm on the outskirts? ¡°I won¡¯t take up any more of your time. This isn¡¯t an urgent matter, so just inquire when you¡¯re free.¡± Su Ming gave a knowing smile. Wang Guohui¡¯s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Truthfully, he wasn¡¯t ashamed of the massage at the White Cloud Club. Yet, for some reason, he felt he had made a misstep in Mr. Su¡¯s presence. He was ovee with a sense of guilt. Suddenly, Su Ming remembered something and returned to the vi. He picked up a cup. It contained the oddly colored coconut juice, with the remnants of President Chen¡¯s lipstick still visible. Su Ming had thought about discarding the coconut juice, but that seemed wasteful. Someone promptly volunteered toe forward. Unaware of the actual situation, Wang Guohui felt a surge of excitement when he saw Su Ming holding a cup of water. Could this be the discovery of another treasure? ¡°Drink this¡ªit¡¯s the good stuff.¡± Su Ming, with a look of revulsion, passed the cup to Wang Guohui. ¡°Alright!¡± Wang Guohui missed the look of disgust. Without a word, he took the cup and downed a few sips. He¡¯d used the items Mr. Su had given him on several asions! Each one was a rare gem of the highest quality! Despite the coconut juice¡¯s resemnce to poison¡­ But given his past experience with the Body-stretching Pill, he had no doubts about Mr. Su¡¯s offerings. Maybe the more something from Mr. Su resembled poison, the higher its quality. He watched as Wang Guohui finished it in one go. Su Ming involuntarily shut his eyes. Don¡¯t ask why. He felt slightly nauseous. ¡°It smells amazing!¡± After finishing, Wang Guohui even licked his lips, echoing President Chen¡¯s words. ¡°Enough, I feel like I¡¯m going to throw up!¡± Su Ming kept the words to himself, merely thinking them. ¡°Mr. Su, may I ask what this is for?¡± Wang Guohui blinked before posing the question. ¡°It¡¯s to boost your alcohol tolerance. Drink this, and you won¡¯t get drunk no matter how much you imbibe.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Wang Guohui was ecstatic. As a boss who frequently needed to drink with clients during negotiations, this was a godsend. Age had taken its toll, and his body wasn¡¯t as resilient as it once was. Even with Su Ming¡¯s Body-stretching Pill, his tolerance hadn¡¯t improved much. He never imagined he¡¯de across such a treasure! ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Su!¡± Wang Guohui was on the verge of tears, filled with immense gratitude. By Mr. Su¡¯s side, he could maintain not just the vigor of a man but an unbeatable tolerance for alcohol. How could he ever repay Mr. Su? Wang Guohui was resolute. He would excel at any task Mr. Su assigned him. ¡°You may go back now.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Wang Guohui left, buoyant with anticipation. He was eager to show off his newfound virility! Once Wang Guohui was out of sight, Su Ming stood up, his attention turning to the thriving strawberry nts. The chickens and pigs within the breeding zone were thriving in health. He even supplemented their diet with extra feed. Afterward, Su Ming returned upstairs. In his usual routine, he dove into mobile gaming and enlisted the aid of two allies to join his in-game battles. But ever since Su Ming had taken the Body-stretching Pill, his reflexes and awareness had sharpened dramatically! In the past, achieving master-level y demanded considerable effort from him. Now, he navigated the game with the ease of a fish gliding through water. He used to seek assistance to climb the game¡¯s ranks, but these days, he soughtpanionship in his virtual quests to avoid the solitude of solo y. And don¡¯t bother asking why he didn¡¯t seek a femalepanion. Should the question arise, he¡¯d simply say he¡¯s a man of uplicated tastes. Chapter 183 C183 ¨C A Group of Old Men The next morning, Su Ming, freshly awakened, checked his phone. A message popped up, leaving him torn betweenughter and tears. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m on my way. I promise toplete the mission!¡± It was from Wang Guohui. ¡°Alright, go for it!¡± Su Ming encouraged with a quick reply. After a refreshing shower, a change of clothes, and a bite to eat, Su Ming approached the door. The sunshine was radiant, enhancing his already cheerful mood. He stretched leisurely and made his way to the door, opening it to find¡­ A gathering of elderly men, their hair a uniform shade of white. The door¡¯s opening prompted a smile from the lead man, sending a shiver of goosebumps across Su Ming¡¯s skin. What was this about? ¡°Mr. Su, we meet again,¡± the old man said, rubbing his hands together. Su Ming frowned, puzzled. ¡°I don¡¯t recall ever meeting him.¡± The old man¡¯s smile widened, causing Su Ming¡¯s stomach to turn. ¡°Do you remember the antiques you sold?¡± A moment of rity struck Su Ming. ¡°And you are?¡± The old man sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve been overshadowed by these gentlemen; it¡¯s understandable that you don¡¯t recognize me. Allow me to introduce myself. I¡¯m Lee Qingshan.¡± ¡°What do you want with me?¡± Su Ming inquired. Lee Qingshan hesitated, ¡°There¡¯s a matter I¡¯d like to discuss with you.¡± ¡°Go ahead,¡± Su Ming prompted. ¡°We¡¯ve sessfully sold most of the antiques you entrusted to us, and you¡¯ve received the payment. However, among them are pieces that are national treasures. The government has taken an interest and wishes to acquire them.¡± Lee Qingshan spoke with evident tension, carefully watching Su Ming¡¯s reactions, anxious not to upset him. ¡°Please, Mr. Su, don¡¯t be upset. I didn¡¯t intentionally reveal any information. I was just so thrilled that I couldn¡¯t resist snapping a photo.¡± Su Ming was resigned. ¡°So, the government wants my pieces?¡± he asked calmly. ¡°Yes,¡± Lee Qingshan confirmed, sweating profusely at Su Ming¡¯s stoic demeanor. ¡°But rest assured, we¡¯re prepared to offer youpensation.¡± ¡°I require nopensation,¡± Su Ming replied with a serene smile. ¡°Contributing to my homnd is a duty I embrace wholeheartedly.¡± Lee Qingshan breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Mr. Su, you truly are an exemr for the youth.¡± ¡°Mr. Su is certainly aplished for his age.¡± Su Ming quickly gestured with his hands in dismissal. Lee Qingshan¡¯s demeanor shifted abruptly. ¡°Mr. Su, I have another question for you.¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Do you happen to have a girlfriend? My granddaughter just turned 18 this year.¡± ¡°I thought we agreed on fairpetition. What¡¯s this about?¡± ¡°I was supposed to speak first, remember?¡± The old men began to bicker among themselves. Su Ming was bbergasted. What on earth were they up to? It was then that Su Ming noticed a group of young women standing behind the old men. Were these gentlemen, aside from their official business, also here to set up their granddaughters on blind dates? Yet, the girls were not particrly attractive. Regardless of their looks, they should take care of their health. Even withfortable lives, they shouldn¡¯t overindulge. Su Ming eximed, ¡°Enough!¡± The quarreling elders froze in their tracks. The plumper girls sent him flirtatious nces. He said, feeling quite embarrassed, ¡°I already have a girlfriend.¡± Su Ming had no choice but to fabricate. The elders were taken aback. ¡°No problem, you can always break up with her.¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Su Ming was taken aback by their response. ¡°Stop!¡± Just then, amanding voice cut through the noise. The elders fell silent and parted ways. A middle-aged man in a Sun Yat-sen suit approached slowly. ¡°Mr. Su, greetings. I¡¯m a government official. We owe you a great debt for securing those treasures.¡± He seemed a respectable figure. Su Ming responded with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m a son of the imperial court, with a heart full of patriotism. I willingly donated those national treasures.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, is this your residence?¡± He had just noticed the yard behind them. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Su Ming nodded with ease. ¡°Do you farm thisnd?¡± The elders were astounded. They had assumed Su Ming was of high standing, which exined his possession of such fine items. They had never imagined he was a farmer. The old men couldn¡¯t believe Su Ming was cultivatingnd right in the heart of the city. So young, yet uninterested in chasing fame or wealth, they were instantly filled with remorse. Chapter 184 C184 ¨C Auction Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but voice his doubt, ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± ¡°No!¡± came the chorus of hasty denials from the group of elders. ¡°My back¡¯s been acting uptely. Granddaughter, would you mind giving it a rub?¡± ¡°My eyesight¡¯s been on the decline, too.¡± At Su Ming¡¯s query, the old men became visibly flustered. Su Ming blinked in surprise. ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s one more thing,¡± the official-looking elder spoke up. Su Ming blinked again. The elder smiled and said, ¡°With your extensive collection of antiques, I¡¯m sure you have a wealth of knowledge about them. There¡¯s an auction tonight¡ªwould you be interested in attending?¡± ¡°An auction?¡± Su Ming echoed, his interest piqued. He had always watched auctions on TV and envied the wealthy bidders. But now, he was one of them. ¡°Sure,¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Pick me up this evening.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Tang Soong chuckled with delight. ¡°I forgot to introduce myself¡ªI¡¯m Tang Soong.¡± ¡°Okay, see you tonight,¡± Su Ming replied, shaking hands with Tang Soong before thetter departed. ¡°Mr. Su, my granddaughter is quite the beauty!¡± ¡°Beat it, your granddaughter doesn¡¯t hold a candle to mine!¡± Su Ming blinked as he stood at the door, then promptly closed and locked it. He made a hasty exit through the back door, grateful for the quiet escape. President Chen arrived early to find the door locked and left, crestfallen. He aimlessly roamed outside for the rest of the morning. Across the street, Su Ming nced at his house from a distance, relieved to see the old men had dispersed. He slipped in through the back door and opened the front, breathing a sigh of relief at the empty entrance. He checked on the two plots ofnd and his livestock, feeding the pigs and chickens, which were thriving. Evening arrived quickly, and Old Master Tang was punctual. Su Ming hopped into the car, and they headed straight for the auction house. It was his first visit to such a venue. The entrance was strictly guarded, with a queue of people waiting to be checked in. Security was tight since the items up for bid were of great value, and any damage woulde at a cost to the auction house. Old Master Tang led Su Ming through the VIP entrance, and they swiftly made their way into the auction house, directly into a private box. Upon entering, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit out of ce as he observed the row of elderly gentlemen seated in orderly fashion. ¡°Mr. Su, my granddaughter is truly stunning,¡± one of them remarked. Old Master Tang¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s not bring that up again,¡± he said, causing a wave of disappointment among the elders. Su Ming, however, felt the matter was irrelevant to him. ¡°Mr. Su, please have a seat,¡± Old Master Tang offered with a smile, gesturing towards a chair. Su Ming and Old Master Tang took their ces side by side on two plush sofas at the forefront, while the other gentlemen perched on smaller stools. ¡°This auction is dedicated to antiques,¡± Old Master Tang exined. ¡°All the pieces here have been authenticated by experts.¡± Su Ming understood Old Master Tang¡¯s implication. Having previously unveiled a collection of antiques, Old Master Tang undoubtedly saw Su Ming as a fellow enthusiast. Knowing Su Ming was financiallyfortable, he probably expected him to bid on a few items. Su Ming, aware of Old Master Tang¡¯s thoughts, had no reason to decline the hospitality. After all, he was a government official, and befriending him came with only advantages, no drawbacks. The room buzzed as the lights flickered, signaling that the attendees had nearly all arrived. An elderly auctioneer made his way to the front, his gait unsteady but his spirit undiminished. ¡°We have many familiar faces here today,¡± he began, his voice filled with gratitude for the opportunity. ¡°And we have some truly exceptional items up for bid.¡± With a light tap on the table, hemenced the auction. ¡°You¡¯re all connoisseurs here, so I¡¯ll spare you the introductions. Our first lot is a painting by Zhu Da,¡± he announced. ¡°As you may know, Zhu Da¡¯s works are characterized by their focus on flowers and birds and his distinctively bold style. Genuine pieces by him are scarce in the market these days.¡± ¡°This piecees to us from a friend who¡¯s fallen on hard times. Rest assured, it has been thoroughly authenticated,¡± he assured the crowd. ¡°We¡¯ll start the bidding at one million!¡± Zhu Da¡¯s painting was undoubtedly a prize. Though Su Ming wasn¡¯t well-versed in the art world, he recognized the name as that of a descendant of Zhu Yuanzhang. He simply lived during a time when one dynasty gave way to another. The upheaval of that period shaped his distinctive painting style. This painting¡¯s market value was exceedingly high, and below, a flurry of bidding ensued as people eagerly raised their paddles. ¡°Mr. Su, if you wish to bid higher, please press the button in front of you,¡± the auctioneer instructed. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming responded with a nod. Truthfully, he had little interest in the painting. ¡°A Zhu Da masterpiece!¡± someone eximed. ¡°To own a piece by Zhu Da would leave me without a single regret,¡± another voiced wistfully. A group of elderly gentlemen appeared on the verge of a heated debate. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but feel exasperated. Why did they always seem to fall into argument upon meeting? Chapter 185 C185 ¨C National Treasure ¡°Shut up!¡± barked Old Master Tang. The elderly men fell silent in an instant. Su Ming understood the dynamics at y. Old Master Tang was a figure of authority. On the way over, he had casually mentioned his background. He served as the honorary president for several museums and had unfettered ess to their collections. The group of old men trailing him were avid antique enthusiasts. They were keen on antiques and thus heeded Old Master Tang¡¯smands without question, careful not to cross him. ¡°Zhu Da¡¯s paintings are highly valuable, with a particrly high sess rate in transactions,¡± noted Old Master Tang with a nod. His voice carried a tone of admiration, yet it was clear that the painting was beneath his personal interest. Eventually, the painting sold for over 80 million to an envious buyer. Su Ming had anticipated a dull auction experience. But with Old Master Tang¡¯smentary, he found it rather engaging. Before long, another item was presented. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we¡¯re confident this is a fine piece, but its provenance is unknown. All we know is that it¡¯s an ancient artifact,¡± the auctioneer announced with a sigh and a shake of his head. ¡°I¡¯mmitted to honesty and won¡¯t deceive you. If it appeals to you, feel free to bid and add it to your collection.¡± The crowd¡¯s enthusiasm waned upon hearing this; the provenance of an antique was crucial. ¡°I¡¯ve examined this item myself,¡± Old Master Tang chimed in, nodding. ¡°Regrettably, I couldn¡¯t determine its origin either, though its antiquity is certain.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. An item with noble ties would be highly valuable, whereas something from themon folk would be of little worth. ¡°Let¡¯s start the bidding at 100,000!¡± announced the auctioneer, clearlycking confidence in the piece. Suddenly, Su Ming¡¯s mind was alerted by the System: ¡°Precious treasure detected!¡± He was taken aback; it was the first time the System had issued such a prompt! Eagerly, Su Ming widened his eyes and activated the scanner to inspect the item. It was a fragment of the ancient text, The Five Codexes. Su Ming was momentarily frozen in shock. He was looking at the long-lost The Five Codexes, a text he had encountered in his historical studies. The civilization of the imperial court has a rich and extensive history spanning thousands of years. Throughout this time, many ancient texts have been lost, with The Five Codexes standing out as one of the most notable. It served as a testament to the imperial court¡¯s rich cultural heritage! Yet, it has now vanished from history! Who would have guessed that the object before them was, in fact, a long-lost ancient tome! ¡°It seems that nobody here is willing to take a gamble.¡± The auctioneer shook his head, about to dismiss the lot, when Su Ming abruptly hit the button before him. The elderly gentlemen were taken aback. Old Master Tang shared their astonishment. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t joke around. I¡¯ve examined this item; it¡¯s not worth the asking price.¡± The group of elders desperately attempted to dissuade Su Ming. Old Master Tang blinked, his reaction more subdued than the flustered elders. ¡°Mr. Su, what makes you interested in this item?¡± ¡°I have a premonition that it¡¯s a gem.¡± Su Ming offered a cryptic smile. The elders around him were left agape. A gem? How did we overlook it? We may be advanced in years, but we pride ourselves on our ability to spot treasures. ¡°Did we really fail to recognize its value?¡± ¡°It seems inconceivable¡­¡± ¡°One person might be mistaken, but if all of us are wrong, it¡¯s a disgrace worthy of death.¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Su Ming overheard their exchange. Well then! He hadn¡¯te to the auction to witness a bidding war, but rather a murder scene! No, more like a mass suicide! ¡°VIP seat number one bids 110,000. Will anyone raise the bid?¡± ¡°110,000 for the first time!¡± ¡°110,000 for the second time!¡± ¡°110,000 for the third time! Sold!¡± With the final strike of the gavel, the item was officially sold. Unable to contain his excitement over such a find, Su Ming stood up and made his exit. The elders were left bewildered. Could it truly be a valuable piece? They hurried after Su Ming. But upon seeing the dark object¡­ Their enthusiasm quickly waned. To the elders, it looked nothing more than a pancake. Even if it was a relic from millennia past. It remained, unmistakably, a pancake. To think, 110,000 spent on an ancient pancake¡­ ¡°You must be the buyer, am I correct?¡± The staff member chuckled, handing over the auction item to Su Ming while simultaneously epting the payment. The intermediary fee was handled by them, leaving Su Ming uninvolved. Old Master Tang stood to the side, giving a knowing wink. Despite his brief acquaintance with Su Ming, Old Master Tang could see the young man¡¯sposure and poise, far from someone impulsive. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m quite intrigued. What prompted you to purchase this?¡± ¡°A hunch,¡± Su Ming replied with a blink. He activated the scan once more. The Five Codexes were concealed beneathyers of debris, simply in need of a good cleaning! The scan¡¯s revtions brought rity to Su Ming. It all made sense now. ¡°A hunch?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, any chance your hunch includes marrying my granddaughter?¡± ¡°Enough! Is this really the time for such talk?¡± ¡°I¡¯m worried sick; my granddaughter is 18 and still unwed!¡± ¡°Enough! My granddaughter is 19, still unmarried, and I¡¯m not fretting. Why are you so worked up over yours at 18?¡± Su Ming tuned out the old men¡¯s squabbling. He gently set the auction item down on a t surface. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, this could be the remnants of The Five Codexes.¡± ¡°What?!¡± The statement left the old men utterly astonished. ¡°Impossible, impossible!¡± ¡°Absolutely impossible!¡± ¡°How can you say that? It looks like nothing more than a cake. How could it possibly be the remnants of The Five Codexes?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, The Five Codexes are ancient texts predating the establishment of the Xia Dynasty,posed of bamboo slips. How could this item be a few bamboo slips?¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± The old men vehemently shook their heads in disbelief. We acknowledge you possess many treasures. We also recognize your wealth. But to suggest this item is truly a fragment of The Five Codexes, we¡¯d remain skeptical even under threat of violence! Chapter 186 C186 ¨C It Was My Intuition Even Old Master Tang couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re pulling my leg, right? How could that be possible¡­¡± ¡°Old Master Tang.¡± Su Ming turned to him and inquired, ¡°Have you evere across a treasure that¡¯s been enveloped in something, making it impossible to extract?¡± ¡°Indeed we have.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s your usual approach in such cases?¡± Su Ming pressed on. ¡°We typically soak the treasure in warm water.¡± ¡°Well, let¡¯s give it a shot.¡± Su Ming¡¯s suggestion was met with skepticism from the group. Was Mr. Su serious? If he was, the situation could be quite unmanageable. But surely, it couldn¡¯t be. The old men recalled their earlier bluster, and their faces paled. If Mr. Su¡¯s im turned out to be true, did they actually intend to hang themselves? The thought alone was staggering. A collective suicide of elderly gentlemen. Observing Su Ming¡¯s earnest demeanor, Old Master Tang grasped the gravity of the situation. He quickly escorted Su Ming to the back to procure a basin of warm water. Being an auction center, where antiques and jade were routinely handled, they were well-equipped for such tasks. All eyes were riveted on the unfolding scene. After the treasure had been submerged for a solid half-hour, the staff gingerly retrieved it, then meticulously peeled away the encasingyers with fine tweezers. Only after a painstaking hour did the treasure reveal its true form. It was a severely damaged Bamboo Slip, faintly inscribed with characters. These were unmistakably the script of the Xixia civilization! The artifact before them was the genuine fragment of The Five Codexes! The old men were so overwhelmed that they copsed to the floor. But at that moment, they were of no concern to anyone. The entire work area was abuzz with excitement! A fragment of The Five Codexes! Its importance was monumental! It was nothing short of a national treasure! A testament to the imperial court¡¯s civilization, it confirmed the existence of a pre-Xia era. This was far more than a mere artifact. In essence, it was the very spine of the imperial court¡¯s civilization! Old Master Tang¡¯s hands quivered with emotion. Tears streamed down his face. ¡°I never imagined I¡¯d have the privilege of witnessing this treasure in my lifetime¡­ I¡¯m truly astonished.¡± Old Master Tang extended a trembling hand toward it, but ultimately, he withdrew it. This artifact was incredibly valuable. During the final cleanup, the cleaning crew discovered a thin bronzeyer. It appeared that the book¡¯s owner had taken great care to preserve it, but over time, it had suffered some corrosion. This was why nothing could be seen when they subjected the artifact to an X-ray examination. Who could have imagined that this item was, in fact, a national treasure? Meanwhile, the auction continued unabated. The auctioneer was still enthusiastically conducting the sale. Suddenly, a staff member hurried up to him, causing the old gentleman to furrow his brow at the apparentck of manners. ¡°You¡­¡± Just as the old gentleman was about to reprimand him, the staffer leaned in and whispered something in his ear. ¡°What did you say? Repeat that!¡± The old gentleman was taken aback. Forgetting the auction was still in progress, he dropped the gavel to the floor and followed the staffer in haste. ¡°Let me see!¡± He made his way through the crowd, stepping past the fallen elders, and approached Old Master Tang directly: ¡°Is it really true?¡± Old Master Tang gave a solemn nod: ¡°Soong, I¡¯m afraid it is.¡± Grandpa Soong was in a state of disarray. He hadn¡¯t expected the item he had dismissed as junk to be such a gem! It was a national treasure! ¡°Who discovered it? And who bought this treasure?¡± It was only then that Grandpa Soong came to his senses, wondering who the discerning buyer was. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Old Master Tang let out a sigh, filled with a sense of inadequacy. He had lived 84 years, yet he didn¡¯tpare to a young man in his twenties. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Grandpa Soong was taken aback by the high regard Old Master Tang held for Su Ming. His surprise grew upon learning that Su Ming was a young man. ¡°Soong, have no doubts, it was Mr. Su who found it. Several of the treasures our museum has acquired were generously donated by Mr. Su,¡± Old Master Tang exined, sensing Grandpa Soong¡¯s skepticism. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Su?¡± Grandpa Soong was astounded. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve long heard of your aplishments. Could you share why you decided to bid on it?¡± ¡°We¡¯re all eager to know.¡± ¡°How did you determine it was a fragment of The Five Codexes?¡± ¡°We examined it with a magnifying ss for quite some time and found nothing.¡± The group of elders was buzzing with excitement. This revtion was of utmost interest to them. Su Ming said with a smile, ¡°Just a hunch!¡± He couldn¡¯t let on that he had ess to a System. Besides, Su Ming wasn¡¯t sure if the System would vanish on the spot if he disclosed its existence. Losing the System would be a huge setback for him. The old timers were skeptical of his im. All the items previously auctioned were genuine and of immense value. Yet, Su Ming had bid on an item that had been overlooked by everyone else. But there was a sense among the crowd that Su Ming might be harboring an undisclosed secret. It was someone¡¯s personal business, after all, and they couldn¡¯t very well pry. ¡°Mr. Su has quite the knack. He must have a keen eye for choosing girlfriends.¡± ¡°We were worried over nothing.¡± ¡°Looks like I can¡¯t let Mr. Su marry my daughter now.¡± ¡°Your daughter is over forty.¡± Su Ming felt resigned. They were still on about this. Su Ming¡¯s find sent shockwaves through the auction hall. Word spread like wildfire. The auction came to an abrupt halt. They had all underestimated a Top Grade national treasure, priced at a mere 100,000 yuan. Their regret was palpable. Chapter 187 C187 ¨C The Strawberries Are Ripe The crowd was swept up in a wild celebration! Word of the national treasure¡¯s discovery spread rapidly. But this was no ordinary treasure; it was proof of the imperial court¡¯s ancient civilization! Some foreign schrs had been spreading malicious lies about the imperial court. They imed that the imperial court¡¯s civilization was only 2,000 years old, not 5,000. This treasure could validate the imperial court¡¯s 5,000-year history. In essence, this damaged relic was the imperial court¡¯s very backbone! ¡°Let me see it, quick!¡± ¡°Hold your horses!¡± ¡°Where did my watch go?¡± ¡°Who snatched off my wig?¡± Chaos reigned at the scene. ¡°Silence!¡± Old Master Tang gave his cane a firm thump, his frown deepening, his presencemanding. With his words, the room fell instantly quiet. Su Ming blinked, taking it in. Old Master Tang was, without question, a heavyweight in the world of antiques. No one would dare ignore hismands. His influence was considerable. For those who cherished such treasures, falling out of favor with Old Master Tang was tantamount to a death sentence. ¡°Make way, make way!¡± Just then, a flurry of footsteps approached from outside. The auction house¡¯s security team sprang into action. These guards were highly trained, as befitting an establishment that dealt in priceless antiques, artwork, and jade. A skilled security force was essential to ensure the safety of the items up for auction. They swiftly brought order to the pandemonium, cordoning off Old Master Tang and Su Ming from the rest of the crowd. ¡°Mr. Su, I can¡¯t thank you enough for this.¡± Old Master Tang reflected inwardly that he simply didn¡¯t measure up to Su Ming. His respect for Su Ming had grown from admiration to reverence, especially after Su Ming¡¯s selfless donation of several national treasures. He had always believed his talent for appraising antiques was nearly unmatched domestically. Now he realized Su Ming¡¯s expertise far surpassed his own. ¡°Old Master Tang, you tter me. It was nothing more than a helping hand.¡± Su Ming offered a modest smile. ¡°Mr. Su, rest assured, we¡¯ll transfer the funds to your ount.¡± ¡°Old Master Tang, it¡¯s a mere trifle, just a few hundred thousand yuan. I did it for the country; I have no need for the money.¡± Su Ming waved dismissively and nced at the clock. ¡°Old Master Tang, it¡¯s gettingte. I should be on my way.¡± Old Master Tang nodded urgently. ¡°Escort Mr. Su out through the back door, please.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Upon hearing thismand, several security guards approached and began to lead Su Ming out the back. A murmur rippled through the crowd. So this young man is the enigmatic buyer? He¡¯s that impressive! They couldn¡¯t miss the chance to befriend someone of his caliber! A cluster of onlookers prepared to intercept Su Ming at the back exit, eager to make his acquaintance. Su Ming was clearly no ordinary man. ¡°Should anyone dare to hinder Mr. Su¡¯s departure, I¡¯ll burn his entire collection!¡± Old Master Tang dered shrewdly. As expected, the crowd instantly fell in line at his threat. The old man was a force to be reckoned with. No one dared cross Old Master Tang, for the repercussions were dire. Su Ming had two reasons for leaving: the chaotic scene was not to his liking, and more importantly, his strawberries should be ripe by now. He was eager to see what sort of bounty they would yield. Politely refusing the offer of a ride from the security, Su Ming hailed a cab and headed home. Arriving at his farm, he inspected the strawberries under the glow of the streetlights. They were indeed ripe, their leaves a lush green, a sight to behold. Excited, Su Ming rubbed his hands together and hastened to the nearest nt. Crouching down, he examined it closely. What was this? The strawberry¡¯s fruit was actually a small, square box, red and modest in size. Curiosity piqued, Su Ming grasped a box and tugged it free from the branch. ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯ve obtained the Invincible Truth Pill!¡± ¡°Once consumed, the Truth Pillpels the speaker to utter only truths for a duration of ten minutes.¡± Su Ming was astounded. He was suddenly reminded of a film he¡¯d seen where Professor Snape concocted a Truth Serum. Different names, yet identical effects. What a marvelous find. Su Ming burst intoughter. Then, the System chimed in: ¡°You may dissolve your three thousand Truth Pills in water to create a spray, though the effect willst only half as long.¡± This item was a pill, so for it to work, someone had to ingest it. If it were turned into a spray, it would be much more convenient to use. Su Ming was suddenly invigorated. After taking a Body-stretching Pill, he tapped into his Stamina Talent to get to work. He had five acres of strawberries to tend to. Each strawberry nt bore a Truth Pill. Su Ming casually grabbed arge bag from the warehouse. At night, Su Ming diligently worked away. It took him three hours toplete the harvest. Once he stored the goods in the warehouse, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Sessful crop harvest. You¡¯ve earned 25,000 experience points.¡± ¡°Congrattions on your level-up!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯ve earned a chance at the lottery.¡± Su Ming was astounded by the sheer number of experience points he had received. Typically, an acre could support over 7,000 strawberry nts. But due to the System, there were 5,000 nts per acre. The five acres were valued at 25,000 experience points. Su Ming realized that this was more experience than he had earned from all his previous ntingsbined. Farmer: Su Ming Level: 6 Experience: 41,200 / 50,000 Farm: Level Two Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent Above all, he had won a chance at the lottery. Su Ming was eager with anticipation. He thought to himself, ¡°Let the lottery begin.¡± ¡°The System is now drawing.¡± ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯ve won Immunity to Mosquitoes!¡± ¡°With this skill, mosquitoes won¡¯t bite you.¡± Chapter 188 C188 ¨C The System also Knows How to Joke Su Ming nearly spat blood. ¡°The System has detected the Host¡¯s dissatisfaction and will proceed to unbind.¡± Su Ming¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and panic set in. ¡°No, don¡¯t!¡± ¡°It was just a joke.¡± Su Ming quickly offered an apology. ¡°The System was joking too!¡± Su Ming was taken aback. The System was actually interacting with him! Typically, it only sent notifications when he was nting or harvesting. And it would only remind him that an item was a national treasure during an auction. ¡°Please be assured, Host. The skills provided by the System will prove useful in the future. Just be patient!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Su Ming shrugged. The skill might seem pointless, but it did have its uses. At the very least, he wouldn¡¯t need a mosquito in the summer. The strawberries in the field had wilted. Su Ming tidied them up and earned another 1,000 experience points. Massive nting was the key to leveling up fast! After clearing the field, it was already 2 a.m. ¡°I¡¯m not going to farm today.¡± Thanks to his Stamina Talent, he was still bursting with energy. But he was a farmer, after all. He needed to keep a regr rest schedule. He felt a twinge of guilt. With a heart full of the day¡¯s bountiful harvest, Su Ming was in high spirits as he pondered what to nt next while heading back to his vi. After a shower, he grabbed a bite from the fridge and then hit the sack. The next morning came early. Su Ming rose, stretched, and showered. Stepping out of the vi, he opened the front door. The bustle of people outside lifted his mood even further. Life was truly blissful! As Su Ming was about to return inside, he noticed a figure crouched on the steps of the Heavenly State Building. The person looked vaguely familiar. It was Captain Wu! Dressed in in clothes with a look of concern, Captain Wu was perched on the steps, smoking a cigarette, surrounded by a cluster of butts. What had happened? Driven by curiosity, Su Ming approached. ¡°Captain Wu, what seems to be the trouble?¡± Su Ming asked, his eyes wide with concern. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Upon spotting Su Ming, Captain Wu quickly got to his feet. Having squatted for too long, he wobbled unsteadily, nearly toppling over. Su Ming stood there, dumbfounded. Su Ming quickly stepped forward to steady Captain Wu. ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies, I didn¡¯t get a wink of sleepst night.¡± Captain Wu¡¯s face was drawn and tired. ¡°Captain Wu, what¡¯s happened to you?¡± Su Ming inquired. With a heavy sigh, Captain Wu said, ¡°Mr. Su, are you aware of the theft that urred half a month ago?¡± After a brief pause, Su Ming nodded, ¡°I vaguely remember that case. What about it?¡± The biggest jewelry store in the area had been hit by thieves half a month earlier. These days, it was rare for jewelry stores to be targeted. Security technology had be so sophisticated. Yet, against all odds, a band of robbers had struck half a month ago. And they had pulled it off! Coincidentally, the city¡¯s electrical circuit was under repair that night. The city experienced a ckout for fifteen minutes. That¡¯s when the robbers made their move. The incident sent shockwaves through themunity. As the head of the detective unit, Captain Wu got a call from city officials just five minutes after the heist. They demanded a swift resolution to the case. Captain Wu was known for his integrity and keen investigative skills. The leadership had great confidence in him. But from the look on Captain Wu¡¯s face, it seemed things weren¡¯t going as well as hoped. ¡°We¡¯ve been on the case for half a month and finally nabbed a suspect.¡± Captain Wu¡¯s brow was furrowed with concern, ¡°The problem is, this guy¡¯s a seasoned criminal with a strong sense of how to evade detection. We¡¯vebed through his ce, his phone and bank records, and came up empty. We were hoping to extract something useful from his statements, but he¡¯s tough. We grilled him all night yesterday, and he didn¡¯t utter a single word¡­¡± Before Captain Wu could finish, his stomach grumbled loudly. He sheepishly scratched his head. ¡°I¡¯m a bit peckish¡­¡± ¡°Well, it turns out I¡¯ve got some food in my fridge. Captain Wu, if it¡¯s not too much trouble, why don¡¯t youe over and have a bite?¡± ¡°That would be imposing¡­¡± Fifteen minutester. Captain Wu was slurping up arge bowl of noodles, savoring every bite. Wasn¡¯t Captain Wu embarrassed just moments ago? Yet there he was, eating heartily and without reservation, with five cloves of garlicid out before him. Though Su Ming hadn¡¯t touched the garlic, his mouth still burned with spice. Captain Wu downed a bowl of noodles with five whole bulbs of garlic? That¡¯s right, five entire bulbs, not just cloves! Didn¡¯t Captain Wu find it incredibly spicy? Yet, Su Ming felt a pang of sentiment. Captain Wu was the epitome of dedication in the police force. Despite his exhaustion, he continued to work tirelessly, refusing to sumb to sleep. Suddenly, Su Ming had an epiphany. He had a Truth Pill. Now was the perfect opportunity to put it to use. A sly grin spread across Su Ming¡¯s face. The suspect was about to run out of luck. In a country prospering like this, he could¡¯ve chosen any legitimate job, but instead, he opted for illegal trades. He had no one to me but himself. Captain Wu¡¯s rapid eating was a skill honed from years on the job. At times, his workload was so overwhelming that he¡¯d scarf down a bowl of instant noodles in just two minutes. With a full belly, Captain Wu felt significantly better. ¡°Captain Wu, I¡¯ve never actually seen the suspect before. Could you take me to see him?¡± Su Ming inquired. Captain Wu blinked, a hint of hesitation in his eyes: ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize, but the regtions¡­¡± ¡°Captain Wu, I took a course in criminal psychology back in college. Perhaps I could be of some assistance?¡± Su Ming offered. The wheels turned in Captain Wu¡¯s head. Su Ming¡¯s proposition did hold merit. If it meant cracking the case, any method that wasn¡¯t illegal was fair game! This case was simply too critical to ignore. ¡°Alright, Mr. Su, if you wouldn¡¯t mind apanying me.¡± Chapter 189 C189 ¨C Thirsty? Su Ming felt a wave of gloom wash over him when he heard those words. Follow him¡­ It almost sounded like he was being led off to prison. ¡°Captain Wu, just give me a moment,¡± he called out. Rising to his feet, Su Ming made his way to the warehouse. He uncapped a bottle of mineral water and dropped in a Body-stretching Pill. Then he added a hair growth pill for good measure¡ªCaptain Wu was, after all, thinning on top. Approaching Captain Wu with the water in hand, Su Ming offered, ¡°Captain Wu, those noodles must have left you parched. Have some water.¡± Captain Wu was about to express his gratitude when his eyesnded on the bottle. What on earth was that color? A Body-stretching Pill alone would turn the water as ck as ink. But with the Hair Growth Pill¡­ The color turned rather¡­ Odd. It wasn¡¯t a pure ck. Nor was it a pure purple. The color had hints of red. Shift your gaze, and there were shades of blue. What in the world was this? This¡­ Mr. Su, we have no bad blood between us¡­ There¡¯s no need for this¡­ Captain Wu blinked: ¡°Mr. Su, I¡­ I¡¯m not thirsty!¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at Captain Wu¡¯s obvious fib. Not thirsty, huh? You doused your noodles with soy sauce earlier. It looked salty enough from where I stood. Your lips are cracked from dryness, and yet you im you¡¯re not thirsty? Still, Su Ming understood why Captain Wu was hesitant. With its bizarre hue, the water wasn¡¯t exactly inviting. Such aplex color. It was the sort of shade you¡¯d expect from poison, not a refreshing drink. ¡°Rx, Captain Wu. This concoction is nothing but beneficial,¡± Su Ming assured him with a smile. Captain Wu listened warily. You better not be pulling my leg! If this stuff doesn¡¯t kill me, that¡¯s a win. But you¡¯re saying there are additional benefits? What kind of benefits? Is it a swift, painless demise? Mr. Su, we¡¯re not at odds, are we? Someone used me of moneyundering in the papers, and I confronted you about it. But I gave you my reasons! And I didn¡¯t waste time in rounding up the rumor-mongers! Murder is a crime¡­ And I¡¯m a cop¡­ Surely Mr. Su isn¡¯t in league with those crooks¡­ No, that couldn¡¯t be¡­ Su Ming caught the look of indecision on Captain Wu¡¯s face. He shook his head, at a loss for words. It was clear to him that Captain Wu¡¯s mind was a whirlwind of wild thoughts. Stepping aside, Su Ming grabbed an empty cup, uncapped a bottle of mineral water, and poured a bit into the cup before downing it in one go. He smacked his lips appreciatively after finishing. ¡°Nice vor!¡± Su Ming eximed with genuine enthusiasm, ¡°It¡¯s mango-vored.¡± ¡°Mango-vored¡­¡± Captain Wu was taken aback. I fail to see any connection to mangoes here. ¡°Give it a try, Captain Wu.¡± Su Ming offered, his smile widening as he filled a cup for Captain Wu. ¡°No, thanks, I¡¯m not thirsty!¡± Captain Wu was resolute, shaking his head. The idea was terrifying; he wouldn¡¯t drink it! He was adamant about not drinking it! ¡°Mr. Su, a client of mine brought some local delicacies from back home. I know you¡¯re well-off andck for nothing, but these delicacies truly have a remarkable taste, so I thought I¡¯d bring some for you to sample¡­¡± Just then, President Chen¡¯s voice carried in from outside the vi. Su Ming had left the door open, and President Chen, seeing him through the ss, had walked in with his items. As he reached the doorway, he caught sight of Su Ming offering Captain Wu a drink. He heard Captain Wu¡¯s refusal as well. ¡°Mr. Su, have youe across another fine item? Captain Wu, are you certain you don¡¯t want a taste?¡± ¡°I¡¯m certain I don¡¯t,¡± Captain Wu asserted. ¡°Well, then I will,¡± President Chen dered, tossing his things aside and dashing over, worried Captain Wu might change his mind. He snatched the cup and gulped down the contents. Captain Wu couldn¡¯t help but swear under his breath. ¡°President Chen, are you out of your mind¡­¡± Captain Wu rose to his feet in rm. But it was toote; President Chen had already taken the drink. ¡°Tasty! It¡¯s got a mango vor!¡± President Chen announced. Captain Wu was utterly bewildered. He wondered, ¡°Are you two in cahoots to make a fool of me?¡± ¡°Captain Wu, I assure you, this is the good stuff. You¡¯ll be sorry if you don¡¯t try it.¡± President Chen set the cup down. Watching President Chen¡¯sposed demeanor, Captain Wu blinked, puzzled. He was about to respond when President Chen suddenly paused, lost in thought. President Chen clutched his head and frantically scratched at it. Captain Wu jumped in rm. It really was poison! Why would Mr. Su do such a thing? Could he be heartbroken? It seemed likely. Mr. Su could end up in prison for this. Captain Wu felt it was such a waste. Reaching into his back pocket, Captain Wu produced a pair of handcuffs: ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re under suspicion of murder. Pleasee with me.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Just then, President Chen let out a sudden yell, giving Captain Wu quite the scare. ¡°My hair!¡± President Chen felt the top of his head. He had sprouted a significant amount of hair. Hair can greatly affect a person¡¯s appearance. Many middle-aged individuals face intense stress in life, making hair loss an unavoidable issue. President Chen, in his fifties, had tried countless remedies for hair loss, but to no avail. Yet now, Mr. Su had miraculously regained a full head of lush hair. ¡°Mr. Su, I can¡¯t thank you enough!¡± Ovee with emotion, President Chen burst into tears: ¡°Your help has been immense. I¡¯ll give you my daughter¡¯s hand in marriage!¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Su Ming¡¯s mind shed back to the group of old men from the previous night. He felt a wave of goosebumps wash over him. He had the sudden urge to boot President Chen out the door. ¡°This thing actually has that capability!¡± Captain Wu was dumbfounded: ¡°I need to try it!¡± Chapter 190 C190 ¨C Could Mr. Su Do It? Captain Wu, who had initially been resistant to Su Ming¡¯s offer, picked up the bottle of mineral water and took a drink. After finishing, he wiped his mouth and eximed, ¡°This really tastes like mango!¡± He had expected an odd vor, but waspletely taken aback to find it genuinely mango-vored. A warmth began to spread from his abdomen to his limbs and brain. Before he knew it, his fatigue had vanished, reced by a surge of vitality. His left leg, which had been aching, no longer pained him. Even the difort in his stomach, a result of eating too hastily, had eased. Stomach issues weremon among his colleagues, where time was of the essence. For twenty years, Captain Wu had been gued by recurring stomach problems, usually kept at bay with medication. Now, to his relief, the difort had disappeared. He felt incredibly healthy, almost in disbelief as he stretched out his hand. Energized, he was confident he could run five kilometers with ease. Then, an itch on his scalp caught his attention, prompting him to scratch it. To his astonishment, he felt new hair growth. ¡°Mr. Su, this water is miraculous!¡± he eximed. President Chen replied with a smug grin, ¡°Everything Mr. Su offers is top-notch.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Captain Wu agreed, still in awe of the potion¡¯s effects. ¡°Captain Wu, shall we head out?¡± someone suggested. ¡°Alright,¡± he replied, shifting his focus back to the task at hand. His health had been restored, and his hair had regrown, but the case remained unsolved. Su Ming, carrying several bottles of the mineral water, followed Captain Wu to the criminal investigation unit. President Chen stayed behind in the vi to tend to Su Ming¡¯s nts. On their way, Su Ming spotted Wang Guohui¡¯s car. Dressed in pajamas with disheveled hair, Wang Guohui was ncing anxiously at his watch. Clearly, he had slept poorly the night before and hadn¡¯t even had time to change before rushing to work. It was easy to predict that a confrontation with President Chen was imminent. Inside the criminal investigation unit, led by Captain Wu, Su Ming encountered officers with stern faces and furrowed brows. They had hoped for a breakthrough after apprehending a suspect, yet no clues had emerged. ¡°Captain Wu, wee back.¡± In the office, a weary senior policeman addressed Captain Wu, ¡°Did you uncover anything on the surveince footage from the Guoxing Building?¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Captain Wu let out a sigh and responded, ¡°Chief, they were thoroughly prepared and their counter-surveince skills are top-notch. We¡¯ve hardly found any useful leads.¡± ¡°And who might this be?¡± The chief¡¯s attention shifted to Su Ming. ¡°Chief, this gentleman here is Mr. Su.¡± Captain Wu grinned at Su Ming and introduced, ¡°Mr. Su, meet our chief. He¡¯s heading up this investigation.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re Mr. Su.¡± The recent diamond affair had stirred up quite the uproar, so naturally, the chief was familiar with Su Ming. He inquired, ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you here? Are you looking to file a report?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± Captain Wu shook his head and exined, ¡°Mr. Su has a background in criminal psychology, which could prove beneficial to our case interrogation. As luck would have it, our bureau¡¯s two psychology experts are away for training. I believe Mr. Su could be of assistance.¡± ¡°Then we¡¯re in your debt, Mr. Su.¡± The chief spoke with a veneer of courtesy, his skepticism about Su Ming quite apparent. Captain Wu was a renowned figure in criminal investigation circles, known to make even hardened criminals tremble at his sight. He had encountered all manner of criminals. And yet, even Captain Wu had his limits. The prospects seemed grim. But Su Ming merely offered a slight, knowing smile. He remained silent. In his mind, Su Ming mused, ¡°You¡¯re all venerable figures in the police force, having made significant contributions, yet youck a System!¡± With his System, there was no task Su Ming couldn¡¯t aplish. Led by Captain Wu, they soon reached the room adjacent to the interrogation chamber. Through the surveince, they observed a middle-aged man seated inside. The man, in his forties, was somewhat overweight with short hair. His eyes were closed, and he remained silent. Upon seeing the man, Captain Wu immediately felt a headache brewing. ¡°Captain Wu, allow me to have a word with him,¡± Su Ming offered cheerfully. ¡°Mr. Su, this individual is a repeat offender. Talking to him might not yield any results,¡± Captain Wu expressed his doubt. Can Su Ming pull it off? Captain Wu was skeptical of Su Ming¡¯s assertions. This wasn¡¯t some kind of therapy session. Interrogating this particr suspect was proving to be a tough nut to crack. He was a hardened criminal with a lengthy rap sheet. Yet, Su Ming just shed a cryptic smile and stepped out of the surveince room alongside Captain Wu. ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re up for this?¡± Captain Wu was uncertain. ¡°Let me give it a shot.¡± Su Ming appeared brimming with confidence. Captain Wu felt a weight lift from his chest. Perhaps he had overestimated Su Ming. Against such a hardened criminal, Su Ming surely had no recourse. Money might line Mr. Su¡¯s pockets, but it doesn¡¯t solve everything. Jobs like these require the hands of a professional. And while Mr. Su may have the looks, they¡¯re no weapon against a ruthless felon. ¡°Mr. Su, maybe we should just call it off¡­¡± Captain Wu wavered. From his perspective, Mr. Su was young and affluent, a sign of a charmed life. He probably hadn¡¯t faced many obstacles. If Su Ming ran into trouble here or got pushed around by the criminal, it could leave him rattled. And if Su Ming ended up spiraling into depression, Captain Wu would never forgive himself. ¡°No worries, Captain Wu. Let me have a go at it. Who knows? I might just seed.¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Okay then¡­¡± Captain Wu unlocked the door, still tinged with concern, and cautioned Su Ming, ¡°If he gets under your skin, just let it roll off your back, alright?¡± Chapter 191 C191 ¨C Confession! Under Captain Wu¡¯s gaze, filled with worry and hesitation, Su Ming strode confidently into the room. The sound of footsteps at the doorway caused the man to crack open his eyes. ¡°Has Wu Xiaocheng run out of options? He sent you to face me?¡± The man¡¯s sneer was tinged with scorn. Captain Wu watched the exchange from the surveince room, wondering if he had overthought the situation. He couldn¡¯t really count on Mr. Su, after all. He needed to focus on gathering evidence. Su Ming approached the massive iron fence dividing the interrogation room. ¡°I¡¯m willing to bet you¡¯ll end up telling the truth,¡± he said, standing at the gate. The man simply closed his eyes, remaining silent. ¡°With your strength, why resort to robbing a jewelry store? You could find legitimate work,¡± Su Ming prodded. Again, the man said nothing, eyes shut. ¡°You¡¯re quite skilled, managing to evade the surveince cameras.¡± Silence persisted from the man. ¡°Where¡¯s your hometown? What do your parents do? Mine are farmers, and now, so am I.¡± Still, the man kept his eyes closed, unresponsive. Captain Wu, listening in the control room, couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of helplessness. Was Su Ming trying to regale the criminal with stories? Captain Wu might not have studied criminal psychology, but as a seasoned officer, he had some insight into the field. This interrogation technique was new to him. He sighed deeply, shook his head, and settled back into his chair, not expecting Mr. Su to extract any useful information. Just then, the door opened, and Director-general Zhang entered. ¡°How¡¯s it going, Wu?¡± he inquired. Captain Wu activated the speaker. ¡°Ever grown strawberries?¡± Director-general Zhang¡¯s reaction mirrored Wu¡¯s helplessness. Exchanging a nce, both men felt a twinge of disappointment. ¡°Let¡¯s call another meeting to strategize on the investigation,¡± Captain Wu suggested, rising from his seat. ¡°Sounds good,¡± Director-general Zhang agreed, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡± ¡°Why is it so sweltering in here? Captain Wu is really pinching pennies, not even turning on the air conditioning,¡± Su Ming grumbled. Captain Wu, hearing theint, was resigned to the situation. This tactic was standard in interrogations, designed to wear down a suspect¡¯s mental barriers. ¡°It¡¯s hot, but luckily I brought some water. Since you can¡¯t drink, how about I just mist some around?¡± After finishing his sentence, Su Ming pulled a small spray bottle from his pocket. ¡°The Truth Pill won¡¯t affect the Host, so feel free to use it!¡± A prompt echoed in Su Ming¡¯s mind. He offered a faint smile, having anticipated this oue. Captain Wu and Director-general Zhang¡¯s expressions soured at the sight. ¡°Let¡¯s just bring him out,¡± Captain Wu exhaled heavily. ¡°Agreed.¡± Director-general Zhang gave a nod. They had worked hard to establish a grave and tense mood, hoping the criminal might crack under the pressure. But Mr. Su had just upended their entire strategy. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Su Ming asked with an easy smile. Disappointment etched Captain Wu¡¯s features as he observed Su Ming¡¯s approach. It would be a surprise if Su Ming actually managed to extract any useful information. ¡°Is Mr. Su just causing a scene? I should just bring him out myself.¡± Captain Wu shook his head in resignation and started for the door. ¡°He¡¯s still too young¡­¡± Director-general Zhang let out a sigh, shaking his head in agreement. They had a rap sheet on the suspect, knew his name, and other details. Yet, the man had never offered them anything of value. Their professional interrogation techniques had yielded nothing. The idea that Mr. Su¡¯s antics could coax out useful information was far-fetched. If that were true, they might as well not bothering to work. ¡°Wang Hu.¡± As Captain Wu and Director-general Zhang were shaking their heads in resignation, ready to exit, a voice transmitted through the control room¡¯s microphone. They were dumbfounded. What? The suspect had actually spoken! Had Su Ming actually pulled it off? As seasoned detectives, they werepletely taken aback. What kind of interrogation technique was this? Interrogating criminals through storytelling was unheard of for them. The man¡¯s name was indeed Wang Hu. That much they knew. But Wang Hu had never personally admitted to it. He wouldn¡¯t even give the police his real name, much less any other information. They had lost all hope in Su Ming¡¯s methods. Yet, against all odds, Su Ming had gotten Wang Hu to talk! Captain Wu and Director-general Zhang were left reeling in bewilderment. And the most baffled of all must have been the criminal himself! Why had he suddenly confessed? He had regarded Su Ming as nothing more than a joke. Su Ming had rambled on, nearly lulling him to sleep. And then, with just a spritz of water and a question, Wang Hu inexplicably found himself speaking the truth without a moment¡¯s hesitation. What was happening here? ¡°How many people were involved in this incident?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Five,¡± Wang Hu responded promptly. After his reply, he was bewildered once more. He hadn¡¯t intended to reveal that! What was going on? Why had he spoken out? Why was he sopliant? ¡°Where are they now?¡± ¡°In a dpidated tile-roofed house in the third group of Lotus Flower Vige.¡± ¡°And the stolen goods?¡± ¡°We stashed them in the sewer close to the jewelry store.¡± With every question from Su Ming, Wang Hu answered with unexpected candor. Captain Wu¡¯s mouth hung open in astonishment. Director-general Zhang¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. They stood there, dumbfounded. Was their interrogation technique obsolete? Could it be that Su Ming was employing a cutting-edge method? Yet, they attended annual training and had never encountered Su Ming¡¯s approach. They were truly in the dark. But something still seemed off to them. Su Ming had merely shared a story, and the criminal had confessed. It seemed like an impossibility. Chapter 192 C192 ¨C This Should be Enough! ¡°Zhang, Wu, we need to pick up the pace on this investigation¡­¡± In the midst of their confusion, they heard footsteps at the door. It was a city leader, Minister Chen. The case had a terribly negative impact. Though it wasn¡¯t a heinous crime, it certainly wasn¡¯t anything to celebrate. It had sparked considerable panic. After Minister Chen entered and spoke, he noticed the two were not paying attention. ¡°Did you two even hear what I just said?¡± Minister Chen felt a sense of helplessness. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Captain Wu snapped out of it, blinking rapidly. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Director-general Zhang also turned, blinking in unison. Their expressions mirrored each other¡¯s shock, mouths agape and eyes wide. Minister Chen was startled. ¡°Are you two okay?¡± He approached them with urgency, ¡°It¡¯s my fault for rushing you. How about you both head back and rest a bit?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Captain Wu closed his mouth. ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need.¡± Director-general Zhang nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re both so headstrong. Solving a case takes time and patience. I admit I¡¯ve been too hasty. I¡¯ll reflect on that. You two should go get some sleep. I¡¯ll exin things to the higher-ups.¡± Minister Chen spoke with urgency. These were hispetent subordinates, after all. They looked like they were at their limit. Over half a month of overtime was taking its toll. ¡°The case is cracked.¡± Captain Wu stated with a calm demeanor. Don¡¯t ask me why I¡¯m thisposed. I¡¯ve grown ustomed to it. ¡°Why won¡¯t you two heed my advice? Our police station isn¡¯t just the two of you. The entire criminal investigation team can lend a hand. Take my advice, go home, and rest up¡­¡± Minister Chen hadn¡¯t quite caught on: ¡°Rest assured, you two are still in charge of the case. I¡¯m granting you eight hours of leave. Get some food, get some sleep. You can¡¯t keep pushing yourselves like this. You two are¡­¡± Hold on! What did Captain Wu just say? The case is solved? That quickly? You two aren¡¯t pulling my leg, are you? Director-general Zhang, I just called you about this. Just ten minutes ago, you were telling me that we were nowhere close to cracking the case. I¡¯ve just raced over here from the city hall, and now you¡¯re saying the case is solved? That was quick. ¡°How did you solve it?¡± Minister Chen blinked in surprise. ¡°We¡­ resolved it through a conversation¡­¡± Captain Wu hesitated before offering the most usible exnation. ¡°Resolved through a conversation?¡± Minister Chen was clearly puzzled. ¡°You two aren¡¯t pulling my leg, are you? The higher-ups will take this seriously.¡± ¡°Are you guys okay? Did the case get you so twisted up that you¡¯ve confused yourselves?¡± ¡°No way, you two can¡¯t becking that much resilience,¡± he protested. Minister Chen couldn¡¯t grasp how a simple chat could lead to solving a case. They talked to the suspect? And something in the conversation moved him? That seemed impossible. Minister Chen knew exactly what kind of person they were dealing with¡ªa very sly character. It wouldn¡¯t be that easy to crack him. A case solved by just chatting? He couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°You don¡¯t believe it?¡± Captain Wu and Director-general Zhang exchanged a knowing nce. ¡°Truth be told, we¡¯re just as skeptical. But the evidence is right before our eyes. If you don¡¯t believe it, see for yourself.¡± Minister Chen was taken aback. He stepped forward and then noticed a young man in the surveince room, his back turned to them, speaking with the suspect. Minister Chen had been here before and had witnessed Captain Wu¡¯s interrogations, where the suspect remained silent, as if he hadn¡¯t heard a thing. Yet now, he was spilling everything to Su Ming. ¡°Are you married?¡± ¡°I am.¡± ¡°Do you have kids?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Where do you live?¡± ¡°In Silverflower District.¡± ¡°Does anyone else know?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Wang Hu replied. ¡°Have you ever been to the women¡¯s restroom?¡± ¡°I have,¡± he admitted. ¡°What other bad things have you done?¡± Wang Hu pressed. ¡°I¡¯ve stolen sausage from next door, snatched a phone from the girl downstairs, and even taken the upstairsdy¡¯s underwear¡­ Why should I tell you all this¡­¡± Wang Hu trailed off, and then Su Ming started spraying water again. ¡°As a kid, I stole 20,000 yuan from my cousin, sold my great aunt¡¯s TV, and set fire to someone¡¯s haystack¡­¡± Okay. Another person in the control room was utterly baffled. Was the interrogation inherently simple, or had the world gone mad? When did criminals start being so forthright, answering questions with such ease? ¡°Who is this guy? What¡¯s happening now?¡± Minister Chen turned around,pletely bewildered. ¡°Remember the diamond case?¡± ¡°Yes. Is this young man the Mr. Su in question?¡± ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± ¡°He¡¯s the one who got you the interrogation results?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How did he conduct the interrogation?¡± ¡°By chatting.¡± The three veteran detectives in the control room, all past fifty with years of experience under their belts, were astounded by the effectiveness of a mere conversation as an interrogation technique. Su Ming had been questioning the suspect for a solid half-hour, leaving him parched and weary. ¡°Captain Wu, can we wrap up the interrogation? He¡¯s even confessed to stealing milk as a kid. Are we done here?¡± Su Ming nced at the monitor, aware that Captain Wu was listening. It took a moment for Captain Wu to snap to attention. He quickly made his way to the interrogation room. ¡°We¡¯re finished here! My sincerest thanks to you, Mr. Su.¡± Captain Wu was moved to tears, and both Director-general Zhang and Minister Chen shared a profound respect for Su Ming¡¯s abilities. The youth had talent! His approach to psychological interrogation was revolutionary! Su Ming had merely shared a childhood anecdote with the suspect, yet it led to a full confession. How was that possible? The most frustrated individual had to be the criminal himself. He truly didn¡¯t want to divulge anything. I¡¯m normally tight-lipped, honestly! But for some reason, in Su Ming¡¯s presence, he found himself involuntarily answering every question withplete honesty. Aspliant as an infant. The most remarkable aspect was that, at one point during their talk, he suddenly regained control and attempted to lie. Yet, the moment Su Ming sprayed water, He would immediately revert to telling the truth. ¡°No need to thank me. Assisting the police in solving cases is a civic duty.¡± Su Ming offered a calm smile. ¡°He¡¯s confessed to the crime. I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡± ¡°Good!¡± Captain Wu nodded, knowing this wasn¡¯t the time for gratitude. He quickly reviewed the surveince footage, jotting down all the locations the man had mentioned, and then a swarm of armed officers were dispatched with urgency. Minister Chen and Captain Wu watched the rey together. As they observed Su Ming engaging in conversation, Minister Chen was equally baffled. But the moment Su Ming began to ask questions, the criminal spilled the entire truth. Minister Chen was astounded beyond belief. The term ¡®muddled¡¯ didn¡¯t even begin to capture their state of mind. At a loss for words to convey their astonishment, all they could muster was ¡°incredible!¡± Chapter 193 C193 ¨C Please Teach Us! Captain Wu swiftly apprehended the suspect and closed the case. The suspects were in disbelief when they heard that one of their own had turned on them. ¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true!¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to drive a wedge between us that easily!¡± ¡°We all know Old Wang. He would never betray us.¡± Seated in his car, Captain Wu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the conversation unfolding among the men in the back. ¡°Believe it or not, we¡¯ve uncovered your hiding spot for the jewels¡ªin the sewer, just a stone¡¯s throw from the jewelry store.¡± The suspects were visibly shocked by Captain Wu¡¯s revtion. The hiding ce was incredibly secretive. Only they knew about it; it was unthinkable that anyone else could have discovered it! Could Wang Hu really have sold them out? But Wang Hu had been in custody for days; it was inconceivable that he¡¯d betray them now! ¡°Stop trying to fool us.¡± ¡°Without evidence of our crimes, we¡¯re innocent!¡± In the past, such a situation would have vexed Captain Wu. Now, he sat back, humming a tune, thinking to himself, ¡°Just wait until Mr. Su has a word with you. You¡¯ll all be singing like canaries.¡± Before long, all the suspects were escorted to the police station, tight-lipped as ever. Then Su Ming made his entrance. All eyes in the conference room were glued to therge screen, where every officer had taken a seat. ¡°Mr. Su¡¯s interrogation techniques are state-of-the-art. You¡¯d all do well to pay close attention,¡± Minister Chen announced. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for Mr. Su to give you a ss on it soon.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The officers were brimming with curiosity. The buzz had reached them: a young man had managed to extract a confession from a hardened criminal, using methods they had never encountered before. Their attention was riveted to the screen. Su Ming entered the interrogation room at a measured pace. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve isted them to prevent any collusion. You can interrogate them one by one,¡± Captain Wu suggested. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Keep them together,¡± Su Ming replied with a calm, assured smile. Captain Wu felt a twinge of concern. ¡°Just follow Mr. Su¡¯s instructions,¡± Director-general Zhang interjected. Soon after, the five suspects, Wang Hu among them, were seated together. ¡°Old Wang, is it true? Did you betray us?¡± ¡°Man, how could you be so unreliable?¡± Upon seeing Wang Hu, the remaining criminals immediately began to barrage him with questions, having already witnessed the interrogation footage. This tactic aimed to shatter their psychological defenses. Wang Hu felt despondent. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to talk. I¡¯m just as clueless,¡± hemented. ¡°You¡¯re utterly useless. We¡¯d never spill the beans!¡± they retorted, regarding Wang Hu with scorn. At that moment, Su Ming stood before him, recounting tales of his past and even delving into wheat cultivation techniques of all things. The criminals simply shut their eyes. Then, a familiar voice cut through the silence. ¡°Were you behind this robbery?¡± Su Ming inquired, his tone detached. ¡°Yes!¡± came the unanimous response from the five men. All but Wang Hu were taken aback. Why had Wang Hu suddenly embraced honesty? This wasn¡¯t part of the n. The script had taken an unexpected turn. ¡°Did you stash the jewels in the sewer?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Do you admit to your crimes?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Su Ming, hands sped behind his back, posed question after question, each met with prompt admission from the quintet. The police officers in the conference room were dumbfounded, scarcely daring to breathe, their eyes wide with astonishment. Even Minister Chen, Director-general Zhang, and Captain Wu, seasoned as they were, found themselves staggered by the scene. Su Ming¡¯s influence was undeniable. The five criminals were remarkablypliant before him, candidly answering every query. What was Su Ming¡¯s secret? Some entertained the oundish notion that he might have conspired with the criminals, but such an idea was patently absurd. No other exnation seemed usible. The interrogation,sting a mere half-hour, concluded with the criminals fully disclosing their misdeeds. They detailed their scheme, the timing, the tools used, their aplices, and even confessed to past transgressions that had remained hidden. As the interrogation wrapped up and the live feed ceased, the officers in the conference room remained rooted in ce, the impact of what they¡¯d witnessed beyond words. These were seasoned officers, well-trained and experienced. Yet, they had never encountered an interrogation technique so unorthodox, nor so remarkably effective. Before long, Su Ming entered the conference room. ¡°Stand up!¡± Minister Chen¡¯s voice thundered suddenly, prompting every officer to rise in perfect sync. ¡°Apud!¡± The officers pped fervently, the sound echoing their collective tension. This case had weighed heavily on them, a puzzle that had stumped even the most seasoned detectives, yet it was Mr. Su who had cracked it using an astonishing approach! Mr. Su¡¯s technique was something they all could learn from. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re truly remarkable. I must ask a favor of you, and you simply must agree¡­¡± Minister Chen¡¯s face flushed with excitement: ¡°The interrogation method you employed was incredible. Could you possibly teach us?¡± Su Ming found himself in a quandary. Truth be told, he was quite embarrassed. He had no knowledge of interrogation techniques. But he did have the System. And he had the Truth Pill. That¡¯s how he got those five to confess their crimes. Seeing the eager look in Minister Chen¡¯s eyes, Su Ming found it hard to say no. Reluctantly, he decided to acquiesce. After all, the life of a police officer was no easy calling. Chapter 194 C194 ¨C Liar Inside the police department¡¯s conference room, a group of officers sat with earnest expressions, a security camera positioned behind them. What an excellent learning opportunity this was! They had never encountered such formidable and sophisticated interrogation techniques before. A single viewing wasn¡¯t enough to grasp the concepts. Mr. Su was swamped with work, and they felt it would be impolite to request a thorough exnation. Their only option was to record the session and study it at their own paceter on. Su Ming cleared his throat gently before addressing the room. ¡°Vicious criminals have formidable psychological defenses,¡± he began, prompting nods from the officers, who diligently scribbled notes. Su Ming, witnessing their earnestness, was filled with a sense of guilt. ¡°Our goal is to prate these defenses,¡± he continued. ¡°I employ what¡¯s known as an indirect approach. By discussing matters unrted to the case, we can catch them off guard. They¡¯ll be puzzled, wondering about the relevance of our questions. That¡¯s when their defenses start to crumble.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s when you use this spray,¡± Su Ming added, cing a canister on the podium. ¡°It contains a special concoction I¡¯ve developed that induces rxation upon inhtion. Suspects, already on edge from intense questioning, will let down their guard as they rx, potentially leading them to reveal the truth. It sounds straightforward, but it requires practice.¡± Su Ming delivered his advice with a calm demeanor, knowing he couldn¡¯t disclose the full reality of the situation¡ªnot that anyone would believe him if he did. ¡°Captain Wu, I¡¯ll leave this spray with you. Once it¡¯s used up, you can get more from me¡ªI have plenty,¡± he offered. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± Captain Wu eximed, his delight evident as he carefully took possession of the spray. ¡°Wu, you¡¯re not being careful enough. Hand it over to me,¡± one officer interjected. ¡°Chen, this is the detective squad¡¯s business. Stay out of it,¡± another countered. ¡°I outrank you!¡± the first retorted. ¡°But Mr. Su gave it to me!¡± Captain Wu protested, as the three began to bicker over the canister. From the sidelines, Su Ming watched the exchange and blinked. Then, something urred to him. ¡°Captain Wu, what happened to the mineral water bottles I had with me?¡± he inquired, but Captain Wu was initially too preupied to respond. Suddenly, it hit him! That concoction that looked deadly was, in fact, a miraculous potion with a mango vor. ¡°They¡¯re in my office!¡± Captain Wu responded. ¡°Distribute a bit to each person.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± Su Ming announced, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, I should head out.¡± Three men, each over fifty, saw Su Ming off. ¡°Wu, what¡¯s this water Mr. Su mentioned?¡± ¡°It¡¯s got to be something special. You better not keep it from me!¡± No sooner had Su Ming departed than Minister Chen and Director-general Zhang clutched Captain Wu¡¯s arm. ¡°If you don¡¯t cough it up, I¡¯ll spill the beans about your secret stash to your wife!¡± Captain Wu¡¯s face went ashen with fear. ¡°Brothers, I¡¯ll give it up. Is that okay?!¡± There¡¯s always something that reigns over another. For Captain Wu, it was no different. He and his wife had a deep bond, having grown up together. Outside, Captain Wu was a formidable force, apprehending countless criminals. But at home¡­ He earned the dubious honor of ¡°Kneeler of the Year¡±! Whenever the detective squad faced an urgent case, Captain Wu would hurry from home, and the team could spot the telltale creases on his knees. After finally receiving a bonus, he squirreled away some cash on the side. Should his wife discover it, he¡¯d not only lose the money but also face the dreaded washing board. Ten minutester, all the officers in the conference room eyed the bottles of mineral water before them. The liquid was an ominous blend of ck, purple, green, and yellow, and it shimmered with a hint of red in the sunlight. It screamed poison! ¡°Wu, you didn¡¯t identally bring pesticide, did you?¡± Director-general Zhang¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at Captain Wu. ¡°You¡¯re showing your naivety!¡± Captain Wu smirked. Yet another clueless one! Captain Wu had forgotten that just an hour earlier, at Su Ming¡¯s ce, he¡¯d been just as ignorant. He was no better than Director-general Zhang. Grabbing a disposable cup, Captain Wu uncapped a bottle of the mineral water and filled it. He lifted the cup, ready to drink. ¡°Captain Wu, don¡¯t be suicidal!¡± ¡°Wu, I admit my mistake earlier. I won¡¯t tell your wife about your secret funds, okay?¡± Director-general Zhang quickly stepped in to intervene. It looked suspiciously like poison, no matter which way he turned it over in his mind! ¡°???¡± ¡°Captain Wu has a stash of cash?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± The news spread like wildfire among the police officers. This was huge! Captain Wu had a secret fund! Captain Wu had no illusions left. This was bad! Very bad! His team was excellent at their work. They were diligent, conscientious, and maintained the utmost confidentiality on sensitive cases! But as for the everyday rumors¡­ They were quicker to spread those than anyone else! It wouldn¡¯t take long for his wife to catch wind of this. At that thought, Captain Wu suddenly felt his knee ache. It must be an old injury acting up! ¡°Just look at how clueless you all are!¡± Captain Wu scoffed. What was there to fear about being found out? I¡¯ve never feared my wife¡­ If she dares to take action, then I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll just set up a bed in my office and not return home for a few days. Chapter 195 C195 ¨C The Little White Mouse Came! Amidst the astonished stares of those around him, Captain Wu downed his drink in one swift gulp. ¡°It¡¯s just as tasty as ever, that mango vor,¡± he remarked, nodding in approval. The other officers were dumbfounded. Was Captain Wu truly unharmed? At that moment, a police officer who had been out on a case returned, ready to brief Captain Wu on his findings. As he approached the conference room door, a scream pierced the air from within. ¡°I refuse to drink this!¡± ¡°Captain Wu, this is on me. There¡¯s no need to poison me over it!¡± ¡°Somebody help me!¡± The officer at the door froze, his curiosity getting the better of him. He slowly pushed the door open, and the room fell silent. All eyes in the conference room turned to him. In a panic, the officer at the door blurted out, ¡°Wrong room.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let him get away! We¡¯ve got a guinea pig!¡± Came a booming voice. ¡°Help!¡± Another scream echoed down the hallway, ¡°I don¡¯t want to drink this!¡± As the individual swallowed the medicine, everyone instinctively backed away. ¡°That smells amazing¡ªit¡¯s mango-vored!¡± The officer at the door was taken aback, then suddenly sprang to his feet. His exhaustion from the day¡¯s work vanished in an instant, reced by a surge of vitality. ¡°My knee injury¡ªit¡¯s healed!¡± He ran in a circle around the door and even managed a jump, his fingers grazing the ceiling tiles. ¡°Captain Wu, I want some too!¡± Chaos erupted in the room. Director-general Zhang, Minister Chen, and Captain Wu were all caught off guard. ¡°Have they drunk all the medicine already?¡± Minister Chen wondered, blinking. Director-general Zhang shared the concern. Captain Wu offered a knowing smile, ¡°There¡¯s more where that came from.¡± ¡°Captain Wu says there¡¯s more in his office. Let¡¯s go!¡± The officers made a beeline for the office as Captain Wu gave a sly wink. He then pulled out a bottle from behind his back. ¡°I never said the medicine was in the office.¡± The officers discovered that the potion could heal old wounds, strengthen the body, and significantly enhance physical capabilities. Even the balding officers found themselves sprouting new hair! From this day forward, criminals would have a much harder time. They had Su Ming¡¯s spray, but it was too valuable to use carelessly. Yet, Su Ming¡¯s warehouse was stocked with plenty of the spray. Thanks to Su Ming¡¯s miraculous concoction, these officers had seen a tremendous boost in their physical fitness! The criminals were on the verge of tears. These cops just wouldn¡¯t tire. After 24 hours on the job, they were still bursting with energy! Su Ming was oblivious to the events at the police station. Even if he were aware, he¡¯d likely just offer a slight smile. He made it back as dusk was approaching. Considering Su Ming had risen at noon, it was a timely return. At home, President Chen and Wang Guohui were hard at work. One was pulling weeds, the other watering, and together they fertilized the fields. From the pathway, Su Ming could see the wheat thriving. He was well aware, however, that this was merely a facade conjured by the System. In reality, both plotsy barren, awaiting his nting. A smattering of fennel did dot thend. But since the fennel was sparse and Su Ming had a fondness for it, there was no rush to clear it away. ¡°Mr. Su, wee back!¡± ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Upon spotting Su Ming, President Chen and Wang Guohui quickly approached. ¡°Mr. Su, take a look¡ªI¡¯ve tidied up this plot. Pretty clean, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t hog the limelight in front of Mr. Su. I¡¯ve done my share of cleaning here too, alright?¡± ¡°You¡¯re lucky you didn¡¯t wreck it!¡± ¡°How dare you use me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m speaking the truth!¡± Su Ming watched from the sidelines, sighing in resignation. Their penchant for squabbling was relentless. ¡°Enough bickering.¡± Su Ming was exasperated. ¡°Anyway, Boss Wang, about that real estate inquiry I asked you to make¡ªany updates?¡± ¡°Oh, right!¡± Wang Guohui smacked his forehead, nearly having forgotten the task. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve inquired about the buildings in the area. The majority of the owners aren¡¯t looking to sell. No matter how generous your offer, they¡¯re not interested in selling.¡± Wang Guohui exined, ¡°Naturally, they¡¯re referring to a reasonable selling price range.¡± ¡°I get it.¡± Su Ming nodded in understanding. These owners clung to their properties, not forck of lucrative offers. For instance, a property in the city center could fetch 10 billion. An offer of 11 or 12 billion would be within normal fluctuations, and even 15 billion wouldn¡¯t be out of the question. The real estate industry is currently on an upward trend, which is especially true in the city center where property values are expected to climb even higher. Selling off all thend now could likely result in a loss. However, if Su Ming were to make an offer of 100 billion, the property owners would surely jump at the chance to sell, as it would guarantee them a profit. After all, thend in the city center, no matter how prime, could never fetch such an exorbitant price. But this is all hypothetical; Su Ming doesn¡¯t have that kind of money, and even if he did, he wouldn¡¯t spend it so recklessly. His goal may be to acquirend to expand his nting operations, but he understands that trade is trade, and he must adhere to market principles. ¡°There is someone interested in selling their property, though,¡± Wang Guohui mentioned. ¡°It¡¯s the owner of the securities building up ahead. He¡¯s currently out of town and won¡¯t return for some time, but he¡¯s keen on discussing the matter with you in person.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming responded with a nod. With this information, he felt no need to rush. Chapter 196 C196 ¨C ss Pearl Chicken ¡°Boss Wang, I appreciate your efforts.¡± Su Ming gave Wang Guohui a friendly pat on the shoulder. Wang Guohui was pleasantly surprised. ¡°Mr. Su, after all this time, there¡¯s no need for formalities. Just call me Old Wang,¡± Wang Guohui urged. ¡°Sure thing.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. ¡°You two head on back.¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui exchanged nces, acknowledging the day was indeed drawing to a close. Besides, Su Ming was a young man who deserved his privacy. Perhaps for a date with a girl. Noticing their spective looks, Su Ming realized they were pondering over his personal life again. But he didn¡¯t bother to rify. Naturally, Su Ming¡¯s primary reason for sending President Chen and Wang Guohui away was that it was time to tend to his farming. After shutting the door behind them, Su Ming headed to the warehouse. He eyed the seeds he had previously purchased, indecision gripping him. What to nt was the tough choice before him. He had already cultivated a variety of vegetables and fruits, even cacti and coconuts. Despite giving it much thought, Su Ming remained torn. Maybe he should just code a program to input all the ntable varieties? That way, he could eliminate the crops he¡¯d already grown and randomly select those he hadn¡¯t. It would save him from this agonizing decision-making process. Eventually, Su Ming, at a loss, closed his eyes. He resorted to a time-honored technique. He would use a nursery rhyme to make his random selection. As Su Ming uttered the final word, his finger came to a halt. You¡¯re the one! Opening his eyes, Su Ming peered in the direction his finger pointed. Blueberries? Not a bad choice at all. The blueberry trend had been growing in recent years. They were deliciously sweet and tart, packed with nutrients, and rumored to have anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits. The increase in blueberry cultivation was evident; during hisst visit home, Su Ming noticed that some strawberry greenhouses had been converted for blueberries. He was somewhat familiar with the process of growing blueberries, which was intricate. He would need to extract the tiny seeds from the berries, wash them clean, and remove any remaining pulp. The soil for nting required just the right temperature and moisture levels, and even the water¡¯s pH bnce had to be considered. Only with these conditions could the blueberries sessfully germinate. After the seedlings had matured, it was necessary for him to transnt the blueberries from their pots into the ground, ensuring regr watering and venttion. The blueberries demanded strict control over daylight exposure, temperature, and humidity to yield the finest fruit. Hence, the premium price of blueberries was justified. Yet, Su Ming was well-equipped to tackle these challenges, thanks to the System. His sole responsibility was simple: dig a hole, bury some soil, and then wait. The tasks of fertilizing, watering, and weeding fell to President Chen and Wang Guohui. Su Ming was free from anybor. All he had to do was await the harvest. Without further ado, Su Ming set to work nting the blueberries. Tilling, digging, nting. ¡°Blueberries sessfully nted! They will ripen in 72 hours!¡± After Su Ming had watered and fertilized the blueberries himself, he heard the familiar prompt signaling a shortened ripening period and boosted yield. The process unfolded seamlessly. Now, Su Ming truly was a bona fide Farming Expert! With his work done, Su Ming dusted off his hands and surveyed his two plots ofnd with a sense of pride. But then, he paused to ponder. He had recognized a pattern. Any crop that could be cultivated in real life was fair game for the System. Yet, each crop offered a different amount of experience. Although the maturation times varied as if whimsically set by the System, there was a discernible rhythm to the experience gained. Crops with lower nting densities yielded less experience but bore fruit that was more precious and valuable. Conversely, crops with higher densities and more experience tended to produce fruit of lesser quality. This made sense, as scarcity often dictates value. Armed with ample funds and a trove of rare items, Su Ming¡¯s top priority was to level up quickly. He was eager for new features. After all, he was only at level 6¡ªa mere novice in the gaming world. Yet even as a beginner, he possessed an array of impressive capabilities. The thought of the System¡¯s potential growth filled Su Ming with an irrepressible excitement. With the System¡¯s boost, Su Ming¡¯s farnd was nothing short of extraordinary. The crops he cultivated had the potential to bear any kind of fruit imaginable. That¡¯s why Su Ming¡¯s top priority was leveling up¡ªthe higher his level, the more new features he would unlock. Su Ming was certain that the System¡¯s post-upgrade functions would astonish him beyond belief. After all, anything produced by the System was guaranteed to be top-notch! This sense of anticipation made farming far from dull for Su Ming. Each day brought a bounty of harvests and a wealth of excitement. Then, something dawned on Su Ming, and he nced at the clock. Two days had flown by¡ªthe Snow Chickens must be fully grown by now! He rushed to check on them. As expected, the Snow Chickens in the coop had matured. Their feathers were sleek, and their bodies were impressivelyrger than typical Snow Chickens, with a dazzling array of colors shimmering across their plumage. They were clearly extraordinary. ¡°How can they be so stunning?¡± Su Ming marveled, momentarily transfixed at the doorway. He quickly entered the coop, where the Snow Chickens remained calm and didn¡¯t scatter. Su Ming gently picked one up for a closer look. ¡°Congrattions on acquiring the ss Pearl Chicken. Its meat is sulent, tender, and bursting with nutrition¡ªideal for nourishing the body and bncing Yin and Yang. Perfect for middle-aged and elderly individuals, it can invigorate the muscles and cirction, slow the aging process, and fortify one¡¯s vitality!¡± The System¡¯s description left Su Ming in awe. What a treasure! The Body-stretching Pill was known for bolstering muscle strength and treating ailments, a perfect fit for the younger, more robust crowd. Its effects were immediate and potent, albeit somewhat blunt. The ss Pearl Chicken, however, was a different breed of remedy¡ªa powerful tonic that worked subtly and slowly to rejuvenate the body, offering a milder yet more profound impact. It was particrly beneficial for seniors andplemented the Body-stretching Pill perfectly. And the best part? The ss Pearl Chicken was incredibly tasty! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle with delight. He pondered whether he should indulge in a taste. Having skipped dinner, Su Ming gazed at the chickens in the coop, his stomach growling with hunger. Chapter 197 C197 ¨C Too Delicious! Without a word, Su Ming reached for a ss Pearl Chicken and swiftly put it to rest. He set a pot of water to boil, methodically plucked the feathers, and removed the innards. Anyone who¡¯s ever butchered a chicken knows this is usually the most tedious part. But, thanks to the System, this chicken was a breeze to clean. It was devoid of even the smallest down, including the thick calluses on its feet. As Su Ming sliced open the belly, he discovered all the organs neatly encased in a thin membrane. With a tug, everything slid out, including the trachea. He marveled inwardly at the System¡¯s efficiency, which must have been designed to let him savor the joys of farming and reaping the rewards. Otherwise, the System might as well have taken care of the gutting itself. Growing up, Su Ming often assisted his parents with such tasks, making chicken butchery second nature to him. What might take others hours, he could aplish in a mere twenty minutes¡ªnot due to his own speed, but the System¡¯s prowess. Su Ming chopped the chicken into pieces, washed them thoroughly, and submerged them in cold water. This time, he was craving the simple pleasure of authentic chicken soup. He lounged on the couch, phone in hand, as the soup simmered gently on a low me. Just as drowsiness began to overtake him, a System alert jolted him awake: ¡°The chicken will reach peak vor in five minutes!¡± Instantly alert, Su Ming was greeted by the rich aroma permeating the room. The scent was hearty yet not at all greasy, leaving him feeling refreshed and his stomach rumbling in anticipation. Checking the time, he dashed to the kitchen, eyes fixed on the pot. As the five minutes psed, he promptly turned off the heat. Donning thick gloves, he carefully transferred the ceramic pot from the stove to the dining table. Lifting the lid, the room was engulfed in the savory scent. My goodness! The soup¡¯s fragrance was enhanced by a subtle sweetness, robust yet wonderfully light on the pte. Su Ming could no longer contain himself. Disregarding the heat of the pot, he grabbed a chicken leg with one hand, chopsticks in the other, and tore into it with gusto. Arge drumstick was yanked off with a forceful tug. Su Ming took a bite and was instantly in heaven! The chicken was incredibly tender and silky, exactly as the System had described¡ªsulent and juicy. Finishing the drumstick, Su Ming savored the lingering taste on his lips and teeth, an endless delight. It was an indescribable pinnacle of vor. Perfection! Su Ming feared he might never enjoy any other chicken again. He devoured the meal with gusto. Before long, he had polished off over half the chicken and downed two bowls of chicken soup. Reclining on the couch, Su Ming opened his mouth and let out a contented burp. The chicken soup had a surprising hint of fruit sweetness. The fruit¡¯s sweetness didn¡¯t sh with the soup; it was a seamless, perfect blend. Truly, the ultimate taste sensation! In that moment, Su Ming had an epiphany. The ss Pearl Chicken might share some simrities with the Body-stretching Pill. But the differences between them were vast. The ss Pearl Chicken was simply too delectable. The Body-stretching Pill was like a bottle of water¡ªvorless. Eating is a basic human survival skill. Cuisine is the ultimate pursuit. A delicacy like the ss Pearl Chicken, even if devoid of any special effects, would likely cause a frenzy among gourmands. Su Ming longed for another bite. But he was stuffed to the brim. Patting his belly, he let the leftovers cool, wrapped them in stic, and stowed them in the fridge, nning to indulge again tomorrow! Full and satisfied, Su Ming prepared for bed. Soon, he drifted off to sleep, a nagging feeling that he¡¯d forgotten something lingering in his mind. But the thought was fleeting, and he was quickly sound asleep. The next morning, Su Ming awoke. He brushed his teeth, washed his face, and used the restroom. Then, he warmed up the leftover chicken soup. He finished the bowl with relish¡ªit was just too good. Sitting back, a sudden realization struck him¡ªthe chicken couldy eggs. Su Ming sprang to his feet and hurried to the coop. Inside, he found a clutch of golden eggs nestled in a corner. Surely, these couldn¡¯t be ordinary eggs, could they? Su Ming blinked in surprise. Ordinary eggs were typically red or white, but he had never encountered a golden egg before. With a surge of excitement, Su Ming approached. He picked up an egg and gave it a shake, yet nothing happened. Deciding against opening it there, Su Ming carried the egg back inside the house. He fetched a bowl and cracked the egg open. Out tumbled a small item. What was this? He snatched it up and examined it closely. A seasoning packet! ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯ve obtained the ss Pearl Chicken cooking seasoning packet. This exclusive seasoning is designed to enhance the vor of the ss Pearl Chicken to its ultimate potential.¡± Su Ming was astounded. The System had actually provided him with these seasonings. It looked like the chickens¡¯ destiny to be eaten was inescapable. Even without any added seasonings, the chicken dishes were already delectable. With the addition of the System¡¯s exclusive seasoning packet, Su Ming could only imagine how much more delicious they would be. He had already consumed one chicken and taken an egg, but why hadn¡¯t the System prompted him about gaining experience? Was the breeding zone different from the ntation area? Ultimately, he chose not to dwell on it, trusting that the System wouldn¡¯t deceive him. Su Ming¡¯s spirits were high. As he was about to prepare another chicken, his phone abruptly rang. Setting the knife aside, he went to the living room and inspected the caller ID. It was the construction team leader. It looked like his parents¡¯ vi was finally ready. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The moment he answered, the construction boss greeted him warmly, ¡°We¡¯vepleted the construction of your parents¡¯ vi.¡± ¡°How much do I owe you for your efforts?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s our duty,¡± the boss replied. Su Ming responded calmly, ¡°I intend to honor my promises.¡± He remembered a previous warning from his superior never to contradict Mr. Su. ¡°Very well, Mr. Su, I¡¯ll send the invoice to you shortly.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Su Ming acknowledged with a nod. After ending the call, he reflected on thepletion of his parents¡¯ vi. He decided it was the perfect time for a visit. He could take some ss Pearl Chickens for his parents to taste. And as for the blueberries, they still needed plenty of time to mature, so there was no rush. He began to gather his belongings, preparing to head home. Chapter 198 C198 ¨C Go Home! Su Ming casually picked up a stic bag and headed down to the basement. He packed it with some Body-stretching Pills, a bottle of coconut juice, and a few Truth Pills. Then, he made his way to the breeding zone and scattered some feed. He caught a total of five chickens and grabbed a selection of spices for stewing them. In the garage, he chose a car at random, called President Chen to ensure the daily feeding of the breeding zone was taken care of, and then drove straight home. Arriving back home, Su Ming¡¯s spirits were high. After a three-hour drive, he was greeted by the lively atmosphere of the house. The vi he had built for his parents, designed by a professional, was a rare sight in the vige and had piqued the curiosity of many. ¡°Son!¡± Su Tao¡¯s face brightened as he spotted Su Ming at the door. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you give me a heads-up about your return?¡± Su Tao approached quickly. ¡°Dad, I wanted to surprise you,¡± Su Ming said, scratching his head with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s great to have you back,¡± Su Tao replied, then turned and called out loudly. Lee Sumei, who was chatting with neighbors in the yard, heard her husband and caught sight of Su Ming, her face breaking into a smile. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± ¡°Mom, Dad, I¡¯ve brought you some nice things this time.¡± ¡°You and your spending. Do you have a girlfriend yet? We¡¯re eager for grandchildren!¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei exchanged nces and resumed their daily nudging for marriage. Su Ming could only sigh at their persistence. These things couldn¡¯t be hurried; they were a matter of destiny. He decided to wait a bit longer¡­ ¡°Your son¡¯s home.¡± ¡°Su¡¯s looking more handsome by the day.¡± ¡°Does Su have someone special?¡± ¡°My niece just finished university andnded a job at a state-ownedpany,¡± the aunties chimed in as they gathered around Su Ming. Su Ming blinked, then spoke up. ¡°Alright, alright.¡± The vige chief intervened, ¡°Su¡¯s back, and the family surely has plenty to catch up on. Let¡¯s not crowd around and give them some space.¡± Lee Sumei took mental note of the vigers¡¯ments as they started to disperse. Su Ming drove into the courtyard and closed the gate behind him. He popped the trunk open. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± The couple peered inside. But what breed of chicken was this? They had neverid eyes on it before! ¡°Dad, Mom, this is a new breed of chicken, and it¡¯s delicious,¡± Su Ming exined cheerfully. ¡°Son, gically modified foods aren¡¯t good for your health!¡± Lee Sumei said, her brow furrowed. Su Ming was at a loss for words. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom,¡± he reassured her. ¡°This has nothing to do with gic modification.¡± Carrying the cage, Su Ming walked over to the chicken coop his parents had insisted on building. A chicken coop, a pigsty, and two untouched plots ofnd were part of the setup. Though Su Ming¡¯s parents were country folks now living in a vi, they couldn¡¯t shake the need to grow and raise their own food. Su Ming settled the chicken into the coop. ¡°System notification: The ss Pearl Chicken, when raised outside the breeding zone, will grow at the same rate as regr chickens. The vor will remain exceptional, and it can be fed with standard feed! However, it cannot reproduce!¡± Hearing the system beep, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Truth be told, he had been a bit anxious. He had been concerned that the ss Pearl Chicken might only thrive within a breeding zone. Thankfully, the system¡¯s prompt put his mind at ease. ¡°Mom, Dad, haven¡¯t you eaten yet? Let¡¯s prepare one of these chickens for dinner!¡± Su Ming suggested enthusiastically. ¡°Sure!¡± Lee Sumei and Su Tao adored their son. Back when Su Ming was little, they would always save the tastiest morsels for him whenever they prepared chicken. Now, even though Su Ming was all grown up, Lee Sumei and Su Tao¡¯s affection for him hadn¡¯t waned. The couple expertly boiled a pot of water and dispatched two chickens. Lee Sumei, holding a basin of boiling water, poured it over the chicken and froze. She had never encountered this breed before. The feathers came off with just a quick scald. Lee Sumei and Su Tao exchanged a nce. Had chickens be this advanced? They felt out of step with the times. Despite their astonishment, Lee Sumei and Su Tao kept their thoughts to themselves. They processed the two chickens and ced them in the pot, ready to cook. Su Ming pulled out two packets of spices from his pocket. ¡°Son!¡± Lee Sumei rushed to intervene: ¡°Don¡¯t just throw in any seasonings. Chicken should be savored in its natural state. Adding spices will alter its vor.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom and Dad!¡± Su Ming gave a knowing smile. ¡°These aren¡¯t ordinary spices; they¡¯re Chinese medicinal herbs. They¡¯re meant to nourish the body¡ªonly good cane from them, no harm.¡± Lee Sumei and Su Tao had an epiphany and refrained from stopping Su Ming any further. Indeed! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was the perfect justification. Su Ming knew that no other exnation would have convinced Lee Sumei and Su Tao. Su Ming added the herbs and secured the pot lid. Once the firewood was lit, a rich aroma soon permeated the air. Although Lee Sumei and Su Tao¡¯s vi was equipped with a gas stove, they knew that the vor imparted by gas cooking just couldn¡¯tpare to that of firewood. That¡¯s why they had the construction crew build a traditional stove in the yard. On fair weather days, Lee Sumei and Su Tao preferred the outdoor stove, but they¡¯d resort to the indoor gas during inclement weather. For a dish like chicken soup, a slow simmer over firewood was essential. That was the secret to coaxing out the chicken¡¯s rich essence! Chapter 199 C199 ¨C Troubles!!! ¡°Wow, that smells amazing!¡± Before long, the delicious aroma from the pot wafted throughout the room. Lee Sumei and Su Tao couldn¡¯t resist standing by the pot to inhale the scent deeply. ¡°Son, where did you get this chicken?¡± Su Tao asked, looking at his son with a puzzled expression. They had enjoyed fragrant chicken before, but nonepared to this one! The air was not only filled with the aroma of chicken but also carried a sweet fruitiness. vors that seemed unrted were perfectly fused together. ¡°It was a gift from a friend,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Does your friend have more? I¡¯m thinking of raising some¡­¡± Su Tao¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. What a fantastic business opportunity. ¡°Dad!¡± Su Ming said with a helpless grin, ¡°These chickens are very rare and breeding them is quite challenging. Adult chickens are easy enough to keep, but the chicks require very specific conditions. We just can¡¯t raise them at home right now.¡± Su Tao let out a sigh. ¡°Oh, by the way, what happened to the construction crew?¡± Su Ming suddenly asked. Su Tao chuckled, ¡°They left after finishing the vi. I wanted to invite them for a meal, but they wouldn¡¯t stay.¡± Su Ming nodded in understanding. He appreciated the dedication the construction crew had shown in building the vi. They clearly didn¡¯t want to impose on Su Tao¡¯s life. Su Ming took note of their thoughtful gesture. The chicken soup, slow-cooked over firewood, was truly exceptional. He had even added a special blend of seasonings. The vor was even more tantalizing than the batch Su Ming had prepared the night before! Since the chicken was so tender, the meat was of excellent quality and didn¡¯t need much time to cook¡ªjust 40 minutes. ¡°Come on, give it a try!¡± As the lid was lifted, the rich aroma intensified, and Su Tao couldn¡¯t wait any longer. ¡°Let your son have the first taste!¡± Lee Sumei yfully scolded her husband, yet her eyes twinkled with mirth. She was eager to try it herself! ¡°No worries, Mom, let Dad have the first taste,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve already had some.¡± The couple eachdled a generous bowl of chicken soup,plete with several sulent pieces of meat. ¡°This is incredibly delicious!¡± ¡°Who knew chicken could taste this good?¡± Su Ming also snagged a slice of meat. The vor was even more exquisite than the night before! The seasoning packets from the System really were something special! The trio sat around the pot, savoring their chicken soup, as contentment gently wafted through the courtyard, a testament to their shared joy. With bellies full, Su Ming pitched in to help his parents tidy up. Su Tao, patting his full stomach, headed upstairs to catch some Z¡¯s. Lee Sumei was settling in for some TV when a knock interrupted her ns. ¡°Old Lee, are you done with dinner?¡± At the door stood a middle-aged woman in her forties, her face adorned with a weing smile, an apron tied around her waist. ¡°I¡¯ve just finished. Please,e in and make yourselffortable.¡± Their neighbor, the woman, lived just down the street. ¡°Your vi is absolutely stunning!¡± ¡°Old Lee, you¡¯re so lucky to have such an outstanding son. If my boy had even a fraction of your son¡¯s talent, I¡¯d wake up grinning from my dreams!¡± Wang Yue¡¯e wandered through the house, her eyes sweeping over the immacte hall. The floors and windows shone, crafted from the finest materials, a stark contrast to the more modest wares in the rest of the vige. ¡°I¡¯ll get some fruit ready!¡± Lee Sumei escorted Wang Yue¡¯e inside, guiding her to the plush sofa. Confronted with thevish couch, Wang Yue¡¯e hesitated. ¡°Old Lee, do you have a stool? I wouldn¡¯t want to soil your sofa¡­¡± ¡°Old Wang, what are you implying? We¡¯ve known each other since we were kids. Don¡¯t make me upset with talk like that.¡± Lee Sumei feigned indignation. ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Wang Yue¡¯e reluctantly seated herself at the edge of the sofa, rigid and cautious, afraid to make a wrong move. In the adjacent bedroom, Su Ming was engrossed in a video game. Catching sight of Wang Yue¡¯e, his heart skipped a beat. She was surely here to set him up on a blind date. Lee Sumei prepared a selection of fruits, cing them neatly on the coffee table. ¡°Old Lee, I¡¯ll be straight with you.¡± Wang Yue¡¯e chuckled, producing a photograph from her pocket. ¡°This is my eldest niece, a couple of years younger than your son. She¡¯s a graduate of a prestigious university and currently employed at a state-ownedpany. Plus, she¡¯s thrifty, a good homemaker, and deeply respectful to her elders.¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. His mom would surely give her approval! ¡°This youngdy is quite striking.¡± Clearly pleased, Lee Sumei smiled broadly as she took the photo. But when it came to his mother, Su Ming felt utterly powerless! What was he to do? Aha! A spark of ingenuity struck Su Ming, and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Chapter 200 C200 ¨C Concealment Su Ming swiftly made his way to his bed, pulled out a spray bottle from his backpack, and retrieved an Invincible Truth Pill. He was about to stand and head out when he paused. ¡°The System has detected a unique circumstance regarding the host¡¯s use of the medication. Would you like to specify a target?¡± The sudden prompt in his mind caught Su Ming off guard. He was concerned. He didn¡¯t want to risk harming his mother. The System had instantly picked up on his intentions. Still¡­ ¡°Focus on the guest!¡± ¡°The Truth Pill has been modified to affect only the guest!¡± With a grin, Su Ming opened the door and stepped out. ¡°Su, you¡¯re home!¡± Wang Yue¡¯e¡¯s face brightened at the sight of Su Ming. She was on good terms with Lee Sumei, which was the only reason she¡¯d been allowed inside. ¡°Auntie Wang, wee!¡± Su Ming greeted her cheerfully, ¡°Auntie Wang, you and Mom go ahead and chat. The air¡¯s a bit dry; I¡¯m going to mist it a little.¡± He took out the spray and misted the air. ¡°The house isn¡¯t dry, though¡­¡± Lee Sumei blinked, puzzled. ¡°Come take a look, too. This is Aunt Wang¡¯s niece. Isn¡¯t she beautiful?¡± Lee Sumei showed Su Ming the photo. He blinked in surprise. After a quick scan andparison, he realized the girl in the photo wasn¡¯t nearly as pretty as portrayed. Beauty and ugliness are determined by nature, and gics are beyond anyone¡¯s control. But deception is another matter. And what was the point of such a lie? ¡°Auntie Wang, what does your niece do?¡± ¡°She just lies around at home, unwilling to work, always on her phone. Her parents are beside themselves with worry.¡± Auntie Wang blurted out the truth. Silence fell in an instant. Lee Sumei was taken aback. What was happening? ¡°I¡­¡± Wang Yue¡¯e was equally bewildered. Why had she spoken the truth? ¡°Auntie Wang, how old is your niece now?¡± ¡°She¡¯s only 28.¡± Wang Yue¡¯e was on the verge of swearing! Why had she told the truth yet again? Lee Sumei¡¯s expression soured. Was Wang Yue¡¯e trying to deceive her son? ¡°Aunt Wang, is this really what your niece looks like?¡± ¡°No, my niece is over 200 pounds and covered in e.¡± Wang Yue¡¯e stood up in a rush. ¡°I need to get home¡­¡± With that, Wang Yue¡¯e made a hasty exit. ¡°You better not show your face around me again!¡± Lee Sumei was seething with anger. As Wang Yue¡¯e stepped outside, She nced back, then down at herself. Why on earth had she blurted out the truth? Could Old Su¡¯s son possess some special power? That seemed far-fetched! Wang Yue¡¯e, in a state of panic, hurried home. ¡°Mom, please, don¡¯t be upset. Trust my judgment,¡± Su Ming said, trying to soothe Lee Sumei. Out of the blue, someone inquired, ¡°Is Old Lee in?¡± ¡°Old Lee, your son¡¯s no spring chicken, and my granddaughter¡¯s about his age. Have you thought about pairing them up?¡± ¡°My granddaughter¡¯s got a bank job, pulling in over 8,000 yuan a month. Plus, she¡¯s just bought her own ce.¡± ¡°Grandma Zhang, wee! What¡¯s your granddaughter up to these days?¡± ¡°She¡¯s over at Old Wang¡¯s in the next vige, ying mahjong.¡± ¡°I thought she worked at the bank?¡± ¡°She was a sales clerk at a small business affiliated with the bank but got the sackst month for underperforming.¡± ¡°And her monthly earnings?¡± ¡°2,500 yuan. She¡¯s quite the spender, and her dad has to top her up with another 2,000 yuan each month.¡± Everyone was taken aback by this revtion. Grandma Zhang blinked, puzzled at her own candor. Later that afternoon, a handful of visitors stopped by. One seemed promising, so Lee Sumei kept her photo. Word quickly spread through the vige: The Su family¡¯s son had an extraordinary gift. Those seeking a marriage alliance with the Su¡¯s couldn¡¯t tell a lie. Lee Sumei was initially pleased, but once the visitors had left, her mood soured. Why did they feel the need to be dishonest? ¡°Mom, don¡¯t let it get to you. It¡¯s pretty standard for people to talk up their kids during matchmaking.¡± ¡°But if they lie, they¡¯re bound to get caught out.¡± ¡°Mom, it¡¯s just the way things are.¡± Lee Sumei felt resigned. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s Old Master Liu¡¯s centennial birthday. Let¡¯s go celebrate with him.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. He wasn¡¯t rushed to return, preferring instead to spend additional time with his parents at home. With President Chen and Wang Guohui keeping an eye on the downtown property, he feltpletely at ease. Furthermore, Su Ming had a strong hunch that he woulde away from this with something valuable. Yet, he couldn¡¯t pinpoint the reason behind this intuition. He suspected it might just be his sixth sense at y. Chapter 201 C201 ¨C Take You up the Hill to Pick Mushrooms The night passed quietly, and the next morning. Old Master Liu was old, and he was an elder in the vige. His hundredth birthday was extremely lively. The vigers were setting off firecrackers. There were a lot of people who came to congratte him. As a junior in the vige, Su Ming bowed to Old Master Liu ording to the rules and received a piece of cake. Just as he found a ce to sit down, a person anxiously walked over. ¡°Old Su, you really came back!¡± Cao Mingyuan walked over from the side in surprise. He looked at Su Ming and said happily, ¡°Others told me you were back, but I didn¡¯t believe them. I didn¡¯t expect you to reallye back!¡± ¡°Cao!¡± Seeing his good friend, Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°You¡¯re too busy. I don¡¯t dare to disturb you.¡± Cao Mingyuan nodded and said: ¡°Old Su, you know me best!¡± However, there was a hint of guilt in his words. In fact, he really wasn¡¯t too busy because he yed mahjong all night. If news of this got out, he would bebeled aszy in the vige. It was summer, which was a busy time for farming, but he went to y mahjong. He could spend more time to earn more money. Cao Mingyuan couldn¡¯t help but yawn. He rubbed his eyes and looked up at the sky. ¡°The weather forecast says that it will rain this afternoon, but it will stop in the middle of the night. I have nothing to do tomorrow. Let¡¯s go up the mountain.¡± ¡°What are we going there for?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. The country no longer allowed people to hunt as they pleased. Why did he want to go up the mountain? ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb!¡± Cao Mingyuan saw Su Ming¡¯s puzzled expression and said in surprise, ¡°Go up the mountain to pick mushrooms!¡± Su Ming¡¯s hometown was not in the mountains, but it was surrounded by mountains. In summer, the temperature here was suitable. Every time it rained, there would be many wild mushrooms growing in the mountains. At this time, the experienced elders in the vige would go up the mountain to pick mushrooms. The wild mushrooms tasted very good. Although wild mushrooms were expensive, there was a shortage of wild mushrooms at this time of year. The vigers would take advantage of this season to go up the mountain to pick some mushrooms and make money. But the prerequisite was that the vigers had to know wild mushrooms. There were not only edible mushrooms on the mountain, but also many inedible mushrooms. Inedible mushrooms were poisonous. They might cause hallucinations, but those who were poisoned would be cured after going to the hospital to have their stomachs pumped and injections. Some mushrooms were very poisonous. As long as people ate them, they would die. Every year, there would be news from their vige and the surrounding viges that someone had mistakenly eaten poisonous mushrooms and entered the hospital. The method to tell if the mushrooms were poisonous was passed down from mouth to mouth, not in books. The older people knew this very well, so they would not pick poisonous mushrooms. But every year, new people would join. It was very easy for these new people to be hospitalized because they ate poisonous mushrooms at this season. If it was someone else, Su Ming might have agreed. But he was Cao Mingyuan. The two of them grew up together and knew each other very well. So Su Ming knew that he had never been reliable! ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± Su Ming was very determined. Cao Mingyuan was a little stunned when he heard this. Why did he refuse so quickly? Su Ming didn¡¯t believe him! ¡°Why aren¡¯t you going?¡± Cao Mingyuan blinked. Seeing Cao Mingyuan¡¯s expression, Su Ming felt helpless. It was because of Cao Mingyuan that Su Ming did not go. Since he was young, Su Ming had been deceived by Cao Mingyuan many times. Even if the two of them were childhood friends, Su Ming was unwilling to agree this time. They were not going to do anything else, but to go up the mountain to pick mushrooms. It was very possible that Cao Mingyuan, on a whim, had cooked the mushrooms he picked into a pot of mushroom soup. But Su Ming would not drink it. ¡°I¡¯m tired!¡± Su Ming made up an excuse. He picked up a piece of cake and stuffed it into his mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t make excuses! Don¡¯t you believe in my strength?¡± Cao Mingyuan couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. ¡°Although I dropped out of junior high school and was not as cultured as you, I haven¡¯t been idle all these years!¡± ¡°Every year, I follow my mother up the mountain. I know a lot of mushrooms now.¡± ¡°My mother told me that I already have the ability to go up the mountain alone this year!¡± Cao Mingyuan took the cake in front of Su Ming and bit into it under Su Ming¡¯s extremely disdainful and speechless gaze. ¡°So, you cane up the mountain with me in peace. I promise you will have fun!¡± Cao Mingyuan patted Su Ming¡¯s shoulder and patted his chest as he promised loudly. He looked confident, but Su Ming felt that he wasn¡¯t very reliable. The two of them grew up together and were very familiar with each other. Su Ming knew how unreliable Cao Mingyuan was. ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± Su Ming shook his head firmly. He was not married yet, and he had no children. He would not take the initiative to get into danger. ¡°This cake tastes really good.¡± Cao Mingyuan automatically ignored what Su Ming said and said, ¡°The weather forecast says that the rain will stop after midnight. I¡¯lle find you tomorrow morning. We¡¯ll go into the mountains in the afternoon and spend the night in the mountains!¡± Spend the night in the mountain? He would even get lost in the vige, so how could he have the confidence to spend the night in the mountains? ¡°Mingyuan?¡± Just as Su Ming was about to refuse, Lee Sumei walked over from the side. ¡°I heard from your mother that you work in town. Why are you back?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Grandpa Liu¡¯s birthday today, so I took a leave of absence and came back.¡± Cao Mingyuan said with a smile, ¡°Aunt Lee, it¡¯s raining today. There must be a lot of mushrooms on the mountain tomorrow. I¡¯m going to take Old Su up the mountain to pick mushrooms. You won¡¯t stop us, will you?¡± ¡°No.¡± Lee Sumei smiled and patted Su Ming on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m very relieved that you two grew up together. Pick more mushrooms tomorrow. Your father and I will wait for you!¡± ¡°What?¡± Su Ming was shocked. Lee Sumei agreed to Cao Mingyuan¡¯s request just like that! How could she agree to Cao Mingyuan¡¯s request? Su Ming had never gone up the mountain to pick mushrooms before. Because Lee Sumei¡¯s health was not good, she had never taken him up the mountain. When Su Tao was young, he asionally went up the mountain a few times, but in the past few years, he had never gone up the mountain once. Moreover, he knew very few varieties of mushrooms. What if they ate poisonous mushrooms? Chapter 202 C202 ¨C I Don¡¯t Need You to Praise Me Lee Sumei made the final decision, and Cao Mingyuan was very happy. Heughed and looked at Su Ming meaningfully. Just ept your fate! Then he took the cake and left. ¡°Son.¡± Seeing Cao Mingyuan walk further and further away, Lee Sumei became serious. ¡°You can go up the mountain tomorrow, but don¡¯t eat mushrooms, especially Mingyuan¡¯s mushrooms.¡± Su Ming panicked when he saw Lee Sumei¡¯s serious expression. ¡°Mom, you agreed for me just now. I never agreed.¡± Su Ming blinked his eyes in shock. Lee Sumei sighed. She looked around carefully and lowered her voice. ¡°Because Aunt Yang¡¯s memory is not very good, she will recognize the wrong kind of mushroom. Every year, she will go to the hospital to have her stomach pumped because she ate mushrooms by mistake.¡± Su Ming was shocked. Cao Mingyuan had made it very clear just now. He had learned how to recognize mushrooms from Aunt Yang. ¡°Mom, then why did you let me go with him?¡± Su Ming opened his mouth wide. ¡°The two of you haven¡¯t seen each other in a long time. Besides, you¡¯re tired in the city. It¡¯s good to take a walk in the mountains and rx.¡± Su Ming wanted to say something but hesitated. There were many ways to rx. But it didn¡¯t seem to include picking mushrooms on the mountain. I would rather go by myself than go with Cao Mingyuan. Going up the mountain with him always gives me a feeling of risking my life! In the end, Su Ming was very helpless and could only ept his fate. He had already promised, but he had to go. Fortunately, he had brought back a lot of good things this time. He even had Body-stretching Pill. Perhaps this thing also had the effect of detoxifying the poison. He also had the scanning System. He might be able to tell if the mushroom was good or bad. As soon as the banquet ended, it started to rain. Early the next morning, Su Ming was still sleeping soundly under the covers. ¡°Old Su, let¡¯s go!¡± A shout came from the door. Su Ming, who was sleeping, was shocked. He opened his eyes. He sat up straight and was still a little confused. He reached for his phone. It was only 5: 30 in the morning! ¡°Get up. Mingyuan is already up. How can you still have the nerve to stay in bed?¡± Su Ming suddenly missed his life in the city center. He basically woke up veryte every day. When Mom told you to wake up, you had to wake up at the same time! Su Ming opened his Stamina Talent. His fatigue was swept away. After all, he had eaten the Body-stretching Pill before and his body had been strengthened. Su Ming walked to the door and opened it. In the end, the appearance of the person standing at the door gave Su Ming a shock. The person at the door was wearing a hat and a raincoat. There was a bamboo basket hanging from his waist. He was holding a long walking stick in his hand. On the other side of his waist, there was a small cloth bag that contained something. He was carrying a small backpack on his back. It was bulging. He even posed at the door. ¡°I¡¯m standing alone by the cold river. It¡¯s fate that we met by chance. I don¡¯t care if we met in the past or not.¡± This line, which was so ssic in the movies, instantly became less elegant and more disgusting when it came out of Cao Mingyuan¡¯s mouth. ¡°Shut up, don¡¯t waste the ssic lines.¡± As Su Ming spoke, he kicked Cao Mingyuan. Cao Mingyuan dodged and said, ¡°You¡¯re too uncooperative. You ruined my meticulous n for the night!¡± Su Ming was speechless. Looking at Cao Mingyuan¡¯s equipment, Su Ming frowned slightly and said, ¡°What are you carrying?¡± ¡°The cape is for protection from the rain. I bought it online. Isn¡¯t it great?¡± Cao Mingyuan raised his eyebrows and said proudly. ¡°Yes, the cape is really good.¡± Su Ming nodded and replied casually. But he added in his heart, ¡°It just makes me feel a little disgusted.¡± ¡°This bamboo basket is used to hold mushrooms, and this small cloth bag is used to hold a lighter. In the back pocket is food, which is our food for the next few days. As for this stick, it is used to hit snakes. It is summer now. There must be a lot of snakes on the mountain. Cao Mingyuan stood at the door and said seriously. Only then did Su Ming rx a little. But soon, Su Ming realized that he was wrong. ¡°Help, there¡¯s a snake here.¡± On the path between the mountains, an extremely miserable scream came from the dense forest. Cao Mingyuan ran towards Su Ming with a face full of fear. ¡°There¡¯s a snake here?¡± Su Ming thought to himself. Su Ming didn¡¯t react for a moment. He thought that if Cao Mingyuan was still so scared even with suchplete equipment, then this snake must be very big. Su Ming became nervous and looked in the direction of the snake with a frown. He saw a ¡°python¡± lying there quietly. This snake was only about ten centimeters long. Su Ming was speechless. He couldn¡¯t understand how such a small snake could scare Cao Mingyuan like this. He felt that Cao Mingyuan must have been his friend because he was stupid when he was young. Su Ming felt that it wasn¡¯t easy for him to grow up with someone like Cao Mingyuan. Su Ming only saw a small snake lying next to the grass. Its entire length did not exceed the palm of a normal person. This small snake was very small, and if one had bad eyes, they might think it was an earthworm. ¡°Just a small snake scared you like this?¡± Su Ming blinked speechlessly and said helplessly. Cao Mingyuan also felt a little embarrassed and argued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about how big the snake is. Just tell me if it¡¯s a snake or not.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you use the stick you brought to hit the snake?¡± Cao Mingyuan knew that he was in the wrong, so he forcefully found a reason to exin: ¡°Maybe this snake¡¯s ears are not good, and it was born deaf.¡± Su Ming really wanted to kick Cao Mingyuan to death. He said helplessly, ¡°Snakes have poor hearing. They distinguish sounds by sensing vibrations in the air with their tongues.¡± ¡°As expected of a university student. You¡¯re really amazing!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need yourpliments.¡± Chapter 203 C203 ¨C You Don¡¯t Even Let Poisonous Mushrooms Go? He scratched his head in embarrassment. ¡°You haven¡¯t been in the mountains for so many years. I¡¯ll give you a chance to train,¡± Cao Mingyuan said. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes when he heard this. Su Mingyuan didn¡¯t need Cao Mingyuan to give him a chance at all. It was obvious that Cao Mingyuan was afraid, but he didn¡¯t dare to admit it. ¡°Look, there are mushrooms here!¡± Cao Mingyuan suddenly shouted in surprise and ran to the grass nearby. He picked a few mushrooms from the ground and quickly threw them into the basket. Cao Mingyuan picked up the mushrooms so quickly that Su Ming was stunned. Su Ming thought, ¡°Is there a need for Cao Mingyuan to be so excited about these mushrooms?¡± Only then did Cao Mingyuan react and said embarrassedly, ¡°I¡¯m used to it.¡± What did he mean by used to it? Su Ming was confused. However, Su Ming soon found out what was going on. After a while, more and more people were picking mushrooms on the mountain. There were a lot of people, but very few mushrooms. ¡°I found this mushroom first!¡± ¡°So what if you found it first? Your name is not written on the mushroom!¡± ¡°You are so shameless!¡± Su Ming instantly felt that he had learned something new! Only then did Su Ming understand that picking mushrooms was nothing at all. The main thing was to snatch them by force. No wonder Cao Mingyuan had to practice his hand speed so quickly. This was because if he didn¡¯t pick them quickly, the mushrooms would be gone! A group of old men and women, uncles and aunties, and even Cao Mingyuan joined the army of mushroom snatching. Only Su Ming kept looking for mushrooms. Suddenly, he seemed to have found a mushroom. Su Ming was just about to examine whether it was a mushroom or not when a ck shadow suddenly shed in front of his eyes. He didn¡¯t even see what this ck shadow was. It was like a big ck rat. Su Ming shook his head speechlessly. He had no choice but to scan the other one. ¡°This mushroom is mine!¡± Another ck shadow that looked like a big ck rat shed past Su Ming¡¯s eyes. If this situation happened again, Su Ming would really be angry. Couldn¡¯t these people wait for him to finish scanning before snatching these mushrooms? In short, he found ten mushrooms, but he couldn¡¯t find a single result! They were so fast that he didn¡¯t even have a chance to react. In the blink of an eye, the mushrooms were all gone. Finally, Su Ming found a mushroom. The scan results came out. This was a poisonous mushroom, and its toxicity was intermediate. Su Ming was looking at the poisonous mushroom in front of him when suddenly, a figure shed past. ¡°That¡¯s a poisonous mushroom!¡± Su Ming was speechless. Su Ming really didn¡¯t understand. It was one thing for them to steal ordinary mushrooms, but they didn¡¯t even let go of poisonous mushrooms? However, this person was too fast. In a sh, he disappeared. Su Ming had no choice. Those who stole poisonous mushrooms would receive the punishment they deserved. Su Ming only hoped that the person would not regret it when he was lying on the hospital bed and having his stomach pumped. Su Ming didn¡¯t see many ordinary mushrooms, but he found a lot of poisonous mushrooms. After all, no one wanted them. Su Ming was suddenly stunned. A strange thought shed through his mind, but it quickly disappeared. Su Ming frowned in confusion and looked into the depths of the mountain. Su Ming sighed from the bottom of his heart. There was no limit to the potential of humans. He had the talent not to be tired, and he had also eaten the Body-stretching Pill. Walking on the mountain was as easy as walking on a t road, and he did not feel tired. However, these old people did not seem to be tired either. Those old people who usually walked in a shaky way and liked to sunbathe under the trees were now very agile. Wherever they went, there wouldn¡¯t be any good mushrooms left. Even poisonous mushrooms wouldn¡¯t be able to survive. It was easy to imagine that it would be a lively scene in a few days. Ambnces would be rushing over. In short, until noon, Su Ming¡¯s bamboo basket only contained a few mushrooms. Su Ming didn¡¯t care. After all, he didn¡¯t reallye here to pick mushrooms. He just went up the mountain to have some fun and rx. Cao Mingyuan, on the other hand, picked up a lot of mushrooms. ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a while, then go down the mountain and cook something to eat. Let¡¯s eat some mushroom noodles first,¡± Cao Mingyuan said happily. He had a bountiful harvest today. His bamboo basket was full. Even the stic bag he carried with him was half full of mushrooms. If he went down the mountain now, he would be considered a sessful man! However, it was obvious that Cao Mingyuan did not intend to give up. He was going to call his motherter and ask her toe and take the mushrooms away. Then, he would spend the night in the mountain. He would stay up all night to do things and create more glory! Hearing Cao Mingyuan¡¯s words, Su Ming nodded. After working all morning, although he wasn¡¯t tired, he was indeed a little hungry. After walking along a rugged mountain path for a short while, Cao Mingyuan, who had been working all morning, was so tired that he was panting and sweating. People often said that it was easy to go up the mountain, but hard to go down the mountain. It was indeed very reasonable! Cao Mingyuan was so tired that his muscles were twitching and his limbs were sore. Cao Mingyuan worked hard all year round, so he thought that Su Ming¡¯s physical strength would not be as good as his. But when he turned around, Cao Mingyuan was dumbfounded. Su Ming¡¯s condition was super good! Su Ming¡¯s expression was the same as usual as he walked on the mountain path as if it was t ground. There was no trace of fatigue on his face. ¡°Damn, Old Su. Why aren¡¯t you tired at all?¡± Cao Mingyuan blinked. ¡°This is my talent, so I¡¯m not tired.¡± Su Ming said deliberately. ¡°Stop bragging.¡± Cao Mingyuan couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. In the end, Su Ming took all the mushrooms and helped Cao Mingyuan carry a lot of things. The burden on Cao Mingyuan¡¯s body was much lighter. He secretly nced at Su Ming. There wasn¡¯t even a drop of sweat on Su Ming¡¯s head! Although it was a little cool in the forest, they were on their way down the mountain. Su Ming had brought so many things with him, but his breathing was not hurried at all. He did not even sweat. Was he still human? In the end, Cao Mingyuan did not even have the mood to look. He only looked down at the road. He kept thinking, Why haven¡¯t we reached our destination yet? Su Ming suddenly stopped. Cao Mingyuan was stunned for a moment and asked, ¡°What happened? Why did you stop?¡± ¡°Snake.¡± Su Ming opened his mouth and said. ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a snake? What are you afraid of?¡± When Cao Mingyuan saw it clearly, he was shocked. His face instantly turned pale. In the corridor not far away, a snake was lying there quietly. This was not a small snake. It was a python. It looked very scary. ¡°This snake is so big?¡± Cao Mingyuan was dumbfounded. This was too scary! ¡°What should we do?¡± Cao Mingyuan looked at Su Ming and asked cautiously. In the deep mountains of Lin, a long, thick, poisonous snake was blocking the intersection. It circled around in a circle and kept watching them. They were all very nervous. However, Su Ming suddenly thought of something. I have a System! he thought to himself. A few days ago, after the System leveled up, Su Ming obtained an Anti-mosquito Bite System, At that time, he thought it was useless. But now was a good time to use the Anti-mosquito Bite System. Chapter 204 C204 ¨C Using the Body to Test Poison Cao Mingyuan was wearing a long shirt and pants, but there were still many mosquito bites on his face and hands. Moreover, the mosquitoes in the forest could bite people through their clothes. Su Ming looked extremely confident in his shorts and shorts. There were no mosquito bites on his body at all. ¡°System! Can the Anti-Mosquito Bite System prevent poisonous snakes?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Poisonous snakes, centipedes, scorpions, and so on can be defended against!¡± Su Mingughed. ¡°Don¡¯tugh!¡± Su Ming¡¯s suddenughter startled Cao Mingyuan. Cao Mingyuan hurriedly took a step back and looked at the snake in front of him nervously. ¡°Do you believe that I can make it listen to me?¡± Su Ming smiled faintly and said confidently. ¡°Old Su, stop messing around.¡± Cao Mingyuan was extremely nervous. ¡°Do you believe me or not?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± Cao Mingyuan did not hesitate at all. ¡°How about we make a bet?¡± ¡°What bet?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s bet whether this snake will listen to me. Whoever loses will cookter!¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Cao Mingyuan hurriedly nodded, afraid that Su Ming would regret it. Su Ming tidied up his clothes a little, coughed, and walked towards the poisonous snake with his head held high. ¡°Old Su, don¡¯t be reckless!¡± Cao Mingyuan thought Su Ming would think of a good way. In the end, he used his poison testing method. ¡°Old Su, Uncle and Auntie are still waiting for you at home.¡± ¡°Are you angry with me? I admit that I shouldn¡¯t have secretly thrown your homework into the toilet when I was in the third grade. But I was young then, and I didn¡¯t know anything.¡± ¡°When you were in the fifth grade, someone reported you for sneaking into the female toilet, causing you to be punished to stand outside for an entire day. That was because I was the one who went to the female toilet, but I said your name. ¡° ¡± And that anime character card that you especially liked, I actually secretly took it away. ¡° The more Su Ming listened, the more he felt that something was wrong. No wonder he was criticized by his teacher so often when he was young! ¡°You!¡± Su Ming turned around and red at him. ¡°Old Su, I was wrong. I admit my mistake to you. Don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡± Cao Mingyuan said hurriedly. Su Mingyuanined and walked towards the poisonous snake under Cao Mingyuan¡¯s nervous gaze. The body of the poisonous snake curled up, and its head slightly shrank back. It flicked its tongue as if it was about to attack. Cao Mingyuan hurriedly covered his eyes. ¡°Old Su, goodbye!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Su. After you die, I will take care of your parents for you!¡± Su Ming frowned when he heard this. Su Ming walked to a ce very close to the poisonous snake and pointed to the grass next to it. He said in a very strict tone, ¡°Go in!¡± Cao Mingyuan opened his eyes. He thought to himself, Old Su, are you alright? Are you sick? How can a poisonous snake understand humannguage? Stop joking! However, something that Cao Mingyuan could not believe happened. The poisonous snake actually retreated and moved in the direction Su Ming pointed. This was truly a shocking scene! Su Ming blocked the snake¡¯s attack halfway and forced it to leave. Oh my god! How did Su Ming do it? Cao Mingyuan did not understand. He thought to himself: Could it be that Su Ming had been raising snakes in the zoo all this time? Cao Mingyuan was stunned and in disbelief. Su Ming walked over with a smile and patted his shoulder. ¡°Cao, what did you just say? I didn¡¯t hear you clearly. Can you please say it again?¡± Su Ming raised his eyebrows. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Cao Mingyuan immediately said timidly, ¡°It¡¯s good that you don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Stop pretending to be confused. The reason why I was always criticized when I was young was because of you!¡± ¡°Old Su, don¡¯t speak nonsense for no reason.¡± ¡°You admit it!¡± ¡°What did I admit? I was just joking. Do you have evidence? I didn¡¯t say anything just now!¡± Cao Mingyuan lied through his teeth. ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell your parents about you ying mahjongst night¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± Cao Mingyuan panicked when he heard that. He quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t, we¡¯re good friends. You can¡¯t frame me! If my father finds out, he will break my legs!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve framed me many times too. How many times have I been beaten up because of you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t people always say that a hundred times turned into steel?¡± ¡°Then I will also temper you.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m like a piece of wood that can be easily broken!¡± ¡°You are talking nonsense! I can tell with one nce that you are not human, take this!¡± ¡°I am not afraid of you! Prepare to receive my attack!¡± The two of them yed for a while before continuing down the mountain. Cao Mingyuan blinked his eyes and stared at Su Ming¡¯s body, causing goosebumps to appear all over Su Ming¡¯s body. Su Ming¡¯s hair stood on end, and he felt a chill run down his spine. ¡°Cao, are you alright? Let me tell you in advance, I¡¯m not interested in men.¡± ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Cao Mingyuan shook his head and asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t the mosquitoes bite you?¡± ¡°My physique is good, so the mosquitoes don¡¯t bite me.¡± ¡°Really? Why do I remember that you were the easiest to be bitten when you were young¡­¡± ¡°Maybe my genes changed when I grew up.¡± Su Ming smiled calmly. Chapter 205 C205 ¨C Old Cao the Show-off ¡°Oh my god, I envy you!¡± Cao Mingyuan¡¯s eyes shed with envy. In this dense mountain, Su Ming was only wearing shorts. The others wore long pants to prevent mosquitoes from biting them. On the other hand, there were too many branches in the forest. However, there were no scratches on Su Ming¡¯s legs, and he was not bitten by mosquitoes. How could there be a person with such a physique like Su Ming? Cao Mingyuan was very envious. Su Ming was a welder, and overtime was amon thing for him. Especially at night, when the light of welding lit up, the mosquitoes would gather. If the welder wore too much, he would be so hot that he would sweat, which would affect his work efficiency. If they wore too little, their arms would be bitten by mosquitoes. If he had Su Ming¡¯s physique, he wouldn¡¯t have been bitten so badly. Those who had gone to university were different. They could talk to poisonous snakes and chase away mosquitoes. Could it be that universities now taught these things? This was too magical! They walked for nearly 40 minutes before reaching the foot of the mountain. At this time, there were already many people at the foot of the mountain. These people were in groups of two or three, eating, resting, drinking, and replenishing their energy. The reason why there were so many people was that the wild mushrooms here were very popr and delicious. A catty of freshly picked mushrooms could be sold for more than 30 Yuan. The better quality mushrooms could be sold for more than 50 yuan. The dried mushrooms could even be sold for a few hundred yuan. The harvesting period of these mushrooms was very short. The best time to taste them was within these few days. These mushroom pickers only needed to work hard on the mountain for a few days to earn a few thousand yuan. This was also quite a high ie. Cao Mingyuan was very tired. He sat on a big rock and panted. Su Ming found it funny. Cao Mingyuan was so tired that he probably couldn¡¯t show off anymore. Su Ming did not give Cao Mingyuan the Body-stretching Pill to replenish his strength. It wasn¡¯t because Su Ming was stingy, but because he had forgotten. He had really forgotten. After all, Cao Mingyuan¡¯s appearance in the morning was too scary. Su Ming had gotten up too early, and when he walked to the door, he was shocked by Cao Mingyuan¡¯s appearance. With great difficulty, he resisted the urge to dig a hole in the courtyard, bury some soil, and nt Cao Mingyuan like a vegetable. Su Ming thought for a moment and decided to give him the Body-stretching Pill when he returned. Cao Mingyuan was his childhood friend, a good brother who grew up with him. When Su Ming borrowed money to get married, Cao Mingyuan sold his motorcycle and borrowed money from several friends. In the end, he pooled fifty thousand yuan for him. The two of them often quarreled, but they were very serious about their rtionship. After resting for a long time, Cao Mingyuan finally recovered his strength. ¡°Are you hungry? Try the mushroom noodles I made.¡± With that, Cao Mingyuan took the backpack from Su Ming. He opened the backpack and found a small alcohol stove inside. They were in a resting square at the foot of the mountain. There was no wind here. Since it had just rainedst night, the air was very humid, so they could use the alcohol stove without worries. Cao Mingyuan took out a small pot, a mini chopping board, and a knife. He lit the alcohol stove and poured some water into the pot. After the water boiled, he put the cleaned mushrooms in to boil. Then he poured the water away and started to cook the noodles. At first, Su Mingyuan didn¡¯t pay attention to Cao Mingyuan¡¯s movements. Instead, he looked at the mountain and thought about something. Ever since he came here, he had a special feeling, but he couldn¡¯t exin it clearly. What was going on? Su Ming was thinking when he suddenly saw something out of the corner of his eye. He saw Cao Mingyuan cut a mushroom into pieces and proficiently put it into the noodles. Su Ming frowned slightly. Something was wrong! Why did this mushroom look so familiar? Oh my god! This mushroom was poisonous! He had scanned it on the mountain before! ¡°You just put a poisonous mushroom in the noodles.¡± Su Ming hurriedly reminded him. ¡°What did you say?¡± Cao Mingyuan was stunned, then smiled: ¡°That¡¯s impossible, you can¡¯t recognize the poisonous mushroom. I¡¯m a professional, I can¡¯t make a mistake.¡± ¡°Let me tell you, I won¡¯t eat these noodles. That really is a poisonous mushroom, don¡¯t regret it.¡± Cao Mingyuan curled his lips. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to eat them, but if you¡¯re hungryter, you won¡¯t have anything to eat.¡± Su Ming blinked. He scanned the mushrooms. Poison Mushroom, Poison: Small After seeing the results of the scan, Su Ming heaved a sigh of relief. If these mushrooms were too poisonous, he couldn¡¯t let Cao Mingyuan eat them no matter what. Since these mushrooms were not poisonous, Cao Mingyuan could eat them. After he ate them, he would at most have some hallucinations. Su Ming nned to let Cao Mingyuan suffer a little and let him know how unreliable he was! The noodles were cooked very quickly. Cao Mingyuan opened the seasoning bag and poured the sauce in. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to eat?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat!¡± Su Ming was very firm. ¡°Then I won¡¯t be polite!¡± Cao Mingyuan was really hungry. He lowered his head and started to eat. Not long after, he finished the bowl of soup and noodles. ¡°Old Su, have a taste.¡± Su Ming shook his head. ¡°You should believe me. I can recognize poisonous mushrooms.¡± Cao Mingyuan was very confident. Su Ming insisted on not eating, so Cao Mingyuan had no choice. He stood up and packed his things. He prepared to take a nap on a rock nearby. Half an hour was enough for him to recover his strength. Cao Mingyuanid on the rock. The breeze blew and the sun shone on his body. At this moment, he felt veryfortable. ¡°Darling!¡± At this moment, Cao Mingyuan heard a particrly pleasant voice. Cao Mingyuan opened his eyes and saw an especially beautiful girl. ¡°Miss, who are you?¡± ¡°How did you forget me? I¡¯m your wife.¡± ¡°Is what you said true?¡± ¡°Why did you forget me so quickly? Do you not like me anymore?¡± ¡°Of course not. I like you the most. Let¡¯s kiss.¡± Cao Mingyuan didn¡¯t think much of it, but the people resting around him looked at him in shock. They saw Cao Mingyuan lying on the rock, hugging the air with his hands, and pouting. ¡°Darling, there are too many people here. It¡¯s not good for us to kiss here. Is this a bedroom?¡± ¡°This is not an empty space, but our bedroom.¡± ¡°Darling, your clothes don¡¯t look good. Go and change into the clothes I like.¡± ¡°Darling,e on!¡± Everyone was dumbfounded, including Su Ming. Usually, when Su Ming asked about Cao¡¯s girlfriend, Cao would say that he had never thought about having a girlfriend. However, Cao Mingyuan could actually say such a thing. It seemed that Cao Mingyuan had been single for a long time, which was why he had such an illusion. Su Ming checked and found that Cao was fine. He would be fine after being sent to the hospital for treatment. Su Ming took out his phone and clicked on the video function. They were surrounded by people from their vige or the neighboring vige. Everyone took out their phones and started recording. Su Ming thought, ¡°Cao, I¡¯m helping you. This way, you¡¯ll be famous. It¡¯ll be easier for you to find a wife in the future!¡± If Cao Mingyuan knew about this, he would definitely scold Su Ming. Chapter 206 C206 ¨C Unbreakable Diamond Drill Half an hourter, everyone had a stockpile of cell phones. Some of them shared the video with their families, while others shared it with the vigers. Some people even posted the video online. ¡°Look, my video has received more than 2,000 likes.¡± ¡°After watching this video, my Second Uncleughed so hard that tears came out.¡± ¡°My neighbor was an old man who had been bedridden for more than ten years. After watching this video, he jumped out of bed!¡± ¡°This video is really too funny!¡± The people who were resting here allughed out loud. Cao Mingyuan was already famous. Suddenly, Su Ming seemed to have thought of something. ¡°Uncles and aunties, we seem to have forgotten something.¡± Su Ming scratched his head and said. ¡°We didn¡¯t forget.¡± ¡°My phone and tools are all here. I didn¡¯t leave them on the mountain.¡± ¡°I took everything that I should have.¡± ¡°I have shared this video with my friends and family,¡± Wang Yao said. When they heard Su Ming¡¯s words, they lowered their heads to check if anything was missing. Su Ming was stunned for a moment. He blinked and said, ¡°Should we send him down the mountain?¡± Su Ming pointed at Cao Mingyuan. Everyone around was stunned. They were too busy sharing the video that they forgot about this matter. Now, Cao Mingyuan was already doing some pornographic stuff on the stone. Su Ming wanted to know how Cao Mingyuan would react after seeing this video. After he woke up, he would definitely go to the city to work and nevere back. This would be a legend in the vige. When people of the same generation as Su Ming got old, they would sit on recliners and tell their grandchildren about this. When Su Ming thought of this scene, he wanted tough. ¡°Host, your good friend has been poisoned. The activation condition has been triggered. Detected that there are special nts in the mountain. Please collect them quickly. It will disappear in eight hours. You can also choose to give up this mission. It has no effect on the System!¡± At this moment, a notification sounded in Su Ming¡¯s mind. Su Ming was very excited and pped his thigh. No wonder he felt strange for the past two days. It was as if something was calling him! So that was it! There were special nts in this mountain! He would definitely be able to earn a lot of money this time! The System even specifically reminded him that it was definitely not an ordinary nt. However, this triggering condition really made Su Ming speechless. To be honest, he was already used to it. After all, the System often did this! Su Ming looked at Cao Mingyuan with a smile. In order to thank Cao Mingyuan for his help, Su Ming decided to find an entertainmentpany to post this video. This way, Cao Mingyuan would be a big star in the future! Cao Mingyuan was still unconscious. He did not know that he was about to be a celebrity. Theizens gave Cao Mingyuan a famous name! Indestructible Little Drill. A few vigers came forward and prepared to pull Cao Mingyuan down from the rock with Su Ming. However, Cao Mingyuan was certain that the stone was his wife and was unwilling to let go. ¡°What are you doing? I don¡¯t want to be separated from my wife!¡± ¡°Wife, just you wait. After I defeat them, let¡¯s continue!¡± Then, Cao Mingyuan let out a miserable cry. Su Ming put down the stick in his hand and gently patted the dust off his hand. The vigers looked straight ahead and were used to it. A man walked over, took out a rope, and tied Cao Mingyuan up. With the help of two middle-aged men, Cao Mingyuan was carried down the mountain. Fortunately, this ce was not far from the foot of the mountain, only a few hundred meters away. At the foot of the mountain, the vigers casually threw Cao Mingyuan under a tree and called the doctor to tell him where he was. Then they all left. Picking mushrooms was more important! It was not that they cared about lives. It was just that this kind of thing was toomon in this ce. Moreover, they also knew that Cao Mingyuan was only slightly poisoned, and it didn¡¯t have much of an effect on his body. The young man could just go to the hospital for an infusion. Most importantly, the surrounding hospitals, even a small clinic in the vige, were very experienced in treating patients who had been poisoned by mushrooms. If the hospital didn¡¯t have a few hundred patients who were poisoned by mushrooms in a year, they wouldn¡¯t be able to call themselves a hospital. Not to mention the doctors and nurses in the hospital, even the security guards at the door could give a long list of detoxification methods. This kind of conversation often happened in the hospital. ¡°What? Someone sprained his ankle? I¡¯ll go over immediately!¡± ¡°What? Someone has a cold? Call him over for an infusion!¡± ¡°What? Someone is hungry? Come to my house for dinner!¡± ¡°What? Someone has eaten a mushroom and was poisoned? You don¡¯t have to worry about this. It will be solved very soon.¡± Although it was a little exaggerated, it could exin some things. Cao Mingyuan¡¯s matter soon ended. Everyone rested for a while before going up the mountain one after another. Su Ming also went up the mountain alone. However, after searching for a long time, he couldn¡¯t find anything. ¡°System, you have to give me a range, right? This mountain is so big, where can I find it?¡± ¡°System, reply to me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ignore me!¡± ¡°Do you want to eat poisonous mushrooms too? System?¡± ¡°System, I beg you, please reply to me!¡± ¡°System, are you there?¡± Su Ming used all kinds of tricks, but the System was very mysterious and did not reply. Su Ming sighed and looked at the time. It had been three hours. At this time, there was no other way. He could only let things develop as they pleased. The sky was about to turn dark. One by one, the mushroom pickers prepared to go down the mountain. The night meant that many animals would appear in the forest, which would greatly increase the danger. Although everyone was familiar with the forest, there was also the risk of getting lost. Although they all wanted to earn money, their lives were more important. They could leave as they pleased, but Su Ming couldn¡¯t. The System said that there were special nts here. Since the System said so, then this nt must be something special. But the key was, where was it? Su Ming¡¯s eyes almost popped out, but he couldn¡¯t find it. It was summer, and it had just rainedst night. The trees were so tall, and the grass was so lush that it almost covered one¡¯s thighs. Chapter 207 C207 ¨C A Mysterious Blue nt Locating a tree posed little difficulty. However, seeking a diminutive, unique flora meant meticulously excavating through grass at a gradual pace. Such an endeavor demanded an excessive amount of time! You¡¯d fail to discover it even if the waters of the Eternal River were to evaporate. Providing me with a specific area, I am prepared to undertake a methodical search within a 500-meter radius, or even extend up to 5 kilometers. Yet, finding this specific nt equates to the challenge of locating a needle in a vast sea. By the time ites into my possession, the descendants of Cao Mingyuan would have weed a new generation! Huh? My thoughts have wandered to him, why so? It leaves me wondering about his current circumstances. Noticing the time, Su Ming realized it had surpassed six in the evening. Despite the summer¡¯s bright sunshine, darkness would envelop the sky in just over an hour. Descending the mountain then would pose risks. The setting was essentially a woond. Twilight had already set in across the mountains. Well then¡­ With a sigh, Su Ming dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. It appeared fate hadn¡¯t favored him with the acquisition of this nt. Prioritizing his safety, he decided to let it go. Blueberries awaited his return in the field. As did the ss Pearl Chicken. And there¡¯s more! The two hefty pigs were likely perfectly fattened by now. What transformation would they undergo? Perhaps bing ss Pearl Pigs? Admittedly, that notion seemed somewhat odd. While the nt held value, his life held paramount importance. Making the decision to return home, Su Ming relinquished his pursuit. This decision brought a semnce of rxation, albeit apanied by a deep sense of loss. Nheless, Su Ming harbored confidence in the System¡¯s burgeoning capabilities, anticipating even more astonishing developments ahead. Eventually, he believed, what once seemed invaluable would lose its significance to him, rendering the current loss inconsequential. Attempting self-constion in this manner seemed futile. eptance of the situation remained elusive to him. Overwhelmed by frustration, Su Ming found himself in turmoil. Ultimately, he had no choice but to make his way home, feeling defeated. Departing, he realized the substantial distance he had inadvertently covered. After a thirty-minute walk, darkness fully settled, intensifying within the woond, despite the lingering twilight outside. Unfazed by the darkness, Su Ming found his progress hindered. Continuing at this pace suggested a midnight arrival at home. Such ate return would undoubtedly cause his parents considerable worry. Could opening the scanner and giving it a try be a good idea? With a blink, Su Ming activated the scanner. Could this actually be beneficial? The scanning process would highlight and track the contours of an object, making it distinctly visible to him. Su Ming focused on the trail ahead. A narrow trail, once obscured by shadow, now became vividly apparent. This improvement lifted his spirits. A chuckle escaped Su Ming. He proceeded, walking confidently. An expression of concern suddenly crossed Su Ming¡¯s face. What could that be? A fleeting shape caught the edge of Su Ming¡¯s vision. The darkness of the day was profound. There was someone isted in the forest¡¯s depths. The abrupt appearance of this entity¡­ Expletives escaped him. Might this be a dangerous animal? Su Ming was aware, given the increasing efforts to conserve the environment, that the mountains had be home to numerous wildlife species recently. Sightings of creatures such as wild boars had be moremon. Wild boars didn¡¯t intimidate him. Despite their aggressiveness, he could simply climb a tree to evade them. His physical capabilities had been enhanced; having consumed the Body-stretching Pill and possessing the Stamina Talent, he could outrun any danger, ensuring no wild boar could catch him. Yet, if he encountered predators known for their short-burst speed and formidable power¡­ Expletives escaped him again. Escaping such creatures would be impossible. He inventoried his possessions. The Body-stretching Pill! This proved to be of no use! Did he intend to boost the predators¡¯ speed with the Body-stretching Pill, facilitating their chase to catch and consume him faster? The Truth Pill? Equally futile! Even if the beasts could articte in human tongue, they would express their intent to devour him! Indeed, their intention was to prey on him. Taking a deep inhtion, Su Ming steadied himself. He exhaled slowly and turned his head with caution. He reminded himself to remainposed. In encounters with wild beasts, running haphazardly was not advisable. He resolved to face this creature head-on. As Su Ming looked around, he was taken aback. What exactly was this creature? The figure was a schematic of a botanical specimen. ¡°Kudos on uncovering a unique botanical specimen. Hurry and secure it!¡± Su Ming leaped in excitement. He had lost all hope previously. By this time, dusk had settled in entirely. Nheless, with the scanner activated, Su Ming was able to focus on the botanical specimen located ten meters from him. The shape of it was distinctly visible to him. It stood over ten centimeters in height. Its hue was entirely azure. This color bore a resemnce to the hue of the heavens. A slender, golden streak adorned the center of its leaf. The appearance was strikingly attractive. During nighttime, this botanical specimen stood out remarkably. A realization dawned upon Su Ming suddenly. It appeared that activating the scanner was necessary to locate this object. To put it another way, activating the scanner and following the path sufficed. A simple nce to the left and right was all it took. The visible distance marked the extent of the search area. Upon giving it thorough consideration, Su Ming felt overwhelmingly frustrated. That exined everything. He fought back the impulse to mock the System. Approaching the site, Su Ming peered downwards. Subsequently, he powered up his mobile device. This was merelymon flora. Yet, standard verdure is characterized by its greenness. This specimen, however, was entirely cerulean. A golden streak adorned one of its leaves centrally. The leaf¡¯s surface disyed a color that seemed to ripple like liquid, adding to its allure. ¡°System, what¡¯s the proper method to collect this specimen?¡± ¡°Do not fret! Gently extract the special botanical specimen and ensure its preservation. ce it in the System¡¯s soil within two days or risk its withering and loss of potency!¡± Acknowledging the instruction, Su Ming nodded. He retrieved a small de designed for mushroom foraging from his backpack to loosen the soil surrounding the specimen. Following that, he secured the specimen. He then stored the specimen in a polyethylene bag he had on him, subsequently cing it in his backpack. Afterwards, Su Ming made his way home directly. ¡°Relieved to see you¡¯ve returned. Your absence had us concerned.¡± Standing at the entrance, Lee Sumei and Su Tao expressed their relief upon sighting their son. ¡°There¡¯s no need for worry, Dad, Mom. All is well.¡± With a chuckle, Su Ming remarked, ¡°Mom, is dinner ready? I¡¯ve worked up an appetite.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s proceed to have our meal!¡± Chapter 208 C208 ¨C The White Earth They positioned themselves in the kitchen to consume their meal. Su Ming refrained from eating for the entire day. Hunger began to significantly affect him. Completing his meal brought Cao Mingyuan to his thoughts. ¡°Father, Mother, are you aware of Cao Mingyuan¡¯s current hospital location?¡± Lee Sumei pondered briefly before responding, ¡°It appears he has been discharged and is now receiving IV treatment at the clinic.¡± The news had circted throughout the vige by the afternoon. Even Lee Sumei, seldom leaving her home, was informed of it. The video, in particr, became widely known; it was amon possession among vigers. ¡°I will pay him a visit then.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Lee Sumei expressed no objection. Su Ming proceeded to his bedroom. He prepared a water bottle by dissolving a Body-stretching Pill in it. Subsequently, he positioned a unique nt carefully in a corner. He then secured his room and made his way to the clinic directly. Within the clinic. A corner was upied by the doctor and a young nurse from the police station. They engaged in watching a video and shared augh. Upon noticing Su Ming, they acknowledged him with a nod and a greeting. Being locals of the same vige facilitated their mutual acquaintance. It wasmon knowledge that Su Ming¡¯s visit was to see Cao Mingyuan. Acknowledging them with a smile, Su Ming headed towards a side room filled with several beds. Among these, a bed was upied by an individual. This individual was Cao Mingyuan. ¡°Cao Mingyuan eximed to Su Ming about bing a sensation, receiving numerous gifts that afternoon, and queried about the unfolding events.¡± Cao Mingyuan eagerly sat up upon spotting Su Ming, his eyes gleaming with excitement. During his hospital stay, he was frequented by numerous visitors. Cao Mingyuan was left bewildered, unclear about the cause of the attention. Upon his return to the vige, the fervor escted. The clinic became a hub of activity with his arrival, filling the room to its capacity. All but Cao Mingyuan were privy to the situation¡¯s details. ¡°Have you not checked your mobile device?¡± Su Ming gave a yful blink. With a sigh, Cao Mingyuan revealed his phone was inoperative. ¡°Are you truly oblivious to the ongoing events?¡± Su Ming inquired, wearing a yful smile. ¡°Please, I implore you, enlighten me,¡± Cao Mingyuan pleaded. Attempting to contain his amusement, Su Ming cautioned, ¡°Are you certain you wish to be informed? Be wary of regret.¡± ¡°Impatiently, Cao Mingyuan urged for a swift disclosure, driven to the brink of desperation.¡± Su Ming, acknowledging Cao Mingyuan¡¯s eagerness, retrieved his mobile phone. He then yed the video. ¡°Who¡¯s this person? What are they up to?¡± ¡°Could that be me?¡± ¡°That can¡¯t be!¡± A heartrending scream echoed from the small clinic located at the vige¡¯s eastern edge during the night. Cao Mingyuan was utterly astonished. It suddenly made sense why there was such arge turnout to see him today. ¡°Hold on!¡± It dawned on Cao Mingyuan suddenly. ¡°Does this phone belong to you?¡± ¡°Indeed!¡± Cao Mingyuan inquired, ¡°Is this video saved in your gallery?¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± ¡°Why did you not intervene?¡± ¡°I have no power to prevent you from having kids!¡± ¡°Scram!¡± At this moment,ughter erupted not just from Su Ming but also from the nurses and doctors who were standing by the door. With the rise of numerous short video tforms, the desire to be an overnight sensation wasmon. He had gained fame. Yet, for some unknown reason, he found no joy in his fame. Far from feeling joyful, he was actually quite distressed. He was convinced he¡¯d never get married. Upon seeing himself on the video, Cao Mingyuan hid his face. ¡°Do you alone possess this video?¡± Cao Mingyuan¡¯s gaze shifted towards Su Ming. ¡°Not at all.¡± Su Ming responded by shaking his head. ¡°Did you upload this video to any social tforms?¡± ¡°I did not.¡± Cao Mingyuan persisted, ¡°Then who uploaded the video?¡± Cao Mingyuan blinked in anticipation. A smile appeared on Su Ming¡¯s face. Following that. Su Ming pulled out his phone and opened a video. The video revealed that all attendees had their phones out, encircling Cao Mingyuan and taking his pictures earnestly. ¡°Oh no!¡± Cao Mingyuan felt an overwhelming desire to vanish. That very night. After packing his bags at home, Cao Mingyuan left in search of employment. Staying in the vige was no longer an option for him. Despite Cao Mingyuan¡¯s belief in his own thick-skinned nature,parable to that of a city wall. The moniker ¡°Little Drill¡± proved too much for him to tolerate. Su Ming opted to spend another day at his residence. Subsequently, under the guidance of his parents, he made his journey back to the urban area. Su Ming experienced a sense of urgency during his trip. The ripeness of the blueberries served as a contributing factor to his unease. Given the abundant blueberry harvest, another advancement in level was imminent for him. With the uing advancement, a new ability was within his reach! An additional cause for his concern was his unintended discovery of an extraordinary nt in the forested mountains. He had previously utilized the scanning system to examine this unique flora. Yet, the system¡¯s response left Su Ming somewhat taken aback. The system informed him, ¡°This item¡¯s level exceeds the scanning system¡¯s clearance, rendering it unscannable!¡± The inability to scan the item brought about a mild disappointment in Su Ming. Nheless, this piqued his curiosity even more. It indicated that the system would incorporate an increasing array of functionalities moving forward. He eagerly anticipated these developments! By the time Su Ming reached his abode, night had fallen. The absence of President Chen and Wang Guohui suggested their prior departure to their own homes. Despite Su Ming¡¯s three-day absence, the courtyard remained impably tidy. It was devoid of any weeds. The diligence of President Chen and Wang Guohui wasmendable. He praised their efforts, saying, ¡°They performed excellently!¡± He resolved to reward them with two small red flowers in the future. Upon parking his vehicle at the entrance, Su Ming retrieved his backpack from the car and hastened towards the field. From the perimeter, the field appeared to be sown with wheat, yet the moment he set foot on it, The wheat miraculously transformed into blueberries. As Su Ming was about to examine the blueberries more closely, Something unusual caught his eye. He promptly looked in its direction. Eximing in surprise, ¡°Damn it!¡± He questioned, ¡°What is happening here?¡± Su Ming found himself in the initial two-acre plot where the System was activated. Positioned with the vi behind him, he faced the two acres, with the breeding zone, an earlier System creation, to his left. The breeding zone housed both pigs and chickens. To the right side of Su Ming, He discovered a small 1 x 1 square section ofnd that had inexplicably turned white. The once normal soil had transformed into white soil. Puzzled, Su Ming wondered aloud, ¡°What could this be?¡± He approached quickly for a closer inspection, asking again, ¡°What is this?¡± Chapter 209 C209 ¨C Unlock Some of the Functions ahead of Time The System said: ¡°Because you identally obtained a mysterious nt, part of the System¡¯s shop functions will be unlocked in advance!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained a piece of whitend that can grow special crops!¡± ¡°After you have unlocked all the functions of your Unlocking Store, you can take a look at the detailed functions of the whitend!¡± Just as Su Ming was looking at the whitend, a few notifications suddenly rang out in his mind. He had unlocked part of the System Store¡¯s functions in advance! This System actually had a System Store? Su Ming stared nkly at thend in front of him. He had obtained a mysterious nt! Most importantly, he knew that the functions of the System Store could be unlocked in the future. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. From these few notifications, Su Ming could guess that he could buy or sell things in the System Store. Moreover, thend could be upgraded. This whitend should be the state after the upgrade. Crop of different levels should be nted onnd of different levels. Of course, this was just his guess. He would only know the specific situation after unlocking the shop function. Su Ming was not in a hurry. He happily nted the thing in his hand in the white soil. ¡°nted sessfully! It will mature in twenty days!¡± Su Ming¡¯s eyes widened when he saw the time of maturity. It actually took such a long time! Su Ming hurriedly watered and fertilized it. However, he did not receive any notification. It was indeed worthy of being a mysterious crop! He did not know its name. It would even take 20 days for it to mature. He was not in a hurry, so he could wait. Su Ming pped his hands lightly. He suppressed his curiosity and walked towards the ground. Now, the blueberries were ripe. He walked towards the nearest blueberry tree. Su Ming was a little excited. What good stuff would he get this time? What was this? When he saw it clearly, he was stunned for a moment. This thing looked a little familiar. Su Ming blinked and walked over. He saw that there were many things growing on this blueberry tree, but they were all different. He even saw an envelope! This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. Previously, the same type of crops that he had nted could indeed grow different things. However, the single crops that he had nted had never produced different things. Su Ming walked around the blueberry tree. If his guess was right, then it should be a Chinese medicine. Moreover, this kind of Chinese medicine had already been processed and put in bags of different sizes. Su Ming reached out and took the envelope. He opened the envelope and looked at it carefully. This was actually a prescription! What Su Ming had in his hand was a prescription that could treat duodenal ulcers. 18 grams of ginseng, 12 grams of Baizhu herbs, 9 grams of Chaihu herbs¡­ The names and quantities of the medicinal herbs were clearly marked on the list. Su Ming immediately understood. There would be a prescription on this tree, and the other things that would be produced would be the herbs needed for this prescription. Su Ming raised his head and looked carefully. This was a total of five acres ofnd! He nted about 2,000 blueberry trees on one acre ofnd. Su Ming knew that under normal circumstances, he could nt more blueberry trees. However, the System would give Su Ming the best nting distance. Only then would the blueberry trees be able to grow the best things. Therefore, Su Ming nted 2000 blueberry trees per acre. However, 5 acres of blueberry trees were equivalent to 10,000 prescriptions! This ce of his was about to be a treasure trove of TCM! Su Ming could not help butugh out loud. If he could memorize all of these prescriptions, he could even be a doctor. These prescriptions must be very good, and the Chinese medicine produced by the System must also be very good. After all, the medicinal effects of the Chinese medicine were no longer as good as before. Because most of them were artificially cultivated. Compared to the wild herbs that Lin had picked in the mountains, they had twopletely different effects. Su Ming¡¯s herbs were produced by the System. His herbs must be Top Grade, and they should be the best. Great! This was not a loss! This was a good thing. Su Ming immediately began to collect them. Su Ming went to the supermarket next door and bought many disposable bags. He put the prescription and the herbs on a blueberry tree into the same bag. After sealing the bag, he threw it into an even bigger bag. The diligent little hamster started working again! However, after a while, Su Ming discovered that although there were ten thousand blueberry trees, they were actually repetitive. About every twenty blueberry trees were the same prescription! Of course, these 20 prescriptions were not exactly the same. Su Ming also discoveredter that there were prerequisites for using each prescription. For example, this prescription was more suitable for children in their teens. This prescription was suitable for middle-aged people. That prescription was suitable for those old and weak people. The same prescription had some adjustments to the type of medicine. They were veryplete andprehensive. The System was amazing! Even so, ten thousand trees meant that there were nearly 500 different prescriptions. Su Ming even found a lot of lost and even top-secret prescriptions inside. Should he publicize them? Su Ming thought about it carefully and gave up on the idea. Even if he publicized it, no one would believe him. In other words, even if others believed him, if many people knew about the prescription, it would bring him a lot of trouble. Not to mention those secret prescriptions. As long as it was announced, some people would immediately sue him in court. That would be even more troublesome! He might as well wait and keep these prescriptions a secret. Anyway, it was safe to leave them in the vi. It was impossible for others to know. He would think about it when the time was right. Su Ming returned to the vi around seven o¡¯clock. He was busy until midnight before he finished collecting. ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested a crop. Obtained 10,000 experience!¡± ¡°Ding! Host, congrattions on sessfully leveling up!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, the Host has obtained a new skill! Passive skill: Initial Experience Buff, harvest crops and gain 5 experience!¡± A notification suddenly sounded in Su Ming¡¯s mind. Su Ming¡¯s eyes lit up when he heard the notification! Oh my god! This was great! He had gained a lot. He actually obtained such a Divine Level skill? Increase experience? Didn¡¯t that mean that he would level up faster and faster in the future? Most importantly, the level of this skill was Beginner, which meant that this skill could be upgraded to Intermediate and Advanced! Great! Su Ming looked at his panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV7 Experience: 52,200 / 100,000 Farm: Level Two Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Initial Experience Buff Chapter 210 C210 ¨C Fruit Pig Su Ming nodded in satisfaction when he saw the data panel. Mynd has already begun to take shape! However, he needed more and more experience points to level up. ¡°But I¡¯m not afraid!¡± He wanted to work hard to farm and then level up! He put the things in the warehouse. Then, he put away the dried blueberry vines. He gained another few hundred experience points. After that, he encountered the daily difficult multiple-choice problem. What should he nt? If it was in the past, Su Ming would definitely want to ck off today. He wanted to cultivate tomorrow. Although his physical strength could keep up with his unlimited physical strength and he wouldn¡¯t be tired, his mind would feel weak. But today, the system notification made him feel energetic. As long as he could level up, the system could unlock the mall, and the system would have more functions. Therefore, he had to hurry up and cultivate! What would the mall be like? He was full of anticipation for it! To be honest, Su Ming had nted a lot of things, bothmon and umon. He had even nted vegetables and fruits. What should he nt this time? If it was before, Su Ming might have to choose for a long time. But now, Su Ming quickly made his choice! He wanted to nt cotton! Cotton was one of the mostmon cash crops in the country. Cotton could be grown on arge scale. Since he had chosen cotton, Su Ming did not hesitate and drove the farm car. He began to plow thend. Then, he began his daily nting. ¡°The cotton has been sessfully nted! You can harvest it in seven days!¡± Why did it take so long to grow cotton? Su Ming was stunned. Other than that special crop, this was the crop that took the longest time to grow! How could cotton take a whole week? What kind of good thing would this cotton grow? Under normal circumstances, the longer it took, the better the things he would get. However, he was not in a hurry, so he waited slowly. Then he watered and fertilized the cotton! He heard the usual notification sound again. After cleaning up, Su Ming looked at the time. It was already four o¡¯clock in the morning! Although he was still full of energy and did not feel tired at all, his mind was still a little tired. He hadn¡¯t slept in a long time. Su Ming yawned and washed his body a little. He returned to the vi, turned off his talent, and quickly fell asleep. When Su Ming opened his eyes again, the dazzling sunlight shone through the window. He raised his head and opened his talent. As soon as he woke up, his fatigue disappeared. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, wash his face, and take a bath. He changed into a set of clean clothes and threw his old clothes in the washing machine. Then Su Ming went to the kitchen to cook something before Yuvyuv pushed the door open and walked out. President Chen and Wang Guohui were not there. After all, they had their own jobs. They couldn¡¯t stay here every day. Of course, when they weren¡¯t busy, they would definitelye here. Now, all the employees of thepany knew. If President Chen wasn¡¯t in thepany, then he would definitely go to Mr. Su¡¯s ce. The employees would definitely be able to find him at Mr. Su¡¯s ce! If the employees couldn¡¯t find them in thepany or the bank, they would ask Mr. Su to call them, and the two of them would definitely be there very soon. ¡°How long has it been? Can¡¯t you even write a n?¡± ¡°Leader, we¡¯ve been working overtime for three days and three nights!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t do anything about it, they just won¡¯t pass our n!¡± ¡°I suspect they don¡¯t understand these things at all.¡± ¡°Stopining. Even if they don¡¯t understand anything, they have money.¡± ¡°Alright! This is really strange. Why does this pig farm still want to choose beauties for pigs?¡± The two people walked past the door. Their voices were very loud. At first, Su Ming just smiled, but then he suddenly thought of something. He had forgotten about his pig! It had been a few days. If he wasn¡¯t wrong, the pig in the pigsty had already grown up. Su Ming quickly ran over. That chicken was a precious zed chicken. What could that pig be? The more Su Ming thought about it, the more excited he became! He rushed straight in. When he arrived at the pigsty, he opened the door and walked in. He looked carefully! Su Ming was stunned. He couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing! What was this? How did these two pigs be like this? Because Su Ming had only bought two pigs in total. The pigsty was enough, so he put the two pigs in two different pigsties. This pig was shaped like a pig. However, its appearance had changed greatly. The legs of the pig were yellow, and its abdomen was pink. Its back was divided into several areas, each of which had a different color. Its tail was purple, and its head was green. ¡°Host, congrattions on obtaining the Fruit Pig. Every part of the Fruit Pig has a different fruit taste!¡± Fruit Pig? It was actually a fruit-vored pig! This made the treasure chicken that he had previously raised seem nothing special. It was very beautiful, a little like a peacock. Others would find it novel when they saw it, but they would not doubt it. They would only think that it was a new breed. However, if others saw the Fruit Pig, they would definitely be shocked. No pig would look like this. ¡°Host, don¡¯t worry. Only you can see the color of the Fruit Pig. In the eyes of others, it is just an ordinary pig!¡± The system notification in his mind made him heave a sigh of relief. In that case, that would be for the best. Now that the problem had been solved, how should he eat the Fruit Pig? He had never killed a pig before. He decided to take the pig to the ughterhouse. All the meat on the pig¡¯s body tasted like fruit. So he guessed that its blood was also fruit-vored. Maybe it tasted like fruit juice. This made Su Ming very curious. He wanted to eat it immediately. Just as Su Ming was in a daze in the pigsty, Wang Guohui arrived. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re back!¡± Wang Guohui didn¡¯t see Su Ming at first, so he went to the warehouse to get some fodder to feed the pigs. This was the right that he had won after arguing with President Chen for a long time. They would take turns to feed these animals! Today, it was his turn. When he saw Su Ming, he hurriedly walked over: ¡°Mr. Su, don¡¯t worry. While you were gone, we fed the livestock every day!¡± ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s our honor to work for you!¡± Wang Guohui hurriedly poured the feed into the pigsty and chicken coop. He said: ¡°Mr. Su, do you still remember what you said about buying a building?¡± Su Ming asked: ¡°Yes. Are they back?¡± ¡°They came back yesterday and told me they were free any time. Why don¡¯t you meet them tonight?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming thought for a moment and nodded. He didn¡¯t have any ns for tonight anyway. He would meet them tonight and see if he could buy the building next door. If he could buy the building, he would tear it down. This way, he would have an empty space. As for whether the System could merge them, Su Ming was not sure. But this time, he should know the rules. He believed that the System could definitely fuse them! Chapter 211 C211 ¨C Fall Guy At the hour of eight in the evening, they convened at the Grand Hotel. It was the designated time and location for the rendezvous between Wang Guohui and the other individual. Their meeting was arranged in a private chamber situated on the highest level of the establishment. Together, they ascended to the 28th floor via the elevator. Upon the elevator¡¯s doors sliding open, a distinct odor pervaded the air. Su Ming cast a nce towards Wang Guohui. His brow furrowed lightly, and he instinctively stepped backward. Approaching, a server noticed the odor. The server, too, reacted with a slight frown and retreated a step. Customers from nearby areas made their exit. They mirrored the previous reactions, frowning and stepping away. Wang Guohui found himself perplexed. He wondered aloud, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Puzzled by the collective avoidance, he questioned their actions. He was certain of his innocence. Unable to tolerate it further, an individual, while covering their nose, implored Wang Guohui: ¡°Buddy, could you keep it in check? We¡¯re in a shared space.¡± Comining, ¡°The odor is overwhelming!¡± Another person was close to retching. Disgusted, someonemented, ¡°The lift has just arrived, and the foul smell is unbearable. Better to use the stairs.¡± Quickly agreeing, another urged, ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± The server opted to transport dishes via the staircase. Wang Guohui stood there, shocked. He questioned their insinuations. Their suspicion fell on him for emitting a foul odor. He protested, ¡°I¡¯ve done nothing wrong!¡± Wang Guohui felt unjustly used. He noted the absence of any foul smell within the lift. The odor only became noticeable once the elevator doors opened. Moreover, descending from the 28th floor on foot would result in extreme exhaustion. ¡°Come on, just confess.¡± ¡°Anyone can pass gas. We¡¯re not going to mock you for it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s surprising you¡¯re still unable to own up to passing gas at your age.¡± Upon hearing Wang Guohui¡¯s remark, the others couldn¡¯t resist ribbing him. Wang Guohui was disheartened by theirments. He hadn¡¯t done anything wrong! He felt unjustly used. ¡°Mr. Su, their behavior is uneptable.¡± ¡°They¡¯re definitely crossing the line. Let¡¯s pay them no mind and leave.¡± Su Ming responded with a grave nod. Wang Guohui felt reassured upon hearing this and silently agreed. Mr. Su was showing empathy. He started to rethink the recent incident. Initially, when they exited the elevator, everything seemed normal. The misunderstanding began when Su Ming covered his nose and mouth, stepping backward. It appeared that Mr. Su was the actual instigator! ¡°Mr. Su, that was mean of you.¡± ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m not following.¡± Wang Guohui found Su Ming¡¯s feigned ignorance exasperating. Wang Guohui chose to drop the issue. Leading the charge, Wang Guohui with Su Ming in tow, encountered an increasingly pungent odor. The scent grew so repulsive it was unbearable! Su Ming feltpelled to voice out, ¡°Who¡¯s responsible for such a foul fart?¡± Wang Guohui found himself curious to discern the source¡¯s scent among those nearby. Wang Guohui silently dered his innocence, thinking he was not the one who farted and thus, was not involved. Nevertheless, Wang Guohui found himself in agreement with Su Ming¡¯s observation. The odor was simply atrocious. Reaching a private room¡¯s entrance, they opened the door. Inside, the foul smell was overwhelming. They questioned the nature of the overpowering stench. With Su Ming covering his nose and Wang Guohui coughing persistently. They noticed a middle-aged man standing within the room. The room¡¯s round table wasden with wine bottles and an abundance of food. Su Ming peered closely with a slight frown. They wondered about the items before them. Items such as stinky tofu, stinky leeks, canned herring, rice noodles, tofu milk, bean juice, durian were identified¡­ All were foods known for their potent and unique odors. Despite his revulsion, Wang Guohui managed to inquire loudly with a scowl, ¡°Yang, what¡¯s all this about?¡± ¡°Perfect timing, you two. Come and try these vors!¡± was the enthusiastic invitation. With that, he approached them holding out a bowl. The substance in the bowl was viscous and emitted a foul odor. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll consume this!¡± Wang Guohui vehemently refused by shaking his head. ¡°Rest assured, it¡¯s not toxic. Try a little.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather face death than drink that!¡± ¡°Please, do it as a favor to me.¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Wang Guohui felt nauseated. What was Yang up to? Had he lost his mind? It seemed he intended to overwhelm him with the stench! He had concocted a mixture so revolting that it could kill a person with just one taste! With Wang Guohui watching in shock, Yang stirred the thick concoction with a chopstick before tasting it. ¡°This doesn¡¯t taste good.¡± Hemented, considering, ¡°Perhaps some spices will help?¡± ¡°Enough, Yang. I¡¯m here to discuss a real estate purchase with you today. Can we relocate to discuss this?¡± Wang Guohui reached his limit. Should Yang persist, Wang was prepared to eject him from the upper floor. ¡°Fine.¡± After a brief pause of surprise, Yang nced at the spices with a hint of reluctance and then escorted Wang Guohui to a secluded room nearby. The foul smell was considerably less intense there. ¡°Yang, this is Mr. Su, whom I mentioned earlier. Mr. Su, meet Yang.¡± Wang Guohui was introduced. Suddenly, Yang interjected. ¡°I¡¯ve decided not to sell.¡± Upon hearing this, Wang Guohui showed signs of displeasure, remarking, ¡°Yang, that¡¯s not what you indicated earlier.¡± ¡°My decision has changed.¡± Wang Guohuimented, ¡°That¡¯s quite a swift change of heart!¡± ¡°It¡¯s my property, so the decision to sell is mine to make.¡± ¡°Do the odors have you feeling lightheaded?¡± ¡°While it may have an unpleasant smell, it actually tastes quite good. Would you be interested in trying it?¡± ¡°Leave me alone!¡± Wang Guohui, holding his nose, kept his distance. Observing the exchange, Su Ming found himself at a loss for words. He cleared his throat and advanced towards Yang. However, he soon discreetly stepped back. A foul smell lingered around Yang. ¡°Mr. Yang, my interest in purchasing your property is genuine. Let¡¯s talk about the price.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to sell to you.¡± With a sigh of resignation, Yang Zhiqiang exined, ¡°My n was to relocate the headquarters to my hometown as a way of giving back. However, due to a recent unsessful partnership, I¡¯ve been left with no other choice.¡± ¡°You entered into negotiations with that disreputable person?¡± Wang Guohui quickly understood the situation. ¡°Indeed.¡± Yang Zhiqiang confirmed with a nod. ¡°Creating so much foul-smelling food because you dared to engage in business with him? That¡¯s admirable!¡± Wang Guohui expressed his admiration with a thumbs-up gesture. Chapter 212 C212 ¨C It Stinks too Much It was umon for him to encounter someone Wang Guohui referred to as an old pervert. The question arose: who could this person be? Noticing Su Ming¡¯s confused look, Wang Guohui quickly offered rification. ¡°Wang Guohui pointed out, ¡°Perhaps Mr. Su isn¡¯t aware.¡± ¡°In Eastsea, there¡¯s a renowned culinary expert who also oversees the region¡¯s food and beverage sector.¡± ¡°This individual embarked on culinary explorations from a young age, sampling global delicacies and resurrecting numerous ancient recipes that had vanished over time.¡± ¡°Any significant restaurant in Eastsea would invariably extend an invitation to this venerable chef to critique their dishes.¡± ¡°Initially, his reviews were highly regarded. However, his taste preferences have recently be erratic, alongside a noticeable decline in his taste perception and an increasingly odd disposition.¡± ¡°Considering his lifetime of experiencing exquisite vors, only to face a deterioration in his taste senses, it¡¯s somewhat rtable.¡± ¡°This situation understandably disheartened him.¡± Su Ming, upon hearing Wang Guohui¡¯s exnation, acknowledged it with a nod. This shed light on why Old Yang had opted for such peculiarly scented dishes. Feeling resigned, he expressed, ¡°I¡¯m left with no alternatives.¡± Upon hearing the discussion, Old Yang let out a sigh of resignation. ¡°Old Wang, I¡¯ve always honored mymitments,¡± he stated firmly. ¡°He had previously agreed to sell me his local eateries.¡± ¡°Now, at an advanced age with my offspring independently established, I¡¯m drawn back to my roots without concerns for their well-being.¡± ¡°Yet, this morning, he informed me of his ns to dine at my ce tonight.¡± Following this revtion, Old Yang could only shake his head in dismay. ¡°He¡¯s nning a visit to your home for dinner?¡± Wang Guohui, upon hearing this, disyed visible frustration and concern, continuously sighing and shaking his head: ¡°This situation spells trouble for us.¡± ¡°Is it merely about hosting him for a meal?¡± This inquiry piqued Su Ming¡¯s interest. ¡°Mr. Su, this issue is far from straightforward.¡± ¡°Our agreement hinges on his dining experience; his approval means a sealed deal, but his disapproval signifies its failure.¡± Wang Guohui feltpelled to borate further. This exnation led to Su Ming¡¯s slight furrowing of his brow. The urrence was beyond his expectations. The elder seemed quite peculiar. Yet, upon reflection, it appeared to be a natural development. Losing his taste suddenly was a significant shift for someone with extensive experience in the culinary sector. Thus, a change in his demeanor was understandable. Under normal circumstances, he would not be concerned if it didn¡¯t involve Su Ming. But in this case, it affected his own interests. Clearly, Old Yang was still interested in offering him the property in the downtown area. Subsequently, he went back to his ce of origin. Su Ming, on his part, was keen on purchasing the property. His aim was to broaden his estate. The crux of the matter rested on this enigmatic elderly chef. Such a scenario might pose a challenge for someone else. Fortunately, it was Su Ming who encountered it. Should Old Yang have reservations about selling the property for different reasons, it couldplicate matters. The transaction depended on mutual consent. Compelling someone was out of the question. However, it serendipitously involved him. Within the collection of remedies he had acquired was one capable of addressing this specific condition. Additionally, his repertoire included an array of exquisite dishes. Without going into further details, the mere mention of Guineafowl and Fruit Pig was bound to astonish. With a heavy sigh and a shake of his head, Old Yang dered his intention to discontinue the conversation and return to his experimental work, acknowledging the slim chances yet feelingpelled to persevere. ¡°Old Yang, is it possible to consider using some ordinary ingredients? The odor of this dish is quite overpowering.¡± Wang Guohui discreetly retreated a further step. Subsequently, he proceeded to open the window. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m fed up with you.¡± The smell was overwhelmingly bad! Were you to stand in the middle of the street, it would ensure the street¡¯s emptiness. Indeed, when a person emanating such a foul odor walked down the street, they found themselves shunned by all. ¡°Wang, it sounds like you think there¡¯s a simple solution. So, what¡¯s your suggestion?¡± Old Yang fixed his gaze upon him, expectantly. ¡°I¡¯ve tasted every vor there is¡ªsour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty.¡± ¡°None of them elicit any response from me.¡± ¡°Thus, I¡¯m left with no alternative but to settle for this particr vor.¡± ¡°That¡¯s stinky food,¡± dered Wang Yao, remarking on its formidable potency. Stinky food, as Wang Yao pointed out, possesses a significant level of potency. Su Ming blinked, his nose twitching at the scent. He then retreated a couple of steps to stand next to Wang Guohui, drawing in the fresh air from the window. Despite being a newly upied room and Yang carrying nothing on his person, the stench clinging to him was unbearable. ¡°Allow me to take charge of preparing tonight¡¯s meal.¡± After a moment¡¯s thought, Su Ming expressed his confidence in persuading him but requested the prior removal of the odorous items. Their stench was simply intolerable. The foul odor drove everyone away from this level. ¡°Please, Mr. Su, this is no time for humor.¡± However, Yang remained skeptical of Su Ming¡¯s assertions. He couldn¡¯t afford to let go of the chance that presented itself tonight; it was crucial for him. The elder had mentioned that the odor didn¡¯t matter as long as his expectations were met. ¡°Listen, Old Yang, Mr. Su is serious in his dealings. He always fulfills his promises.¡± Wang Guohui had unwavering trust in Su Ming, never questioning his integrity. He would take Su Ming¡¯s word for it, even if he were to predict the apocalypse for tomorrow. For Wang Guohui, Su Ming was a guiding beacon in his life¡¯s journey. His reverence for Su Ming matched that of President Chen. ¡°Is that so?¡± Old Yang showed skepticism with a puzzled frown. ¡°Are you sure about the events of tonight?¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± ¡°Do you believe your strategy will seed?¡± ¡°It¡¯s uncertain.¡± Wang Guohui pressed on: ¡°Do you wish to return to your native ce?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± ¡°Then cease your doubts. Trust in Mr. Su; he is invariably correct.¡± ¡°Do you expect me to trust him?¡± This matter was far from a mere jest. Dealing with that elderly individual proved to be quite challenging. What other reason could there be for him to bebeled as such a troublesome figure? After pondering briefly, Su Ming suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s organize those items first. I¡¯ll prepare some food for you to try. If you believe there¡¯s potential, we can keep attempting. If not, you¡¯ll have to decide on your own.¡± Upon hearing this proposal, Old Yang thought it was a logical approach. Truthfully, he was somewhat skeptical about the sess of this endeavor. However, given that Su Ming offered assistance in an eptable manner, he saw no reason to decline. ¡°Understood.¡± With a nod, Old Yang expressed his agreement. ¡°Time to discard those containers!¡± Wang Guohui eximed with emphasis. ¡°Understood!¡± Chapter 213 C213 ¨C Call the Police Old Yang went back to pack. Su Ming and Wang Guohui returned to the city center. As soon as they got out of the car, the two of them ran straight to the chicken house. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ve always wanted to ask you what breed of chicken this is. It¡¯s so beautiful.¡± Wang Guohui looked at the chicken in the chicken house. The seven-colored feathers were really beautiful. Under the sunlight, it sparkled brilliantly. This chicken looked delicious. What kind of identity did it have? It was the big boss of the Trade Company. In its life, it had eaten and seen many things. He had eaten and seen all kinds of things in the sky, on the ground, and in the water. He had eaten all kinds of things that could and could not be eaten. But he had never seen anything like this. ¡°I took it from home. I don¡¯t know its name,¡± Wang Yao said. Su Ming found a random excuse to stall Wang Guohui. These words were casually said by Su Ming, but when Wang Guohui heard it, he was stunned. He thought, ¡°As expected!¡± ¡°Mr. Su is someone with a family!¡± If Su Ming could hear what the old man was thinking, he would definitely kick him. Su Ming would definitely think, ¡°Isn¡¯t that nonsense?¡± ¡°Of course I have a home!¡± Of course, Wang Guohui¡¯s words meant that there was indeed arge family behind Su Ming. ¡°Su Ming¡¯s background is not simple!¡± He thought. ¡°Otherwise, how could he possibly buy such arge piece ofnd in the city center to farm?¡± ¡°How could he have so many good things in his hands?¡± ¡°Look at the chicken he raised, it looks so special!¡± ¡°Su Ming¡¯s chicken isn¡¯t even sold on the market!¡± Su Ming said, ¡°Old Wang, catch er.¡± Wang Guohui said: ¡°Alright!¡± Su Ming asked: ¡°Do you know anyone from the ughterhouse?¡± ¡°Yes, I do. I have a few friends. Mr. Su, what are you trying to do?¡± Wang Guohui asked curiously. Su Ming said: ¡°I¡¯m going to kill a pig.¡± To be honest, Su Ming was also very curious about pigs. He thought, ¡°What will it taste like?¡± ¡°It¡¯s clearly pork, but when I eat it, it tastes like fruit.¡± ¡°Although it¡¯s a treasure chicken, it also has the fragrance of fruit.¡± ¡°But these are twopletely different things.¡± ¡°The treasure chicken is still based on the taste of the chicken. There is a faint fragrance when you eat it, but that¡¯s all. You can¡¯t tell what fruit it is.¡± ¡°But pork is different.¡± ¡°ording to the System¡¯s introduction, it should be the taste of fruit.¡± ¡°Just thinking about it makes me full of anticipation.¡± When Wang Guohui heard this, he muttered. ¡°Mr. Su, don¡¯t misunderstand, I don¡¯t mean anything else, it¡¯s just that the pork doesn¡¯t have any effect.¡± Wang Guohui scratched his head and said in a low voice. He thought: ¡°This pork can be said to be the most ordinary meat.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t even eat this anymore, let alone that old freak.¡± Su Ming said, ¡°I have my own ns.¡± Su Ming smiled mysteriously. ¡°Arrange for the people from the ughterhouse toe over and drag the pigs away. Clean them up and send them over to me.¡± Hearing Su Ming¡¯s words, Wang Guohui did not stop him. He could only nod his head. Then, Wang Guohui went to arrange for people. Su Ming entered the vi and came to the basement. He walked into the warehouse and opened his urine bag. He saw so many prescriptions. Su Ming immediately felt vexed. He thought: ¡°How long will it take to find them?¡± ¡°There are too many prescriptions, it won¡¯t be easy for me to find it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s definitely not good to have fewer things, but it¡¯s also troublesome to have too many things.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m a hardworking little bee.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll look for it slowly.¡± He searched for a full half an hour. Only then did Su Ming find the prescription to treat pte decline in a urine bag. He took the prescription upstairs. Then, he took a bag of seasoning specially used to cook chickens from the kitchen. After that, he and Wang Guohui went straight to the hotel. As soon as they arrived at the hotel, they saw the bustling scene at the door. There was a sea of people at the door. Su Ming and Wang Guohui were stunned for a moment. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Su Ming thought. ¡°What happened to the hotel?¡± ¡°No way.¡± ¡°I just came out not long ago.¡± ¡°Brother, what¡¯s going on?¡± Wang Guohui saw a person beside him and asked. This person reeked of alcohol, and his face was slightly red. His face was drunk, his body was swaying, and he was holding a pair of chopsticks in his hand. It was obvious that he had run out halfway through eating. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± The man was confused, and his face was full of confusion. ¡°I saw everyone running away, so I ran out.¡± ¡°Fire?¡± Wang Guohui blinked his eyes. There was no other exnation. Other than the fire, there was no other reason. Earthquake? That¡¯s impossible. The ce he and Mr. Su arrived at was only a few kilometers away from the city center. Therefore, if there was an earthquake here, it was impossible for the city center to not shake. But if there was a fire, the fire brigade would have arrived long ago. At that moment, a person covered his mouth and nose as he rushed out. ¡°The hotel¡¯s sewer is blocked!¡± ¡°The sewer is blocked?¡± ¡°Quick, tell me what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Which floor¡¯s sewer is blocked? My wallet is still in the room.¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± Seeing him rush out, the people around him surrounded him. This group of people didn¡¯t understand what was going on, but Su Ming and Wang Guohui seemed to understand something. The two of them looked at each other, and a bad feeling shed across their hearts. Could it be that Old Yang did this? They asked Old Yang to clean up the things. Could it be that Old Yang poured those things into the toilet? Su Ming really wanted to ridicule him. Why were none of the old men he knew reliable? They were all strange people. Not long after, the people from the fire brigade arrived. They wore masks and rushed in. They rescued several people from inside. To be honest, the firefighters had seen all kinds of situations. They had seen people who were knocked out, trapped in fire, or drowned, but they had never seen anyone who fainted because of the stench. Although they were wearing masks, they could still smell it. It was too smelly! Even the manager of the hotel was stunned. He had just checked two days ago and found that the pipes in the hotel were normal. Even if there was a small problem somewhere, it shouldn¡¯t be so serious. He asked a few waiters, but they didn¡¯t know what was going on. They only knew that the hotel suddenly became smelly, so everyone ran out. ¡°Where did they go?¡± At this moment, Old Yang walked out of the hotel door. He stood under the sun with a basin in his hand. The basin was filled with strange liquid. He said, ¡°Waiter, help me get rid of this thing.¡± The scene instantly became silent. Everyone was guessing the source of the stench. Most people thought that the sewer was blocked and the smell could not be discharged. Suddenly, someone came out with a basin. An indescribable smell spread out. So that was how it was! Chapter 214 C214 ¨C It Was Him The square, which had just been filled with people, was instantly emptied. Even Su Ming and Wang Guohui hid behind the crowd and looked at Old Yang from afar. They thought to themselves, Old Yang, don¡¯t tell me he knows them. They didn¡¯t want to make a fool of themselves. Old Yang was dumbfounded. What was going on? He wasn¡¯t a bad person, so why were the others staying away from him? ¡°Put the bowl on the ground and don¡¯t move!¡± ¡°We received a report that someone ced a biochemical bomb here!¡± ¡°This ce is too smelly!¡± Even the police had arrived. To be honest, when the police first received the call, they did not believe the report. In today¡¯s era, how could there be a biochemical bomb? When they arrived at the scene, they were shocked. What the reporter said was true! This ce was too smelly! Old Yang had always been confused. He didn¡¯t do anything. He just put some rice noodles, some stinky tofu, and some stewed bracken into the bowl. He also put some canned herring into the bowl. These were all edible things. Why did the policee here? He smelled the bowl carefully and did not feel that it was smelly. If the people around him knew what he was thinking, they would definitely throw him into the river to clear his mind. He actually made such a stinky bowl of food! He actually didn¡¯t think it was stinky? Did he have a nose? His sense of smell was so sensitive. ¡°Don¡¯t move, raise your hand!¡± ¡°Liu, go and subdue him.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to! I just got married. I don¡¯t want to sacrifice myself.¡± ¡°Chen, go and subdue him.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to either.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have rhinitis? You can¡¯t smell what this smell is.¡± ¡°Just now, my rhinitis healed because of this stench.¡± Finally, a policeman with a bad cold walked in front of Old Yang. He threw the bowl filled with unknown liquid into a bucket andpletely sealed the bucket. The source of the stench disappeared, and the stench was instantly reduced by a lot. ¡°I¡¯m alive! I feel like I can breathe.¡± ¡°In the future, no matter how smelly the ce is, it won¡¯t be able to trap me anymore.¡± ¡°This old man is famous for carrying such a smelly bowl.¡± ¡°Brother, you are really a warrior. The bowl is so smelly, and you dare to go up and take it away?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Even if you have a bad cold, you should be able to smell it, right?¡± A group of people walked up and surrounded the policeman who had a bad cold. They praised him. The policeman who had a bad cold was stunned. He blinked his eyes. He immediately fainted. ¡°He fainted from the stench!¡± ¡°This is a stench that even a person with a bad cold can¡¯t resist.¡± ¡°Hero, I will always remember you,¡± the policeman said. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. He fainted from the stench. He didn¡¯t die.¡± ¡°Why isn¡¯t he breathing?¡± ¡°Oh my god, he died from the stench!¡± Everyone panicked and started to talk at the same time. Fortunately, the fire department and the police knew how to save others. Soon, the ambnce came and sent the poor policeman to the hospital. Old Yang was arrested. Under the shing lights, he was taken away by the police. Only Su Ming and Wang Guohui were left there, feeling depressed. After a while, it was time for the banquet. In the end, the party involved released a poison gas bomb and was arrested by the police. What happened was too ridiculous. Wang Guohui blinked and looked at Su Ming: ¡°Mr. Su, are we going to continue with our business?¡± Su Ming also blinked his eyes: ¡°Ignore him, let¡¯s continue.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Wang Guohui nodded cleanly. The two of them had a tacit understanding, and neither of them mentioned that they knew Old Yang. Sorry, Old Yang. They were full of apologies for him. They didn¡¯t want to make a fool of themselves. The hotel opened the windows and ventted for a few hours before the stench dissipated quite a bit. Wang Guohui contacted the hotel. The owner of the hotel knew Wang Guohui. He directly lent Wang Guohui a private room on the top floor. This was a private room, or it could be said to be a family hotel. The facilities here were rtivelyplete, mainly because there was a kitchen to cook in. Not long after, someone from the ughterhouse called and said that the meat had been transported over. Su Ming went downstairs to take a look at the meat. The people from the ughterhouse did as he ordered and cleaned the pork very well. With the help of the hotel, Su Ming, Wang Guohui and a few waiters carried the pork upstairs. Su Ming ughtered the chicken. Soon, he and Wang Guohui finished processing the ingredients. But at this time, Wang Guohui was still not confident. He felt that this ingredient was too ordinary, and that old man would definitely not be satisfied. Furthermore, he was once a gourmet. Even though his taste buds had degenerated, he was still very picky. Otherwise, Old Yang would not have done such a thing. Wang Guohui originally thought that Su Ming would take out some rare ingredients this time, but he only prepared domestic pigs and chickens. Will this n really work? Just as Wang Guohui was muttering to himself, his phone suddenly rang. He took out his phone and saw that it was Old Yang calling him. ¡°Old Wang,e out and pick me up.¡± ¡°Have you left the police station?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t break thew. The police let me out after asking me a few questions.¡± There was a bit of noise on Yang¡¯s side. ¡°Where are you now?¡± ¡°I¡¯m at the entrance of the hotel.¡± ¡°The entrance of the hotel?¡± Wang Guohui was stunned for a moment. He walked to the window and looked down. There were a lot of people downstairs. A group of people stood in a circle. In the middle stood a lonely old man holding a phone. He had caused public outrage. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Su Ming walked over and asked. Wang Guohui exined a little, and Su Ming looked down. ¡°Mr. Su, do we need to go down?¡± Wang Guohui asked for Su Ming¡¯s opinion. ¡°What? The signal isn¡¯t good.¡± Su Ming said. Wang Guohui immediately understood and said into the phone: ¡°Yang, I can¡¯t hear what you¡¯re saying. This floor is too high, the signal is bad. What? You want to treat me to a meal?¡± Wang Guohui pretended that the signal wasn¡¯t good and hung up the phone. He really wanted to pick Yang up, but Yang had caused public anger, so he didn¡¯t dare to pick him up. Poor Yang stood alone below. ¡°I¡¯m a customer. I want to go in and eat.¡± Old Yang looked at the manager in front of him and said. ¡°No!¡± The manager pointed at Old Yang¡¯s nose and said, ¡°Let me tell you, anyone cane in today, but you can¡¯t!¡± After he finished speaking, he pointed behind him. There were two big photos on the ss of the hotel entrance. They were Old Yang¡¯s photos. Below the two photos, there was a line of big words. ¡°This person is not allowed to enter!¡± When Old Yang saw the two photos, he was so angry that he almost vomited blood. Chapter 215 C215 ¨C I Can¡¯t Feel at Ease ¡°Let¡¯s talk this over.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°I¡¯m friends with your boss.¡± ¡°My boss asked us to put this photo up,¡± Wang Yao said. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t bring anything in this time,¡± Wang Yao said. ¡°No,¡± Wang Yao said. Old Yang had been discussing with the manager downstairs. However, the manager¡¯s attitude was very firm. He firmly refused to let Old Yang in. Are you still going to let us do business? I feel like throwing up whenever I see you right now. I can still smell the stench even from so far away. It has been so long, but the smell has not dissipated. No! I have something to thank you for. This hotel is close to the park and there are a lot of mosquitoes. Guess what happened? There are no mosquitoes today. Not a single one. Usually, the lights in the parking lot are filled with mosquitoes. Today, there was not even a hair. This kind of smell was so bad that even insects couldn¡¯t stand it. The flies and mosquitoes cried as they brought their families to move. Humans were too hateful. Humans did not follow the rules. They used poison gas bombs without announcing it. I¡¯ll find mosquitoes to bite youter. At the door, the manager and Old Yang were in a stalemate when a car drove over from not far away. After the car stopped. A young man quickly ran out from the front passenger seat. He went to the back door and opened it. The people watching at the door were stunned. They all turned around to look. This car was obviously a good car. It was not cheap. The person sitting in it was probably someone with a high position. After the manager saw it, he hurriedly ran forward. There was an old man sitting in the car. He was not tall and was thin. The old man was expressionless. He was wearing a pair of sses. The flesh on his cheeks was concave, and his eyes were dull. He seemed to be floating when he walked. He was holding a walking stick and wearing a suit. Although he was old and his bones were not very good, he still stood straight. ¡°Old Master Loong.¡± When the manager saw the old man, he was shocked and hurriedly ran forward to greet him. Old Master Loong was a well-known figure in the food industry. He was a very amazing big shot. Even if their boss came, he would have to be respectful in front of this old man. The old man actually came personally today. Was he here to make suggestions? ¡°Old man, our boss is not here, but don¡¯t worry. I will call him right away. I don¡¯t know why you are here today.¡± This old man was someone he couldn¡¯t afford to offend. Old Master Loong could shut him out with just a word. ¡°Manager Huang, my grandfather didn¡¯te here for anything this time. He just wanted to see a friend.¡± The young man smiled. ¡°I understand.¡± The manager let out a sigh of relief after hearing that. His clothes were almost soaked. Everyone knew that the old man¡¯s taste buds had degenerated and his personality had be a little strange. The old man also liked to randomly choose a hotel from time to time and go in to have a taste. Under normal circumstances, it was definitely a good thing for customers toe to the restaurant. However, when the old man came to the restaurant, everyone felt their scalps go numb. They had no choice. The old man was too difficult to serve. Today, the manager was prepared to pay a certain price. However, when the manager heard that the old man was here to see a friend, he felt much better. ¡°Old Man Loong, you¡¯re finally here.¡± Old Yang ran over with a frown on his face. ¡°Old Yang?¡± Old Master Loong and Old Yang were of the same generation. ording to age, Old Master Loong could be considered Old Yang¡¯s brother. ¡°Why are you downstairs? Didn¡¯t you say that you prepared a table of delicious food for me today and wanted me to have a taste?¡± Old Master Loong frowned slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore.¡± When Old Master Loong said this, Old Yang almost cried. It¡¯s all because of you that I¡¯m so miserable. ¡°Grandpa Yang, what¡¯s going on? Have you prepared any delicious food?¡± Old Yang was stunned for a moment. He thought. ¡®I don¡¯t know. ¡® ¡®I really don¡¯t know. ¡® ¡®I didn¡¯t know anything after I was arrested this afternoon. ¡® ¡°The food should be ready, right?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you prepare this yourself?¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Wang Yao said. ¡°What does that mean?¡± Wang Yao asked. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Wang Yao asked. ¡°Why are you asking me? Shouldn¡¯t you be sure?¡± ¡°So, I said maybe,¡± Wang Yao said. What are they doing? When the people around them saw this, they couldn¡¯t help butin in their hearts. Were the two of them doing crosstalk here? ¡°Old Yang.¡± Old Master Loong was a little unhappy, ¡°Are you ready or not? I specially arranged for today¡¯s time toe.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± When Old Master Loong¡¯s grandson asked him, he could still find an excuse. However, Old Master Loong personally asked him, so Old Yang could only answer: ¡°Old Brother, I¡¯ll tell you the truth. I¡¯m not prepared today. But don¡¯t be angry. Someone is preparing for me. He said that he would ensure that you would be satisfied with the food.¡± ¡°Really?¡± When Old Master Loong heard this, he looked at his grandson. ¡°Grandpa Yang, don¡¯t joke with us.¡± Loong Tianyu, Old Master Loong¡¯s grandson, did not believe him: ¡°Why are you so unconfident in your tone?¡± What a joke. His grandfather had eaten all kinds of food for so many years. He had eaten all kinds of delicacies in the imperial court. Whether it was the food in high-end restaurants or the snacks on the streets, he had basically tasted them all. There were also stunning works among them. It was just that the old man¡¯s sense of taste had been getting worse and worse these past few years. When it came to tasting dishes, he had not praised the food for many years. Therefore, Loong Tianyu did not believe Old Yang¡¯s words. To be honest, Old Yang was not confident either. Yes, Wang Guohui was rich, but he had never heard of him being able to cook. This Mr. Su was also rich. Everyone in the city knew about the diamond incident. But he had never heard of him being able to cook. It was true that the two of them were rich. But Old Master Loong was also very rich. No matter how rich he was, he couldn¡¯t cure his tongue. But the key was that they had alle today and had already asked very clearly. He couldn¡¯t say that he wasn¡¯t sure anymore¡­ If Old Master Loong turned around and left, this deal would fail. He knew his Old Brother¡¯s temper very well. Alright! He could only lie reluctantly. ¡°This is true!¡± Old Man Yang nodded reluctantly. No matter what, it had to be true! He thought to himself. ¡°Old Wang, my worthless life is in your hands.¡± ¡°Whether I can return to my hometown and run a hotel will depend on you.¡± ¡°If you mess things up for me, I will fight you to the death.¡± ¡°I will go to your port and tear down your trading ship.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Old Master Loong smiled and walked forward. Old Yang followed behind. With the old man taking the lead, the manager did not dare to say anything. He could only roll his eyes. Humph! Shameless! He even shamelessly went in! If it wasn¡¯t for Old Master Loong, he would have used a stick to chase him out! Chapter 216 C216 ¨C You¡¯re Not Kidding Right? Old Master Loong walked in front with his grandson, Loong Tianyu. Old Man Yang followed behind them. Old Man Yang was really nervous. Was Wang Guohui reliable or not? Mr. Su was so young, could he really do that? Speaking of which, what was Mr. Su¡¯s upation? Could Mr. Su be a chef? That was possible. Otherwise, Mr. Su would not have paid attention to everything in cooking. But the point was that Mr. Su¡¯s identity as a chef might be useful in front of others, but Old Master Loong had seen many chefs. This deal might fail. He would think of another way. It turned out that Old Yang did not believe that Su Ming could do it from the beginning to the end. Now he had no choice but to let Su Ming try his best. Just as Old Yang was lost in his thoughts, the elevator arrived. A group of three people walked out of the elevator. Old Master Loong was dressed in a Tang suit, and he slowly walked forward with a crutch. Loong Tianyu followed behind the old man and supported the old man with both of his hands. He was also walking very slowly. They were not in a hurry. Old Yang was very anxious. He really hoped that they would walk faster. He really wanted to see what Wang Guohui had prepared. However, no matter how anxious he was, he could only endure this anxiety. It was originally a very short journey, but Old Master Loong walked very slowly. He walked for a few minutes. They stood at the door of the private room and Loong Tianyu pushed the door open. Then he hurriedly stood behind his grandfather. He and his grandfather held their heads high. Their eyes were indifferent, and their faces were filled with pride. They raised their heads and walked in just like that. In their opinion, the people in the room would immediately stand up and greet them respectfully. Because Old Master Loong¡¯s status was too high. No matter where he went, there would always be many people ttering him. Every time he entered the room, everyone in the room would stand up to wee him. In the end, when Old Master Loong and Loong Tianyu walked in, they were stunned. The three of them sat around a table. They held poker cards in their hands and stared at each other as they yed poker. There was a te on the table with some green paste on it. They looked at the te carefully again and saw that there were several empty mustard tubes beside the te. The loser would eat mustard, this was too tragic! ¡°I¡¯ll give you two 2 points poker cards.¡± Su Ming held the poker cards happily. Wang Guohui was very depressed. Mr. Su was too good at ying cards. Mr. Su¡¯s realm was very high, and he hadprehended everything at a very young age. He came to the city center to farm and was sessful. As a result, his gambling skills were so excellent. He hadpletely understood the lifestyle of the elderly. Wang Guohui and Su Ming yed a few games, and he lost from beginning to end. Sitting beside Wang Guohui was a chef sent by the hotel to help them. He lost quite miserably. He had already eaten several tubes of mustard. His eyes were bloodshot from eating mustard, and he was full of energy. Su Ming sat there and smiled happily. He had the scanning System, so he was naturally good at gambling. Su Mingughed and threw out thest two cards in his hand, saying, ¡°You two lost again. Continue to eat mustard.¡± ¡°I admit defeat.¡± Wang Guohui directly admitted defeat: ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m not ying anymore, I really admire you!¡± The hotel staff also admitted defeat. He said, ¡°I won¡¯t eat mustard in this life.¡± At this moment, a cough came from the door. The three of them were stunned for a moment before turning to look at the door. Someone came? When did these twoe? They didn¡¯t even notice. They were too engrossed in ying poker. ¡°Old Master Loong?¡± Wang Guohui blinked his eyes and immediately recognized Old Master Loong. He said: ¡°Mr. Su, this is Old Master Loong. Old Master, this is Mr. Su.¡± Old Master Loong nodded indifferently and did not say anything else. Old Yang hurriedly walked in and asked him, ¡°Old Wang, what did you prepare?¡± ¡°My things are all there.¡± Wang Guohui was full of confidence as he pointed to the side. Old Yang turned his head to look. He thought that Wang Guohui had prepared some rare treasures, but in the end, Wang Guohui only prepared some chicken and pork. Old Yang was instantly disappointed. Crap. His deal might not seed. Old Yang thought: Why don¡¯t you just admit defeat? ¡®Two soldiers fighting against a fully armed general, oh my god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don¡¯t even need to think to know that you will lose. You only prepared ordinary ingredients like chicken and pork? How did you do that? Old Man Yang was speechless. ¡°Old Yang son, what¡¯s the meaning of your expression?¡± Looking at Old Yang¡¯s expression, Wang Guohui was extremely unhappy, ¡°These chickens and pigs were raised by Mr. Su.¡± Old Yang dared to look down on the ingredients prepared by Mr. Su. Of course, the livestock that were raised on and worth ten billion was not an ordinary thing. After a while, he would let Old Yang experience the taste of these two things¡­ Suddenly, Wang Guohui thought of something. Wait, something wasn¡¯t right. Although thend was very expensive, even if it was a pig raised on the moon, it would still be a pig. The taste wouldn¡¯t change. Even if the taste of the ss chicken was better than that of an ordinary chicken, it was still chicken. This Old Master Loong was very picky. It was somewhat difficult to conquer the old man¡¯s appetite with just chicken and pork. Wait, how could he doubt Mr. Su? Mr. Su¡¯s actions must have a deeper meaning! That¡¯s right, it must be so! Wang Guohui told himself to believe Mr. Su. When Old Master Loong heard this, he frowned and looked at the ingredients beside him. Su Ming only prepared ordinary chicken and pork, which made Old Master Loong a little unhappy. He thought, ¡°You are looking down on me.¡± Everyone living in Eastsea knows my temper. If you prepared some precious ingredients, I would have nothing to say. But you only prepared the most ordinary ingredients to fool me? It seems like you don¡¯t want to do business with me anymore. ¡°Yang, our business ends here. You have to know that it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to give you face.¡± After Old Master Loong finished speaking, he turned around and was about to leave. Old Man Yang hurriedly stopped him and said: ¡°Don¡¯t, Old Brother. Let¡¯s discuss this matter again.¡± Old Man Yang was about to cry. He thought that everything had gone wrong. Originally, he still had a chance to do business with Old Master Loong, but now it was all over. Old Yang felt regret in his heart. If he had known earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have trusted Su Ming and Wang Guohui. They had made things so bad. Wasn¡¯t this causing trouble? ¡°Old Master.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly: ¡°If you¡¯re not in a hurry, why don¡¯t you wait a while? When I¡¯m done, if you¡¯re not satisfied, you can turn around and leave. I won¡¯t keep you. But I believe you¡¯ll definitely stay and have a good talk with me.¡± ¡± Oh? ¡°Old Master Loong stopped and asked with a smile,¡± Are you really confident? ¡° ¡°Of course I am confident. Old Master, sit down and watch my cooking.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± After saying that, Old Master Loong smiled faintly. He felt that young people were always too blindly confident and somewhat arrogant. If they did not experience the tempering of society, how could they grow? Since Su Ming was so confident, Old Master Loong had to let him know that overconfidence was not a good thing. He would teach him a lesson in ce of Su Ming¡¯s parents. Chapter 217 C217 ¨C Could This be the Highest Realm of Chef? He saw Old Master Loong sit down. Su Ming smiled. He walked to the kitchen and took a ceramic pot. He put the entire chicken in it and added condiments. When Old Master Loong saw this, he shook his head. ¡°He doesn¡¯t even know the most basic cooking method. Old Yang, where did you find such a chef? You must be mistaken.¡± When Old Yang heard this, he felt awkward. He didn¡¯t find this. He rmended himself. The key was that Mr. Su was not an ordinary person. He didn¡¯t think too much about it at that time. How could he have thought that Su Ming was so unreliable? It was over. His n to return to his hometown had beenpletely ruined. He was going to die in a foreignnd! ¡°Tianyu.¡± Old Master Loong looked at his grandson. ¡°Grandfather.¡± Loong Tianyu hurriedly walked over. ¡°How many mistakes did you see in his cooking technique?¡± ¡°Grandpa, I saw three mistakes.¡± ¡°Oh? Then tell me.¡± ¡°First of all, if he wants to cook chicken soup, he should cut the chicken into pieces so that the essence of the chicken can be preserved. Second, he should boil the chicken in boiling water so that he can remove the blood foam inside the chicken. Only then will the chicken soup be clear and fragrant. There will be no impurities in the chicken soup. Thirdly, the seasoning should be addedst. If the seasoning is put in at the beginning, it will spoil the taste of the chicken.¡± Loong Tianyu said slowly. However, his voice was quite loud. There was an expression of unting on his face. They were all young people, so they naturally had the mentality ofparing. He originally thought that Su Ming had some ability, but when he looked¡­ Su Ming was just a rookie chef. He didn¡¯t have any ability, and was far inferior to him! Old Master Loong nodded in satisfaction when he heard this. He was indeed worthy of being his grandson! He was worthy of being personally taught by him! This was the correct way to make chicken soup. He watched Su Ming put the entire chicken in. This was simply a mistake. What a mess! It was even easier for Su Ming to deal with the pork. He took a piece of meat from each part of the pig. Then he threw them into the pot to cook. This method made the surrounding people¡¯s hearts jump. Was he sure he could cook? No one who had anymon sense about cooking would do that, right? How bad would his cooking taste? He put in the fat and thin pork. There was pork thigh meat and pork ribs. What would the soup taste like if it was cooked? Old Man Yang¡¯s expression changed when he saw it. Wang Guohui, Mr. Su, he had no enmity with them. Were they really going to harm him like this? Alright! He decided! It was impossible for them to get his building! Even if he died, he wouldn¡¯t sell it to them! ¡°Old Yang, I¡¯m sitting here because of you.¡± Old Master Loong¡¯s expression was very ugly. ¡°Old Brother, please be more lenient.¡± Old Man Yang hurriedly apologized. ¡°When this soup is ready, I will only take a small bite. Don¡¯t me me for not respecting you.¡± ¡°Old Brother, I have let you down. How can I me you? I am already very honored to have you here.¡± Old Yang sighed. It was obvious that he had failed today. He was very depressed in his heart. It seemed that he could only go back and drink a few sses of vodka to vent the depression in his heart. To be honest, not to mention them, even Wang Guohui felt his scalp go numb. Isn¡¯t Mr. Su joking? Is he cooking very seriously? This is a little¡­ Isn¡¯t he a little too casual? Can this thing be eaten? Although Wang Guohui was suspicious in his heart, he didn¡¯t dare to say anything. Because based on his past experience, the uglier the food cooked by Mr. Su, the better the taste and the better the effect! He and President Chen were very experienced! Time passed minute by minute. Old Man Yang suddenly sniffed and took a deep breath. Something was wrong. The taste of the chicken¡­ Why was it so fragrant? Loong Tianyu was also stunned. This chicken was so fragrant! He and his grandfather had also eaten a lot of good things over the years. But he had never encountered such a fragrant chicken before. Even Old Master Loong slightly opened his eyes. This¡­ What kind of fragrance was this? Although the old man¡¯s taste buds had degenerated, his nose was still fine. This smell was so fragrant and not greasy, and there was even a little fragrance mixed in. Everyone took a deep breath. Their eyes all fell on the pot. The water in the pot had already boiled and was steaming. Old Master Loong subconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva. His appetite had increased greatly! He actually had a desire for a type of food. This was something that had not happened for many years. Old Yang was dumbfounded. What was going on? What was going on? Who could tell him what was going on? This was a chicken. From the looks of it, it was just an ordinary yellow chicken. There was nothing special about it. Why does it taste so good after it¡¯s cooked? His saliva could not help but flow out. What was this? Wasn¡¯t it too fragrant? He had just suspected that this wouldn¡¯t work. But now it seemed that he was too short-sighted. He had been careless! Could it be that Mr. Su was really hiding his strength? Would he turn the situation around this time? If he did this, it would really be like a show. Loong Tianyu was stunned. He kept saying that the chicken was not cooked well. In the end? The chicken smelled very fragrant. If it was cooked incorrectly, how could it be so fragrant? The embarrassment came too quickly. He wanted to show off in front of Su Ming, but in the end¡­ He didn¡¯t seed. He was just a rookie, where did he get the courage tough at a master? In the end, he could only endure the embarrassment. He could only cry and suffer. Oh my god! He was careless! This was too embarrassing. He felt a bit of pain. Just as everyone was immersed in the fragrance of the chicken¡­ Suddenly, another rich fragrance drifted out. This was the fragrance of a fruit. That¡¯s right, it was the smell of many kinds of fruits mixed together after they were ripe. Bananas, mangoes, lychees¡­ The pure fruit fragrance made one feel iparably refreshed. It was hard for him to imagine. The pot that boiled pork could actually emit the fragrance of fruits? The pot that boiled the chicken at least had the fragrance of the chicken, but this pot that boiled the pork actually had the fragrance of fruit? What exactly was Su Ming doing? What kind of ingredients did he put in to make the pot have such a fragrance? Everyone was stunned. All the doubts in their minds had flown away. ¡°Could this be?¡± Old Master Loong suddenly thought of something and stood up. His eyes were wide open, and his mouth was wide open. His entire body was trembling with excitement. ¡°Could this be the highest realm of the legendary chef, returning to simplicity?¡± ¡°Impossible!¡± Loong Tianyu was dumbfounded. How was this possible? This was not a skill, and it could not be trained to perfection. It referred to a realm. In this realm, he could stimte the true taste of food. This only existed in ancient books. He had only heard of it for so many years, but he had never seen it before. Su Ming was so young, how could he have mastered it? Chapter 218 C218 ¨C The Young Man Sneak-attacked Wang Guohui heard Old Master Loong¡¯s words. He was stunned for a moment. ¡°Return to simplicity?¡± Wang Guohui asked. ¡°This is referring to Mr. Su.¡± He thought. ¡°Mr. Su is so young, but he has already seen through everything in the world.¡± ¡°Mr. Su specially bought a piece ofnd in the city center to farm.¡± ¡°Under the appearance of the city¡¯s prosperity, he found a quiet ce.¡± ¡°If this isn¡¯t¡± returning to simplicity, ¡°then what is it?¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how it is!¡± No wonder even though Wang Guohui was over fifty years old, he still couldn¡¯t see through Mr. Su! It turned out that Mr. Su had already reached the highest realm of spirit! Wang Guohui couldn¡¯tpare to Mr. Su! ¡°Is this the difference?¡± Wang Guohui thought. Everyone in the room was stunned. Old Master Loong, who had an impatient look on his face and was about to leave, was no longer in a hurry. Loong Tianyu, who had a proud expression on his face and was about to teach Su Ming a lesson, also became quiet. Old Man Yang, who was so disappointed in Su Ming that he decided not to interact with him anymore. He was now on the verge of bing the third President Chen. ¡°The smell of this thing.¡± ¡°It tastes too delicious.¡± ¡°Who can resist delicious food?¡± Su Ming turned around and was shocked. Several people were staring at him. Their eyes were filled with endless desire! ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Impossible, right?¡± ¡°Could it be that you are all gay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not interested in men.¡± ¡°I will never be together with a man!¡± Being stared at by so many men at the same time, what should he do? How should he get out of this predicament? Old Master Loong stuck out his tongue, licked his dry lips, and swallowed a mouthful of saliva. He rubbed his hands together and carefully moved in front of Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, what is this cooking?¡± ¡°Chicken and pork.¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Don¡¯t you know? You just said that you don¡¯t like these foods.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± As soon as Su Ming finished speaking, Old Master Loong immediately shouted and bowed. He scared Su Ming. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Su Ming asked. Are you going to scare me to death?¡± Loong Tianyu saw this situation. He thought to himself, ¡°My grandfather has already bowed and apologized. Am I not going to apologize?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Without saying a word, he also bowed and apologized. Su Ming blinked his eyes. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Su Ming said. ¡°I¡¯m not angry.¡± Su Ming said. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Just as Su Ming was about to help them up. Another ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± came from the sky. ¡°Who is it?¡± Su Ming was so scared that he took a step back. He directly used the ¡°Disperse the Clouds¡± move! After that, he saw that the one who spoke was Old Yang. Su Ming said in his heart: ¡°It¡¯s fine even if you apologize.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re probably saying ¡®sorry¡¯ to me, right?¡± ¡°Why is your head facing the pot?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you feel sorry for this pot?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to have such a hobby.¡± ¡°To be honest, what have you done to the pot?¡± Su Ming thought to himself. ¡°Sir, you don¡¯t have to apologize. It¡¯s nothing.¡± Su Ming said. He smiled and helped Old Master Loong up. ¡°Mr. Su, when can we eat this?¡± Old Master Loong asked. ¡°At least 40 minutes. It¡¯s only been more than ten minutes, and we still need about half an hour. Are you in a hurry? Aren¡¯t you free tonight?¡± Su Ming asked curiously. It was only half an hour. What was he in a hurry for? He would be fine in a while. Old Master Loong blinked his eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to wait for half an hour.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°Impossible, right? Their willpower is so weak?¡± ¡°Although this thing is fragrant, they won¡¯t go so far as to snatch it by force, right?¡± ¡°How bad would it taste to eat it raw?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you misunderstood.¡± Old Master Loong said. He blinked his eyes and looked outside the door. Su Ming looked outside the door. ¡°You guys are here to watch the exhibition!¡± There was a group of people standing at the door. They stuck their heads out, stuck their noses out, and happily sniffed the air. ¡°Haven¡¯t they eaten yet?¡± Su Ming thought to himself. ¡°Aren¡¯t they tired?¡± ¡°If they really don¡¯t feel tired, can they help me farm in the future?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Old Master Loong said righteously, ¡°Tianyu, close the door!¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Loong Tianyu said. Loong Tianyu strode towards the door. ¡°Why did you close the door? We won¡¯t eat your food.¡± The person at the door said. ¡°Can we smell it?¡± ¡°Please, let me smell it. It smells too good!¡± ¡°I¡¯m anorexic. Let me have a bite.¡± ¡°Me too!¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying! You just finished a bowl of braised pork!¡± ¡°Then you¡¯re not anorexic! Was that bowl of noodles for dogs?¡± ¡°We agreed not to talk about the past! I¡¯m going to hit you!¡± ¡°Demon, I knew you weren¡¯t human since the beginning. I¡¯m going to activate my skill! Mighty Dragon in the Sky!¡± The front door was in chaos. While they were fighting, they were also moving towards the house. At first, they were still standing at the door and did not step onto the stairs. But now, a few people had already entered. It seemed that they were fighting for other purposes. ¡°Look, what is that?¡± Loong Tianyu suddenly shouted as he stood at the door. Then, he pointed in the direction of the corridor. ¡°What?¡± The chaotic crowd instantly quieted down. Their heads all turned towards that direction. ¡°Go away!¡± Loong Tianyu immediately kicked a man¡¯s butt. The man¡¯s body staggered. He crashed into a group of people and fell out of the door with them. ¡°Bam!¡± Then, Loong Tianyu did something unexpected. He closed the door and locked it. Then, he pulled over a table and blocked the door. His movements were fast and concise, and very smooth! When they stood at the door, they realized that they had been kicked out. ¡°Young man, you have no morals!¡± ¡°Oh my god, I was careless. I didn¡¯t dodge!¡± ¡°You sneak attacked me, an old man in his 60s!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t understand our martial arts, you can¡¯t use too much force! I¡¯m ashamed of you!¡± Loong Tianyu did not care about these things. He wanted to sneak attack them. He cunningly achieved his goal. What could they do to him? ¡°Mr. Su, you saw what I did. Are you satisfied?¡± Loong Tianyu walked towards him. ¡°You naughty child!¡± Old Master Loong was not happy when he saw this scene, ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to speak in front of Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Grandpa! This isn¡¯t good. Even if you want to eat a few more mouthfuls, you shouldn¡¯t say that to me. I am your biological grandson.¡± Loong Tianyu was dumbfounded. A few minutes ago, his grandfather had affectionately called him grandson. He changed his attitude so quickly? Was he that bad? In order to fight with him for the few pieces of meat in the pot, he didn¡¯t even want his own grandson. ¡°Hehe, Mr. Su¡­¡± But Old Master Loong ignored Loong Tianyu. Instead, he turned his head and looked at Su Ming respectfully. The arrogance he had when he first came in had disappeared. Wang Guohui stood at the side and smiled. Did he know now? This was Mr. Su¡¯s power. Don¡¯t think that Mr. Su is just a farmer. However, a farmer like him had never appeared in a million years. He seemed to be farming, but in fact, he was also cultivating his life and state of mind. He used this method to reach a higher level. Mr. Su looked very young, but his realm was not something that ordinary people could see through! He had followed Mr. Su for a long time, but he still could not see through his realm, let alone Old Man Loong. Chapter 219 C219 ¨C We Can Farm too There was stew in the pot. Hot steam rose from the pot, and the fragrance filled the air. Su Ming was sitting on a chair, ying a little game. Old Man Loong stood on Su Ming¡¯s left, while Old Man Yang stood on Su Ming¡¯s right. They pushed Wang Guohui away from Su Ming. Wang Guohui was very angry in his heart. How could the two of them do this! He was the one who invited Mr. Su. Old Man Yang and Old Man Loong looked down on Mr. Su at first. What happened? It had only been a few minutes, and their attitude had changed? Their attitudes changed faster than flipping a book. ¡°Mr. Su is so young and aplished. I want to know what Mr. Su has been busy with recently? Where does he work?¡± Old Man Loong said. He just wanted to say something. He couldn¡¯t just stand there and do nothing. It was too awkward to stand like this. Su Ming¡¯s expression was indifferent. ¡°I don¡¯t have any other work except farming at home.¡± Farming? Old Man Loong and Old Man Yang were stunned for a moment. They looked at each other. Farming? Really? Was he joking? How could such an capable young man be farming? ¡°What? Is there a problem?¡± Su Ming asked. ¡°No!¡± The two old men shook their heads frantically. ¡°Farming is very good!¡± Old Man Loong gave a thumbs up and raised his voice. ¡°I think so too. Among all professions, farming is the most valuable!¡± Old Man Yang also nodded in praise. ¡°That¡¯s right, our country is an agricultural country. Farming is the foundation of a country. If we don¡¯t farm, we won¡¯t have any food. Although we are city people with decent clothes and manners, we won¡¯t be able to live afortable life without the support of farmers. Mr. Su can build the foundation of the country at such a young age. Although I have lived for more than 80 years, myprehension and realm are far below yours. ¡° When people get old, they will be shrewd. It could be seen from Old Man Loong¡¯s ttery of Su Ming. ¡± That¡¯s right! This makes me feel very ashamed. When I was young, I also worked at the grassroots level for many years, and I also ntednd for a period of time. When my business was sessful, I left the bottom level. I was lost for half of my life and had been searching for the meaning of life. Today, I found the answer in Mr. Su¡¯s ce. So farming is the most solid thing. ¡° Old Man Yang also nodded at the side. Wang Guohui was stunned. These words sounded very familiar. He had said the same thing to President Chen! The two of them were too cunning! Snatching Mr. Su from him? He would say that it was impossible. He and Chen were younger. Old Man Yang and Old Man Loong could not beat them. If they dared to take Mr. Su away, he would cut off their arms. ¡°Where is Mr. Su farming?¡± Old Man Loong asked carefully, ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t misunderstand. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m old. If you don¡¯t tell me about farming, I won¡¯t think of it. But when you say farming, I¡¯m very tempted. I really want to nt a few acres ofnd and train my muscles.¡± ¡± What Old Brother said makes sense. Mr. Su, you must give us this chance. ¡° Old Yang stood at the side and said anxiously. It was impossible for him to get this chance alone. He wanted to farm with Su Ming. ¡°My grandson is still young. After all these years of hard work, I thought he would have some achievements. Butpared to you, he¡¯s far too inferior. If Mr. Su doesn¡¯t mind, can you help teach him? In terms of farming, if you have any requests, just tell us. Even if I tire him to death, I won¡¯t have a singleint. ¡° Old Man Loong hurriedly said. What? Before Su Ming could say anything, Wang Guohui was already unhappy. What was he doing? They should abide by the principle of firste, first served. Mr. Su only had five acres in total. He and Chen had already divided the work. They couldn¡¯t let Old Man Yang and Old Man Loong join them. Impossible! ¡°Mr. Su, these two Old Brother are old. They are no longer suitable to farm. Don¡¯t worry, President Chen and I can solve this problem. We won¡¯t trouble others.¡± Wang Guohui said anxiously. ¡± Old Wang, you¡¯re being unreasonable. Farming not only could help people strengthen their bodies, it could also give people the chance to approach nature. There are only benefits and no disadvantages. You keep obstructing me. What do you want?¡± Old Yang put his hands on his waist and opened his eyes wide. ¡°That¡¯s right. Mr. Su hasn¡¯t said anything yet. Why are you helping him refuse?¡± Old Man Loong red at him. ¡°Uncle Wang, my grandfather and Grandpa Yang are old, but I am young. I am strong and can work.¡± Loong Tianyu stood behind and immediately said. ¡°You guys¡­¡± This made Wang Guohui extremely angry. They were being unreasonable and robbing him. It¡¯s over, the loss of this deal is huge. He originally thought that he could help Mr. Su buy a piece ofnd, but in the end, three more people came to steal his credit. Who could ept this? Wait! Wang Guohui suddenly thought of something. What did Loong Tianyu call him just now? Uncle Wang? Damn it! Old Man Loong was Loong Tianyu¡¯s grandfather, and he called Old Yang brother. If Loong Tianyu called him uncle, wouldn¡¯t he be the son of Old Man Loong and Old Yang? This brat! Unknowingly, he had let these two old fellows take advantage of him! Damn it! No wonder these two old things wereughing so hard! ¡°No! I¡¯m telling you, this is impossible. There has to be a firste, first-served order to everything. Mr. Su¡¯snd can only be managed by me and President Chen. None of you are allowed to interfere!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe that there¡¯s no ce in this world that can be reasoned with. If you don¡¯t ept it, let¡¯s go out and fight!¡± ¡°Fine, let¡¯s fight. I am not afraid of you!¡± Wang Guohui and the two old men were furious, their saliva flying everywhere. They were about to fight. Su Ming was confused. He held his phone. The person who was farming seemed to be him, right? The owner of thend seemed to be him, right? The person they just asked should also be him, right? It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to speak. He didn¡¯t even have the chance to interrupt. Their words were like machine guns. He raised his hand slightly, hoping to attract attention. Could he say something? None of the three old men noticed Su Ming¡¯s expression. However, Loong Tianyu did. Loong Tianyu hurriedly coughed and separated the three of them. ¡°We can¡¯t say anything about this. We have to listen to Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Someone said, ¡°Mr. Su, everything is up to you!¡± The three of them formed a circle. Su Ming was instantly distressed. He thought to himself, Why is his life so bitter? Other people had three thousand beauties, and they formed a circle to fight for favor. Why was it his turn? He only had a group of old men? Wasn¡¯t the difference a little too big? ¡°Let¡¯s talk about farmingter.¡± Su Ming looked at the time, stood up, and said, ¡°The meat is almost cooked. Let¡¯s try it.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± When they heard this, their eyes lit up. Especially Old Man Loong, he really wanted to eat it. This was clearly an ordinary ingredient, how could he make such a taste? Chapter 220 C220 ¨C I Suddenly Had an Ancestor The old man had been eating for years. Suddenly, his sense of taste declined. He could no longer taste the true taste of many things. In the past few years, he had only been eating to survive. He could not enjoy the taste of food. Suddenly, there was a kind of food. It actually made him want to eat! How could he still resist the temptation? Su Ming walked in front, followed by three old men. Don¡¯t ask where Loong Tianyu went. He was pushed to the side by the three old men. He looked very pitiful. The three old men had their eyes fixed on the food, and their mouths were wide open. They tried their best to inhale deeply. They regretted that they could not inhale all the fragrance in the air into their nostrils! It was too tempting! This feeling was no less than a pot of beef suddenly appearing in front of a person who had been poor and hungry for many years. It was still the tender meat of a calf. It was well cooked and the meat was soft. It emitted a fragrance! It seemed to be tempting people to eat it! Who could resist the temptation? Everyone wanted to take away the whole pot of food! The three old men also thought so. They really wanted to run away with the pot. However, with Mr. Su here, the three of them could only endure it. Among them, Wang Guohui was fine. After all, he had known Mr. Su for a while. He had eaten Mr. Su¡¯s good food. But the other two old men were different. They were filled with a desire for food! Su Ming was not in a hurry. He slowly walked to the kitchen, put on two thick gloves, and took down one of the porcin jars. He put it on the cork mat that he had prepared earlier. Su Ming opened the porcin can. Suddenly, a strong fragrance exploded like a bomb. The three old men felt as if they were in heaven! They felt extremelyfortable, as if every pore on their bodies was breathing. Su Ming took four empty bowls from the side. He picked up the spoon and poured some chicken soup into them. ¡°Come, try it¡­¡± Su Ming turned around and said two words. Three ck figures appeared in front of him. They were like three big ck rats that shed past. Su Ming was shocked. Their movements were very agile. They didn¡¯t look like old men who were almost eighty years old at all. The three old men rushed straight to the chicken soup. They anxiously picked up the chicken soup. ¡°The soup is very hot¡­¡± Su Ming blinked and quickly reminded them. This was the boiling chicken soup that he had just poured out after opening the lid of the pot. How could they dare to hold it in their hands? Didn¡¯t they feel that their hands were scalded? But the three old men were not afraid of the heat. The heat was nothing. In ancient times, there were people who cut off their flesh in order to treat poison, all the way to the depth of their bones. Now, there were old men who were not afraid of burns and took hot soup with their bare hands! The three old men blew impatiently, and then they all drank a mouthful of chicken soup. In the next second, the three of them were stunned. The three old men closed their eyes. The chicken soup was in their mouths, but they were unwilling to swallow it. It was too fragrant! It was an indescribable fragrance! How did Mr. Su raise chickens? The soup made from the chicken was actually so mellow, but it was not greasy. It had a variety of vors, and it was mixed with some sweetness. The one who was the most shocked was Old Man Loong. His taste buds had already degenerated. When he first drank it. To be honest, the fragrance wasn¡¯t very strong. At first, he was really a little disappointed. But soon, he found that the end of his tongue was slightly numb. Soon, a numb feeling spread all over his tongue. He originally suspected that the soup was too hot, causing his tongue to be scalded. Butter, he found that something was wrong. His tongue slowly recovered its taste! He could totally taste the subtle taste of the chicken soup! His taste level had actually recovered to its peak! This was too unbelievable! Loong Tianyu carefully came forward and rubbed his hands, ¡°Can I¡­¡± ¡°Go away!¡± The three old men opened their eyes at the same time and scolded in unison. ¡°Alright!¡± Loong Tianyu was so scared that he trembled. He stood obediently at the side and did not speak anymore. What else could he do? Su Ming stood at the side and looked at them with a funny expression. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can take your time to drink. There¡¯s still a lot of soup.¡± After saying that, Su Ming scooped a bowl of chicken soup for Loong Tianyu. Loong Tianyu impatiently carried the bowl and ran to the corner, afraid that it would be snatched away by these old men. He had to be wary of these old men! He knew them too well! After more than ten minutes. Only then did the three old men slowly return to normal. However, they were still iparably excited. ¡°Mr. Su, this is definitely the best chicken soup I¡¯ve ever drunk in my life.¡± Wang Guohui¡¯s face flushed red. His eyes were lifeless, and he couldn¡¯t believe it at all. ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Su, this is the best chicken soup.¡± Old Yang also nodded. ¡°Dad!¡± Old Man Loong suddenly shouted. Then he knelt in front of Su Ming, hugged his thigh, and called him ¡°Dad.¡± ¡°You are my father!¡± Old Man Loong said with tears in his eyes. The surrounding people were stunned. Old Man Loong threw caution to the wind! He actually called Mr. Su father? He was too cunning. If he could be Mr. Su¡¯s godson, then his rtionship with Mr. Su would definitely be closer. At that time, if Mr. Su had anything good, he would definitely give him a copy. No, they couldn¡¯t let go of this opportunity! ¡°Father!¡± ¡°Dad!¡± The other two old men also knelt down. Loong Tianyu was speechless. He thought to himself, ¡°Grandfather, I don¡¯t object to you calling others father. But can you consider my feelings?¡± If that was the case, wouldn¡¯t Mr. Su be his ancestor? Originally, he was about the same age as him, but now, he was three generations older than him. No one would believe what happened today. Loong Tianyu had only apanied his grandfather here to eat, but he had actually witnessed this scene! Loong Tianyu waspletely dumbfounded. However, the three old men did not care about this. They all thought that Mr. Su was their father! ¡°Wait¡­¡± Only then did Su Ming react. He hurriedly helped the three old men up. ¡°No, Mr. Su, when did you admit that we are your sons?¡± Su Ming felt very troubled. ¡°All of you are about the same age as my grandfather. If that¡¯s the case, wouldn¡¯t that shorten my lifespan? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want me to live too long?¡± When the few old men heard this, they all felt that Mr. Su¡¯s words made sense. They really didn¡¯t mean that. They hoped that Mr. Su would live as long as possible. ¡°Since you don¡¯t mean that, then hurry up and get up.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The three old men looked at each other and could only nod. They all stood up, but their hearts were filled with regret. Chapter 221 C221 ¨C The Deal Was Made Loong Tianyu sighed with relief as well. He considered himself fortunate. If his grandfather truly became Mr. Su¡¯s son, the situation would be incredibly awkward for him. Nevertheless, Mr. Su¡¯spetence suggested that forming a connection with him might not be a disadvantage. Why did such thoughts cross his mind? Loong Tianyu grappled with conflicting emotions. Meanwhile, Old Man Loong was immensely thrilled. ¡°Mr. Su, did you infuse something into the chicken soup? My taste buds seem to have revived.¡± Su Ming affirmed, ¡°I have a remedy at hand forbating bodily degeneration. Given your age, I included these herbs in the chicken soup.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. Thank you immensely.¡± Old Man Loong expressed profound gratitude. He was on the verge of prostrating himself before Su Ming. Su Ming promptly dissuaded him from doing so. Quickly diverting the conversation, Su Ming remarked, ¡°The chicken soup merely serves as an appetizer. The pork is the main attraction.¡± With that, Su Ming approached another pot and unveiled it. Taking an empty te and a fork, Su Ming extracted the pork from within. This time, Su Ming showcased five distinct varieties of pork. Back elbow, tail, ribs, ears, and sausages. In Su Ming¡¯s perception, the elbows exuded a yellow hue, the tails a purple tint, the ribs a pink shade, the ears a blue hue, and the fat intestines a white color. Yet, to the elderly gentlemen, they all appeared as ordinary pork. ¡°Why does this pork emanate such a pronounced fruit aroma?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, did you introduce any special seasoning into the soup?¡± ¡°Indeed, I¡¯ve never savored such delectable soup before!¡± They conversed animatedly. ¡°It¡¯s a trade secret.¡± Su Ming offered a mysterious smile. He couldn¡¯t divulge that this was Fruit Pig, could he? Su Ming returned with five more small tes. He divided each portion of meat into five equal servings. Su Ming also allocated a portion of pork to himself, having never sampled Fruit Pig before. ¡°This marks my inaugural attempt at preparing pork, and tasting it as well. Let¡¯s experience it together.¡± ¡°Agreed!¡± They all nodded in assent. Including Loong Tianyu, they seated themselves separately. Su Ming grasped a piece of back elbow meat with his chopsticks. He ced it in his mouth, chewing several times. It possessed the essence of pork but also carried a banana vor. The fruity aroma of this pork segment was exceedingly potent. Upon finishing, Su Ming experienced profound contentment. It was an exquisite vor. Su Ming sampled the pig¡¯s tail next. It exhibited a grape-like taste! The pork ribs exuded the vor of peaches! The pig¡¯s ears carried a blueberry essence! The pig¡¯s fat intestine bore a lychee vor! The five pork parts boasted five distinct fruit vors. Yet, each emitted an iparable fragrance. ¡°This is beyond belief!¡± ¡°It¡¯s unmistakably pork, yet the taste of fruits is undeniable?¡± ¡°The fruit essence enhances the pork¡¯s vor even further.¡± ¡°It¡¯s truly extraordinary.¡± They were enraptured by this culinary marvel. It was a sensory delight. None of the delicacies they had previously indulged in could rival this pork. After half an hour, they had consumed the chicken and all the pork, along with the soup. Their stomachs were sated, and their countenances radiated satisfaction. Loong Tianyu, in his unfortunate circumstances, lingered in the corner, barely sipping from the initial bowl of soup and nibbling on the small portion of pork Su Ming had provided. The remaining dishes remained untouched by him. The trio of elderly men desired more sustenance. Exchanging nces, their gazes converged on the kitchen. For therey a surplus of pork on the chopping board. Their desire for that pork was palpable. ¡°Shall we now discuss business?¡± Su Ming inquired with a smile. Su Ming¡¯s smile widened. ¡°What business?¡± Old Man Loong and Old Man Yang eximed in surprise. Wang Guohui mirrored their astonishment. ¡°Weren¡¯t we here to dine?¡± Wang Guohui interjected. Su Ming was momentarily dumbfounded upon hearing this. Had they truly forgotten the primary purpose of their gathering? Wasn¡¯t he present today to negotiate a property purchase? ¡°Old Wang, Mr. Su¡¯s words may jog your memory. What¡¯s this about?¡± Old Man Yang prompted. ¡°Tianyu, you¡¯re young and have a sharp memory. Please enlighten us,¡± Old Man Loong implored. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I just followed you all here,¡± Loong Tianyu responded. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me. I¡¯m the eldest; my memory isn¡¯t what it used to be,¡± Old Man Yang shrugged. They exchanged puzzled nces. The reason eluded them. Su Ming was at a loss for words. After consuming the chicken soup, they seemed to have forgotten their agenda. ¡°Weren¡¯t we here today about the property?¡± Su Ming interjected. Su Ming¡¯s reminder sparked recollection. ¡°I remember now! I wanted to test your memory, but it seems futile,¡± Old Man Yang remarked. ¡°I recall it vividly,¡± Old Man Loong affirmed. Su Ming felt a tinge of apprehension. Old Man Loong continued, ¡°No problem. I can sell my two hotels to Old Yang, but I have a small request.¡± ¡°What request?¡± Su Ming inquired, taken aback. ¡°Can you sell me the remaining pork?¡± Old Man Loong proposed. ¡°No! Mr. Su and I will conduct business directly. What does it have to do with you? Mr. Su, will you sell me the remaining pork?¡± Old Man Yang interjected. ¡°If I refuse to sell the property to you, what resources will you have to do business with Mr. Su?¡± Old Man Loong challenged. ¡°Then I¡¯ll sell the property directly to Mr. Su!¡± Old Man Yang countered. ¡°That won¡¯t do. The pork is rightfully mine!¡± Old Man Loong insisted. The tension escted as they rose to their feet, appearing ready to engage in a dispute. ¡°Let¡¯s not act hastily,¡± Su Ming interjected, attempting to defuse the situation. ¡°I still have a pig and some chickens that I can offer you free of charge. Can we proceed with the deal swiftly?¡± Su Ming suggested. Su Ming¡¯s proposal was met with agreement. ¡°Agreed!¡± ¡°No objections!¡± They promptly resumed their seats. Under Su Ming¡¯s astonished gaze, they finalized the contract in less than ten minutes. Within the suite, a printer swiftly produced the contract. Their actions suggested concern that Su Ming might retract his agreement. Ultimately, Su Ming acquired the property for eight billion, a sum significantly below its market value of at least 12 billion. Old Yang agreed to the reduced price, lowering it by four billion. This transaction was peculiar: the seller aimed to decrease the price, while the buyer sought to raise it! Loong Tianyu watched in astonishment. These seasoned elders had never suffered a loss! Chapter 222 C222 ¨C They Hadn¡¯t Left yet Exhaling a sigh of relief, Su Mingpleted the contract signing. Nevertheless, he faced a waiting period. Old Yang and Old Man Loong required ample time for preparations prior to the handover. Old Man Loong needed to release his employees, while Old Yang had to dismiss his own. This process would span at least half a month. Su Ming anticipated spending half a month dismantling the building. Despite the timeline, Su Ming remained unruffled. Exiting the eatery, they proceeded directly to Su Ming¡¯s residence. ¡°Mr. Su, is your farming plot truly in the city center?¡± Upon arriving at Su Ming¡¯s farm, Old Man Loong was taken aback. ¡°Indeed.¡± Su Ming nodded affirmatively. Old Man Loong found this incredulous. Su Ming¡¯s influence was evidently substantial; farming in the city center was remarkable. Given the prime location,nd prices were exorbitant. ¡°Mr. Su, why did you purchase Old Yang¡¯s building?¡± Old Man Loong blinked, his voice trembling. Though he already harbored a suspicion, he sought confirmation. Su Ming¡¯s response was already evident to him. Yet, the reality seemed too fantastical. ¡°I¡¯m cultivating for agricultural purposes,¡± Su Ming exined with a smile. ¡°I find five acres insufficient; I n to expand.¡± ¡°Indeed, your insight ismendable,¡± Old Man Loong marveled, speechless. The shock rendered him speechless. Old Man Loong initially presumed Su Ming had bought the building formercial endeavors. After all, Old Yang¡¯s property was situated in the city center, promising lucrative opportunities. Even if Su Ming refrained from conducting business, leasing the building alone would yield considerable profits. However, their expectations were defied when Mr. Su revealed his intention to farm. Su Ming¡¯s prowess was truly remarkable. His lifestyle was beyond their imagination. It was imperative for Tianyu to learn from Mr. Su. This realization brought sce. They entered the courtyard. A vi stood amidst the verdant expanse, with five acres of wheat fields nking it. The wheat swayed gently in the breeze, an enchanting sight. ¡°Mr. Su, at your age, you grasp the essence of life. Despite my lifelong endeavors, I realize my aplishments pale inparison to yours,¡± remarked Old Yang from the courtyard. Surprisingly, amidst the towering structures of the city centery a fertile plot. Had he possessed suchnd in his youth, he would have developed it into high-rises for profit long ago. He couldn¡¯t emte Mr. Su¡¯s open-mindedness. Su Ming merely smiled, offering no furtherment. He strolled toward the breeding area nearby. Here, chickens and a pig awaited. ¡°I¡¯ll gift these to you. As for their distribution, I¡¯ll entrust it to you,¡± Su Ming dered before retreating to the vi. Aware that he couldn¡¯t linger, Su Ming swiftly departed. If these elders bickered over allocation and sought his arbitration, he¡¯d be ensnared in conflict. As anticipated, as Su Ming reached the vi¡¯s entrance, the eldersmenced arguing. Loong Tianyu attempted to mediate but was embroiled in the squabble. Su Ming chuckled, locking himself indoors and extinguishing the lights. He feigned slumber. As expected, a quarrel erupted among the elders. Loong Tianyu attempted to mediate but found himself embroiled. He too was drawn into the fray. Su Ming chuckled, securing the vi and retiring inside. Pretending to sleep, he retreated to the bedroom, where he fired up hisputer, donned headphones, and delved into gaming. The next morning dawned. After a night of gaming, Su Ming stirredzily, opening his eyes. Rising slowly, he straightened himself up. He proceeded to the bathroom for his morning ablutions. Breakfast done, he swung open the door, ready to inspect the farnd. Suddenly, a group of people caught his eye. Su Ming turned his head to get a better look. Despite the passage of the entire night, they hadn¡¯t departed yet. Six or seven hours had psed! ¡°Damn it, are you guys still here?¡± Nearby, Loong Tianyu was still in a deep slumber. These three elderly men, incredibly stubborn, exchanged nces. Among them, Wang Guohui stood out as the most resilient. Having consumed the Body-stretching Pill before, he remained the youngest and strongest. Old Man Loong, the eldest, struggled to stand, leaning heavily on his cane. Despite bloodshot eyes, he persisted. Equally unyielding was Old Yang. ¡°Ah, Mr. Su, you¡¯re awake.¡± A familiar voice interrupted. President Chen, sporting an old undershirt, a straw hat, and cloth shoes, appeared, resembling a seasoned farmer. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s my shift today. No need to worry,¡± President Chen reassured before setting to work. Such routines were routine now. President Chen spent more time here than at his job. He hastened to fetch fodder, unfazed. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a group of unfamiliar faces. ¡°Goodness! Who are these people?¡± President Chen was taken aback. ¡°Wang Guohui? Mr. Yang, Mr. Loong?¡± Recognizing them, President Chen approached. His acquaintance with Wang Guohui was natural, and Mr. Yang and Mr. Loong were both prominent figures in the city. President Chen was familiar with them. The trio stared each other down, resolute. A young many in a nearby ditch. What absurdity was this? ¡°What¡¯s happening here, everyone?¡± President Chen stepped forward, bewildered. ¡°Damn it, another one!¡± Old Man Yang snapped, eyeing President Chen warily. ¡°You¡¯ve no part in this!¡± Old Man Loong concurred, ¡°Let¡¯s gather the items first, then return and settle this.¡± ¡°Agreed,¡± Wang Guohui chimed in. ¡°Boy, get up!¡± Old Man Loong nudged his grandson. Loong Tianyu scrambled to his feet. To President Chen¡¯s astonishment, they herded chickens and drove out a pig. What in the world? What had happened yesterday while he was away? Su Ming found the scene amusing. Fortunately, it was President Chen. The trio found themselves in a standoff. In their view, dividing the spoils among themselves was already challenging enough. They needed to clear the livestock out first. ¡°Mr. Su, what¡¯s happening?¡± President Chen blinked in disbelief. These animals were well cared for¡ªhow could they be given away? ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Su Ming smiled, ¡°President Chen, I¡¯ll be stepping out for a bit.¡± ¡°Very well. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± President Chen chuckled, ¡°Thanks to you, I¡¯ve been dreaming of my parents every nighttely. They¡¯re pleased to see me toiling on thend. It¡¯s all thanks to you¡­¡± Chapter 223 C223 ¨C Causing Trouble In the midst of President Chen¡¯s ttery, Su Ming came to the underground garage with goosebumps all over his body. He casually threw a stone, picked a car, and went straight to the farm. In the farm, the pigs and chickens were gone. This time, Su Ming was going to raise some ducks and geese. He arrived at the farm with ease. He parked his car in the parking lot outside and strolled to the door. ¡°Wait, who are you?¡± Su Ming was walking forward when he suddenly heard a voice. He looked up and saw that it was a security guard. The security guard reeked of alcohol, and his clothes were messy. Even his steps were unsteady. At this moment, he pointed at Su Ming and asked with a frown. ¡°I¡¯m looking for your boss.¡± Su Ming stood there and smiled faintly. When the security guard heard this, he sneered, ¡°You think too highly of yourself. Not just anyone can see our boss!¡± ¡°Lee, what happened?¡± At this moment, a puzzled voice came from the security booth. An older security guard walked out. ¡°Master Fong, someone came and said he wants to see the boss.¡± The young security guard said drunkenly. The security guard with the surname Feng was rtively old. He seemed to be in his forties and was quite calm. He frowned and looked at Su Ming with his sses. ¡°If you want to go in, there are rules. Do you understand?¡± ¡°What rules?¡± Su Ming was stunned. He had never heard of this before. It was so difficult for him to enter the farm. Last time, it was Boss Faang who brought him here. After Boss Faang gave Boss Wu a call, they sessfully entered. Thus, this time, he directly came. He did not expect to be stopped by the security guards before he could even enter the door. Fong Dake sneered, ¡°You look young and smart, but your brain doesn¡¯t seem to be working well. If you want to go in, give us money. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to enter. ¡° Su Ming smiled. So that was the rule. ¡°What if I don¡¯t pay you?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m sorry. You won¡¯t be able to enter this door. Don¡¯t even think about barging in. If you dare, the police wille and arrest youter.¡± Fong Dake smiled and pushed his sses up. Obviously, he had done this kind of thing many times before. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯m friends with your boss?¡± When Fong Dake heard this, heughed and said, ¡°Everyone whoes here says that they know our boss. If you really knew our boss, you would have already called him. There¡¯s no need to say anything to us. ¡° Su Ming felt that it made sense. ¡± You just happened to remind me. ¡° After saying that, Su Ming took out his phone. Fong Dake was a little panicked. He couldn¡¯t really know the boss, could he? ¡°Wait a minute, I was just joking with you. You don¡¯t have to¡­¡± Fong Dake hurriedly apologized to him. But before he could finish, he found Su Ming in a daze with his phone in his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t have your boss¡¯s phone number¡­¡± Fong Dake was very angry. He felt like he had been yed. ¡°You dare lie to me?¡± Fong Dake was very angry, so the consequences were very serious. ¡°Let me tell you, if you don¡¯t give me enough money today, I won¡¯t let you in!¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°I don¡¯t know your boss¡¯s phone number, but I know your boss¡¯s friend¡¯s phone number.¡± ¡°Which friend?¡± Fong Dake was stunned for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s Boss Faang. Do you know him?¡± ¡°What? It¡¯s actually Boss Faang!¡± Fong Dake panicked. Of course he knew Boss Faang, the owner of thergest agricultural product store and a close friend of the owner of the farm. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier? If you had told me earlier that you knew Boss Faang, I would have let you in long ago. After all, we¡¯re all on the same side.¡± Fong Dake¡¯s expression immediately changed. With a smile on his face, he apologized to Su Ming. He looked at Su Ming¡¯s phone, which was still on the dial interface, and felt very nervous! ¡°You don¡¯t need to call. I¡¯ll let you in.¡± Fong Dake hurriedly waved his hand. ¡°The phone you dialed has been turned off¡­¡± No one expected a clear female voice toe from the other end of the phone. Su Ming almost fainted from anger. Was Boss Faang doing this on purpose? It wasn¡¯t that Su Ming didn¡¯t want to give the security guard face. He just wanted to prove to the security guard that he wasn¡¯t lying to him. I really do know Boss Faang. I also know your boss. I¡¯m not lying. I¡¯m an honest child. But in the end¡­ Why did you have to turn off your phone? ¡°Brat, are you messing with me?¡± Boss Fong was instantly enraged. Are you kidding me? Do you know how hard it was for me just now? One moment I was angry, the next I had tough. My face was about to freeze! Let me tell you, I won¡¯t let you off today! ¡°No.¡± Su Ming said with an innocent expression, ¡°I¡¯m not lying. I really know Boss Faang and Boss Wu.¡± Boss Fong did not believe him anymore. ¡°You can lie to me once or twice, but you definitely can¡¯t lie to me a third time. I¡¯m smart!¡± ¡°I have an urgent matter to discuss with Boss Wu.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you.¡± ¡°No way!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t let me in, you¡¯ll get beaten up.¡± ¡°What the hell!¡± When Fong Dake heard this, he immediately made a pose like a white crane pping its wings. Then, he took a few steps back and performed the Mantis Fist Style. He swayed left and right. ¡°Let me tell you, I¡¯ve been practicing martial arts in Shaolin since I was young. I beat Wudang Pai with one hand and Emei Pai with the other. I am a rare master in the world. ¡° Before Fong Dake could finish his words. A ck thing flew over from afar. It directly hit Fong Dake¡¯s face. Fong Dake was still posing. He was careless and was ambushed. He fell to the ground. ¡°Who sneak-attacked me? If you are a real man,e out and fight me one-on-one!¡± Fong Dake got up from the ground, furious. How could he sneak attack? ¡°That¡¯s me!¡± At this moment, a dignified voice sounded. Boss Wu¡¯s face darkened as he walked out from inside. His right foot was still wearing a leather shoe, but his left foot was only wearing a ck sock, revealing his big toe. ¡°Boss!¡± Fong Dake took a look. What the hell! The person who ambushed me was actually the boss? He had been a guard here for ten years. He had never heard of the boss knowing how to throw darts. He threw darts quite urately and with quite a bit of strength! ¡°What are you making noise at the door?¡± Boss Wu frowned with a gloomy expression. ¡°Boss, listen to me. This morning, a guy came to cause trouble and insisted on fighting with me. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take him down immediately.¡± Fong Dake pointed at Su Ming¡¯s nose and shouted. Then, he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to take Su Ming down. Boss Wu turned his head to look. He saw Su Ming¡¯s smiling face. What the hell! Mr. Su! So the troublemaker this bastard was talking about was Mr. Su? Damn it! Boss Wu felt a chill down his spine. He had been living like a prince all year round, so he didn¡¯t know where he got the strength from. He jumped up and kicked Fong Dake¡¯s body heavily! Chapter 224 C224 ¨C The Sports Car Was Carrying Feed Poor Fong Dake was directly kicked by Boss Wu. This kick caused Fong Dake to roll on the ground a few times. Then, he fell into the ditch. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯m really sorry!¡± Boss Wu broke out in a cold sweat. If it was before, he wouldn¡¯t have respected Su Ming so much. The main reason was that he went to the ce where Su Ming worked when he delivered the goodsst time. That was the city center. Mr. Su worked as a farmer in the city center! He could not afford to offend such a big shot. ¡°Boss Wu, your factory security is quite unique.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Boss Wu was very scared after hearing this. ¡°Mr. Su, it¡¯s all my fault!¡± Boss Wu hurriedly apologized. He turned around and looked at them, ring at them: ¡°You were fired! Get lost!¡± As soon as Fong Dake crawled out of the ditch, he received the bad news that he had been fired. He fainted. ¡°Mr. Su, what do you want to buy this time?¡± Boss Wu asked anxiously. Su Ming smiled faintly. He did not pursue the matter. ¡°I came this time to buy some ducks and geese.¡± Boss Wu hurriedly said: ¡°Mr. Su, we just bought a batch of goods. This is a famous breed in the country.¡± Su Ming was a little interested. The better the breed of things in the breeding zone, the better thest thing. The chickens and pigs he had raised before were examples. The chicken Su Ming had raisedst time was a more expensive Snow Chicken. That was why he ended up raising a treasure chicken. Not only did it taste good, it could also nourish the body and reduce aging. It had a great nourishing effect. However, pigs were only the mostmon big white pigs. In the end, they became Fruit Pigs. It did not have any special effects, but it tasted good. Of course, this was just Su Ming¡¯s guess. It could be a coincidence. But no matter what, he would definitely buy something more expensive. Thest time he bought a big white pig, it was because there were no other pig breeds. Under Boss Wu¡¯s lead, they quickly went to the Duck Goose District. The first ce they came to was the Duck District. ¡°Mr. Su, I won¡¯t introduce you to the ordinary ones. I¡¯ll introduce you to the best ones here.¡± Boss Wu was very excited: ¡°It is one of the most famous ducks in the imperial court. This kind of duck is different from other ducks. Because this kind of duck can be used as medicine. Its meat is tender and red.¡± Hearing Boss Wu¡¯s introduction, Su Ming also nodded. He had heard of the Lincheng White Duck. It was indeed very famous. It was an extremely rare species resource. Of course, it couldn¡¯t be eaten in the wild, but it could be eaten. ¡°Give me 30 of these ducks.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Boss Wu hurriedly nodded in agreement. After buying the ducks, they walked to the breeding zone of the geese. There were a lot of varieties of geese. There were basically all the famous ones in the country, and they were quiteplete. In the end, under Boss Wu¡¯s suggestion, Su Ming bought the Taihu Goose. This type of goose was smaller in size, but its meat was more delicious and tasted better. Boss Wu personally brought people to load the car. ¡°Oh right, give me some more fodder.¡± Su Ming suddenly thought of something. Boss Wu heard this and said, ¡°It¡¯s really unfortunate. Our factory only has this small truck left. The other cars have all gone to the dock to transport goods.¡± Su Ming took a look. The small truck was not big. It was not easy for it to fit 30 ducks and 30 geese. It could not put anything else in. ¡°Mr. Su, wait a moment. I¡¯ll make a call.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to go through so much trouble. Put the feed in my car.¡± Su Ming pointed at his car. Boss Wu originally thought that Su Ming was driving some kind of truck. In the end, he took a closer look. The car looked like an Aston Martin. This sports car cost 47 million! Was he going to use a sports car to transport feed? Boss Wu panicked at once. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Don¡¯t feel any psychological pressure. It¡¯s not your fault if you break it.¡± Su Ming patted Boss Wu¡¯s shoulder and drove the car over. The workers and Boss Wu blinked their eyes. No one made a move. ¡°You guys do it.¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Do you want me to do it myself?¡± Boss Wu shook his head desperately. He turned around and looked at his employees. The employees instantly dodged. Boss Wu took a deep breath. He walked to the side of a bag of fodder. He gritted his teeth and mustered up his courage. Boss Wu carried the bag of fodder on his shoulder and walked to Su Ming¡¯s car. Then he hesitated. ¡°Throw it.¡± Su Ming blinked and said. Boss Wu was conflicted. Boss Wu gritted his teeth and stomped his feet. Boss Wu exerted force on his shoulder and threw the feed into the car. The sports car, which cost tens of millions of yuan, trembled up and down. Boss Wu¡¯s heart ached! Although this car belonged to Mr. Su, he could use it however he wanted. However, using a sports car to transport fodder was too wasteful. Chapter 225 C225 ¨C Isn¡¯t That What Cars Are for? When Su Ming saw Boss Wu standing there in a daze, he smiled and said, ¡°Boss Wu, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and load the goods!¡± Boss Wu¡¯s heart twitched. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll call a truck.¡± Boss Wu really could not stand using a luxury car worth tens of millions of yuan to load food. Su Ming asked with a puzzled expression, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a car here? Isn¡¯t a car used to load things?¡± Boss Wu was speechless. But this car was very valuable. ¡°Boss Wu, I see that you don¡¯t look too good. Are you feeling unwell? Then I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± Su Ming took two steps forward and grabbed a bag of fodder and put it on his shoulder. After all, Su Ming had eaten the Body-stretching Pill before. Then he threw the bag of fodder into the car. The entire car shook a few times. Boss Wu¡¯s heart felt as if it had been grabbed by someone. Boss Wu¡¯s heart ached. He bought an Audi. Usually, he would not be happy when his wife put things in the car. However, Mr. Su used a luxury car worth tens of millions of yuan to load animal feed. Not long after. Su Ming had already loaded all the animal feed into the car. After he paid, he got into the car and headed straight for the city center. Boss Wu originally wanted to follow him. However, he could not take it anymore, so he went back to his office and took a quick-acting heart relief pill. A driver and a few stevedores drove behind Su Ming. In fact, it was impossible to tell that they were following Su Ming. Because they were dozens of meters away. This car belonged to Mr. Su. He could even dance on the roof of the car. However, they didn¡¯t have that much money, so they didn¡¯t dare to get so close to his car. They could only stay away from him. Su Ming stopped in front of a traffic light. He opened the window and listened to the music. There was a big hotel next to the road. There were several cars parked at the door. A young man in strange clothes stood proudly in front of a car. A group of young men stood in front of him. ¡°This is my car, a Ferrari F430 worth more than three million yuan. Let me tell you, you can¡¯t buy this car even if you have the money, but I asked someone to buy it from the capital.¡± He showed off proudly. ¡°Young Master Zhang, you are really amazing.¡± ¡°You are really rich.¡± ¡°Young Master Zhang, can you let us sit in your car?¡± A few women in simple clothes asked. ¡°Sure.¡± He said proudly, ¡°There aren¡¯t many better cars in Eastsea.¡± After saying that, he threw the car keys. ¡°This car is really good!¡± ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen this car!¡± When he heard the praises from the people around him, he was extremely happy. He was about to say something, but he was stunned. Where did the people around him go? He turned around to take a look. The people who surrounded him just now were now surrounding the intersection. They were staring at a car. ¡°You guys are really ignorant! This car of mine is worth more than three million yuan. Ordinary cars can¡¯tpare to it!¡± The young man was very angry. He walked over angrily, wanting to see whose car was better. He walked over and took a look at the car. This car was an Aston Martin, a world limited edition Top Grade luxury car worth more than 40 million yuan! The price of his car was just a fraction of the price of this car. ¡°Oh my god, Aston Martin?¡± ¡°Am I dreaming?¡± ¡°This car is limited in the world!¡± ¡°How much do you think this car is worth? Five million yuan?¡± ¡°You¡¯re like a country bumpkin. This car is worth more than 40 million RMB!¡± ¡°Why does this person look so familiar?¡± ¡°Oh my god! He¡¯s Mr. Su. The one who shopped crazily at the 4S store a while ago!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± One of them said, ¡°Stop watching. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Why aren¡¯t you watching? This car is too cool!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know anything. This car is the cheapest of all Mr. Su¡¯s cars. His most expensive car is worth 200 million yuan!¡± Everyone sucked in a breath of cold air. His cheapest car was worth more than 40 million yuan, and the most expensive one was worth 200 million yuan! If this car was converted into money, the road would be blocked. In addition, 40 million was not a small number. Someone asked, ¡°Mr. Su, why did you drive such a cheap car today?¡± Mr. Su replied, ¡°The answer is obvious!¡± ¡°Because I have a lot of cars.¡± ¡°I want to treat every car fairly!¡± The green light lit up, and Su Ming stepped on the elerator. The roaring sound of the engine made the group of young people extremely excited. They couldn¡¯t resist the sound of the sports car! ¡°Oh my god!¡± One of the young men seemed to have seen something. ¡°What did he put in the back seat?¡± ¡°I saw it too. It¡¯s a big green bag.¡± ¡°I took a photo just now. Let me take a closer look.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Animal feed.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What? Wang Yao asked. He used a luxury car worth tens of millions of yuan to transport animal feed?¡± ¡°Oh my God! Is he crazy?¡± Wang Yao asked. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so shocked by this.¡± A person who had long been numb said, ¡°This car is Mr. Su¡¯s cheapest. To him, it was like an ordinary person¡¯s bicycle. Is there a problem with using a bicycle to transport goods?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°After you exined it like that, I think it makes sense.¡± ¡°That makes sense.¡± That makes sense, Wang Yao said. He drove a car worth three million yuan to show off, while Su Ming used a car worth tens of millions of yuan to transport the goods. Compared to Su Ming, he really lost too obviously. Chapter 226 C226 ¨C Met A Beauty Again Su Ming led the way. The truck followed behind, and they soon arrived at the city center. The stevedores were very efficient, and they quickly unloaded everything. Then, ording to Su Ming¡¯s instructions, they ced 30 ducks and 30 geese in the breeding zone. Taking advantage of this time, Su Ming carried the feed from the car to the warehouse. After he finished cleaning up, he treated the workers to a meal, and he even gave them a tip. The workers were very grateful to him. Most of the employers they met were very stingy. After the workers left, Su Ming rushed to the breeding zone. ¡°Lincheng White Duck has been sessfully cultivated! Harvest time: 36 hourster!¡± ¡°Taihu Goose has been sessfully raised! Harvest time: 36 hourster!¡± As soon as Su Ming arrived, the System notified him. Apart from feeding the animals, the System would help him with everything else. However, Su Ming was a little confused. The pig and chicken were ripe. But why hadn¡¯t he received the notification yet? Did the System forget? Impossible. The System would never make a mistake. He could only wait for the notification. He skillfully put some fodder into the breeding zone. Then Su Ming went to the ground to check the growth of the cotton. They were growing well. Before, he could harvest crops in three or four days at most, but this time, it would take a week to grow. This made him look forward to the harvest this time. The things given by the System were the best. Su Ming walked straight to the corner. The mysterious crop on this piece of whitend was still growing. It had blue leaves and golden veins. It was flowing with light and was very extraordinary. Su Ming had scanned it more than once with the System. However, he still couldn¡¯t get any information about it. What exactly was this thing? What would it grow in the end? This feeling of waiting wasn¡¯t that good. After all, people had curiosity. In addition to farming, the thing he was most familiar with was waiting. Su Ming had nothing to do today. So he cleaned the entire courtyard and changed the water in the fish pond. During this period of time, Su Ming suddenly felt that he was very suitable for farming. The fish in the fish pond were all very good. There was even a fish that produced a lot of fish seeds. He fished it out and put it in the fish tank alone. After cleaning up all the work, Su Ming nodded his head in satisfaction. He was just waiting for the cotton to ripen. It was almost dark. Su Ming prepared to go out and find food. But this time, Su Ming was not in a hurry to go out and eat. Instead, he looked at Old Yang¡¯s building. Old Yang was moving. This matter should end in half a month. Su Ming was not interested in passing by a few restaurants. He turned a corner and walked into an alley. The alley was not big, only a few meters wide. However, there were many vendors on both sides. Su Ming had always been here before, so he was very familiar with this ce. Su Ming came to a rice noodle shop. ¡°Boss, give me a bowl of rice noodles and add some chili to it.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± The boss answered crisply. Not long after, a big bowl of rice noodles was served. Su Ming took his chopsticks from the side and started to eat. ¡°Su Ming?¡± Just as Su Ming was eating happily, a puzzled voice came from the side. Su Ming was stunned for a moment and turned his head. When Su Ming saw the face clearly, he knew who it was. Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Of course I¡¯m here to eat.¡± Ye Ling smiled sweetly and sat beside him. ¡°So you also need to eat. I thought beauties didn¡¯t need to eat.¡± Su Ming joked. ¡°Annoying!¡± Ye Ling smiled and said, ¡°Boss, I also want to eat rice noodles.¡± ¡°You¡¯re now a famous person in our ss.¡± Ye Ling smiled sweetly and said, ¡°But I¡¯m really curious about what you¡¯re doing now.¡± ¡°Farming!¡± Su Ming said. Ye Ling could not help but roll her eyes, and said, ¡°Why are you lying to me?¡± Su Ming felt wronged. He wasn¡¯t lying. He was really farming. ¡°What about you? What have you been busy with recently?¡± Su Ming asked with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m on a blind date.¡± When Ye Ling heard this, she sighed leisurely. He held the chopsticks in his hand and felt very helpless. ¡°Blind date?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have a boyfriend?¡± When Ye Ling heard this, she asked, ¡°Why do you all say that?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re beautiful.¡± Su Ming said. When Ye Ling saw Su Ming¡¯s confused expression, she immediately reacted and hit him. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Ye Ling said helplessly, ¡°I think finding a boyfriend requires fate.¡± When Su Ming heard this, he nodded his head: ¡°I think so too. Then do you think your fate has arrived?¡± After saying that, Su Ming stared at Ye Ling. Ye Ling¡¯s face was already a little red. When she was stared at by Su Ming, her exposed skin turned red. When Su Ming saw the change in Ye Ling, he was stunned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Chapter 227 C227 ¨C Innocent Ye Ling was taken aback. The mood vanished instantly with that statement. Is it actually possible to get a girlfriend? Su Ming was momentarily surprised by Ye Ling¡¯s reaction. It was just a question, wasn¡¯t it? What¡¯s the reason for her reddened face? Could she be sick? ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Su Ming inquired further. ¡°It¡¯s nothing! Let¡¯s just eat,¡± Ye Ling responded. Aggressively, she plunged her chopsticks into the bowl, securing several strands of noodles. Her gaze fixed on Su Ming. Then, she aggressively chewed on the noodles. This caused Su Ming to involuntarily shudder from a chill. Why did she seem so fierce in her actions? Su Ming wasn¡¯t entirely at fault here. Despite his academic achievements from a young age, he struggled with feelings of inadequacy. His experience in pursuing romantic interests was non-existent. Even though Su Ming had achieved a stable life in the city,plete with a car and a home, Gaining dating experience wasn¡¯t something he could acquire through his agricultural pursuits. Nheless, with his current status, Su Ming wasn¡¯t worried about finding a partner. ¡°Have you been preupiedtely?¡± Ye Ling, struck by a sudden thought, questioned Su Ming. Caught off guard, Su Ming asked, ¡°About what?¡± Ye Ling, noticing Su Ming¡¯s wary expression, couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be wary.¡± ¡°Tomorrow, for my blind date, would you pretend to be my boyfriend?¡± Ye Ling proposed, smiling. Su Ming immediately declined. ¡°No,¡± Su Ming stated unequivocally. ¡°Pardon?¡± Ye Ling was momentarily perplexed. ¡°I said no,¡± Su Ming reiterated firmly. This refusal left Ye Ling feeling disheartened. She thought that presenting the opportunity to act as her boyfriend, even for a day, would be eagerly epted by any interested suitor. Yet, he dismissed the idea without any hesitation. Ye Ling inspected herself in the mirror she pulled from her bag. Noting her healthy skin. She acknowledged her attractiveness. And her physique wasmendable as well. She wondered, why then did Su Ming decline? ¡°Hurry and eat. The rice noodles will lose their warmth if not eaten promptly.¡± Su Ming expressed with earnestness. The rice noodles offered here were exceptionally tasty. However, their vor was best enjoyed when consumed warm. She frequently seemed lost in thought. ¡°I refuse to eat!¡± In frustration, Ye Ling tossed her chopsticks aside and folded her arms, her annoyed expression paradoxically endearing. ¡°Understood.¡± Acknowledging her stance, Su Ming proceeded to eat his rice noodles. Ye Ling¡¯s frustration grew upon witnessing Su Ming eating. Su Ming was aware that Ye Ling sought his assistance. Despite his dyed reaction, he grasped her implication. Yet, addressing such matters was oftenplicated. Farming appeared to be a simpler task byparison. Engaging in this scenario promised to exhaust him. While Su Ming was focused on his meal, a faint cry caught his attention. Turning, he noticed Ye Ling with her face buried in her hands. Her tremoring shoulders made it clear she was in tears. Concerned, Su Ming inquired, ¡°What¡¯s making you cry?¡± Through tears, Ye Ling used, ¡°Ignore me! I never imagined you¡¯d be such a person. After everything, you still refuse to meet my parents.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. His actions had been innocent. He was merely eating rice noodles when suddenly cast as the viin! The street was bustling with people. Ye Ling, with her striking beauty, drew much attention. Ye Ling¡¯s promation was loud and clear. Such words incited immediate outrage among the bystanders. ¡°People questioned, ¡°¡±Aren¡¯t you a man? How can you mistreat a woman like that?¡±¡± usations flew, ¡°¡±You¡¯re despicable! Engaging with her yet refusing to acknowledge it!¡±¡± Somemented, ¡°¡±How could such a gorgeous woman choose you? Given the chance, I¡¯d cherish her deeply.¡±¡± Bystanders consoled, ¡°¡±Don¡¯t waste tears on him. He¡¯s not worth it.¡±¡± Nearby, some womenforted her while ring at Su Ming. Su Ming was dumbfounded. He felt unjustly used. Despite his innocence, he was the subject of public scorn. He found himself unable to mount a defense. Desperate, Su Ming conceded, ¡°I ept your demand. Please, stop crying!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Upon hearing his capittion, Ye Ling stopped crying and smiled radiantly. Su Ming immediately felt remorse. Her ability to feign emotion was impressive. As he recalled, she was rather reserved in high school. Yet, she now disyed a surprising level of guile. Chapter 228 C228 ¨C This¡¯s My House ¡°Do Ie across as clever? It¡¯s merely a stratagem!¡± A sweet smile graced Ye Ling¡¯s face. Su Ming found himself momentarily at a loss for words. ¡°So, does this make me your partner now?¡± Over a mouthful of rice noodles, Su Ming posed the question to her. ¡°Absolutely.¡± ¡°So, does that mean we are¡­?¡± A chuckle escaped Su Ming. ¡°Definitely not!¡± Ye Ling reacted as though she was a startled bunny. Su Ming, puzzled, rified, ¡°I was suggesting that as your boyfriend, I should pay for our meal. What did you think I meant?¡± Ye Ling felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. ¡°That¡¯s not for you to worry about!¡± Ye Ling¡¯s embarrassment turned to irritation upon catching Su Ming¡¯s insinuating look. She stamped her feet in vexation. Though ensnared by Ye Ling¡¯s scheme, he remainedmitted to his masculine role. Having made amitment, he intended to honor it. Upon finishing their meal, Su Ming settled the bill and they departed. Night had fallen. The cityscape was alive with neon illumination, teeming with vibrancy and life. The streets were crowded with people. Amid the throng, Su Ming and Ye Ling made their way slowly in a single direction. ¡°Which way are we headed?¡± Surveying her surroundings, Ye Ling inquired. ¡°Back home,¡± Su Ming responded. ¡°To your ce?¡± Ye Ling, puzzled, pressed, ¡°But isn¡¯t this the way to downtown? If your home is in the western part of the city, there are buses avable. Alternatively, if it¡¯s alright with you, I can drive you.¡± ¡°No need. My residence is just a short distance from here,¡± Su Ming assured with a smile. ¡°Do you reside under a bridge?¡± Ye Ling eximed in astonishment. Again, Su Ming found no words to respond. ¡°Come, my home is actually in the downtown area.¡± A mere ten minutester, Ye Ling stood astounded. To her astonishment, it was not just any home, but a vi! ¡°This is where you live?¡± Ye Ling gazed around in sheer amazement. A vast expanse ofnd, several acres in size, was under cultivation with wheat. ¡°This entire ce belongs to you?¡± The reality before Ye Ling was so astounding, she struggled to grasp it. Here was the city center. Recalling how her father had once celebrated acquiring a small plot within the city¡¯s third ring, returning home jubnt and inebriated. Yet here was Su Ming, in possession ofnd right in the city¡¯s heart. The fact seemed almost beyond belief. A thought suddenly struck Ye Ling, ¡°Owning such an expansive plot in the city center, you chose to cultivate it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with tending to thend?¡± Su Ming looked back, genuinely puzzled, ¡°See, I don¡¯t just cultivate crops; I also rear fish.¡± At that, Ye Ling was momentarily lost for words. After all, there was inherently nothing negative about engaging in agriculture. It¡¯s embedded in the heritage of imperial families to be connected with thend. She couldn¡¯t help but think it was a misallocation to dedicate city centernd to agriculture. Ye Ling was initially apprehensive about the arranged date she had the next day. Encountering Su Ming unexpectedly today turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Deciding to use Su Ming as a pretext was a spur-of-the-moment idea. She was aware that the man she was supposed to meet was both talented and affluent. Initially, Ye Ling harbored concerns that Su Ming might not measure up to her date in terms of capability, causing her significant unease. However, upon reflection, she realized her fears were unfounded. ¡°Why are you lingering outside? Come on in.¡± Upon opening the door of the vi and finding Ye Ling lost in thought, Su Ming beckoned her inside with a smile. Taken aback for a moment, Ye Ling quickly entered. ¡°This ce is incredibly stunning!¡± She couldn¡¯t help but express her awe immediately. The vi¡¯s interior design and decorations were evidently of the highest caliber. The vi boasted well-defined spaces and a soothing color scheme. ¡°Please, take a seat.¡± Su Ming invited Ye Ling to sit, mentioning he would prepare some fruit. After announcing his intent, he headed to the kitchen, selected some fruit from the refrigerator, washed them, and brought them out on a te to the living area. ¡°Do you live here by yourself?¡± As Ye Ling sampled an apple, she found it exceptionally tasty. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming confirmed, exining his preference for his parents to join him, yet they favored rural life, prompting him to build them a vi in the countryside. Su Ming¡¯s demeanor and tone conveyed humility, indicating no boastfulness. Ye Ling recognized Su Ming¡¯s filial nature, deducing the vi for his parents was certainly well-appointed. She marveled at how effortlessly he seemed to undertake such projects. Ye Ling was momentarily taken aback. She then recalled that Su Ming owned this prime city centernd, making vi construction trivial for him. She reminded herself to remainposed. ¡°Rest assured, having agreed to the blind date, I¡¯ll certainly show up. When is it scheduled?¡± Su Ming, noticing Ye Ling¡¯s preupied look, assumed she was anxious about the date. Catching her off guard, Ye Ling specified, ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up at seven tomorrow evening.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Su Ming agreed amiably, suggesting he should bring a gift for her parents on their first meeting. The idea of gifting hadn¡¯t urred to Ye Ling, leaving her surprised. ¡°Are your parents fond of wine?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming proposed they move elsewhere, leading the way. They traversed a short hallway to a small room housing an elevator. Ye Ling was momentarily startled by the presence of an elevator within the vi. Despite her curiosity, she chose not to inquire and awaited silently. Su Ming activated the elevator, opting for the basement level. She became apprehensive. Given thete hour, she questioned his motive for heading to the basement. She pondered if his intentions were romantic. Internally debating, she resolved to decline, prioritizing modesty. Contemting how to politely refuse became her next dilemma. She worried a casual refusal might tarnish her image. Conversely, a stern rejection could potentially upset him. Ye Ling questioned if her feelings were deeper, specting on her fondness for him. Considering their recent reacquaintance post-graduation, she doubted the rapid development of such feelings. The situation left her feeling conflicted. Chapter 229 C229 ¨C Take the Wine away In the elevator, Su Ming hummed a song. Ye Ling stood beside him, hesitating. Su Ming turned to look at her. Her face turned red again. Su Ming asked in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Do you feel hot in the elevator?¡± Ye Ling subconsciously said, ¡°No!¡± In the end, she immediately reacted. He didn¡¯t do anything but ask an ordinary question. In the end, she was too engrossed in her thoughts. She turned around and saw Su Ming¡¯s confused expression. What happened to Ye Ling? She wasn¡¯t like this when she was in high school. When Ye Ling saw Su Ming¡¯s eyes, she became even more shy. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at me!¡± To be honest, Su Ming was confused. Why did she say that? However, Su Ming obediently turned around. The elevator arrived. Su Ming waited for the elevator door to open. Ye Ling lowered her head and took a few steps forward, then bumped into Su Ming¡¯s back. Su Ming was stunned. What was this thing? This thing was pressing down on his back, making it hard for him to breathe. It turned out that Ye Ling¡¯s breasts were pressing down on his back. Ye Ling said in embarrassment and anger, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you leaving?¡± ¡°The elevator door isn¡¯t open, how can I leave?¡± Su Ming had an innocent expression on his face. Ye Ling stomped her feet in anger, but there was nothing she could do. He didn¡¯t do anything. She had identally bumped into his back. With a crisp sound, the elevator door opened and Su Ming strode out. Ye Ling took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the throbbing in her heart. Then she walked out. She looked around. The heat in Ye Ling¡¯s heart dissipated a little. She looked curiously at the underground floor. The underground floor was very ordinary. Compared to the floor above, there was a huge difference. The underground floor was simply renovated. It was tiled and had a floor, but it was still very bright. They were surrounded by rooms one after another. It seemed that this was a warehouse. Su Ming walked in front, and Ye Ling followed him. When they arrived at the entrance of the nearest warehouse, Su Ming opened the door. Su Ming stood at the door and said with a smile, ¡°I have some red wine here. What kind of red wine do your parents like? Take a few bottles of red wine as a gift from me to them.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Ye Ling hurriedly nodded and walked in. As she walked, she said, ¡°The red wine my parents like to drink is very hard to buy. You might not have it here. But don¡¯t worry, I know a way to buy these red wines.¡± Ye Ling did not doubt Su Ming¡¯s wealth. It was just that some things could not be bought with money. For example, some of the red wine was a collector¡¯s version and was very expensive. Only people with special channels could buy them. As Ye Ling spoke, her gaze casually swept across the shelves. She originally wanted to casually look at the red wine, but she was stunned. This was Romanee-Conti? Ye Ling hurriedly walked forward and took the bottle down. She carefully examined the bottle. It was the real thing! Most importantly, there was a number on the bottle. 001! The red wine produced by the Romanee-Conti¡¯s winery had always been known as the supreme in red wine. However, if one wanted to brew a good red wine, one needed the right natural climate, geographical environment, and people. This year, the temperature was right, the rain was right, and the grapes were growing well. And during the fermentation process of the grapes, the temperature was right, and the bacteria were right. Only in this way could people brew the best red wine. And in Domaine de Roman¨¦e-Conti, there was a batch of red wine known as the best in years. There were only 50 bottles in total. Among them, the red wine ranked 001 was the best. It was said that red wine 001 was only treasured, but it had never been sold. But now, Su Ming actually owned it? This was too unbelievable! Ye Ling subconsciously felt that this red wine was fake. But she had carefully checked all parts of the bottle. This bottle of wine was real! Ye Ling was stunned, and at the same time, she was filled with doubt. Such an expensive bottle of red wine was casually ced on the shelf? Ye Ling hurriedly hugged the wine in her arms. Then, her gaze swept to the side. This ce was filled with expensive red wine! Many of the red wine was as expensive as Romanee-Conti! ¡°There are so many red wines here. Are all of them things that your parents don¡¯t like?¡± Su Ming asked when he saw that Ye Ling did not move for a long time. ¡°No!¡± Ye Ling anxiously shook her head: ¡°These red wines are too precious.¡± Su Ming smiled: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t like to drink red wine. These red wines are useless to me.¡± Ye Ling was stunned. If these red wines were her family¡¯s home, her father would definitely cushion the wine bottles and stuff them into the safe. When he had nothing to do, he would take them out carefully and admire them. Then he would carefully put them back in their original ce. He would never drink these red wine! These red wines would be his family heirloom! However, Su Ming did not care about these red wines. The gap between their wealth was huge. Su Ming had advised her many times to pick up a few bottles of red wine and take them away. He felt that they took up too much space. So, Ye Ling chose six bottles of red wine. It was not that Ye Ling was greedy, but that her father liked this number more. Moreover, this was the first time his future son-inw had visited him. The more valuable the gift, the better. Su Ming took out a ck stic bag and threw the six bottles of red wine in like six bottles of mineral water. When Ye Ling saw this, she was stunned again. These red wines were very expensive! This was simply a waste! If her father saw this scene, he would definitely go crazy from anger! Su Ming stood in the elevator with the stic bag in his hand. Ye Ling kept staring at the stic bag, as if she would catch it at any time. She didn¡¯t want the stic bag to break. Su Ming didn¡¯t know what Ye Ling was thinking. He casually carried the stic bag out of the elevator and put it on the sofa. She saw Ye Ling staring at it and asked in confusion, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ye Ling blinked her eyes. ¡°Nothing.¡± She did not want to tell him her true thoughts, because she was afraid that he wouldugh at her. Su Ming suddenly thought of something. He walked to the bedroom next door and opened an old wooden box. This broken box was the one that had automatically formed in the thatched hut. He opened the box and rummaged through it. Then he came back with two things. He ced them in Ye Ling¡¯s hands. ¡°You¡¯re my girlfriend now. Take them.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°For me?¡± Ye Ling was stunned for a moment. She looked down at the two items and her eyes widened! ¡°I can¡¯t ept them, they are too precious!¡± Chapter 230 C230 ¨C Your Mother Was Right Su Ming gave Ye Ling two things. One was a bracelet made from medicine. Su Ming had learned about it before. The process of making this bracelet was extremelyplicated. It required more than 60 types of herbs as ingredients. They were made of powder and mixed together. After going through an extremelyplicated process, they formed a bead shape and then became a bracelet. This bracelet would emit a faint fragrance. The fragrance was faint and elegant. Wearing it on one¡¯s body had the effect of regting one¡¯s body and mind. The way it was made was not a secret, and it was recorded in many ancient books. It was just that the raw materials were too precious! In the ancient feudal dynasty. Even the Emperor could barely make one or two strings with all his power. Not to mention now. The precious crops that grew naturally were already very rare. If it wasn¡¯t for the System, Su Ming probably wouldn¡¯t have such a thing. The other was a pendant. Its shape was beautiful and luxurious. In the middle of the pendant was a huge Imperial Green Jade. It was flowing with light and was as transparent as a drop of water. Many diamonds were embedded around it. Neither of these two things were cheap! Ye Ling shook her head with all her might. She did not want these things. To be honest, she had only asked Su Ming to pretend to be her boyfriend, not her real boyfriend. Even if he was her real boyfriend, she couldn¡¯t ept such a valuable gift. ¡°You¡¯re wee. I still have more.¡± Su Ming smiled casually. ¡°Take it. I can¡¯t fit it in my box anymore.¡± Ye Ling was stunned. So the reason why you gave me this thing is because it takes up space? Ye Ling suddenly did not know whether tough or cry. ¡°It¡¯s already sote. I won¡¯t keep you any longer. Take these two things away. Leave the wine here and bring it over tomorrow!¡± Su Ming looked at the time and stood up. Under Ye Ling¡¯s dumbstruck gaze, he pushed Ye Ling out the door. ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± With that, Su Ming closed the door. Ye Ling stood at the door, holding the pendant in her left hand and the wooden bracelet in her right. She was stunned. She had just sat down not long ago. She hadn¡¯t finished her apple yet! Ever since she met Su Ming, she suddenly lost all confidence. Ye Ling looked around. She didn¡¯t know what to do. This was also the first time she had encountered such a situation! What should she do? Su Ming actually had his own reasons for doing this. It was gettingte. A girl was in his vi in the middle of the night. If she went out toote, she would be easily misunderstood. After all, this was the city center. There were a lot of people. It didn¡¯t matter if he was a man. He was thick-skinned. But Ye Ling was a little girl. He had to think about this carefully. And it was time to y games! Su Ming went upstairs and yed games with his earphones on. Ye Ling stood at the door for a long time. She then went out with the bracelet and pendant. After calming herself down, Ye Ling put away her things, went to the parking lot, and drove home. The vi in the suburbs was brightly lit. When Ye Ling opened the door, she was stunned. She saw her father, Ye Feng, and her mother, Chu Qiuyun, sitting on the sofa with serious expressions on their faces. ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± Ye Ling smiled and tried to get away with it. ¡°It¡¯s sote. Where did you go?¡± Ye Feng frowned and looked at Ye Ling. For a moment, Ye Ling didn¡¯t know what excuse to give. ¡°I just went out to eat.¡± Ye Feng mmed the table. ¡°I raised you, so I know you¡¯re lying.¡± ¡°Dad.¡± Ye Ling quickly acted coquettishly. Every time she acted like a spoiled child, it was very effective. Every time she made Ye Feng angry, as long as she acted like a spoiled child, he wouldn¡¯t be angry anymore. After all, every father had no resistance to his daughter¡¯s act of acting like a spoiled child. ¡°Just stand there!¡± Although it worked on Ye Feng, it didn¡¯t work on Chu Qiuyun. Chu Qiuyun stood up, frowned, and scolded somewhat angrily, ¡°You are going on a blind date tomorrow, and you will be married in a while. Why are you still going out to cause trouble at this time? If others saw this scene, what would they think of you? ¡° ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not.¡± Ye Ling felt wronged. ¡± She already said why she didn¡¯t go out. Don¡¯t be so nervous. ¡° Ye Feng couldn¡¯t stand to see Ye Ling being criticized. Now, he and Ye Ling were on the same side. ¡°Shut up!¡± Chu Qiuyun red at Ye Feng. Ye Feng immediately shut his mouth. He had be very obedient! ¡°She has always been spoiled by you. That¡¯s why she is so unrestrained now!¡± Obviously, Chu Qiuyun knew Ye Feng and Ye Ling¡¯s personalities very well. ¡°Normally, I don¡¯t care what you do! But tomorrow you are going on a blind date. I won¡¯t allow you to mess around!¡± ¡°Mom.¡± Ye Ling felt wronged and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°Ye Ling.¡± Ye Feng said, ¡°I agree with everything else, but you can¡¯t mess around with this!¡± ¡°Dad, Mom!¡± Ye Ling stomped her feet. ¡°I already have a boyfriend!¡± ¡°What?¡± When the couple heard this, they panicked and stood up one after another. Chu Qiuyun frowned and reacted, ¡°Who are you trying to lie to? I¡¯ve never heard you mention that you have a boyfriend. Why do you have a boyfriend today when you¡¯re going on a blind date tomorrow? Don¡¯t use such an excuse to stall us!¡± ¡°Really!¡± Ye Ling nodded quickly. Then she looked at Ye Feng and said, ¡°Dad, my boyfriend heard that you like to drink red wine, so he spent some time buying several bottles of red wine. These red wines are all very good!¡± Ye Feng¡¯s eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together. He was looking forward to the red wine. He looked at Ye Ling and asked, ¡°Really? What wine? Your boyfriend knows me quite well. When are you going to bring him to our house? Before youe, you have to tell me in advance. I need to prepare more dishes.¡± Ye Feng was still talking. Suddenly, he felt a chill down his spine. He turned his head slightly. He saw Chu Qiuyun staring at him! He immediately changed his attitude. ¡°Your mother is right!¡± Chapter 231 C231 ¨C You Took Advantage of Me Ye Ling found herself at a loss for words upon hearing this. She was dismayed by her father¡¯sck of steadfast principles, especially how swiftly he had warmed up to Su Ming. ¡°Mother.¡± Ye Ling turned her gaze towards Chu Qiuyun. She hurried over to Chu Qiuyun and embraced her arm affectionately. ¡°My dear mom.¡± With a yful demeanor, she gently swayed Chu Qiuyun¡¯s arm. ¡°Enough!¡± Chu Qiuyun expressed her exasperation. Gently, Chu Qiuyun flicked Ye Ling¡¯s forehead. ¡°I consider myself quite reasonable.¡± ¡°Given that you¡¯ve introduced a boyfriend, I¡¯d like to meet him. If you two truly match well, I¡¯ll have no objections.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± Joy immediately spread across Ye Ling¡¯s face. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re truly wonderful!¡± Ye Ling couldn¡¯t contain her happiness and leaped for joy. ¡°Is the story you told about the wine urate?¡± Ye Feng whispered, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Absolutely!¡± Ye Ling responded, her face beaming with a smile. This caused Ye Feng¡¯s eyes to sparkle with anticipation. Suddenly, Chu Qiuyun¡¯s gaze fell upon him. ¡°I¡¯ll be thoroughly evaluating him tomorrow!¡± This deration prompted Ye Feng to adopt a more solemn demeanor. Chu Qiuyun found herself at a loss on how to manage their antics. With a sigh, she resignedly shook her head. Deciding to apply a facial mask to soothe her frazzled nerves seemed like the next best step. ¡°What brand of wine did he purchase?¡± Approaching the bathroom, Chu Qiuyun overheard the whispered exchanges between Ye Feng and Ye Ling. ¡°The wine he selected is all top-notch.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Definitely!¡± ¡°I¡¯m thoroughly impressed by his choice! How delightful!¡± Their conversation was filled with cheerful banter. Chu Qiuyun forcefully opened the door. Startled, the two exchanged nervous nces before attempting topose themselves. They chuckled nervously and began to tidy up. The following morning, Su Ming rose at the crack of dawn. He then made his way to the agricultural zone to apply fertilizer to the crops. The crops were flourishing impressively. Notably, the cotton nts had seen significant growth and were on the verge of flowering. Su Ming took a moment to assess the timing. His prior efforts in watering and fertilizing had expedited the cotton¡¯s growth by nearly a day. This meant it would reach maturity in three days¡¯ time. He pondered what kind of harvest it would yield. The anticipation piqued Su Ming¡¯s curiosity. Having attended to his agricultural duties, he proceeded to the gate and swung it open. The sight that greeted him was utterly astonishing. Arge gathering awaited him at the entrance! Among them stood two middle-aged individuals, each in their fifties, adorned with straw hats and traditional cloth shoes. Hoes rested upon their shoulders, and buckets were held in their grasp. Their attire was reminiscent of ssic farmers. A crowd of individuals, d in suits and ties, apanied them. This formally dressed group stood in contrast to the farmer-like appearance of President Chen and Wang Guohui. To make the most of their time and extend their work at Su Ming¡¯s location, they opted to relocate the morning meeting to the vicinity of Su Ming¡¯s entrance. The duoprised a bank worker and a tradepany representative. To the general public, their careers were seen as highly desirable. Normally, they would be expected to be in their offices, leisurely reading newspapers and sipping tea. Yet, they appeared here dressed for a different asion. One positioned themselves to the left of the entrance, while the other took up a spot on the right. They were each nked by their respective groups of staff. Armed with pen and paper, they diligently took notes. President Chen mentioned, ¡°There¡¯s a particrly key clienting, who happens to be a close friend of mine.¡± Wang Guohui introduced, ¡°This individual you¡¯re referring to? He¡¯s my nephew.¡± ¡°I hold his father in high regard, often addressing him as uncle. It¡¯s crucial he doesn¡¯t feel overlooked.¡± Their dialogue seemed oddly linked, leaving President Chen briefly puzzled, though he quickly dismissed it. Such a scenario was purely coincidental. ¡°Yes, this person is a friend of mine.¡± This was promptly followed by Wang Guohui¡¯s interjection. At this, President Chen felt immediate displeasure. ¡°Wang, what are you implying?¡± ¡°Chen, your remarks are baffling, aren¡¯t they?¡± ¡°Are you implying you¡¯re unaware of the implications of your own words?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong!¡± ¡°All I mentioned was my brother¡¯s visit for business, and you im he¡¯s your nephew. I stated his father is my uncle, and you assert that his father is your brother. Are you suggesting I am your son?¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then consider me your father.¡± ¡°You¡¯re insufferable!¡± ¡°How dare you insult me?¡± ¡°Yes, I dare to rebuke you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m inclined to confront you physically!¡± ¡°And I, you!¡± The elderly duo, armed with gardening tools,menced a scuffle right at the entrance. Their teams watched, utterly dumbfounded and speechless. ¡°It¡¯s time to depart.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s head back home.¡± ¡°Director Wu, yourpany has significantly contributed to our bank¡¯s business.¡± ¡°Mr. Zhang, your loans have been a great support to us.¡± ¡°This exemplifies a mutually beneficial rtionship!¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± ¡°Has anyone not had breakfast yet? It¡¯s on me!¡± ¡°No, you were the hostst time. Allow me to cover it this time!¡± ¡°Great! There¡¯s a breakfast spot right nearby. Let¡¯s go there!¡± ¡°Off we go!¡± Meanwhile, the elderly pair continued their altercation. Eventually, their teams went off to grab breakfast together. ¡°Wang, it seems you¡¯re growing stronger.¡± ¡°Chen, I¡¯m not at my best today. Let¡¯s postpone to another date!¡± They paused, hands on hips, trying to regain their breath. ¡°Let¡¯s resume the meeting!¡± ¡°And pick up our discussion!¡± Turning around, they were astonished to see their staff had left for the breakfast stall, with some even engaging in conversation hand in hand. They exchanged nces in disbelief. Su Ming cleared his throat from the entrance. In unison, they inquired. ¡°Mr. Su, how long have you been standing there?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been here quite a while.¡± Su Ming responded with a smile. ¡°Noticing more weeds sprouting.¡± ¡°And the soil has dried out again.¡± Chapter 232 C232 ¨C I¡¯ll Go with You Under Su Ming¡¯s astonished look, they quickly made their way inside. One engaged in weeding, while the other took on the task of watering; their responsibilities were distinctly divided. ¡°Much appreciated, Mr. Su. Lately, my health has shown remarkable improvement. It takes me back to my youth, working the fields with my family, stirring up deep feelings.¡± ¡°Absolutely. Back then, my only desire was to move to the city for work, leaving behind agricultural work. Now, I¡¯vee to understand the foundational importance of farming.¡± ¡°Indeed, working here in recent times has resulted in peaceful sleep at night for me.¡± ¡°Truly, the earth forms the foundation for everything!¡± The pair engaged in joyful conversation. Su Ming, observing from the doorway, wore a smile. Su Ming tended to the fishpond¡¯s needs. He added some feed into it. He discovered another type of fish spawn. Su Ming, feeling content, prepared an additional fish tank to transfer it. This fish, when facing peril, would seek refuge in the mouth of arger fish to produce offspring. He skillfullyted the fish. As Su Ming busied himself, someone peeked in through the doorway. ¡°President Chen!¡± He greeted, upon noticing President Chen, with caution. ¡°Who¡¯s calling me?¡± President Chen rose, showing signs of displeasure upon hearing the call. ¡°President Chen.¡± The caller stood at the door, too nervous to enter. ¡°What is it?¡± President Chen inquired, furrowing his brow. ¡°President Chen, someone has brought an item to the bank, and we¡¯re unsure of how to handle it.¡± ¡°Why bring such a trivial issue to my attention?¡± President Chen expressed his displeasure upon hearing this. This was amon urrence in the banking sector. People often brought valuables to the bank as coteral for loans. The bank always stood to gain from such transactions. Typically, various assets could serve as coteral, including gold, silver, jewels, real estate, vehicles, or businesses. These assets had established market values, facilitating their appraisal. Some items, however, posed challenges in valuation. Items like antiques, jade pieces, and artworks by renowned artists fell into this category. While some of these items had definite values, others did not, requiring President Chen¡¯s direct involvement for valuation. President Chen employed a team for appraising these items. Normally, such tasks did not necessitate President Chen¡¯s intervention. ¡°President Chen, we¡¯re unable to ascertain this item¡¯s value, leaving me no choice but to seek your guidance.¡± The individual felt cornered. They were seven in total. None were eager to approach. Eventually, they resorted to drawing lots. By chance, this individual was selected. It was well-known that President Chen spent his days at Mr. Su¡¯s office. Everyone hesitated to interrupt him. A major client insisted on a meeting with President Chen a couple of days ago, iming to have a significant financial proposal. Yet, President Chen paid him no mind. To him, Mr. Su¡¯s concerns were paramount. ¡°I refuse to go!¡± President Chen vehemently declined. Departing would surely please Wang Guohui. Hemented missing out on Mr. Su¡¯s Fruit Pig and treasure chicken. His absence on that crucial day was a source of regret. Nheless, President Chen was aware that Mr. Su¡¯s acquisition of the building that day wasrgely through Wang Guohui¡¯s influence. His involvement was minimal. What mattered most was that the Fruit Pig and treasure chicken belonged to Mr. Su, who had the freedom to gift them as he pleased. This very reason intensified his desire to remain, aiming to stay close to Mr. Su whenever possible. Driven by this motive, he was determined to keep close to Mr. Su¡¯s side whenever the chance arose. ¡°What seems to be the issue, President Chen?¡± Su Ming approached with a query. ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s been no incident.¡± President Chen quickly denied any problems. His gaze was stern towards a particr individual. ¡°Please leave immediately.¡± The young man thought to himself, ¡°This is the end for me.¡± ¡°Everything¡¯s alright.¡± Yet, Su Ming offered a smile, saying, ¡°President Chen, please feel free to attend to any other matters if necessary.¡± ¡°I¡¯mpletely fine!¡± President Chen emphatically denied any issues. ¡°What¡¯s the situation with your bank?¡± Su Ming inquired, focusing on the young man. The attention of Su Ming shifted towards the young man. President Chen listened to Su Ming¡¯s question. He cast a significant look at the young man. ¡°You must not reveal it!¡± President Chen, positioned behind Su Ming, frantically signaled to the young man, shaking his head and waving his hands. The young man noticed President Chen¡¯s gestures. He quickly grasped the situation. He concluded that President Chen was implying he should conceal nothing. ¡°I have to disclose everything.¡± ¡°I¡¯mpelled to share the entire truth.¡± This was clearly understood by him. Subsequently, The young man, gathering his courage, exined, ¡°Mr. Su, today someone brought a supposed treasure to our bank for a loan, but suspecting its authenticity, we requested President Chen¡¯s evaluation.¡± ¡°I see now.¡± With a nod, Su Mingprehended the scenario, suggesting, ¡°President Chen, please proceed to examine it.¡± President Chen was visibly upset. His anger was palpable. He inwardly chastised, ¡°Are you senseless?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you grasp my intentions?¡± ¡°How can the bank employ someone as foolish as you? You¡¯re fired for lowering our staff¡¯s collective intellect.¡± ¡°Your presence is detrimental to our team¡¯s intelligence.¡± ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll abandon this transaction. Mr. Su, your concerns are paramount.¡± President Chen insisted, adamantly refusing to depart. He was concerned about missing out on future opportunities. President Chen inwardly despaired, ¡°I can¡¯t go on like this.¡± Su Ming responded with a shake of his head. ¡°What if I apany you? Would that work?¡± Su Ming offered reassurance with a pat on President Chen¡¯s shoulder. Tonight, Su Ming was scheduled for a blind date. Though he harbored no romantic feelings for Ye Ling, They remained tonic friends. He was inclined to assist her regardless of the circumstances. Love, after all, requires mutual affection. It¡¯s not umon for parents to pressure their children into marriage, but Su Ming felt obligated to intervene at Ye Ling¡¯s request. Su Ming intended to purchase a new outfit. He wasn¡¯t looking for a formal suit. His preference was for a casual suit, considering the season. Given the onset of autumn, The evenings had be cooler. Even though Su Ming was physically robust, He recognized the need for warmer attire. He aimed to acquire winter clothing if possible, Especially since the shopping mall was conveniently located near the bank. Consequently, Su Ming proceeded to the mall. Su Ming realized the young man might face difficulties without his intervention, Predicting President Chen would likely terminate the young man¡¯s employment upon his return. Moreover, President Chen had previously assisted Su Ming significantly. Su Ming benefited from a scanning system, Which proved invaluable in authenticating the legitimacy of various treasures. He was willing to lend his support to President Chen wherever possible. Chapter 233 C233 ¨C Bank President Chen Whose Power Had Been Usurped In the car. The young man was driving without looking around. President Chen and Su Ming sat in the back seat. President Chen¡¯s body kept shrinking to the side. There was dirt on his body. He was afraid of dirtying Su Ming¡¯s clothes. When Su Ming saw this, he just smiled. He didn¡¯t say anything. Su Ming didn¡¯t mind that President Chen was dirty, but he was afraid that President Chen would be nervous. After all, the distance was not far, only three kilometers. Not long after, they arrived at the ce. After they got out of the car, they walked in. President Chen held his head high and walked in. He stood in the middle of the bank hall and coughed. The employees looked up. They were stunned for a few seconds. ¡°Sir, there¡¯s a discount on bank cards now. Do you want to apply for one?¡± ¡°This ATM machine is a bit faulty. You can use the other one.¡± ¡°Lady, how much do you want to withdraw?¡± ¡°Sorry, the bank doesn¡¯t have a bathroom, you can go to the mall next door to find a bathroom.¡± They were busy with their own business and ignored him. President Chen was very embarrassed. He was the president of this bank. Did they not know him? He was very angry, but there was nothing he could do. He took a step to the side and let Su Ming in. Su Ming didn¡¯t say anything and just walked in. ¡°Hello, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Hurry up and make some good tea!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, have you had breakfast yet? I¡¯ll go out and buy breakfast for you right now.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, your shoes are a little dirty. I¡¯ll clean them for you!¡± All the bank employees and even the security guards rushed to Su Ming to please him. They surrounded him. President Chen was stunned. He was clearly the president of the bank! Although Su Ming was very noble, and they should indeed do this, they shouldn¡¯t discriminate between him and Su Ming! Their actions made him feel helpless and awkward. ¡°Be quiet, there are a lot of guests here! Hurry up and work!¡± President Chen stood at the side and said loudly with a frown. However, no one paid attention to him. President Chen felt wronged. Even his employees ignored him. He had the idea of quitting his job and going back home to farm. ¡°Everyone, hurry up and go to work!¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°Alright!¡± ¡°No problem!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll work right away!¡± When they heard Su Ming¡¯s words, they immediately returned to work. President Chen was so angry that he almost vomited blood. He was very depressed. He felt that he should just give his position to Su Ming. Although Su Ming did not like this position, he seemed to be unable to continue. His power had been usurped! ¡°President Chen, what are you waiting for? Let¡¯s go.¡± Su Ming turned his head to look at President Chen. ¡°Alright.¡± President Chen quickly reacted and led the way. As soon as he walked up the stairs, he heard the employees say. ¡°His reaction is so slow. Mr. Su actually doesn¡¯t mind him.¡± ¡°Chen Guosheng is old. I guess he will retire soon.¡± When President Chen heard the discussions of the employees, he sighed. It turned out that in their hearts, he was like this. President Chen was extremely depressed. He lowered his head and led the way in front. Soon, he brought Su Ming to the third floor. He opened the door to the VIP room. At this moment, the staff on the first floor looked at each other and couldn¡¯t help butugh. This was just a small joke. They nned that as long as Mr. Su and President Chen came to the bank together, no matter what President Chen said, they would ignore him and only pay attention to Mr. Su! But President Chen did not know. He was still depressed. In the VIP room sat a blond foreigner. He was in his thirties, and there was a trace of arrogance on his face. ¡°You are President Chen?¡± The foreign young man looked at President Chen and frowned, ¡°Who are you?¡± Then he turned to Su Ming and said, ¡°President Chen, this is our conversation. Tell the other employees to leave.¡± President Chen realized that this person treated Mr. Su as an ordinary employee. President Chen said with a gloomy face, ¡°Sorry, you can leave now!¡± The foreign young man was stunned. He didn¡¯t mean anything else. ¡°Your business is dispensable to us, but Mr. Su is our bank¡¯s most distinguished customer!¡± President Chen¡¯s position was very clear. The foreign young man blinked. Although his Mandarin was not bad, he did not know much about the culture of the imperial court. There were some things that he did not understand. He nodded in confusion and said, ¡°Alright then.¡± After saying that, the foreign young man took a square box from the side. He opened it and found an oil painting inside. President Chen was very interested when he saw it. It was an oil painting. Moreover, judging from the color of the canvas, it should be hundreds of years old. From a technical point of view, it was definitely painted by a famous artist. This was a good thing! In the country, the ancient paintings and jade artifacts in the imperial court were very valuable. However, oil paintings from abroad were notmon in the imperial court. As the saying went, the rarer something was, the more expensive it was. A good oil painting from abroad was not only rare, but also expensive. This is because a lot of foreign things will circte in their country. President Chen blinked and said in disbelief: ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, this oil painting should be the View of Delft by the distinguished Dutch Golden Age painter, Vermeer.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect President Chen to be so learned.¡± The foreign young man proudly crossed his legs. He leaned back and raised his eyebrows, ¡°To be honest, if I didn¡¯tck money, I wouldn¡¯t have mortgaged this painting to you. However, I am only mortgaging it to you. Don¡¯t break it. After a while, I will redeem it. ¡° ¡°Of course.¡± President Chen was a little nervous. He had seen many antiques, jade artifacts, and paintings by famous people, but he had rarely seen anything from abroad. This foreign youngster¡¯s words were very official. Most people like him took the money and left. They almost never came to redeem their coteral. ¡°President Chen, my time is limited. I¡¯ll give you half an hour. If you¡¯re willing, then we¡¯ll trade immediately. If you¡¯re not willing, I¡¯ll change banks.¡± The young foreigner looked at the time and impatiently took out many identification documents for oil paintings from the box next to him. These documents were verification documents from some foreign authorities. Although they were mainly written in a foreignnguage, there were trantions written next to the foreignnguage. Chapter 234 C234 ¨C Forgeries ¡°Mr. Su, look.¡± President Chen stared at the painting with his eyes wide open for a long time, feeling that it was authentic. Then his gaze fell on Su Ming. Su Ming was also quite interested in that painting. He didn¡¯t scan the painting, but just looked at it. However, the young man from abroad sneered. ¡°President Chen, this is the masterpiece of my country¡¯s artist.¡± He shook his leg and said, ¡°Almost no expert in your country has the ability to appraise this painting. My father bought this painting at a high price, so it must be authentic. This gentleman is so young. President Chen, don¡¯t trust the wrong person.¡± ¡± President Chen, you still have ten minutes. ¡° The foreign youngster was very impatient. The View of Delft was a world-famous painting! Although they didn¡¯t know how the young man got it, they thought it was authentic. If it was a fake, the methods of forgery were simply amazing. Su Ming snorted coldly when he heard his words. It was obvious that the young foreigner looked down on them. Since that was the case, Su Ming nned to let him experience the power of the System! Although Su Ming didn¡¯t know much about paintings, he knew a thing or two about them. Such expensive paintings rarely flowed into the country through personal connections. Therefore, it was very likely that this painting was fake. It could have been made by an expert, so it was very difficult for them to tell if it was a fake or not. After all, these certificates were not fake. Su Ming immediately scanned the painting. ¡°View of Delft, fake painting, made in 1966. Evidence: Van Buren Supernova.¡± ¡°Note: This painting was made in the fifteenth century of thest century, and the Van Buren Supernova only appeared in 1858!¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment when he saw the results of the scan. This painting was actually a fake! If he wasn¡¯t here today, President Chen would have suffered a huge loss! This young foreigner was a liar. After he took the money, he would definitely go abroad. President Chen would definitely not be able to find him in the future! ¡°President Chen, have you made up your mind?¡± The young man looked at the time and said, ¡°You still have five minutes left.¡± Just as President Chen was about to agree, Su Ming interrupted him. ¡°No!¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking to President Chen. Do you have the right to speak?¡± The foreign youngster was unhappy. ¡°Why are you talking to Mr. Su with such an attitude?¡± President Chen immediately retorted. Even if this deal was ruined, he still could not afford to offend Mr. Su. The foreign youngster was dumbfounded. The imperial court had changed a lot over the years. He couldn¡¯t quite understand what the people of the imperial court were thinking. President Chen was the president of this bank. In foreign countries, a person like him was a rich capitalist with a high status. In foreign countries, if you did not pay the loans or taxes, the bank would confiscate your property! No one dared to offend the bank. All the bank presidents were extremely powerful figures. But President Chen was different from foreign bank presidents. How could he obey this ordinary young man? ¡°Mr. Su, why?¡± President Chen was also very confused. He couldn¡¯t tell that the painting was fake. ¡°Because this painting is fake.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. The foreign youngster was unhappy when he heard this. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to buy this painting, you can say so. You don¡¯t have to say that it¡¯s fake.¡± ¡°My dad bought this painting from a stall under the roof of an old alley. It¡¯s definitely authentic!¡± ¡°You guys are really ignorant!¡± The young man sneered, ¡°Since you guys think it¡¯s fake, then I won¡¯t sell it.¡± After saying that, he packed his things and prepared to leave. ¡°Let me ask you, what¡¯s the name of this painting?¡± ¡°View of Delft.¡± ¡°When was it drawn?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the exact age, but it was definitely in the 15th century.¡± ¡°Do you know what this star is called?¡± ¡°Of course. I learned it in our national elementary school. It¡¯s called Van Buren Supernova.¡± ¡°When was it discovered?¡± The foreign youngster was stunned. That was the problem! The painting was a night scene. It was full of stars. Ordinary people would appreciate the colors,position, and background of the painting. Who would count the stars on the painting? Everything else was perfect. But there was something wrong with this star. This young man was very depressed. He had never thought of this problem. President Chen was stunned. Mr. Su¡¯s operation this time was amazing! This was too unbelievable. How did Mr. Su know? Why couldn¡¯t he tell? He really couldn¡¯t say anything now. The foreign youngster couldn¡¯t say anything either. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going to buy some clothes.¡± Su Ming looked at the time and stood up. He walked out. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll send you out!¡± President Chen hurriedly stood up. It was all thanks to Mr. Su today, otherwise he would have been cheated. The foreign youngster was puzzled. This very expensive painting instantly turned into something that wasn¡¯t even worth a single coin. Just as President Chen apanied Su Ming to the door, the young man from abroad came out. The painting and the certificate were thrown to the ground. ¡°Mr. Su, what kind of clothes do you want to buy?¡± President Chen said. ¡°President Chen, go ahead. I¡¯ll buy my own clothes.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Alright!¡± President Chen said. Then, he anxiously got into the car and headed straight for thend in the center of the city. He couldn¡¯t let Wang Guohui finish all the work! He had to go back early! He was much more hardworking than Wang Guohui! Chapter 235 C235 ¨C Be Calm Su Ming went to a nearby mall to buy some clothes. He also bought some winter clothes and some sheets and nkets. Then because he bought too many things. He paid the bill first and left his phone number and address. In the afternoon, they would send him the things. Aftering out of the mall, Su Ming ate something and casually strolled around. He also went to the bookstore. Then he went straight to the farmers¡¯ market. He stayed there for a few hours. He had harvested a lot of things. However, because the System was too domineering, the things he read in the book were basically useless. After he nted things on the ground. He only needed to water it once and fertilize it once. After that, he didn¡¯t need to care about anything else. Those crops wouldn¡¯t get sick, and they wouldn¡¯t produce insects either. Wasn¡¯t he making people jealous? Su Ming didn¡¯t go back until three o¡¯clock in the afternoon. President Chen and Wang Guohui were still there. They didn¡¯t even raise their heads as they focused on taking care of thisnd. Not long after, the people from the mall arrived. They helped Su Ming carry the clothes into the house and then left. It was already dark by five o¡¯clock in the afternoon. A familiar figure appeared at the door. It was Ye Ling. Ye Ling was wearing a white dress today, and she had tied her hair into a big braid, looking both pure and cute. This was a bit like her cute appearance in high school. President Chen and Wang Guohui, who had been working with their heads down, immediately raised their heads. ¡°Mr. Su, your business is here!¡± ¡°We won¡¯t interfere with your lovemaking. We¡¯re leaving.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, goodbye!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we¡¯re leaving.¡± The two old men looked at each other meaningfully. This was too normal for young people. Then, they quickly left. They gave Ye Ling a fright. She really didn¡¯t notice the two old men working in the corner. ¡°When did these twoe? They scared me!¡± Most importantly, before they left, what did that strange smile mean? Their smiles were so meaningful. ¡°So early?¡± Su Ming was stunned. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not early anymore.¡± Ye Ling walked over. She smiled and said, ¡°We only made a rough appointment. To put it bluntly, it¡¯s also a family dinner. It doesn¡¯t matter if it starts earlier orter.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded his head: ¡°Then wait for me to change my clothes.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± After a while, Su Ming finished changing. ¡°Let¡¯s go. You take my car.¡± Ye Ling said with a smile as she stood at the door. ¡°No need.¡± Su Ming shook his head and led her to his parking lot. ¡°I bought a few cars. Today, I¡¯m going to pretend to be your boyfriend and help you go on a blind date. Since I promised you, I¡¯ll make you proud. ¡° So that was it. Ye Ling was still a little emotional in her heart. However, she didn¡¯t think too much about it. Because the car she drove was not cheap either. Although Su Ming lived in the city center, there was no parking space at his door. She looked in the direction Su Ming had gone. He should have gone to the parking lot of apany next door. It was very likely that Su Ming had made an agreement with thispany. He would give them some money a month, and then he could park a few cars there. She nced in that direction when she passed by. There were no good cars there, and no car could surpass her luxury car that cost more than two million. However, this was Su Ming¡¯s idea after all, and she couldn¡¯t say anything to him. So she could only nod and agree. However, before she could take two steps forward, Su Ming suddenly turned around and walked towards a dark entrance at the side. ¡°Where is this?¡± Ye Ling was stunned. This ce was too inconspicuous. ¡°The parking lot.¡± Su Ming smiled. He led Ye Ling down. Ye Ling was stunned. Since when did this ce have a parking lot? That was also possible. After all, this was the city center, and every inch ofnd on the ground was very expensive. There were so manypanies here, and so many employees drove to work. There were only a few parking lots, so they definitely couldn¡¯t park their cars. Su Ming¡¯snd was for farming anyway. The surface needed to be farmed, but the underground was definitely useless. She prepared to give Su Ming some moneyter, and then she would build a parking lot underground so that they could all benefit. He felt that this was a good thing. As Su Ming thought about this, he walked to a ce. He gently pped his hands, and the sensor lights all lit up. Ye Ling eximed. This ce was full of good cars! The cheapest car here was worth a few million yuan! There were a lot of cars worth tens of millions of yuan. Why was thispany so rich? Even the employees could drive this kind of car to work! Could this ce be a club that rich people liked to join? She felt that this ce was probably a ce for rich second generations to park their cars. She had seen this kind of news before, so she knew that some parking lots were for the rich second generation. After all, the cars of the rich second generation were very expensive. If they parked a car worth tens of millions in a normal parking lot, ordinary people would be very shocked. ¡°Which cars are yours?¡± Ye Ling looked around nervously. Su Ming blinked and said, ¡°All the cars here are mine.¡± ¡°So you only have these few cars.¡± Ye Ling didn¡¯t understand at first. Then, she said in shock, ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°These cars are all yours?¡± Ye Ling waspletely stunned. These cars were all Su Ming¡¯s! There were a lot of luxury cars here that she knew, and there were also a lot of cars that she didn¡¯t know. Although she didn¡¯t know much about some of the cars, judging from their appearance, they must not be cheap. Although Ye Ling was a little girl, she also liked luxury cars. Su Ming thought of something and said, ¡°There are more than 400 cars in the underground garage. We¡¯ll drive whichever car you like.¡± Ten minutester. They drove the Koenigsegg out of the underground garage. Ye Ling sat in the passenger seat and cheered. Her seat belt was tightly fastened, showing off her full chest. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°Koenigsegg!¡± ¡°Can you guys calm down?¡± There was a hotpot restaurant by the side of the road. A few people who were eating outside were stunned when they heard the Koenigsegg¡¯s voice. However, one of them was very calm. ¡°He¡¯s showing off!¡± ¡°Could it be that he¡¯s the only one who has seen this car? There are only seven limited edition Koenigseggs in the world!¡± ¡°This car is worth 100 million yuan.¡± When the others heard this guy¡¯s words, they couldn¡¯t help but roll their eyes. That person actually didn¡¯t know anything about cars, but he was questioning this car. That man angrily threw down his chopsticks and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know? Let me tell you, this car belongs to Mr. Su. Moreover, this car was parked in the center of the city. I took you to see it before. I repaired the underground garage. This car is nothing. He has more than 400 luxury cars in total.¡± Chapter 236 C236 ¨C Iam a Farmer He held his ss and introduced Su Ming to how rich he was. There were even a few beauties who couldn¡¯t help but look at him. Su Ming didn¡¯t know that someone had benefited from him and gained the favor of several women. He was only concentrating on driving. Soon, they arrived at the agreed location. After they got out of the car, Ye Ling¡¯s excitement had already disappeared and was reced by nervousness. This was a blind date, how could she not be nervous? Although she was full of confidence in Su Ming, she still couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Su Ming was very calm. Although he had never been on a blind date before, he had seen a lot of such scenes in TV dramas. In a blind date, what was important was not your appearance, but your career and power. The two of them took the elevator to the floor they were supposed to go to. With a crisp sound, the elevator door opened. They walked out. Chu Qiuyun was wearing a cheongsam and some expensive jewelry. She looked graceful and noble, rich and extraordinary. When she saw Ye Ling, a smile appeared on her face. Because she knew that Ye Ling was going to bring her boyfriend back today. No matter what kind of person her boyfriend was, she had to give him a smile. But when she looked at Su Ming, the smile on her face froze. He was not bad looking, but he was dressed too casually. He wore a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of sneakers. In addition, he was holding a stic bag that seemed to contain several bottles of red wine. Could these be the expensive red wine that Ye Ling had mentioned before? Chu Qiuyun had never seen anyone put a bottle of red wine into a stic bag before. Even if it was a red wine worth 20 RMB in the Little Merchandize Shop, it would not receive such treatment. Although she was confused, he was her daughter¡¯s boyfriend. As an elder, she had to be friendly. Chu Qiuyun reminded herself and tried her best to smile. However, her smile was very stiff. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you? Are you not feeling well?¡± When Ye Ling saw Chu Qiuyun¡¯s expression, she had a puzzled look on her face. Why did her mother have such an expression? ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Chu Qiuyun forced a smile and said, ¡°Are you Ling¡¯s boyfriend?¡± ¡°Yes, Auntie.¡± Su Ming smiled. Chu Qiuyun tried her best to endure. Sheforted herself that perhaps he was rich and powerful. Some capable people liked to dress like this. Because they didn¡¯t need to care about what others thought of them and could do whatever they wanted! Maybe he was such a person! ¡°Young man, what¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°My name is Su Ming.¡± Chu Qiuyun continued to ask, ¡°Where is your home?¡± Su Ming replied, ¡°In the countryside.¡± Chu Qiuyun was a little disappointed. ¡°What is your upation?¡± ¡°I am a farmer.¡± Su Ming said seriously. ¡°You are a farmer?¡± Chu Qiuyun could not hold it in any longer. Her voice was trembling. Her daughter¡¯s boyfriend was a farmer? She suddenly felt that her daughter was stupid. There were so many outstanding men in the city, but she chose a farmer as her boyfriend. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong with you today?¡± Ye Ling felt that it was very normal. Su Ming was indeed a farmer. But Ye Ling forgot one thing. She knew that Su Ming was a farmer in the city center, but Chu Qiuyun did not. She didn¡¯t realize that Chu Qiuyun thought that Su Ming was a pauper who had aplished nothing. Chu Qiuyun was so angry that she was about to cry. She blinked her eyes desperately and tried to control her expression. Although her daughter had found such a boyfriend, it was not yet time for them to talk about marriage. As Ye Ling¡¯s mother, she nned to stop the two of them from dating. She felt that once Ye Ling¡¯s blind date arrived, Su Ming would withdraw out of shame. In that case, she would save a lot of time and energy. Chu Qiuyun calmed herself down and said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine. I didn¡¯t get a good restst night. You guys can go in. Your dad is inside.¡± Ye Ling didn¡¯t think much of it and went in with Su Ming. Ye Feng stood in the corner of the room with one hand covering his ears and the other holding the phone. ¡°I told you that he must be in charge of this project.¡± ¡°Alright, stop talking. I will be responsible for this matter.¡± ¡°They don¡¯t agree? If they don¡¯t agree, then forget it!¡± After saying that, Ye Feng hung up the phone fiercely and said, ¡°Everyone wants profits from me. My life is too difficult.¡± He muttered as he turned around. When he saw his daughter, he immediately smiled. But when he saw his daughter holding the hand of a young man, his expression immediately became serious. ¡°Who are you?¡± Ye Feng was the boss of apany. When he looked at Su Ming, he frowned. Wasn¡¯t this young man dressed too casually? No matter how he looked at it, this young man didn¡¯t look like a rich man. His daughter must have been fooled! He had seen many such boys. They would all use clever words to deceive little girls. But in reality, they did not have any ability. ¡°Young man, what do you do for a living?¡± Ye Feng sat on the chair and frowned. It didn¡¯t look like a blind date, but a police interrogation. ¡°Farming.¡± Su Ming chose to tell the truth. ¡°Farming?¡± Ye Feng eximed. His reaction was almost the same as his wife¡¯s. His daughter had actually found a farmer to date! Ye Feng was furious. His expression immediately became serious, showing the dignity of a family head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what method you used to deceive my daughter, but¡­¡± ¡°Dad, this is a gift he bought for you.¡± ¡°Take it away. Wait a minute, is this Romanee-Conti? Is this the fine red wine from Marge Manor? Is this the wine from White Horse Winery?¡± Ye Feng no longer had the same imposing manner as before. Ye Feng stood up with his eyes wide open. At first, he thought that the wine in a stic bag couldn¡¯t be good wine. But when he saw it clearly, he realized that he was wrong! It was all excellent red wine! Moreover, he especially liked red wine. He was very familiar with the taste of red wine. He discovered that these red wines were all authentic! ¡°Son-inw, you must have spent a lot of money!¡± Chapter 237 C237 ¨C You¡¯re a Thief Chu Qiuyun positioned herself at the entrance. She had the intention of greeting Ye Ling¡¯s date herself. Yet, upon hearing her spouse¡¯s remark, she sensed an anomaly. He had swiftly epted Su Ming as a family member. Consequently, she made her way into the chamber without dy. ¡°Darling, take a look at these red wines. They¡¯re all premium!¡± Ye Feng disyed great enthusiasm. His attention was fixed on scrutinizing the red wines. ¡°Here we have a Romanee-Conti.¡± ¡°All these red wines are rare editions.¡± ¡°This particr red wine¡­¡± Ye Feng was so overtaken by his excitement that he momentarily overlooked the prior incident. The expression on Chu Qiuyun¡¯s visage turned stern. Her gaze narrowed subtly. A palpable aura of hostility enveloped the surroundings. Ye Ling and Su Ming stood by,plying quietly. Su Ming, although pretending, was aware of the prudence required in not inciting a woman¡¯s wrath. Su Ming contemted shutting his eyes, anticipating the area might soon witness a grievous event. Eventually, Ye Feng, after his prolonged bout of fervor, sensed something amiss. He cautiously looked up. He was met with the sight of his spouse ring at him in fury. He instantly ceased speaking. ¡°Step outside!¡± Chu Qiuyun demanded icily, proceeding to the exit. Ye Feng gave the wine bottles onest reluctant nce, touching them gently. Following that, he made his way to the exit. ¡°Do you even behave like a man?¡± Chu Qiuyun questioned, her brows furrowed. Ye Feng was taken aback. Today¡¯s agenda was selecting a suitable match for their daughter. He pondered how this rted to questioning his masculinity. ¡°I am indeed a man. Recall our encounterst night¡­¡± Ye Feng found himself bewildered. ¡°You!¡± At his words, Chu Qiuyun¡¯s cheeks flushed with color, and she hastened to silence him. Chu Qiuyun rebuked, ¡°Is that the issue here? Our daughter¡¯s choice in men is peculiar, yet you rejoice. Given he¡¯s a farmer, how could he afford suchvish red wines? Despite owning a sessful business, even we can¡¯t procure those wines.¡± Ye Feng was astounded. He conceded his wife had a point. The thought of a farmer purchasing such extravagant red wines was baffling. Could he be concealing his true identity? That seemed imusible. The couple was well-acquainted with various individuals. Su Ming, despite his appealing appearance, dressed modestly. They were not meremoners. Acquainted with several influential city residents and their progeny, Su Ming was a stranger to them. Possibly, he had pilfered the wine? This theory appeared quite usible. Upon reflection, Ye Feng abruptly eximed in realization. He had anticipated acquiring fine wines, only to deduce that Su Ming might have pilfered them. It was understandable for the couple to harbor suspicions. Typically, these premium red wines would be beyond a farmer¡¯s budget. Ye Feng feltpelled to nce back at the red wine. He saw it as a missed opportunity. The pair exchanged looks. The fact that Su Ming might be a farmer didn¡¯t bother them since their own ancestors were farmers. Since all sustenance is derived from farming, mocking farmers was out of the question for them. However, they believed that theft was inherently wrong. Under no circumstances could they condone such actions. The couple then made their entrance. Leading the way was Ye Feng, followed by Chu Qiuyun. Addressing Su Ming, Ye Feng advised earnestly that errors can be made but must also be rectified. Chu Qiuyun added that there was still time for him to amend his ways and urged him to confess. Su Ming and Ye Ling shared a bewildered look. They pondered the necessity of confession. Ye Ling found herself perplexed. The message was unclear to her; she couldn¡¯t grasp any of it. She questioned, ¡°Dad, Mom, what¡¯s this about?¡± With an expression of confusion, Ye Ling blinked. Ye Feng, showing concern, sternly stated that although they are indulgent, this situation was non-negotiable. epting a thief as a boyfriend was out of the question. ¡°Indeed!¡± Chu Qiuyun dered their refusal to ept a thief as a son-inw. ¡°What?¡± This revtion left Ye Ling shocked. Su Ming, equally surprised, wondered why he was beingbeled a thief. He denied any usations of theft. ¡°Where did these red winese from?¡± Ye Feng inquired, looking troubled. Uttering this made him feel sorrowful. He had taken a liking to the red wines, yetmented Su Ming¡¯s supposed act of theft. ¡°Dad, Mom!¡± Upon hearing this, Ye Ling rified: ¡°Su Ming is the owner of the red wine, having brought it from his own vi.¡± ¡°Vi?¡± This im led Ye Feng and Chu Qiuyun to suspect Su Ming of deceiving Ye Ling. Considering Su Ming¡¯s background as a farmer, owning a vi seemed imusible. ¡°You¡¯re too gullible,¡± Chu Qiuyun expressed with concern. The possibility of Su Ming owning a vi seemed even less credible to them. ¡°Do you take us for toddlers?¡± They dismissed the idea of a city-center vi outright. The couple was convinced Su Ming had pilfered the red wine and misled Ye Ling. This situation prompted them to question their parenting approach. They wondered why she would trust a supposed thief. They pondered the reason behind her affinity for a farmer despite being financially well-supported. ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± Ye Ling, distressed, insisted on the truth of her statements, though her parents remained skeptical. She reaffirmed Su Ming¡¯s ownership of the vi and his legitimate possession of the red wines, mentioning his well-stocked warehouse. To Su Ming, their disbelief was understandable, as his ims could easily seem exaggerated to the average person. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 238 C238 ¨C A Large Family Identification Scene ¡°That¡¯s your belief.¡± ¡°Young man, please make haste in contacting the authorities. Should you refrain, we will bepelled to do so ourselves.¡± Positioned to the left and right, the couple stood. They encircled the youth. They were determined not to cease their efforts until Su Ming was apprehended. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but find the situation somewhat amusing. His intent was to attend a blind date, yet he found himself en route to the police station instead. He found himself without a tform to voice his grievances. ¡°Why is it deserted here?¡± At that moment, a seasoned voice echoed from the entrance. An elderly gentleman, donning a suit and leaning on a cane, made his entrance slowly. The sound caught the couple¡¯s attention. Preupied with apprehending a thief, they had neglected significant figures. The couple quickly looked back. They noticed an elderly man apanied by a younger individual entering. ¡°My apologies, Old Master Loong.¡± Ye Feng, nervously wringing his hands, exined, ¡°We¡¯ve detained a thief and are currently interrogating him.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± With a chuckle, Chu Qiuyun added, ¡°This thief even deceived my daughter, Uncle Loong. Spoilt by us, she hardly heeds our advice. But she will surely listen to you, her grandfather.¡± Upon hearing this, Old Master Loong nodded, understandingly remarking, ¡°No need for worry. The current societalndscape is such where many young menck substance, resorting to charm alone, and it¡¯smon for inexperienced young women to be misled.¡± ¡°My dear, you must face reality and not be swayed by his deceit,¡± advised Old Master Loong as he stepped forward. Just a couple of steps in, Old Master Loong paused and looked up. The young man before him seemed vaguely familiar to Old Master Loong. He bore a resemnce. ¡°Father.¡± Dropping his cane, Old Master Loong hastened towards Su Ming. A smile spread across Old Master Loong¡¯s face. He gazed at Su Ming with warmth, calling out to him. His voice rang out clearly. The revtion was astonishing. Ye Feng was left dumbfounded by the exmation. The surprise was palpable. Ye Feng nced around frantically. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Father?¡± ¡°Where is my father?¡± ¡°Please, Old Master, don¡¯t frighten us.¡± ¡°You¡¯re nearing ny years of age.¡± ¡°Your father has been deceased for three decades.¡± ¡°Back then, I was merely in my twenties.¡± ¡°I attended your father¡¯s funeral service.¡± ¡°I witnessed your father¡¯s burial firsthand.¡± ¡°Yet you suddenly acknowledge him as your father.¡± ¡°Refrain from such antics.¡± ¡°This is unsettling in the dead of night.¡± ¡°Great-grandfather.¡± In the midst of Ye Feng¡¯s bewilderment. The young man also hurried over, radiating happiness. He positioned himself next to Su Ming. His resemnce to his grandfather was uncanny. A smile formed on his face. His expression was eager to please. Ye Feng and his wife exchanged bewildered nces. Could it be that Old Master Loong was conspiring with others to trick them? Such a notion seemed far-fetched. The cost for Old Master Loong to address someone else as father seemed exorbitant. Yet, unless Old Master Loong and the others had prearranged this scheme. An exnation was necessary. ¡°What exactly is transpiring here?¡± ¡°Can anyone rify what¡¯s happening?¡± Ye Feng and his wife were visibly perplexed and deeply puzzled. Involuntarily, their gaze fell upon Ye Ling. Ultimately, they realized even their daughter was equally astounded. Ye Ling caught her parents¡¯ questioning looks. Vigorously, Ye Ling shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t look to me for answers; I¡¯m just as clueless.¡± ¡°I genuinely have no idea.¡± ¡°What¡¯s unfolding?¡± Ye Ling was noticeably agitated. Indeed, Su Ming was mistakenly viewed by her parents as a thief. They believed it was far-fetched for Su Ming to afford a vi in the downtown area. Su Ming held a very negative image in the eyes of her parents. In their opinion, Su Ming was no match for Loong Tianyu. Loong Tianyu was recognized as an influential individual. He was destined to take over the responsibilities of his family¡¯s enterprise. It seemed inevitable that Su Ming would be the one to face defeat in this scenario. Ye Ling was taken aback by the turn of events that unfolded. Upon their arrival, Old Master Loong, Loong Tianyu, and theirpany had just made their entrance. The nonagenarian patriarch surprisingly addressed Su Ming as his father. Loong Tianyu, slightly older than Ye Ling, astonishingly referred to Su Ming as his great-grandfather. This revtion left Ye Ling in a state of bewilderment. She was utterly perplexed. She was eager for someone to rify the situation for her. ¡°Ah, Old Master Loong and Loong Tianyu, it¡¯s you two,¡± she realized. Su Ming was caught off-guard by their presence. Su Ming protested gently, ¡°Old Master, I¡¯ve mentioned before. That¡¯s not a suitable address for me.¡± The situation was giving Su Ming a headache. Being called ¡®father¡¯ by someone in his nies was something he found hard toe to terms with. This was something he struggled to embrace. ¡°Father, or rather, Mr. Su, you¡¯ve been a savior to me,¡± Old Man Loong eximed with immense emotion. Old Man Loong was overwhelmed with excitement. Tears welled up in his eyes. He shared, ¡°Lately, my ability to taste has been deteriorating, affecting my appetite and sleep. My health has been in decline. I feared losing my sense of taste entirely and even considered ending my life.¡± ¡°Your treatment miraculously restored my taste, even enhancing it beyond its youthful sensitivity. Now, I can relish everything.¡± ¡°My digestive health improved, and my hypertension resolved.¡± ¡°Even my hair has regained its youthful color.¡± ¡°You¡¯re akin to my reborn parents!¡± The elder insisted, ¡°Father, allow me to pay my respects to you.¡± The elder was on the verge of prostrating himself. ¡°Please don¡¯t do that!¡± Su Ming quickly intervened to prevent him from kneeling. Su Ming was astonished. He silently pleaded, ¡°Please, refrain from addressing me so.¡± Was the elder inadvertently shortening his lifespan with such titles? Just as Su Ming was about to respond, Loong Tianyu took the opportunity to express his thoughts. ¡°Great-grandfather, you may not be aware, but my grandfather has seen improvements in his eating and sleeping habits recently. He¡¯s even gained weight, bringing joy to our entire family.¡± Loong Tianyu was visibly thrilled. He readily embraced the title of great-grandson for Su Ming. Without any hesitation, Loong Tianyu naturally orded him the title. He simply let things unfold as they were and voiced it out. Su Ming was at his wit¡¯s end. Were they trying to drive him to madness? ¡°I never expected to encounter you here!¡± Loong Tianyu expressed his astonishment, turning his attention to Ye Ling, ¡°Great-grandmother, is Mr. Su your partner? I must say, you have exceptional taste!¡± The question arose as to why she was deemed the great-grandmother. Ye Ling was left speechless. The situation left everyone puzzled. Ye Feng and Chu Qiuyun were simrly confounded. Laughter ensued. Old Man Loong, amused by the scene, exined, ¡°You¡¯re unaware, but it was Mr. Su who remedied my taste issue. Thanks to him, I can now savor vors again. He also provided me with some extraordinary chickens, the likes of which I¡¯ve never tasted before.¡± ¡°Indeed!¡± Loong Tianyu concurred, offering his services, ¡°Great-grandfather, if you require assistance with the five-acre plot in the city center, I¡¯m at your disposal. And if you¡¯re looking for someone to maintain your vi, count me in for housekeeping and cooking. It would be an honor to serve you and Great-grandmother.¡± Ye Feng and Chu Qiuyun absorbed the exnation. The couple slowly came to a realization. They were astounded. So, their daughter¡¯s ims were urate? He was truly a farmer, albeit one in a prime urban location! More crucially, he owned a vi right in the heart of the city! Having such extensivend and a vi downtown was no small feat. This realization made it clear that the bottles of wine weren¡¯t stolen by him after all. The couple exchanged looks of utter astonishment. They were filled with disbelief! They began to question their initial judgments. They had underestimated the young man from the very beginning. Could he really be that affluent? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 239 C239 ¨C What Are You Doing Here? In the private room, Old Man Loong and Loong Tianyu surrounded Su Ming. The three of them chatted happily. Ye Feng and his family stood at the door. They stood there in shock. The couple thought to themselves that if they remembered correctly, they were here to set up a blind date for their daughter. Why did it be their family gathering? The three main characters were excluded. The other three chatted happily. They felt a little strange. Just as their family was in a daze at the door, They heard footstepsing from the corridor. ¡°Chen, this restaurant has a dish called stewed vegetables. It¡¯s very delicious.¡± ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ve been busy with Mr. Su for a long time today, and I¡¯m really a little hungry.¡± ¡°Come, let¡¯s go and have a taste.¡± The two of them walked over with their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders. When they passed the door of the private room, they were stunned. ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t this Ye?¡± ¡°Ye, what are you doing here?¡± The two of them asked curiously when they saw Ye Feng. ¡°I¡­¡± Ye Feng opened his mouth. He thought for a long time. How should he exin it? There was no way to exin this matter¡­ The logic behind this was a little chaotic. He needed to think carefully before he could exin it clearly. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ye Feng thought for a moment and said, ¡°Today, my daughter came for a blind date¡­¡± Ye Feng had just finished his sentence. The two men¡¯s eyes lit up, and they rushed in like madmen. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here!¡± Oh my god. Originally, there were only three people, but now there were five. Their family continued to stand at the door in a daze. They heard the five of them address each other. Old Master Loong called Su Ming father. President Chen and Wang Guohui called Old Master Loong Uncle Loong. Loong Tianyu called Su Ming great-grandfather. He called the other two uncles. President Chen and Wang Guohui called Su Ming Mr. Su. Alright. That was what others said. Each of them had their own honorifics. I call him father. You call me uncle. You call him sir! In short. It was all nonsense! ¡°Hello mister, would you like to order some dishes?¡± At this moment, a waiter walked up. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Ye Feng was stunned for a moment. Should he order some food? If he didn¡¯t order¡­ He really couldn¡¯t think of what the three of them could do. Did their family disturb them? He felt that it wouldn¡¯t affect anything if they left now¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s order¡­¡± Chu Qiuyun opened her mouth. ¡°Huh?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡± At this moment, Old Master Loong looked up and saw their family. ¡°How did your familye? Why did youe?¡± Old Master Loong blinked his eyes and asked doubtfully. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Ye Feng and his wife looked at each other. They didn¡¯t know why they were here. Maybe they were just passing by¡­ ¡°Grandpa!¡± Loong Tianyu didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry when he heard this. ¡°Did you forget that we are here for a blind date today?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Old Master Loong remembered: ¡°My memory is really bad, I forgot about this matter. Come, let¡¯s sit together. Feng, the red wine Mr. Su brought is really good. Take a ss and let¡¯s drink.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Ye Feng immediately perked up when he heard that they were going to drink. The five-man team became six people. Only the mother and daughter continued to stand at the door in a daze. Ye Ling thought to herself, ¡®If I¡¯m not wrong, I should be the main character today.''¡± How did she suddenly be a supporting role? Chu Qiuyun was also thinking, ¡°She should havee to pick a son-inw today.¡± How did this have nothing to do with her in the end? The two prospective son-inw sat there and drank happily. The most important thing was that the two of them were separated by seniority. One of them called the other Great Grandfather. He didn¡¯t force himself to call him that at all. All in all, the six men chatted happily and drank quite well. Chu Qiuyun and her mother sat in the corner of the table. They didn¡¯t say a word throughout the whole process. It was not that they did not want to talk, nor that they did not want to do anything. It was just that they could not interrupt! After more than two hours, they were full. They also learned what had happened. They knew that Su Ming was pretending to be her boyfriend. But everyone just smiled. If it wasn¡¯t for this misunderstanding, everyone wouldn¡¯t have been able to eat together so happily. Ye Feng and Old Master Loong were a little drunk. Nothing happened to Wang Guohui and President Chen. Su Ming¡¯s eyes were also clear. After all, his alcohol tolerance was too good, and he couldn¡¯t get drunk. Loong Tianyu had been serving the old man, so he drank less. When the group reached the door, Loong Tianyu helped the old man into the car. Wang Guohui and President Chen also called their driver. They also found a driver for Su Ming. Everyone smiled and said a few words at the entrance of the hotel, then bid farewell. In the end, only Ye Ling and her family of three were left standing at the entrance of the hotel. To be honest, Ye Ling¡¯s mood was a littleplicated. It was supposed to be a good blind date banquet, but why did it be so strange? Ye Ling stood at the entrance of the hotel and looked in the direction that Su Ming had left, feeling a little disappointed. She knew that Su Ming was willing to agree not because he liked her, but because they were high school ssmates. In addition, feelings were a matter between two people, and no one could force it. Su Ming also wanted to help her. Su Ming sat in the car and closed his eyes slightly. If it was someone else, Su Ming might not have agreed to help. However, when he was in high school, his family¡¯s conditions were not very good. Ye Ling had helped him a lot. The jewelry and red wine that Su Ming gave Ye Ling today could also be considered as repaying her kindness from back then. Ye Ling was the goddess in the hearts of many of the boys in their ss, and she was also the goddess in Su Ming¡¯s heart. But now, she wasn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t because Su Ming was fickle, but because when a person¡¯s status changed, his state of mind and gaze would change, and his choices would change. The driver drove smoothly and brought Su Ming home in no time. When the car stopped in the underground garage, Su Ming gave the driver a pack of cigarettes. The driver left happily. It was alreadyte at night when Su Ming arrived home. However, because his alcohol tolerance was very good and he wouldn¡¯t get drunk no matter how much he drank, he couldn¡¯t fall asleep for a while. He put some food in the breeding zone and went to look at the cotton. He looked at the time. These crops should ripen in three days. This time, Su Ming felt that the breeding ground was a little unusual, but he couldn¡¯t tell what was unusual. It was just his intuition. Su Ming had experienced it once before. Thest time he went home, he felt that he would gain something. In the end, he unexpectedly dug up a special crop and unlocked a small piece ofnd. At the same time, he was also surprised to know that the System would unlock the Unlocking Store function in the future. His harvest this time should not be small either. Su Ming took a deep breath. Although he was a little anxious, it was useless to be anxious. Moreover, he had to wait for three days. Three days passed very quickly. Thinking of this, Su Ming was no longer in a hurry. He looked at the side of the vegetable field and found that there was a small acre of fennel growing luxuriantly there. Chapter 240 C240 ¨C Cabbage There was nothing to do now. They wouldn¡¯t need the fennel for the time being. So Su Ming took all the fennel. ¡°Sessfully harvested crops. Received 1000 experience! Received an additional 50 experience!¡± ¡°[Recycled. Congrattions, you have received 100 experience points! You have received an additional 5 experience points!]¡± A familiar voice sounded in Su Ming¡¯s mind. One was to gain experience points from harvesting crops, and the other was to gain experience points from recycling withered vines. He had cut off a lot of fennel. Of course he couldn¡¯t waste it. He sorted the fennel in batches and put it under the refrigerator in the vi. Then Su Ming went to the warehouse. He only had half an acre ofnd now. What should he nt? Finally, Su Ming¡¯s gaze fell on the cabbage. This was the mostmon crop. The growth cycle of the cabbage shouldn¡¯t be long. Perhaps it would grow out very soon. Su Ming drove the agricultural machine to plow the ground. Then he dug a hole and buried some soil. He nted the seeds. ¡°The cabbage has been sessfully nted! However, harvest time: 12 hours!¡± As soon as Su Ming finished nting the cabbage, the System sent a notification. So fast? He only needed 12 hours to harvest it? Cabbage was indeed the mostmon crop. It had not ripened for a long time. It had been a long time since he had met a crop that had ripened so quickly. Could it be that the cotton had ripened for too long, so this was thepensation given by the System? That was a possibility! Then, Su Ming began his daily watering and fertilizing! The System notified him that the crop production had increased and the time had been shortened. It seemed that he only needed ten hours to harvest them! In other words, Su Ming would go back and y games for a while, and then he would sleep for a while. Then he would be able to harvest it the next day. Su Ming was very excited. Thinking of this, Su Ming packed up his other things and returned to the vi. He took a bath. Then he opened the fridge and made some food. At night, he only drank and didn¡¯t eat much. Su Mingid on the bed and turned off his Stamina Talent. Not long after, he fell into a deep sleep. He slept until noon the next day. As soon as Su Ming opened his eyes, he was thinking about what happened in the field. He looked at the time. Sure enough, the cabbage was ripe! Su Mingughed out loud. He hurriedly opened the door and rushed into the field. From the outside, the field was still filled with wheat. The moment his foot stepped on the ground. The crops in the field revealed their true appearance. As expected, the cabbage was ripe! When Su Ming saw it clearly, he was stunned for a moment. There should have been cabbages on the ground. But now, they had be suitcases! The suitcases just stood there on the ground. Su Ming blinked. He walked over and squatted down. He held the suitcases with both hands. That¡¯s right, this was the feeling of a suitcase. He exerted force with his hands. Actually, he didn¡¯t use much strength. He only used a little bit of strength to pull the suitcase out. Su Ming knew very well in his heart. This phone box was nothing precious. He was afraid that what was in the suitcase was the most important thing. Su Ming pursed his dry lips and sat on the ground with the suitcase on his knees. He pressed his hands on the buttons. As soon as he pressed them, the two buttons were opened. Su Ming took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He pushed with his hands. He slowly opened the phone box. When Su Ming saw what was inside, his eyes widened. The System was too powerful! To be honest, Su Ming thought that the box would be filled with money. But it could also be said that it was filled with money. But they were not the money he was using right now. It was the money used in ancient times! The Three Holes Spade Coins were stored in this box! It was a type of coin from the Warring States Period. It had three holes. Su Ming had learned about it before. This kind of coin was very precious. Each coin was extremely valuable. They were all priceless! So far, Warring States Periods had only discovered a hundred or so coins. The suitcase was filled with countless Warring States Period currencies. Was this real? Su Ming couldn¡¯t believe it. Although people no longer used these currencies, they were still more valuable than the currencies they used now! Su Ming took a deep breath and closed the suitcase. He quickly opened the second suitcase. Sure enough, the suitcase was also full of Warring States Period currency. The name of this currency was Straight-knife Coins, and its shape was simr to the knife used now. There was a ring at the end of it, and a small hole in the middle. This kind of currency was also very precious and rare. Su Ming went to open the third suitcase. This suitcase was also filled with a box of gold coins, and each gold coin was very big. Su Ming took a look and found that these gold coins were actually the currency issued overseas in ancient times! Su Ming was very surprised. He did not expect the suitcase to contain foreign currency. He then opened the remaining suitcase, which was filled with copper coins and currency issued by the Eastern and Western Zhou Dynasties. There was even a suitcase filled with sea shells! Sea shells were the earliest currency in the imperial court! At that time, if a person was willing to spend two seashells to entertain a guest, then this guest would be called a friend. This was also the earliest origin of the name ¡®friend¡¯. Generally speaking, half an acre ofnd could be used to grow a lot of cabbages. However, every time Su Ming nted crops, the System would remind him of the best distance between vegetables. So Su Ming nted a cabbage every five meters. However, even after nting the cabbage, Su Ming still had more than a hundred cabbages. And he had more than 100 suitcases, each of which was filled with ancient coins. Among these coins, even the one with the closest production date to modern times had a history of more than a hundred years. Moreover, these currencies were all brand new. If these currencies were to be disyed, the schrs of the archaeological world would definitely go crazy over them. However, Su Ming thought about it carefully and decided not to do so. Not only was he worried that the archaeologists would ask him about the ancient currency, but he was also worried that their granddaughter would pester him. Su Ming decided to remain calm and not rush to deal with the currency. He smiled and tidied up everything, then used a small cart to transport them all to the warehouse. Su Ming opened a box and took out two gold coins. Since he had nothing to do right now, he held the two gold coins in his hand and kept stroking them. ¡°Congrattions, you have sessfully harvested the item. Received 500 experience! Received Additional Experience Points 25!¡± ¡°Recycling sessful. Congrattions, you have received 40 experience points and 2 Additional Experience Points!¡± The familiar system notification sounded. Su Ming had obtained a lot of things. Not bad! He was very happy andughed. His gaze fell on the seed again. He couldn¡¯t just do nothing. What else could he do? Su Ming thought that he could grow too many things, so he might as well nt something. Su Ming looked at the onion. After plowing the ground, digging a pit, and nting the onions, Su Ming was done. The System notification sounded again: ¡°Ding! The onion has been sessfully nted! Time required to harvest the onion: 30 hours!¡± Then he watered and fertilized it. The nting process was deeply imprinted in Su Ming¡¯s mind. After tidying up everything, Su Ming gently pped his hands. He felt a little hungry. After a busy day, Su Ming didn¡¯t eat much. Su Ming returned to the vi and opened the refrigerator. After finding the food, he ate a few mouthfuls. Only then did he remember that he hadn¡¯t opened the door yet. Chapter 241 C241 ¨C Are You Familiar with Heads? Upon opening the door, he was greeted by two recognizable individuals. These were President Chen and Wang Guohui. The duo maintained their usual attire. Yet, two additional recliners had been ced at each side of the entrance. Stationed like sentinels, the elderly gentlemen stood guard at the door prior to its opening. Initially, their presence was met with bewilderment by onlookers. People questioned the purpose of their setup. Over time, though, the oddity became familiar. Throughout the years, the pursuit of leisure had been universal. Themunity was diverse in its members. Possibly, the elder was engaging in a form of performance art. Such activities were not unheard of. Adapting to the scenario was all it took. They warmly greeted Mr. Su, saying, ¡°Good morning!¡± Again, they wished Mr. Su a good morning. Upon seeing Su Ming, the elderly men offered smiles. They exchanged pleasantries before proceeding to their tasks. Su Ming momentarily felt overwhelmed, as if he were a conduit for energy. He wondered if they genuinely considered this ce their ce of employment. Nheless, Su Ming held back anyments. Having thepany of the elders wasforting. Without them, he¡¯d be solitary in the expansive space. While not physically taxing, tending to thend solocked variety. Their asional conversation made for a pleasant ambiance. It was evident, however, that there was another presence aside from the elders. Loong Tianyu entered, wearing a cheerful expression. He greeted his great grandfather with exuberance. His demeanor was notably cheerful and full of zeal. President Chen and Wang Guohui took notice. To their dismay, it seemed they facedpetition for their role. Having another elder would have been manageable. Yet, the arrival of a vigorous young man presented a challenge. They acknowledged their inability topete with his vigor. The name made Su Ming feel ufortable. The elders were resolute in their manner of addressing him. Despite Old Master Loong¡¯s inebriation the prior evening, he remained lucid. Their conversation revealed Su Ming¡¯s exceptional nature. Though Su Ming appeared unremarkable at first nce, Their interactions revealed depths they couldn¡¯t grasp. Old Master Loong¡¯s experience was vast. Having lived nearly ny years, he was seasoned and wise. His life experiences included evaluating myriad individuals. Youngsterscking in depth were transparent to him. Yet, in conversing with Su Ming, he recognized an ordinary facade masking profound depths. Su Ming seemed straightforward, yet he was immeasurablyplex. This realization underscored Su Ming¡¯s extraordinary capabilities. It suggested Su Ming operated at a highly advanced level. He had the mastery to reveal or conceal his true nature. Su Ming¡¯s control over what he disyed was absolute. He could make visible what he chose to share. Or keep hidden what he preferred remained unseen. What was revealed was at Su Ming¡¯s discretion. Such emotional control in a young man was remarkable. These qualities set Su Ming apart as extraordinary. This prompted Old Master Loong¡¯s decisive action. Hemanded his grandson to forsake the family business. No further obligations were necessary. Henceforth, his grandson was to apany Mr. Su. Learning even a fraction of Su Ming¡¯s skills promised immense lifelong advantages. This would allow him to confidently pass on the family legacy. Consequently, the grandson was roused early by Old Master Loong. Driven to this location at the crack of dawn. He arrived by six, finding the elders already present with their recliners. Loong Tianyu, young and hesitant, held back. He opted to rest on a nearby chair. After a while, he settled into his position. ustomed to a life of privilege, Loong Tianyu found a new role. His reservations kept him at a distance. He took to reclining beside them. Spending time in reflection. Born into affluence, Loong Tianyu was unustomed to such roles. Nheless, he took up the position of a gatekeeper for Su Ming. He waited for hours. It wasn¡¯t until he was overwhelmed by hunger at noon that the door opened. Upon rising, he noticed the elders had already entered with swift diligence. It was then that Loong Tianyu came to understand the profound correctness and wisdom of his grandfather¡¯s decision. Noteworthy figures such as President Chen and Wang Guohui found themselves needing to ingratiate themselves with him. He recognized the necessity to ingratiate himself with Su Ming. Consequently, he made his way over in haste. ¡°Please, just address me by my first name moving forward.¡± Su Ming found himself greatly irritated. Su Ming feared that if a youngster were to address him as ¡°great-grandfather¡± in public, it would attract undue attention. Additionally, Loong Tianyu held the position of the primary heir of the Long family. It was known that Su Ming had a wide circle of acquaintances. Su Ming worried that such acquaintanceships could lead to him being recognized as a patriarch to many upon his outings. The thought was unbearable for him. He also faced the obligation of distributing numerous red envelopes during the New Year. His finances were stretched thin. ¡°Huh?¡± Loong Tianyu was taken aback upon hearing this. Loong Tianyu reflected on his grandfather¡¯s advice to approach the situation with seriousness. He considered that following his grandfather¡¯s advice might incite Mr. Su¡¯s anger. Deciding against it, he chose toply with Mr. Su¡¯s preference. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Loong Tianyu approached with a nervous chuckle, rubbing his hands together. Su Ming did not express any opposition to being addressed in this manner. This form of address was deemed appropriate by Su Ming. Su Ming hesitated to express any objection. He believed that behaving normally was not something many he knew did. Should he express opposition, Loong Tianyu would persist in calling him ¡°Great Grandfather.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, how may I assist you?¡± This was Loong Tianyu¡¯s initial visit. He was still limating to his surroundings. He appeared anxious as he scoped out the area. ¡°No!¡± Before Su Ming could borate, President Chen and Wang Guohui approached together. They warned Loong Tianyu against attempting to take over the task. They dered that even the arrival of his grandfather wouldn¡¯t enable him to usurp their position. The duo asserted their exclusive contract over thend, dismissing Loong Tianyu¡¯s involvement. They confronted Loong Tianyu aggressively. Their demeanor was intimidating. Loong Tianyu was momentarily speechless. He felt overwhelmed by the situation. Loong Tianyu protested his innocence. He rified that his inquiry was genuine, without ulterior motives. He questioned the need for their severe reaction. The elders insisted on their stern stance. Their seriousness stemmed from past experiences with others attempting the same. They had previously repelled others who contested the job. Now, they imed exclusive rights to Mr. Su¡¯snd. Thend was firmly under their control, beyond the reach of others. Su Ming found the unfolding events to be quite bothersome. ¡°Tianyu.¡± Su Ming paused to consider his next words. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Loong Tianyu approached promptly. The elderly duo listened intently, fraught with tension. They worried about the possibility of Su Ming assigning Loong Tianyu to the job. Despite their reluctance, they knew they would have to ept Su Ming¡¯s decision. Thend was, after all, Su Ming¡¯s to delegate. Su Ming¡¯s decision was final. ¡°Have you many connections in Eastsea?¡± Su Ming inquired. Loong Tianyu was momentarily perplexed by the question. He felt uncertain about Su Ming¡¯s intentions. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m acquainted with many of the notable figures in Eastsea,¡± Loong Tianyu responded cautiously. Su Ming smiled in response. He pondered, stroking his chin. Su Ming had expressed a desire to explore Eastsea. Despite having never ventured there, he had been too upied to indulge in leisure activities. Following his agricultural endeavors, he found himself with some free time. Yet, he was unfamiliar with Eastsea¡¯s attractions. Now, with Loong Tianyu¡¯s extensive knowledge of Eastsea, Su Ming saw an opportunity for Loong Tianyu to serve as his guide. Chapter 242 C242 ¨C Go to the Auto Show ¡°Does Eastsea have any interesting ces to visit?¡± After pondering for a moment, Su Ming inquired. Loong Tianyu gave no immediate response. ¡°I¡¯m looking for something to do and thought I might explore a bit.¡± Su Ming shared, wearing a smile. ¡°Certainly!¡± Upon hearing this, Loong Tianyu energetically affirmed, pping his chest as a guarantee. Though he may not excel in many areas, Loong Tianyu boasted a thorough knowledge of Eastsea¡¯s leisure spots. ¡°Mr. Su, with noon approaching, would you be interested in the Auto Showter today?¡± Loong Tianyu proposed with enthusiasm. ¡°Mr. Su, the Auto Show features a wide range of fantastic vehicles.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Su. I¡¯m quite knowledgeable about cars and can offer you a detailed introduction.¡± ¡°I have connections with the organizer, Mr. Su. Should you decide to purchase, I can secure you a discount.¡± ¡°Would you care to check it out, Mr. Su?¡± Loong Tianyu looked eagerly expectant. Su Ming was momentarily at a loss for words. He already owned an extensive collection of vehicles and wasn¡¯t in the market for more. Yet, he found it hard to decline given Loong Tianyu¡¯s excitement. ¡°Sure.¡± Eventually, Su Ming consented. After all, his intent was merely to get out and about; the destination was inconsequential. He considered that the Auto Show might present some novel vehicles. He believed in the appeal of having an abundance of cars, viewing these ¡°giant steel toys¡± as a universal male aspiration. ¡°Great!¡± Loong Tianyu¡¯s joy was palpable upon receiving confirmation. It turned out he would have friends attending the Auto Show, offering an opportunity to introduce them to Su Ming. Driving there, Loong Tianyu at the wheel with Su Ming as his passenger, they soon reached the Auto Show. The venue was impressivelyrge. It spanned three levels. The crowd was sizeable, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Being a prosperous coastal city, Eastsea naturally drew a lively turnout. The event was touted as an international showcase, featuring numerous foreign luxury brands. Extensive promotion prior to the event ensured a high turnout. Most attendees were spectators, with actual purchases being a rarity given the high pricing of the vehicles on disy. The cars were priced out of reach for many. Typically, only the older, wealthier demographic could afford them. Younger visitors generally found the prices prohibitive. The young individuals who could afford these luxury cars were often heirs to substantial wealth. However, Eastsea didn¡¯t boast arge poption of such affluent young individuals. Thus, the majority were there to admire the luxury vehicles and the models poised alongside them. The duo made their way directly to the VIP entrance. While a queue formed at the standard entry, with tickets priced at 50 yuan, They navigated through a lengthy corridor to the event space. Su Ming acknowledged the Auto Show¡¯s quality upon inspection. From the entrance, a variety of car brands were visible. The event attracted participation from virtually all renowned automakers. Including prestigious names like Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce. Upon entering, Su Ming was greeted by arge disy featuring a striking sports car. The vehicle on disy was a newly released Rolls-Royce. Priced over 7 million yuan, it caught attention. However, Su Ming viewed it with disinterest, Convinced that it couldn¡¯t hold a candle to the Rolls Royce Phantom inparison. Su Ming kept his thoughts to himself, whereas the others had a different perspective. This vehicle, a Rolls-Royce, boasted a value exceeding 7 million yuan. Taking this car out on the streets would surely attract envious nces from everyone. ¡°It¡¯s unfortunate my father acquired a carst year, or he would have certainly opted for this one!¡± A man with blonde hairmented while standing beside the vehicle. Su Ming gave him a discerning nce. Initially, Su Ming suspected the man was just boasting. Yet, upon closer inspection, Su Ming began to doubt his initial skepticism. Despite his questionable appearance, the man¡¯s attire and watch hinted at affluence. ¡°Old Wang?¡± The sight of the man with yellow-dyed hair brightened Loong Tianyu¡¯s eyes, prompting him to approach and greet the man eagerly. ¡°Tianyu?¡± The blonde-haired man paused briefly before inquiring, ¡°I rang you this morning inviting you over. You mentioned being tied up with a crucial task and couldn¡¯t make it. What brings you here at noon?¡± Loong Tianyu, with a smile, replied, ¡°Indeed, I was preupied with a significant task earlier, but now I¡¯m here for something even more important.¡± After speaking, Loong Tianyu turned to introduce Su Ming, who stood behind him, to the blonde man as his new acquaintance, Mr. Su, and referred to the man as his long-time friend, Wang Haiyang, suggesting Su Ming address him as Old Wang. Wang Haiyang appeared momentarily taken aback. He observed Su Ming, then Loong Tianyu, and offered Su Ming a warm handshake. ¡°Hello, did youe to purchase a vehicle?¡± Wang Haiyang inquired, smiling. Loong Tianyu was on the verge of responding. Su Ming coughed from behind. Loong Tianyu instantly grasped the hint. Su Ming was subtly indicating they should downy their true intentions. ¡°I recall my grandfather¡¯s health issue you addressed. To express my gratitude, I¡¯ve apanied him to the Auto Show for a casual visit.¡± Wang Haiyang¡¯s interest waned upon hearing this, recognizing Su Ming merely as a doctor who had likely employed some traditional remedy to treat Elder Loong¡¯s condition. He presumed Su Ming, unfamiliar with high society, was leveraging Loong Tianyu¡¯s influence to attend the Auto Show. Realizing he was unfamiliar with Su Ming among the local elite, Wang Haiyang concluded Su Ming wasn¡¯t a notable figure. ¡°Tianyu, this car seems impressive. Would your dad consider purchasing it?¡± Wang Haiyang asked, all smiles. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare suggest it!¡± Loong Tianyu quickly dismissed the idea, revealing his fear not of Elder Loong but of his father. His father¡¯s mere gaze was enough to make him tremble, a testament to familial authority. ¡°My father views cars purely as a means of transport, seeing no need for extravagance.¡± Loong Tianyu expressed his resignation, noting his modest vehiclepared to his peers¡¯. His car, an Audi valued at over 300,000 yuan, paled inparison to the million-yuan vehicles of his associates. In his circle, Loong Tianyu earned the nickname ¡°car moocher¡± for his habit of borrowing luxury cars. Though he had driven various high-end vehicles, none were his own; they were all lent to him. ¡°Tianyu!¡± ¡°Why are you here?¡± Approaching Loong Tianyu were two individuals, both youthful and seemingly of affluent background. Loong Tianyu took the opportunity to introduce Su Ming to them. Named Lee Xiaocheng and Huang Tao, they quickly mirrored Wang Haiyang¡¯s disinterest upon learning of Su Ming¡¯s profession, deeming a doctor beneath their consideration. Chapter 243 C243 ¨C Boring Loong Tianyu was a little unhappy. What¡¯s wrong? What do you mean? Even if Mr. Su is a young doctor, you can¡¯t look down on him like that. He is my friend after all. However, Su Ming smiled. He patted Loong Tianyu¡¯s shoulder. He meant that it didn¡¯t matter. Su Ming¡¯s current worldview and state of mind had changed greatly. Although their ages were simr. However, these young people were just a few little brats in front of him. They were no longer on the same level. Because the people Su Ming dealt with were all mature old men. These young people were really not enough for him to look at. Loong Tianyu saw Su Ming¡¯s expression. He could only nod his head and could not say anything. He also understood that Mr Su was here to rx. He wasn¡¯t worth getting angry with these people. ¡°Who¡¯s going to get a new car this time?¡± Wang Haiyang asked as they strolled along the road. ¡°I¡¯m not buying.¡± Lee Xiaocheng shook his head. ¡°My dad doesn¡¯t let me buy.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have an old car? If you sell it, borrow some money from us and buy a new car. Look, this Ferrari is worth a few million. What do you think?¡± Wang Haiyangughed from the side. ¡°Please spare me!¡± Lee Xiaocheng shook his head with all his might. ¡°That¡¯s what I didst time. My dad almost broke my leg.¡± ¡°Look at this Lamborghini. This is a sports car that is limited to three in the world. One is 45 million. This one is white. It¡¯s so handsome.¡± Huang Tao suddenly stared at a car. ¡°This is the car of my dreams. Many parts of this car are for space shuttles. Its dynamics are all at the efficiency of the aerospace level! If I can drive this car around, then I¡¯ll be handsome.¡± Huang Tao sighed and shook his head. ¡°Look at you!¡± Wang Haiyangughed at the side. ¡°This car is your dream. Let me tell you, my dream is Hennessy Venom GT!¡± ¡°We¡¯re talking about dreams, why are you talking about daydreams? If you say so, my dream is still Koenigseke!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Hearing this, theyughed out loud. Su Ming stood behind them and only smiled, not saying anything else. There are a lot of cars in my underground garage that you dream of. They strolled around the Auto Show and chatted. Obviously, they didn¡¯t put Su Ming in their eyes. Theypletely ignored him. They all felt that Su Ming hade with Loong Tianyu to see the world. It was impossible for him to buy a car. The cars here were not something he could afford. Loong Tianyu was very embarrassed. He originally wanted to bring Su Ming here to relieve his boredom. In the end, his friends did not do well. Fortunately, Su Ming was not angry. He just smiled faintly and didn¡¯t take it seriously. After all, they were just a group of children. However, Su Ming had forgotten that he was about the same age as them. There were even two people who were one or two years older than him. These people were also here to have a look. Their family conditions were not bad, and they were quite rich. If someone asked if they could afford the car, they would definitely be able to afford it. The key was that they didn¡¯t need to buy it. Their families controlled them. When they had money, they would be able to make their own decisions. However, by that time, they would be forty or fifty years old. They would have long lost their impulse. They didn¡¯te out until five o¡¯clock in the afternoon. This group of people watched the Auto Show the entire time. Su Ming, on the other hand, felt the lively atmosphere the entire time. It had been a long time since he had contact with anyone else. He spent most of his time farming. He felt lonely living in the most prosperous ce. Su Ming was also blessed by the heavens. ¡°We¡¯ve been walking all afternoon. I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s find a ce to eat?¡± Wang Haiyang looked at the time and said. ¡°Sure, no problem. There¡¯s a new hotpot restaurant next door.¡± Huang Tao thought for a moment. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± Lee Xiaocheng also smiled. ¡°Tianyu, isn¡¯t it time for Su Ming to go back?¡± Wang Haiyang suddenly thought of something and turned around to look at Su Ming. He thought Su Ming wouldn¡¯t be able to stroll around for long. He might go back after a while. On the one hand, this car was too expensive. He couldn¡¯t afford it. The gap between them was too great. This should be a huge blow to Su Ming. Since he knew about this gap, he should leave tactfully. On the other hand, he was not familiar with the others, and they ignored him along the way. Didn¡¯t he understand that they were isting him? In addition, they were all young masters from rich families. As a doctor, Su Ming shouldn¡¯t get involved. But who would have thought that Su Ming would follow them around? It seemed that Su Ming still wanted to follow them to eat. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want Su Ming to eat with them because theycked money. But the key was that he wasn¡¯t their friend. His ss was too low, and he was far inferior to them. They thought that Su Ming should go home as soon as possible. Loong Tianyu heard them. What did they mean? They wanted to chase Mr Su away? They had been showing off all afternoon. Mr Su didn¡¯t say anything. He already respected them very much. To be honest, if they knew Mr Su¡¯s true identity, they would be so shocked that they wouldn¡¯t even be able to stand steadily. How could they dare to show off here? Damn it! Even if Mr Su was very tolerant and didn¡¯t care about their actions, Loong Tianyu did. No matter how ordinary a person was, they had their dignity! ¡°Mr Su is my good brother. If you want to leave, then leave, but Mr Su can¡¯t leave!¡± Loong Tianyu was a little unhappy with a straight face. ¡°What?¡± These people were stunned when they heard that. This was not Loong Tianyu¡¯s style. They had been together for so long, but he was actually angry because of an outsider. Was this reasonable? ¡°Alright! Then let¡¯s eat together!¡± Lee Xiaocheng smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s fun to have so many friends. Let¡¯s eat together. We don¡¯tck money.¡± After saying that, he pointed at the cars beside him and said, ¡°Take whichever car you like.¡± ¡°It¡¯s rare for you toe out. Sit in a sports car and experience the speed of the sports car.¡± ¡°Yeah, Tianyu¡¯s family is very strict. They only allow him to buy a car worth 300,000 yuan. This is too ordinary.¡± The cars they drove were all good cars worth millions. Since Su Ming didn¡¯t want to leave, he could stay. However, the gap between them was real. All right! Today, he could only rely on Tianyu to experience the feeling of riding in a sports car. However, after Su Ming looked at the cars, he shook his head. ¡°So boring.¡± To be honest, it was very boring. These cars were worthless to him. They weren¡¯t even worth putting in his garage. ¡°What?¡± Wang Haiyang was unhappy when he heard that. ¡°Brother, what do you mean? Our car is not bad, right?¡± ¡°Brother, I know you are unhappy, but people are born rich and poor. We did not mock you, we just want to take you to experience it.¡± When they heard this, they thought, wasn¡¯t Su Ming exaggerating his wealth? He was lying for his dignity. Wasn¡¯t he causing trouble for himself? If a person didn¡¯t have money, money wouldn¡¯t appear out of nowhere. How awkward would it be to lie and be exposed by others? Since he didn¡¯t have money, why not just admit it? Why would he lie? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 244 C244 ¨C Was Su Ming a Fool? ¡°I¡¯m serious. I¡¯m really not interested in these cars.¡± Su Ming smiled. Wang Haiyang was so angry that heughed. ¡°You don¡¯t have to say that.¡± ¡°Yes, we don¡¯t mean anything else.¡± The other two also smiled. They felt that he was just bragging. Su Ming smiled faintly. He didn¡¯t want to argue with you, but they were going too far. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°We don¡¯t believe you.¡± Other than Loong Tianyu, the others said one after another. When Su Ming saw this, he directly got into Loong Tianyu¡¯s car. Loong Tianyu nodded and drove straight to the city center. The others got into the car and followed them. Not long after, they arrived at their destination. After they got out of the car, they were dumbfounded. ¡°Where is this ce?¡± ¡°This is the city center.¡± ¡°Why did you bring us to the city center?¡± They were confused and looked around. ¡°When did the center of the city have this wall?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Strange.¡± They looked at each other. To be honest, they hadn¡¯t been to the city center for a long time. When they passed by this ce, they didn¡¯t even look at it carefully. There were many high-rise buildings in the city center that were used as office buildings. They often ate, drank, and yed around the area, but they almost never came here. ¡°Mr Su, why did you bring us to the city center?¡± ¡°You said you¡¯re not interested in our car. Where is the car you¡¯re interested in?¡± Su Ming smiled mysteriously. He turned around and led them to the underground parking lot. They didn¡¯t say anything and just followed behind him. Soon, they arrived at the underground parking lot. Su Ming stood in front of them and gently pped his hands. The sensor light instantly lit up! At first, these people didn¡¯t feel anything, but the moment the sensor lights lit up, they saw all the cars parked there clearly. Including Loong Tianyu, everyone was dumbfounded! ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°Rolls-Royce Phantom!¡± ¡°Hennessy Viper!¡± ¡°Coney Seck!¡± ¡°Hurry up and p me. Am I dreaming?¡± All the cars parked here were luxury cars. The cheapest one was worth a few million yuan. Some of the cars were even worth more than a hundred million yuan. Su Ming stood at the door and smiled faintly, ¡°Other than these, there are more than two hundred luxury cars in the next level¡¯s parking lot!¡± One of them suddenly fainted from shock. ¡°Call an ambnce!¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s not dead!¡± They were about to go crazy. ¡°I saw the Hennessy Viper, I¡¯ve realized my ultimate wish!¡± ¡°Tell me this isn¡¯t a dream!¡± They were crying andughing at times, and only after a long time did they calm down. They gathered together, their expressions awkward. They didn¡¯t expect Su Ming to be so rich. They had carefully looked at all the cars here. To be honest, the cars in the Auto Show today couldn¡¯tpare to these cars at all. In these cars, there were at least a dozen or so that were worth hundreds of millions of yuan. Each of them was shocking! ¡°Mr Su, are these all yours?¡± Wang Haiyang¡¯s eyes were wide open as he swallowed his saliva. He rubbed his hands with excitement on his face. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Do you still think I was bragging?¡± ¡°Of course not!¡± Wang Haiyang shook his head crazily! Su Ming was shocked after reading it. He was afraid that Wang Haiyang¡¯s head would break. ¡°Mr Su, I¡¯m sorry, I was wrong!¡± Lee Xiaocheng hugged Su Ming¡¯s thigh and wailed, ¡°I beg you, let me touch the steering wheel!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just touch the steering wheel of these cars. They won¡¯t drive away!¡± Today, at Auto Show, in order to show off, they kept talking in front of Su Ming to show how much they knew about luxury cars. In the end, they were very embarrassed. But they didn¡¯t care. These were all limited edition luxury cars. To them, touching the steering wheel of these cars was very happy. Loong Tianyu¡¯s face was filled with shock. He never thought that Su Ming would be so extravagant. How much were these cars worth? He suddenly remembered something. A while ago, someone bought all the cars in a 4S store. Could that person be Su Ming? Yesterday, when he left, he was too busy taking care of the old man and did not notice Su Ming¡¯s car. He remembered that at that time, there seemed to be a sports car parked in the corner. It seemed to be a Koenigsegg or a Hennessy Viper. Mr Su¡¯s car was better than any car in Auto Show! Long Tianyu thought of his actions just now and felt very embarrassed! He suddenly remembered what his grandfather said. It turned out that he had already realized these things. He could tell at a nce that Mr Su was extraordinary! Su Ming blinked his eyes: ¡°Can you let go of my thigh first? Stay away from me, your saliva is about to drip onto my body!¡± When they heard this, they immediately let go. In their eyes, Su Ming was like the sun, shining brightly. There were so many luxury cars here. As long as they drove one, they would be very happy! ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming found it funny when he saw the longing eyes of these people. He walked to the side, opened a drawer, and took out hundreds of car keys. They were shocked to see this. Su Ming actually put hundreds of car keys in the drawer! If an ordinary person had a luxury car, he would want to hang the car keys on his forehead and let everyone see. But Su Ming actually put the keys to these Top Grade luxury cars into the drawer so casually. The entrance to the underground garage faced the street. If someone wanted toe in, they coulde in as they pleased. There was no lock on the drawer. They could even take out a key and secretly drive the car out. What did this mean? Was Mr Su a fool? But he was so powerful, how could he be a fool? Of course not! That meant that he didn¡¯t care about these cars at all! OR download the app directly?? Chapter 245 C245 ¨C Drag Racing The young men were left speechless. Concurrently, they began questioning their own existence. Would anyone have imagined? In the heart of the cityy an underground parking lot housing over 400 high-end vehicles. These vehicles represented the epitome of their automotive dreams. With a collection surpassing 400 vehicles, they had enough to drive a different one each day for over a year. Yet, appreciating a car fully takes more than a mere day. Their interest in these 400 vehicles could span several years. To speak frankly, Should they acquire any of these esteemed vehicles, constructing a garage would be their next step. This garage would need to be equipped with all necessary amenities. During the quiet of night, they envisioned driving these cars. They imagined elerating, feeling the rush of wind and the thrill akin to lightning. Normally, the roads are congested with traffic. Few would dare to challenge such a sports car in a direct confrontation. Yet, unexpected incidents or the odd individual could ur. A collision might seem minor, but the emotional toll was significant. How could they emte Su Ming? He left the door unlocked. The vast array of vehicles was simply left unguarded. All the keys were neatly stored in a drawer. It appeared as if the garage housed not luxury cars, but mere bicycles. Yet, even with bicycles, securing them would be instinctive. Isn¡¯t itmon for cyclists to lock their bikes? This concept was utterly baffling to them. He offered, ¡°Feel free to take any car keys.¡± Su Ming unveiled the drawer, ¡°Ande to open it whenever you wish.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Upon hearing this, they were overwhelmed with joy. Were they living a dream? The situation felt surreal. They were given the liberty to ess it at will? The surprise waspletely unexpected. ¡°But I have one condition,¡± Su Ming expressed with a smile. This statement immediately tensed them up. Their anticipation caused them to hold their breath. A hush fell over the entire parking area. Including Loong Tianyu. Their eyes were all fixed on Su Ming, full of expectation. What could his condition possibly be? They were prepared to ept any challenge he presented. They were willing to face any adversity. The allure of the vehicles was irresistibly strong. Su Ming then blinked, indicating a softer approach. He reassured them he wouldn¡¯t demand anything unreasonable. Sensing their anxiety, Su Ming tried to put them at ease. An abundance of fennel still remained in his refrigerator. ¡°Rx. You¡¯re wee to use my cars. I only ask for one thing,¡± Su Ming reassured with a smile. The group¡¯s tension heightened. Their anticipation left them breathless. They pleaded with Mr. Su for the condition. The suspense was unbearable. ¡°The requirement is for you to drive every vehicle. Essentially, periodically take each car out for a drive.¡± Su Ming stated this with a grin. Their reactions were of shock. Could this really be considered a condition? To them, Mr. Su¡¯s request seemed more like a privilege. They viewed the task of driving all the cars as a significant advantage. ¡°Is there any objection?¡± Su Ming inquired, noting their astonishment. ¡°We agree!¡± ¡°We agree too much!¡± ¡°We don¡¯t think there¡¯s a problem!¡± Without hesitation, they enthusiastically assured their capability, loudlymitting themselves. They dered that while other tasks might be beyond their abilities, this particr one was certainly within their reach. Su Ming had his reasons for making such a statement. A stationary vehicle is prone to developing issues. Managing an excess of vehicles on his own was impractical for him. The task would be significantly easier with the assistance of arge group. Heter suggested that they should asionally take the vehicles out for a drive. This activity would be beneficial for the maintenance of the vehicles. Ultimately, Su Ming was indifferent to the specifics. He simply needed any avable vehicle for outings, including his truck. He also mentioned owning a BMW, a gift from President Chen early on. This selection was deemed sufficient. ¡°Brother Su!¡± Wang Haiyang hesitantly inquired if they were really allowed to proceed. Su Ming gestured for them to go ahead with a smile, stepping aside. Excitedly, all but Loong Tianyu eagerly rushed to grab the car keys. Exmations were made as they each imed a vehicle as their own. usations of shamelessness were thrown among them. They argued that all decorum falls away in the face of desirable cars. Laughter and usations flew as they contested over the keys to a Hennessy Viper. The dispute escted with one using the others of madness over the highly valuable sports cars, resulting in physical altercations. The reasoning was that, with the car keys as the prize, resorting to biting seemed logical. Loong Tianyu was used of resorting to underhanded tactics,cking honor. Amid usations, the physical scuffle continued. The four of them engaged in a frenzied battle for the keys, asionally shouting out. Su Ming observed the chaos with a frown. He was astonished by their ruthless tactics. Their attacks targeted vulnerable areas, raising doubts about their camaraderie. He questioned the nature of their rtionship, given their actions. Their interactions hinted at underlying animosities. After ten minutes had passed, Their clothes were in disarray, and they stood exhausted, each possessing a few keys and facing off once more. Negotiations began with offers to trade car keys. Refusals were made, rejecting the proposed exchanges. usations of theft among them surfaced. The scene turned into a marketce of sorts. A call for order was issued. Loong Tianyu realized the impropriety of their actions in Su Ming¡¯s property. They acknowledged his point. The others quickly agreed, recognizing their oversight. They politely requested Su Ming¡¯s permission for a drive. Su Ming consented, with the stiption that they adhere to traffic regtions and prioritize safety, warning of consequences for any vitions. Their agreement was swift and unanimous. They eagerly consented, understanding the conditions. A suggestion was made to utilize Zhang¡¯s racing arena for their activities. Agreement was immediate. The n to drive at the racetrack was set. An invitation was extended to Su Ming, mentioning the avability of a friend¡¯s racetrack for unrestricted driving. Su Ming contemted the offer. Seeing no other engagements, he decided to join them. As a young man with a penchant for racing and the thrill of engines, the decision was appealing. He stressed the importance of adhering to trafficws on public roads, regardless of the vehicle¡¯s capabilities. The racetrack presented a distinct opportunity. The freedom to fully engage the elerator on tracks stretching several hundred meters to a kilometer was highlighted. Such environments were ideal for experiencing the essence of racing. They inquired about Su Ming¡¯s choice of vehicle. They waited eagerly for his decision. After a moment¡¯s thought, Su Ming announced his selection of the Lamborghini Reventon with a smile. His choice was made with evident pleasure. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 246 C246 ¨C Got a Fan During the night on Eastsea¡¯s streets. The view here was breathtaking. An array of sleek sports cars stood side by side. They exuded a sense of supreme confidence. With the engines roaring, they vanished into the distance. A vast racetrack was located on the outskirts. Driving from the city center, the sports cars quickly arrived at the racetrack¡¯s entrance. ¡°Can my eyes be deceiving me? That¡¯s a Hennessy Venom GT!¡± ¡°A Koenigsegg, no less!¡± ¡°And a Lamborghini!¡± The entrance was bustling with people. The sound of the cars made everyone turn their heads in unison. The sight left them in awe. It was as if they were living a dream. Such an assembly of iconic luxury cars was unprecedented! No one knew of any local tycoon in Eastsea who could boast such a fleet. Was it possible that a tycoon from J City or M City had arrived? The crowd was taken aback once more as the car doors swung open. They recognized the individuals stepping out. Exiting the cars were Wang Haiyang, Huang Tao, and Lee Xiaocheng. They were well-acquainted with the onlookers. ¡°Wang, who would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d be behind the wheel of a Hennessy Venom GT?¡± ¡°Huang, how does driving a Koenigsegg feel?¡± ¡°Did you guys strike it rich?¡± ¡°When did you manage to afford these vehicles, given our usual hangouts?¡± A crowd quickly formed around them. This group consisted solely of car enthusiasts. And they were not short on funds. They examined the cars from every angle. Some onlookers began snapping photos. Upon hearing thements, Wang Haiyang and his friends couldn¡¯t help butugh. Their pride was evident, and their joy was palpable. Yet, they were aware that the true owners of the cars were still to arrive. ¡°Let me introduce you all to a friend!¡± Wang Haiyang, with a grin, said: ¡°This is our newly acquainted brother, Mr. Su.¡± With that, they brought Su Ming into the limelight. Su Ming gave a modest smile and a nod in greeting. ¡°Who might this be?¡± ¡°I¡¯m unfamiliar with him.¡± ¡°Wang, who is this friend of yours?¡± The crowd was visibly puzzled. ¡°Whether you recognize him or not is irrelevant. What matters is what I¡¯m about to say.¡± Wang Haiyang smirked, tapping on the car door, ¡°All these cars belong to Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Wang, have you had too much to drink?¡± ¡°How could that be possible?¡± ¡°Owning this many luxury cars simultaneously seems unfathomable.¡± The disbelief was instinctual among the onlookers. Their skepticism wasn¡¯t out of envy towards Su Ming. Rather, the reality was hard to grasp. Each of these vehicles represented the pinnacle of limited edition sports cars! Just owning one was a testament to someone¡¯s exceptional status. How could Su Ming possess such an extensive collection? If they were aware that Su Ming¡¯s collection exceeded 400 vehicles. Many would likely be overwhelmed by the revtion. ¡°Look who¡¯s arrived!¡± At that moment, a young man approached, greeting them with a smile. He appeared to be in his twenties, dressed casually in sportswear, a baseball cap, and sses. ¡°Brother Zhang!¡± ¡°Good to see you, Brother Zhang!¡± ¡°Brother Zhang!¡± As this young man approached, the crowd parted ways for him. They greeted him with respect. This young man, surnamed Zhang, owned the racetrack. ¡°Zhang.¡± Upon noticing Zhang Siyan, Wang Haiyang also weed him warmly. Zhang Siyan hailed from a wealthy family. It was known that his roots were in M City. His family was involved in significant business ventures. As the destined sessor of the Zhang family business, it was expected that Young Master Zhang would eventually assume control. However, Young Master Zhang had other aspirations. His passions were rooted in leisure and, more specifically, in automobiles. This preference led to a significant dispute with his family. Eventually, he had no alternative but to relent and agree to a mutual understanding. He allocated a substantial amount of money to Zhang Siyan for the establishment of a racing circuit. Yet, there was a stiption that after reaching the age of 25, he was to return and oversee the family enterprise. Until that age, he was at liberty to indulge in his interests without interference. Zhang Siyan was aware that his futurey in the stewardship of the family business. The transition was inevitable. In light of the elder¡¯s concession, he reciprocated by moderating his stance. With three years until his 25th birthday, he saw no urgency and chose to enjoy himself in the meantime. Recently, he made a trip home due to his grandfather¡¯s illness. Upon his return, he promptly invited his siblings for leisure activities. The racing circuit he founded was not merely for casual racing. It was a professional-grade track. Apart from Form One, it could amodate all other racing formats. It became a gathering spot for affluent youths and racing aficionados seeking entertainment. ¡°You just messaged me about acquiring a luxury vehicle. Which exquisite model is it? Wow, a Hennessy Venom GT? How did you manage that? It¡¯s a rare find in M City!¡± The typicallyposed Young Master Zhang was left in awe. He eagerly approached and caressed the vehicle, unable to contain his excitement. His inspection was thorough, eyeing the car from various angles. He took a moment to scrutinize it closely. The car adjacent to him seemed eerily familiar. [Astonishing!] A Koenigsegg! Unbelievable! It was on par with the Hennessy Venom GT, both being top-tier limited edition sports cars! ¡°Where did thise from?¡± Zhang Siyan was bewildered. He pinched himself to ensure he wasn¡¯t dreaming. The sensation confirmed his reality. Yet, the sight before him felt surreal. To his knowledge, such cars were beyond the reach of anyone in M City. Simrly, no one in J City seemed capable of acquiring them. How then did they end up in Eastsea? ¡°All these vehicles belong to Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Who is that?¡± Zhang Siyan paused, taken aback. His astonishment was evident. ¡°That¡¯s him.¡± Wang Haiyang gestured towards Su Ming with a smile. Zhang Siyan paused again, processing the revtion. He blinked in disbelief. ¡°Hold on a second!¡± ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°Both of them?¡± Zhang Siyan inquired, ¡°Are all five sports cars here owned by Su Ming?¡± ¡°Incredible!¡± ¡°Who exactly is this man?¡± ¡°He¡¯s nothing short of a deity!¡± ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Zhang Siyan approached Su Ming eagerly, offering a handshake with a smile, ¡°This is our first meeting, and I¡¯m quite thrilled. Mr. Su, I have a bold request. May I have the honor of touching these cars? They¡¯re driving me insane.¡± The bystanders were taken aback. Was this the same Young Master Zhang they were familiar with? Normally, Young Master Zhang carried himself with a certain air of dignity. He maintained hisposure, even in casual conversations with peers. Yet, his demeanor transformed upon meeting Su Ming. His approach became exceedingly amiable, even brotherly, towards Su Ming. He showed great respect to Su Ming. Their realization dawned. It wasn¡¯t that Young Master Zhang had achieved a level of self-assurance that made him unapproachable. It was simply that he had yet to encounter someone who genuinely inspired him. Behold! His admiration for a genuine marvel was evident. If he could, he would have expressed his excitement more visibly, perhaps even exuberantly. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 247 C247 ¨C The Car Was Going too Fast ¡°Brother Zhang, don¡¯t do this.¡± Wang Haiyang said before Su Ming could say anything. ¡°I picked this car. It¡¯s your turn when I¡¯m satisfied.¡± ¡°Yes, this car is mine now.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s mine!¡± Zhang Siyan was so angry that he was about to cry. He was toote! How did they know Mr Su? Why wasn¡¯t he there at that time? If he had been there, it would be his turn to drive that car now! Su Ming smiled and threw the car keys in his hand at Zhang Siyan: ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, drive this Lamborghini Reventon.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Zhang Siyan¡¯s eyes lit up when he heard that. He was ecstatic! He was very grateful to Su Ming, and at the same time, he showed a disdainful expression to Wang Haiyang and the others. ¡°Mr Su, I¡¯ll ask the others to leaveter. Let¡¯s have fun here.¡± Zhang Siyan hurriedly said. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. There are too many people.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Alright!¡± Zhang Siyan hurriedly nodded: ¡°Mr Su, please!¡± After all, Zhang Siyan was the young master of arge family, and he was very good at observing the identities of others. Although Su Ming was dressed ordinarily, Zhang Siyan knew that ordinary people might not be ordinary. How could an ordinary person afford these sports cars? Perhaps Su Ming was the young master of a wealthy family. No matter how stupid Zhang Siyan was, he definitely wouldn¡¯t ask about Su Ming¡¯s family situation. He had to wait for Su Ming to take the initiative to tell him about this! Ordinary people had to go through registration and examination before they could enter through the door. The cars here were not cheap. When they saw these cars, they might be affected by their emotions and suddenly smash them. Something like this had happened before. However, Su Ming and the others naturally didn¡¯t need to enter through the door. Zhang Siyan asked the staff to open the passage next to them. They drove straight in through this passage. ¡°Mr Su, this racetrack is absolutely formal. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Zhang Siyan smiled and said, ¡°I asked a professional to build this racetrack. It meets the standard of GP2.¡± Before Su Ming could say anything, Wang Haiyang suddenlyughed and said, ¡°I won¡¯t talk to you guys anymore. I can¡¯t wait to drive. Goodbye!¡± After saying that, he got into the car. He stepped on the elerator to the end, and the engine roared like thunder. The cool sports car drove at high speed and disappeared at the end of the track. ¡°I want to try too!¡± Huang Tao could not hold it in any longer. In fact, Zhang Siyan could not hold it in any longer. However, as the host, he could not leave his guests here. ¡°Go.¡± Su Ming said with a smile when he saw him. ¡°Alright!¡± Zhang Siyan couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer and drove away. They drove around for a long time before they finally parked the car at the side. ¡°Mr Su! This car was too awesome. I heard that the engine of this car is called the ¡®heart of a beast¡¯. It travels at 440 kilometers per hour, simr to the high-speed rail. This car is too cool!¡± Wang Haiyang said excitedly. His heart raced in excitement. He touched the car door and couldn¡¯t help but sigh. The car door made of carbon fiber really felt better than ordinary car doors! ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. As I said, as long as you like these cars, you can drive them out to y.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Forget it!¡± Wang Haiyang had calmed down a little now and said, ¡°Many people will never be able to see or touch this car in their entire lives. I was already extremely lucky to have driven this car before. If I get into a traffic ident while driving this car, I won¡¯t be able to afford it even if I buy myself. ¡° ¡± Even if you destroy this car, I won¡¯t let you pay for it. ¡° Su Ming smiled faintly. It was just a car, and it was nothing. He had the System, so these luxury cars were just toys to him. Now he understood some things. When you have no money, you long for a car. When you have a little money, you long for a luxury car. When you have enough money to buy a few luxury cars, you wish for a garage. But when you have too many cars, you will feel that a bicycle is actually quite good. But at that time, you will not care about luxury cars, because you will think that cars are just a means of transportation. Although Su Ming said so, Wang Haiyang didn¡¯t think so. He felt that Su Ming only said these words to make him feel at ease. He couldn¡¯t take it seriously. In fact, he had really wronged Su Ming this time, because what Su Ming said was true. Even if Wang Haiyang knew Su Ming¡¯s true thoughts, he wouldn¡¯t continue to drive that car. This car was worth hundreds of millions of yuan. Just the door was worth millions of yuan. The carbon fiber of the entire car and the precise machinery inside were worth 80 million RMB. If he identally scratched the car, he might not even be able to find a repair shop to repair it. Even if he was lucky enough to find a repair shop that could repair the car, he would definitely not be able to afford it. Perhaps the maintenance fee would exceed the price of a Rolls Royce Phantom and a Ferrari. After a while, they all returned. ¡°This is too awesome!¡± ¡°I feel like my body is sitting in the car, but my soul is floating behind the car. This car is too fast!¡± ¡°Old Wang, get out of the car. I want to take a ride in this car!¡± After Zhang Siyan got out of the car, he immediately ran towards Wang Haiyang. Before Wang Haiyang could agree, he snatched the car keys from Wang Haiyang¡¯s hand. ¡°Wait!¡± Wang Haiyang was shocked and quickly stopped him. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 248 C248 ¨C He Was Famous Now Wang Haiyang, Zhang Siyan and the others had a good time. Su Ming did not stay idle either. He took this opportunity to get to know a group of friends. Many people came to the racetrack one after another. Zhang Siyan had just returned today, and there were already many people who came to celebrate. In addition, he sent a message in the group today that the racetrack would be open for free today. As a result, even more people came. Some of them came to test the performance of the car, some came to make friends, and some came for the beauty. After all, the sports car and the beauty were a good match. After driving for half an hour, Zhang Siyan finally felt satisfied. Seeing that most of the people had arrived, he stood on the high tform and turned on the microphone. ¡°Thank you all foring. Today, our racetrack is even more lively because we have a VIP!¡± ¡°Let us wee our VIP, Mr Su!¡± Usually, the job of hosting was done by others. Young Master Zhang would never do this job. But today, Young Master Zhang was so excited that he felt as if he had been injected with stimnts. Mr Su was definitely not an ordinary person! All the spotlights on the arena were focused on Su Ming. Everyone¡¯s eyes were focused on him. If it was someone else, they would be overjoyed. Who didn¡¯t like the feeling of being watched by everyone? But Su Ming hoped that they would quickly move the light away. The light was too dazzling, and it was a little hot. Although he had the Mosquito Immune System and mosquitoes couldn¡¯t bite him, these insects flew back and forth a few meters away from him, making him feel a little ufortable. ¡°Did everyone see that? These Top Grade sports cars are all Mr Su¡¯s!¡± Zhang Siyan seemed to know what Su Ming was thinking. He moved the light away and shone it on Su Ming¡¯s car. ¡°These five cars all belong to Mr Su. You guys have to be careful. Even if you want to sneeze, you have to stay far away. If any of you breaks them, you won¡¯t be able to afford it!¡± ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°Who exactly is Mr Su? He¡¯s actually so powerful?¡± ¡°If someone could have one of these cars, it would already be very powerful. But Mr Su can actually own so many cars at the same time!¡± ¡°No wonder Young Master Zhang was so excited today. If I were him, I would be excited too!¡± ¡°Mr Su is too powerful!¡± ¡°Mr Su is domineering!¡± ¡°Mr Su, I won¡¯t touch this car. Can I just take a photo?¡± The people who came were all shocked and moved closer to Su Ming. In fact, these people were either young masters or rich bosses. They were all rich people. Who would dare to collect cars without any assets? But now, they had all be Su Ming¡¯s little fans. They formed a circle around Su Ming, wanting to take a photo. The scene was very lively! There were also a few people taking photos with Su Ming¡¯s car. However, Su Ming was slightly puzzled because they were taking photos with the car from three to four meters away! Su Ming really wanted to say it was fine. He didn¡¯t mind if everyone took photos. Soon, a god-like name appeared in the Racing Group of Eastsea. It was Su Ming! He was definitely a god in the field of racing! In the future, if the people from the next city dared to show off again, they would go straight to Mr Su, drive his sports cars out, and scare away the people from the next city. Originally, this group of people came to drive a car, but because of Su Ming, the car race became a meeting of celebrities. This group of people was lively until eleven o¡¯clock at night. The track was empty. Those expensive cars became decorations instead. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We should go back!¡± Zhang Siyan was also a smart man. He looked at his watch. It was already 11 o¡¯clock. It was time for them to go back. ¡°I will be at the racetrack every day from now on. This ce is open at any time. We wille here again to y in the future. Let¡¯s all go back today!¡± When the people in the racetrack heard this, they were all a little reluctant. However, they also knew that it was gettingte, and it was time for them to go home. So everyone made the best use of their time to take pictures with Su Ming. ¡°Goodbye, Mr Su!¡± ¡°Goodbye, Mr Su!¡± ¡°Mr Su, remember to call me the next time youe out to y!¡± The group of people bid farewell to Su Ming, and Su Ming smiled back at them. Not long after, everyone in the racetrack left. Only Wang Haiyang and the others were left. ¡°Mr Su is amazing!¡± Zhang Siyan shouted until his voice was hoarse. He walked over with a smile. ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Wang Haiyang asked. ¡°My family¡¯s old man always said that I was just a toy in this business.¡± ¡°The racetrack I built is barely able to maintain the bnce of ie and expenditure.¡± ¡°But today, Mr Su¡¯s arrival caused my ie to skyrocket. Even a few businessmen from the neighboring city want to cooperate with me.¡± ¡°If I seed, I will have confidence when I go home next time.¡± Zhang Siyan sighed in his heart. As a young master of a rich family, he did notck money. However, after working hard for a long time, his business was only in bnce. The purpose of doing business was to make money. Not making money meant losing money. Mr Su¡¯s arrival instantly increased his ie. Was this Mr Su¡¯s personality charm? He really couldn¡¯tpare to Mr Su. ¡°Mr Su, are you in a hurry to go home? If you¡¯re not in a hurry, how about we have a few drinks?¡± Huang Tao smiled. This was their daily activity. They yed during the day and drank during the night. Thetter half of the night and the morning of the second day were their bedtime. ¡°Sure.¡± Su Ming smiled. In any case, he had nothing else to do. The onion still needed some time to mature. He would be able to get the duck and goose tomorrow morning. But there was still some time before the cotton was harvested. President Chen and Wang Guohui should be home by now, but ording to their custom, they would definitely pour food before they left. Therefore, he didn¡¯t need to worry. Right now, his friends around him were all in high spirits. Su Ming didn¡¯t want to be the disappointing person. Moreover, seeing their expressions, Su Ming knew very well in his heart. They wanted him to get drunk. This kind of method that was useful to others was useless to him. He would show others his amazing alcohol toleranceter. ¡°Mr Su, if you can¡¯t drive after drinking, it¡¯s safer to keep this car with me.¡± He said with a smile. ¡°Zhang Siyan, why didn¡¯t I know you were so good at scheming before?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think we don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do. Didn¡¯t you just want to secretly drive Mr Su¡¯s car?¡± ¡°You¡¯d better give up on this idea as soon as possible. We¡¯re alling tomorrow.¡± Wang Haiyang and the others instantly saw through his purpose. Zhang Siyan¡¯s face was filled with helplessness. He thought, ¡°In front of Mr Su, can you give me some dignity?¡± ¡°There is a bar 200 meters ahead. It is opened by my friend.¡± Zhang Siyan smiled and said, ¡°There are a lot of delicious dishes there. Let¡¯s go and have a taste.¡± Seeing Su Ming nod his head, the people around him all nodded their heads and walked over. Not long after, a bar with shing lights appeared in front of them. The scale of the bar was not small. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 249 C249 ¨C You Drink a Lot They clearly seemed to be regr patrons of the bar. Upon their arrival, the bar manager promptly came over to wee them and arranged for white wine in their room. Su Ming noticed that the manager had set aside a selection of Maotai Liquor specifically for them. Even though Su Ming had ess to various expensive red wines, he personally found them to be quite average. He believed the white wine served at the imperial court surpassed this in quality. ¡°Mr. Su, today¡¯s selection by Zhangprises entirely of fine wines.¡± Wang Haiyang, observing the wines, couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Mr. Su, allow me the honor of proposing a toast to you.¡± Zhang Siyan filled a small cup with wine for himself. This cup had a generous capacity. Three such cups amounted to half a liter of wine! Since Zhang Siyan was keen on drinking, Su Ming was ready to join him. Su Ming intended to show Zhang Siyan a challenging time. Loong Tianyu, sitting aside, continued to smile throughout. He was aware that these individuals were in for a surprise today. During their meal the previous day, he observed that Su Ming consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. Despite drinking heavily, Su Ming showed no signs of intoxication. Su Ming effortlessly finished his wine ss in one swallow. ¡°Mr. Su, though we¡¯ve been acquainted for some time, our initial interaction wasn¡¯t the warmest. Please ept this cup as my apology.¡± Wang Haiyang, with a smile, filled his cup and emptied it in one go. Huang Tao also offered a toast to Su Ming. Su Ming found their attempts amusing. Did they think they could intoxicate him? Considering his capacity, Su Ming was unconcerned about getting drunk. ¡°Tianyu, aren¡¯t you drinking?¡± Wang Haiyang noticed Loong Tianyu¡¯s amusement. ¡°I¡¯ve stopped drinking. My stomach¡¯s been a bit offtely.¡± Loong Tianyu declined, shaking his head. He didn¡¯t intend to indulge as much as the others. Everyone except Loong Tianyu raised their sses to Su Ming. By now, Su Ming had consumed over half a liter of white wine. Yet, they were astonished to find that Su Ming appeared sober, as if he had merely drunk water. ¡°Mr. Su, your capacity for alcohol is impressive!¡± Wang Haiyang expressed his admiration. Lee Xiaocheng humorously remarked, ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re quite the drinker. Let¡¯s all drink in yourpany.¡± Su Ming, with a smile, inquired, ¡°Are you trying to get me drunk?¡± Su Ming showed no annoyance. He was aware of their intentions to drink at the bar. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re right.¡± Wang Haiyang admitted with a smile. ¡°Mr. Su, please don¡¯t take offense. We¡¯re all here to enjoy some drinks. Speaking of which, it reminds me of when Old Lee got drunk on two sses, hugged an advertisement pole on his way home, and imed it could cure his illness!¡± Huang Tao¡¯sughter added to the amusement. The group burst intoughter, with even Su Ming unable to contain his amusement. Lee Xiaocheng yfully punched Huang Tao, joking about the quick betrayal among friends. Theughter continued amongst them. Afterward, Su Ming picked up his wine cup. Now that each had toasted him, it was his turn to encourage them to drink. Su Ming filled a ss and directed it towards Zhang Siyan. ¡°Young Master Zhang, I¡¯m thankful for your friendship today.¡± With a smile, Su Ming wished, ¡°May your endeavors flourish!¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± Zhang Siyan promptly responded, standing up. The two clinked their sses together and downed their drinks in one go. ¡°Haiyang, I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re nning to study abroad. I wish you sess in your academic pursuits and hope you return soon!¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr Su!¡± Wang Haiyang quickly got to his feet as well. They were obliged to consume the wine provided by Su Ming. ¡°Huang, my blessing to you is simple: may you grow an additional 10 centimeters in height!¡± Huang Tao felt deeply moved by this gesture. It was clear Mr. Su understood him perfectly. Huang Tao, standing at 1.68 meters, found his height to be a source of distress. Together, they toasted and downed their wine in a single swallow. Their reasons for drinking were manifold. Additionally, this group was quite affluent. Their enjoyment of the wine was evident. Yet, Loong Tianyu abstained from drinking any wine at the gathering. Instead, he opted for a serving of turkey noodles. His bowl brimmed with noodles. Following that, he also ordered a fruit te and several snacks. Clearly, his purpose at the bar was to dine. The strictness of Loong Tianyu¡¯s family was the cause of his unique behavior. His family was engaged in the food and beverage sector. His grandfather, in particr, ced a high emphasis on dietary matters. After the family patriarch¡¯s taste buds began to deteriorate, he imposed dietary restrictions on the family. While others might envy Loong Tianyu for the delicacies his family enjoyed, He, on the other hand, longed for the simplicity of fast food. This resulted in mutual envy among them. Hence, Loong Tianyu found joy in his side meal. Among those drinking with Su Ming, Wang Haiyang was the only one still somewhat alert, despite his bleary eyes and unsteady stance. Meanwhile, Lee Xiaocheng¡¯s face had turned red, and he was babbling incoherently. He was on the verge of drunkenness. Huang Tao was slightly more coherent than Lee Xiaocheng, Still able to engage in conversation. Zhang Siyan showed a greater tolerance for alcohol than his peers. His proficiency in drinking was attributed to his upbringing in a prominent family. Yet, he too felt a bit lightheaded, Having consumed over a liter of wine. As they drank, they inwardly marveled at Mr. Su¡¯s capacity for alcohol. His consumption of two bottles had left him unaffected. The group was disinclined to continue drinking. Any more alcohol would render them utterly insensible. However, witnessing Su Ming¡¯s enjoyment, they were persuaded to keep up. They managed to finish another bottle. This brought them a momentary sense of relief, Believing the ordeal was finally behind them. But then, Su Ming set his cup down and simultaneously signaled for more. ¡°Boss, bring us two more bottles!¡± This request utterly deted the group. Their initial n had been to outdrink Mr. Su. Yet it was clear that Mr. Su¡¯s tolerance far exceeded their expectations. Mr. Su would drink four sses to their one, Yet he remained sober while their senses dulled. By this point, Lee Xiaocheng had slumped beneath the table, utterly intoxicated. They resolved to continue drinking alongside Mr. Su. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 250 C250 ¨C They Were All Drunk Indeed, they appeared sober despite having consumed alcohol. They were capable of consuming up to half a liter more of wine. They were genuinely pleased to encounter Su Ming. They understood that many individuals do not feel the effects of alcohol immediately but be intoxicated after continuous drinking. They suspected Su Ming was one of those who gradually be intoxicated. They eximed in unison, ¡°Cheers!¡± Su Ming refilled his ss and lifted it in a toast. They experienced a sense of regret internally. Their decision to drink directly upon meeting Su Ming, especially without eating first, was ill-advised. Their eagerness led them to drink on an empty stomach, which they hadn¡¯t considered until it was toote. Consuming alcohol without any food in the stomach is detrimental to health and increases intoxication levels. They wished they had opted for a casual meal, such as a barbecue at a street stall, before drinking. However, their realization came toote to change their course of action. With Su Ming already engaging in the toast, they feltpelled to join. After finishing his drink, Huang Tao became unconscious. He toppled from his chair, sumbing to sleep. Wang Haiyang also lost consciousness after his fourth ss. He found rest on the couch. Subsequently, Zhang Siyan too fell unconscious. Normally, Zhang Siyan could handle his liquor quite well. His limit was reached after consuming three kilograms of baijiu, showcasing his considerable drinking capacity. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± As Su Ming was about to pour another drink, Zhang Siyan, somewhat disoriented, grabbed his hand. With a tearful voice, he admitted defeat, promising to no longer boast about his drinking prowess. Su Ming, with a smile, assured him that he waspletely sober. At this point, Zhang Siyan was overtaken by tears. Each had consumed nearly three kilograms of baijiu, while Su Ming alone had consumed ten kilograms. Even if it had been water, one would expect a bathroom break by now, yet Su Ming sat there unaffected. Su Ming made this deration without any hint of alteration in his demeanor. Zhang Siyan found himself at a loss, unable to consume any more alcohol. ¡°Mr. Su, we admit our mistake and will no longer make unwarranted ims.¡± Upon concluding his plea, he copsed to the floor. Together, the group had a significant capacity for alcohol. They had schemed to alternate turns drinking with Su Ming to intoxicate him. This tactic was not new to them. Yet, they were unsessful on this asion. Su Ming demonstrated exceptional tolerance to alcohol. Loong Tianyu was taken aback by the unfolding events. He observed everything soberly. Were it not for the fact that a friend of Zhang Siyan owned the bar, he might have suspected the wine was diluted. The amount of baijiu they consumed was astonishing, especially considering some struggle with beer. Su Ming observed their state and chuckled. He internally mocked their overconfidence. While some enjoy the sensation of drunkenness, Su Ming does not. Having never been drunk, Su Ming was unaware of his limits. ¡°Mr. Su, your ability to drink such an amount and remain sober is astounding. Is it a skill you¡¯ve honed or a natural talent? Could you teach me?¡± Loong Tianyu was visibly astounded by this feat. Su Ming, with a smile, reassured him that it was a natural ability and advised against emting him, citing the health risks associated with drinking. The reluctance to share his hangover remedy wasn¡¯t due to stinginess. The concern was its potent effect and the potentialplications it could cause if widely known. Su Ming¡¯s current focus was on leading a simple life, free fromplications. Additionally, Su Ming did not consider himself obligated to act phnthropically. There was no necessity for him to go out of his way to offer things to others. He considered reflecting on this matter in the future. ¡°Mr. Su, after consuming so much alcohol, are you truly feeling fine?¡± This question was raised by Loong Tianyu with curiosity. ¡°Not at all,¡± responded Su Ming with a smile, negating any effect. The revtion left Loong Tianyu utterly astonished. The realization finally dawned on him. Asking for the bill, Su Ming turned to the manager with a smile. The manager responded with a smile and quickly left to prepare the bill. ¡°Mr. Su, it wouldn¡¯t be right for you to foot the bill. Today, it¡¯s our treat¡­¡± Loong Tianyu quickly offered his credit card in protest. ¡°It¡¯s fine. The expense isn¡¯t a concern for me.¡± Su Ming, still smiling, mentioned he was aware of the strict financial control Loong Tianyu¡¯s family had over him and suggested he save his money. Loong Tianyu blushed, chuckling awkwardly. Given Su Ming¡¯s insistence, Loong Tianyu refrained from arguing and turned to his friends. His friends¡¯ behavior was somewhat embarrassing to him. They had pledged to host Mr. Su but failed to do so. Eventually, all three became inebriated. Loong Tianyu anticipated their reaction upon sobering up would be less than pleasant. The thought crossed Loong Tianyu¡¯s mind with ease. Settling the bill was simple, given its rtively minor amount. The cost was negligible to them. However, attempting to pay was futile. Their intoxication level rendered them incapacitated. Orienting themselves was an impossibility. The manager made his return after some time. He approached with a bill in hand. Upon inspection, Su Ming found the total to be reasonably priced. The tab,prising several bottles of premium liquor and snacks, was notably affordable. A discount was applied, courtesy of their friendship with the establishment¡¯s owner. Su Ming proceeded to settle the bill with his credit card. Loong Tianyu made a call on his phone. A bus soon arrived from a distance. Upon its arrival, numerous individuals disembarked. Su Ming observed and pieced together the situation. The bus was arranged by Loong Tianyu for transportation purposes. It served to collect the family members who would then escort the intoxicated individuals home. Shortly thereafter, thepanions were collected by their families or assistants. Theirposed demeanor and adept handling were noticeable. This scenario was evidently not their first urrence. Members of Lee Xiaocheng¡¯s family were particrly proficient, disying a mix of skill and disdain. The reason being, he was invariably among those inebriated. Instances urred where, despite others being sober, he alone was drunk. This recurrent scenario was a source of embarrassment for them. ¡°Mr. Su, my car is conveniently parked outside the racetrack, and I haven¡¯t drunk anything. I can drive you home.¡± Loong Tianyu noted thete hour, reassuring that the car would be returned the following day. Su Ming expressed indifference, suggesting they could drive until they wished to return his cars. Without further discussion, Loong Tianyu agreed. He instructed Su Ming to wait at the bar, then retrieved the car from the parking lot to drive Su Ming to the city center. Upon dropping him off, Loong Tianyu headed home. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 251 C251 ¨C Ch¡¯i-ch¡¯iao-bang Candy Duck When he returned home, Su Ming was still not sleepy. After he entered the courtyard, he first looked at thend. He found that the onions were growing quite well. They would be harvested soon. The cotton was also growing well. Just as Su Ming was observing the cotton, he was suddenly stunned. He realized that there was something wrong with the cotton. Su Ming quickly approached a cotton. He took a closer look and found that the veins of the cotton leaves were especially pale gold! Su Ming suddenly thought of that special nt. There was an especially obvious golden line in the middle of the leaves of that special nt. However, the cotton leaves were a faint golden color. Although the golden color was very faint, it meant that the cotton was definitely different from the previous crops! No wonder the cotton needed a week to mature this time! It turned out to be this reason. Was this a coincidence? Su Ming did not know. He might have to nt it again to know the reason. This made Su Ming even more interested in the harvest of cotton. What could it be? He was really looking forward to it. Suppressing the curiosity in his heart, Su Ming walked to the breeding zone. The duck and goose were about to grow up. Su Ming looked at the time. He could get them tomorrow morning. Would he get more delicious ingredients this time? Su Ming didn¡¯t think too much about it. After all, his System didn¡¯t usually y by the book. He looked around and found that there were no problems. Su Ming looked at the special nt again. Other than bing slightly bigger, there were no other changes. Its golden color became slightly richer. However, it did not bloom or bear any fruits. He did not know if it would blossom and bear fruitster. Looking at this piece of whitend, Su Ming¡¯s heart was filled with even more anticipation. What would it be like when the shop was unlocked? Although he didn¡¯t know when the shop would be unlocked, he guessed that it would most likely be opened when he was level 10. Of course, it was useless for him to think about it now, so he could only wait. He could only work hard to farm and level up. Su Ming yawned and entered the vi and went to the bathroom. Then he returned to his bed and started to sleep. When he opened his eyes, it was already noon. He didn¡¯t eat anythingst night, and he drank a lot in the middle of the night. He was really a little hungry now. However, Su Ming was still thinking about his breeding zone. The animals there had all matured. Su Ming went straight to the breeding zone in his slippers. He was stunned when he entered. Were these all alien creatures? The System must have done it on purpose. Although the normal ducks were still ducks, their appearances were very abstract. Their heads turned into triangles, and their necks became parallelograms. Their stomachs became trapezoids. Their colors also changed. Their heads became red triangles. Their necks became yellow parallelograms. Their stomachs were green trapezoids. These ducks were all pieced together from the M-Tangram! The original ducks were all chubby. But now, they had all be t, two-dimensional figures. ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained the Tangram Sweets Duck. When they mature, they will turn into candy!¡± ¡°The Tangram Sweets Duck is sweet and delicious. It is the best candy. It can prevent cavities and diabetes!¡± ¡°This candy can only prevent diseases. It can¡¯t cure diseases!¡± After reading the introduction, Su Ming was stunned. Was this a candy? When these ducks matured, they would immediately split into sugar. They were normal sugar, edible and very sweet. However, they could prevent cavities and diabetes. Both of these diseases were rted to eating too much sugar. As a result, eating this candy could help prevent these two diseases. Although these two diseases could not bepletely cured, the effect was already very powerful. As long as a person ate two pieces, he could stay away from decayed teeth and diabetes. The effect was really good. Su Ming naturally did not have any extravagant hopes. What kind of special good things could be grown in this very simple and crude primary breeding zone? It was very likely that some medicine that could treat diseases would grow in the ground. But that was all in the future. He still needed to slowly level up and slowly explore. He didn¡¯t need to worry now. Seeing the duck in such a state, Su Ming was very excited and hurried to the goose house next to it. When Su Ming arrived. He was stunned on the spot! System, are you kidding me? Is this a joke? It was called a goose for the time being. However, its head was round. Its neck also became balls that connected one after another. Its body was also made up of balls. In other words, a big goose became abination of some small balls. What was the System doing? ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained Jade Rice Ball Goose!¡± ¡°After you harvest it, the Jade Rice Ball Goose will turn into Rice Ball. Because you like sesame filling, the taste of the Jade Rice Ball Goose is sweet and mellow. If you eat one, it will help you prevent myopia. If you eat two, you will be far away from the a, and if you eat three, you will be far away from the a!¡± ¡°But it can only prevent, not treat!¡± Su Ming really wanted to ridicule him. This goose was actually made from Rice Ball? He had really underestimated the System¡¯s imagination. The round Rice Ball could prevent eye disease. The System¡¯s operation was too strange! Su Ming did not say anything. He went straight to the ground and picked up a duck. The moment he picked it up, the duck turned into a lump of sugar and quietlyy in Su Ming¡¯s hands. It was very neat and did not fall to the ground. So that was how it was! Without saying a word, Su Ming took a stic bag and put them away. He put all the ducks in it. Then he picked up a small piece from inside and put it in his mouth. The taste was really good! It was very sweet and not greasy at all. This red piece was strawberry-vored. Su Ming hurriedly went to the field next to him. He put the big goose in it again. Then he hurried back to the vi. Because he was very hungry now! He didn¡¯t eat anything in the middle of the night. Su Ming opened the pot and put a few Rice Balls in to cook. Not long after, the Rice Balls were cooked. After Su Ming kept blowing, he bit open a Rice Ball. A strong sesame fragrance wafted over! This taste was too delicious! OR download the app directly?? Chapter 252 C252 ¨C The Small Bomb The Rice Balls now did taste good when people took their first bite. However, if people ate more, they would feel very sick. However, the Jade Rice Balls were different. Its surface was crystal clear, like jade. However, the inside of the Rice Ball was filled with thick ck sesame sauce. Its taste was extremely mellow. It would make people want to eat it more and more. The skin of an ordinary Rice Ball was glutinous rice. However, the skin of this Rice Ball was obviously not glutinous rice. Because it tasted refreshing and fragrant. It had the taste of glutinous rice and a faint fragrance. Itplemented the ck sesame. Su Ming smiled. He was already a little hungry. In addition, the taste of the ck sesame was quite good. Therefore, he had a great appetite. He began to eat inrge mouthfuls. He ate the Rice Ball, blew on the air conditioner, and yed with his phone. This feeling was toofortable. After Su Ming was full, he found a clean big jar. Then he put all the sugar in it. They were all the size of the M-Tangram, but they were all different in shape. Su Ming put the Rice Balls into his pocket. Then he put them in the freezer. ording to the usual practice of the System, food would be kept fresh for a few hours. Within these few hours, the food would not go bad. However, if they were not protected after these few hours, then these things would slowly go bad. However, the System was still unusual. For example, as long as the Rice Ball was preserved in cold conditions, it would never go bad. Even at normal temperature, it could be preserved for a long time. Su Ming was in a good mood right now. He began to y with his phone. Yesterday, he added several new groups, and Loong Tianyu and the others were in some of them. He found that only Loong Tianyu had sent a few messages in the group. ¡°Are you all awake?¡± ¡°Are you still alive?¡± ¡°Do I need to buy a wreath to visit you?¡± ¡°Mr Su, these people are really drunk!¡± Su Mingughed. Then he replied. ¡°If they don¡¯t reply to my message within an hour, I¡¯ll treat them to a drink tonight!¡± ¡°Mr Su, I was wrong. I won¡¯t drink anymore!¡± ¡°Mr Su, spare me!¡± It turned out that they had already woken up. It was just that they didn¡¯t want to reply. Because their heads were hurting too much right now. But after they saw Su Ming¡¯s message, their heads no longer hurt, and their waists were no longer sore. They didn¡¯t want to drink anymore tonight. ¡°You guys were actually scared to such an extent? Then you guys should have a good rest!¡± After sending the message, Su Ming put his phone behind him. He washed some fruit and sat on the sofa. He crossed his legs and watched the movie with the air conditioner on. His life was too happy. As a result, Su Ming became drowsy. After a while, he actuallyy down on the sofa and fell asleep. Normally speaking, he didn¡¯tck sleep when he just woke up. But Su Ming had just eaten his fill, and the environment he was in was sofortable. Moreover, the sound of the television was like hypnosis, so he really fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already dark. Su Ming didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. The day had passed just like that! A normal work and rest schedule was still a little difficult for him. Su Ming went to the field and looked around carefully. The cotton would ripen in two days! Two days was equivalent to 48 hours! He didn¡¯t need to worry at all. Was the onion ripe now? Su Ming suddenly thought of something, so he quickly walked to the small half acre ofnd. The onion had grown up. And they were all growing on the ground. Were these onions? Su Ming blinked. The onion was spherical, and most of it was under the ground. asionally, a tip or an upper part would be exposed. Why were all his onions exposed to the ground? Only the roots of the onion were stuck in the ground. Was it because the species of the onion he bought was special? Or was it because of some other reason? Su Ming didn¡¯t really understand. But it didn¡¯t matter, he didn¡¯t care! Su Ming hurriedly walked over and pulled up the onion by the roots. He held the onion in his hand and looked at it. It was no different from an ordinary onion. Could it be an ordinary onion? Or did it have some special eating effect? Maybe, he would try itter. Then, Su Ming took an onion to the kitchen. He removed the outeryer of the onion and washed it clean. Then, he cut the onion open. There were a few crisp sounds and Su Ming¡¯s cursing voices. A huge dent appeared on the kitchen knife in Su Ming¡¯s hand. ¡°Is this onion made of iron? It shouldn¡¯t be. If it¡¯s really made of iron, then it should be very heavy!¡± Su Ming blinked his eyes, then threw the kitchen knife away and started to skin it. Su Ming smiled and peeled the onion. He took a closer look and saw that there was really a metal lump inside. It was not big, about the size of a walnut. It was round and ck. He didn¡¯t feel heavy when he held it in his hand. Only its outer skin was made of iron, and it was very thin. The inside was hollow. What was this thing? ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained the Bad Luck Bomb!¡± ¡°Host, you can choose your own target. After confirming, you can manually pinch the bomb near the target. The target will enter a state of bad luck. Bad luck for three hours!¡± ¡°This will cause all kinds of bad luck for the target, but it can¡¯t change the big thing. It won¡¯t be fatal!¡± Su Ming was stunned. There was such a thing? To put it bluntly, this was a prank bomb! If he didn¡¯t like anyone, he could just crush the Bad Luck Bomb near that person. Then, that person would be unlucky for three hours. For example, he might fall down on a banana peel. Or his pants would be ripped open. Or it might be because he ate instant noodles without a seasoning bag. However, the System also exined. This would only lead to all kinds of unlucky little things. For example, one person negotiating with another person. There might be all kinds of embarrassing situations in between. However, what should be sessful would still be sessful, and the final result would not change. Most importantly, the degree of bad luck would not cause people to die. However, Su Ming did not care about this. The Bad Luck Bomb was quite interesting. It was indeed a good thing to tease someone and punish someone. Su Mingughed. He didn¡¯t expect the System to have such a thing. It was too magical! OR download the app directly?? Chapter 253 C253 ¨C Invitation to the Fair Su Ming was already used to the System¡¯s unexpected behavior. Bad Luck Bomb. Such a strange thing could even grow out of the System. But to be honest, it was still quite fun. Perhaps it would be useful to him in the future. Although he had only nted half an acre ofnd. There were a lot of onions. Although it had the best nting distance. The number of onions nted would definitely not be as dense as in ordinary fields. Under normal circumstances, an acre ofnd could grow more than 20,000 onions. Half an acre ofnd could grow more than 10,000 onions. But for Su Ming. The distance between the nts had doubled, so he had nted a total of 5,000 onions. Su Ming hummed as he worked. Soon, he harvested all the onions. ¡°Ding! Sessfully harvested crops. Received 5000 experience! Additional Experience Points: 250!¡± ¡°Ding! The crops have been recycled by the System. Congrattions, you have obtained 200 experience points! Additional Experience Points: 10!¡± The moment the System notification sounded, Su Ming suddenly realized that all the skin on the onions had disappeared, and they had all be small bombs. This was very good, and saved him the trouble of skinning the onions one by one. After packing everything up, Su Ming was thinking about what to nt. After all, half an acre ofnd was empty, and so was the breeding zone. He couldn¡¯t let them idle. Letting them idle would be a waste. Just as Su Ming was thinking about it, he heard a knock on the door. Su Ming was stunned for a moment. Who was knocking on the door? Was it President Chen and Wang Guohui? Or Loong Tianyu? It shouldn¡¯t be. These three people came often. They never knocked on the door before they came in. They would only wait patiently. Su Ming was a little puzzled. He walked to the door and opened it. He saw an old man standing at the door. He was very old, but he looked very energetic. He was dressed in a Zhongshan suit and held a walking stick in his hand. His back was very straight, and he had a smile on his face. ¡°Mr. Su, we meet again.¡± When the old man saw Su Ming, he smiled. ¡°Old Master Tang?¡± Su Ming was stunned for a moment, then he smiled. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you want me toe?¡± Old Master Tang smiled. ¡°Of course not.¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, ¡°If you like my ce, you cane here anytime.¡± When Old Master Tang heard his words, heughed and said, ¡°If I reallye at any time, then I¡¯m being insensible.¡± Old Master Tang¡¯s gaze swept across Su Ming¡¯s body. He was wearing slippers, and his hands and feet were covered in mud. He was wearing an ordinary shirt. Then he looked around at thend around him. The long wheat stalks swayed in the wind. He had heard that Su Ming had bought a piece ofnd in the city center to farm. To be honest, Old Master Tang thought this was a gimmick. Young people always liked to show off. But now that he saw it, it was actually true. ¡°Yes.¡± Old Master Tang stopped looking around. Heughed: ¡°The Bamboo Slip that you helped us findst time was very helpful to us. In order to prevent the Bamboo Slip from being damaged on the way, it remained in Eastsea. The task of protecting and repairing it had beenpleted. Tomorrow, it would be officially disyed. On behalf of the government, I invite you to participate in the exhibition.¡± ¡± Alright. ¡° Su Ming understood and nodded. This was the reason why he came. ¡± No problem. ¡° Su Ming agreed. ¡°There¡¯s more.¡± Old Master Tang moved his hand behind his back. A staff member hurried forward. He ced a square box in the old man¡¯s hand. The old man took the box. Then he opened it. ¡°This is an imitation Bamboo Slip. There are a total of 108 words on it. There was a small booklet below it, and its content was a detailed analysis of these 108 words. There is also an Glory Badge here. Thank you for your help.¡± ¡± And you¡¯re now the honorary vice president of our Antique Association. Don¡¯t worry, this title won¡¯t restrict you. No one will disturb you. But you also know that sometimes, when you have another title, it¡¯s much more convenient for you to do things. ¡° As Old Master Tang spoke, he ced the item in Su Ming¡¯s hand. ¡°Old man, you are too polite. We are all from the imperial court, and we work for the imperial court. This is only natural.¡± Su Ming smiled and epted the item. As for what Old Master Tang saidter, Su Ming naturally understood. When working in the imperial court, with the support of the government, it was naturally like a fish in water, and it was much more convenient. To be able to obtain the recognition of the officials, this would be a hundred benefits without any harm. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Old Master, I won¡¯t disturb you anymore. There is an invitation card in the box. I will be waiting for you when the timees.¡± ¡°Master, take care!¡± Su Ming stood at the door and smiled. The old man reached out his hand. He didn¡¯t mind the dirt on Su Ming¡¯s hand. He shook hands with Su Ming warmly. Then he took his leave. Watching the old man get into the car, Su Ming did not hesitate and went back to pack his things. The ck car slowly drove forward and onto the road. Old Master Tang sat in the back. He stretched out his right hand. There was some dirt on his hand. ¡°This person is really interesting.¡± The old man smiled, took a piece of paper from the side, and gently wiped his hands clean. ¡°Grandpa Tang, is he the Su Ming you were talking about?¡± A particrly pleasant voice came from beside him. There was a girl sitting beside the old man. She looked to be around twenty years old. She was born beautiful. A faint smile hung on her face. She was beautiful and elegant, and her skin was white and smooth. She wore a white dress. She was noble and elegant, but also natural and unrestrained. ¡°Yes.¡± Old Master Tang smiled slightly: ¡°How is he? Is he different from what you think?¡± The girl pondered for a moment. The corner of her mouth rose into a beautiful arc. She slowly said, ¡°There is indeed a difference.¡± Old Master Tangughed: ¡°You live at home all year round and rarely have any contact with the outside world. That person is so strict with you that the only men you can see are rich young masters and famous nobles. They all wear masks and put on airs. People¡¯s hearts are hard to predict. You rarely see such a sincere person.¡± The old man turned his head, ¡°But although this person seems to be full of money in the mortal world, he is actually much better than those so-called rich young masters.¡± ¡°Really?¡± The girl was slightly surprised and a little curious. ¡°Grandpa Tang, you rarely praise people like this.¡± Old Master Tang said with a smile, ¡°I won¡¯t talk about Su Ming anymore. So that when we get home, that person won¡¯t say that I didn¡¯t teach his precious granddaughter well!¡± The girl also covered her mouth and chuckled. Su Ming, on the other hand, did not know about all of this. He packed his things. He went to the warehouse and searched for some ca lily seeds. Without saying a word, he ran straight to the field. He continued to work on thend. In less than two hours, he finished nting all the ca lily. ¡°Ding! The ca lily has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 36 hours!¡± Watering, fertilizing, and weeding were his daily operations. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 254 C254 ¨C The Noodle Shop After he finished packing the onions and sending Old Master Tang away, he finished nting the ca lily and went to sleep. It was only 12 o¡¯clock at night, and he rarely slept so early like today. The next morning, when he woke up, it was only around seven o¡¯clock. He washed up briefly and cooked some Rice Balls for breakfast. Su Ming walked to the living room and opened the box. There was an invitation inside. He looked at the time of the exhibition. It was from five to eight in the afternoon. Su Ming thought the exhibition would be held at nine in the morning. However, he thought about it and understood the reason. After all, it was a national treasure. The reason why this thing was disyed was to satisfy people¡¯s curiosity. After all, the news had already spread some time ago. The reason why it was disyed was to let the public appreciate it and let the media take pictures. Then, it would be put away and transported to Jing City for experts to study. Su Ming opened the booklet next to him and carefully looked at the 108 words. Thenguage system of ancient and modern civilizations waspletely different. A sentence from the ancient civilization could express a lot of information. This meant that these 108 words recorded a lot of things. However, when Su Ming looked at it carefully, he couldn¡¯t understand it. There were some trantions next to them. However, these trantions could only express the most basic meaning. People needed a long time to study before they could understand the meaning of these words. Su Ming put them away. He went straight out. Although he had to attend the exhibition in the afternoon, he couldn¡¯t dy farming. Farming was the most important thing. There weren¡¯t many seeds left in the warehouse. And the fertilizer was about to run out. He heard that Boss Faang had bought a lot of new goods. His shop had a lot of vegetables and some rare foreign fruits. Su Ming decided to take a look. Since Boss Faang said there were a lot of new goods, he couldn¡¯t drive a sports car. Although Boss Faang had a truck, he decided to drive his own truck. This way, he would be able to load more goods onto the truck. He entered the house, found the car keys, and drove away. After passing through the city center, the number of cars on the road had decreased significantly. Su Ming drove while listening to the song. The journey was not short. At this time, in the noodle house by the side of the road. ¡°Let¡¯s find another way to earn money!¡± Seven or eight people were sitting in the noodle shop. They were eating noodles and frowning. One of them couldn¡¯t help raising his head. ¡°Shut up!¡± The middle-aged man sitting in the middle shouted. ¡°You¡¯ve followed me into the city for so long, and I¡¯ve let you have a happy time. Why are you going back on your word now?¡± ¡°How can we live a happy life? We sleep under the bridge every day.¡± One of them whispered. ¡°What did you say?¡± The man hurriedly shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, the difficulty is temporary. We need to ovee the difficulty before we can seed.¡± The middle-aged man straightened his back and put the chopsticks on the table. ¡°Look at this world.¡± ¡°The road is full of cars, and the ground is full of money.¡± ¡°If you all go home and farm, how can you live a good life?¡± ¡°As long as you are willing to work hard with me, I promise you that you will live a happy life in the future.¡± ¡± There is no free lunch in this world! How can you seed without hard work? ¡° ¡°You have only been in the city for a few years. Look at those big bosses. They have worked for ten or twenty years to get where they are now. We don¡¯t need to get that position. We just need to be lower than them. We don¡¯t need ten or twenty years. We just need five or six years. As long as you work for me, you will have everything. I promise.¡± The man put his hands on his waist and shouted while sitting on the chair. The people who were eating all nodded when they heard him. That made sense. He was a man with dreams and a life. We eat, drink, and have fun all the time.] We should learn from this man.] [We need to leave the safe zone.] We must work hard. We must ovee all the difficulties in front of us! We must fight for tomorrow¡¯s ideals! This man¡¯s encouragement made everyone in the room feel proud. Even the owner of the restaurant nodded to himself after hearing that. What he said made a lot of sense! This was the philosophy of life! He could always read these empty words in books. Today, he finally saw it in real life. This was a capable person. Although he was very poor now. But now¡­ The boss thought for a while and then walked to those people with big strides. ¡°I don¡¯t need to pay for today¡¯s meal!¡± Those people were stunned when they heard that. Why? The boss reached out his hand and held the middle-aged man¡¯s hand. He shook his head crazily with tears in his eyes. ¡°You are the beacon of my life!¡± ¡°The business of my noodle house is getting more and more difficult. I wanted to close the door, but what you said made me understand that I have worked so hard to earn fame and wealth, to be respected and loved by others. If I want my noodle house to be a national chain, I have to grit my teeth and push forward. ¡° ¡± It is nothing. I don¡¯t need to pay for this meal. Thank you for enlightening me! ¡° The boss was extremely excited. The middle-aged man also stood up. They shook hands with each other. ¡°Did you see that? Even these strangers are moved by me. Even if you guys are not capable, I will let you live a luxurious life and return home!¡± The middle-aged man mmed the table. These people put down their chopsticks. ¡°A luxurious life!¡± ¡°Return home!¡± Everyone in the room put down their chopsticks and shouted their slogan. ¡°Let¡¯s go to work!¡± They did not eat. They threw away their chopsticks and walked out of the noodle house with their heads held high. Everyone in the room stood up and apuded. ¡°I wish you sess!¡± ¡°We cheer for you!¡± ¡°Everything is going well!¡± Everything is going well! The people in the room cheered. The middle-aged man walked out with his friends. He held his head high and held his hands behind his back. Suddenly, his eyes lit up and he pointed to the front. ¡°Look! The chance to get rich is here! Go!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± One of his subordinates nodded and rushed out. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 255 C255 ¨C Encountering ckmailers The guests in the restaurant were taken aback. Suddenly, a young man dashed under a truck with the speed of lightning! All the patrons in the restaurant were shocked and looked on with disapproval. The proprietor was caught off guard, not realizing they were a group of extortionists, and became infuriated. The truck driver was taken aback and promptly applied the brakes. The truck came to a stable halt. A young man emerged from the truck. Was he not aware of the presence of a dashcam in the truck? Yet, his truck was not equipped with a dashcam! All nearby security cameras had been tampered with. The unfortunate truck driver was none other than Young Master Su. He stood by his vehicle, looking powerless. A young man was exaggeratedly rolling around in front of the vehicle. ¡°Can¡¯t you watch where you¡¯re driving?¡± ¡°I think my bones are broken.¡± He demanded, ¡°Take me to the hospital immediately!¡± ¡°If you refuse to take me to the hospital, then pay me 50,000 yuan!¡± The man clutched his legs and wept. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°He hit me by ident while driving,¡± he imed. The man sobbed loudly. Another individual used, ¡°The truck driver just ran into him.¡± ¡°This wasn¡¯t my fault. He threw himself under my vehicle on his own.¡± Su Ming blinked in disbelief. ¡°How could you act this way?¡± ¡°You just ran someone over. How can you deny it?¡± ¡°Listen, you can¡¯t just bully people. We all saw what happened.¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± He insisted, ¡°You need to pay today, or else go to the hospital!¡± ¡°And you owe him an apology!¡± The crowd pressed closer. ¡°Are you going to pay, or not?¡± ¡°You mustpensate him.¡± ¡°You¡¯re beingpletely unreasonable!¡± Why target the truck driver for a scam? The insurance premium for the truck was substantial. If the insurancepany recorded this incident, the premiums for the truck driver would skyrocket. Furthermore, the truck driver was pressed for time to deliver goods and would likely pay them off quickly to avoid dy. Time equated to money. However, their assumption was incorrect this time. Su Ming smirked. He pulled out his phone and made a call. ¡°What is he up to?¡± ¡°He¡¯s calling for backup. Grab his phone quick!¡± They presumed Su Ming would panic and pay them off swiftly. Yet, from the onset, Su Ming remainedposed and began making phone calls. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Taking a step back, Su Ming announced, ¡°There¡¯s been a traffic incident. It¡¯s appropriate to call the police.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother the police. Just settle this with money.¡± ¡°Exactly, why escte this?¡± They continued to argue. Su Ming was momentarily dumbfounded by their audacity. What are you implying? What is your intention? Was this all just a performance? They behaved as though it were genuine. Regrettably, I am not deceived by it. Do you actually believe I¡¯m that naive? It¡¯s clear that you are conspiring together. Are you still using that old tactic? Don¡¯t you have inte ess at home? Or perhaps your phonesck connectivity? You must be under the influence. If there were snacks avable, surely you wouldn¡¯t spout such nonsense, right? ¡°In the event of a traffic ident, I should contact the police.¡± Su Ming stood there, assertively raising his phone. The individuals were taken aback. They realized they had encountered someone formidable. It is said that the youth are quick-tempered and fail to address matters promptly. Something was off about this individual. He wasn¡¯t fooled by their act. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± At that moment, amanding voice emerged as a police car pulled up before them. ¡°Officer, he identally hit someone while driving.¡± The group of pretenders quickly voiced theirint. They showed no concern for the actual facts. They had already scouted the location. The CCTV cameras here were under recement. Nor did the nearby shops have any external surveince cameras. Their vehiclecked a camera as well. Thus, their ount was epted as fact. Society generally sides with the underdog. It mattered little whether he was at fault. ¡°My leg is broken; I need to go to the hospital for an examination!¡± The man on the ground writhed in apparent agony. Upon the police¡¯s arrival, he wailed even louder. Su Ming blinked skeptically. Truth be told, Su Ming suspected the man¡¯s rolling was not due to pain. Possibly, the pavement was too hot. Lying still on the ground was unbearable. He needed to shift back and forth. The traffic officer scrutinized more closely. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to find Mr. Su here.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, your questioning technique is remarkably effective.¡± ¡°Yes, it has resolved many issues for us.¡± Su Ming was surprised by this revtion. Hadn¡¯t I provided this method only to the detective squad? Did the traffic police also adopt it? You have learned quickly indeed. ¡°Nevertheless, Mr. Su, despite our acquaintance, we must follow protocol. Did you collide with this person?¡± A traffic officer inquired. ¡°No, he¡¯s trying to extort me.¡± Su Ming was candid in his response. ¡°We witnessed you striking someone. How can you deny it now?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, you seem unwilling to acknowledge your error!¡± OR download the app directly?? Chapter 256 C256 ¨C Bad Luck Bombs Were Used for the First Time Just then, a cough sounded nearby. A middle-aged man approached. This middle-aged man, who wore sses and sped his hands behind his back, made his presence known. ¡°I noticed earlier that this young man was driving at a high speed,¡± he remarked. ¡°It was me who inadvertently collided with this young man.¡± ¡°idents are amon urrence when driving. I understand the police are quite busy, so I suggest we handle this through standard procedures without causing any fuss, shall we?¡± ¡°You¡¯re quite young. As long as you have insurance, you need not worry about bearing any responsibility.¡± ¡°As a young man, it¡¯s important to own up to your actions. Denial only wastes time for both the police and us, especially when there are many other vehicles waiting,¡± the bystander added. ¡°Simply admitting to the collision can quickly resolve the matter, allowing the injured party to receive prompt medical attention. Refusing to do so, however, impedes societal progress.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming thought, ¡°That¡¯s an exaggeration.¡± ¡°How am I obstructing societal progress?¡± ¡°Should I just quietly hand over money to someone trying to extort me?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s fifty thousand or five hundred million; I have the means.¡± ¡°However, those who make their living through extortion will not receive a dime from me.¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly calm. I¡¯ll fully cooperate with the police investigation.¡± Su Ming considered internally, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a Truth Pill when the right timees.¡± The traffic officers exchanged nces. ¡°Mr. Su, could you please move your vehicle to the side and then call emergency services at 120? We¡¯ll address the ident shortly.¡± Su Ming acknowledged with a nod. He wasn¡¯t rushed. Those who profited from extortion typically preyed on the honest and those in a rush. The more time passed, the more their anxiety grew. After all, what¡¯s fake cannot be turned real, and what¡¯s real cannot be turned fake. Su Ming moved his car to the roadside. They all proceeded to the side of the road, allowing traffic to resume. Su Ming slipped his hands into his pockets. He felt something unexpected. Su Ming paused, surprised. He took it out for a closer examination. It was a Bad Luck Bomb! Why had he brought this along? Suddenly, it dawned on Su Ming. Earlier, while handling them, a few Bad Luck Bombs had fallen. He had picked them up and absentmindedly ced them in his pocket. Su Ming had been contemting finding a test subject to experience the effects of the Bad Luck Bomb. The perfect subject had just emerged. ¡°These individuals attempted extortion first,¡± he thought. ¡°They truly deserve some misfortune.¡± With that thought, Su Ming targeted the prone young man and discreetly activated a bomb. ¡°Ding! Target acquired! Effective!¡± Su Ming heard the confirmation alert in his mind and grinned. At that moment, a stray dog approached from the side. The dog was quiterge, its fur neatly tied up. Its long fur obscured its vision as it scavenged for food from every trash bin. Suddenly, a gust of wind stirred. A soup-filled bag ejected from the garbage hit the young man on his rear. Attracted by the scent, the dog charged towards the young man. Meanwhile, everyone around was either snapping photos or engaging in conversation, oblivious to the approaching dog. The dog raced towards them at breakneck speed. The dog had been starving for several days. All that upied its mind was the thought of food. It lunged at the stic bag and devoured it. In that instant, the young man froze up. His eyes and mouth gaped open as his face rapidly flushed. The middle-aged man examined the situation more closely. ¡°He must be internally injured from a vehicr impact,¡± he concluded. The middle-aged man quickly dialed for traffic police and directed them towards the young man. The young man got to his feet immediately. He let out a sharp yell. He knocked the dog to the ground with a p. A sizable chunk of flesh was missing from his rear, marked by several deep bite marks. The stray dog caught a whiff of an enticing scent. Driven by instinct, it dashed towards the young man. The young man promptly sprinted away. A gust of wind stered a newspaper across the young man¡¯s face. Obscured by the paper, the young man lost his way. He collided with a utility pole. The incident left onlookers in shock. ¡°Wasn¡¯t the young man¡¯s leg supposed to be broken?¡± ¡°How is he able to run so swiftly?¡± Su Ming observed the middle-aged man. In front of the middle-aged man, Su Ming destroyed a bomb. ¡°It¡¯s locked onto its target! It works!¡± The middle-aged man stood there, dumbfounded. Enraged, the middle-aged man charged at the stray dog. But after just two steps, a branch fell directly onto his head. The impact urately struck his head. Clinging to his head in severe pain, the man grimaced. Dizzy and blurred vision prevented him from walking straight. He leaned against a tree to rest momentarily. Just then, a car whizzed by. The vehicle skirted the beach nearby. It flung a mound of dirty water onto the middle-aged man. His previously clean shirt was now thoroughly soiled. The middle-aged man swore in response. Following that, another vehicle raced off. This car struck a small stone. The stone, propelled like a missile, hit the man¡¯s head. The man shrieked in agony. Su Ming looked away. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 257 C257 ¨C Bargaining Price Finally, the ambnce arrived. ¡°I won¡¯t do this again.¡± ¡°I want to go home and find my mother. I won¡¯t do this again.¡± They were still muttering to themselves when they were carried on the stretcher. There was no need to exin. They were liars. The traffic police quickly found the surveince footage of the road ahead. At the time of the ident, several cars were passing by. A few of the cars had cameras installed and recorded the scene. These two people were really miserable. One of them had a big bump on his head, and the other was badly mutted. The partners of the two were stunned when they saw this scene. It was the first time they realized how dangerous it was to be in this business. Soon, the people in the gang turned themselves in. The owner of the ramen restaurant also came out. He only said one thing: ¡°Pay up!¡± Originally, Su Ming was the main character, but now he suddenly became a supporting role. He stood on the side and watched the show. Finally, he went to the traffic police station to take a simple statement, sign it, and left. The rest of the matter had nothing to do with him. This was just a small interlude. However, this made Su Ming realize that the Bad Luck Bomb¡¯s power was not small. It really made those two people very unlucky. Fortunately, the System had exined that the Bad Luck Bomb was not fatal. Otherwise, the two of them would have died. Su Ming did not think too much about it and drove straight to the outskirts. When Su Ming arrived, Boss Faang had already prepared everything. ¡°Mr. Su, these are some seeds that I just bought.¡± ¡°These are vegetable seeds, and these are fruit seeds. Most of these seedse from abroad, and they are very rare in the country.¡± Su Ming looked at the seeds carefully and nodded. These were indeed the seeds of fruits from abroad. There were many of them that he had never even heard of before. There were also some rtivelymon fruits, such as bananas. There were a lot of these seeds. After all, he had five acres ofnd, so he would definitely need a lot of seeds. Butpared to seeds, what he needed the most was fertilizer. Although Boss Faang had prepared a truck full of fertilizer, Su Ming told him to fill it with fertilizer as well. Only then did the convoy enter the city center in a grandiose manner. By now, Boss Faang was already used to this kind of situation. In the city center. This piece ofnd was indeed worth ten billion yuan. However, Boss Faang was already extremely calm. Having known Mr. Su for a long time, he would not make a fuss no matter what happened. Boss Faang¡¯s subordinates worked quickly as they quickly unloaded the seeds from the truck. Su Ming tidied up the warehouse slightly. Then, he went to the underground warehouse and tidied up the things inside. When he saw the warehouse full of things, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh. This warehouse was too small. He began to think about whether he should buy a building as a warehouse. He thought about it and gave up. If he told others about this idea, it would easily cause public outrage. After tidying up, he nned to go to the breeding farm. He had already raised all four animals that were allowed to be raised in the breeding zone. However, after thinking for a while, he decided to raise some chickens. ¡­ He looked at the time and found that it was already three o¡¯clock in the afternoon. He spent a day to finish it. He spent most of his time on the road. The five o¡¯clock exhibition was about to begin. Since he had promised to attend the exhibition, he had to go. Su Ming thought for a moment and returned to the vi. He ate something and took a bath. He changed his clothes and went to the underground garage to pick a car. Then he went straight to the exhibition site. The venue of this exhibition was not very far from the location of the previous Auto Show. This was a ce specially used to hold exhibitions. Many people lined up at the door. Su Ming found a parking lot and parked his car. Then he walked in with the invitation. He stood at the door and looked at it carefully. There were a lot of citizens here. There were also a lot of reporters who were blocked outside the door. How long would they have to wait in line before they could enter? A young man walked towards Su Ming. ¡°Are you here to see the exhibition?¡± This young man was not tall and looked very cunning. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Do you have a ticket?¡± ¡°Ticket?¡± Su Ming was stunned. ¡°You have to have a ticket to go in and see the exhibition. You don¡¯t even know this, so you definitely don¡¯t have a ticket. But don¡¯t worry, I have a lot of tickets, two thousand yuan each. Do you want them?¡± Ticket seller? Su Ming was stunned for a moment and said,¡± The tickets are too expensive, so I won¡¯t go. ¡° Su Ming smiled. ¡°You can bargain. Tell me a price, and I might just agree to it!¡± The young man hurriedly stopped Su Ming. The exhibition would start in half an hour. He still had a lot of tickets to sell. He didn¡¯t want to make a loss. Su Ming found it funny and wanted to tease this person. ¡°20 RMB.¡± The young man was dumbfounded. He had never met someone who bargained like this. ¡°Are you crazy? Can you raise the price a little? I didn¡¯t get these tickets for free. I bought these tickets for 15 RMB per ticket. I won¡¯t sell them to you for 20 RMB per ticket. ¡° Su Mingughed in disdain when he heard this. This young man was actually nning to sell these tickets at 2,000 yuan each! He could earn 1985 yuan by selling one ticket! He was really greedy! ¡°Increase the price?¡± Su Ming smiled. The young man felt that there was hope and hurriedly nodded. Even if Su Ming only increased the price by 10 RMB, he would agree without hesitation. ¡°21 RMB!¡± Su Ming shouted. When the man heard this, he was stunned again. Su Ming only increased the price by 1 RMB! OR download the app directly?? Chapter 258 C258 ¨C The First Time We Met ¡°It¡¯s not easy for me to feed my family. Don¡¯t make fun of me.¡± ¡°If you are willing to pay 30 RMB, I will sell you the ticket!¡± The man¡¯s eyes were full of sincerity. Su Ming was amused when he heard this. This man was willing to sell the tickets at the price of 30 yuan per ticket, but the price he said at the beginning was 2000 yuan. He was the greediest person Su Ming had ever met. ¡°No.¡± Su Ming shook his head. The man was anxious. The exhibition was about to begin. He asked everyone here, but only sold a few tickets. As long as the exhibition ended, these tickets would be waste paper. So he decided to agree to Su Ming¡¯s request, so that his losses would be less. ¡°Do you know that the Bamboo Slip is a lost national treasure? Now that it will be disyed here, don¡¯t you want to see it?¡± ¡°I know.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°After this exhibition, the Bamboo Slip will definitely be sealed and sent to the capital. Then you will never see it again.¡± The man continued. ¡°What you said makes sense.¡± Su Ming agreed with him. ¡°So, you have to seize this opportunity and quickly take a look at the Bamboo Slip. Otherwise, you will regret it!¡± The man took out a ticket. ¡°You only need to spend 30 yuan to go in and take a look at the Bamboo Slip.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Su Ming continued to nod. He deeply agreed. ¡°I heard that this Bamboo Slip was bought by an especially powerful young man at an auction.¡± ¡°The starting price is only 100,000 RMB. Other than him, no one else bid.¡± ¡°This young man is really amazing. Even the experts couldn¡¯t tell how precious the Bamboo Slip was, but he could.¡± The man continued. ¡°I heard about this too.¡± Su Ming¡¯s expression was calm. ¡°Hurry up and buy this ticket. Go in and take a look at the Bamboo Slip. I queued up for a long time before I could buy these tickets. You can¡¯t let me suffer a loss.¡± As he spoke, he put the ticket in Su Ming¡¯s hand. ¡°How do you want to pay?¡± He looked at Su Ming and asked with a smile. ¡°Sorry, I still don¡¯t want to buy it.¡± Su Ming put the ticket back into the man¡¯s hand. The man was unhappy when he heard this. He didn¡¯t want him to waste his breath. ¡­ ¡°Think about it again.¡± The man frowned slightly. ¡°Do you believe that I can go in without a ticket?¡± Su Ming asked with a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it! You must be bragging!¡± The man rolled his eyes. Su Ming smiled and did not argue with him. At this moment, a ck car slowly drove over. The door opened. Old Master Tang slowly got out of the car. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re so early.¡± He walked up to Su Ming and said. ¡°I just arrived. You¡¯re notte either.¡± Su Ming replied politely. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Old Master Tang pointed to the VIP passage beside him: ¡°You found a national treasure, and many of my old friends want to see you. You have a lot of trouble today.¡± Su Ming pretended to be annoyed and said, ¡°If I had known earlier, I wouldn¡¯t havee. Goodbye.¡± After he finished speaking, the two of them looked at each other andughed out loud. ¡°Grandpa Tang.¡± At this moment, an extremely pleasant voice sounded. A fair and slender hand reached out from beside them. In that hand was a small medicine box. ¡°Grandpa Tang, you haven¡¯t taken the medicine to reduce blood pressure yet.¡± Old Master Tang smiled. ¡°I thought that this ce was far from my house and no one was watching me. In the end, you found me!¡± After he finished speaking, he helplessly took the medicine box. He took two bottles of medicine from inside and a cup of water from his subordinate. After taking the medicine, he used a white scarf to wipe his mouth. Old Master Tang looked at Su Ming, then at the girl, and said, ¡°Let me introduce you to each other.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, this is my good friend¡¯s granddaughter, Xiao Ke¡¯er. She heard about the national treasure and insisted oning with me. Kemeng, this is Mr. Su, who found the national treasure. I¡¯ve told you about him before.¡± Old Master Tang said with a smile. Su Ming¡¯s gaze fell on the girl, and his eyes immediately lit up. Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but exim in his heart. This girl was at the top in both appearance and temperament. Xiao Ke¡¯er was beautiful, graceful, and gentle. There was not a trace of rouge or cosmetics on her face, and her entire person revealed a refined temperament. As the saying goes, talented people have extraordinary temperament, and this girl was one of them. ¡°Mr. Su, when I was in the capital, I heard that your ability to recognize treasures was exceptionally outstanding, and that you were willing to give up what you loved. I really admire you for that.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er said with a smile. ¡°Miss Xiao overpraises me. Everyone in the imperial court has a patriotic heart. What I did was really nothing.¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. Old Master Tang smiled and said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside. Don¡¯t stand at the door.¡± Su Ming nodded and said, ¡°Alright.¡± Then he walked side by side with Old Master Tang, towards the house. Xiao Ke¡¯er still followed behind them with a smile on her face. However, Xiao Ke¡¯er was a little surprised in her heart. Normally, when ordinary boys, even the young masters of rich families, saw her, their eyes would more or less flicker. When she was young, she would feel annoyed, but as she grew up and saw more, she got used to the way these men looked at her. But in Su Ming¡¯s eyes, she did not notice anything strange. On the contrary, his eyes were iparably clear. This made her, who had been the center of attention since she was young, feel a little defeated. At the same time, she became more and more curious about Su Ming. So the three of them went into the house with a few of their subordinates. The people outside who were illegally reselling tickets didn¡¯t know what to do. He couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard. It turned out that the person he wanted to sell the ticket for a high price was the discoverer of the national treasure. And that old man was not only the big shot on the political propaganda poster, but also an expert in the antique field. Then he locked his gaze on Xiao Ke¡¯er. He found that she was extremely beautiful and had a transcendent temperament. She was definitely not a girl from an ordinary family. Her temperament was not something that an ordinary family could cultivate. An ordinary rich second generation simply could notpare to her. The moment he saw her, he had such a thought: This girl was definitely not an ordinary person. Suddenly, he sighed with emotion. He had been in the illegal ticket sales business for so long, but this was the first time he had met a real expert. He had even shown off in front of them for a long time, which made him lose face. He really couldn¡¯t stand his shameful action just now, so he chose to leave this ce. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 259 C259 ¨C Help!!! The room was spacious, though currently sparsely popted. Only individuals associated with or rted to the organizers were permitted entry into the hall. At the entrance of the exhibition hall hung several paintings, none of which were by renowned artists. These paintings were directly mounted on the wall, enclosed by a protective barrier. In the further sections of the hall, ss cases disyed highly valuable artifacts that had been excavated. Adjacent to these cases, detailed descriptions of the disyed items were provided on signboards. The most valuable items at the very back of the hall required more than just the protection of ss cases. Surrounded by securely anchored fences and chains, and under constant watch, these artifacts were so secure that photography was not permitted. These pieces could be considered genuine national treasures. Nheless, all these were merely background settings. The real highlight of today was the Bamboo Slip, positioned centrally within the hall. The base of the Bamboo Slip was draped in red brocade, with two mirrors at 45-degree angles above it, projecting its image onto arge screen. ¡°Could this be a periscope?¡± pondered Su Ming. Su Ming smiled to himself, impressed by the stringent security measures that shielded the Bamboo Slip from direct light and prying eyes, leaving most to view it only through its projected image. Moving closer, Su Ming scrutinized the image on the screen. He noticed significant changes in the Bamboo Slip. The previously dark surface had lightened to reveal a pale yellow hue, with 108 barely discernible words. While Su Ming struggled to fullyprehend the words, he recognized their style as transitional between hieroglyphics and ancient script, typical of that bygone dynasty. These words were emblematic of the cultural heritage of the former Shang Dynasty. ¡°Mr. Su, despite seeing it numerous times, it still amazes me every time,¡± remarked Old Master Tang, leaning on his cane in front of the screen. His gaze fixed on the Bamboo Slip, Old Master Tang sighed softly. ¡°This Bamboo Slip, dating back thousands of years, signifies fate in its journey through time to us,¡± Old Master Tang mused, expressing his gratitude to Su Ming for such an encounter in hister years. ¡°Old Master Tang, you give me too much credit. That day was merely happenstance,¡± Su Ming responded modestly. For Xiao Ke¡¯er, standing nearby, this was her first encounter with the Bamboo Slip. Her attention was on the Bamboo Slip until she overheard Su Ming and Old Master Tang¡¯s discussion about the event, prompting her to focus on their conversation. Hearing Su Ming¡¯s remark about coincidence, a spark of curiosity lit up in her eyes. ¡°Could it really just be a coincidence?¡± she wondered silently. ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re always so humble. There were many experts there, yet none but you recognized the Bamboo Slip. Such a coincidence seems unlikely,¡± chuckled Old Master Tang. ¡°I insist it was a coincidence, though you may not believe me. But let me jest; I possess irvoyant eyes that spot treasures instantly,¡± Su Ming jested. At this, Old Master Tang burst intoughter, appreciating Su Ming¡¯s humor. ¡°Could this gentleman be Mr. Su?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard much about your reputation, and am fortunate to meet you today. Truly, you are remarkable!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please share with us, how did youe upon this Bamboo Slip?¡± As Su Ming and Old Master Tang engaged in lively conversation, they were interrupted by exmations from a group of spirited old men approaching. These elders, despite their age and white hair, maintained robust health. Their evident dark circles suggested frequentte nights, likely spent studying the Bamboo Slip. ¡°Ah, you gentlemen have arrived early,¡± Old Master Tang greeted the neers with a smile. ¡°Mr. Su, these are esteemed friends and specialists in relic restoration and ancient cultural studies from the capital, instrumental in this Bamboo Slip¡¯s repair and trantion,¡± Old Master Tang introduced. ¡°Being a part of this has been a joy,¡± Old Master Tang remarked jovially. ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°This cultural gem will secure our names in history if we publish a paper on it.¡± The elderly experts smiled and shook their heads, their attention turning to Su Ming. Upon hearing the news, they had hurriedly traveled from the capital. Curious about the young man responsible for the discovery, they eagerly sought to learn more. They were intrigued to meet the person who had unearthed the Bamboo Slip. And now, they had. He did quite well! ¡°Mr. Su, how did you manage to identify this national treasure? Could you share your technique with us?¡± ¡°Indeed, I used to trust my own judgment. Since this incident, I¡¯ve lost confidence in my own instincts.¡± ¡°True, I¡¯ve attended numerous auctions and often dismissed many items. This experience, however, has made me realize I might have overlooked valuable pieces.¡± ¡°Please, tell us about your technique.¡± Su Ming found himself encircled by the group. He felt quite distressed. He was at a loss for words. What could he possibly say? He couldn¡¯t reveal that he possessed a System that allowed him to scan the items. Thus, he could identify them instantly. These were details he couldn¡¯t share with anyone. He looked towards Old Master Tang, seeking assistance. Old Master Tang simply smiled and declined to intervene. He discreetly left the scene! He was terribly disloyal! This was not how he had treated Su Ming just moments ago. Xiao Ke¡¯er watched from the side, trying to stifle herughter. She understood all too well the challenge of dealing with these seasoned men. ¡°Gentlemen.¡± Su Ming, feeling utterly at a loss, admitted, ¡°I really don¡¯t have much expertise. I don¡¯t have any special method of recognition; I¡¯ve just been extremely fortunate.¡± They rolled their eyes upon hearing his exnation. They were skeptical. Lucky? Such feats were not merely the result of fortune. Despite their age, they had never encountered such luck. Yet, he was so young and had identified a national treasure simply by chance. They were eager to continue their inquiry. But suddenly, a disturbance arose at the doorway. He nced towards the entrance. It was time to proceed. The press surged in and quickly gathered around. Photographers also crowded outside, snapping pictures. The media presence effectively isted Su Ming from the elders. It was clear the media had prepared extensively in advance. The reporters were aware of the elders¡¯ distinguished statuses, recognizing them as individuals of significant importance. They started interviewing each of the elders in turn. This temporarily halted their questioning of Su Ming. Even though Su Ming was the one who discovered the treasure. At that moment, Old Master Tang was the one overseeing the situation, and the photograph remained undisclosed. So, no one was aware that the true VIPs were merely observers on the sidelines. Su Ming finally took a deep breath of relief. He was relieved to escape further interrogation. He casually walked away from the crowd. After all, the exhibition hall housed many other items of interest. The hall featured calligraphy, paintings by renowned artists, antiques, jade pieces, and items from the tombs of emperors and ancient officials. All of which were remarkable! OR download the app directly?? Chapter 260 C260 ¨C Luck Su Ming approached a painting and paused in front of it. While Su Ming was not well-versed in calligraphy and painting, he recognized the remarkableposition of the painting. It was evident that this painting was the work of a highly skilled artist. ¡°This work is titled ¡®Zhan Ziqian¡¯s Spring Tour¡¯.¡± Just then, a very soothing voice spoke up next to him. Su Ming turned to see who it was. He noticed Xiao Ke¡¯er approaching with a gentle smile. ¡°This piece represents the earliestndscape painting in our nation, and it is also considered the most ancient to date.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er positioned herself one meter from Su Ming. Her attention was fixed on the painting. ¡°This piece captures the exquisite beauty of the mountains and rivers.¡± ¡°Although what you¡¯re seeing is a copy, the original resides in the Forbidden City Museum. Despite being a replica, this piece still embodies profound ideas.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er¡¯s eyes lingered on the painting. She spoke with great appreciation. ¡°Thank you for sharing that; it seems you are quite knowledgeable in this field. I, being an outsider, can only look on without truly understanding.¡± Su Ming expressed, smiling. ¡°Is that so?¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er chuckled, ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re being too modest. Recognizing and acquiring treasures among numerous antiques suggests you¡¯re hardly an outsider.¡± ¡°You might think that, Miss Xiao, but¡± Su Ming smiled, ¡°I¡¯m merely a novice. I¡¯ve never dealt with antiques before. It was purely by chance that I acquired a few items and sold them, which Old Master Tang collected. That¡¯s why he invited me to the auction.¡± ¡°I thought I¡¯d bid on one or two items just for fun since I didn¡¯t have much to spend. When a painting came up with a starting bid of just a hundred thousand, I took a chance on it.¡± ¡°Who would have thought it was a national treasure?¡± ¡°So, I¡¯m really just an amateur who got lucky with that painting.¡± Su Ming said with a subdued smile. ¡°Really?¡± Hearing this, Xiao Ke¡¯erughed, her initial curiosity fading. Back in the capital, she had heard rumors of a young man who snagged a national treasure for a steal. Many had seen the painting but failed to recognize its true worth. The auction was quiet and uneventful, with only Su Ming cing bids. This piqued her curiosity even more. She hade to Eastsea apanying Old Master Tang. There, she met the young man and discovered the details of that day. Now, hearing Su Ming¡¯s ount, she realized it was all just fortunate coincidence. Her interest waned. ¡°Mr. Su, I must attend to another matter, so I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er offered a courteous smile and walked away. Su Ming smiled subtly, unbothered. He resumed his exploration of the exhibit. Xiao Ke¡¯er was strikingly beautiful and carried herself with grace. She drew the gaze of many. Yet, she remainedposed as she made her way to Old Master Tang. ¡°Did you speak with Su Ming one-on-one?¡± From Xiao Ke¡¯er¡¯s demeanor, Old Master Tang surmised what had transpired. Xiao Ke¡¯er confirmed with a nod. ¡°Are you disappointed in him?¡± Old Master Tang inquired. Old Master Tang asked this question. ¡°Grandpa Tang, let¡¯s just focus on the exhibition,¡± suggested Xiao Ke¡¯er. Xiao Ke¡¯er preferred not to continue discussing this topic. Nheless, she belonged to a distinguished family based in the capital. Her family was of ancient lineage and adhered to strict traditions. She possessed a refined demeanor that could not be bought with any amount of money. She didn¡¯t find amon person who identally discovered a national treasure particrly noteworthy. Old Master Tang simply offered a smile in response. He pondered quietly to himself. While Xiao Ke¡¯er was slightly older than Su Ming, shecked his cunning. It wasn¡¯t her fault; she had been overly sheltered at home. Xiao Ke¡¯er was not well-acquainted with Su Ming. But Old Master Tang was more familiar with him. He vividly recalled the events at the auction. Su Ming was decisive in his bidding for the national treasure. His gaze was determined, fully convinced of the item¡¯s significance. Furthermore, before the auction concluded, he had gone backstage to secure the item and arrange for its restoration. His actions were executed with precision and rity of intent. Nheless, Old Master Tang realized that both Su Ming and Xiao Ke¡¯er had their justifications. It was inappropriate for him toment further, and he chose not to meddle. Old Master Tang then smiled and acknowledged the other attendees. ¡°Apologies for my tardiness,¡± he announced. Suddenly, a jarring voice interrupted the moment. An elderly man entered, smiling broadly. A striking young man followed behind him. Old Master Tang¡¯s expression soured upon seeing the elder. This man was a veteran in the antiques field. Known for his sarcasm and tendency to im others¡¯ possessions. Additionally, he shared a strained rtionship with Old Master Tang. Old Master Tang had not invited him to the exhibition. Yet, he had flown in from the capital specifically to attend. The young man apanying him was his grandson, Bai Tianlei. As expected, the other elders noticed their presence. Bai Qiusheng observed Old Master Tang¡¯s disregard for him. Unbothered by the snub. He greeted with a light smile, ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡± The other elders responded briefly. ¡°Bai Qiusheng, you weren¡¯t invited, were you?¡± questioned Old Master Tang, stepping forward with a frown. Old Master Tang confronted him, visibly displeased. ¡°I purchased a ticket for entry. It cost two thousand yuan,¡± Bai Qiusheng defended. Bai Qiusheng brandished a ticket as he spoke. Su Ming would have been delighted to witness this scene. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 261 C261 ¨C How Shameless Seeing this scene, Old Master Tang was very angry, but there was nothing he could do. Although he did not invite Bai Qiusheng, Bai Qiusheng had onlye in after buying a ticket. He was angry, but there was nothing he could do. ¡°Tian Lei, look, this is a national treasure.¡± Bai Qiusheng was not polite at all. He pushed through the crowd and walked forward. His expression was very calm. He did not care about the angry gazes of the old men at all. He was not ashamed. ¡°Tian Lei, this is all grandfather¡¯s fault. Back then, you told me that this was a good item, but I didn¡¯t believe you. It¡¯s all my fault for not believing your eyes.¡± Bai Qiusheng sighed as he spoke. He patted Bai Tianlei¡¯s shoulder. The surrounding people felt that he was shameless. That was enough! The people in their family were shameless. This was really passed down from their ancestors! What did this have to do with him? This was clearly something that Mr. Su had discovered. If the two of them really met. The two of them would definitely throw it away like trash. How could he say such shameless words? Who gave them the courage? These old men knew the truth. But the key was that the media reporters did not know the truth. When they heard these words, they thought, ¡°This young man has something to do with discovering this thing? We have to quickly interview him.¡± Then, they randomly came up with a title to get some hits. This was money! ¡°Old man, from what you said just now, these young people seem to have something to do with discovering this thing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Please exin in detail what is going on?¡± ¡°Is there any deeper reason behind this?¡± A group of reporters surrounded him. ¡°We are really too popr.¡± The old men around them wanted to give them a p. They were really shameless! Bai Tianlei looked refreshed: ¡°I have learned these things from my grandfather since I was young. I havee into contact with many famous people¡¯s paintings. On the surface, this thing is just an ordinary treasure. But at that time, I could tell with a nce that there must be something good inside this thing.¡± At this point, Bai Qiusheng could not help but sigh, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I was too self-righteous. I let my grandson miss this good opportunity to discover the national treasure. Otherwise, how could we let others discover this first?¡± Old Master Tang and the others heard this. They thought, ¡°I really can¡¯t take it anymore.¡± ¡°I really want to take off your arms and legs and throw them in the ditch!¡± ¡°You¡¯re too shameless! You¡¯re shameless to the extreme!¡± ¡°Then how did you tell that this was a national treasure?¡± Hearing this, Bai Tianlei froze. After all, he was not the one who found the national treasure. He didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this method is a secret passed down from my family. It¡¯s just that although I¡¯m old, my talent is ordinary. I haven¡¯t learned enough, I¡¯ve only learned the basics. Although my grandson is young, his talent is very good. He has already learned better than me.¡± ¡± The family¡¯s secret cannot be taught to outsiders. I¡¯m sorry. ¡° Bai Qiushengughed from the side. ¡°Oh.¡± When the reporters heard this, they suddenly came to a realization. They thought, ¡°We understand.¡± However, they were also excited. After all, this was their family secret. This meant that they could write whatever they wanted. They could make up facts and attract attention. It was not the first time they had done this. They were used to it. The reporters had asked enough questions and left. Bai Tianlei was holding his grandfather. However, when he saw Xiao Ke¡¯er, he became excited. He tidied up his clothes and quickly walked over. ¡°Kemeng, I didn¡¯t expect to meet you here.¡± Bai Tianlei had a smile on his face. He straightened his back and looked handsome, like a gentleman. However, his vulgar eyes betrayed him. ¡°Young Master Bai.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er smiled politely. She quietly took a step back. She was very polite, but she did not get close to him. Bai Tianlei smiled and took a step forward: ¡°Kemeng, I heard that there are many good ces in Eastsea. Do you want toe and take a look?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er took another step back. ¡°Before my father left, he told me not to go outside. I¡¯m sorry.¡± With that, Xiao Ke¡¯er walked away and followed behind Old Master Tang. Bai Tianlei slightly narrowed his eyes. Xiao Ke¡¯er was indeed worthy of being one of the four beauties of the capital, the target of countless young masters from rich families. No matter who came into contact with her, she would always maintain a faint smile and maintain her manners. Her smile carried a coldness that kept people a thousand miles away. No one could get close to her at all. However, the more she acted like this, the more everyone loved her. Bai Tianlei took a deep breath. At this moment. The lights suddenly lit up. Many people were in a daze. ¡°Wee to today¡¯s exhibition.¡± At this moment, a voice sounded. The side door opened. A man in red walked out with a microphone in his hand. A few beauties followed behind him and pushed a few exhibit cars. There were a few items covered with red cloth on top of the exhibit cars. ¡°I found a lot of antique experts here.¡± ¡°Today, the exhibition will hold an event.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just to lighten up the atmosphere.¡± ¡°The content of the event is very simple. I have a few authentic items behind me.¡± ¡°The content of the event is very simple. I have a few authentic items behind me.¡± ¡°The authentic items will only reveal a small part. Everyone can show off your professional abilities to your heart¡¯s content.¡± ¡°The winner will be richly rewarded. You will receive free admission tickets to several museums in the capital.¡± ¡°As long as someone has this free ticket, they can enter for free for the rest of their lives.¡± ¡°There are only five spots. Firste, first serve.¡± ¡°There are conditions for registration. Not everyone can sign up. This painting is a small exam.¡± The host said with a smile. Then, he took out a photo. In the photo was a part of andscape painting. Most people could not tell which painting it was. Many people who wanted to sign up were stunned. There were too many people at the scene. Therefore, the organizers had prepared a small entrance exam to limit the number of applicants. ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± Bai Tianlei naturally would not let go of such an opportunity to show off his abilities. He stretched out his hand, smiled faintly, and held his head high. He went to the host, took a pen and paper, and wrote down the answer. The host took a look. ¡°This gentleman¡¯s answer is correct!¡± The host took a step to the side. Bai Tianlei walked in happily. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 262 C262 ¨C Perfunctorily Bai Tianlei walked in while enjoying the gazes of the crowd. This group of old men was very unhappy. However, they were elders and could not be angry with young people. Moreover, this asion was meant for young people to show off. Another three young people came forward and answered correctly. These three people were the descendants of one of them. Su Ming stood in the crowd and just watched. He shook his head without any interest. Su Ming didn¡¯t like to show off. He was just a person who liked to farm. So Su Ming turned around and was about to leave. He had just taken a step forward. Bai Tianlei took the microphone from the host¡¯s hand. ¡°I heard that the person who found this national treasure was present.¡± ¡°The person who found this national treasure is extraordinary. Everyone wants to see him, right?¡± Everyone was in an uproar. The reporters were especially happy. Only these old men knew that Su Ming hade. No one else knew. The old men were calm and did not reveal the news of Su Ming¡¯s arrival. Bai Tianlei did not care. He felt that the person who found the national treasure was just lucky and did not have any professional skills. If he had been there that day, he would have been the first person to find the national treasure. ¡­ Su Ming shook his head with a smile. He wasn¡¯t a three-year-old child. He couldn¡¯t be angered by just a few words from someone else. Bai Tianlei sneered in his heart. He was sure that the person who found the national treasure was a coward! Xiao Ke¡¯er stood beside Old Master Tang, feeling disappointed. She felt that Su Ming really did not have any professional standards. ¡°This person is just a lucky guy. He doesn¡¯t have any ability.¡± Bai Tianlei sneered. After saying that, he returned the microphone to the host. Su Ming was very unhappy to hear this. Although he didn¡¯t want topete with others. But he couldn¡¯t allow others to doubt him. Thinking of this, Su Ming smiled slightly. He turned around and walked towards the host inrge strides. Everyone¡¯s eyes were focused on him. When Old Master Tang saw this, he smiled. Mr. Su would not let Bai Tianlei be so presumptuous again. ¡°You are the one who found the national treasure?¡± Bai Tianlei looked at Su Ming and frowned slightly. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Bai Tianlei red at him. Su Ming didn¡¯t care at all. He was the one who had truly discovered the national treasure. When the surrounding reporters heard this, they all pointed their cameras at Su Ming! ¡°Why did I take that person¡¯s photo just now? I took the wrong picture!¡± ¡°I need to quickly clean up that person¡¯s video.¡± ¡°They found the national treasure here. Why did you interview that person?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s delete it quickly!¡± The conversation of a group of reporters made Bai Tianlei extremely angry. Bai Tianlei said coldly: ¡°You should pass the entrance exam first.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Su Ming looked at it and smiled slowly: ¡°Painting of Xiaoxiang was written by Dong Yuan. This painting depicted the mountains and rivers of the south. There werekes and mountains. There were fish boats in thekes and there were nts in the mountains. The space was clear and full of life. It showed the beauty and confusion of the south of the Yangtze River. This is a typical painting of the south. It is also the representative painting of our country. ¡° Su Ming finished. Old Master Tang couldn¡¯t help but praise him. The surrounding people couldn¡¯t help but apud. Not only did Su Ming say the name and author of the painting, but he also knew it very well. Most importantly, Su Ming must be very knowledgeable. He was the one who set up today¡¯s entrance exam. Other than him, no one else knew the exam questions. This meant that Su Ming had a very deep understanding of mountains and rivers, as well as of antiques and jade artifacts. Xiao Ke¡¯er stood at the side. She was stunned when she heard Su Ming¡¯s words. How could Su Ming know so much about this painting? Could it be that he was just brushing her off? Xiao Ke¡¯er was surprised. All the men she met liked to surround her and talk to her. Xiao Ke¡¯er had always been indifferent to these men. Su Ming was the first person she met who ignored her. Xiao Ke¡¯er was a little angry. This was the first time she was angry with a strange man. Even Xiao Ke¡¯er herself did not notice. She couldn¡¯t help but look at Su Ming. Bai Tianlei was very unhappy when he heard this. He wanted to embarrass Su Ming, but Su Ming answered freely. He was extremely angry. OR download the app directly?? Chapter 263 Chapter 263 - The Race Began Now the host smiled. ¡°The five candidates have been decided. Let''s begin.¡± The hostughed. The beauties behind him lifted the red cloth. There were a total of five treasures. They were not big, and they were all ced in a wooden box. There was a round hole on the top of the wooden box, about the size of a one dor coin. The things inside could only be seen through this round hole. A camera zoomed in and the five items appeared on the big screen beside it. Old Master Tang smiled. These were all the treasures he was looking for. It wasn''t difficult. As long as they had a certain level of professionalism, they should be able to recognize them. However, after looking at all the exhibits, Old Master Tang suddenly frowned. The first four were no problem. He remembered that the fifth one was a wine bottle. But now it wasn''t. Who changed it? Old Master Tang suddenly looked at Bai Qiusheng. Bai Qiusheng''s face was filled with pride. As expected, he did not admit his mistake. The fifth item was Bai Qiusheng''s private collection. Bai Qiusheng had cheated it from someone else. Bai Qiusheng must have bribed the staff to change the treasure. His goal was to let his grandson win. Because Bai Qiusheng''s reputation was very bad, he was on the cklist of many museums. If his grandson won this time, he could enter and leave any museum as he pleased. This thing was extremely rare on the market, and its value was extremely high. It had a lot of research and collection value. Bai Qiusheng was too selfish. If it were anyone else, they would have already taken this out for everyone to look at and study. However, he had only seen it once or twice from afar. He didn''t know much about it. In other words, other than Bai Tianlei, no one else had ever seen it before. ¡°What''s wrong? Grandpa Tang?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked when she saw Old Master Tang''s expression. ¡°Someone changed thest thing.¡± ¡°This item is too rare, and very few people recognize it.¡± As Old Master Tang spoke, he looked at Bai Qiusheng. Bai Qiusheng seemed to feel Old Master Tang''s gaze and turned around. They looked at each other. Bai Qiusheng actuallyughedcently. Bai Qiusheng was still so despicable. Bai Qiusheng was pleased with himself. He had heard of this exhibition a long time ago. However, he did not receive an invitation, so he was naturally angry. He had flown to Eastsea a few days ago to spy on the exhibition. He had asked his grandson to bribe a staff member to secretly exchange one of the treasures for his own private stash. His goal was to make his grandson win and make Old Master Tang unhappy. However, he did not expect that the reward for winning would be a free ticket for the rest of his life. Bai Qiusheng was naturally happy. Xiao Ke''er was very smart. She instantly understood, and she was a little worried. ¡°Grandpa Tang.¡± Xiao Ke''er said. ¡°No, we can''t stop thepetition now.¡± Old Master Tang sighed and looked at Su Ming. ¡°We can only ce our hopes on him.¡± ¡°Su Ming?¡± Xiao Ke''er muttered to herself. She looked at him. ¡°Everyone, you have five minutes. You can submit your answers in advance. The first person to submit the answer and get it right will win.¡± ¡°If none of the five people get it right, then the person with the highest number of correct answers and the earliest person to submit their answers will win.¡± ¡°Those who answer more than five minutes will lose the right topete.¡± ¡°Then let''s begin!¡± The host said. Everyone except Su Ming hurried forward. Only Su Ming stood there calmly. ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Bai Qiusheng pushed away the people in front of him who were trying to stop him. He stared at the first treasure. He only nced at it, sneered, and wrote the answer. In an instant, he wrote down another answer. Everyone held their breaths and focused. They silently waited for the result. However, they found Su Ming standing there without moving. Everyone was very confused. ¡°What''s going on? Why isn''t he moving?¡± ¡°Isn''t he the one who found the national treasure? Why isn''t he answering the questions?¡± ¡°It''s impossible that he doesn''t know how to do it.¡± ¡°Perhaps it''s because the conditions for thispetition are too harsh.¡± ¡°That''s right. The person who answered the question can only judge the origin of this treasure in such a small ce. It''s indeed very difficult.¡± ¡°That''s right. After all, when he first discovered the treasure, no one stopped him. He could look at it as he wished.¡± ¡°The person who discovered the national treasure actually lost thepetition.¡± ¡°What a pity.¡± ¡°What a pity.¡± ¡°He''s so stupid. That''s right. After losing thispetition, he won''t be famous anymore.¡± ¡°That''s understandable. After all, young people want to be famous, but they find that the difficulty of this test far surpasses their own abilities.¡± The crowd discussed. After all, this match was difficult. Most of the treasure had been covered up, but the details were limited. Old Master Tang stood at the side, his hand suddenly clenching his walking stick. He sighed and shook his head. Was he really wrong? Although Bai Qiusheng was annoying, he couldn''t just steal things from the museum. In the future, he could only go to the museum less, in case he met Bai Qiusheng. Xiao Ke''er took a few steps forward and supported Old Master Tang. She looked at Su Ming with disappointment. She thought he could do it. She had expected too much from him. Chapter 264 Chapter 264 - Disappointed to the Core ¡°I''m done.¡± In less than a minute, Bai Tianleiughed. He put the paper with the answer in the host''s hand. ¡°You are indeed young and promising. You finished answering so quickly! Let''s wait for a while and reveal the answer.¡± The host put the paper away. Bai Tianlei smiled faintly. He proudly walked in front of Su Ming and said. ¡°Do you need me to remind you?¡± ¡°No need, thank you.¡± Su Ming replied with a faint smile. Bai Tianlei said seriously, ¡°Can''t you recognize any of them? You are the one who found the national treasure.¡± ¡°It doesn''t matter. I''m not afraid of losing face.¡± Su Ming smiled slowly. Hearing this, Bai Tianleiughed and said, ¡°Since you insist, then do as you please.¡± The first four treasures of the remaining people were quickly recognized, but they did not know what the fifth treasure was. Time was almost up. ¡°Mr. Su, there''s still half a minute left.¡± The host blinked and walked forward. ¡°Su Ming, don''t waste any more time. Everyone''s time is precious. Give up.¡± Bai Tianlei walked forward and said, ¡°These things are indeed very difficult to identify. It''s fine if you don''t know.¡± ¡°The God of Fortune can''t always descend, I understand. No one will always help you.¡± Bai Tianlei continued. Su Ming was a little impatient when he heard this. Bai Tianlei''s words had two meanings. One was that Su Ming was lucky to find the national treasure. The other reason was that someone had told him all the information about the entrance exam that Su Ming had just taken, and he didn''t really have the ability. Bai Tianlei felt that Old Master Tang must have told Su Ming the details of these five treasures. Because Su Ming did not have any professional ability, he was unable to identify these hidden treasures. He concluded that Su Ming was ignorant. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming was neither arrogant nor impatient, nor was he angry. He smiled slowly. ¡°Mr. Su, there are still ten seconds left.¡± The host looked at the time. Su Ming smiled and picked up the pen. He quickly wrote down the answer on the paper and handed it to the host. The moment he finished writing, it was time. When everyone saw this scene, they all secretly sighed. They thought that Su Ming had casually written the answer. The discoverer of the national treasure did not live up to his name. Old Master Tang was extremely disappointed when he saw it. He did not tell anyone his question. In his opinion, since Su Ming could recognize the painting, he should be able to recognize at least two or three of the four treasures. How could he answer the question so hastily and perfunctorily? Old Master Tang sighed. Xiao Ke''er stood at the side. She supported the old man with her arm, her face expressionless. She looked at the time and reminded him. ¡°Grandpa Tang, it''s gettingte. You should take your medicine.¡± ¡°I''ll wait a little longer!¡± Old Master Tang replied slowly. Xiao Ke''er never looked at the stage. ¡°Alright!¡± The host reached out his hand and took out the first piece of paper. ¡°This is the answer that Bai Tianlei handed over. If Bai Tianlei''s answer is all correct, then he will be the winner.¡± The host opened the note with a smile. ¡°The first one is the Ming Dynasty''s Blue and White Porcin.¡± As the host spoke, he took a step to the side. A beautiful woman supported herself on the wooden box with both hands. She slowly lifted the wooden box. The answer was correct. ¡°Alright!¡± Bai Qiusheng was the first to p. The onlookers and reporters all apuded. ¡°I really shouldn''t have deleted the video just now.¡± ¡°I regret it too!¡± ¡°Take advantage of this time to record more!¡± ¡°I didn''t delete the video just now!¡± ¡°Share it with me!¡± The reporters below were talking to each other. Bai Tianlei was very happy to hear these words. Old Master Tang and the many old men behind him were not very happy. If they weren''t the organizers, they would have already turned around and left. Xiao Ke''er could only sigh when she saw this. Although she hated Bai Tianlei, she had to admit that he was indeed very knowledgeable in the field of antiques. ¡°The second treasure is a porcin jar from the Song Dynasty!¡± The answer was still correct! Everyone apuded again. Bai Tianlei had answered the third and fourth treasures correctly. Bai Tianlei was now very happy, enjoying the spotlight and the camera. Bai Qiusheng was iparably proud. He kept looking at Old Master Tang. Old Master Tang was very unhappy. His hand held the walking stick tightly. Xiao Ke''er was expressionless. The final result was already decided. Her curiosity and surprise towards Su Ming had long since dissipated. She decided to return home and study hard. Her grandfather said that her knowledge was not enough. She still had to learn more. ¡°Then let''s see this fifth treasure!¡± As the host spoke, he first had the wooden box removed. ¡°This is actually a Heavenly Death Vessel!¡± When the host saw its message, he could not help but widen his eyes. This was a bronze artifact from the Shang Dynasty. Its craftsmanship was exquisite and its skills were superb. There were even many words on it. This was definitely an extremely exquisite treasure. Moreover, the words on it looked like calligraphy. This was the first time that ancient calligraphy had appeared on a bronze artifact. The host could not help but sigh in his heart. This was indeed worthy of being an official exhibition, to be able to disy such a treasure. This was too rare! ¡°Let''s see Bai Tianlei''s answer. Oh my god, his answer is correct! Let''s congratte Bai Tianlei on bing the champion of thispetition.¡± The host held the microphone and shouted excitedly. The reporters crowded in front and kept taking pictures. They all remembered this person called Bai Tianlei. Bai Qiusheng was even more pleased with himself. Bai Tianlei was very happy. He could not help but look at Xiao Ke''er. Chapter 265 Chapter 265 - Miraculous People ¡°Bai Tianlei has demonstrated his remarkable prowess by identifying all five treasures, even recording his name and age on them. He stands as an exemr for the youth. To the other four participants, regardless of your responses, you''ve all been bested.¡± The host spoke into the microphone. ¡°This spot offers a great view. Let''s snap more photos here.¡± ¡°I''ve alreadye up with tonight''s headline.¡± ¡°The unearthing of the national treasure was entirely idental.¡± ¡°The person who stumbled upon the national treasurecks any real skill. Bai Tianlei truly possesses the genuine capability.¡± ¡°You need to reconsider the headline.¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± The journalists crowded below, vying to capture the best photos and videos. Bai Tianlei was visibly delighted. So was Bai Qiusheng. He cast a challenging nce at Old Master Tang. Old Master Tang let out a quiet sigh. ¡°It''s time to head back.¡± Upon saying this, Old Master Tang walked away, appearing deste. Xiao Ke''er nodded and helped Old Master Tang as he left. Several elderly men followed behind him, preparing to depart. The staff at the exhibition hall remained to manage the wrap-up. The transportation and safeguarding of the national treasure were left to these employees. Apart from Su Ming, the other contestants could only resign themselves to disappointment and shake their heads. ¡°Here''s a lifetime free pass to the five major museums in the capital. Take this.¡± The host fetched the card from nearby and was about to hand it over to Bai Tianlei. Su Ming interjected with a gentle smile, ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± Su Ming''s statement was quiet. Yet, it captured everyone''s attention. The bustling crowd suddenly fell silent. Despite this, several began to ridicule him. ¡°Is he upset about his defeat?¡± ¡°If it were me, I''d leave quietly.¡± ¡°He''s just embarrassing himself.¡± ¡°Hasn''t he embarrassed himself enough?¡± ¡°What could he possibly want to say now?¡± The crowd viewed Su Ming with scorn. Hearing Su Ming''s interruption, Bai Tianlei smirked, approached him, and pped him on the shoulder, saying, ¡°I get it, you''re the one who found the national treasure.¡± ¡°But you''ve lost to me in this contest, and naturally, you''re upset.¡± ¡°You''d best leave quickly once the awards ceremony starts.¡± Bai Tianlei chuckled. Old Master Tang had barely taken a few steps. He stopped dead in his tracks upon hearing Su Ming''sments. He sighed and shook his head in disappointment. He had indeed made a mistake. He had believed Su Ming was young yet knowledgeable. At this point, it appeared that Su Ming was merely deceiving everyone. Xiao Ke''er was by Old Master Tang''s side, offering him support. Shepletely disregarded what Su Ming was saying. She had believed Su Ming to be unlike the others she had met before. Now, however, she found him utterly contemptible. Her disillusionment was profound. Su Ming maintained hisposure while standing on the stage. He heard the jeers from the crowd and Bai Tianlei but seemed unfazed. ¡°Who said it''s over?¡± Su Ming asked, drawing out his words. The moment he finished, a reporter burst intoughter. This only deepened Old Master Tang''s disappointment. The elderly man shook his head and hastened his steps. He regretted the high regard he had held for Su Ming recently. Bai Tianlei''sughter echoed. ¡°Thepetition has been dered over by the host. I''m the winner. What more do you want to add now?¡± Bai Tianlei mocked. He thought Su Ming was merely humiliating himself. ¡°That''s correct.¡± Su Ming responded with a slight smile. Despite everything, his demeanor remained unaltered. The onlookers watched him in disbelief, thinking him utterly unscrupulous. ¡°If the final item is indeed as you im, then you''ve won,¡± ¡°But actually, it turns out to be a forgery. It''s not real,¡± Su Ming disclosed with a smile. The crowd fell silent immediately after Su Ming''s revtion. Could thest item really be a fake? How could that be? As everyone was stunned, Bai Tianlei burst intoughter. ¡°It doesn''t concern me if you im the other four treasures are counterfeits.¡± ¡°But thest item came from my grandfather''s personal collection. I had it brought here from the capital myself.¡± ¡°I made sure it was reced. It has been in my family since its creation, how could it be a counterfeit?¡± Bai Tianlei scoffed. Upon hearing this, Bai Qiusheng pped his forehead. Bai Qiusheng felt utterly disheartened. Now, Bai Qiusheng was certain that Old Master Tang would recognize the item as authentic. Yet, there was nothing Old Master Tang could do about it. With Bai Tianlei admitting this, his win in the contest seemed unjust. The reporters around werepletely taken aback. They were shocked that Bai Tianlei had admitted this truth. But the reporters remained silent. They continued to point their cameras at the unfolding events. The individual who had discovered the national treasure ended up losing. Thepetition''s victor had secured the win through deceit. The discoverer had evenbeled one of the items as a fake. The reporters were left speechless. Chapter 266 Chapter 266 - It Was a Fake Su Ming''s expression involuntarily contorted upon hearing Bai Tianlei''s remarks. He endeavored to regain hisposure. Bai Tianlei, oblivious to his blunder, had inadvertently revealed the truth. He continued to silently gloat and mock Su Ming internally. The gathered reporters remained quiet. Old Master Tang halted abruptly. It raised the question: Was Su Ming truly prepared, or was he setting himself up for embarrassment? Bai Tianlei boasted as he turned and noticed his grandfather''s furious gaze. He was taken aback by this. He was puzzled about the cause of his grandfather''s anger. He recalled his grandfather had paid a substantial amount to acquire it from someone, cherishing it greatly. It seemed his grandfather intended for him to present this prized possession publicly. With that in mind, Bai Tianlei spoke earnestly. ¡°Let me be honest with you.¡± ¡°Fifteen years ago, my grandfather acquired this valued item.¡± ¡°He waited outside the seller''s home for over a month to secure this acquisition.¡± ¡°Once home, he consulted numerous experts to verify its authenticity, all of whom confirmed it. How can it be deemed a counterfeit?¡± Bai Tianlei reiterated with pride. Upon hearing this, Bai Qiusheng''s anger intensified. This was a confidential matter, known but to a few, and Bai Tianlei''s public deration threatened to tarnish his reputation. Standing under the spotlight, Bai Tianlei couldn''t make out his grandfather''s expression. He assumed his grandfather was pleased. ¡°Why the silence? You need to prove it''s a forgery, or face consequences.¡± ¡°If it turns out to be a fake, I''ll consume manure.¡± Bai Tianlei''s mockery continued. To Su Ming, Bai Tianlei''s behavior marked him as someone out of the ordinary. Su Ming approached the artifact with a subtle smile and began to exin. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, this artifact, the Heavenly Death Vessel, dates back to the early Western Zhou period.¡± ¡°It features eight lines and 78 words, documenting the sacrificial rites King Wu of Zhou conducted post-Shang Dynasty.¡± ¡°It credits the protection of his ancestors for establishing the Zhou dynasty''s rule.¡± ¡°This artifact is a pivotal cultural piece, immensely valuable both historically and as a benchmark in Western Zhou studies.¡± ¡°Should Mr. Bai genuinely possess such an artifact, he indeed holds a significant treasure.¡± ¡°However, Mr. Bai''s understanding of it is quite limited.¡± Su Ming smiled knowingly as he paused. He activated the scanning device at that moment. The scanner explicitly disyed the text. It was identified as a Ming Dynasty replica, crudely crafted and of no real value. The identifier was to discard it. Yes, the item was an antique. Yet, it was not the Western Zhou''s Heavenly Death Vessel. It was merely a casual creation by a Ming Dynasty artisan during his leisure. He based its design on an illustration found in an ancient tome. An expertter artificially aged it to appear worn. After being buried for centuries, It was excavated, Giving it an ancient appearance. In truth, it was nothing more than a modern-day fabrication. This object was not a valuable artifact at all. Poor Old Man Bai believed he had discovered something priceless. He invested tens of millions to acquire it. Eventually, he ended up purchasing worthless scrap metal. This transaction resulted in a significant financial loss for him. Su Ming left his statement unfinished. Upon hearing this, Old Master Tang furrowed his brow and abruptly turned. The other elders present were momentarily taken aback. They all pivoted to see what was being discussed. Shortly after this supposed treasure surfaced, Bai Qiusheng had snapped it up. Bai Qiusheng cherished it as if it were a true treasure and kept it hidden from view. It was rumored that he sought experts to appraise it. Yet, the identity of these experts and the methods used remained unknown. Regardless, Bai Qiusheng was respected as an elder. He possessed a certain level of expertise. Thus, there was never any suspicion about the item''s authenticity among them. However, hearing Su Ming''s im, they began to wonder if there was more to the story. Bai Qiusheng himself was shocked. He questioned himself: Was this artifact a counterfeit? Such a notion seemed unbelievable! He had scrutinized it over several nights. He had consulted numerous references. How could it possibly be a forgery? In truth, his im of having it authenticated was entirely fabricated. He trusted his own judgment. After decades of handling genuine relics, how could his assessment be incorrect? It simply couldn''t be! ¡°Why are you silent?¡± Bai Tianlei scowled and challenged: ¡°Have you run out of exnations? You can''t fabricate any further, can you?¡± Su Ming sighed, ¡°I was trying to spare you some dignity. If you reject that, don''t hold me responsible.¡± With that, Su Ming moved assertively forward. He gestured towards the artifact. ¡°This item is definitely not from the Western Zhou period. It''s merely a practice piece crafted by a Ming Dynasty artisan, devoid of any real value¡ªit''s essentially worthless.¡± ¡°However, the artisan''s skill was exceptional. Even his practice pieces were of decent quality. Unfortunately, these wereter used by deceivers to mislead, aided by the fact that they had been buried for centuries, which fooled many.¡± Su Ming then dramatically lifted the artifact and hurled it to the ground. ¡°Crash!¡± The resounding crash left everyone around him stunned. Nobody anticipated Su Ming''s bold action of discarding the artifact. His decisiveness was startling! Was he really going to destroy it just like that? What was his intention? Perhaps he realized his loss and decided to destroy the artifact in response? This act seemed insane¡­ If this were genuinely an heirloom passed down through generations, Su Ming would never harm it. Yet, this was merely a counterfeit, crafted centuries ago. It was a long-standing forgery. Holding onto it would only continue to deceive many in the future. Chapter 267 Chapter 267 - Embarrassment Su Ming''s sudden action stunned everyone. The entire audience was silent. Even Old Master Tang was surprised. What was Su Ming trying to do? At this moment, in the crowd below the stage. An old man let out a miserable scream. ¡°My baby!¡± Bai Qiusheng anxiously rushed forward. He looked at the fragments on the ground. His hands and feet were trembling. Bai Tianlei finally reacted. ¡°I''m telling you, you''re finished!¡± ¡°How dare you damage such a valuable thing in front of so many people!¡± ¡°You''re going to jail!¡± Bai Tianlei was shocked. No one expected Su Ming to throw something. This was his grandfather''s treasure. Su Ming smiled faintly. He then took a few slow steps forward and picked up a fragment from the ground. ¡°Everyone, please take a look.¡± The reporters below were still in a daze. When they heard Su Ming''s words, they immediately reacted. They suddenly realized that the fragment in Su Ming''s hand had already shattered. The key was that the fragment was made of two pieces stuck together. Su Ming broke the thing, causing the two pieces to split open. There were a few words clearly carved in the middle of the fragment. Ming Dynasty, Sun Laosan, cast. Ming Dynasty, Lee Dake, repair. Old Master Tang took a few steps forward. He looked carefully and was excited. This was actually fake! Su Ming was right! This was indeed fake! When ancient craftsmen made things, they liked to secretly carve their names into it. This way, their names could be passed down for thousands of years. Sun Laosan was obviously the creator of this artifact. After Lee Dake obtained this item, he repaired it slightly. One should not underestimate the wisdom and methods of the ancient people. There were many unimaginable things that the ancient people could do today. Therefore, this thing was a replica. Even if it was an antique from the Ming Dynasty, it was still a counterfeit. It had no value at all! Everyone was speechless. Everyone was stunned. Bai Qiusheng was stunned. He had spent tens of millions of yuan to buy something from someone else. The thing that he treated as a treasure was fake! Bai Qiusheng spat out a mouthful of blood. He fainted on the spot! Bai Tianlei hurriedly supported his grandfather. A group of people rushed forward and helped Bai Qiusheng down. More people looked at Su Ming. Everyone remembered their mockery of Su Ming just now and felt regret and embarrassment. At this moment, the host took the note from the side. The host suddenly realized that Su Ming''s answer to the first four treasures was correct. The answer to the fifth treasure said that it was a fake. It wasn''t that Su Ming didn''t have the ability. He already knew all the answers from afar. He just didn''t want topete with them! It turned out that Bai Tianlei was the real clown. The most shocked person was Old Master Tang. In just a few minutes, he was extremely disappointed in Su Ming, and now he was extremely shocked by Su Ming. Only now did he realize that Su Ming waspletely detached from the mundane world and was full of knowledge. Xiao Ke''er stood at the side. A rare look of surprise appeared on her face. She covered her mouth with her hand. She had always been calm andposed, but now she couldn''t control her expression at all. Xiao Ke''er was too surprised. In the face of others'' misunderstanding, Su Ming was neither arrogant nor impatient. He was extraordinary. She wanted to know more about Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The host was stunned. He stammered as he put the card in Su Ming''s hand. Su Ming smiled faintly and said, ¡°I don''t need this card. You can give this card to a lucky audience at the scene.¡± After saying that, Su Ming took a step forward and left through the passage next to him. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please ept an interview!¡± ¡°Mr. Su.¡± The reporters broke down. They deleted Bai Tianlei''s video at the beginning and recorded Su Ming''s video. Then they deleted Su Ming''s video and recorded Bai Tianlei''s video. Now they were going to delete Bai Tianlei''s video and record Su Ming''s video. However, one of the new reporters in the group didn''t know how to operate the camera, so hepletely recorded the entire process. The other reporters were very envious. Chapter 268 Chapter 268 - The Soul of the Farmer Su Ming walked slowly out of the door through the side passage. ¡°Mr. Su, wait a moment.¡± At this moment, Old Master Tang caught up with him. He ran all the way, panting. This old man was highly respected and held a high position. When had he ever been so anxious? ¡°Mr. Tang.¡± Su Ming stopped and smiled. Old Master Tang had just returned, and Su Ming had seen it very clearly. However, Su Ming did not think too much about it. It was very normal for them to meet by chance and be friends. ¡°Mr. Su is indeed knowledgeable. I''m not as good as you.¡± Old Master Tang stood in front of Su Ming, ashamed that his skills were inferior. He was still far from being able topare to Su Ming. He was already over eighty years old, almost ny years old. However, he still couldn''t understand Su Ming. This was the first time he had met such a person. ¡°You must be joking.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°I just like to show off.¡± When Old Master Tang heard this, he thought, ¡°If you like to show off, then there''s no one in this world who doesn''t like to show off.¡± ¡°Mr. Su must be joking.¡± Old Master Tangughed. ¡°If you have nothing else to say, I''ll be leaving first.¡± Su Ming smiled, waved his hand, and turned to leave. He took a taxi at the intersection and left. Old Master Tang stood at the door and watched Su Ming leave. He had a smile on his face. But he also sighed leisurely. He was wrong this time. He had already be friends with Su Ming. But this time, he had taken the wrong step. ¡°Girl.¡± Old Master Tang suddenly said. ¡°Grandpa Tang.¡± Xiao Ke''er stood to the side, deep in thought. When she heard Old Master Tang''s words, she hurriedly came back to her senses. ¡°You''re not young anymore, right?¡± Old Master Tang turned around andughed. When Xiao Ke''er heard his words, her face immediately turned red. ¡°Grandpa Tang, why are you saying this¡­¡± ¡°What? Are you shy?¡± Old Master Tangughed: ¡°Don''t think that the families in the capital are each more powerful than the other. In fact, the true experts are all living in seclusion among the people. Don''t miss them.¡± ¡°Grandpa Tang! I''ll be angry if you keep talking!¡± Xiao Ke''er was shy. ¡°Haha!¡± Old Master Tangughed out loud: ¡°Alright, I won''t say anymore, okay? Let''s go home.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Ke''er nodded. However, her face was still red. She helped the old man into the car. Xiao Ke''er also got in the car. However, she was slightly distracted in the car. There was always a figure in her mind that she could not get rid of. He was very calm in the face of suspicion. He faced glory without any reluctance. At least she couldn''t reach his state of mind and cultivation. Some people said that one shouldn''t be happy with material things and shouldn''t be sad for oneself. It seemed simple, but it was extremely difficult to put it into practice. But Su Ming, who lived in Eastsea, seemed¡­ Xiao Ke''er suddenly felt a little regretful in her heart. Why didn''t she chat more with Su Ming and get to know him better? s, she would return to the capital in a few days. Would they still have the chance to meet? Su Ming took a taxi home. What happened today had no effect on Su Ming. This was just a small episode in his life. When he got home, it was already past eight o''clock in the evening. The sky was already dark. He rubbed his stomach and felt a little hungry. Su Ming took out his phone. He ordered some takeout. Then he put the phone in his pocket. He took off his shoes and stepped barefoot into the ground. His feet stepped on the soil. The soil was soft and slightly damp. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but sigh in his heart. In the end, he still feltfortable farming. He walked in front of a cotton nt. This cotton was already very tall. It was about a meter tall, and its branches and leaves were lush. The embryonic form of the cotton had already appeared. Su Ming reached out and stroked it. It was soft. Su Ming suddenly thought of something fun. What would a mature cotton look like when it was picked? Should he give it a try? Su Ming chuckled. He exerted force with his hand and pulled out a piece of cotton. ¡°Ding! Host has harvested a crop ahead of time. This crop has stopped growing and has turned into ordinary cotton!¡± Suddenly, a notification sound rang in his mind, startling Su Ming. F * ck! The consequences were so serious? Su Ming held the cotton in his hand and couldn''t help but pat his chest. Fortunately, only this nt stopped growing and turned into ordinary cotton. If all crops stopped growing because of him¡­ He waited for five or six days. These nts were about to ripen. Because of him, all the crops in the five acres ofnd stopped growing. He would definitely cry himself to death! Su Ming hurriedly hid the cotton in his hand. ¡°I didn''t do anything! You didn''t see anything!¡± Su Ming took two steps. ¡°Why is this happening?¡± Su Ming lowered his head and looked carefully. There were a lot ofrge chunks of earth on the ground. It was all his fault. The System could automatically generate the best growth conditions. Su Ming would take care of the crops at the beginning. Butter, he only nted crops, watered them, and fertilized them. He didn''t care about anything else. This was a very bad thing! ¡°I don''t care if the System can provide me with the best growth conditions.¡± ¡°As for farming, I have to immerse myself in it, and I have to enjoy it.¡± Otherwise, such a good resource would be wasted. When Su Ming thought of this, he felt very guilty in his heart. He should persevere and work hard at farming. This was the right thing to do! Thinking of this, Su Ming was full of energy. He rolled up his sleeves and strode to the warehouse. He took a shovel and a hammer. He took the shovel to loosen the soil, and the hammer to break therge pieces of soil. So he began to work! Su Ming held the hammer in his hand. He squatted on the ground. He broke the huge chunks of soil one by one. After he broke a furrow. He then used a shovel to pile up the soil in the furrow, deepening the furrow. After he was done, he looked back. This job was too good! While Su Ming was working on the farm. ¡°Is there anyone here?¡± A puzzled voice came from outside the door. Su Ming straightened his back from the cotton field. He looked outside the door in confusion. Who came in the middle of the night? He looked carefully and saw that the person was wearing yellow clothes and a helmet. So it was the delivery man! He had forgotten about this. He suddenly felt hungry. Su Mingughed and walked out barefoot. Of course, the little brother outside saw that Su Ming hade out of the wheat field. His hands and feet were covered in mud, and his face was covered in sweat. Su Ming turned off his Stamina Talent. asionally, he would also feel the feeling of farming. Otherwise, he would bezy. ¡°Little brother, are you farming here?¡± When the little brother outside gave something to Su Ming, he was stunned. ¡°Yes, my crops are growing well, right?¡± ¡°Not bad, remember to give me a five-star rating!¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Su Ming agreed with a smile and took the takeout. He took a stool from the side and walked barefoot into the field. He found a ce to sit on the stool. He looked at the ca lily and cotton and ate noodles. The noodles were so fragrant! Chapter 269 Chapter 269 - Pig-raising The sheer delight of farming was evident. He spent his day working and eating out in the fields. This brought him genuine happiness. Since it involved strenuous physical activity, he consumed arge bowl of noodles and a chicken leg. He disposed of the stic container in the trash and resumed hisbor. Five acres ofnd required considerable effort to maintain. By the time he left the field, he felt exhausted. His clothing was dirty, and his limbs were caked with mud. His face was muddy from frequently wiping away sweat. Yet, he found this experience very satisfying. It was already two in the morning. He had been working non-stop for six hours. Su Ming allowed himself a small smile. He went to the thatched hut to clean his hands, feet, and face. Back at the vi, he cooked himself another bowl of noodles. He ate and then went straight to sleep. The following morning, he awoke early. He feltpletely refreshed. He stretched, had some food, and then headed out to check on the previous night''sbor in the field. Next, Su Ming visited the breeding area. He had finished organizing everything there. Still, he hadn''t received any updates from the System. The four types of animals permissible for breeding were already being raised. After some thought, Su Ming decided to raise additional pigs. He proceeded to the breeding area. Having ced his order, he prepared to collect the supplies. Soon, the delivery arrived in the city center. The workers unloaded the crates and herded the pigs into their pens in pairs. ¡°Mr. Su, next time you need something, no need toe yourself,¡± the owner suggested. He greeted Su Ming with a smile, ¡°Just give me a call, and I''ll deliver it to you.¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod, ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°These are all the breeds avable on our farm.¡± The proprietor showed Su Ming a detailed list of breeds. The list meticulously categorized various types of poultry. ¡°Thank you,¡± Su Ming expressed his gratitude. ¡°Don''t mention it,¡± the owner responded warmly. The owner smiled as he spoke. The owner moved closer, then paused. He turned to address Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± he began. Su Ming, puzzled, inquired, ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± ¡°The condition of your pigsty isn''t the best; please don''t take offense. Just curious, how do you manage pig rearing?¡± Su Ming exined, ¡°I ensure they''re fed, watered, and the pigsty is kept clean.¡± Pig rearing wasmon in the vige. This was the standard method everyone used. However, he omitted that he only fed them. The owner shook his head upon hearing this. ¡°Mr. Su, I may not be as wealthy, but I excel at pig farming,¡± he stated. The owner expressed this proudly. Su Ming queried, ¡°Is there a different method for pig farming?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± the owner replied with enthusiasm. He was pleased to share his expertise with Su Ming. Discussing these matters with Su Ming was an honor for him. ¡°Mr. Su, remember that pigs are indeed animals.¡± The manager stated gravely. Su Ming gazed at the manager, bewildered, already aware that pigs are animals. ¡°Moreover, pigs are known for their considerable intelligence.¡± Su Ming regarded the manager attentively. He suddenly recalled reading articles stating that pigs possess substantial intelligence. At times, pigs are even smarter than dogs. ¡°That''s the reason pigs also experience emotions. They feel happiness and sadness just like us.¡± The shopkeeper continued the conversation. ¡°They truly feel emotions?¡± Su Ming was momentarily shocked. ¡°Absolutely. Consider this: pigs are aware of their surroundings. They''re confined in cramped spaces with no escape, facing eventual ughter.¡± ¡°Consequently, they often feel miserable.¡± ¡°If they are unhappy, their appetite decreases. Poor appetite leads to less vorful meat. Therefore, it''s important to ensure their happiness.¡± The shopkeeper borated thoroughly. Su Ming was taken aback. ¡°Am I expected to consider these factors in pig farming?¡± Why should he be concerned with the emotional state of pigs? ¡°Mr. Su, imagine you had two pigs.¡± ¡°Treat one pig with soothing music massages, quality feed, and asional scratches to relieve its itches, along with its favorite grass. Such care makes its life joyful. Even if it eventually dies, it lived a content life.¡± ¡°The other pig is merely given basic sustenance without additional care, living each day as if awaiting death, trapped in perpetual sorrow.¡± ¡°Thus, to produce delicious and abundant pork, it''s crucial to maintain the pigs in a cheerful mood.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming realized the profound logic behind it. Why hadn''t this concept urred to him before? It wasn''t really Su Ming''s fault. In the countryside, many are engaged in pig farming. But being a rural area, farmers are so overwhelmed with agricultural tasks that they hardly find time to eat. This leads to less attentive care for the pigs. However, he had more time. He offered a variety of feeds. When idle, he indulged in music and pig massages. Wouldn''t such practices yield different results? ¡°System, would the quality of pigs improve if I care for them well?¡± Su Ming pondered internally. ¡°This inquiry is beyond your current level of ess. Host, please investigate independently.¡± Su Ming was thrilled. What did it mean to ¡®investigate independently''? It suggested that there was potential for sess in this approach. Excellent! Until now, Su Ming had only considered conventional farming, raising livestock, and working systematically. Yet, he had overlooked this method. Could he really implement this? This revtion inspired a novel strategy. By massaging the pigs, ying music, and feeding them diverse diets, he could enhance the quality of the pork and ultimately alter the results. Essentially, this could increase the chances of obtaining premium products. It appeared that the same principle might apply to crop cultivation. Typically, he would ensure regr watering and fertilizing. He would frequently patrol the fields and remove weeds. He even yed music for the nts. Spending additional time in the fields, engaging with and talking to the nts. Could this also boost the quality of the crops? This was an innovative approach for him! Chapter 270 Chapter 270 - The New Pig-raising Policy Upon seeing Su Ming''s reaction, the owner realized his advice had been effective. He couldn''t suppress his joy. Helping Mr. Su was a privilege unlike any other for him. ¡°Any other thoughts?¡± Su Ming, blinking, inquired. ¡°Just one moment, please.¡± Pausing briefly, the owner hurried to his car. Shortly, he returned carrying a book. ¡°Mr. Su, here''s a pig farming manual containing many of my personal insights. I hope it proves useful to you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Delighted, Su Ming epted the book, expressing his gratitude, ¡°I will not forget this favor.¡± The owner was thrilled by Su Ming''s response. Su Ming''s appreciative words carried significant weight. This joy surpassed even the tion of winning a lottery. Receiving amitment from Su Ming filled him with ecstasy. The owner drove off swiftly. Standing in the field, Su Ming reflected on the significant hint the owner had provided. Though he was engaged in farming, he had somehow lost touch with its essence. His approach was routine: nting seeds, watering them carelessly, and fertilizing, all while awaiting the harvest. He neglected to observe the growth process of the crops. This was not the way to farm; what kind of farming was this? True farming involved dedication and emotional investment. While others depended on weather conditions for farming, He would ponder, ¡°What''s the weather like today? How are the sunlight and temperature? Will it rain?¡± The System alleviated many of these concerns. Yet, there were still numerous tasks he needed to manage. The System was there to assist, but realization of this fact was crucial. Farming was no trivial matter. Previously, he had underestimated itsplexity. Holding the pig farming book, Su Ming turned his attention to the breeding area. Within, five robust pigs were housed. Su Ming had intentionally purchased near-mature pigs. This way, their growth in theing days wouldn''t raise eyebrows or suspicions. After all, this was a typical farm scene. The farm housed both nearly mature pigs and piglets. The older pigs were sold to butchers, while the young were sold to locals for breeding. Su Ming licked his lips, eager. He was venturing into a new realm. He was ready to get to work! Su Ming was charged with enthusiasm. He momentarily set aside crop-rted tasks to focus on the pigs. ¡°Ding! Therge white pig has matured! Time until harvest: 51 hours!¡± Su Ming paused, recognizing that different tasks had different timelines. He no longer dwelled on it. He opened the pig farming book to study it closely. When raising pigs, a few critical aspects required attention: their feed, health, and cleanliness. These were essential; as long as these were managed well, the pigs would grow healthily, and he could enjoy pork. Yet, to enhance the pork''s quality, he would need to focus on additional details. Su Ming noticed that once therge white pigs limated, they settled into their nests and stayed put. Their demeanor seemed somewhat forlorn. The owner''s advice was proving urate. Pigs too were affected by their moods. Currently, their mood was low. He acted promptly. Su Ming, without a word, dashed to the garage. He floored the elerator and headed directly to the distant farmers'' market. Arriving, Su Ming entered on foot. The farmers'' market was bustling. It was crowded with vendors and shoppers. The atmosphere was vibrant and noisy. Nearby were several wholesale outlets. Su Ming browsed inside, but nobody took much notice of him. They assumed Su Ming wasn''t there to buy in bulk. It seemed they thought he had mistakenlye to purchase groceries. Su Ming''s visit to the market was to buy fruits and vegetables to supplement the pigs'' diet. Pigs are omnivores. They consumed a diet of corn and rice along with various vegetables and fruits. It was natural for anyone to feel happy when tasting delicious food, especially simple-minded pigs. Su Ming observed his surroundings and noted that the items were quitemonce. He wondered whether the ordinary cabbage and carrots were suitable for the pigs he was raising. Clearly, they were not! Suddenly, a nearby shop caught Su Ming''s attention. A sign at the shop''s entrance advertised wholesale imported fruits. Su Ming considered this an excellent discovery. He approached the shop. The proprietor was a plump middle-aged woman. She looked over Su Ming with diminishing interest. She was capable of selling both in bulk and individually. Nheless, the fruits were priced steeply. He questioned whether he could afford them. Su Ming appeared oblivious to her skeptical expression. Regarding durians? One was particrlyrge, its surface shimmering like gold. Su Ming had learned that this was considered the finest among durians. It was referred to as the emperor of durians. Unlike typical durians, which had a notorious smell, this variety was pleasantly aromatic. This durian was exclusive to a specific foreign region and was unavable elsewhere. Others attempting to cultivate it from seeds would not achieve the same quality. He then nced at the Cheli Zi next to him. This was no ordinary cheroot. Many cherries avable were counterfeit. Yet, this fruit was genuine. Su Ming had resorted to trickery. After all, he had a scanner and it would be wasteful not to utilize it! Upon scanning again, he confirmed it was indeed counterfeit! The fruit was considerablyrge. Each was about the size of a walnut. He then turned his attention to the Buddha''s Hand Fruit beside him. There were other fruits whose names Su Ming did not know. They were umon and costly but clearly seemed appetizing. ¡°Boss.¡± Su Ming called out to the shopkeeper. ¡°Young man, my fruits are quite pricey,¡± the shopkeeper stated without looking up. ¡°Pricey?¡± Taken aback, Su Ming checked the prices. The shopkeeper scoffed upon seeing his reaction. She assumed he would be deterred by the prices. Some items were within his budget, while others were not. ¡°These aren''t pricey at all,¡± Su Ming remarked slowly. He noted the price of ck-skinned watermelon at 800 yuan per kilogram. Yubari King melon was 700 yuan per kilogram. The durian was merely priced at a few dozen yuan per kilogram. He found the prices to be reasonable. Anything grown on hisnd could easily afford several of her fruits. ¡°Young man, do you really think this isn''t costly?¡± The shopkeeper looked at him, slightly perplexed. [You''re exaggerating. If it''s not costly, why don''t you purchase it?] Su Ming blinked in response. After acquiring the building, he still had substantial funds. Periodically, the antique department would transfer money to him. To be honest, he wasn''t sure of the exact amount he possessed. Buying out her entire store wouldn''t even dent his finances. ¡°Boss, I have a question. If I make arge purchase, do you offer delivery?¡± ¡°Delivery?¡± The shopkeeper internally scoffed at the question. ¡°Sure, if you spend over 100,000 yuan, I''ll deliver it right to your doorstep.¡± ¡°Then, please get the car ready,¡± Su Ming affirmed. ¡°Young man, as I said, it''s too expensive for you.¡± As she was speaking, the boss suddenly paused, realizing something. ¡°Wait, did you say you really want to buy them?¡± Chapter 271 Chapter 271 - Such Expensive Fruit to Feed the Pigs ¡°Give me fifty pounds of this.¡± ¡°Give me 100 catties of this.¡± ¡°This apple is not bad. Give me 100 apples.¡± ¡°This pineapple is also quite good. Give me 100.¡± ¡°Give me four boxes of this!¡± Wang Yao said. Su Ming walked in front with his hands behind his back. The boss followed behind him and kept writing. She felt a little strange in her heart. Was he ying with her? Who could buy so many fruits? He didn''t seem like a businessman. Those who really bought these expensive fruits were rare. If he bought so many, they would all rot. He couldn''t sell them. After all, these were expensive fruits. Moreover, these were rare fruits. The others bought these fruits to put up a front. The number of people buying them was rtively small. Oh my god! He couldn''t have escaped from some mental hospital, could he?! The boss suddenly felt a little panicked. She quietly took out her phone and sent a text message to her husband. ¡°Hubby,e here quickly. There''s a mental patient in the store. I''m scared!¡± ¡°Give me 50 catties of this too.¡± Su Ming calcted. These fruits should be enough. These fruits should be enough for five big white pigs to eat, right? It must be enough. ¡°Let''s calcte, boss. How much is it?¡± Su Ming smiled. The boss was stunned. He really wanted to buy it. Fine, she would see if he could take out the money or not! The boss was on guard against him. She took out the calctor beside her and calcted. ¡°Sir, a total of 18.36,800 yuan.¡± He spent more than 1.8 million on a fruit. He was really rich. However, he thought that it was normal. After all, these fruits were really expensive. Su Ming nodded. ¡°How do I pay?¡± ¡°I can swipe my card here.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Su Ming nodded. He took out his bank card and swiped it. The boss''s eyes widened. She stared at him! If he didn''t have enough money, she wanted to see how he would deal with it! Finally, the word ¡®Payment Sess'' appeared, and the receipt appeared! The boss couldn''t help but curse. He really came to buy fruits. He was really rich to buy so many fruits! The owner was very nervous. ¡°You bought a lot of fruits, and I''m the only one in the shop. I''ll need some time to finish packing. Please wait a moment.¡± ¡°It''s okay. I''m not in a hurry.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Sir, can you finish all the fruits you bought?¡± The owner hurriedly started to pack the fruits. ¡°Or perhaps you are a shop owner. These are all expensive fruits. I don''t mean anything else.¡± ¡°I will feed them to the pigs.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°Ah, I knew it. If you eat them or open a store to sell them, they won''t be easy to sell.¡± The owner reacted and was instantly stunned. ¡°Feeding pigs?¡± The boss jumped up. No one could afford such expensive fruits. He was going to feed the pigs with fruits? Was he joking? ¡°What''s wrong?¡± Su Ming asked with a smile. ¡°Nothing.¡± The boss shook his head desperately. He was really a rich man. Did he buy such expensive fruits to feed the pigs? She really didn''t expect it. So many people could not afford the fruits, and he used them to feed the pigs? She should not ask any more questions. At this moment, a group of people came to the door. The leader was a middle-aged man. He was tall and strong. The muscles on his body were very obvious. He was holding a stick in his hand. ¡°Honey, you just said there''s a mental patient. Where is he?¡± The man cursed as soon as he entered the room. He immediately saw Su Ming. ¡°You''re that mental patient? How dare you bully my wife?¡± ¡°No!¡± The boss shouted, startling the man. Then, the boss instantly jumped out and kicked him. The man flew out and fell into the corridor. Her kick stunned him. He struggled for a long time to get up from the ground. ¡°Honey, what are you doing?¡± ¡°He''s a big customer. Did you know? He bought fruits worth almost two million!¡± The boss pointed at the man''s nose. ¡°How dare you offend such a big customer? When did I say he was crazy? Hurry up and move the fruits ording to this list.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± The man was confused. ¡°The message you sent me said that you met a mentally ill person.¡± ¡°You changed way too quickly.¡± ¡°You even bought two million worth of fruits.¡± ¡°Honey, are you alright?¡± ¡°Are you infected by mental patients?¡± the man thought. The man blinked and rubbed his aching butt. He took the list and looked at it carefully. It was really two million yuan worth of fruits! This list was not a list of records, but a list of goods. This meant that the money had been paid. So much money! This money was enough for him to live for a long time! He did notck money at all. He could earn at least a few hundred thousand from this business! ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go to work!¡± The man stood up and shouted to the workers behind him. This man was also a businessman. He sold fish. He had a lot of apprentices. When he received the news from his wife, he quickly rushed over. But soon, he became a loyal porter. He also called a car and helped carry the fruits to the car. More than a million yuan worth of fruits filled a big truck. Fortunately, these fruits were more expensive, so there were not many of them. Otherwise, he might have to find a train. ¡°Send it to me ording to this address.¡± Su Ming wrote down an address and gave it to the boss. Then he got into his car and drove away. ¡°Yes, sir. Please wait a moment. We will pack up the things and send them to you as soon as possible.¡± The boss didn''t dare to offend him. He took the address in his hand and looked at it carefully. The address was in the city center. The couple looked at each other. Why did so many fruits have to be transported to the city center? ¡°Honey.¡± The man blinked. ¡°Why did this gentleman buy so many fruits?¡± ¡°He wanted to feed these fruits to the pigs.¡± ¡°Feeding the pigs with such expensive fruits?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you mean that this gentleman wants to feed the pigs in the city center?¡± ¡°I think so,¡± Wang Yao said. ¡°I think so, Wang Yao said. Are you crazy or am I? Su Xiaoxue asked.¡± ¡°Maybe we are crazy.¡± ¡°Did you transfer the money to our ount?¡± ¡°I checked eight times. I''m sure the money has been transferred to our ount.¡± ¡°Let''s get to work,¡± Su Xiaoxue said. ¡°Alright.¡± The couple was very confused. The person who bought so many fruits asked them to transport them to the city center. He also said that he would feed the fruits to the pigs. Even if he wanted to transport the fruits to a breeding farm or the suburbs, they would understand. But he wanted to transport the fruits to the city center to feed the pigs. This was too ridiculous. How could these things be rted? What was going on? Could there be a zoo in the city center where animals could be raised separately? That was impossible. The more the couple worked, the more depressed they became. They couldn''t stand it anymore. They decided to personally get into the car to take a look. What was going on? Chapter 272 Chapter 272 - Sneaking Food in front of Buyers The couple could not contain their curiosity. They quickly loaded the fruits onto the car. They wanted to see what was going on. Not only did he feed the pigs with such expensive fruits, but he also raised pigs in the city center. Since when could they raise pigs in the city center? They spent almost an hour. The couple and the elementary school students filled the car with fruits. After they got into the car, they rushed to the center of the city. It was fine in the suburbs, but the closer they got to the center of the city, the more suspicious they became. There were more and more high-rise buildings. No matter how they looked at it, they didn''t think they could rear pigs here. But Su Ming''s delivery address was here. The couple couldn''t say anything. They drove there, and they were almost there. The couple looked into the distance. Oh my god! How could there be such a big open space surrounded by walls in the city center? In the middle of the wall, there was a door that was open. From that door, they could see a vi inside. This was a rich person! How rich must he be? He could actually build a vi in the city center! Perhaps this rich man had a very high status. After all, building a vi in the city center was not something that could be done with money. After they drove slowly closer, they looked carefully. What was in the yard? Was that wheat? There was a lot of wheat in the yard! The yard took up nearly six acres ofnd. There was also a big yard in the vi that took up one acre ofnd. The other five acres ofnd were all nted with wheat! The couple waspletely dumbfounded. He was farming in the city center! Were all the rich like this now? Oh my god! ¡°We poor people have no right to understand them!¡± They looked to the side again. There was also a pigsty. They could see five big pigs through the fence. If he wanted this fruit, he would have to feed it to the pigs! The big boss did not lie. He really bought these fruits to feed the pigs. They were too narrow-minded and didn''t believe him. ¡°Brother Zhang, Sister Liu, why are you two in the city center?¡± At this moment, a man walked over. He was in his forties. He had a fat figure, an exquisite hairstyle, a suit, and a tie. His small leather shoes were polished to a shine. He had a small leather bag under his arm. He looked like a sessful person. The man looked at the car and said, ¡°There are so many fruits, and all of them are expensive. Whichpany is holding an annual meeting? This boss is quite generous with his money.¡± The couple looked at each other. These fruits were indeed expensive, but they were not for the annual meeting. Instead, they were used to feed pigs. They knew this man. He was the purchasing manager of a canned food factory. He often bought some fruits from them to discuss cooperation. From the way this man dressed today, he must be in the city center discussing business. ¡°There are so many big cherries here?¡± The man looked around and found that there were four big boxes full of cherries, and they were all the size of walnuts. These were Top Grade cherries! ¡°It shouldn''t be a problem for me to eat one or two, right? Don''t tell the buyer.¡± The man reached out and took out a big cherry from the back of the car. He wiped it with his hand and bit into it. His mouth was filled with the juice of the cherry. ¡°It''s too delicious!¡± The man couldn''t help but give him a thumbs up, ¡°These imported cherries that cost more than 300 yuan per kilogram are too delicious. They are much more delicious than those fake big cherries in China.¡± The couple looked at each other and blinked. What should they say? Their feelings were a littleplicated. It was not easy to exin. At this moment, Su Ming also heard the sound from the door. He knew that the couple had arrived. He walked to the door. He was about to order the couple to drive the car in. As soon as he arrived at the door, he saw the man eating cherries. Su Ming only smiled and didn''t say anything. He was just eating a cherry, and that was nothing. If he liked it, he could take it with him in a bag. As the man ate, he looked at Su Ming. ¡°Someone saw me secretly eating. Young man, are you a worker at the construction site next door? You''re also tired. Young man, try a cherry too. It tastes good. Don''t worry, we only ate two. The buyer won''t know. This couple is my friend. Don''t worry.¡± The man smiled and took out another cherry for Su Ming. Su Ming smiled and shook his head.¡± I don''t want to eat. ¡° The man rolled his eyes. ¡°How much can a construction worker like you earn in a year?¡± You''ll never be able to eat such expensive fruits in your life. It''s fine if you don''t want to eat this fruit. I''ll eat these fruits! When the couple heard this, they thought, ¡°Don''t say anymore. You secretly ate the fruits in front of the buyer, and you even invited the buyer to eat with you. How dare you. When you find out Su Ming''s true identityter, you''ll cry.¡± The couple had always been shocked. They were all dumbfounded when they saw their old friend secretly eat fruits in front of the buyer. They even forgot to stop him. Su Ming smiled and didn''t care. He looked at the couple. ¡°Bring the car in.¡± The couple was stunned for a moment. Only then did they suddenly react. ¡°Okay!¡± Brother Zhang hurriedly got in the car. Sister Liumanded from under the car. They prepared to drive. ¡°Wait!¡± The man who had eaten the fruit was confused. What was going on? ¡°Did a bigpany buy this fruit?¡± The man was still holding half a cheroot in his hand. Sister Liu blinked and said, ¡°No, Mr. Su bought these fruits.¡± ¡°Who?¡± The man did not react for a moment. He suddenly understood! ¡°You mean this young man bought all the fruits in this truck?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Sister Liu nodded. The man was shocked. He felt very embarrassed. No wonder this young man didn''t eat these fruits. It turned out that he was the one who bought these fruits. He even invited the buyer to secretly eat the fruits together. He was too embarrassed. Why did this young man buy so many fruits? Could he finish all these fruits? ¡°There are so many fruits, would it be a waste if I can''t finish them all?¡± The man asked with his eyes wide open. ¡°Mr. Su said that he bought these fruits to feed the pigs. Go away, we''re going to reverse the car.¡± Sister Liu obviously didn''t want to talk to him anymore. ¡°Feed the pigs!¡± The man was stunned. He blinked and looked at the cherry in his hand. The man threw the cherry in his hand to the ground, lowered his head, and left. Su Mingmanded from behind. Sister Liu stood in front. Brother Zhang drove. Brother Zhang quickly drove the car into the corridor. The couple got out of the car to unload the goods. Actually, there weren''t many goods. If the fruits were wrapped in boxes, they would be able to unload the goods very quickly. It was just that the fruits had not been wrapped in a box before, so they had to spend a lot of effort to collect and pack them. Chapter 273 Chapter 273 - The Stink Bomb The couple had thought they were in good shape. Because they had been carrying boxes of fruits all year round. Butpared to Su Ming, their strength was really small. Su Ming could carry dozens or even hundreds of kilograms of fruit without feeling tired. Not only that, he didn''t even sweat! Wasn''t he tired? They were very shocked, but they didn''t dare to ask. After unloading the fruits, they drove away. Su Ming was raising pigs in the city center. The property in the city center was worth ten billion! But Su Ming was farming and raising pigs! Su Ming came to the warehouse. On the left side of the warehouse were seeds, fertilizers, and fodder. On the right side of the warehouse were boxes of fruits. Su Ming first carried a bag of feed and fed some to the five big white pigs. Then he walked to the box of fruits. He opened a box of fruits. In one box, there were twoyers of white film covering the apples. He uncovered the white film. There were only four apples. ¡°There are four apples in such a big box?¡± Su Ming was speechless. This was too strenuous. Couldn''t these apples be stored in ordinary bags? The couple would be speechless if they heard this. These apples were known as the best fruit in the world, and were the most expensive apples in the world. The price of an apple was several thousand yuan. The apple was crisp and delicious, and the juice was sweet and moist. It was a waste to put the apples in a stic bag. For Su Ming, convenience was the most important thing. Whether they were expensive or not had nothing to do with him. Su Ming could only open another box. He took five apples in total. He found a chopping board and a kitchen knife in the corner of the warehouse. He cut the apple into pieces, then took some pomegranates, two pieces of durian, two bananas, and the pieces of the apple and put them evenly into five tes. Su Ming poured the food from one of the big tes into the trough. A big white pig rushed over in an instant. It began to eat happily. The other four big white pigs instantly became anxious and kept crying out. Su Ming smiled. Then he poured the food from the other four tes into the trough. The five big white pigs ate very happily. Su Ming was also very happy. He felt that he had to y some music for them on the stereo. Su Ming went straight to the little thatched cottage. There was a wooden box there. Su Ming first obtained a batch of electronic products, including arge stereo system. Su Ming found the stereo system and downloaded many kinds of songs online. He nned to y them through the Bluetooth. Melodious music slowly began to y. The five big white pigs wagged their tails and walked around the pigsty. Su Ming was very satisfied. However, he felt that something was missing. Su Ming thought for a moment. Should he prepare a live performance for them? But his singing was not very good. After he finished singing, these pigs might die on the spot. Su Ming suddenly pped his thigh. He could find a professional orchestra to y. If these pigs saw that scene, they would definitely be very happy. A professional orchestra would personally y for them. They would immediately be happy. When the time came, when these pigs grew up, their meat would definitely be very good. Su Ming chuckled. He decided. However, he couldn''t stop ying music for the time being. He put the stereo next to the pigsty for the time being. The stereo was effective. These big white pigs were wagging their tails crazily. Su Ming was about to invite the professionals to y. But he suddenly realized something. The ca lily seemed to have matured. He didn''t want to wait a moment. He wanted to quickly collect the ca lily. Su Ming hurried to the warehouse. He took out a shovel. He walked to the side of a ca lily. He stuck the shovel into the ground and stomped on it with his foot. He exerted force on his body. An entire ca lily was dug out. What was this? Su Ming was shocked when he saw the ca lily. This thing was another bomb? Bad Luck Bomb? It shouldn''t be, right? Su Ming took a closer look and saw that it was still ck. However, it wasn''t big, about the size of a ss ball. Under a ca lily, there were many such things. Su Ming looked around and found that there were about a few dozen of them. Su Ming reached out and took one. He looked at it carefully. Its surface was ck and shiny. What was this? Su Ming thought, ¡°I''ll try to throw one.¡± Su Ming raised his hand and was about to throw one. ¡°Congrattions, Host, for obtaining the Stinky Gas Bomb. The Host can choose a target and crush it. The chosen target will stink for a day.¡± Stinky Gas Bomb? Su Ming quickly withdrew his hand. Fortunately, he did not throw it. Although the System said that he could use it after choosing a target. He didn''t know what would happen if he threw it on the ground. However, this Stinky Gas Bomb was the same as the Bad Bomb Luck. They were all filled with bad taste. If he used it to tease others, he would definitely seed. Good stuff! Su Ming hurriedly started working. He used a shovel at first, then he used his hands to pull it out. Su Ming even brought over a bucket. He threw all the Stinky Gas Bomb he had obtained into the bucket. Fortunately, in thend of 333 square meters, there were not many ca lily. There were only about 50 ca lilies. However, these 50 ca lilies produced thousands of Stinky Gas Bombs. Su Ming filled arge woven bag and a bucket with the Stinky Gas Bomb. ¡°Sessfully harvest the crops. You will receive 3000 experience, Additional Experience Points 150.¡± ¡°Recycled. Congrattions, you have received 100 experience points, Additional Experience Points 5.¡± This time, Su Ming received a bountiful harvest. Su Ming pped his hands. He packed his things. Then, he tidied up thend again. Su Ming was going to ask the professionals toe and y. He could pause the farming for a while. After all, thend needed to rest. Let thend rest for a while. Su Ming walked to the faucet and washed his hands and feet. Then, he went back to change into a set of clean clothes. He held two Stinky Gas Bombs in his hands. He yed with them in his hands. Because he found that as long as he didn''t want to crush the Stinky Gas Bomb, it would be very hard, and even if he threw a stone at it, it wouldn''t break. Moreover, this Stinky Gas Bomb was ineffective against Su Ming. So it was very safe. Chapter 274 Chapter 274 - Encountering an Acquaintance This is the center of the city. Su Ming remembered that there was a music hall not far from here. There was a concert there every once in a while. All kinds of high-end people in suits and ties would go there to listen. The ticket price was quite expensive. But it was worth it. Su Ming decided to invite them. The road was not far, so he did not need to drive. Su Ming walked over. He walked to the intersection in front of him and identified the direction. He turned right and waited for a while before crossing the road and arriving on the other side. He took out his phone and opened the map app to find the exact location. Then he walked forward. He had just taken two steps when he heard voices beside him. ¡°Eastsea is not bad.¡± ¡°Yeah, the restaurant by the sea is really delicious.¡± ¡°Do you want to go and y tonight?¡± ¡°Alright, don''t forget to call me!¡± Su Ming found the voice familiar. He turned his head to take a closer look. An acquaintance! This was Bai Tianlei. There were a total of five of them, and they chatted as they walked. They were from the capital, so they had a natural arrogance and looked down on others. Su Ming smiled and shook his head. People like them were destined to fail. At this moment, Bai Tianlei saw Su Ming. He pointed at Su Ming''s nose and scolded, ¡°It''s you!¡± ¡°It''s me.¡± Su Ming said with a faint smile. Bai Tianlei had nothing to say. ¡°Su Ming, my grandfather has been hospitalized because of your heart disease until now!¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but nod. ¡°Your grandfather was hospitalized because of a heart attack, but you''re still ying outside. You''re really unfilial.¡± Bai Tianlei was speechless. ¡°Cut the crap. You made my grandfather so angry. Compensate him!¡± Bai Tianlei questioned. Su Ming waved his hand. ¡°You don''t have topensate me. I only helped your family find a fake, but I didn''t ask for any fees from you. I''m kind enough.¡± Su Ming said with a smile. Bai Tianlei was furious. ¡°Cut the crap! You made my grandfather so angry, you have to give me money! It''s not me who has to give you money!¡± Bai Tianlei was furious. Su Ming nodded when he heard this. ¡°What you said makes sense. I agree.¡± ¡°There has to be a reason for this kind of thing. Then tell me, why should I give you money?¡± Su Ming said seriously. When Bai Tianlei heard this, he said, ¡°You broke my grandfather''s treasure. My grandfather fainted because of it and is still in the hospital. Of course you have to give me money.¡± Su Ming nodded and said, ¡°That''s a fake.¡± ¡°That''s right.¡± ¡°What I broke was a worthless thing, and your grandfather got angry because of it. How poor is your family? I can donate some money to you.¡± Su Ming said seriously, ¡°But I didn''t bring much money with me. I only have two yuan now.¡± Bai Tianlei was so angry that he couldn''t speak. After all, his grandfather had bought this thing. His grandfather had bought a fake, so he couldn''t do anything about it. ¡°What''s wrong? Mr. Bai, did he offend you?¡± These people surrounded him with unfriendly expressions. ¡°Mr. Bai, stop talking nonsense with him. Let''s teach him a lesson!¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°We are all from the capital. We have a backer. Even if we are caught, it doesn''t matter.¡± ¡°We have a high chance of winning against him alone.¡± These people came up. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°What? Are you going to solve the problem by force?¡± They were really bold. They were not afraid of being arrested by the police. ¡°Yes.¡± When Bai Tianlei heard this, he nodded heavily. What he said made sense. Although they couldn''t beat him, they could still use force. How could he beat them? ¡°Let me tell you, if you admit your mistake now, I can still spare you, otherwise¡­¡± Bai Tianlei wanted to say a few harsh words. However, he didn''t look fierce at all. ¡°Why do you have so much nonsense?¡± Su Ming sneered. ¡°You still dare to scold me at this time!¡± Bai Tianlei was extremely angry. He was not afraid at all! ¡°I want to beat you up.¡± As Bai Tianlei spoke, he ran a few steps forward. He raised his fist and wanted to hit Su Ming. To be honest, Bai Tianlei never seemed to have fought before. His running posture and punching posture looked very funny. He looked like a weak girl. Although Su Ming had never fought before, his body had been strengthened. His strength and reaction speed were far beyond ordinary people. Bai Tianlei was just a rich young master who lived afortable life. Su Ming really didn''t put him in his eyes. However, although Su Ming could beat him, he didn''t want to fight him at all. When Bai Tianlei''s fist was about twenty centimeters away from Su Ming''s nose, Su Ming covered his nose and took a few steps back. Then he sat on the ground. ¡°He hit me. I feel so painful!¡± Su Ming shouted as he covered his nose. Bai Tianlei was stunned. What was going on? He seemed to have missed Su Ming. Was he already so powerful now? He could injure someone from a distance? It seemed that the Taiji Fist he had been practicing at home for the past few days had some effect. Could he be the legendary martial arts genius? That was too possible! Chapter 275 Chapter 275 - It Stinks too Much Bai Tianlei stood with his hands on his hips, pointing at Su Ming''s nose whileughing haughtily. ¡°Are you in pain? Do you realize your mistake? This is what happens when you provoke me!¡± Right after Bai Tianlei finished his deration. Two figures approached swiftly from a distance. One of them extended arge hand and seized Bai Tianlei''s neck as if he were picking up a chicken. The other individual took hold of Bai Tianlei''s right hand. Simultaneously, they exerted their strength. Bai Tianlei managed to let out a scream before copsing. He hit the ground with a heavy thud. Bai Tianlei''spanions were taken aback. What just urred? They observed more closely. The two neers were two well-equipped special police officers. This location was the central business district of the city. Special police patrols were amon sight throughout the day here. Disruptions were not tolerated in this central area. Bai Tianlei clenched his fist. The two special police officers witnessed this. Su Ming was also aware of the special officers'' presence. He feigned defeat at Bai Tianlei''s hands. Bai Tianlei was known to be a clueless yboy. Hecked any cunning ns. Despite Su Ming''s somewhat over-the-top performance, the SWAT team was positioned behind Bai Tianlei. They believed Bai Tianlei had assaulted Su Ming. The officers were highly trained and possessed superiorbat skills. They wouldn''t fear bandits, much less someone like Bai Tianlei. They decisively overpowered Bai Tianlei. Bai Tianlei''s head crashed onto the ground forcefully. All he could feel was intense pain. He was disoriented. It took him a while toprehend what had happened. He found himself handcuffed and in leg irons. ¡°Are you conspiring with him?¡± A police officer eyed Bai Tianlei''s associates with suspicion. ¡°No!¡± ¡°We don''t know him!¡± ¡°Farewell!¡± They departed swiftly. Their quick exit showed the extreme potential of humans in peril. Under threat, the true extent of a person¡¯s potential is often revealed. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Another officer rushed to assist Su Ming. ¡°Are you okay, Mr. Su?¡± ¡°I''m alright.¡± Su Ming, feigning distress, got up. ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Mr. Su. Ensuring public safety is our responsibility. Do you need to go to the hospital?¡± ¡°No, I can manage on my own.¡± Su Ming''s nose appeared red. Why was his nose red? Because he had been rubbing it vigorously. He needed to ensure his act was wless! ¡°You!¡± The female special police officer, relieved to see Su Ming was unharmed, turned her attention to Bai Tianlei. She eximed loudly. Bai Tianlei shivered in fright! The sound of water flowing was audible. The two officers found this odd. Is a water source open nearby? No water outlets were present in the immediate area. Some taps were on the adjacentwn. However, all were shut off. What was that odor? Terrified, Bai Tianlei wet his pants. If all criminals were as cowardly as he was, the world would have been peaceful long ago. How could someone as timid as Bai Tianlei dare to go around bullying others? Su Ming couldn''t contain hisughter upon seeing this. A sudden idea struck Su Ming. He realized there was more he could do. ¡°Excuse me.¡± Su Ming reached into his pocket. He targeted Bai Tianlei and crushed the Stinky Gas Bomb. ¡°What''s going on, Mr. Su?¡± ¡°I suggest you bothe over here with me. This is only the start, not the finish.¡± Su Ming spoke with earnest seriousness. ¡°This can''t be happening! Wait, why is it so smelly?¡± The female special police officer couldn''t help but curse. Only after Bai Tianlei finished wetting himself did heprehend. He felt deeply humiliated. Then he noticed that Su Ming, the two police officers, and some nearby passersby had all distanced themselves from him. What was going on? Being frightened was already embarrassing enough. But surely it wasn''t that disgusting, right? Why were they standing so far from him? ¡°Officers, please arrest me and take me to the station. I need to change my pants!¡± His pants were soaked. He''d rather be questioned at the station just so he could get a fresh pair of pants. After all, he did assault Su Ming. Otherwise, staying put left him overwhelmed with shame. As Bai Tianlei spoke, he took a few steps toward the officers. ¡°Stop right there!¡± One of the policemen yelled in shock. People nearby began backing away as well. Bai Tianlei was thoroughly confused. What happened? Why were they so terrified? What was going on? The smell was unbearable! Was someone passing gas? ¡°Who is being so inconsiderate?¡± Bai Tianlei stood and cursed loudly. Suddenly, he sensed something was off. The people around him were looking at him strangely. Their eyes showed nothing but rejection. Bai Tianlei blinked. Then, he lowered his head and took a deep breath. It smelled awful! Bai Tianlei felt the urge to vomit. But he couldn''t because the foul odor wasing from his own body! Moreover, the crowd''s judgmental stares made him feel incredibly awkward. He was deeply ashamed! With this thought, he resisted the urge to throw up. ¡°This stinks too much.¡± ¡°Why am I so dizzy?¡± People nearby began to feel lightheaded. They all copsed! ¡°Hey, someone here needs assistance!¡± ¡°People are feeling dizzy because of the smell!¡± One of the SWAT officers pulled out his phone and made a call. He shouted urgently. Chapter 276 Chapter 276 - Do You Know What This ce Is? It was a significant day. Something major took ce in Eastsea City''s downtown. The central figure in this event was Bai Tianlei! Everyone knew his name by now. When the two special police apprehended him, he was so scared that he wet his pants. The odor from his waste was so strong that it caused the crowd around him to faint. One of thewns was ruined due to the stench. A street was shut down because of the odor. Two buildings were closed for the same reason. Finally, officials dispatched two workers in hazmat suits. Despite their fears, they managed to escort Bai Tianlei to the vehicle. It was a truck, and Bai Tianlei was secured in the trunk. The driver sped away, fearing the stench. The traffic police also worried the driver might pass out from the smell and crash the truck. The driver didn''t dare to stop along the way. Although putting Bai Tianlei in the trunk might seem harsh, there wasn''t a better alternative. The odor clinging to Bai Tianlei was unbearable. They finally transported him to an isted mountain on the outskirts. Firefighters used four hoses to repeatedly wash Bai Tianlei. Unfortunately, they realized the smell was only worsening. In the end, they resorted to putting Bai Tianlei in a protective suit. They then drove him back home. They decided to address Bai Tianlei the next day. When Bai Tianlei arrived at his house, no one was within 500 meters of him. He was like a walking time bomb! People now grasped how dangerous a foul smell could be. It was terrifying! Truth be told, Su Ming felt a little frightened as well. He hadn''t anticipated this oue. In the future, he''d use this device less often. He felt bad for those who had fainted from the stench. Bai Tianlei appeared to have a mental disorder. He''d greet everyone with, ¡°Don''t leave, I don''t smell!¡± Once things were settled here, Su Ming resumed his walk toward the nearby music hall. It was noon, and the hall was closed. Concerts were only held in the afternoons and evenings. The courtyard waspletely empty. The main entrance was also shut. However, the door to the security booth was open. An elderly man stood there, already advanced in age. His hair was white, and his teeth were loose. He sat in the doorway, basking in the sun and reading a newspaper. The old man adjusted his reading sses upon seeing Su Ming approach. ¡°Young man, what brings you here?¡± He looked at Su Ming with a hint of confusion. This young man was definitely not a staff member because the old man didn''t recognize him. And with the music hall closed, he couldn''t be an audience member. ¡°Hello, sir. I wanted to ask.¡± Su Ming stepped closer. ¡°Is this band going on tour?¡± The old man was taken aback and studied Su Ming. He remained silent as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He took a cigarette, ced it between his lips, and lit it. He flicked his lighter, igniting the cigarette. Taking a deep drag, he exhaled slowly. ¡°Young man, do you know where you are?¡± Su Ming found this curious. He certainly knew this was a music hall. ¡°Do you know what type of music they y here, young man?¡± The old man inhaled again, took the teacup beside him, and took a sip. ¡°Do you realize, young man? The performers here are the best.¡± After putting down his cup and extinguishing the cigarette, the old man stood up with his hands behind his back. ¡°You know, the Eastsea City Music Hall is renowned throughout the nation.¡± He continued speaking. Su Ming blinked. He was aware of some of this information. But how did it concern him? Why was this old man speaking so cryptically? Adjusting his sses, the old man looked Su Ming straight in the eye, patted his shoulder, and said, ¡°How could they possibly agree to y at your wedding? You should just head home.¡± Su Ming nodded and began to leave. He had barely taken a step when he remembered his original purpose for being there. He turned back to speak, but the old man interrupted. ¡°What? Not getting married? Someone in your family passed away? That''s worse. This is a Western band.¡± The old man''s eyes widened as he spoke. ¡°No one died!¡± Su Ming was visibly upset. He hadn''t managed to utter aplete sentence since he arrived. ¡°Then why are you here? The ticket booth is over there, young man. Go buy a ticket there. This isn''t where you buy them.¡± The old man continued. He was driving Su Ming up the wall. ¡°There''s an exhibition in my citying up, and everyone there is a big shot. I wanted to hire a professional band to y a few songs, so I came to ask. But if you don''t takemercial gigs, forget it.¡± ¡°Do you think I''m a child, young man? You must be lying.¡± The old man showedplete disbelief. Su Ming smiled and took something out of his pocket. It was the certificate naming Su Ming an honorary vice president of the Museum Association,plete with an official seal and Master Tang''s autograph. ¡°Do you still think I''m lying? Is this not legitimate? If you don''t takemercial performances, I''ll be on my way.¡± He put the certificate back in his pocket. With that, he began to leave. The old man, seeing this, quickly called out. ¡°Don''t go! The band can takemercial gigs!¡± His attitude shifted immediately. He removed his sses and offered a calm smile. ¡°Manager Liu is responsible for performances. He''s upstairs. Let me guide you.¡± With that, he turned to gesture invitingly. The orchestra did have to makepromises, needing other ie streams. The most fundamental principle in pursuing art is to stay rooted in real life. Initially, he dismissed Su Ming due to his ordinary clothing. But Su Ming had credentials! Chapter 277 Chapter 277 - Saving the Country with Curves Under Gatekeeper''s lead, Su Ming arrived at the building without any obstructions. He could vaguely hear the sound of rehearsals upstairs. They soon arrived at an office. The Gatekeeper gently knocked on the door. ¡°Pleasee in.¡± A faint voice came from inside the door. Gatekeeper hurriedly opened the door. The person sitting in the room was Manager Liu. He wasn''t very old, only in his thirties. He wore a pair of sses, looking very refined. He was sitting at his desk, reading some documents in front of him. He turned around and looked outside the door, frowning slightly. ¡°Uncle Soong, why are you here?¡± ¡°Manager Liu, this person is from the museum association. He said that they are going to hold an exhibition and they want to invite our orchestra to perform.¡± Uncle Soong hurriedly said. Manager Liu was indeed a manager. He was very calm after hearing Uncle Soong''s words. There was no expression on his face. ¡°I understand. Uncle Soong, you can go back first.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Uncle Soong hurriedly left. ¡°Sit down first. I still have some work to do. Wait for me to finish my work first.¡± Manager Liu said without raising his head. Su Ming smiled faintly. He had seen this kind of trick many times at work. The person who used this trick would make the people who came to wait on the side to show that he was usually very busy, had a lot of resources, and was very expensive. Therefore, he would not do work with low pay. Su Ming knew that he only needed one thing to break this trick, which was enough money. Money was easy to use wherever he went. ¡°Manager Liu, I have a lot of things to do, so I''ll be frank with you.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. ¡°I want to ask your band to y for my pig.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± Manager Liu trembled and dropped the pen on the ground. Manager Liu thought, ¡°What is this person saying? He actually wants our band to y for pigs! Is he joking? We are a professional band! If he wants us to perform for pigs, don''t even think about it!¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Manager Liu stood up and said angrily. He thought,¡± No matter what, I have to fire Uncle Soong. He was getting more and more unreliable. He even said that this person was from the Museum Association. Actually, he was a pig farmer! We have worked so hard to learn musical instruments for so many years. We are not here to perform for pigs! If he wants us to perform for pigs, don''t even think about it!¡± ¡°I''ll pay you 80,000 yuan for the performance.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. When Manager Liu heard this, he sneered, ¡°Is there something wrong with your brain? We have so many people in our band, and all of them are top musicians. Are you going to give us such a small fee? Are you kidding us? Hurry up and get out. If you don''t, I''ll call security¡­¡± ¡± I''ll pay each of you 80,000 yuan. ¡°Su Ming said lightly. ¡°You''ll give each of us 80,000 yuan?¡± Manager Liu stammered. Manager Liu''s eyes lit up. He pursed his dry lips and swallowed a mouthful of saliva. ¡°Then we also¡­¡± Manager Liu thought about it carefully and decided that he still couldn''t agree to Su Ming''s request! Because he didn''t know how long they would need to y. After all, Su Ming wanted them to y for the pigs, and this was no joke. ¡°You guys y for two hours a day, and I''ll pay each of you 100,000 yuan!¡± Su Ming said lightly. Manager Liu''s face turned red. He wanted to refuse, but he couldn''t. Su Ming was willing to pay each of them a hundred thousand yuan! And they would only have to y for two hours. That meant that they would get fifty thousand yuan an hour for their performance. God, that was too high. Although they were indeed professional orchestras, they were just local orchestras. In today''s society, how many people could enjoy elegant music? Most people didn''t like to listen to elegant music. They announced that the people who came to listen to their music were all high-end people, but in fact, they just wanted to promote themselves. After all, orchestras nowadays were not easy to manage. In today''s society, phones,puters, and media were all so advanced, who would still want to listen to orchestras'' music? Young people liked Peking Opera and local songs more and more. They felt that these things were very interesting. However, there were fewer and fewer people who enjoyed elegant music. It was very difficult for their band to earn money. They were basically participating in some g parties or performances. They lived on basic wages and a littlemission. However, if they went to do other jobs, they would not be willing, so they could only make do with this job. After all, they weren''t the top band in the capital. In the eyes ofymen, their work was high-end art. This job was indeed an art, but they did need to earn money by performing to support themselves. If they could not survive, what right did they have to practice art? Now, this young man suddenly appeared here and offered Manager Liu such a high price. 100,000 yuan was equivalent to a member of the band''s sry for a year. ¡°Young man, are you serious?¡± Manager Liu was a little unsure. He suspected that Su Ming was joking. ¡°Give me your bank ount number.¡± Su Ming said bluntly. Manager Liu was stunned for a moment. He had never encountered such a situation before. He felt that Su Ming was too straightforward. So far, they hadn''t discussed any details about the performance, but Su Ming was now asking for Manager Liu''s bank ount number. Manager Liu was confused and carefully gave the bank ount to Su Ming. Su Ming transferred 10 million to his bank ount without saying anything. ¡°If this money is too much, you don''t need to refund it. If it''s too little, I''ll pay you backter.¡± Su Ming smiled faintly. Manager Liu looked at the notification of the money being transferred to his ount on his phone and stammered, unable to say a word. He hadn''t even agreed to perform, so why did Su Ming transfer the money to him directly? Su Ming transferred the money too quickly! ¡°Manager Liu.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Don''t feel ashamed for the pig concert.¡± ¡°Pork is one of the most important meat products in our country. It directly affects the daily living standards of the people.¡± ¡°And I have been studying pigs recently. I think that concerts have an important effect on the mood of pigs.¡± ¡°When pigs are happy, they will eat more. When they eat more, the production of pigs will be higher, and the quality of the meat will also be very good. In this way, the living standards of our country''s people will improve.¡± ¡°The happiness of the people will also be improved.¡± ¡± So, you are not ying music for the pigs. You are serving the people of the country! ¡°Su Ming said seriously. After hearing what he said, Manager Liu also felt that what he said made sense. He was suddenly enlightened! He thought, ¡°We are not ying music for pigs. We are ying music to improve the standard of living of the people of the country. This is the reason why we have always insisted on the music ideal.¡± ¡°Although this method is a little strange, it can be considered to have achieved the goal.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Manager Liu nodded seriously. Then, he suddenly thought of something, ¡°Sir, I have another request.¡± ¡°Speak.¡± Su Ming said. ¡°I want to join too!¡± ¡°No problem!¡± Since the matter had already been settled, Manager Liu brought out a music list. The song list was filled with songs that the orchestra was familiar with. Su Ming did not understand these songs, but he still recognized the names. He blinked and chose Mozart and Beethoven. Chapter 278 Chapter 278 - It Really Worked ¡°Mr. Su, do you want to stay for lunch?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, be careful, there are steps here.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, the sun is so bright outside, I''ll hold an umbre for you!¡± ¡°Mr. Su¡­¡± Ever since the agreement was reached, the smile on Manager Liu''s face had never stopped. They agreed on a time and song. Manager Liu watched Su Ming go downstairs. Manager Liu kept talking. ¡°Mr. Su, don''t worry. I promise to satisfy you.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, there are still two hours left until the agreed time. I will arrange for someone to rehearse immediately.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, take care!¡± ¡°Mr. Su,e back next time!¡± Su Ming had only taken two steps when he heard Manager Liu''s words and almost fell. He was here to help Manager Liu ask someone to y an instrument. Those who didn''t know would think that he was here to do something bad. His words were too easy to misunderstand. Don''t talk nonsense. Soong was stunned at the door. The manager was amazing! The manager was really amazing! Manager Liu''s ability to please people was much better than his! Otherwise, he would not have been able to be a manager at such a young age. Soong was so old that he could only watch the door. The difference was too great! However, Manager Liu''s respect proved one thing. This young man was right. He was indeed an official, and he wanted to hold an exhibition. Soong''s knowledge still needed to be expanded! ¡°Soong, you have made a great contribution this time and found us a big client. After that, I will add 200 yuan to your monthly sry.¡± Manager Liu was in a good mood. Soong was very happy when he heard that. His monthly sry was 1800 yuan. If Manager Liu added 200 yuan, it would be 2000 yuan. This time, he identally made a fortune. How was he going to spend this money? Manager Liu did not dare to hesitate and hurriedly went up to the fifth floor. The members of the band were basically all in the training room. ¡°Manager Liu!¡± ¡°Manager Liu, you''re here!¡± ¡°Manager Liu!¡± When everyone saw Manager Liu, they all stood up. ¡°There''s a performance this afternoon.¡± Manager Liu smiled faintly. ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°What performance?¡± The members of the band were a little confused. ¡°Performing musical instruments for pigs!¡± Manager Liu said. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Stop messing around!¡± The band members were immediately angry. Manager Liu could not joke like that. Wouldn''t that be ridiculous? ¡°If you guys y the instrument for two hours, I''ll give you 100,000 yuan.¡± Manager Liu said lightly. The room was instantly silent. There was no sound at all. This price was very good. Would performing for pigs¡­ Manager Liu smiled. He could tell what they were thinking when he saw their expressions. So he told them everything Su Ming had said without saying a word. When these people heard this, they felt that it made sense! It made too much sense! This was a contribution to the progress of human society! This was a responsibility that they could not refuse! Manager Liu nodded when he saw their excited expressions. Very good! ¡°This is the performance list. Practice ording to these songs. I''lle and find you when the timees.¡± ¡°Alright!¡± Su Ming had already returned to the farnd. He went to the fruit stall next door and bought some fruits. He fed the fruits to the five big white pigs. He also used water to wash the pigs, brushed their fur, and gave them a massage. Unknowingly, the time hade. Soon, a bus stopped at the door. It was almost time to get off work, and there were a lot of peopleing and going. ¡°Aren''t they from the Star Orchestra?¡± ¡°Why are they here?¡± Someone said, ¡°Could it be that somepany is having an annual meeting? Is there some kind of celebration?¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± ¡°I''m afraid only bigpanies can afford to invite them.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. However, when the people on the bus got off, they didn''t walk towards a certain building as they had expected. They went straight to the farnd. Everyone was confused. What did that mean? What were they doing? They looked at each other, then squeezed together and moved forward. They looked inside through the gate. Wow! When the crowd saw the group of musicians from Star Orchestra, they took their stools and sat in front of the pigsty. A man in a suit and tie was holding a baton in his hand. ¡°Let''s begin!¡± As the order was issued, a pleasant symphony echoed in the air. Everyone outside was stunned. They felt that they had seen wrong. If this wasn''t a problem with their eyes, then this world was too crazy. Was this true? The Star Orchestra was actually ying music for pigs. This was too cool! It really happened! Su Ming added some more feed to the pig. He added some fruit and water. He stood beside the pigsty and looked. Yes! Of course! This was how pigs should be raised in the future! This was the true scientific way of raising pigs. ¡°Ding! The System detected that the big white pigs in the breeding zone are in a good mood. Their quality has increased!¡± Just as Su Ming was happily thinking about it, a notification sound suddenly came from his brain. Su Ming couldn''t help but be ecstatic! This was really great! This was too awesome! Alright! You guys can stay here from now on. Stay with me, I''ll pay you. Your daily job is to y string music for pigs. On the surface, he spent 10 million. However, the price of the pig when it matures will definitely be more than 10 million. Let''s not talk about anything else. If he offered 10 million for the Fruit Pigst time, those old men would be very happy to buy it! Soon, two hours passed. When the music ended, Su Ming looked at the door. There were a lot of people standing outside the door! Arge group of people stood at the door. The police had arrived at some point in time, and they had set up a cordon at the door. Star Orchestra was thergest band in the area. They were very famous. However, if they asked people to buy tickets to listen to their music, no one would go. They felt that it was better to use the money to buy meat to eat. But there was a free concert today. At such a close distance, they could hear it clearly. What a wonderful thing for them! They were very happy! Su Ming was considering whether to close the door next time. If the police couldn''t control the situation next time, people might rush in and trample these five acres ofnd. ¡°Mr. Su, we''re done here.¡± Manager Liu quickly walked over. He yed the flute for a long time. Su Ming could tell at a nce that this guy was just pretending to know how to y the flute. However, Su Ming did not expose his lie. After all, he had only paid for a few songs. Everything else was arranged by Manager Liu. He couldn''t let them work without paying them. Besides, they could earn 100,000 yuan by ying music for two hours. Everyone would want to do this job. ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Pleasee again at this time tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Manager Liu nodded with a smile. ¡°Mr. Su, we''ll be leaving now!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, goodbye!¡± ¡°Good night, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, do you have a girlfriend?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, what do you think about me being your girlfriend?¡± ¡°Mr. Su¡­¡± At first, their conversation was normal. Butter on, the topic became strange. Chapter 279 Chapter 279 - System You''ve Got to be Kidding Su Ming felt somewhat worn out after a busy day. He gave the pig some food and fruit, then got ready to rest. He believed that simply nting what the System provided would guarantee a consistent harvest. However, he never expected an extra surprise. The System was too sly. It hadn''t informed him of this in advance. Nheless, it wasn''t toote for him to discover it now. Returning to his room, Su Ming ate a little and dozed off. ¡°The cotton is ready for harvesting. Please pick it promptly!¡± Suddenly, Su Ming sat up from his sleep. What? The cotton was ready? He thought it would take another day for it to mature. Was the ripening sped up because he had attended that concert? What mattered most was that the System had reminded him of the cotton¡¯s readiness this time. The System had never given him such a reminder before. Farming was typically a leisurely activity. If an rm clock notified you when to harvest, it would feel like routine work. That would be far too tedious. Su Ming checked the clock. It was four in the morning. The city center was still lit up brightly. Why should he sleep now? He should hurry and get up! Without hesitation, Su Ming jumped out of bed and headed for the field. Upon entering the field, his eyes widened. As he suspected, the things growing from this cotton were far from ordinary. The fruits weren''t cotton at all. Some fruits resembled small boxes. Others looked like sheets of paper. Some were pearl-like. Others were round balls. Around every ten cotton nts produced the same fruit type. This field had nearly ten thousand cotton stalks! Most notably, all the fruits had special properties. Each emitted a faint green glow! Su Ming was thrilled. Did this mean these fruits had unique features? He eagerly rubbed his hands and approached the nearest cotton nt. It stood about a meter tall and bore ten boxes. Each box was ten centimeters wide and dark-colored. Su Ming plucked one of them. ¡°Host, congrattions on obtaining a Top Grade music box!¡± A music box? Top Grade music box? What did that signify? Suddenly, it dawned on Su Ming. If it''s something the System produces, it''s bound to be Top Grade, and it¡¯s a music box. So it must have a connection to music. It would definitely have some effect once it yed music. It was inevitable! Without a word, Su Ming opened the music box. Inside was a small snow globe. It had a pedestal at the base. When Su Ming turned on the music, the snow globe lit up and rotated. asionally, music would y. The tune was quite pleasant. However, aside from ying music, the box didn''t appear to have other functions. Even after several spins and the music ended, there was no effect at all. The System hadn''t exined the music box''s features either. Su Ming thought, ¡°System, are you messing with me? I waited a week, and this is what I get, a music box?¡± ¡°You call this a Top Grade music box! With 100 yuan, I could buy several like it!¡± Su Ming was exasperated. But he wouldn''t give up so easily. He decided to gather some more fruit. But the fruit on the nearby cotton nts were all music boxes. Every one of them was ying the same melody. Su Ming was left speechless. Why was this music box considered ¡°Top Grade¡±? ¡°System,e out. I need you to exin why this is ssified as Top Grade.¡± ¡°Host, be patient. The quality of this music box is exceptional!¡± Was the System finished speaking? Su Ming was at a loss for words. Was this feature really significant? He didn''t require so many music boxes! The System must have been ying a joke on him! Yet this item was indeedbeled as Top Grade. It was still emitting a green glow. He had been anticipating this for quite some time. Had he somehow annoyed the Systemtely? He needed to be more mindful of his behavior and words. However, he couldn''t let his confidence falter! He possessed almost five acres of cotton, and this was just the beginning! Without a word, Su Ming walked to the side. On the cotton nts, small pieces of paper were growing. These papers were also glowing green. If he didn''t remove them, he wouldn''t be able to see what they truly looked like. Su Ming reached out and plucked a piece of paper. A lottery ticket? Su Ming was baffled. Waiting this long for a mere lottery ticket didn¡¯t seem worth it. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring a Top Grade scratcher ticket!¡± He had just obtained another Top Grade item. A sudden sense of dread crossed Su Ming''s mind. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He thought to himself, ¡°Let me be fortunate!¡± He then inspected the lottery ticket carefully. The rules of the game were quite straightforward. At the center of the ticket was a sizable scratch area; all he had to do was reveal if he won. Su Ming decided to give it a shot. He grabbed a music box nearby and ced the ticket on top of it. He took another music box and began scratching off the prize. When Su Ming saw the words on the ticket, he was dumbfounded. The ticket read, ¡°Thank you for your patronage.¡± But winning with this type of ticket was unlikely. If he managed to win even once, it would still be a good deal. The second ticket also said, ¡°Thank you for your patronage.¡± Su Ming inspected all nine tickets in one go, and they all read, ¡°Thank you for your patronage.¡± Su Ming blinked in disbelief. The System had to be pulling his leg, right? Su Ming had just one lottery ticket left! He picked up another ticket and took a deep breath. Then he extended his right hand slowly, holding the music box. He opened his eyes wide and yelled. He began scratching the ticket. This one seemed a little different! At least he didn¡¯t see ¡°Thank you for your patronage.¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. What was this? He had never encountered such a prize before. Su Ming reflected, considering he hadn''t bought lottery tickets much in the past. Could the System be nning to reward him with something? Ovee with curiosity, Su Ming decided to unveil the answer. When he read the words on the prize area, he almost swore aloud. The prize area read: ¡°Thank you again for your patronage!¡± Again? The System must have been intentionally toying with him. Chapter 280 Chapter 280 - Lucky Su Ming was entirely convinced. He nced at the remaining scratch-to-win tickets, losing the confidence to continue. Su Ming stuck out his tongue and licked his lips. He staggered over to the next cotton seedling. Most of the cotton nts had simr fruits every four or fifty nts. Su Ming examined the next item. He circled the cotton nt a few times. He inspected the fruit closely. It resembled a ss ball, a toy he used to y with in his youth. It wasn''trge. However, the fruit was shrouded in ayer of green light, obscuring the interior. What could this be? He hoped the system wouldn''t justbel it as a high-grade ss ball once it was picked. Kids these days weren''t interested in toys like that. He resisted plucking it off but was still curious about what it might be. Su Ming summoned his courage and picked it. ¡°Host, congrattions on obtaining the top-grade medicinal herb, the Spirit Blood Bead!¡± Su Ming was taken aback by the system''s message. What exactly is a top-grade medicinal herb? The imperial civilization had endured for five thousand years, and many ancient texts documented mysterious herbs. Today, they are nowhere to be found. However, proving their existence at the time was difficult. After all, the imperial empire was vast and rich in resources. Thanks to the System, Su Ming''snd could produce nts that yielded things like the Body-stretching Pill, Petrified Pill, and Bad Luck Bomb, making top-grade herbs usible too. Su Ming was in shock and could hardly believe it. After all, his luck with the first two fruits had not been favorable. Could it be that his luck had turned around this time? ¡°The Spirit Blood Bead is a top-grade medicinal herb and the seed of the Spirit Blood Grass. The Spirit Blood Grass grows deep in the mountains and blooms only once every century!¡± ¡°The Spirit Blood Bead is exceptionally valuable. Please refrain from publicizing its possession to avoid unnecessary trouble!¡± After introducing the herb, the System warned Su Ming. After hearing this, Su Ming nodded. He acknowledged the System''s warning. The produce grown in thisnd was very valuable. If others found out, it could certainly bring him a world of trouble. He cultivated thend for a peaceful life and didn''t seekplications. Nevertheless, he was pleased to have acquired something good this time. His harvest wasn''t bad at all. Su Ming hurried into the house. He grabbed a few stic bags and packed them away. Then he turned his attention to the next cotton seedling. The fruit on this nt looked rather peculiar. It resembled a gourd. Su Ming reached out and picked it. It felt heavy and somewhat chilly. It was, in fact, an iron gourd! Its surface temperature was under ten degrees Celsius. He noticed a crack running from top to bottom. Perhaps it could be opened? Su Ming applied a bit of force and managed to open it. Upon closer inspection, he saw two Snow Toads inside! Great! This was something straight out of martial arts fiction. The two Snow Toads werepletely white and glistening, as if sculpted from snow. The gourd contained twopartments. In thergerpartment sat a sizable Snow Toad, while the smallerpartment housed a smaller Snow Toad, facing each other. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the top-quality medicinal herb: Double Snow Toads!¡± ¡°Double Snow Toads are formed from snow in extremely cold conditions, possessing a highly pure Yin Energy that can expel heat!¡± Su Ming inwardly griped when he heard the System''s exnation. ¡°Of course, it can neutralize fire energy.¡± ¡°If it can''t do that, what''s the point?¡± Su Ming closed the gourd lid and stored it safely. Su Ming pressed on. He noticed that the subsequent items he found were moremonce. They were all pricey herbs avable on the market. However, the System always ensured he received only the highest quality herbs. Although herbs with the same names could easily be foundmercially, acquiring the grade that Su Ming had would be challenging. It was practically impossible. Every item he received wasbeled ¡°Top Grade,¡± meaning it was of the highest quality. Before long, the collection of items from the two acres wasplete. Su Ming realized this ce had essentially be a herb treasure trove. There were many herbs here, and their quality was exceptional. The System indicated that as long as the Host personally preserved these herbs, they wouldn''t spoil for a long time. But if Su Ming gifted these herbs, their medicinal value would persist, but their spoge would return to normal rates. After harvesting everything from the two-acre plot, Su Ming moved on to the next three-acre section. Upon entering, he noticed something different. Su Ming walked up to a cotton nt. On top of the cotton was something resembling a lotus flower, glowing green and beautifully luminescent. ¡°Could this be what I think it is?¡± Su Ming suspected the answer, so he reached out and plucked it. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, you''ve obtained a Top Grade Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus!¡± ¡°Ding! A Top Grade Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus grows at the foot of the Heavenly Mountain. It absorbs nutrients from the earth and sky and, after decades of slow growth, nourishes the liver and kidneys!¡± This was undoubtedly a real Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotus! Su Mingughed. ¡°This is going to be interesting.¡± While he didn''t need it himself, he wanted to gift it to his parents to strengthen their bodies and lengthen their lives. Su Ming got back to work. Most of the herbs he harvested were those typically avable in markets. Finally, Su Ming found a distinctive herb. Other herbs grew atop the cotton and radiated a green glow. However, something seemed amiss with this particr herb. The entire cotton nt itself glowed green. He couldn''t even discern what it was. Su Ming circled the cotton nt curiously before gently extracting it. To his amazement, there was a flower pot at the base of the cotton. Su Ming was stunned! ¡°Ding! Congrattions, you''ve acquired a Top Grade potted nt: the Silver Horn Tree!¡± ¡°Ding! The Silver Horn Tree can eliminate all harmful airborne substances and purify the air!¡± ¡°Is this basically an air purifier?¡± Chapter 281 Chapter 281 - The Scent of Sand Sculptures Isn''t this the air purifier? This is much better than those sold on the market. The System''s products were excellent. With this thing, he was not afraid of the fog anymore! What would happen if he released a stink bomb here? Su Ming only had this thought in his mind, and he quickly gave up on it. After all, the smell was too bad. The harvest from these five acres was not small. Su Ming worked until noon. He harvested tens of thousands of herbs! Most of these were herbs that could be seen on the market. But their quality was top-notch. For example, these ginsengs. Su Ming was holding a small bag of ginseng in his left hand. If a 200g wild ginseng appeared in the market now, it would definitely be a treasure! It was worth at least a million yuan. And Su Ming''s ginsengs were all hundreds of years old. Although they couldn''t grow to the size of big carrots, there were several 400 grams of ginseng. If he took out these 450 grams of wild ginseng, it would definitely cause amotion. Su Ming specially put these herbs in a separate warehouse. He had to keep these things well. The next day, Su Ming woke up at four in the morning. He worked until noon before he tidied up all these things. ¡°You have sessfully harvested the crops. You have received 100,000 experience points! You have received an additional 5,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Congrattions, Host, for leveling up!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you are rewarded with 1 skill point!¡± ¡°Host, you can choose any skill to level up.¡± Su Ming could not help but feel ecstatic! His harvest was not bad! He had leveled up and obtained a skill point. Su Ming immediately opened his data panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV8 Experience: 167937 / 200000 Farm: Level Two Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 5. Su Ming rubbed his chin. The Blessing from nts would give him money. So his bank bnce was rising every minute and second. Should he upgrade the Blessing from nts? Su Ming thought for a moment. He had enough money. After all, there were so many valuable things in the warehouse. Money was not a problem. The Initial Scanning Ability was still useful. If he used skill points, it was very likely that it would upgrade to an intermediate scanning function. But so far, the Initial Scanning Ability was enough. As for Stamina Talent and Mosquito Immune System, they didn''t need to level up. Su Ming''s gaze finally fell on the Experience Buff. This was a good skill. With this thing, he would level up very quickly. As long as he leveled up quickly, he wouldn''t have to worry about not having enough skill points. After all, he only wanted to farm now. Su Ming used his skill points on Experience Buff. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°I''m sure!¡± Su Ming replied in his mind. ¡°Experience Buff has leveled up!¡± ¡°Host is very lucky. You triggered a critical hit during the upgrade!¡± ¡°Congrattions, your skill has leveled up two times in a row!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you have obtained Level Three Experience Buff!¡± Su Ming could not help but feel ecstatic. No wonder he was unlucky today! All of his luck for the day had been used here. His skills leveled up two times in a row, and his experience buff reached 20. His future path of leveling up would probably be very smooth. Su Ming stood in the middle of the courtyard andughed. Today was a good day! ¡°45,000 withered cotton vines can be recycled. Would you like to recycle them?¡± ¡°Recyclingplete. Congrattions, you have obtained 45,000 experience and 9,000 Additional Experience Points!¡± When he was retrieving the withered vine, Su Ming couldn''t help butugh. This time, he received 9,000 experience points. ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Su Ming was suddenly stunned. This time, he obtained so much experience points. He looked at his data panel. He should be able to continue leveling up. Large-scale nting was great. Although he had waited a little longer, he had leveled up two times in seven days and obtained a new skill. ¡°Congrattions, you have leveled up!¡± ¡°Congrattions on obtaining a new skill, Funny Aura!¡± Hearing this name, Su Ming was stunned. What was this Funny Aura? Young Master Su was an upright and positive person, but he had obtained the Funny Aura. Was this a joke? ¡°The Funny Aura will give you an iparably handsome appearance and a noble aura, making you the most dazzling person in the crowd.¡± Su Ming was shocked. He had received a good education, was talented, and was handsome and elegant. He didn''t think he was a funny person. Su Ming took a deep breath to calm him down. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV9 Experience: 22,1937 / 300,000 Farm: Level Two Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent and Mosquito Immune System, Level Three Experience Buff, and Funny Aura. Su Ming looked at his data panel. Great! He would be able to level up to level 10 after obtaining more than 70,000 experience points! Based on his understanding of the System, he would definitely experience a huge change when he reached level 10. He just needed to wait slowly. Chapter 282 Chapter 282 - Farming must be Done with Sincerity He took everything back to the warehouse. Su Ming put the air purifier in the vi. He took a deep breath! The air was indeed much fresher. Su Mingughed. He was a little tired after a busy day, so he ate something. He was about to go to the bathroom when he passed the mirror and was stunned. Who was the handsome man in the mirror? It was him! Su Ming was quite handsome before, otherwise Wang Xue wouldn''t have fallen for him. But now, Su Ming was even more handsome. His appearance was wless, and he had an extremely noble aura about him. This noble aura was a high level of confidence that came from inside out. This was the aura of a sand sculpture? However, this was not funny at all. Su Ming blinked his eyes. He instantly understood. The System didn''t seem to be good at naming. The names it gave to many things were very strange. Su Ming knew that he couldn''t judge whether they were good or bad by the names of skills or items. ording to his experience. The stranger the name, the better the skill or item. Su Ming looked at himself in the mirror, who had be even more handsome, and was in a good mood. There was no one in the world who didn''t want to be handsome. After all, many people judged people by their appearances. The first impression was very important. He took a bath and rested for a while. His gazended on five acres ofnd. Now that the five acres ofnd were empty, what should he nt? He looked at the mysterious nt in the corner. It was slightly bigger than before, and its surface was suffused with a golden glow. The air around it was filled with golden powder. Could it be that the cotton harvest this time was so good because of it? If that was really the case, then he was simply too lucky. After all, this mysterious nt needed half a month to mature. There was still more than a week before it would ripen. He could not waste this time. Su Ming rushed to the warehouse without saying a word. The warehouse was full of seeds, fertilizers, feed, and fruits. Su Ming fed the pigs with food, water, and some fruits. Then, he ced a music box on the wall of the pigsty. Although this music box yed a song, these pigs shouldn''t mind. Su Ming finished his work here and returned to the warehouse. What should he nt this time? Su Ming looked at the seed of the ck plum. In fact, the ck plum was a foreign plum. Compared to ordinary plums, ck plums were bigger and sweeter. Moreover, its skin was ck, which was different from ordinary plums. Su Ming walked to the nearby tractor and hung a bucket on the back of the tractor. He drove the tractor to plow thend first. He plowed the five acres back and forth. This time, Su Ming was especially careful. He tried his best to break all therge chunks of earth in the ground. The soil in the ground became soft. Then Su Ming nodded with satisfaction and drove the tractor back. Then he took the seeds and began to sow. In order to nt this thing, Su Ming went online to check. Its nting method was not difficult, and he had already memorized the steps. Because the ck plum tree was rtivelyrge, the nting density could not be particrly high. There could only be one ck plum tree on nine square meters ofnd. Normally, an acre ofnd could only nt around 100 ck plum trees. Since its nting density was so low, there was no need for him to divide thend. Although he could only nt 100 ck plum trees here, he believed that he would be able to obtain a lot of things. Furthermore, the sess rate of ck plum tree should be very high. A ck plum tree could bear 50 fruits. This way, he should be able to obtain enough experience points to level up! Su Ming first marked out the area. Then, he nted them one by one. He dug a hole and buried the sapling inside. Then, he used the soil cover to cover the hole and stepped on it tightly. It was afternoon, and the sunlight was not that strong. Su Ming was barefoot and carrying a shovel. There was a pile of saplings beside him. He was nting trees very seriously. There was a towel around his neck to help him wipe his sweat. After a while, he was truly exhausted, so he used his Stamina Talent. In an instant, his fatigue disappeared, and he turned off his Stamina Talent. He was ready to continue working! He wanted to experience the feeling of farming, so he did not want to keep using those skills. If he did not feel tired and fulfilled from farming, he would feel very empty. He only finished nting all five acres ofnd when it was dark. Fortunately, there weren''t many saplings, only about 500. In addition, Su Ming''s physical strength was not bad. Putting away the shovel, Su Ming walked to the warehouse and carried two bags of fertilizer. Under normal circumstances, if he used some artificial fertilizer, the nting effect would be better. However, Su Ming couldn''t get the artificial fertilizer, so he gave up on this idea. Su Ming found a big bucket from the side and poured water into it. When the water was full, Su Ming lifted the bucket and watered it. Then, he began to fertilize it. ¡°The ck plum tree has been sessfully nted! Can you harvest it in 120 hours?¡± ¡°Due to your extra effort this time, the maturation time has been reduced by 20 hours, and the probability of obtaining Top Grade has increased by 20%!¡± The System notification sounded in his mind. Su Ming couldn''t help but smile. This was exactly what he had guessed. Although the System had provided him with the most convenient conditions, he needed to be serious about farming. As long as he was sincere, his harvest would be very good. Now, the maturation time had been reduced by 20 hours. The fruit tree, which originally needed five days to ripen, only needed four days to ripen now. In other words, he could level up after four days. Moreover, Su Ming had gone to see the building two days ago. Old Yang''s speed was quite fast. The things in the building had almost been moved away, and they were currently dismantling some key equipment. In four days, they would be able to demolish the building. By that time, he would be able to expand a few acres ofnd. Moreover, when the System reached level 10, there would definitely be a huge change. He looked at the time and found that it was already six o''clock in the evening. He had been busy all day. Chapter 283 Chapter 283 - Little Sister The work in the field waspleted. The tasks in the pigsty were also finished. Su Ming let out a sigh of relief. To reward himself, he nned to have a hearty meal. He tossed his clothes into the washing machine and headed out. The city center at night was especially vibrant and bustling. There were peopleing off work, those out for a post-dinner stroll, and some visiting for entertainment, since many shopping centers were here. Lights were everywhere, and the streets were packed with cars. Su Ming wore a simple, casual outfit and sneakers. With one hand in his pocket, he strolled leisurely. As he walked, he sensed something amiss. Wherever Su Ming went, people, especially young women, couldn''t help but look at him. Su Ming suddenly remembered why. It was due to the Funny Aura. Being already tall and possessing a charming and noble look, hisid-back demeanor instantly captivated many hearts. Finally, one young woman couldn''t hold back any longer. She was lovely herself, standing at 1.72 meters tall. ¡°Are you alone?¡± She stepped in front of Su Ming and batted her eyes. Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Yes.¡± He gave her a slight smile. This smile made her even more smitten. ¡°He''s incredibly handsome!¡± Someone nearby remarked, ¡°How can he be so handsome while you look so in?¡± Whenever Su Ming smiled, women couldn''t help themselves, whether they were single or taken. Women with boyfriends especially left their partners feeling dismayed. Some boyfriends even got roughed up. Two couples ended up breaking up! Su Ming stood by, bewildered. He decided that he would spend less time out and about. ¡°Handsome, do you mind if I join you?¡± She stepped closer, exposing her cleavage. The other girls around her regretted not approaching first. Some even felt a bit insecure. The boys grew increasingly envious, their eyes glowing red. What was Su Ming waiting for? They couldn''t fathom a reason to turn her down! But Su Ming was Young Master Su! So he simply said, ¡°I do mind!¡± The woman was clearly caught off guard by his response. She had no obvious ws. She''d sessfully seduced many handsome men before, never once failing. So she was stunned by Su Ming''s refusal. With no experience with rejection, she was left speechless. What should she do? Should she post on her WeChat Moments to ask friends for advice? She was too shocked to know what to say or do next. The youngdy said, ¡°I only want to be friends with you.¡± ¡°I don''t enjoy making friends.¡± Su Ming replied coolly. The youngdy was speechless. Handsome people exuded confidence. If an ordinary guy spoke like this, he''d surely be reprimanded. But Su Ming was strikingly handsome. He had too much charisma! He had too much character. I like him. The youngdy wasn''t ready to give up, but before she could speak, Su Ming raised a finger and gently waved it. ¡°I''m a doctor.¡± Su Ming lied, ¡°Your attending physician isn''t trustworthy.¡± She was taken aback. Everyone around was stunned. What did he mean? Her attending physician? Did this youngdy undergo some kind of surgery? No one expected to hear such surprising information. Everyone in the vicinity was listening intently to their conversation. ¡°Firstly, the item in your nose is substandard, but your physician will surely im it''s good. In two years, it will fall off, and you''ll need surgery to remove it, leaving a wound that won''t heal.¡± ¡°And even though your chin looks perfect after the adjustment, when you''re older, you won''t be able to eat.¡± Su Ming continued speaking. As people listened, their shock grew. This youngdy must have considerable wealth. She had undergone extensive cosmetic procedures. In today''s society, besides spending on homes and cars, there are two major areas that cost a lot of money. One is women buying clothes and cosmetics, and the other is buying food for pets and treating illnesses. Given her numerous cosmetic surgeries, she must have spent a fortune. ¡°How could such a lovely young woman have had so many procedures!¡± ¡°This friend is truly impressive! He figured out she had stic surgery.¡± People kept discussing. The youngdy was utterly bewildered. Was he telling the truth or lying? She had known this doctor for years, so he had no reason to deceive her. Yet, his assessment of her situation wasrgely urate, leaving her uncertain about the truth. How did he discover it? She was deeply shocked. She looked around in confusion. Seeing how others were looking at her, she realized she couldn''t stay any longer. It was better to leave as soon as possible. With this thought, she covered her face and fled. Su Ming stood there, smiling faintly. He knew she had stic surgery because he could scan her. If he wanted to know something, he''d just use the scanner. Moreover, everything Su Ming said was urate. Though she was beautiful now and had a nice figure, she''d face trouble in a few years. Nowadays, many girls hope to be beautiful through cosmetic surgery. If they aren''t attractive enough, they should work hard to improve their demeanor. Changing one''s appearance through surgery could cause significant harm. Chapter 284 Chapter 284 - He Wanted a Dry ce After a satisfying meal out, Su Ming headed back home. Inside the vi. Su Ming held a cup of water, with ginseng steeping in it and a few wolfberries floating on top. Crossing his legs, he sipped his ginseng tea. Even though he wasn''t middle-aged yet, it was wise to start taking care of his health early. He turned on the TV. After flipping through several channels, Su Ming sighed. These days, even advertisements weren''t innovative, which exined why fewer people were watching TV. He decided to watch the news for a while. Just as he switched channels, his phone rang. It was his mother, Lee Sumei. ¡°Mom.¡± Su Ming answered the phone. ¡°Haven''t you gone to sleep yet?¡± Lee Sumei inquired. ¡°No, Mom. What''s the matter?¡± ¡°Your Second Uncle''s stomach hasn''t been welltely, and the doctor prescribed some herbs for him. However, our small county doesn''t have quality or variety. Since you''re in the city, could you purchase the herbs and send them to your Second Uncle?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. It was an easy task for him. Plus, he''d recently harvested a batch of herbs that mighte in handy. ¡°Alright, I''ll send you a photo of the prescription shortly. Go to bed early and don''t spend too much time onputers and phones¡ªthey''re not good for your eyes.¡± ¡°Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll head to bed right away!¡± ¡°Alright, I''m hanging up.¡± Lee Sumei ended the call and sent him a photo of the prescription soon after. Reviewing the image, Su Ming noted the prescription listed 30 different herbs. He already had about 15 of them. He nned to visit the pharmacy tomorrow to get the remaining herbs. It was a small task. As it was gettingte, he showered and went to bed. Early the next morning, Su Ming woke up and checked the GPS on his phone. The nearest pharmacy was two kilometers away. He decided to drive there. The traffic was extremely congested; after more than half an hour, his car had only moved a dozen meters. Then, Su Ming noticed his old electric bike forgotten in the corner. It had been his faithfulpanion for years. Since having a garage, he hadn''t used this electric bike. Su Ming went inside to retrieve the keys from his old travel bag and inserted them into the electric bike''s ignition. Although it hadn''t been charged for days, the battery still had 50% power left. This was enough for him to travel several kilometers! He filled a thermos with ginseng tea and ced it in the bike''s basket. Then, Su Ming hummed a tune as he rode off on his electric bike. Before long, he reached the pharmacy. It had just opened for the day. Two store assistants were sweeping the steps at the entrance. Su Ming parked his bike and retrieved the thermos from the basket. He opened the thermos, blew on the ginseng tea, and took a sip. This was the epitome of a rxed life. Before entering the pharmacy, he noticed a young man approaching from the side. Despite appearing in his twenties, this young man looked exhausted with dark circles under his eyes. He walked unsteadily. It had rained lightly the day before. A small puddle had formed outside the pharmacy. The young man stepped into the puddle, slipped, and fell to the ground. Two shop assistants who were tidying up were rmed. One of them quickly rushed to check on the young man. Su Ming promptly ced his cup in the basket and hurried to the young man''s side. He saw the young man''s face was swollen, his clothes were dirty, and he was snoring with his eyes closed. He had actually fallen asleep? How many days had he been working overtime? ¡°Where is he?¡± A white-haired elderly man in a white coat quickly emerged from the shop. He smelled strongly of Chinese medicine and wore reading sses. Spotting the young man, he hurried over. He began to thoroughly examine the young man''s condition. ¡°He''s fine.¡± The elderly TCM doctor was relieved. At that moment, the young man cried out in pain and barely opened his eyes. He tried to sit up, but the old doctor quickly stopped him. The young man was taken aback. He still tried to sit up, but the old doctor stopped him again. ¡°Sir, why won''t you let me sit up?¡± asked the young man, blinking. ¡°Young man, you''re overworked and need proper rest.¡± The young man was puzzled. He knew he needed rest, but this was a busy street. People and vehicles were constantly passing by. He was lying in a puddle. Did he really have to rest in the water? ¡°Sir!¡± The young man attempted to sit up. ¡°Why won''t you listen to my master? He''s 80 years old and an expert in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, this pharmacy invited my master here, and his consultation fee is 2,000 yuan. Many people want him to treat them, but don''t get the opportunity. Now that he''s treating you, you should appreciate it.¡± A young man exited the shop with a frown, clearly displeased. Su Ming was taken aback. They couldn''t be serious, right? Didn''t they see something was wrong here? ¡°Lie here and rest a while. Your injuries aren''t severe, and I''ll treat them for you.¡± The young man wanted to say something but remained silent. Su Ming chimed in, ¡°Sir, I believe he wants to rest in a dry spot.¡± ¡°Dry?¡± The old man blinked and looked down. He had been too preupied examining the young man''s injuries to realize he was lying in a puddle. No wonder the young man was struggling to get up. No one would want to rest in a puddle by the roadside. Chapter 285 Chapter 285 - I Want a Whisker The atmosphere was a little awkward. The young man was lying in the water with his eyes wide open. The old man coughed. The young man beside him rubbed his nose and pretended to look around. Su Ming stood to the side and watched them. Should they do something? It was autumn now. Could it be that the young man wasfortable lying in the water? The young man suddenly shivered and coughed a few times. The old man finally reacted and hurriedly helped the young man up. The old man said to his disciple, ¡°Go inside and make a bowl of ginger soup.¡± ¡°I know, Master.¡± The young man beside him nodded and went back to make ginger soup. ¡°Young man, I''m sorry. I''m old. It''s my fault this time. Come in and sit. I''ll treat you for free.¡± The young man blinked and said, ¡°It''s okay. My injury is not serious. I''ll go back and apply some medicine. I''m too sleepy and want to sleep.¡± The old man said, ¡°Let''s go!¡± The two shop assistants who were cleaning rushed forward and brought the young man in. Then, the old man stood at the door. He took out his mobile phone and turned on the video recording. ¡°The inte always says that doctors like us force patients to go in to see a doctor. I''m here to rify that there''s no such thing. Don''t talk nonsense.¡± After the old man finished speaking, he turned off the video and smiled. He opened a video app and uploaded the video. ¡°This time, my video will definitely get a lot of likes.¡± After saying that, the old man went in. Su Ming stood at the door and watched. This old man was actually so fashionable. Su Ming walked to the electric car, picked up the cup, and took a sip of water. Then he took the cup and went in. As soon as he entered the pharmacy, he could smell a strong smell of Chinese medicine. This was not amon pharmacy on the side of the road. It was a little like an ancient Chinese medicine store. On both sides of the pharmacy were cabs with herbs in them. The attending physician sat in the middle. Next to him was the waiting area. Two doctors who were in charge of getting medicine saw Su Ming walking over. One of the doctors stood up and smiled at Su Ming. ¡°Young man, are you going to see a doctor or buy medicine?¡± ¡°I''m here to buy medicine. This is the prescription.¡± Su Ming took out a piece of paper from his pocket and wrote down the type and dosage of the medicinal herbs that he did not have. ¡°Alright.¡± The doctor took the paper and looked at it, then nodded. There were actually a lot of people who came to buy medicine with prescriptions. After all, they were a famous pharmacy. The quality of the medicine was guaranteed. The doctor weighed the medicine with a small bronze scale. Su Ming sat on a chair next to him. He opened the cup and took a sip of water. Smelling the strong smell of Chinese medicine, Su Ming drank the tea. He looked like a retired cadre. ¡°Young man, what''s in this cup?¡± Just as Su Ming was looking at his phone, a voice came from the side. Su Ming answered subconsciously, ¡°Ginseng.¡± After saying that, Su Ming raised his head. He was shocked! He saw an old face very close to him. It was the old doctor from just now. ¡°What do you want?¡± Su Ming was especially alert. ¡°Young man, can you let me see this ginseng?¡± The old man blinked. Su Ming looked down at the ginseng in his cup and said, ¡°It''s already soaked in water.¡± ¡°I only look at a rootlet of the ginseng.¡± The old man rubbed his hands. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming didn''t care. The old man hurriedly nodded and quickly ran to the side. He took out a packaging bag from the drawer. Su Ming saw a pair of medical forceps. However, the packaging was sealed and had not been opened yet. He also saw a packaged pair of medical scissors. The old man came in front of Su Ming and carefully opened the two packages. He used tweezers to hold the root of the ginseng and slowly lifted it up. Then he used a pair of small scissors to cut off a rootlet of the ginseng. Su Ming smiled when he saw the old man being so careful. That ginseng wasn''t anything precious. Was there a need for him to be so careful? Other than using it to make ginseng tea, he really couldn''t think of a second use for it. The old man wrapped the rootlet with a piece of paper and quickly ran to the counter. Then, he picked up a magnifying ss. When the old man''s disciple saw this, he curled his lips. ¡°Master, I don''t think this ginseng is worth much. Maybe it''s artificially cultivated. It''s definitely not as good as our ginseng.¡± ¡°Master, you''re going to have your consultation in the afternoon. There are already more than thirty patients who have registered. You''ll definitely be very tired in the afternoon. Take this time to have a good rest.¡± He looked at the ginseng. His master was the top TCM doctor in the country. It was verymon for people from famous families to invite him to treat them when they were sick. If he didn''t have the heart to save the world and was willing to treat themon people, he would have retired long ago and lived a leisurely life in the capital. He had seen all kinds of herbs. And Su Ming actually used his ginseng to make ginseng tea. His ginseng was definitely not worth much. The old man''s disciple looked down on Su Ming''s ginseng, but the old man treated it like a treasure. The old man''s eyes were wide open, his hands were trembling, and his breathing was rapid. ¡°Oh my god!¡± Suddenly, he roared. Su Ming was shocked. He spat out the mouthful of ginseng tea he had just drunk. ¡°Master, what''s wrong with you?¡± The little disciple hurriedly went forward to support the old man, then stared at Su Ming and said, ¡°Your ginseng is poisonous? Let me tell you, if something happens to my master today, I will call the police and have them arrest you!¡± As soon as he finished speaking, the old man pushed him away. He rushed towards Su Ming like a madman. Su Ming was a little afraid when he saw this. The old man''s eyes lit up as he held Su Ming''s thermos. He ignored the boiling water and grabbed the ginseng. He looked at the ginseng carefully and suddenly shouted, ¡°What a waste!¡± Chapter 286 Chapter 286 - Tea Everyone in the room was stunned. Su Ming didn''t know the old man''s personality and temper. But the old man''s disciple knew. The old man was famous in the capital, and he was the honorary dean of a medical university in the capital. The old man''s disciple was a PhD student at a medical university. However, he could not be a doctor yet. He still needed to study for a few years. That was why he had been following the old man to study. This old man was usually steady and magnanimous. He was especially kind to patients, as if they were his family. The old man''s disciple had followed the old man for nearly ten years and had never encountered such a situation. What was wrong with the old man? ¡°Master!¡± The old man''s disciple hurriedly rushed over and helped the old man up. ¡°This is a three-hundred-year-old ginseng. Why did you use it to make tea and drink it? This is such a waste!¡± The old man was trembling while holding the boiled ginseng. He had lived for so many years, but the oldest ginseng he had seen was a wild ginseng that was only 375 grams after growing for more than 200 years. The rest of the ginsengs were artificially cultivated. Their medicinal effects were far more varied than the wild ginsengs. But today, Su Ming was sitting there drinking tea. He could smell that the tea was very different. He found that there was a ginseng in the tea, and it was a yellow ginseng. The artificially cultivated ginseng grew quickly and had no time to umte nutrients, so its entire body was white. As for this ginseng, its entire body was yellow, and it had a rich smell and abundant nutrients. Ordinary people would not be able to tell the difference. However, this old man had been in the field of TCM for dozens of years. He immediately knew that this was a wild ginseng that had grown for over 300 years. So he asked Su Ming for a rootlet and took a magnifying ss to look at it carefully. What a precious treasure this was. It could save many people''s lives. ¡°What a pity, I actually missed this treasure. What a pity!¡± The national treasure level master sat on the ground and cried bitterly. ¡°Actually, you don''t have to be so sad.¡± Su Ming said as he sat on the chair. ¡°Shut up.¡± The old man said, ¡°Why isn''t this treasure with me? It just happened to fall into the hands of an ignorant person, and he even used it to make tea to drink.¡± Su Ming was speechless. This thing was his. He could use it however he wanted. Could this thing be fed to pigs? Should he mix some ginseng into the pig feed? ¡°You don''t have to be so sad. I have a lot.¡± Su Ming said slowly. ¡°What?¡± When the old man heard this, he got up from the ground and said, ¡°Say that again. I''m telling you, you can''t joke around. Do you really have more?¡± Su Ming nodded seriously. ¡°How much is it? I''ll buy it!¡± The old man said excitedly. ¡°I''m not selling it.¡± Su Ming shook his head firmly and said, ¡°I still want to use it to make tea. The taste is really good.¡± When the old man heard this, he instantly became anxious. ¡°I''ll buy it no matter how much it costs.¡± The old man said. Even if he used up all his savings in his life to buy this ginseng, it was worth it. ¡°I''m not selling it. I don''tck money.¡± Su Ming shook his head. ¡°I only want one.¡± The old man was very anxious and suddenly thought of something. He hurriedly ran to the side and found a work permit in a drawer. He said, ¡°This is my work permit. Take this. In the future, if anyone in your family is sick, take this to me in the capital. I will do my best to help you. ¡° Su Ming hesitated for a moment. This condition was really tempting. In this day and age, it was very difficult to see a doctor. Some diseases were not difficult to treat, but some doctors had poor qualities. If you met a doctor who pretended to know nothing, it would be very difficult for you to see a doctor. Su Ming believed that there would be all kinds of good things growing on hisnd, but he didn''t have many things that could cure diseases right now. His body was very good, but his parents were also old and prone to illness. To be honest, he didn''t care about money. But he knew very few doctors. If he made friends with a famous doctor in Jing, it would be much more convenient for his family to see a doctor. Most importantly, he didn''t have to worry about his family''s health. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming finally nodded and agreed. ¡°That''s great!¡± The old man was very happy and said, ¡°Go get the ginseng now! I''ll go with you!¡± Su Ming blinked his eyes and pointed to the counter next to him. ¡°I have to buy medicine.¡± ¡°Is your family sick?¡± ¡°One of my family members has a gastrointestinal problem. The doctor from my hometown gave him a prescription, so I came over to buy medicinal ingredients.¡± When the old man heard this, he said: ¡°Let me see that prescription.¡± Su Ming nodded and pulled out the picture from his phone for the old man to see. The old man took a look and shook his head. ¡°This prescription can only cure the symptoms, not the root cause. After your family members eat this medicine, their conditions will improve, but two yearster, they will rpse. I happen to be free this afternoon. How about I go with you to your hometown and personally treat him? ¡° His disciple immediately said,¡± Master, you have to work this afternoon. ¡° ¡°This afternoon, you will see the patients!¡± ¡°Me?¡± His disciple was stunned. ¡°Master, but you said that with my current level, I can''t treat patients alone.¡± ¡°I think you can do it now. ¡°After he finished speaking, he looked at Su Ming and said, ¡°Let''s hurry up and leave. The medicinal herbs in this pharmacy are not good enough. I''ll call someone to send some high-grade medicinal herbs from the capital.¡± When the other staff in the pharmacy heard this, they were speechless. They were in the same group. How could he tell the truth? Chapter 287 Chapter 287 - The Hapless Thief The elderly man was a revered figure. While at the pharmacy, he seemed quite ordinary. Just before leaving, he made a phone call. Five ck cars pulled up at the entrance. Around ten bodyguards encircled the entrance. An equal number of police officers on motorcycles formed a ring. This was unexpected even for Su Ming. A remarkable spectacle unfolded on the street. Five ck cars and a swarm of police on motorcycles encased an electric motorbike. The onlookers werepletely taken aback. ¡°What''s happening? Why are so many police surrounding a single electric bike?¡± ¡°Did I not wake properly? Am I dreaming now?¡± ¡°Oh my God.¡± ¡°I''ve never seen anything like this before.¡± The crowd watched the unfolding event. This was the first time Su Ming managed to ride an electric motorcycle on the street without any hindrances! Shortly thereafter, they reached the downtown area. They crossed an intersection and headed directly to Su Ming''s residence. At that moment, two suspicious figures emerged from behind a building. Both were carrying bulging bags. They were likely thieves. They appeared quite pleased with themselves. However, their joy was short-lived as they were apprehended by police at the entrance to Su Ming''s home. Then, five ck cars neatly lined up at the door, trapping them. The thieves were astounded. The doors of the ck cars swung open. Dozens of bodyguards in ck suits emerged. The thieves immediately knelt down. They discarded their bags and pleaded. ¡°We admit our mistake. We won''t do it again!¡± ¡°We promise not to steal cabbages anymore. Please let us go this time!¡± ¡°Please don''t arrest us!¡± The thieves trembled with fear. Su Ming halted his electric motorcycle in front of them, looking puzzled. He regarded the two men with confusion. The policemen quickly approached. ¡°Don''t arrest us, we admit our wrongdoing!¡± ¡°Yes, we''re sorry. Please forgive us!¡± They embraced each other, terrified. ¡°Scram!¡± A policeman grimaced. The thieves were dumbfounded. Su Ming dismounted from the electric motorcycle. Several police officers gathered around him for protection. It was then that the onlookers realized these officers were safeguarding the young man on the bike. Su Ming unlocked the door and turned to the crowd. ¡°Stay out here. I''ll go in and get what I need. Wait for me.¡± Everyone, including the old man, nodded their agreement. Su Ming went back into his mansion. He was in no rush. He retrieved three ginsengs from downstairs. He cleaned one and prepared it for tea. He ced the other two ginsengs in a ck stic bag. Su Ming stepped outside, sipping tea and carrying the bag. The old man was pained at the sight. Even a small piece of this ginseng was highly beneficial. The old man had to look away and pretend he saw nothing. He couldn''t bear to watch any longer. ¡°Here, take this.¡± Su Ming offered the bag gently. The old man anxiously received it, worried about potential damage to the ginseng. The ginseng was immensely valuable. He hastily grabbed the bag. He opened the bag nervously. He was thrilled to find two ginsengs inside. Those around him seemed puzzled, not understanding the value of the items in the bag. ¡°Hurry, get the box and seal them properly! Quick!¡± The old man yelled, trembling. Two staff members rushed to a car, opened the trunk, and retrieved several pre-prepared boxes. The old man delicately handled the ginseng. He carefully ced them into the boxes. He arranged the ginseng roots with a brush and tied them with red string. ¡°Ginseng?¡± ¡°Just two pieces of ginseng? That''s not valuable.¡± People around them scoffed. The thieves, witnessing this, were indifferent. Artificially grown ginseng isn''t costly. One thief casually remarked, ¡°Artificial ginseng isn''t worth much, and these are small. Don''t arrest me this time, and I''ll give you a bigger one. How about that?¡± Having said that, the thief started to move forward. But before he could advance¡­ Two officers quickly approached from the side, one grabbing him while the other cuffed him and used a stun baton. The thief copsed, unconscious. The bystanders were shocked. Chapter 288 Chapter 288 - A House The aplice of the thief was taken aback. The ginseng was concealed in a ck stic bag, making it appear unremarkable. They were now restrained with handcuffs and leg shackles. A staff member scoffed and said, ¡°These two ginseng roots are over 300 years old and weigh more than half a kilogram each. How could you dare to harm them?¡± Everyone was amazed. ¡°Ginseng that''s 300 years old?¡± ¡°No wonder they caught the thief!¡± Both ginseng roots were over 300 years old? And each weighed over half a jin? They were indeed very precious! No wonder there was such arge turnout of vehicles. All the onlookers lived in the city center and were adults. They all understood the high value of wild ginseng. Ginsengs weighing less than half a kilogram were already highly valuable, let alone those weighing more. They had the opportunity to see such rare ginsengs because they would ultimately end up with influential people. ¡°Look, there''s a ginseng in his cup!¡± ¡°That''s authentic!¡± ¡°He''s actually using such a pricey item to make an infusion!¡± ¡°I hesitated for a long time before buying Longjing tea, but he''s using such costly ginseng just for brewing.¡± The people around were nearly losing their minds. If they possessed such ginseng, they would either treasure it as a family heirloom or sell it. It was valued at least as much as a house in the city center. Everyone was astounded that Su Ming used such an expensive item just for brewing. Su Ming took another sip. The onlookers felt that Su Ming was squandering such a valuable resource. Unable to watch any longer, they began to leave one by one. They had toiled for many years just to afford a down payment on a city center house. Meanwhile, the ginseng water Su Ming drank was worth many years of their sries. The elderly man sat on the ground. A staff member next to him gently extracted the ginseng. He used tweezers to straighten out the ginseng''s small roots. Suddenly, a staff member noticed a rootlet at the bottom of the bag. The elderly man took a closer look. His eyes suddenly widened. It was broken! The elderly man delicately positioned the rootlet at the broken spot. ¡°Is it broken?¡± Su Ming approached for a closer look and said, ¡°I''ll use this ginseng for brewing and rece it with another.¡± Su Ming then picked up the ginseng and walked away. As Su Ming handled the ginseng, a few more rootlets dropped off. The elderly man urgently eximed, ¡°Collect those!¡± This elderly man was meticulous about even the smallest rootlet! Shortly thereafter, Su Ming exited the room. He carried another ginseng and tossed it forward. The elderly man tensed up. Two staff members behind him quickly cushioned the ginseng''s fall. Once they confirmed it was undamaged, he felt relieved. Soon after, he secured the ginseng. Just then, Su Ming¡¯s phone began to ring. When Su Ming checked it, he saw that his mother had called. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s the issue?¡± Su Ming answered the call. ¡°Son, hold off on buying any medicine. Your Second Uncle had acute gastroenteritisst night and is now hospitalized.¡± Su Ming inquired, ¡°How is he?¡± Lee Sumei responded from the other end, ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Your Second Aunt is very worried. Your father and I just heard and are heading to the hospital.¡± ¡°If my Second Unclecks funds, cover the costs for now. I''lle back and check on him immediately.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± With that, he ended the call. ¡°Is your family ill?¡± The elderly man stood and inquired. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming openly shared, considering the elderly man was a renowned doctor, ¡°My Second Uncle suffered from gastroenteritisst night and is now in the hospital. I''m going back to see him.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The elderly man nodded and replied, ¡°I''ll apany you back.¡± ¡°Then, I¡¯m indebted to you for the assistance.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the trouble? I¡¯d even treat your whole family, and I¡¯d still owe you. These ginsengs are extremely valuable.¡± The elderly man sighed. Who was Su Ming, to have such valuable ginseng? Yet, the elderly man was wise enough not to ask. This was a secret of Su Ming. The elderly man first instructed his assistants to retrieve two ginsengs. Afterward, Su Ming headed straight to the garage, picked a car, and they drove off. On their way, Su Ming confirmed the hospital''s location and sped away. The elderly man usually had many guards with him when traveling. This asion was no different, with guards encircling Su Ming¡¯s car. It was Su Ming''s first experience of such protection. Thest time, when Su Ming¡¯s father had a fracture, he was treated at a county hospital. But this time, Su Ming''s Second Uncle was receiving care at a city hospital for acute gastroenteritis. The city hospitals were one level below Eastsea hospitals but one level above county hospitals. Meanwhile, at the city hospital. Su Ming¡¯s Second Uncley in bed, his face pale and contorted in severe pain. He tossed and turned restlessly. Su Ming¡¯s Second Aunt was pleading with the chief physician in his office. She implored the doctor, ¡°Please, you must help. My husband is in this condition. If he doesn¡¯t receive treatment soon, he might die.¡± Her voice broke with emotion. ¡°Enough arguing.¡± The doctor looked up irritably, ¡°This is a hospital, not a ce for disputes.¡± When the Second Aunt heard this, she protested anxiously, ¡°He¡¯s been here for hours, and you¡¯ve done nothing!¡± The chief physician was particrly annoyed and mmed his hand on the desk, asserting, ¡°This is the city center hospital. I¡¯ve told you already, stop the arguments!¡± Just as the chief physician finished speaking, footsteps approached from outside the office. A bald man in a white coat approached slowly and inquired, ¡°Dr. Zhang, what¡¯s the issue? Why are you so upset?¡± Chapter 289 Chapter 289 - Big Shots ¡°Dean Lee, why did youe personally?¡± Director Zhang pushed Second Aunt away and quickly walked in front of Dean Lee with a smile. ¡°Because I have to trouble you to perform a minor surgery.¡± Dean Lee said with a smile. ¡°Dean Lee, this is just a small matter. It''s not a big deal for me to operate on your mother. Is she here yet?¡± Director Zhang ttered. ¡°She''s here.¡± Dean Lee nodded. ¡°Then let''s go into the operating room!¡± Director Zhang hurriedly said. ¡°Director Zhang, don''t you have the patient''s family in your room?¡± Dean Lee frowned. ¡°It''s fine, Dean Lee. This patient has acute gastroenteritis, so I asked the nurse to take care of him. It''s okay, your mother has polyp in her stomach. This is an urgent matter.¡± Director Zhang hurriedly said. Dean Lee nodded and said, ¡°Since there''s no urgent matter, let''s go.¡± ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Second Aunt, who was standing at the side, anxiously said, ¡°There''s a small piece of polyp in the stomach, you can remove it with a gastroscope. But my husband is suffering from gastroenteritis. How can you treat a patient like this? ¡° Director Zhang flung his sleeves and said coldly, ¡°This is my decision.¡± ¡°That''s right.¡± Dean Lee said coldly, ¡°If you''re not satisfied, we''ll transfer you to another hospital at any time. All you need to do is sign.¡± Second Aunt was so angry that her entire body was trembling. Then, she sat on the ground and burst into tears. Director Zhang and Dean Lee ignored Second Aunt and went out. They went straight to the operating room upstairs. At this time, Lee Sumei and her husband arrived. ¡°Second Sister-inw, what''s wrong with you?¡± Seeing her Second Sister-inw squatting on the ground and crying, Lee Sumei hurriedly ran over and helped her up. ¡°The hospital is such a bully! My husband is so ill, and they won''t treat him! As a result, the mother of the director has a little polyp, and the director is in such a hurry to treat her!¡± ¡°It''s okay. My son will be here soon. Don''t worry.¡± Lee Sumei hurriedly helped her Second Sister-inw up and brought her to the ward. Then she called her son. At this time, Su Ming was about to arrive. ¡°What''s wrong, Mom?¡± Su Ming picked up the phone in the car. Lee Sumei told him what had happened over the phone. ¡°Mom, don''t worry. I know.¡± After saying that, Su Ming hung up the phone. He turned around and told the old man the whole story. ¡°What?¡± The old man was anxious when he heard that. He took out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°Old Master Qin.¡± ¡°Cut the crap. Have all the doctors in your gastroenterology department gather at Linjiang Central Hospital! And the people from the Health Bureau! Not one less!¡± The old man''s tone was very strict. ¡°Yes!¡± The person on the other side of the phone hurriedly agreed. He did not understand why the old man suddenly had such a bad temper. He did not dare to ask more. He could only quickly agree. The old man''s expression was very ugly. He had saved many poor people in his life. He did not expect such a thing to happen in the hospital. Wasn''t the duty of a doctor to treat and save people? Su Ming drove even faster. Not long after, they arrived at the hospital. The news of the old man''s personal arrival quickly spread. Before long, the entire hospital waspletely sealed off. Su Ming led the way, and the old man followed behind him with a gloomy face. They soon arrived at the door of Su Ming''s Second Uncle''s ward. Dean Lee was waiting at the door of his mother''s ward. Suddenly, a nurse ran over and said. ¡°Dean Lee, our hospital has been sealed.¡± ¡°What?¡± Dean Lee was stunned. He hurriedly ran to the window and took a look. There were a few police cars below, and many policemen were patrolling! What happened? Dean Lee hurriedly took the elevator down. He came to the door. ¡°What''s going on? Why is the hospital suddenly locked down?¡± He saw a policeman and asked. ¡°We have received an order from the top. A big shot hase. We are carrying out a protection mission.¡± What? the policeman asked. Dean Lee was confused. He didn''t receive any news that a big shot had arrived. ¡°You guys don''t know?¡± ¡°I don''t know.¡± ¡°Are you a doctor?¡± ¡°I''m the dean.¡± ¡°You''re the dean, why didn''t you know?¡± ¡°I really don''t know. Do you know who came?¡± ¡°I don''t know either.¡± The policeman and Dean Lee looked at each other. One of them was the hospital''s dean. The two of them exchanged nces. However, they had no idea who hade. At this moment, they saw a bus driving over from afar. Dean Lee looked at it and felt that it looked familiar. The door of the bus opened. A middle-aged man got off. Dean Lee knew that he was the most famous surgeon in the city! Although this was a hospital in the city center, the city hospital had to spend a lot of money to invite him here every year, and he only came here half a day a week. ¡°Dr. Wang, why are you here?¡± Dean Lee hurriedly took two steps forward and asked. However, Dr. Wang ignored him and stood by the door. Then, another person got out of the car. Dean Lee was even more surprised when he saw this person. He was Director Gao from Eastsea City Central Hospital! He was a big shot who had published his thesis in the local medical magazine. When Dean Lee was in Eastsea City, he had nced at Director Gao from afar once or twice. No wonder Dr. Wang was standing at the side. Since Director Gao was here, everyone had to stand aside. Chapter 290 Chapter 290 - Listen to Me ¡°Director Gao.¡± Dean Lee''s voice was trembling. Why were there so many important people here? However, Director Gao ignored him. He stood at the side. An old man got out of the car. He was in his sixties, and his hair was white, but he was in good spirits. ¡°Teacher!¡± When Director Gao saw the old man, he respectfully called him teacher. Dean Lee wanted to kneel down. Director Gao''s teacher was a great doctor in M City! If he spent his life in M City with the sign of an honorary doctor in his hospital, visiting once or twice a year or sending a few students to his hospital, the flow of people in his hospital would definitely increase. This was the power of a true doctor. Just this alone could bring arge amount of ie to his hospital. He treated those big shots and led medical reforms. Why did hee here? Dean Lee did not know what to say. He wanted to say hello, but he didn''t know what to say. Then, a group of doctors got off the bus. Dean Lee waspletely stunned. Any doctor who coulde to his hospital would be able to double the profits of the hospital. They were all famous doctors with good reputations. What was going on? At this moment, another car came from the side. The car door opened. Dean Lee was already a little numb. He turned his head around in a daze. He suddenly realized that it was someone from the Health Department. All the important leaders of the Health Department had arrived. They had respectful expressions on their faces. These people gathered together to take a look, and they walked into the hospital with a tacit understanding. They directly ignored Dean Lee. Dean Lee didn''t know what to do. It took him a long time to react. He hurriedly followed behind them. No one said a word. Instead of taking the elevator, they took the stairs to the fifth floor. They quickly walked to a ward at the end of the corridor. Dean Lee frowned as he wondered which patient on this floor was worth so many important people visiting. More importantly, the people living on this floor were ordinary people. At this moment, Director Zhang walked down from the stairs. ¡°Dean Lee? Where did you go? The operation is over, and it was a sess. What''s going on?¡± Director Zhang was confused when he saw the group of people. ¡°There''s a big shot in our hospital, but I don''t know who it is.¡± Dean Lee shook his head and said. ¡°The people who caused trouble in my office today are staying in the ward next door. I need to exin this to them as soon as possible!¡± After saying that, Director Zhang hurriedly ran over. Dean Lee felt that it made sense, so he followed behind Director Zhang. This was because the hospital''s inpatient area was a circr area. No matter how they walked, they would still reach the ward. However, Director Zhang and Dean Lee went in the opposite direction, so they arrived early. Something pushed open the door of the ward and walked in. Dean Lee frowned. There were a few more people in the room. In addition to Second Uncle, who was lying in bed, and Second Aunt, who had a worried look on her face and was sobbing softly, there was also Lee Sumei and her husband, Su Ming, and Old Master Qin. Director Zhang frowned, feeling very impatient. He said, ¡°Do you think the hospital is an inn?¡± ¡°Let me tell you, someone willeter. Don''t talk nonsense. If you behave yourselves and wait for him to leave, I will treat you right away. Otherwise, I will kick you out. Let me tell you, I am the director of a hospital. No hospital except mine would dare to take you in! ¡° Dean Lee said fiercely. However, no one in the room looked at them. Old Master Qin frowned and took Su Ming''s Second Uncle''s pulse. ¡°How is he, sir?¡± Su Ming asked softly. ¡°Fortunately, his illness was discovered in time. If he could be treated in time, it wouldn''t be a problem.¡± Old Master Qin nodded. ¡°That''s good!¡± Lee Sumei heaved a sigh of relief. Director Zhang was very unhappy when he saw that no one in the room paid any attention to them. ¡°Dean Lee is talking to you, can''t you hear him? Are you deaf?¡± ¡°Don''t talk nonsense with them.¡± Dean Lee''s face was stiff. He didn''t have the time to argue with them. Once they left, he would immediately chase them away. After he finished speaking, he and Director Zhang turned around and were about to leave. However, they had only taken two steps when the door to the ward was pushed open by a group of people. The two of them looked at each other and recognized that this group of people was the big shots. They walked in with their heads lowered respectfully. They squeezed Dean Lee and Director Zhang into a corner. They stood in front of the bed and looked at Old Master Qin. They all bowed and shouted together, ¡°Mr. Qin!¡± Old Master Qin nodded. ¡°This patient has acute gastroenteritis and needs to be operated on quickly. Hurry up and arrange it.¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Qin!¡± They quickly replied. ¡°Mr. Su, are you satisfied with my arrangement?¡± Old Master Qin''s gaze fell on Su Ming. Su Ming nodded. ¡°Sorry to trouble you.¡± ¡°You don''t have to be so polite.¡± Old Master Qin said with a smile. When the doctors and the people from the Sanitary Bureau first received the news, they were extremely confused. Why did the prestigious Old Master Qine here? However, the news was urate. They did not dare to dy and rushed over. To be honest, most of them were either his disciples or his disciples'' disciples. Although they were arrogant in front of others, as long as he frowned in front of them, they would tremble in fear. The respected old man actually spoke to a young man with such respect. They were all extremely curious. Who was this young man? Could he be the descendant of a big shot in the capital? Impossible! Old Master Qin was of the same generation as those big shots in the capital. Almost all the young masters were very respectful to him. Moreover, if this young man was really a big shot in the capital, why was his Second Uncle here? This was just a county-level city. His Second Uncle, who was also this patient, seemed to be a viger. What was going on? Although they were very curious, they did not dare to ask. They hurriedly started to prepare for the surgery. Chapter 291 Chapter 291 - Chaos The men were confused, yet they remained silent. After all, the patient¡¯s condition was not critical. It was merely a case of acute gastroenteritis. All the doctors present were highlypetent. For them, treating such a condition was effortlessly simple. The most bewildered were Dean Lee and Director Zhang, who exchanged puzzled nces. Director Zhang had previously reviewed the patient¡¯s medical records; the patient was just a regr viger. Why were so many prominent figures gathered here? The city¡¯s top gastroenterologists had all assembled. Representatives from the Health Department were also present. The situation was truly astounding. Most notably, a renowned doctor from M City, who had been paid a hefty sum just to deliver a short report at a nearby hospital, was here. This esteemed doctor was treating the old man with the utmost deference, addressing him as his mentor. He consistently referred to the old man as his teacher. Who was this elderly gentleman? Director Zhang was utterly perplexed. Suddenly, Dean Lee¡¯s eyes lit up. In a flurry, he took out his smartphone. He quickly opened an app and found a document. Under the document was a brief introduction along with two photographs. The first photo depicted this very old man! Dean Lee nearly passed out. This man was a towering figure in the medical realm of the empire! In the medicalmunity, this elder was revered almost like a deity. He was held in high esteem by countless individuals. Some doctors who had driven here were regr coborators with the hospital, visiting multiple times weekly. Each visit required Dean Lee to extend them every courtesy, as he could not afford to displease them. Yet, these doctors paled inparison to the elder. Only the most distinguished doctors could address the old man with such reverence. Who was this young man? Why did this revered elder respectfully call this young man Mr. Su? And the patient was Mr. Su¡¯s second uncle? Dean Lee feared for his career! Yet, no one seemed to notice them. The highly sought-after chief surgeon was now performing tasks like taking blood pressure and conducting tests. Doctors who were usually seen in newspapers and on TV, rarely encountered in person, were now undertaking nursing duties. And it was the leading medical reformers who personally conducted the surgery. This was all for a mere case of acute gastroenteritis. Normally, such a condition wouldn¡¯t cause any concern. But now, it left him extremely anxious. His breathing became slightly erratic. Even the scalpel in his hand trembled a bit. Lee Sumei and her husband remained rtivelyposed. However, Su Ming¡¯s second aunt was far from calm. It was usually difficult for ordinary people to secure appointments with doctors. Typically, they could only get appointments with regr physicians at the hospital. Securing a consultation with any doctor here was normally quite challenging for the average person. Yet here were these revered doctors performing unremarkable tasks. Second Aunt realized Su Ming was bing increasingly influential. Su Ming and the old man waited outside the operating room. The old man sat down, pondered for a moment. Then, the senior doctors neatly lined up in two rows and stood obediently along the corridor. The hospital¡¯s doctors and nurses emerged. The patients also came out. Everyone spected about the identity of the VIP. These doctors typically charged high consultation fees, but now they were merely standing in the hallway. Two hourster, the operating room lights came on. The chief surgeon emerged, soaked in sweat. He walked out. ¡°Teacher, the surgery was a sess,¡± he announced quietly and respectfully to the old man. The chief surgeon quickly approached the old man and bowed, speaking in a subdued tone. ¡°Alright!¡± The old man nodded and looked at Su Ming, saying, ¡°Mr. Su, your uncle''s surgery went well. He should be fine as long as he takes proper care of himself.¡± ¡°Teacher, please have Mr. Su''s unclee to my hospital. We have better facilities,¡± a doctor nearby interjected. At that moment, another doctor stepped forward. ¡°Teacher, ignore him. Mr. Su''s uncle shoulde to my hospital. We have a special ward with all necessary amenities, and his stay would be free.¡± Another doctor interjected, ¡°Don''t listen to them. Their hospital isn¡¯t as good. Our hospital is the finest in the city.¡± ¡°Teacher, don¡¯t believe them. Hospitals in M City are superior!¡± ¡°M City is too far post-surgery. Despite your academic position during our PhD days, it¡¯s better for Mr. Lee toe to my hospital,¡± another added. ¡°I was the first to offer. What are you suggesting?¡± ¡°Being first doesn¡¯t matter!¡± ¡°Our hospital not only provides ample medical resources but is also conveniently located. We¡¯ll cover all medical costs for Mr. Lee''s family!¡± ¡°All medical costs for both Mr. Lee''s and Mr. Su''s families will be waived at our hospital!¡± Chapter 292 Chapter 292 - Tear down the Door ¡°Our hospital offers aplimentary monthly checkup for Mr. Lee''s family!¡± The group of doctors continued their heated debate. An elderly man rose and halted their bickering. ¡°Mr. Lee has just undergone surgery and should not be moved. He needs to recuperate here. Why are you trying to move him out?¡± The elderly man inquired, his brow furrowed in concern. The chief surgeon paused before responding, ¡°To avoid any infection risks, we utilized numerous machines. Unfortunately, the door is too narrow to move him out.¡± ¡°Then take the door off its hinges!¡± Suddenly, a voice eximed. The deration startled everyone present. Who was it? Dean Lee made a sudden appearance from nearby. ¡°I am the head of this hospital!¡± Dean Lee announced. Everyone exchanged puzzled nces. Why did the hospital''s director suddenly appear and shout like that? It was quite unbing. The gathered doctors were too stunned to object, even the elderly man. Dean Lee felt a surge of tion. He gave a sharp kick to Director Zhang''s rear. Then, addressing his medical team, he ordered, ¡°Proceed! Dismantle the door!¡± Dean Leemanded. He led the hospital staff in removing the door. The staff dismantled the door under the astonished looks of onlookers. ¡°Quickly! Help Mr. Lee into the VIP room!¡± Dean Lee directed assertively. He ordered this while standing amidst the group. ¡°But there¡¯s a wealthy patient currently in the VIP room.¡± ¡°Relocate him to another room!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± The medical staff scrambled toply. A bandaged man with elevated legs was wheeled out of the VIP room, muttering indistinctly as no one paid him any mind. Inside the operating theater, the medical team pushed the bed and medical devices together. Dean Lee approached Old Master Qin and Su Ming cautiously. ¡°Does this meet your approval?¡± Dean Lee asked, grinning subserviently. Dean Lee''s heart skipped a beat seeing the elderly man and Su Ming''s silent response. He felt a wave of fear wash over him. Suddenly, an idea came to him. He turned to address Su Ming''s Second Aunt. ¡°You must be rted to the patient! I deeply regret the earlier incident; the fault is entirely mine. Please don''t be upset. We will refund all charges from this hospital and offer future services free of charge!¡± ¡°Anyone you refer will receive a free physical check-up here.¡± ¡°I made a mistake earlier. I was concerned because my mother is over 80, and I hope you can forgive me.¡± Tears streamed down Dean Lee¡¯s face as he spoke. Su Ming''s Second Aunt was taken aback upon witnessing the hospital director''s tears. She watched the director of the city hospital weep while apologizing. Her resentment quickly subsided. ¡°Well, my husband is fine now, so let''s move on from this.¡± She remarked. ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Dean Lee quickly bowed in gratitude. ¡°Dean Lee, this task shouldn¡¯t be yours alone. The respirators here are substandard. I''ll fetch the best one from my hospital right away.¡± ¡°Your hospital''s sterilization and ultraviolet equipment are outdated. We''ve recently installed state-of-the-art units worth millions. I¡¯ll send someone with them immediately.¡± Others spoke up as they watched Dean Lee handle the situation solo. They refused to let him hog all the attention. Doctors from other institutions could only observe, unable to intervene. Their hospital''s medical gear was superior, but they were too far from this location. Before long, several vehicles arrived downstairs. Su Ming''s Second Uncle''s room soon filled with advanced medical equipment. Anyone unfamiliar with the situation might assume he had a serious illness. ¡°I struggled to get a five-minute consultation from Dr. Chen while hospitalized for half a month. Is he now moving equipment for another patient?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? Look at those two doctors with him; they¡¯re top specialists, and getting an appointment is tough!¡± One onlooker inquired, ¡°What illness does he have?¡± ¡°He¡¯s got acute gastroenteritis!¡± ¡°I also have acute gastroenteritis. Why didn¡¯t I get such attention? The room is packed with equipment!¡± ¡°It''s mainly because they respect that young man a lot.¡± Patients and visitors gathered to observe and discuss the spectacle. They expressed surprise and confusion. After almost an hour of work, Su Ming''s Second Uncley in bed surrounded by medical instruments. Truth be told, he just had acute gastroenteritis, which was recoverable post-surgery. The reaction was indeed over the top. Su Ming peered inside, relieved to see his Second Uncle well. His Second Uncle and Aunt had always been supportive. Previously, when Su Ming''s family was in need, his Second Uncle and Aunt consistently helped out with pocket money and snacks, even giving them a pig leg every New Year. Concern for his Second Uncle¡¯s health had been worrying him. It now appeared that his Second Uncle was in safe hands. The doctors pledged not to leave until Su Ming''s Second Uncle was fully recovered and discharged. This was nothing short of VIP treatment indeed! Chapter 293 Chapter 293 - Second Aunt In the hospital conference room. The ce where the staff were supposed to sit was now filled with big doctors and big leaders. Dean Lee and Director Zhang stood where the leaders were supposed to sit. They stood side by side with their heads lowered. Their faces were filled with repentance. Although Su Ming''s Second Aunt had forgiven Dean Lee and did not want to pursue his mistakes. However, the others were not prepared to let them go. ¡°Teacher, I don''t think these two are suitable to be doctors anymore. He''s the ck sheep in our team of doctors.¡± One of the old doctors stood up and said, ¡°Tell them to go back!¡± ¡°Mr. Ma, don''t be like this!¡± Another doctor stood up and advised him sincerely, ¡°They have been doctors for many years. It would be a pity to fire them.¡± Dean Lee and Director Zhang were a little happy when they heard that. The treatment in this hospital was not bad! The doctor said again. ¡°Let them clean the hospital?¡± When Dean Lee and Director Zhang heard this, they felt that something was wrong. They had studied medicine for so many years, and now they were going to clean up the hospital? They were very unwilling. ¡°No!¡± Another doctor stood up and said. ¡°Let them go to the canteen to do the logistics!¡± Another doctor next to him suggested. ¡°That''s a good idea!¡± Everyone nodded. Dean Lee and Director Zhang felt dizzy when they heard that. The two of them were going to do the logistics of the cafeteria? At this moment, another doctor stood up and said, ¡°I don''t agree with you treating them like this!¡± Dean Lee and Director Zhang looked at him and saw that he was a doctor who often came to their hospital for consultation. They looked at the doctor with gratitude. However, at this moment, the doctor said, ¡°What if the two of them steal food in the cafeteria?¡± ¡°Old Fong is right!¡± ¡°That''s not good!¡± ¡°That''s right!¡± Dean Lee and Director Zhang were speechless when they heard that. How could they have eaten secretly? However, they could only ept the criticism of the doctors, because they were indeed in the wrong. ¡°Alright!¡± At this moment, the old man stood up. The moment the old man stood up, all the doctors behind him stood up in unison. Including Dean Lee and Director Zhang. Originally, they were standing on the stage with their heads lowered. When they saw the old man stand up, they immediately raised their heads and puffed out their chests. Even if they were criticized, they had to hold their heads high. This was to make it more convenient for the old man to criticize them. ¡°As doctors in the hospital, you should think about the patient, but what did you two do? But you two are doctors who have been in the hospital for many years. It would be a waste of resources to fire you two.¡± ¡± From today onwards, both of you will be resident doctors. ¡° ¡°You have to work harder from now on!¡± The old man said with a frown. ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Dean Lee and Director Zhang agreed. They were now Dr. Lee and Dr. Zhang. Although they had been demoted, they were still happy. In the ward. Su Ming sat with his Second Aunt in the ward. ¡°Su, it''s all thanks to you this time. Otherwise, I really wouldn''t know what to do.¡± Second Aunt held Su Ming''s hand and said excitedly. ¡°Second Aunt, when I was young, my family was not well off, and you and Second Uncle often helped us out. We are all family.¡± Su Mingforted her. Second Aunt hurriedly nodded. She was about to speak. Two people came in from outside the door. ¡°Second Aunt! We will take care of Second Uncle''s body!¡± ¡°That''s right, from today onwards, we will take full care of Second Uncle''s body!¡± ¡°We will make a bed outside. Call us immediately if you have any questions!¡± Second Aunt raised her head to take a look. A few hours ago, they had looked down on her arrogantly. Now, they were so respectful. They were Dean Lee and Director Zhang. Not only were they not sad, they weren''t unhappy either. Instead, he took advantage of the fact that Su Ming hadn''t left yet to show his loyalty. Mr. Su was a big shot! They already knew that the person lying on the bed was Su Ming''s Second Uncle, the woman next to him was Second Aunt, and the middle-aged couple next to them were Su Ming''s parents. They were both from the countryside. In the first half of the year, Su Ming was just an ordinary child, but in the second half of the year, he suddenly became very powerful. What did this mean? This meant that Su Ming must have had a great opportunity. While Su Ming was still around, they had to treat Second Uncle and Second Uncle well. At that time, Su Ming would always treat them well. Chapter 294 Chapter 294 - The Old Prescription ¡°Let me see how Second Uncle''s heart is beating. Everything is normal!¡± ¡°Let me see how Second Uncle''s blood pressure is. There''s no problem!¡± ¡°Second Aunt, I see that you don''t look too good. Have you been feeling unwell recently? I''ll arrange for a doctor to examine you right away.¡± ¡°Second Aunt, look at your hand. It must be because you are tired from doing heavy work. I will immediately get the hospital to prescribe the best medicine for you.¡± Su Ming''s Second Aunt looked at the two old men, speechless. ¡°Don''t call me Second Aunt, my name is Zhang Xiufen, just call me by my name!¡± ¡°No! You are our Second Aunt!¡± ¡°That''s right!¡± ¡°You are our beacon of hope!¡± Zhang Xiufen was just an ordinary viger. She had no idea how to deal with such a situation. However, these two people were too enthusiastic, so she could only reluctantly agree. ¡°Dad, Mom, Second Aunt, I have something else to do. Second Uncle''s illness should be fine now.¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°Alright, drive slowly on the way back.¡± Lee Sumei nodded and looked at her son with a smile. She was extremely satisfied. She only hoped that her son would be safe for the rest of his life. However, if her child could make a name for himself, she would naturally be extremely proud in her heart. Lee Sumei, her husband, and Zhang Xiufen had to take care of the patients upstairs. Su Ming and the old man went downstairs together. They were followed by arge group of doctors. They stood in two rows. ¡°Take care, Mr. Su! Take care, Old Master Qin!¡± They shouted in unison. Su Ming wondered why they could shout in such unison. Under the watchful eyes of countless doctors and under the protection of many police officers, Su Ming drove away with the old man. They arrived after driving for more than two hours. After the old man got out of the car, he looked at Su Ming with a smile and said, ¡°Mr. Su, it seems that you still have something to do. I won''t disturb you any longer.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After saying goodbye to Su Ming, the old man got into the car and left. Su Ming smiled and went back to hisnd to take care of things. A huge manor in the suburbs of Eastsea City took up nearly 50 acres ofnd. It was surrounded by green trees, and it was empty and quiet. The entire manor was equipped with a swimming pool, a tennis court, a small golf course, and a horse ranch. There was arge garden in the front yard. There were more than ten gardeners here. In the center, there was a pce-like building that was extremely luxurious. The entire building was about a hundred meters long and twenty meters wide. Every room was extremely luxurious. At this moment, at the entrance to the pce: Old Master Tang stood there expressionlessly with a crutch. Behind him was Xiao Ke''er, who was very anxious. ¡°Grandpa Tang, my grandfather is seriously ill, he should rest in peace. Why did hee to Eastsea after such a tiring journey?¡± Xiao Ke''er stood behind him and could not help but ask. Old Master Tang sighed, shook his head, and said: ¡°It''s because your grandfather has an unfinished wish.¡± ¡°What wish?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked curiously. Old Master Tang did not say. This was something that happened when they were young. At this moment, the door to the manor slowly opened, and a ck car slowly drove over. When the car arrived at the door, the door was opened. Xiao Ke''er hurriedly ran over. An old man got out of the car. This old man was dressed in cloth clothes and a pair of cloth shoes. He looked no different from an ordinary old man. He was very thin, weak, and pale. He held a walking stick in his hand and couldn''t even stand properly. ¡°Grandfather!¡± Seeing her grandfather so weak, Xiao Ke''er could not help but cry. She said, ¡°You are already so seriously ill, why are you here? Can''t you just rest at home?¡± The old man smiled faintly and looked at his granddaughter. He said, ¡°Don''t cry. An old man of my age can be considered a long-lived old man.¡± Xiao Ke''er wanted to say something. Old Master Tang took a step forward and said, ¡°Your grandfather is already tired. Let him rest well first.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Ke''er bit her lips and could only nod her head. She supported the old man and slowly walked in. The old man''s body was very weak. After lying on the bed and taking a few pills, he quickly fell asleep. Xiao Ke''er slowly left the room. She went to the living room next door. The living room was as magnificent as a pce. On the custom-made leather sofa sat two old men. One was Old Master Tang, and the other was Old Master Qin. ¡°Qin, how is his illness?¡± Old Master Tang frowned and asked tentatively. Old Master Qin sighed, shook his head, and said, ¡°I can''t cure him anymore.¡± ¡°Grandpa Qin, didn''t you tell me that there was a prescription that could cure my grandfather''s illness?¡± Xiao Ke''er hurriedly walked forward and said. ¡°Silly girl, there is indeed a prescription that can cure your grandfather''s illness.¡± Old Master Qin took out a piece of yellow paper from his bosom and said: ¡°But there are a few medicinal ingredients that can''t be found at all now.¡± Old Master Tang hurriedly said, ¡°What herbs? I can use my social connections to find them.¡± ¡°Take a look at this prescription and you''ll know.¡± Old Master Tang anxiously took the prescription into his hands and looked at it carefully. He was stunned at that moment. ¡°Double Snow Toads? Rainbow Lingzhi Mushroom? Is there really such a thing in this world?¡± Old Master Tang saw that there were actually several medicinal herbs in the prescription that seemed to be legendary things. ¡°Of course there are.¡± Old Master Qin said: ¡°Of course, these medicinal herbs are not as magical as the martial arts fiction says. There are indeed Top Grade medicines in some of the medicines in the world. ording to biology, the nt should have mutated. This caused their medicinal effects to be even stronger.¡± The old man sighed and did not finish his words. Now, the scope of human activity had greatly increased, and the environmental pollution had increased. The world no longer had the conditions to give birth to such a magical thing. Chapter 295 Chapter 295 - Su Ming Old Master Tang held the prescription and was very surprised. Since Old Master Qin said that this prescription could save lives, then it must be true, but the things here were very difficult to gather. ¡°The most ordinary one here is actually a three-hundred-year-old ginseng. This is very difficult to find.¡± Old Master Tang was a little desperate. ¡°I''ve already found the ginseng.¡± ¡°What?¡± Old Master Tang was a little surprised: ¡°You found it?¡± ¡°Yes, I got it from a young man called Su Ming. Although I only found the ginseng, it still worked. Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Before Old Master Qin could finish his sentence, he noticed that Old Master Tang was looking at him in surprise. Xiao Ke''er covered her mouth and revealed a surprised expression. ¡°Who?¡± Old Master Tang was excited, and said: ¡°Say that again, who?¡± ¡°Su Ming!¡± Old Master Qin stammered. ¡°Su Ming!¡± Old Master Tang said. ¡°Who are you talking about? Su Ming? Is it the Su Ming who farmed in the city center? Is it the Su Ming who is young, tall, and a little handsome?¡± Old Master Qin was puzzled. ¡°He owes you money?¡± Old Master Tang said, ¡°Do you still remember what I told you about the national treasurest time?¡± ¡°I remember. Could it be that Su Ming was the one who found the national treasure?¡± Old Master Qin said. Then Old Master Tang nodded. The first big thing that these two old men encountered in Eastsea was rted to Su Ming! Just as everyone in the room was shocked. Suddenly, a person rushed in from outside the door. A young man ran in, panting. He grabbed the teapot and drank the water. ¡°Sis, Grandpa Tang, Grandpa Qin, you''re all here. Where''s my grandfather? Where is he? How is he? Is he well?¡± He looked around and asked. ¡°Chen, how old are you? Why are you still so impatient? Drink water slowly.¡± Xiao Ke''er frowned and said, ¡°Hurry up and stand still!¡± Xiao Chen pouted in dissatisfaction, but he obediently stood to the side. ¡°Grandpa Tang, Grandpa Qin, I don''t know the rules. Don''t me me.¡± Xiao Ke''er hurriedly apologized. ¡°It doesn''t matter. We are all family.¡± ¡°That''s right. You are a famous buffalo in the capital. When you were young, you drank three pots of water in my house in the afternoon.¡± The two old menughed. In fact, he didn''t drink three pots of water in one afternoon because he was talented. It was because he was naughty and kept sweating. That was why he kept drinking water. Hearing this, Xiao Chen smiled and sat beside the two old men, saying, ¡°I knew you guys were the best to me. Sis, Mom and Dad aren''t here. They usually manage me so strictly. Can''t you let me rx?¡± Xiao Ke''er said helplessly, ¡°Mom and Dad will be here in the afternoon.¡± Before Xiao Ke''er could finish her sentence, Xiao Chen rushed over. He grabbed Xiao Ke''er''s arm and said, ¡°Sister, I was wrong. I won''t do it again. Sister, you are the best sister in the world. I beg you!¡± Xiao Ke''er was instantly helpless. Why was he always so yful? The entire family business still needed him to inherit it. Usually, her parents would remind her to discipline him well when they were not around. However, he was her brother, and she was always very tolerant of him. ¡°Sister!¡± Xiao Chen suddenly thought of something and said: ¡°I just heard you guys talk about the prescription. Can you let me take a look?¡± ¡°Here.¡± Old Master Tang handed the prescription over to Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen stoppedughing, and his expression became serious. He carefully looked at the prescription and memorized it in his heart. ¡°Grandpa Tang, Grandpa Qin, Sis, I''ll go out and look for it. If I find it, I''ll call you!¡± ¡°Chen, I''ve already mobilized the family''s strength to look for these things, but I still haven''t found them.¡± ¡°It''s fine, sister. I''ll go and see grandfather, and then I''ll go out and look for them immediately!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Ke''er was also helpless. She knew that the hope was slim, but she couldn''t stop her brother. ¡­ Su Ming was working in the field. The sun was bright and the autumn wind was gentle. Su Ming was barefoot, wearing a set of cloth clothes, and holding a bucket in his hand. He mixed water with fertilizer in a certain proportion and then watered the crops. He personally squatted on the ground to weed and take care of the branches. He went to the pigsty again and mixed some prepared feed, fruits, and the herbs he had harvested before. At this time, the Symphony arrived. They were ying music. Su Mingy on the recliner. He waved his fan, closed his eyes, and shook it slightly. He listened to the music and basked in the sun. Unknowingly, he had fallen asleep. After an unknown period of time, Su Ming finally opened his eyes. The people from the band had already left quietly, and they even closed the door along the way. They even covered Su Ming''s body with a piece of clothing. Su Ming stood up and stretched. He was very happy. He didn''t eat much at noon, so he decided to go out and have a good meal. Su Ming went back to change his clothes and went out. This kind of life was reallyfortable. Su Ming found a nearby noodle shop and ordered a bowl of noodles. There was only soy sauce and no vinegar on the table. Everyone had their own hobbies when they ate. Although Su Ming didn''t like to pour too much vinegar into the noodles, he at least poured a spoonful or two. ¡°Boss, where''s the vinegar?¡± Su Ming asked. ¡°I''m sorry, but this vinegar can has just been washed. I''ll get a bowl for you to fill it with vinegar.¡± The boss smiled in embarrassment. ¡°Alright!¡± Su Ming nodded. Chapter 296 Chapter 296 - Lemon in the Coke A momentter the owner returned with a bottle from the kitchen. The Coca-C bottle was filled with vinegar. ¡°Sorry, young man. This is the vinegar that our chef cooks. But don''t worry, it''s very clean.¡± Su Ming nodded and didn''t say anything else. This was too normal. Regardless of whether it was a roadside vendor or a businessman, they all liked to use this kind of soft bottle to hold soy sauce or vinegar, because this bottle was convenient for them to take. Just as Su Ming was about to reach out and take the bottle. A ck shadow shed over. He grabbed the bottle on the table. Su Ming found that it was a young man. The young man looked a few years younger than him. He was sweating and panting. ¡°Brother, I''m sorry, I''m too thirsty! I want to drink your Coke. I''ll buy you a bottleter!¡± The young man was panting heavily. ¡°No.¡± Su Ming reached out to stop him. ¡°Can''t I buy you a box of Coke in exchange for this bottle of Coke?¡± The young man thought Su Ming didn''t agree with him. ¡°I''m notining that you gave me too little Coke.¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°I''ll give you money!¡± The young man was unhappy. He took out a hundred yuan bill from his pocket and put it on the table. ¡°No.¡± Su Ming was a little depressed. He didn''t want money. ¡°You can''t drink this.¡± Su Ming didn''t finish his sentence. ¡°I just want to drink this bottle of Coke!¡± The young man was very stubborn. He opened the bottle cap and drank the vinegar in big gulps! Everyone in the room who was eating noodles was dumbfounded. They were all dumbfounded. Several people held chopsticks and put the noodles to their mouths, forgetting to eat. They had all heard the conversation between Su Ming and the boss just now. It was normal for Su Ming to ask for vinegar in the noodle shop. No one cared about this matter. In the end, a young man rushed in from outside the door. He took the bottle of vinegar and started drinking. Several people who were eating were very shocked. Did the young man not feel that there was something wrong with this thing? Under everyone''s gaze, the young man finished the bottle of vinegar. After he finished, he pursed his lips. He wiped his mouth. He blinked. The young man looked at the Coke bottle and said, ¡°Brother, is your Coke expired? Why does it taste a little sour?¡± A little sour? Hearing this, everyone was depressed. Was he sure that he only felt that it was a little sour? He drank an entire bottle of vinegar! Su Ming pondered for a moment. Who could tell him how he should exin it? Su Ming thought for a moment and said seriously, ¡°I squeezed some lemon juice in the Coke.¡± The young man was very naive and believed Su Ming''s words. The surrounding crowd couldn''t help but roll their eyes when they heard this. They were all thinking, ¡°Don''t you feel guilty for lying like this?¡± That young man was really amazing. He drank a bottle of vinegar and didn''t find anything wrong. Did he not have a sense of taste? ¡°I''m really a little hungry.¡± The young man blinked and looked at Su Ming''s noodles. ¡°Boss, I want a bowl of noodles.¡± As the young man spoke, he sat opposite Su Ming. ¡°Okay!¡± The boss came out of the kitchen happily in an apron. He was collecting money. Suddenly, his face darkened. Where was his bottle of vinegar? This ramen was worth 10 yuan. He poured a lot of vinegar into the Coke bottle. Vinegar was worth more than 10 yuan. Did that person pour vinegar into the noodles? Then he would lose money. The boss''s face was gloomy, and he couldn''t help but look at Su Ming''s face. What was going on? The soup in Su Ming''s bowl was pure white. Obviously, there was no vinegar in the noodles. Then where was this bottle of vinegar? He looked at the customers around him. Their bowls of noodles were basically pure white. Only a few people put some chili oil in the noodles. If someone really poured vinegar into the noodles, the room should be filled with the sourness of vinegar. There was no sourness of vinegar in the room at the moment. The bottle of vinegar wasn''t in the trash can. Su Ming seemed to have seen through the boss''s doubts. ¡°Boss, give me some vinegar.¡± The boss asked in confusion, ¡°Didn''t I give you a bottle of vinegar before?¡± ¡°Boss, you charged me 50 yuan for this meal. Give me some vinegar.¡± Su Ming really couldn''t bear to expose the truth. He was afraid that the young man in front of him would not be able to ept reality. ¡°Alright.¡± The boss nodded, took the money, picked up the empty bottle, and went back. In less than a minute, he returned. He brought another bottle of vinegar. Su Ming picked up the Coke bottle and squeezed the vinegar out with his hand. The vinegar mixed with the boiling hot soup, and the fragrance immediately filled the air. The young man blinked. He felt that something was wrong! ¡°Don''t pour it yet. Tell me, what did I just drink?¡± The young man looked at Su Ming with wide eyes. ¡°Coke with lemon juice.¡± ¡°Then why did the boss use this bottle to hold vinegar?¡± Su Ming thought for a moment. ¡°The boss likes the environment.¡± The young man felt that something was wrong. He thought about it carefully, but he couldn''t refute it. The boss stood at the side and heard this. He finally understood what was going on. The people around him couldn''t help butugh. Some of them wereughing so hard that their faces turned red. They couldn''t say anything. They could only leave quickly. This young man was Xiao Chen. He had been lively and active since he was young and even contracted a strange disease. He just liked to drink water. He went to the hospital to check his body, but there was nothing wrong with him. His family looked at him and found that there was nothing wrong with him. Gradually, they didn''t care about this matter anymore. He only needed to have a few more physical examinations a year. After all, she only drank water and didn''t like to eat gold. Today, he went to all the major hospitals and small clinics in Eastsea to collect those medicinal herbs. Although the hope was slim, if he did not do anything, there would definitely be no hope at all. He went out for a day without drinking a mouthful of water or eating anything. He was tired and weak, so he happened to pass by the noodle house. He immediately saw the Coke in Su Ming''s hand. At that time, he couldn''t help but rush in. Then he drank a bottle of vinegar. ¡°Where did you buy this lemon? The sourness is quite strong!¡± Xiao Chen asked innocently. The surrounding people who were eating noodles could not help butugh out loud. Chapter 297 Chapter 297 - Prussian Law ¡°My sister enjoys sour things. I should get her some lemons.¡± Xiao Chen looked earnestly at Su Ming. Su Ming had just lifted a noodle with his chopsticks, about to eat it, when he was suddenly taken aback. This¡­ Lemon¡­ He was at a loss for words. As Su Ming struggled to find an exnation, a loud disturbance erupted outside. It sounded like a fight was breaking out. The focus of everyone inside shifted towards the noise. Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. He didn''t know the fighters, but he was grateful to them. At the entrance stood a few students in school uniforms, appearing to be from middle school. They were ganging up on someone, punching and kicking the individual at the center. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Several middle-aged men rushed over and intervened loudly, ¡°What ss are you from?¡± The situation became clear to those inside. It was time for school to be dismissed. Apparently, a student brawl was taking ce. Everyone was curious to watch, but it was not unexpected. The crowd cleared, revealing a man squatting on the ground. He appeared to be in his thirties, wearing sses. His head was bleeding from the assault, his sses shattered, and his attire disheveled. ¡°How dare you students assault a teacher?¡± The intervening middle-aged men were likely teachers at the school. Upon seeing the fight, one of them quickly intervened to separate the students. The distinctive uniforms made it easy to identify the school they attended. ¡°Go ahead, try to expel us!¡± The students were defiant. Su Ming and Xiao Chen exchanged nces. In unspoken agreement, they lifted their bowls. They moved to a chair near the doorway and sat down. They continued eating their noodles while observing themotion. ¡°I''ll definitely expel you. I¡¯ll have your parentse over too!¡± An individual, seemingly the school principal, approached angrily from a distance. ¡°We don¡¯t even want to be in school anymore!¡± A student retorted nonchntly, ¡°Go ahead, call my parents if you like. See if you can even find them.¡± Hearing this, Su Ming remarked sarcastically, ¡°Did your parents run off together?¡± The ce wentpletely quiet. The student who had just spoken was momentarily stunned. The silence lingered for quite some time. Su Ming took a sip of his noodle soup. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there; carry on. My noodles are losing their vor.¡± Xiao Chen blinked andmented. The quiet deepened even further. Everyone was at a loss for how to proceed. At that moment, rapid footsteps approached from the side. A female teacher approached. She was visibly shocked by the scene. It seemed she was the homeroom teacher of the students involved. ¡°Did you really dare to start a fight?¡± The homeroom teacher quickly helped the injured teacher to his feet. ¡°So what if I fought? The school can expel me. I¡¯m only 16 and not an adult yet, so you can¡¯t do much about it.¡± The lead student said arrogantly. ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Su Ming coughed and stood up, hands behind his back, and exined, ¡°Young man, let me rify something for you. ording to Article 17 of the Penal Code, individuals over the age of 16 are criminally responsible for their actions. For those aged 14 to 16, criminal responsibility applies for intentional murder and assault. Since you are 16, you are legally ountable for today¡¯s assault.¡± Su Ming smiled and added, ¡°You¡¯re wee. This is my duty. Please, continue.¡± The atmosphere was utterly silent. While they were handling the situation, Su Ming was discussing legal matters. Could this be aw-rted show? The students¡¯ expressions grew somber. They frequently acted impulsively in fights. The revtion of potential criminal charges left them stunned. The quiet became profound. Even the traffic noises around them seemed to quiet down. Just then, the police arrived. They transported the injured to the hospital. The police then detained and questioned the students right there. Back inside the noodle house. People were seated facing the door. The owner quietly took a seat with a te of sunflower seeds to watch. After half an hour, the people at the door dispersed. Seeing the oue, the diners settled their bills and left. Su Ming also paid his bill and got ready to head home. It was time to butcher the pigs. A few steps out, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw Xiao Chen. Su Ming queried, ¡°Why are you following me? Shouldn¡¯t you be heading home?¡± ¡°Brother, you never told me where you bought the lemons.¡± Su Ming felt resigned. His memory was indeed sharp. After over half an hour, he still remembered the conversation. ¡°To tell you the truth, I lied earlier. That bottle actually contained vinegar.¡± Su Ming confessed. ¡°That can''t be right!¡± Xiao Chen shook his head, insisting, ¡°If it were really vinegar, I¡¯d know from the taste. It¡¯s definitely Coke mixed with lemon. This lemon is really sour. Where did you get it?¡± Master Su was left speechless. Chapter 298 Chapter 298 - Brother-inw While Su Ming was grappling with a headache, he suddenly heard a car approaching. A ck car gradually pulled up to the curb. The door swung open. A striking woman emerged from the vehicle. ¡°Sister?¡± Xiao Chen was taken aback upon seeing her. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± The striking woman was equally surprised to see Su Ming. ¡°Is he your brother?¡± Su Ming gestured towards Xiao Chen, momentarily taken aback. The trio stood together on the roadside. The woman who exited the vehicle was Xiao Ke''er. She carried herself with poise and grace. He had assumed that all her family members were asposed and graceful. So why was Xiao Ke''er''s brother acting so yfully? ¡°Mr. Su, how did youe to meet my brother?¡± Xiao Ke''er inquired, puzzled. ¡°Just now.¡± Su Ming responded. Xiao Ke''er nced at Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen nodded and confirmed, ¡°Yes, about half an hour ago.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize. My brother has been quite mischievous since childhood. Has he caused any problems?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked apologetically. ¡°Sis! I haven¡¯t caused any trouble at all!¡± Xiao Chen protested unhappily. He noticed Xiao Ke''er''s disapproving look. Xiao Chen felt displeased. Why did she look at him with such skepticism? After all, he was her brother! His sister was known among the elite families of the capital as the stoic ice beauty. She had never been so gentle with any other young men. Could it be that Su Ming was potentially his brother-inw? ¡°Brother-inw!¡± Xiao Chen eximed, ¡°So you¡¯re the brother-inw! Sis, you''ve found a boyfriend. Why didn''t you tell us sooner? Mom and Dad have been anxious about your marriage for thest couple of years. They¡¯ll be thrilled to hear this!¡± Xiao Chen was overjoyed. But then he paused. He nced between his sister and Su Ming. He noticed both were staring at him. Xiao Chen blinked. ¡°Did I misunderstand something?¡± Xiao Chen asked cautiously. ¡°Stop spouting nonsense!¡± Xiao Ke''er scolded, frowning. The moment Xiao Ke''er heard him call Su Ming her brother-inw, her heart skipped a beat. Her heartbeat elerated instantly. She had never experienced such a feeling before. Su Ming looked from Xiao Ke''er to Xiao Chen. The contrast in their demeanors was stark. ¡°Mr. Su, I''m terribly sorry. He really is too yful. I hope you¡¯re not upset.¡± Xiao Ke''er apologized. ¡°It''s okay.¡± Su Ming dismissed it with a wave of his hand. ¡°Mr. Su, there¡¯s another matter.¡± Xiao Ke''er paused thoughtfully before speaking, ¡°My grandfather is gravely ill, but he traveled to Eastsea for a purpose. He wasn''t expected to live long, but thanks to your ginseng, he''s still with us. Thank you.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. He had given ginseng to Old Master Qin? However, considering they were all from the capital and Old Master Qin was a renowned medical expert, it made sense that they would seek his help for her grandfather. ¡°You needn¡¯t thank me. He treated my uncle¡¯s illness.¡± Su Ming replied with a slight smile. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Xiao Ke''er hesitated then said, ¡°I have a prescription, but it''s extremely difficult to find the necessary ingredients. Besides the three-hundred-year-old ginseng, do you have any other rare herbs?¡± ¡°Let me see the prescription.¡± Su Ming requested. ¡°Here it is.¡± Xiao Ke''er quickly retrieved her phone from the car and disyed a photo. Su Ming examined it. He possessed all the herbs listed. They were all from hisst harvest. Xiao Ke''er was unsure why she suddenly asked Su Ming for help. An idea had sparked in her mind. She knew the chances were slim, but she felt it was worth a shot. Su Ming handed back the prescription. His expression was neutral. Xiao Ke''er felt a pang of disappointment upon seeing his reaction. Su Ming announced, ¡°I have all these herbs.¡± Xiao Ke''er sighed with a hint of loneliness. ¡°I apologize for bothering you, Mr. Su. Such items are scarce, even historically.¡± ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head back now. Goodbye, Mr. Su.¡± Xiao Ke''er then said to Xiao Chen, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Xiao Chen was taken aback. ¡°It¡¯ste already and you still don''t want to head home? If you don''t go now, you¡¯ll face our parents'' discipline. I won''t cover for you then!¡± Xiao Ke''er admonished. ¡°Sis¡­¡± Xiao Chen hesitated. ¡°I usually let you off easy, but with grandpa so ill, why are you still causing trouble? Go home now!¡± Xiao Ke''er reached out to grab Xiao Chen. ¡°Sis!¡± Xiao Chen couldn¡¯t contain himself any longer and eximed, ¡°Did you really hear what Mr. Su said?¡± ¡°Of course, I heard him. But what does that have to do with you going home? Come on¡­¡± Xiao Ke''er was mid-sentence when she suddenly froze. She stood immobilized. Then slowly, she turned her head. ¡°Mr. Su, could you repeat that?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked with a look of disbelief. Then she hurried over to Su Ming. She was overjoyed, her face radiant. ¡°Mr. Su, is that really true?¡± Xiao Chen was at a loss for words. Regarding rtionships, his sister was quite inexperienced. Yet, this potential brother-inw was quite impressive. He was tall and notably handsome. His distinguished demeanor suggested he was far from ordinary. Their parents would undoubtedly approve of him. Xiao Ke''er did not anticipate her brother¡¯s silent endorsement of her rtionship. Chapter 299 Chapter 299 - Blessing Potion ¡°Mr. Su, are you serious?¡± Xiao Ke''er was visibly thrilled. Some people remain unexcited simply because they haven''t yet met someone worth getting excited over. ¡°Yes.¡± Su Ming remainedposed. His warehouse was full of them. Why would he lie about that? ¡°Mr. Su, I¡­¡± Xiao Ke''er was so excited she was tripping over her words. After a moment, she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. With earnestness, Xiao Ke''er spoke, ¡°Mr. Su, I have a favor to ask of you.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Su Ming asked, unfazed. Perhaps she wanted him to use the herbs to help someone? He was acquainted with Xiao Ke''er and her group, but they weren''t close friends. These herbs were exceedingly rare, preciousmodities that were no longer avable. ¡°Mr. Su, I''m aware of how rare and valuable your herbs are. I don''t expect you to part with all of them. Just a little to improve my grandfather''s health would be enough, to give him time to fulfill his wishes,¡± Xiao Ke''er said cautiously, watching Su Ming''s reaction. Seeing that Su Ming was expressionless, Xiao Ke''er quickly added, ¡°Of course, we wouldn''t expect you to do this for nothing. My request is simply that you don''t sell the herbs to anyone else for the time being. I''ll go home now and will certainlye back with an offer that you''ll find satisfactory. How does that sound?¡± ¡°And of course,¡± Xiao Ke''er added hastily, ¡°if you''re not happy with the final offer, you''re free to decline.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Thank you so much, Mr. Su!¡± Xiao Ke''er was ecstatic, turning her attention to Xiao Chen: ¡°Hurry! Let''s get in the car and head home!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Xiao Chen was equally delighted. This was destiny, wasn''t it? ¡°Brother-inw, when will youe over for dinner?¡± Xiao Chen asked cheerfully as he headed for the car. ¡°Get in!¡± Xiao Ke''er grabbed her brother by the neck and shoved him into the car. ¡°Mr. Su, my apologies¡­¡± Xiao Ke''er quickly regained herposure and grace as she settled into the car. Xiao Chen rolled down the window: ¡°Brother-inw, how about youe over tonight? My parents are both home!¡± ¡°Shut up! Uncle Wang, step on it!¡± The vehicle gradually picked up speed and headed off into the distance. ¡°Brother-inw¡­¡± Xiao Chen stuck his head out and yelled, but after only two words, a hand yanked him back. Su Ming chuckled, not particrly concerned about the incident. He nced at the time; it was almost time for the pig to be released from its cage. What would it be this time? Another Fruit Pig? Curiosity swelled within Su Ming. He quickly made his way to the pigsty. Upon seeing the fiverge white pigs, Su Ming was taken aback! What was this? The pigs in the sty had shrunk in size. They trotted around with tiny steps, their bodies transparent as if crafted from ss, filled with a golden liquid. What was this? The first time, it was a Fruit Pig! But this time, after his diligent care, they had transformed! Was this a hidden variable of the System? He had discovered it so effortlessly. Su Ming blinked and quickly stepped forward, bending down to lift a pig. The moment he lifted the little pig, it became motionless. It had truly turned into a ss pig, the size of a ss piggy bank. Additionally, Su Ming noticed a water valve on the pig''s head. Its nostrils were hollow. Meaning, if he wanted to extract the contents from within the little pig, they would need toe out through its nostrils. Was the System intentionally doing this? ¡°Congrattions, Host, on obtaining the Top Grade Golden Blessing Potion!¡± ¡°If you drink a mouthful of Blessing Potion, all will go well. Two mouthfuls, and you''ll win the lottery. Three, and you''ll ascend to the pinnacle of life!¡± ¡°System alert: While the Blessing Potion is beneficial, moderation is key. Don''t overindulge!¡± ¡°asionally enjoying a cup or two of Blessing Potion is fine, but excessive consumption could lead to unforeseen consequences. Please be cautious, Host!¡± ¡°The Blessing Potion is effective not just on humans!¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Could this be a potion of good fortune?¡± He was astounded. The System''s message was crystal clear to Su Ming. An asional sip or two of the Blessing Potion was eptable, but too much could have significant repercussions. What really grabbed Su Ming''s attention was the final statement. The Blessing Potion wasn''t just effective on humans; it likely worked on nts and animals too. What did that imply? It suggested that he could use it when feeding pigs or tending to his flowers in the future. By doing so, his chances of achieving Top Grade status would soar! Su Ming burst intoughter. This was truly an amazing find! ted, Su Ming quickly scooped up the remaining four pigs and made his way back to the vi with great care. ss items are often quite delicate. Even though the System might offer protection, what if it didn''te through? That''s why he needed to handle everything with extra caution. Chapter 300 Chapter 300 - My Brother-inw Has It! He carefully arranged the five ss pigs on the coffee table in the living room. Next, he grabbed a disposable paper cup. The System had mentioned it, hadn''t it? An asional cup would be no issue. He just needed to ensure he didn''t indulge too often. Su Ming downed the drink in one swift motion. Delicious! With his eyes closed, he relished the taste, but soon noticed something was off. It felt as though something had shifted. A sense of impending good fortune washed over him, filling him with confidence. Could this be the Blessing Potion''s effect? Without hesitation, Su Ming filled another cup, dashed outside, and emptied it into a bucket. He mixed the Blessing Potion with water and watered all the ck plums in the yard. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have inadvertently triggered a reduction in crop ripening time!¡± ¡°Crop ripening time reduced by 24 hours!¡± The voice in Su Ming''s head announced. Could this be his lucky break? He couldn''t help butugh with joy. This meant he could harvest the crops the very next day. What a fantastic product! After tending to all the ck plums, Su Ming''s attention turned to the patch of whitend in the corner where the mysterious crops were growing. They had increased in size, yet no significant changes were evident. Su Ming estimated about a week remained until harvest time. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, he poured water into a cup and carefully added a few drops of the Blessing Potion. The mysterious nt began to glow, quickly absorbing the liquid before returning to normal, albeit slightlyrger, with its golden veins now more pronounced. Su Ming tried adding a few more drops, but there was no further reaction. He realized there must be a limit to absorption, not just for this mysterious nt but likely for all the crops. Even with this limitation, the news was still positive for Su Ming. The chance to enhance the likelihood of yielding Top Grade produce was a lucrative prospect. He made ns to visit the farm the next day to buy more chickens, intending to apply the same sessful techniques he used with the pigs to this new batch of poultry. Xiao Ke''er and Xiao Chen hurried back to their home. Within the expansive estate, inside the opulent pce, a middle-aged couple sat on the sofa with furrowed brows. Across from them were two elderly gentlemen. ¡°Uncle Qin, we owe you a great deal this time. The ginseng''s effects are truly remarkable. My father''splexion has improved significantly after having some ginseng soup,¡± the middle-aged man said with a sigh. ¡°It''s no trouble,¡± Old Master Qin replied, shaking his head. ¡°I only gave your father a small rootlet. I''m not being stingy; it''s just that his constitution is too frail to handle too much at once.¡± ¡°Why couldn''t he just stay in the capital to recover? He insisted oning to Eastsea,¡±mented Old Master Tang, shaking his head. As the room was enveloped in a somber mood, a series of rapid footsteps approached from outside. The middle-aged couple looked up to see their daughter returning, her face alight with excitement, followed by their son, who appeared quite pleased. ?¡±Grandpa Tang, Grandpa Qin!¡± Xiao Ke''er greeted them, her voice brimming with unrestrained joy, yet she remained courteous. ¡°What has you so excited? Could it be that you''ve found¡­¡± Old Master Tang inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. Xiao Ke''er nodded emphatically. ¡°What?¡± The two elders and the middle-aged couple were taken aback. They all stood up, asking in disbelief. ¡°Daughter, please don''t jest,¡± the middle-aged man said, his brow creased. ¡°Dad! I''m not joking, I really found it! If you don''t believe me, ask Chen,¡± Xiao Ke''er insisted. ¡°Yes!¡± Xiao Chen confirmed, nodding. ¡°I can vouch for it; my brother-inw has it.¡± ¡°Brother-inw?¡± The room fell into a stunned silence. The middle-aged man''s eyes were wide, his mouth agape in astonishment. What was happening? He had sent his daughter to Eastsea to care for the old man. When did she get a boyfriend? How was he not aware of this? He was concerned about his daughter''s marital prospects, yet he wasn''t ready to marry her off. His daughter was his precious gem. Anyone wishing to be with Xiao Ke''er would have to pass the family''s rigorous assessment. After all, Xiao Ke''er, being the eldest daughter, had been raised under the family''s strict tutge and had always been a source of pride for the elders. The middle-aged woman was taken aback. Her emotions mirrored those of her husband. Who was Xiao Ke''er''s boyfriend? What did he look like? What was his personality? And his ie? The two elderly gentlemen were equally taken aback. Exchanging nces, they recalled Su Ming. Both old men chuckled. If Mr. Su and Xiao Ke''er were indeed an item, they would be one big happy family. Mr. Su had many valuable items at his disposal. They stood to gain some treasures. If it were truly Mr. Su, that would be wonderful. There would be no more worries about Grandpa Xiao Ke''er''s health. Xiao Ke''er, caught off guard, protested, ¡°Don''t listen to him; he''s spouting nonsense. The person I''m referring to is Mr. Su!¡± Upon hearing this, the two old men were overjoyed. Ecstatic, in fact! The middle-aged couple exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of how to react. Chapter 301 Chapter 301 - Selling His Daughter ¡°Chen!¡± Old Master Tang rose to his feet, his face alight with surprise, ¡°Are you referring to Mr. Su, the one who farms in the city center?¡± Xiao Chen blinked, ¡°He''s quite handsome, and truly a good match for my sister!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Old Master Qin eximed with a p to his thigh, ¡°That''s the one. I never imagined that besides ginseng, he would also possess such medicinal herbs.¡± ¡°Now that I think about it, isn''t it incredible that the 300-year-old wild ginseng is actually the least expensive among his herbs?¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± ¡°Well, now we''re all one family.¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± ¡°My brother-inw is the best; he even treated me to a Coke today!¡± The three of them were overjoyed. A nearby family of three watched, dumbfounded. ¡°Hold on!¡± Xiao Ke''er''s father, Xiao Luomu, interjected urgently, ¡°Uncles, could one of you please exin what exactly is happening?¡± His daughter was in a rtionship, and he waspletely in the dark? The Xiao family was a distinguished lineage in the capital, known for their stringent family rules. While they no longer arranged marriages as in ancient times, their approach to matrimony was still very strict. They adhered to a rigorous set of regtions. ¡°Indeed, what is going on?¡± Xiao Ke''er''s mother, Ming Qiu, a daughter from another esteemed family in the capital, was equally baffled. ¡°Mr. Su is no ordinary man.¡± Old Master Tang stroked his beard, nodding with satisfaction, ¡°He was the one who discovered that national treasure; I was there when it happened.¡± Old Master Qin was equally pleased, ¡°The two 300-year-old wild ginseng nts are his. Normally, such ginseng would be invaluable, but Mr. Su asked for nothing in return. After interacting with him for several days, I''ve found his eloquence to be exceptional!¡± Old Master Tang chuckled, ¡°Indeed, I support this marriage!¡± Old Master Qin agreed, ¡°Absolutely, I think it''s suitable as well.¡± ¡°So that''s the situation. In that case, you should definitely bring him home for a visit,¡± Xiao Luomu nodded in understanding. The two elders were venerable and esteemed figures in the capital, rich in experience and keen in judgment. At the very least, it was unprecedented for these two esteemed gentlemen to simultaneously praise a young man. ¡°Since both uncles agree, this young man must be quite exceptional,¡± Ming Qiu remarked, finding that she shared her husband''s opinion. Xiao Ke''er stood by, utterly perplexed. She had no connection to Mr. Su whatsoever! Why were they suddenly talking about marriage as if it were imminent? Xiao Ke''er quickly interjected, ¡°That''s not the case, don''t listen to Chen''s wild stories. There''s absolutely nothing between Mr. Su and me¡­¡± Xiao Luomu chuckled, ¡°There''s no need to be upset. You''re in your twenties; it''s perfectly normal to consider marriage. Our family may have strict rules, but they revolve aroundmon courtesy. We''ve all given our blessing, so why the secrecy?¡± ¡°Yeah, sis,¡± Xiao Chen chimed in with a grin, ¡°You''re usually so aloof with those high-born gentlemen from the capital. Yet, you light up with joy whenever you''re around your brother-inw.¡± ¡°You!¡± Xiao Ke''er was livid. Normally, they would be upset or object to such news. Why were they allughing about it? She was at a loss for words. How could she possibly exin? ¡°Let''s set this matter aside for now and focus on the prescription, shall we?¡± Xiao Ke''er quickly steered the conversation away. ¡°Of course!¡± The others finally snapped back to the matter at hand and took their seats. ¡°While Mr. Su and I have been acquainted for quite some time and are friends, we can''t simply ept such a precious item without offering something in return,¡± Old Master Tang mused. ¡°Ipletely agree,¡± Old Master Qin concurred with a nod. ¡°How about we purchase it?¡± Xiao Luomu suggested. ¡°Luomu, Mr. Su isn''t in need of money,¡± Old Master Tang replied with a smile, shaking his head. The grouppsed into contemtion. Usually, purchasing such valuable items would indeed cost them. However, with Su Ming, money wouldn''t be the solution. Their eyes drifted towards Xiao Ke''er, who was deep in thought. As she looked up, a sudden realization hit her. They couldn''t possibly be considering trading her for the prescription, could they? ¡°That''s out of the question,¡± Old Master Tang immediately dismissed the thought, shaking his head. ¡°This matter of marriage will require time, and my dear friend likely can''t wait that long.¡± Xiao Ke''er fell silent. Just then, Xiao Chen mmed his hand down on the table with a force that startled everyone. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± ¡°Why?¡± The two elders, Old Master Tang and Old Master Qin, jumped at the sudden outburst. An awkward silence filled the air. The two venerable gentlemen quickly regained theirposure. Each gave Xiao Chen a reassuring pat. Xiao Chen felt a deep sense of injustice within him. Chapter 302 Chapter 302 - Please Don''t Say Anymore! Xiao Chen clutched his head, feeling deeply wronged. Yet, he remained silent, his sense of injustice palpable. The two elders pped him once more. ¡°You still have the nerve to act aggrieved?¡± ¡°When you deceived your parents and gallivanted around with your girlfriend, did you feel wronged then?¡± ¡°Exactly! You constantly dragged my grandson to the moat to fish, which left him feverish for three days. Didn''t feel wronged about that, did you?¡± ¡°And when you urinated on the big stone lion at our doorstep, where was your sense of injustice?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Xiao Chen was immediately thrown into a panic. He pleaded, ¡°Elders, I admit my mistakes.¡± ¡°I''ll never do it again!¡± ¡°Please, can we stop this discussion?¡± What was critical was that his parents were unaware of some of his actions. Xiao Luomu''s eyes bulged in shock upon hearing this. ¡°You''ve done all this behind our backs? I had no idea!¡± In a swift motion, Xiao Luomu mmed his hand on the table and stood up, deftly unbuckling his belt. Yueqiu, too, reached for the slippers nearby. Inrge families, it was not unusual for elders to discipline with belts and slippers. Such items were conveniently at hand. They inflicted pain but were not lethal. In a state of rm, Xiao Chen eximed, ¡°Dad, Mom, Grandpa''s health is what matters most.¡± ¡°Why are you both so worked up?¡± ¡°He''s just a kid. Making mistakes is part of growing up.¡± ¡°We''re peers with his grandpa. We shouldn''t hold these missteps against him.¡± ¡°True. But he did destroy the walnut I''ve cherished for years. That does sting a bit.¡± ¡°And my two Golden Arowana? He killed them.¡± They seemed ready to go on. ¡°Enough!¡± Xiao Chen couldn''t take it anymore and blurted out. ¡°Please, Grandfathers, I''m begging you!¡± ¡°Don''t say another word!¡± ¡°With my brother-inw here, Grandpa''s illness will surely be healed.¡± ¡°Grandpa can recover and live another twenty years.¡± ¡°But what about me?¡± ¡°My parents seem ready to beat the life out of me.¡± ¡°I was thinking, since my brother-inw enjoys farming so much, why don''t we buy a building for him? We could demolish it and let him farm thend,¡± Xiao Chen eagerly shared his newly conceived idea. As soon as Xiao Chen finished speaking, everyone in the room was taken aback. They exchanged nces, then simultaneously nodded in agreement. Xiao Chen''s idea was actually quite good. Old Master Tang, who had known Su Ming the longest, was the most knowledgeable about the situation. Initially, he thought Su Ming''s urban farming was just a publicity stunt. However, after observing for a while, he realized that wasn''t the case at all. Su Ming was genuinely farming, and Old Master Tang noted that he only had five acres to work with. If they purchased a building for Su Ming, it might just solve the problem. ¡°It''s quitete now; we shouldn''t disturb Su Ming,¡± Old Master Qin said, checking the time. ¡°Father has just had his ginseng soup; he canst another week or two. We''re not in any rush.¡± Xiao Luomu nodded in agreement. He resisted the urge to go to Su Ming immediately. His father was ill, and his anxiety was palpable. Furthermore, his father had an unfulfilled wish. If he couldn''t satisfy this wish before his father passed away, he would live with that guilt for the rest of his life. Having a potential solution at hand, he was eager to act on it. But it was deep into the night, and it would be rude to disturb Su Ming now. It would reflect poorly on his upbringing. They would wait until tomorrow. Even though he understood the reasoning, Xiao Luomu couldn''t shake off his anxiety. He needed to distract himself. His gaze then fell on his son. He picked up the belt he had just set aside. Xiao Chen saw this and eximed, ¡°Dad! Is that really necessary? I just came up with a great idea!¡± ¡°You''ve been keeping secrets from me, getting involved in all sorts of foolishness!¡± Xiao Luomu retorted as he lifted the belt in his hand and swung it down. Xiao Chen leaped three meters high to avoid it. Back when he lived at home, he was doted on by his sister and mother. The elder gentleman always treated him with great kindness. Yet, his father was the one he truly feared. ¡°Mom! Sister! Please help me!¡± Xiao Chen turned and fled. Yueqiu was seated on the sofa. Xiao Ke''er was sitting there as well, their hands intertwined as they whispered secrets to one another. The two old masters seemed oblivious to the unfolding scene. Xiao Chen had no choice but to run away. The vi was vast, resembling a pce. From deep within its walls, a young man''s scream echoed. The night passed in utter silence, giving way to the morning of the next day. Su Ming awoke early, brimming with energy. He nned to buy some chickens that morning. The farm owner had given him a contact number and a list featuring various breeds of chickens. But Su Ming believed that if he was going to raise chickens, he should approach the task with genuinemitment. Therefore, he resolved to select the chickens in person. That was what he considered true ¡°sincerity.¡± No one could predict which aspect of the System might influence the final quality of the product. So, Su Ming was determined to handle everything he could personally. In the 21st century, sincerity is paramount! Whether dealing with people, the System, or even chickens! Since his home was a considerable distance from the farm, requiring about three hours for the round trip, Su Ming set out in his truck at dawn. He headed directly to the rural breeding facility. Xiao Chen and hispanions were also up with the first light of day. After a quick breakfast, they sat on the sofa in silence. Old Master Tang remarked, ¡°Mr. Su is young. It''s typical for him to stay upte and risete.¡± ¡°If we go knocking on his door this early, Mr. Su will be upset!¡± ¡°The deal would surely fall through.¡± ¡°Therefore, let''s wait a bit longer!¡± Chapter 303 Chapter 303 - Who the Hell Is This Person?? Xiao Luomu and his wife were seated on the sofa, both dressed to the nines. He was in a sharp suit, while she donned an elegant qipao. Xiao Ke''er had opted for a stylish dress today, sitting there with grace. The two elderly gentlemen were just as they always were¡ªone in a traditional Tang suit, the other in a Zhongshan suit, both leaning on their canes, eyes closed, resting peacefully. Xiao Chen, however, was the only one fidgeting ufortably. Why, you ask? Because he was hurting. Luomu, a former soldier, had caught Xiao Chen before he could get far and had given him a good thrashing. Now, everyone was sitting properly on the sofa, and he didn''t dare do otherwise. Finally, the clock struck ten in the morning. Old Master Tang nced at the time. ¡°It''s time to head out. If Mr. Su isn''t awake yet, we''ll wait for him at the door for a bit,¡± he announced. ¡°Sounds good,¡± came the collective response, and with a nod, they departed. Their vehicle procession left the suburbs, an impressive fleet of ck Rolls Royce Phantoms with a stretched Lincoln at its center. The sight was nothing short of magnificent. Down the main road approached the motorcade, preceded by police officers on motorcycles clearing the path, followed by a police cruiser. The procession itselfprised eleven cars: five Rolls Royce Phantoms leading, the extended Lincoln in the middle, and another five Phantoms trailing. nked by police cars and motorcycles, the motorcade was a sight to behold, leaving bystanders in awe. ¡°Who could this VIP be?¡± some wondered aloud. ¡°With such a heavy police escort, could it be a high-ranking official?¡± others spected. ¡°Can you believe such dignitaries are visiting our Eastsea?¡± ¡°Don''t sell our city short. Eastsea is a top-tier city, after all,¡± were among the murmurs of the crowd. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, today marks my first day in Eastsea City. I''ve heard there''s an abundance of delectable food and exciting attractions here. Stay with me as we explore¡­¡± An exceptionally beautiful broadcaster was live-streaming at the roadside. Catching sight of the procession, she quickly aimed her camera at the unfolding scene. ¡°Which high-profile individual is this?¡± she pondered aloud. ¡°Rolls Royce Phantoms, no less?¡± The early morning broadcast typically had a modest audience, but this spectacle immediately sparked a flurry of animated discussions among the viewers. ¡°Little Streamer, keep up and let''s find out where they''re headed.¡± ¡°Little Streamer, I''m sending you ten virtual gifts. Come on, keep up with them!¡± ¡°Right, I''m eager to see who''s actually in that car.¡± As Little Streamer noticed her live broadcast audience growing, she nodded emphatically. ¡°Don''t worry!¡± Without another word, Little Streamer strode purposefully to the side. She then hopped on a shared bicycle. Luckily, the abundance of traffic lights in the downtown area allowed her to just about keep pace with them. Truth be told, the elders preferred not to fuss, otherwise, they would have had a clear path all the way. They really didn''t want to resort to a police escort, but it was a mandatory requirement. Before long, the motorcade reached its destination. As they emerged from their vehicles, they found the courtyard gate firmly closed. ¡°It looks like Mr. Su hasn''t gotten up yet. Let''s wait here for a bit. It''s already past ten, he should be waking up shortly.¡± ¡°We need to show our sincerity.¡± With the two venerable gentlemen remaining silent, no one else felt it was their ce to speak. The two seniors, leaning on their canes, were followed by a family of four who stood behind them with utmost respect. Ten Rolls Royce Phantoms and a stretched Lincoln were parked along the curb, encircled by a contingent of police officers. ¡°What''s going on here?¡± ¡°That elderly gentleman looks so familiar. I''m sure I''ve seen him on TV.¡± ¡°That''s our esteemed traditional Chinese medicine expert, Mr. Qin Nanshan!¡± ¡°I''ve heard all his students are renowned doctors at the imperial court!¡± ¡°I recall this gentleman visiting before; it seems a young man resides here.¡± ¡°Yes, I''ve seen him too while passing by on my way to work.¡± ¡°That young man must be a servant; the real VIPs live in mansions!¡± ¡°Sounds about right!¡± All around stood towering buildings, with many onlookers drawn to the spectacle. Could it be they were waiting for someone? Just then, Little Streamer arrived, pedaling her bicycle from afar. She quickly parked and approached, phone in hand. ¡°What ce is this?¡± ¡°I''m a local from Eastsea, and I can responsibly tell you all that this is the heart of Eastsea City!¡± ¡°Who are these dignitaries waiting for at the entrance?¡± ¡°Little Streamer, could you move a bit closer?¡± ¡°Little Streamer, stay strong!¡± The number of viewers in the live broadcast room kept climbing. What could it possibly mean to have such distinguished individuals waiting so patiently at the door? It could only be because someone even more formidable resided within! Might it be a retired official, perhaps? After all, who else could afford to purchasend in the heart of the city to call home? Everyone, both the viewers in the live broadcast room and the onlookers outside, watched with bated breath. Chapter 304 Chapter 304 - Very Different Half an hour had gone by. The crowd at the entrance kept a respectful silence. Everyone was holding their breath in anticipation. They were all eager to see who would emerge once the doors opened. From a distance, Su Ming was driving his truck, drawing closer at a steady pace. He noticed a throng of people obstructing his home''s entrance. Confusion set in for Su Ming. What could have happened? Was there an incident at the door? Perhaps a car ident? Yet, the scene didn''t resemble the aftermath of a crash. He inched the truck forward until it could no longer advance due to the sheer number of people. The road waspletely blocked! Su Ming blinked and steered his truck to the roadside. Stepping out, he surveyed the scene with a sense of awkwardness. He had made it to his doorstep but couldn''t enter. ¡°Brother, what''s happening inside?¡± Su Ming inquired of a young man nearby. ¡°Little brother, take in this spectacle. You''ve arrived at the perfect moment. With all these celebrities gathered, something significant must have gone down! I''m determined to wait it out patiently. If I can see it with my own eyes, I''ll have stories to tell for years toe!¡± The young man nced back at Su Ming, then at the truck behind him, and quickly caught on, speaking excitedly. ¡°It''s a shame I can''t get a clear view from here. Little brother, your truck is pretty great. Mind if I sit in the passenger seat for a bit? It''s higher up, which should give me a better vantage point to see inside!¡± The young man''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. By the time he had arrived, the ce was already swarming with onlookers. He couldn''t make out anything from his position. But Su Ming''s truck had an elevated driver''s seat. If he could just sit there, he was sure to have a clear view of the entrance. As for climbing a tree to get a better look¡­ That wasn''t an option since a few individuals had already been detained for doing just that in the nearby police cars. Truth be told, the young man felt a twinge of envy towards those in the police cars. They were closer and had a clear line of sight. But this young man had recentlynded a good job. If he got arrested for mere curiosity, he risked losing it all. That would be a tremendous loss! ¡°Okay!¡± Su Ming simply nodded in response. ¡°Alrighty!¡± The young man was thrilled. He quickly climbed into Su Ming''s truck and took his ce in the passenger seat. What a broad view from here. The young man activated his phone. He turned on the camera function and zoomed in. ¡°Little brother, the passenger seat can squeeze in two, I''ll join you up there!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Su Ming was unfazed. ¡°Little brother, I''m Little Streamer. May I sit in your driver''s seat? Don''t worry, I canpensate you!¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Su Ming was indifferent. Helping others is a virtue. Plus, there was nothing in his truck worth stealing. Even if they took the truck, it wouldn''t matter. But they had to leave the chickens behind. ¡°Little brother, may I sit on your car''s roof?¡± ¡°I''ll offer 200 for a spot on the roof!¡± ¡°I''ll bid 500 for a back seat!¡± ¡°I''ll go 1000!¡± Su Ming''s truck had four seats, front and back. People could sit in the back as well. Soon, Su Ming''s cab was packed with passengers. Two were perched on the roof. Another two clung to the sides of the truck. Su Ming wasn''t pressed for time. He suspected an emergency must be unfolding ahead. Thankfully, the chickens were in good health. It wasn''t hot. The chickens were unlikely toe to any harm in the back of the truck. Su Ming decided to wait a bit longer. ¡°Half an hour has gone by. Why isn''t my brother-inw awake yet?¡± Xiao Chen stood at the back, surveying the area. ¡°Keep it down and wait! If you upset Mr. Su, I swear I''ll thrash you today.¡± ¡°I''m sorry! I''ll keep waiting!¡± When Xiao Chen caught his father''s stern gaze, he quickly stood at attention. But his behind was sore. Xiao Chen''s legs ached from standing too long, and sitting too long made his behind hurt. He was struggling to keep standing. He scanned the area. He desperately wanted to tell his brother-inw, ¡°Staying upte is bad for your health.¡± ¡°Why can''t you just go to bed earlier?¡± Xiao Chen wasmenting when suddenly, something caught his eye. Xiao Chen whipped his head around abruptly. He spotted a strikingly handsome face peering curiously from the edge of the crowd. Wasn''t that his brother-inw? They had all been eagerly awaiting his arrival. But why was he being held back outside? The very person they had been anticipating for so long was inadvertently barred from joining them. What a massive misunderstanding! ¡°Dad.¡± Xiao Chen turned to his father in a rush and uttered a single word. ¡°Quiet!¡± Xiao Luomu snapped, turning to re at Xiao Chen. The look in his eyes sent a shiver down Xiao Chen''s spine. ¡°Mom?¡± Xiao Chen shifted his gaze to his mother. ¡°No talking!¡± Yueqiu''s face was etched with sternness. ¡°Sister!¡± Xiao Chen turned to Xiao Ke''er. ¡°Chen, I can put up with your antics normally, but this is a crucial time. Just wait a bit longer!¡± Xiao Ke''er''s expression was no-nonsense. Xiao Chen''s mouth hung open, but he was too flustered to form any words. Was he really that invisible? Couldn''t they spare a moment to hear him out? ¡°Sister, look!¡± Xiao Chen tugged at Xiao Ke''er''s sleeve and pointed outside. Xiao Ke''er paused, then nced sideways. Mr. Su? Oh my goodness! The person on the outskirts was Mr. Su himself! ¡°Dad!¡± Xiao Ke''er turned to Xiao Luomu and spoke up. ¡°What is it, my dear? Are you feeling tired? There''s water in the car, go have a drink.¡± Xiao Luomu responded immediately. Beside him, Xiao Chen was utterly baffled. Dad! He was right there! Could the disparity in the way he treated him and his sister be any more apparent? Xiao Chen began to doubt if he was truly Xiao Luomu''s own son. He would get a re and nearly a thrashing for speaking out of turn, while his sister received nothing but gentle responses. Xiao Chen''s heart sank. ¡°Dad, look!¡± Xiao Ke''er pointed outside again. ¡°Who is that?¡± Xiao Luomu looked on, puzzled. It wasn''t his fault, though. He had never met Su Ming before. ¡°Grandpa Tang, Grandpa Qin, is that Mr. Su over there?¡± Xiao Ke''er addressed the two elderly gentlemen. Upon hearing this, the two elderly gentlemen were utterly perplexed. Wasn''t Mr. Su supposed to be asleep inside the house? Simultaneously, the two seniors nced to the side. Indeed, it was Mr. Su! The group had been waiting for quite some time. They were expecting Mr. Su to awaken and open the door. Yet, they had inadvertently left Mr. Su stranded outside. ¡°Girl, thank goodness you spotted Mr. Su. Go quickly and bring him inside!¡± ¡°Exactly. Otherwise, who knows how much longer we would have been waiting. You''ve really distinguished yourself this time!¡± ¡°This young man is Mr. Su. You should take a leaf out of your sister''s book and learn how she discovered Mr. Su, while you''ve been of no help at all!¡± They all moved briskly toward the side. Xiao Chen overheard them from behind. He felt deeply aggrieved. It was he who had actually discovered Mr. Su! Xiao Chen was on the verge of tears. Ultimately, he resigned himself to his fate. He was at the very bottom of the family hierarchy. But he was ustomed to it. He was a person of strong resolve! Chapter 305 Chapter 305 - I Want to Go Home! Xiao Chen felt deeply aggrieved. His standing within the Xiao family was already quite low. He often said that even the family dog, pampered by his mother, ranked above him in status. Xiao Chen had hoped that once his sister got a boyfriend, his own status might improve slightly. After all, her boyfriend wouldn''t be a member of the Xiao family. His father surely wouldn''t want his daughter whisked away by another man. But his brother-inw came from a family with considerable status. Both elders in the family would deferentially address him as Mr. Su. Xiao Chen was the one with the lowest status in the household. ¡°Look, those people are starting to move!¡± ¡°It looks like they''ve waited too long and are losing patience.¡± ¡°Perhaps.¡± Onlookers turned their attention. The group made their way to the side. Everyone began to buzz with conversation. ¡°Those VIPs are heading this way!¡± ¡°That woman is stunningly beautiful.¡± ¡°Her face ispletely free of makeup!¡± ¡°She looks like a goddess!¡± The passengers in Su Ming''s car were taken aback, their eyes wide with amazement. Little Streamer, in the driver''s seat, was beside herself with excitement. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, check out these VIPsing our way!¡± ¡°Get that video rolling!¡± Little Streamer called out, her voice tinged with excitement. ¡°There are so many women on live streaming tforms, but nonepare to this beauty!¡± ¡°I''m going to print a photo of her and hang it on my wall!¡± ¡°I''m the man she''ll never have!¡± ¡°This is my wife, and she''s out with my father-inw without even telling me.¡± ¡°How disgraceful!¡± A flurry of gifts started popping up in the live stream. Little Streamer was overjoyed. She was just an average streamer. But now, her channel was attracting a substantial audience. The two patriarchs, along with a family of four, made their way toward Su Ming. Police officers cleared a path through the crowd. Su Ming, being tall, obstructed the view for some people behind him. ¡°Young man, could you please move aside?¡± ¡°Young man, you seem uninterested, please step aside!¡± Several onlookers quickly urged Su Ming. At that moment, Su Ming was engrossed in a text message he had just received. He didn''t look up. It was from the orchestra, informing him of ast-minute performance scheduled for that afternoon and inquiring if the performance time could be moved to the morning. Su Ming was busy typing out his response. Upon hearing the conversation behind him, Su Ming instinctively stepped to the side. The group that had been following him suddenly sensed something amiss. Why did their path change just as Su Ming sidestepped? Could he have foreseen something? ¡°Excuse me, could you step aside again?¡± ¡°There''s plenty of room over there.¡± ¡°Here, take these two bottles of drinks,¡± offered the onlookers, eager to help. Su Ming paused, having just finished replying to a text message. He looked up to see Old Master Tang and Old Master Qin approaching. A middle-aged couple he didn''t recognize followed them, but he did know the two individuals behind them: Xiao Chen and Xiao Ke''er, likely a family of four. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you outside?¡± the two elders greeted him cheerfully. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± Xiao Ke''er approached with a gracious smile. ¡°Brother-inw!¡± Xiao Chen called out loudly, silencing the crowd. They had all been waiting for a chicken farmer? The passengers in Su Ming''s car were equally astonished. So, these prominent figures had been eagerly awaiting the owner of this truck? ¡°Good to see you, Mr. Su!¡± Xiao Luomu stepped forward, extending his hand for a handshake. ¡°I''m Xiao Luomu, and Xiao Ke''er is my daughter.¡± ¡°Uncle Xiao!¡± Su Ming greeted him warmly. Yueqiu remained silent, observing with a contented smile, clearly impressed by Su Ming. Xiao Chen looked on, pondering, ¡°Why did Dad only introduce my sister and not me?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we''vee regarding my father''s health,¡± Xiao Luomu exined. ¡°I''m aware,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Shall we go inside to discuss it further?¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± They eagerly agreed. ¡°Brother-inw, is this your truck?¡± Xiao Chen asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. ¡°May I sit in it for a while? I''ve never been in a truck before!¡± Xiao Chen eximed, his curiosity piqued. Members of prominent families typically make their appearances in luxury vehicles. The average person is drawn to such cars as well. But for someone like Xiao Chen, there''s a peculiar fascination with trucks. He simply wanted to know what it felt like to ride in one. ¡°Chen, please don''t cause trouble!¡± Xiao Ke''er implored, trying to dissuade him. ¡°Sis, it''s just a short distance, and my brother-inw is an exceptionally careful driver. There''s absolutely no risk. You can rx; I''ll be perfectly safe!¡± Xiao Chen reassured her. His assurance, however, dashed the hopes of the onlookers. The ethereal beauty before them, it turned out, was already spoken for. Su Ming nced back at his vehicle. The group inside was still in a state of shock. ¡°Could you all get out? I need to move the truck.¡± Su Ming blinked, his requestced with genuine politeness. ¡°Sure!¡± Panic struck those inside the truck. They scrambled to exit. ¡°Who pinched my rear?¡± ¡°Watch it! I''m wearing a brand-new suit!¡± ¡°Did someone take my wallet?¡± ¡°Get off my foot!¡± The cab was crammed with people, all desperate to disembark. In their haste, a few even took a tumble. Is subtlety the new hallmark of wealth? What''s with the trend of using trucks to impress women? And since when did tycoons take up chicken farming? Chapter 306 Chapter 306 - And This Kind of Operation! ?At the scene, a crowd of onlookers had gathered. The police had cordoned off the road, and everyone watched as Su Ming drove the truck through. Xiao Chen was in the passenger seat, visibly ted. The onlookers couldn''t help but wonder if Xiao Chen had lost his mind. What was so exciting about riding in a truck? They were even tempted to ask Xiao Chen why he was so cheerful, but their main concern was not to obstruct Su Ming''s way. The drivers of the Rolls-Royce and the stretch Lincoln had all moved their vehicles aside. It was a sight to behold: luxury cars worth millions giving way to a modest truck! Su Ming maneuvered the truck inside, followed by Old Master Tang, Old Master Qin, and a family of four. The entrance was strictly guarded by the police, barring anyone else from entering. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± Old Master Tang approached, but before he could say more, Su Ming swung the truck''s rear door open to reveal cages of chickens. Su Ming looked puzzled for a moment. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Old Master Tang was a clever man. Mr. Su had just brought back a truckload of chickens. Now was not the time to discuss herbal matters with Mr. Su inside the house. ¡°Mr. Su, do you need any help?¡± Old Master Tang offered, reaching out to assist with the cages. ¡°Don''t!¡± Su Ming quickly intervened. Old Master Tang might have been in decent shape, but he was nearly ny years old, and each cage weighed over a hundred pounds. Su Ming, blessed with Stamina Talent and fortified by the Body-stretching Pill, was exceptionally strong and could lift a cage with ease. But it was a different story for the elderly gentleman; any injury or mishap could have serious consequences. ?¡±Indeed!¡± Xiao Luomu stepped forward. ¡°Uncle Tang, at your age, you shouldn''t be doing this kind of physicalbor. I think¡­¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement upon hearing Xiao Luomu''s suggestion. Xiao Luomu, in his fifties and in the prime of his life, was more than capable of helping Su Ming with a cage. However, after a moment''s thought, Xiao Luomu nced at his son and gave him a nudge with his foot. ¡°What are you standing around for? Get moving and help Mr. Su.¡± ?Xiao Chen was momentarily dumbfounded. Why was it always him? Why did they constantly make him do the work? Xiao Chen even wished his parents would have another child to share his workload. He hoped for a younger brother to take on some of the hardship. But if his mother had a daughter, he''d be utterly doomed. From that point on, he''d have no standing in the family at all. If his mother had another son, that boy would surely be the apple of her eye. Xiao Chen had no choice but to grin and bear it. He stepped forward and offered, ¡°Brother-inw, let me help you.¡± Su Ming nced at Xiao Chen. ¡°No need, I''ve got this.¡± Xiao Chen''s hand, already reaching out, froze in ce. Why did Su Ming look down on him? Why did everyone seem to pick on him? Why didn''t Su Ming want his help? It was because Xiao Chen was too skinny. Su Ming was concerned that Xiao Chen might break a bone, so he decided to handle it himself. ¡°Alright, no need for anyone to help. Just wait here for me for a bit.¡± With that, Su Ming started lifting the cages one by one. The breeding zone was split into five separate houses. Su Ming had caught a total of 50 chickens this time. He ced 10 chickens in each house. After he had settled the chickens, he grabbed some feed and began pouring it out. He also selected some premium fruits from the warehouse. Su Ming was particr about which fruits he fed. He started with the fruits that had a shorter shelf life. The longersting fruits would be saved for feeding the chickenster. Even though he had spent over a million yuan on fruits, the quantity was limited because they were so pricey. Their high unit price meant he had less of them. ¡°Damn! Aren''t those cherries imported from abroad?¡± ¡°He''s feeding them to the chickens?¡± ¡°Oh my god, that''s the super expensive golden lemon from overseas, right?¡± ¡°Holy smokes, check out this mango! I saw it in the supermarketst time, it was over 100 yuan per half kilo!¡± ¡°I''m out of here! I can''t handle this!¡± ¡°Same here. Farewell!¡± Several disheartened people walked out the door. They ate less than the chickens, yet they sleptter and woke up earlier. They couldn''t even measure up to chickens, so they might as well head back to work. They needed to earn money to pay off their car and home loans, as well as to afford a wedding. Time is money. They had no business gawking around here. Old Master Tang and the rest stood quietly to the side, waiting without daring to make a move. The yard spanned a full five acres. Including the vi, thatched cottage, and warehouse, it totaled six acres. The wheat Su Ming had nted was now tall, swaying with the breeze. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city center, they were transported to a pastoral scene, leaving them all somewhat spellbound. Perhaps they should return to farming? After all, it was a soul-enriching pursuit. Living here every day would be wonderful. Thendscape was, after all, breathtakingly beautiful! The two elderly gentlemen exchanged nces and resolved to cultivate a plot ofnd at home to grow some crops. While Su Ming was busy feeding the chickens, a police officer hurried over. ¡°Mr. Su, there''s an orchestra at your doorstep iming you invited them.¡± ¡°Yes, let them in,¡± Su Ming replied. An orchestra? Old Master Tang and hispanions were taken aback. What was Su Ming up to? Could it be that Mr. Su enjoyed music? They hadn''t heard anything about it. Just then, the crowd parted, and a group of musicians with their instruments in hand made their entrance. They greeted Su Ming with ease. Afterward, they took their seats around the breeding zone. The conductor ascended a small podium, gave a grand gesture, and the music began. Everyone was astounded. Even Old Master Tang and his group were agape. Su Ming had brought in an orchestra to y for the chickens? It was utterly astonishing. Arge crowd had gathered at the entrance, mesmerized. The chickens got to enjoy a symphony while they were deemed unworthy. Mr. Su had gone to the lengths of hiring a symphony orchestra just for the chickens. The impact was overwhelming! Little Streamer was just as bbergasted. Witnessing the scene, many viewers were too shocked to continue posting bulletments. No one had ever seen a symphony performed for chickens before. Chapter 307 Chapter 307 - This Tea Was Very Delicious Among those present, Old Master Tang remained quiteposed, having known Su Ming longer than anyone else there. The rest of the group, however, was taken aback. It was their first time witnessing someone actually farming and raising chickens right in the heart of the city. And to top it off, he had even hired an orchestra to perform for the chickens! It was utterly preposterous! Yet, they couldn''te up with a single argument against Su Ming. It was, after all, his choice to engage in such activities. He was hands-on with his work, requiring no assistance from start to finish. His adeptness made it clear that he wasn''t putting on a show for their benefit. There was simply no reason for Su Ming to pretend. Silent and unsure of what to say, the group stood obediently in the middle of the yard, soaking up the intense sunlight. It wasn''t until a full hour had passed that Su Ming, content with his work, pped his hands and nodded approvingly. When he turned around, he was startled. Who were these people? Why were they standing there? It took a moment for Su Ming to realize his oversight. He had been so immersed in his work that he hadpletely forgotten about his guests, leaving them under the sun for far too long. He felt incredibly impolite. ?¡±My apologies,¡± he said. Dressed in cloth shoes and covered in ayer of feed dust, Su Ming approached with a cheerful grin. ¡°I got so caught up in my work that Ipletely forgot about you all. Please,e inside!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, there''s no need for such formality. We''re used to sitting all the time; standing for a bit is actually quite nice. After you, Mr. Su,¡± Old Master Tang said, leading the way into the house. ?It was their first visit to Su Ming''s home. As wealthy individuals, they found nothing unusual about the interior''s style. ¡°Please, have a seat. I''ll brew some tea for you,¡± Su Ming offered, after quickly freshening up in the bathroom and changing into clean clothes. ¡°Mr. Su, you really shouldn''t trouble yourself,¡± Old Master Tang said, chuckling warmly. ?¡±It''s no trouble at all,¡± replied Su Ming with a light smile before heading to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a ck stic bag. Reaching in, he grabbed a handful of dark, mysterious objects and tossed them into the teapot. The guests exchanged puzzled nces. What on earth was that? ?These individuals hailed from wealth and privilege, ustomed to sipping the finest Longjing and Pre-Rain teas, each leaf delicately wrapped in exquisite packaging. Yet, Mr. Su casually retrieved a nondescript ck bag from the refrigerator. Confusion rippled through the group, but no one dared to voice their doubts. They remained seated, a picture ofpliance. ?At that moment, Su Ming returned from the kitchen, brandishing a disposable paper cup. The sight caused the corners of the two elderly gentlemen''s eyes to involuntarily twitch, and Xiao Luomu''s mouth followed suit. All three were connoisseurs of tea, traditionally enjoying it from specialized tea sets designed to preserve the brew''s authentic vor. Now, faced with a disposable paper cup, they were at a loss. Nheless, in Mr. Su''s presence, they were obliged to abide by his hospitality. ?¡±I don''t have guests often, so I''m short on cups. Disposable paper cups are all I have,¡± Su Ming exined with a cheerful grin. ¡°Mr. Su, we appreciate your efforts. We''re no strangers to using paper cups for tea,¡± Old Master Tang replied, his face bright with a forced smile. Old Master Qin chimed in with agreement. ?Xiao Luomu inwardly praised their performance; the elder statesmen''s acting was impable. He knew he would have faltered under the same circumstances. ?Su Ming proceeded to pour the tea into each cup. Old Master Tang observed the paper cup before him, filled with the dark liquid, and his expression momentarily seized up before he regainedposure. ¡°We must drink the tea Mr. Su has graciously poured for us. Come now, let''s all have a taste,¡± Old Master Tang said, lifting his paper cup. ¡°Yes, indeed! Luomu, you''re quite the tea aficionado, aren''t you? Go on, give it a try,¡± encouraged Old Master Qin. Xiao Luomu hesitated, wondering if he was being used as a guinea pig. With his father''s health in decline, who would care for him if something were to happen? Yet, catching the stern looks from the two old masters, Xiao Luomu swallowed hard, his gaze turning to his wife and daughter. He couldn''t bear the thought of them enduring hardship. Then, his gaze settled on Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen was taken aback. Recognizing the ill-intentioned look in his father''s eyes, he knew exactly what his dad was up to. ¡°Thank you, brother-inw. I never drink tea. Could you get me some in water instead?¡± ¡°Sure!¡± Su Ming nodded and headed into the kitchen. Xiao Chen quickly intervened to stop his father''s actions. Xiao Luomu was fuming. He sighed deeply, resigned to his fate. Xiao Luomu inhaled sharply and cautiously lifted the paper cup in his hands. He gently blew on the surface, eyeing the dark liquid that swirled before him, noting the thinyer of impurities floating atop. Xiao Luomu clenched his jaw and steeled himself for what was toe. If it came down to it, he was prepared to die! He had never intended to leave this world alive! Su Ming, observing from the sidelines, was confused. Why was Xiao Luomu so anxious about drinking tea? He hadn''t added any poison. Once resolved, Xiao Luomu blew on the tea gently and took a tentative sip. Instantly, Xiao Luomu stiffened. ¡°Hmm?¡± The two elderly gentlemen were immediately on edge. What was happening? Xiao Luomu''s eyes widened with astonishment as he gazed at the paper cup, ¡°This is delicious!¡± He indulged in another sip, savoring the moment with closed eyes. The two seniors exchanged nces. Was this genuine or a performance? Was he putting on a show? Xiao Luomu truly lived up to being his father''s son. His acting was top-notch! ¡°Uncles, you should try this. The vor is surprisingly good,¡± Xiao Luomu encouraged. The two old men eyed each other warily. Was the young man speaking the truth or pulling their leg? But they were not ones to shy away from a challenge. At over eighty years old, they had little to fear from death. With determination, both elders took a sip. They were immediately taken aback! What was this concoction? It began with a bitter note, followed by a sweet aftertaste. And the sweetness was exceptionally fragrant and lingering. The tea left an enduring impression on their ptes. As the tea settled in their stomachs, aforting warmth spread slowly to their extremities. The two elders couldn''t contain their curiosity any longer. They had never experienced such an exquisite tea before! Thus, they swiftly drained their cups and found themselves yearning for more. ¡°Mr. Su, if I may be so bold, what exactly is this tea?¡± one asked. Old Master Tang was particrly impatient. He simply had to find out the nature of this tea. What on earth was it? And why was it so incredibly tantalizing? Chapter 308 Chapter 308 - Give Me Another Piece of Land ¡°Are you talking about tea?¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°I''ve forgotten its name.¡± Old Master Tang paused, blinked, and furrowed his brow in thought. Then his eyes brightened with recognition! He gasped in astonishment! ¡°Purple Bamboo Tea? The legendary ck tea?¡± Old Master Tang eximed. His face was a picture of disbelief! The Purple Bamboo Tea had vanished. In the Tang Dynasty, it was acimed as the finest tea by the Tea Saint, Lu Yu. The leaves were purple at harvest. The tea was crystal clear, its aroma akin to blooming flowers. It was refreshing and endlessly sweet! Indeed, any tea enthusiast would be familiar with this variety. It was even more prized than the renowned Big Red Robe Tea of Mount Wuyi! But now, Purple Bamboo Tea was nowhere to be found. One could only encounter extensive ounts of it in literature. Its scarcity meant that only royals had the privilege of tasting it. Today, only a ceramic jar in the J City Museum contains the carbonized remnants of these tea leaves! It is the ultimate dream of tea connoisseurs worldwide! The tea Su Ming offered was of the highest quality Purple Bamboo Tea! Typically, tea leaves are harvested in the spring, but asionally, the climate would be unusual. During such years, there would be persistent drizzles without sunshine. The weather might even turn suddenly cold. The tea leaves would darken. The brewed tea would also appear ck. Yet, such tea''s vor far surpasses that of regr tea leaves! Even in the Tang Dynasty, this exceptional tea was only produced twice. Only a select few had the chance to savor it! They could hardly believe that today, they were tasting it courtesy of Mr. Su! The two elderly gentlemen were so astounded that their fingers quivered, their faces awash with incredulity. Such a preciousmodity in their midst! Who exactly was Mr. Su? To him, a 300-year-old wild ginseng was trivial. He seemed indifferent to the disappearance of such esteemed historical teas. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Su Ming poured a ss of water for Xiao Chen. ¡°Do you enjoy the tea?¡± Under normal circumstances, the two elders would certainly be more reserved. But at this moment, they were breathless, theirplexions reddened with excitement. They were trembling with excitement, as if a man brimming with energy had been stranded on a deserted ind for twenty years and suddenlyid eyes on a woman with a stunning figure, wearing nothing at all! The two elders nodded in perfect harmony. ¡°Since you like it, go ahead and take it,¡± Su Ming said with an easy smile. ¡°Really?¡± The two old men bolted upright from the couch, their eyes wide with disbelief. Su Ming was taken aback by their reaction. ¡°Of course, my word is true,¡± he assured them. ¡°If you''re fond of it, I have even more tea leaves,¡± Su Ming added, winking and gesturing towards a bulging woven bag in the corner. ¡°Shall I give you some more?¡± he offered cheerfully. The two elders promptly shook their heads. One must know when enough is enough; it''s important not to be greedy. They were already fortunate to have received such fine tea leaves. On the sidelines, Xiao Luomu couldn''t help but cough to signal a shift in conversation. Wasn''t it time to discuss more pressing matters? His father needed assistance. The elders snapped back to reality. ¡°Mr. Su, Chen told us you have all the herbs listed in the prescription, so we''vee to ask for your help. Rest assured, we won''t expect you to assist us withoutpensation,¡± Old Master Tang said with a heartyugh. ¡°You enjoy farming, so if you agree to help, I''ll purchase the building next door for you to expand yournd.¡± Su Ming had been curious about what they might offer, as he had no need for money. But he never expected they would present him with the building adjacent to Old Man Yang''s. This meant he could acquire morend¡ªperfect! Old Man Yang''s building would soon be vacated. Once Su Ming demolished the building gifted by Old Master Tang, hisnd would grow by six acres, effectively doubling his nting area. This expansion would allow him to cultivate more crops and elerate his progress. Truthfully, Su Ming wouldn''t be swayed by any worldly treasure, but he couldn''t turn down prime city centernd. ¡°Give me the prescription, and I''ll fetch the herbs for you,¡± Su Ming agreed without hesitation. ¡°Great!¡± The visitors were ecstatic. Xiao Luomu quickly produced the prescription, and Su Ming gave it a nod of approval before departing. A collective sigh of relief filled the room. The deal was sealed! ¡°Luomu, arrange for someone to purchase that building immediately!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Xiao Luomu nodded, filled with confidence. Old Master Tang suddenly remembered something and fixed his gaze on Mr. Qin. ¡°We''ll divide the ck tea leaves evenly between us!¡± ¡°Agreed!¡± Mr. Qin nodded in affirmation. ¡°There''s something else!¡± Old Master Tang, struck by another thought, turned to the family of four. ¡°You four, act as if you saw nothing. You''re not to speak of this to anyone!¡± Xiao Luomu thought they were being unreasonable. He believed that those who witnessed it should get a share. But the two elders intended to keep all the tea leaves to themselves. ¡°Do you have any objections?¡± Old Master Tang gave him a stern look. ¡°Not at all!¡± Xiao Luomu shook his head, not daring to protest. They had already secured the medicinal herbs. His father''s return to health was just a matter of time. Even in his fifties, he still feared the old man. If they spoke ill of him in front of the old man, he''d be in trouble for sure. Xiao Chen also let out a deep sigh of relief upon hearing this. After every scolding his grandfather gave his father, a disheartened Xiao Luomu would find some pretext to take it out on him! The worst was when Xiao Luomu berated him, yelling, ¡°Your breathing is too loud!¡± And that led to a beating. Chapter 309 Chapter 309 - We Don''t dare to Take These Medicinal Herbs Shortly thereafter, Su Ming arrived, carrying several ck stic bags in his hands. The group maintained theirposure, knowing that in Mr. Su''s home, such bags were reserved for valuable items. ¡°Check these out and see if the herbs are sufficient,¡± Su Ming said as heid the herbs on the table. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± the two elderly gentlemen exchanged a nce before reaching out to open the first bag. They gasped at the sight within. Rainbow Lingzhi Mushrooms! These were the legendary mushrooms that one would only encounter in ancient texts. They were modest in size, with a ck surface, but underneath, they revealed a spectrum of colors. Undoubtedly, these were Top Grade treasures. In the outside world, they would incite fiercepetition. Indeed, a single Rainbow Lingzhi Mushroom could be traded for a downtown house with a garage. And here they were, several of them in one bag, leaving the old men dumbfounded. To think, just one was needed to treat the old fellow! The old men shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them as a palpable tension filled the air. It was as if a life-and-death struggle was the only resolution. ?They proceeded to the second bag, pausing briefly in surprise. A gourd? This didn''t seem to match any ingredient listed in the prescription. They blinked, puzzled, until they noticed a seam on the gourd. Old Master Tang reached out, his touch met with an unexpected chill. ¡°So cold!¡± he eximed, unable to contain his surprise. Upon opening the gourd, they found Double Snow Toads, the epitome of Snow Toads. While Rainbow Lingzhi Mushrooms had been documented in the past, Double Snow Toads were creatures of legend, unseen by any living soul. The discovery sent their hearts racing, their eyes reddening with excitement and faces flushing with the thrill. With shaky hands, they opened the third bag to reveal the Spirit Blood Bead. They had been skeptical of the ancient prescription, suspecting it to be a fabrication due to the rarity of its ingredients. Yet here they were, in possession of herbs so rare they were nearly mythical. ?Even now, they harbored some skepticism. It wasn''t that they distrusted Su Ming, but the situation was simply too fantastical. Yet, the ingredients from the ancient prescription continued to surface one by one. The two elderly gentlemen had always considered themselves well-informed. But it was bing clear that their knowledge was quite limited. Old Master Qin was the first to sumb, fainting away. Old Master Tang didn''tst much longer. He too passed out. They had intended to rescue their friend, but ended up fainting themselves. In that moment, Xiao Luomu gestured reassuringly: ¡°Mr. Su, don''t worry, all is well.¡± Xiao Chen nodded in agreement beside him. They were ustomed to such urrences. Previously, when these two elders snuck into the storeroom and managed to steal a rare inkstone, they fainted as well. Unaware of their presence, the storeroom owner had locked the door, trapping them inside for two full days and nights. When they were eventually discovered, they behaved as if nothing was amiss. They had even neatly packed up the contents of the storeroom. The owner was furious. The three nearly came to blows! Su Ming observed their nonchnt demeanor and couldn''t help feeling exasperated. These two elders were exceedingly peculiar! They needed to learn to keep theirposure. As expected, five minutester, both gentlemen opened their eyes and were back to normal. They eagerly inspected the herbs in the other pouches. There were red dates the size of walnuts, intricately patterned wolfberries, and golden yams. All of these were top-grade items, only mentioned in ancient texts and unseen by modern eyes. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± Old Master Tang expressed his gratitude. ¡°With these, my brother''s health will surely improve.¡± ¡°It''s no trouble. We each have our needs,¡± Su Ming replied with a slight smile. ¡°Mr. Su, we won''t impose any further!¡± they said, standing up to take their leave. But not a single person dared to touch the valuable Chinese herbs on the table! They were far too precious! By their understanding, such items should be wrapped in golden silk, yet Mr. Su had simply used ck stic bags. The thought of the herbs being damaged was distressing to them. Su Ming, taken aback, asked, ¡°What''s the matter? Are the herbs not to your satisfaction?¡± ¡°No!¡± the two elderly gentlemen eximed in unison, shaking their heads and gesturing emphatically. ¡°Mr. Su, to bepletely honest with you, we''re too apprehensive to take them,¡± one of them confessed. Su Ming paused, taken aback for a moment, then observed their reactions. The group silently retreated a step, not daring to make a move. Feeling rather helpless, Su Ming stood up and offered, ¡°I''ll bring them over to you myself.¡± At Su Ming''s words, all six individuals breathed a collective sigh of relief. ¡°Saving lives is the priority. Let''s get going,¡± he said. Su Ming casually picked up several ck bags with an easy gesture. The two old men winced at the sight, their hearts aching. They exited the vi, with Su Ming securing the door behind them before locking it. They drove straight to the countryside estate. It was Su Ming''s first visit to this ce. He couldn''t help but take a few extra nces at the grand and opulent manor, his curiosity piqued. However, he felt no envy. To Su Ming, the world''s most splendid vistas couldn''t hold a candle to his own modest plot ofnd¡ªthat was where true beautyy. They quickly arrived inside the vi.? Old Master Qin wasted no time in starting to prepare the medicine, apanied by several students and the same apprentice as before. After giving them a thorough briefing, the apprentices set to work processing the herbs. Everyone settled onto the sofas, relieved atst. ¡°We have Mr. Su to thank for our sess today. It''s already noon. Mr. Su, would you care to join us for lunch?¡± Xiao Luomu offered warmly. Yueqiu rose to her feet, chiming in, ¡°Please don''t leave, Mr. Su. Allow me to prepare a few dishes for you.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. Chapter 310 Chapter 310 - An Arrogant Doctor Su Ming didn''t seem to think there was anything amiss. Xiao Ke''er''s face flushed instantly. In her family, having her father invite him to stay for dinner and her mother cooking the meal herself signified their high approval of the prospective son-inw. They were even at the point where they could consent to her engagement with Su Ming. Xiao Chen, observing from the side, was certain Su Ming was going to be his brother-inw. ¡°Brother-inw, I''ve never ridden in a truck before. Could you possibly¡­¡± Xiao Chen sidled up to Su Ming. But before he could finish his sentence, a sudden sharp pain shot through his waist. He leaped up and spun around to find Xiao Ke''er, her face a deep shade of red. Her delicate hand hovered mid-air. ¡°Did you have ate ss today?¡± Xiao Ke''er demanded, her authoritative older sister persona in full disy. ¡°Uh?¡± Xiao Chen was momentarily taken aback. He blinked and nced at the sun outside. It was high noon, yet she was talking about an evening ss. ¡°Sis, it''s noon¡­¡± ¡°Aren''t you supposed to have sses at noon? Go to your study and hit the books!¡± ¡°Sis, even Dad said I could take a few days off. You can''t just pick on me because you''re in love¡­¡± ¡°Quiet!¡± Xiao Ke''er stood up, ring at her brother with indignation. ¡°Mom, save me!¡± Xiao Chen beat a hasty retreat. Xiao Chen''s antics had everyoneughing heartily. ¡°Mr. Su, Father, Grandfathers, I''m feeling a bit tired. I''m going to rest for a bit¡­¡± With her cheeks still tinted with embarrassment, Xiao Ke''er excused herself and headed upstairs. The two elders exchanged a look that spoke volumes. Ah, the joys of youth! The group settledfortably on the couch, sipping tea and engaging in lively conversation. Amidst the merriment, the butler entered with an odd look on his face. He hesitated beside Xiao Luomu, as if unsure whether to speak. ¡°Hmm?¡± Xiao Luomu, with a slight frown: ¡°We''re all family here; there''s no need for secrecy. Whatever it is, just say it.¡± The butler''s eye twitched, ¡°The miracle doctor you invited has arrived¡­¡± ¡°Who?¡± Xiao Luomu paused, a look of realization dawning on him. He hadpletely forgotten about that! The two elderly gentlemen exchanged nces. They had forgotten as well! Old Master Tang had been ill for quite some time, prompting Xiao Luomu to seek medical help far and wide for his father. A young manter came by of his own ord, iming his master possessed a couple of rare herbs that could prolong the old man''s life. Xiao Luomu, already desperate, eagerly invited him over. Unfortunately, the man was abroad and couldn''t return immediately. Xiao Luomu had no choice but to wait anxiously. They got in touch the day before yesterday. But Xiao Luomu, having learned justst night that Su Ming had the necessary herbs, was so overjoyed hepletely forgot about the other arrangement! Now, the renowned healer had arrived today! What was he to do? The two old men were equally perplexed. They had already acquired all the herbs, yet the doctor had shown up. And they already possessed the very herbs he brought with him. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Su Ming inquired, his curiosity piqued. Old Master Tang offered a wry smile as he recounted the events that had unfolded. Realization dawned on Su Ming: ¡°He''s made a personal visit; we can''t simply turn him away, can we?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you''re absolutely correct. Please, invite him in.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± The butler nodded and departed. Soon after, they entered. Leading the group was a neatly dressed middle-aged man in his fifties, exuding an air of sage-like wisdom. Following him was a young man, likely his apprentice, carrying a small medicine chest. ¡°Master Loong, your presence to treat my father is deeply appreciated,¡± Xiao Luomu said, approaching with a weing smile. Now that he had arrived, Xiao Luomu knew to extend due courtesy. Master Loong lifted his eyelids ever so slightly, his demeanor cool and detached: ¡°Show me the way.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Luomu was taken aback by his arrogance but ultimately nodded in agreement. He had intended to be forthright. But with the doctor already here, it would be quite rude to send them away. With that, Xiao Luomu led the way, with Master Loong and his haughty apprentice trailing behind. The two elders exchanged a nce and followed suit. Su Ming joined the crowd to see what was happening. ¡°Master Loong, after you,¡± Xiao Luomu said as he opened the door. Loong Qingyuan entered the room, hands sped behind his back. ¡°A chair, please.¡± His young apprenticemanded from the side with an icy tone, reminiscent of a eunuch proiming an imperial decree. ¡°My apologies for the oversight,¡± Xiao Luomu said with a chuckle, quickly grabbing a stool from nearby and cing it behind Loong Qingyuan. Su Ming, standing behind, slightly furrowed his brow. Such arrogance. Loong Qingyuan took his seat with deliberate slowness. The apprentice quickly positioned himself beside Loong Qingyuan, extracting the elder''s arm from beneath the nket. He retrieved a jade pillow from a small box, cing the elder''s arm upon it, and then covered it with a towel. Next, he presented a damp towel to Loong Qingyuan, who epted it leisurely and wiped his hands. The apprentice then carelessly discarded the towel on the floor. ?Such waste! A towel used just once and then discarded? If a patient were in critical condition and under his care, they could very well expire by the time he finished preparing. Loong Qingyuan extended his right hand, resting two fingers on the elder''s pulse. In less than ten seconds, he withdrew his hand. ¡°Silver needles.¡± ¡°Right away!¡± The apprentice fetched a small box filled with neatly arranged silver needles from the medicine chest. ¡°Hold on!¡± Old Master Qin interjected, ¡°The patient is frail and his vitality is waning. He cannot undergo acupuncture!¡± ¡°No interruptions while my master is treating a patient,¡± the apprentice rebuked sharply. ¡°Such disrespect!¡± Loong Qingyuan said with a measured smile. ¡°So you are the renowned Mr. Qin, the medical authority from the capital?¡± ¡°Yes, that''s me,¡± Old Master Qin replied, clearly displeased. This was basic knowledge in traditional medicine. Acupuncture works by stimting the meridians to enhance blood cirction, thereby tapping into the body''s inherent potential to heal. However, when someone is extremely frail, acupuncture can actually hasten their death! ¡°Mr. Qin, your reputation precedes you. I''ve long been aware of your renown. You''re absolutely correct; acupuncture isn''t suitable for those who are weak.¡± Loong Qingyuan offered a serene smile. ¡°However, I possess a ginseng that is two centuries old. If we brew it into a soup and have the patient drink it, it could very well save their life.¡± With that, his apprentice retrieved a small box from within arger one and opened it. Indeed, therey a ginseng root inside! Chapter 311 C311 ¨C This Thing Is Not Worth Showing off Upon unveiling the ginseng, the two men couldn¡¯t hide their smugness. They stood tall, chests puffed out in pride. They were convinced that Su Ming had neverid eyes on a ginseng aged 200 years! Watching from the sidelines, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the sight. He thought it might be time to join in their little celebration. Loong Qingyuan was brimming with self-satisfaction. ¡°Mr. Qin, even as a renowned physician, you¡¯ve surely never encountered a 220-year-old wild ginseng, have you?¡± he asked, a challenging grin on his face as he lifted his chin in arrogance. But then, he was met with silence. Where were the gasps of astonishment and the rounds of apuse he expected? Why was it so eerily quiet? Loong Qingyuan blinked, perplexed. He scanned the faces around him, sensing that something was amiss. Theirposure baffled him. Surely, they were struck dumb by his impressive disy! It was only natural for them to be stunned by such a treasure. They weren¡¯t calm; they were utterly astonished. After all, the ginseng was a rare gem. With a nonchnt smile, Loong Qingyuan addressed Xiao Luomu, ¡°Your father is a man of great esteem. I wouldn¡¯t be here if not for him. But, as you know, medical treatmentes at a cost.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already presented something of great value, a testament to my sincerity. Now, shouldn¡¯t you reciprocate that sincerity?¡± ¡°This treatment will require the use of one of my ginseng¡¯s rootlets. Naturally, my demands are modest.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard your family owns a quadrangle courtyard in J City. It wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable to offer it as payment for medical services, would it?¡± ¡°With the aid of my ginseng, he could live for at least another year or two. That¡¯s a significant amount of time, enough to aplish many things. Trading a quadrangle courtyard for an additional two years of life seems like a fair deal to me.¡± Loong Qingyuan spoke with a sly smile, as if he were the one making a sacrifice. Those around him were taken aback by his words. Could he possibly be serious? Why on earth would Xiao Luomu enlist someone like him to treat his father? Was he insinuating that his father had overstayed his wee? Xiao Luomu was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t believe this man was actually asking for the quadrangle courtyard in the capital! He was utterly shameless. Had Xiao Luomu known earlier how bizarre that person was, he never would have allowed him to treat his father. Xiao Luomu pondered for a moment. Loong Qingyuan asked, ¡°Mr. Xiao, are you considering a refusal? Are you reluctant to spend money in exchange for a few more years of your father¡¯s life?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡± Xiao Luomu hesitated, wanting to speak further. Loong Qingyuan pressed on: ¡°Mr. Xiao, let¡¯s be clear, the Xiao family is a distinguished lineage in J City. Ignoring your father¡¯s wellbeing would tarnish not only your personal reputation but also that of your entire family.¡± Xiao Luomu was at a loss for words. Did the man ever stop talking? Could he not pause for a second? Would he ever allow Xiao Luomu to get a word in? Loong Qingyuan proposed, ¡°Mr. Xiao, true to your family¡¯s stature, you certainly have a knack for negotiation. I¡¯m willing to offer another rootlet. What do you say to trading two rootlets for a quadrangle courtyard?¡± Xiao Luomu was utterly dumbfounded. The man¡¯sck of shame was astounding. He actually thought he could trade two rootlets for a quadrangle courtyard in the capital! Initially, Xiao Luomu had thought this person, despite his arrogance, possessed some talent. But now, Xiao Luomu was convinced he was dealing with a madman escaped from an asylum. As Xiao Luomu opened his mouth, he saw Loong Qingyuan about to interject. He quickly interjected, ¡°Mr. Loong, please hear me out. We do have the ginseng.¡± ¡°Mr. Xiao, you¡¯re pushing your luck with this haggling! I¡¯m only asking for a quadrangle courtyard. Fine! I¡¯ll ept a loss on the deal.¡± Loong Qingyuan believed he had anticipated Xiao Luomu¡¯s response. But suddenly, he sensed something amiss. They had ginseng? ¡°Mr. Xiao, stop kidding around. This is a wild ginseng over two hundred years old. If you can produce a ginseng superior to mine, I¡¯ll walk out of here on my hands!¡± Loong Qingyuan was utterly incredulous. The onlookers, however, were quite entertained by the prospect of him walking out on his hands. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming overheard from the sidelines. He couldn¡¯t believe someone would have such a desire! Being a good Samaritan, Su Ming resolved to help him fulfill his dream. Thus, Su Ming pulled a ginseng root from his pocket. He had given them an abundance of herbs. The surplus was stored in Xiao Luomu¡¯s father¡¯s hospital room for any unforeseen needs. Initially, Loong Qingyuan paid them no mind. He assumed they were envious of his superior possessions. He dismissed their ginseng as mere artificially cultivated roots. Suddenly, Loong Qingyuan stood up. Judging by the color and shape, this ginseng was indeed a genuine wild rootlet. His own ginseng had shriveled. It turned somewhat ck, its surface marred by numerous wrinkles. In contrast, the ginseng in Su Ming¡¯s hand was plump and appeared exceedingly fresh. He hade by this ginseng through abination of luck and tremendous effort. Once in his possession, he cherished it like a treasure, carefully preserving it in a small box. The ginseng Su Ming held, both in color and form, far surpassed his own. Yet, Su Ming produced it with such nonchnce. If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, Su Ming had retrieved it from a pile of stic bags. How could he treat such a valuable item with such indifference? He had previously mistaken it for a heap of fruit. With a grin, Su Ming inquired, ¡°Dr. Loong, wouldn¡¯t you say my ginseng is a tad better than yours?¡± Loong Qingyuan paused, his forehead beading with sweat. ¡°A ginseng of such high quality might be one of a kind. You¡¯re incredibly fortunate to have found it.¡± Loong Qingyuan swallowed hard, feeling quite embarrassed. Su Ming, astonished, eximed, ¡°I have many ginseng roots of this caliber.¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 312 C312 ¨C I Really Don¡¯t Want You to Lose Face Su Ming reached out and grabbed the stic bag. He opened it nonchntly. Loong Qingyuan took a careful look. Inside, four ginseng roots of simr age and quality were tossed in as casually as if they were mere radishes. Loong Qingyuan suddenly clutched his chest. He wondered, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Why does my chest feel so tight?¡± ¡°My heart is aching.¡± ¡°Is this what it feels like to be heartbroken?¡± ¡°I have some of this ginseng at home. I usually brew it into tea, and it tastes quite good,¡± he thought to himself. Su Ming chuckled and said, ¡°If you¡¯re fond of them, you could trade them for two ginseng roots with a quadrangle courtyard in the capital¡¯s first ring.¡± Loong Qingyuan immediately felt humiliated. His own words had been thrown back in his face. He was truly ufortable. Loong Qingyuan thought, ¡°Good heavens!¡± ¡°Do I even own a quadrangle courtyard?¡± ¡°If I had one, I wouldn¡¯t be out here toiling away.¡± ¡°And now I¡¯ve lost face in front of you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s agonizing.¡± ¡°My soul feels bitter.¡± Loong Qingyuan forced augh. ¡°I¡¯m quite taken aback. I didn¡¯t expect you to find such a gem,¡± Loong Qingyuan remarked. ¡°Still, ginseng can only prolong life, not save it. Even though your ginseng is slightly better than mine, at best, it could extend someone¡¯s life by three years.¡± Having lost face in front of everyone, Loong Qingyuan¡¯s expression soured. He thought, ¡°I can¡¯t afford to be embarrassed any further.¡± ¡°Do you think that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got?¡± ¡°I have another ace up my sleeve!¡± ¡°I possess another treasure here, which, if used with the ginseng, could potentially extend a person¡¯s life by at least ten years.¡± Loong Qingyuan bit his lip. Truth be told, he had reserved this item for himself. But today, to save his own reputation, he had no choice but to bring it out. Loong Qingyuan resolved, ¡°I¡¯m all in!¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Luomu had no interest in engaging with Loong Qingyuan. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me? Well, prepare to have your minds blown!¡± Loong Qingyuan let out a coldugh. He thought to himself, ¡°They¡¯re looking down on me now.¡± ¡°They¡¯re in for a surprise.¡± With that, Loong Qingyuan carefully extracted a small wooden box from within his clothing. The box was modest in size, measuring two centimeters in length, width, and height, its surface beaded with tiny droplets of moisture. ¡°I assume you¡¯ve all heard of the Snow Toad. It¡¯s an exceedingly rare and precious creature, seldom seen. I was fortunate enough toe across one,¡± Loong Qingyuan dered. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ve only encountered it in texts, never witnessing one firsthand, correct?¡± ¡°Today, that changes. I¡¯ll open your eyes to something extraordinary.¡± Loong Qingyuan¡¯s demeanor exuded pride as he stood tall, brimming with confidence. He opened the box. At its centery a Snow Toad. The creature was small, barely twice the size of a ss ball. Its surface had taken on a yellow hue, even ckening in ces. Yet, despite its appearance, it was a treasure of legend, unknown and unseen by many. Should the Snow Toad make an appearance elsewhere, it would surely cause a sensation. However, when Su Ming and hispanionsid eyes on it, they merely blinked in bewilderment. They thought to themselves, ¡°What on earth is this?¡± ¡°A ck toad?¡± ¡°So this Snow Toad is actually a Feizhou toad?¡± ¡°Why else would it be ck?¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite unsightly, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Loong Qingyuan considers this a treasure?¡± ¡°I find it rather off-putting.¡± Loong Qingyuan had anticipated awe and reverence at the unveiling of the Snow Toad. Instead, as the toad was revealed, there was no such reaction. Far from reverence, their faces were etched with disdain. Su Ming cleared his throat, thinking, ¡°Though I¡¯m a guest here,¡± ¡°I¡¯m among allies, at leastpared to Loong Qingyuan.¡± ¡°As the host, I certainly can¡¯t let my guests sit in awkward silence, can I?¡± ¡°This item seems decent enough.¡± Su Ming struggled to keep his distaste in check. He thought to himself, ¡°My apologies!¡± ¡°I just couldn¡¯t help it!¡± At that moment, Loong Qingyuan was slightly irritated. ¡°What are you implying? I came here with the best of intentions to save the elder. Fine, if you¡¯re willing to pass up the opportunity to extend the old man¡¯s life by ten years, then I have nothing more to say.¡± Loong Qingyuan let out a scornfulugh. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡± Su Ming smiled, ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong idea.¡± ¡°Oh? Now you want to correct your mistake?¡± Loong Qingyuan crossed his arms behind his back, expecting an apology from Su Ming. ¡°What I mean is, we have one of these as well,¡± Su Ming rified. Loong Qingyuan was puzzled. He thought to himself, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Could you repeat that?¡± ¡°You also have one of these?¡± ¡°How can that be?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe you. Show me,¡± demanded Loong Qingyuan. ¡°Very well.¡± Su Ming blinked, thinking, ¡°You¡¯re the one who insisted on seeing it.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t hold me responsible.¡± ¡°And if you end up embarrassed, it¡¯s not on me.¡± Su Ming stepped aside and pulled a gourd out of a ck stic bag. Loong Qingyuan caught sight of the ck stic bag and felt an ominous premonition stir within him. His eyes twitched uncontrobly. He thought, ¡°Oh my god!¡± ¡°Why am I suddenly feeling apprehensive about a ck stic bag?¡± But then, as Loong Qingyuanid eyes on the gourd in Su Ming¡¯s hand, he sneered. He thought, ¡°And here I was expecting something impressive.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a gourd.¡± ¡°What kind of treasure could it possibly be?¡± Without further ado, Su Ming opened the gourd. Loong Qingyuan was dumbfounded once more. He thought, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Is that really the legendary Double Snow Toads?¡± The Snow Toad was already a rare spiritual entity in the world. The Double Snow Toads were even more extraordinary. They were the epitome of Top Grade treasures. Loong Qingyuan looked down at his own Snow Toad, taken aback. It was only slightlyrger than a ss ball, yet it was distinctly yellow and ck. Loong Qingyuan turned his attention to the one Su Ming was holding, which was considerablyrger and shone with a snow-white, crystalline purity. Loong Qingyuan was astounded. He wondered to himself, ¡°What¡¯s happening here? Did they do this deliberately? Was this a trap theyid for me?¡± ?Seeing Loong Qingyuan¡¯s astonished face, Su Ming and the others could barely contain theirughter. They mused, ¡°It¡¯s one thing to strut in front of others, but to do so in front of Mr. Su is another. We¡¯ve seen people embarrass themselves, but never someone so eager to do it publicly. It¡¯s like he¡¯s asking for it.¡± ?Loong Qingyuan felt a sinking feeling in his chest. ¡°This isn¡¯t fair y,¡± he thought. ¡°This has to be a joke! No, I refuse to ept this.¡± With his hands defiantly on his hips and breathing heavily in frustration, Loong Qingyuan¡¯s reaction prompted everyone to take a cautious step back. They joked among themselves, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? About to show your true colors? Are you actually a transformed toad? Why else would the sight of the Snow Toad excite you so much? Is it because it¡¯s like seeing a family member? No wonder you treasure that yellowing, ckening Snow Toad in your arms as if it were a gem. It must be a rtive of yours. Is it your third aunt or your fifth? You must share a close bond to keep it so near.¡± ¡°I have another treasure up my sleeve, and I bet you can¡¯t top this one!¡± Loong Qingyuan dered as he strode over to a chest. He pushed his young apprentice aside and pulled out a small key. Inserting it into a slit in the chest, he twisted it left and right, revealing a hiddenpartment. Inside was a jar containing a dark, unassuming object. ¡°Prepare to witness a true unparalleled treasure, the Flying Dragon Blood Herb!¡± Loong Qingyuan announced, holding the jar as if it contained the ultimate prize. It was actually a variant of the herb known as polygonum multiflorum. The growth environment it required was incredibly demanding. The Flying Dragon Blood Herb differed frommon varieties; as it matured, it would assume the form of a dragon. Furthermore, the Flying Dragon Blood Herb was a blood-red color, translucent and gleaming. Indeed, it was a genuine spiritual treasure of nature. It was an item of immense value, capable of seizing the vitality of spirits and deities. A single bite could forcibly prolong one¡¯s life. It had the potential to sustain a person¡¯s life for at least several months. If Xiao Luomu had only ginseng and Snow Toad at his disposal, he could certainly extend the old man¡¯s life by a decade. Yet, during those ten years, the old man would suffer from frailty. Surviving the full ten years would be a challenge; he might sumb to various illnesses along the way. But with the addition of the Flying Dragon Blood Herb¡­ This remarkable herb had the power to replenish both Qi and blood. It was the epitome of a Top Grade restorative. With the Flying Dragon Blood Herb incorporated into his medication, the old man wouldn¡¯t just surpass the ten-year mark; he would spend those years robust and healthy, indistinguishable from an ordinary person. To speak frankly, If Loong Qingyuan were to showcase this herb in front of others, he would effortlessly impress them! But regrettably¡­ It pains me to say this. I truly have no desire to see Loong Qingyuan face further humiliation. Click to visit???? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 313 C313 ¨C My Mom Won¡¯t Let Me y with Trash Loong Qingyuan was brimming with self-assurance. He had expected to be surrounded by words of praise. Instead, the silence was deafening. ¡°Brother-inw!¡± Just then, Xiao Chen entered from outside: ¡°Mom says the food is nearly ready. We can sit down to eat now.¡± It turned out Xiao Chen was inviting them to dine. After speaking, Xiao Chen noticed the jar in Loong Qingyuan¡¯s hand. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Xiao Chen blinked: ¡°What¡¯s inside this jar? I¡¯ve seen this before in a book. Grandpa Qin, this is the Flying Dragon Blood Herb mentioned in the ancient text you gave me!¡± Loong Qingyuan perked up at this. Finally, he had an audience. He boasted, ¡°Young man, you must be Xiao Chen, the young master of the Xiao family, correct?¡± Loong Qingyuan gave a smug smile, lifting his chin: ¡°You¡¯ve never seen something this exceptional, have you? Take a good look now; you won¡¯t get another chance in the future.¡± Xiao Chen¡¯s brow furrowed: ¡°You¡¯re saying I won¡¯t have another chance to see the Flying Dragon Blood Herb?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Loong Qingyuan was visibly pleased with himself: ¡°I might be the only person in the world with the Flying Dragon Blood Herb. No one else could possibly have it.¡± Xiao Chen nodded earnestly. Loong Qingyuan swelled with pride. ¡°Examine the Flying Dragon Blood Herb closely. You might even want to take some photos to remember it by, since you won¡¯t get to see it again.¡± Loong Qingyuan was quite magnanimous. Xiao Chen blinked: ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if you drop it, I won¡¯t hold it against you!¡± Loong Qingyuan said with a casual smile. He set the item before Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen stepped back, a hint of reluctance in his movement. But Xiao Chen was a sincere kid and couldn¡¯t bring himself to lie. Rubbing his nose, Xiao Chen admitted, ¡°At our house, we use this to feed the dogs.¡± Loong Qingyuan froze. ¡°I just said I was the only one in the world with this, and you agreed! It looks like you¡¯re no different from the rest!¡± Loong Qingyuan let out a cold snort. ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, trash like this is something only you would have.¡± Xiao Chen¡¯s expression was one of pure sincerity. He was speaking the truth! Loong Qingyuan was seething with anger. ¡°You¡¯re pushing me too far!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you believe what I¡¯m saying?¡± Xiao Chen blinked and nced back at Su Ming, ¡°Brother-inw.¡± Why didn¡¯t he take it himself? Because he was afraid. The items were too valuable, and he feared damaging them. Su Ming gave a nod. Once more, he reached into the ck stic bag. Loong Qingyuan shuddered inside! He had always dreaded ck stic bags. Su Ming¡¯s hand emerged, clutching a Flying Dragon Blood Herb. It wasrge and plump. It truly resembled a dragon, lifelike and vibrant. Its entire body was a blood-red, shimmering with rity. And it was perfectly intact. Loong Qingyuan was dumbfounded. Such a valuable item in a stic bag? He had thought he¡¯d be the one to astonish the Xiao family today. Instead, he was the one left in shock. Without uttering another word, Loong Qingyuan began to gather his belongings! With a darkened expression, he stormed off without looking back. His young apprentice followed behind, head bowed. From behind, Su Ming called out, ¡°No need to rush off. Why not stay for dinner?¡± Upon hearing this, Loong Qingyuan nearly stumbled! He hastened his steps. Loong Qingyuan resolved to walk away the moment he saw Su Ming! Watching Loong Qingyuan beat a hasty retreat, they all burst intoughter. They weren¡¯t really bothered. People like Loong Qingyuan were not umon; they loved to unt their treasures. And if someone was in need, they would surely demand a hefty price. Now, the sight of a ck stic bag sent Loong Qingyuan into a panic. For him, it had be the most terrifying object in the world. Su Ming remained in the vi, enjoying a meal. The conversation flowed easily and joyfully. Su Ming didn¡¯t read too much into it, assuming they had simply invited him for a meal. But in a family as traditional and strict as this, the invitation held significant meaning. After the meal, the preparation of the Chinese medicine was deemed a sess. They administered the traditional medicine to Grandpa Qin. Although he remained unconscious, a healthy flush returned to his cheeks. His breathing grew stronger, and his blood pressure gradually normalized. The indicators for his organ functions also showed steady improvement. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing he was out of danger. Su Ming then took his leave and headed home. Xiao Luomu assured him that he would resolve the building issue within the next two days. Xiao Chen gave Su Ming a lift back to his ce. ¡°Brother-inw, is it okay if I visit you here often?¡± Xiao Chen asked, poking his head out with a grin. ¡°No! You better listen to your sister,¡± Su Ming responded, feigning sternness. Xiao Chen¡¯s face fell. He had hoped his brother-inw would indulge him, but now he faced yet another person setting boundaries for him! ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You don¡¯t seem happy. Should I call your sister?¡± Su Ming teased, still smiling. ¡°No!¡± Xiao Chen shuddered, ¡°I¡¯m very happy! I should get going now, brother-inw. I won¡¯t bother you any longer!¡± He quickly got into his car and drove off. Su Ming chuckled to himself. He could see that Xiao Chen was clever and talented, yet stillcked maturity. Besides, Su Ming had his hands full with farming. Frequent visits from Xiao Chen would onlyplicate matters. Chapter 314 C314 ¨C The ck Plum Matured ?Su Ming arrived back at his home. He changed into his work attire, which consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, both made of cloth, along with a pair of cloth shoes. One might wonder, ¡°Isn¡¯t he too hot in that?¡± But actually, it¡¯s necessary to wear long clothing when working in the fields to avoid sunburn from prolonged exposure to the sunlight. Despite appearing somewhat warm, Su Ming had grown ustomed to it over time. Under his coat, he wore a tank top to soak up the sweat and topped it off with a hat,pleting his farmer¡¯s ensemble. He gathered some herbs and ground them into powder using a blender, then mixed this with the fertilizer. He applied the mixture to the ck plums, watering each one thoroughly. The ck plums had grown tall and would soon be ready for harvest. This time, they still radiated a green glow. Excellent. He was confident that this harvest would be bountiful, for the System never misled him. ?Covering five acres, he devoted the whole afternoon to watering and fertilizing each ck plum. Come evening, Su Ming stepped out to grab some fast food. He shed his long garments and sat down in the field, eating his meal while watching the bustling traffic. Once he finished, he resumed his work¡ªpruning branches, organizing the soil, and weeding. He even attempted hand pollination. Afterpleting the day¡¯s tasks, it was already past 8 PM. Su Ming quickly made his way to the chicken coop, where he fed the chickens, provided fresh water, and cleaned their living space. He even yed music for them. By the time he finished, it was well past 11 PM. Bedtime had arrived. Stretching out his tired muscles, Su Ming pondered the uing harvest. If his calctions were right, he could harvest the ck plums the next day. He checked his data panel; he was just over 70,000 experience points shy of leveling up. With tomorrow¡¯s harvest, a level-up was certain. Filled with anticipation, he copsed into bed and fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, Su Ming bolted out of bed and dashed to the fields. Wow! The ck plums had indeed ripened! But something was amiss. Su Ming had expected each ck plum tree to yield an abundance of fruit. But now, he noticed that each ck plum tree bore only a single fruit. Every tree had a sizable green orb of light dangling from its branches. What in the world was this? Su Ming approached with a look of curiosity. He extended his hand, seized a light orb, and yanked hard. Apanied by a sharp sound, the green glow vanished instantly. What? Su Ming blinked in surprise. A share certificate? He was momentarily taken aback. He hastily opened it to inspect the contents. Holy smokes! It was actually a share certificate! And not just any shares, but those of a major local financialpany. The certificate indicated that Su Ming owned 51 shares. What in the world! He had be the chairman in the blink of an eye! Su Ming blinked again in disbelief. The System was incredibly generous! Could it really aplish such feats? ¡°Ding! System Notification: The shares you have acquired were bought on behalf of the Host through the System¡¯s virtual financial operations. All transactions are traceable andpletely legal!¡± At this point, the System began to exin with thoughtful detail. Su Ming eagerly reached for another. What? Shares in a local Michelinpany! Even though Michelin was an international franchise, each store had its own independent shares. That was excellent! Su Ming extended his hand to grab another. To his astonishment, these were shares of the car sales service store he had previously booked! Su Ming was utterly amazed! This was simply incredible! He quickly reached out again, picking up another item. This time, it wasn¡¯t the share certificate he had expected. Instead, it was a small golden pouch, embroidered with the words ¡°brocade bag.¡± Could the System actually produce such items? A brocade bag? Might there be some ingenious strategy inside? Yet, it seemed he had no use for it. Why would the System generate this? It was truly bizarre! Su Ming opened the brocade bag without hesitation. What was this? A set of puzzles? He paused, taken aback. He pulled a piece from the bag. Su Ming couldn¡¯t be certain it was a part, but if not a part, he had no idea what else it could be. Typically, parts were items like screws, nuts, or wires¡ªthings manufactured in a factory and assembled into a final product. But the part in Su Ming¡¯s hand seemed as though someone had taken arge knife and sliced a car twice horizontally and twice vertically. Then, he picked up one of the objects and eximed, ¡°Look! This is a part!¡± Yet if it was a part, it certainly didn¡¯t resemble the usual ones. And if it wasn¡¯t a part, what could it be? That was exactly what Su Ming was holding. It was small, roughly the size of a ss ball. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you have obtained Smart Assistant Fragment 1/400! Collect all the fragments to activate it!¡± What? A Smart Assistant? What on earth was this? I¡¯ve nevere across anything like this before! ¡°System, what is this Smart Assistant?¡± ¡°Ding! Host, you must discover the answer on your own. Once unlocked, you will be able to ess some of its functions.¡± Some of its functions! That meant this device could be upgraded! Su Ming¡¯s mind raced to Iron Man. The AI in that film was named Jarvis. Could this eventually evolve into a suit of armor?! Armor! That¡¯s the ultimate dream for many! Su Ming¡¯s excitement surged. This was more thrilling than gaining shares in apany. He had a total of five acres. There, he had nted 500 ck plum trees. Su Ming started harvesting the fruit with fervor. He toiled away in the fields with intense dedication. Meanwhile, the corporate world in the city was in a frenzy. Inside one suchpany, a man who owned 35% of the shares sat in a room. He reclined in a specially crafted executive chair, cradling a cup of expensive tea. He grinned as he admired the Top Grade Orchid he had just received. Suddenly, ¡°Bam!¡± the door was forcefully flung open. The man¡¯s secretary rushed in, his face etched with distress. Startled, the man snapped, ¡°Secretary Sun, what¡¯s the matter? Why are you so panicked? I¡¯ve told you time and again, a man must remainposed. Like me, even if the Himyas were to crumble before me, my expression would remain unchanged. Now, what¡¯s the issue?¡± ¡°Chairman, a mysterious buyer has just snapped up the shares of six shareholders. He now holds a 51% stake and has be the new chairman of thepany!¡± ¡°What?¡± The man¡¯s face nched with shock. He rose to his feet, but in his haste, he knocked over his cup of tea. ¡°Ah!¡± He winced as the hot tea scalded him, iling his arms and legs in difort. Upon witnessing the scene, the secretary couldn¡¯t resist rolling his eyes. What happened to your promise of ¡°I won¡¯t change my expression¡±? Where¡¯s yourposure now? Is this your idea of maintaining calm? Inwardly, the secretary snickered at the spectacle. But he understood that it was perfectly natural for the chairman to be taken aback. Actually, it was the former chairman who should be surprised! The former chairman had dedicated five to six years and a considerable amount of effort to acquire a 35% stake in thepany. Despite his pleas, the other shareholders wouldn¡¯t budge on selling their shares to him. Yet, this enigmatic buyer had aplished it with ease. This indicated that the individual¡¯s background was anything but ordinary. He could very well be a heavyweight from an ultra-affluent dynasty! Chapter 315 Chapter 315 - Smart Assistant ¡°Do you have the information?¡± the man asked urgently. ¡°Yes!¡± The secretary quickly ced the documents in front of the man. The man was Lyu Qingyun, a figure of considerable standing in Eastsea. He wouldn''t have been the chairman otherwise. But his eyes nearly popped out of his head when he read Su Ming''s information. He couldn''t believe it! Su Ming, a man barely into his twenties, had effortlessly acquired a 51% stake. Lyu Qingyun blinked in astonishment. What did it mean for someone so young to be so formidable? It suggested that Su Ming had an extraordinary background beyond his wildest dreams. He had encountered the kind of legendary heavyweights people only hear about in stories! He was eager to get acquainted with Su Ming. Lyu Qingyun''s heart pounded as he struggled to catch his breath. The information didn''t include Su Ming''s phone number, but it did list his address. In the city center? Lyu Qingyun paused, puzzled. Why would he live there? No matter. The affairs of influential people were beyond hisprehension. ¡°Quick! Get the car ready! I need to go see him!¡± Lyu Qingyunmanded his secretary, trying to steady his nerves with a shaky voice. ¡°I''ve prepared everything. You can depart at any moment,¡± the secretary assured him. ¡°Good!¡± Meanwhile, this same scenario was unfolding across various corporations in Eastsea, unbeknownst to Su Ming. He was still out in the fields, collecting fragments. Thepany shares weren''t his priority. What mattered to Su Ming was the smart assistant. He had already gathered most of the fragments, now totaling over 200. It looked like he might be able to collect them all this time. Atst, he had harvested all the fragments from the five acres. Su Ming pulled the final piece from thest silk pouch. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host. You havepleted the collection of the smart assistant fragments!¡± chimed a voice in Su Ming''s head. Su Ming was ecstatic. This was fantastic! He hurriedly tossed the final fragment into the pocket with the rest. He had previously returned to the vi to fetch a stic bag for storing the fragments. The share certificates? He tossed them aside carelessly. ¡°The smart assistant is now assembling¡­¡± the voice continued. ¡°1%¡­ 20%¡­ 50%¡­ 99%¡­¡± ¡°Host, congrattions on the assembly of your smart assistant beingplete!¡± As a golden light shed, all the pieces in the stic bag vanished and came together to form an object. Su Ming examined it closely and realized it was a watch resembling a child''s smartwatch. ¡°System, is there any way to change its appearance?¡± ¡°Apologies, Host. I''m currently unable to alter its appearance. Once yournd is upgraded, it will produce advanced chips that will enable the smart assistant to upgrade. With each upgrade, the assistant''s appearance will change randomly! Once it reaches a high level, it will be able to adjust its appearance autonomously!¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. Yet, this was actually promising news for him. The System had indicated that hisnd would eventually yield advanced chips, allowing for the assistant''s upgrade. Could it be possible that hisnd might even produce Iron Man''s mechanical armor someday? ¡°Ding! Host, it''s time to name your assistant!¡± Name it? Su Ming was instantly perplexed. The smart assistant didn''te with a name? What about the name Little Green? Su Ming was deep in thought. He didn''t typically engage with the Legend of the White Snake, so why did that namee to mind? Da Bai? Maybe not. Naming was never Su Ming''s strong suit, a trait he inherited from his father. ?The Su family tended to choose very simple names. Despite pondering, Su Ming couldn''te up with a suitable name. He resorted to searching on his phone. The first name that caught his eye was Yuvyuv! ¡°Let''s name it Yuvyuv.¡± ¡°Ding! Host, you''ve named your smart assistant Yuvyuv!¡± Su Ming pulled the watch out of his pocket. He blinked and called out, ¡°Yuvyuv?¡± ¡°I am here, Master!¡± The watch responded with a voice that was intelligent and female, somewhat reminiscent of popr voice assistants. However, Yuvyuv''s voicecked the warmth of human emotion. ¡°What capabilities do you have?¡± Su Ming inquired, eager to learn more. ¡°I can automatically log your nting times and remind you when it''s time to harvest. Upon entering thend, I will assess its condition and suggest the optimal nting strategy to enhance the quality and yield of your crops! My features are equally applicable in the breeding zone!¡± Su Ming''s spirits lifted at the news. This is fantastic! Yuvyuv truly lives up to its reputation as a smart assistant. With Yuvyuv''s help, Su Ming''s life just got a whole lot easier. This has to be the greatest gain of all. The assistant''s voice was mechanical,cking any inflection. Yet, Su Ming spected that with each upgrade, the variety of crops he could grow would expand. Once he nted a high-level chip for the upgrade, the assistant would gradually evolve into an artificial intelligence,plete with its own emotions and vocal fluctuations. But that was a concern for another day! For now, his priority was to tidy up the space. ncing at the share transfer documents scattered on the floor, Su Ming allowed himself a chuckle before picking them up. While he was busy cleaning, a cacophony of noise erupted from outside the firmly shut door. It was still early morning, and he had only just woken up. In his rush to gather the fragments, Su Ming hadn''t had the chance to open the door. The sounds from outside piqued his curiosity. What was happening? Was there a fight at his doorstep? City dwellers were bing increasingly impatient. What was the reason for their quarrel? They could have resolved their issues amicably. Or, if all else failed, they could turn to farming, basking in the serenity of nature¡ªa truly delightful prospect. Cars had filled up the entrance. The individuals stepping out were visibly stunned, recognizing one another. They were the chairmen of renownedpanies from Eastsea City. ¡°Zhang, what brings you here?¡± ¡°A young man bought 51% of ourpany''s shares. He lives right here.¡± ¡°No way! You too? Is this guy Su Ming?¡± ¡°Yes, that''s him! You''re telling me you''re in the same boat?¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± ¡°Unbelievable! Me too!¡± ¡°Same here!¡± ¡°Me too!¡± They began to converse, drawing in the surrounding crowd. Once the details were shared, everyone was left utterly bewildered. What in the world was happening? How had a single young man simultaneously acquired so manypanies? And to top it off, he had secured a 51% stake in each one! Chapter 316 Chapter 316 - There Was Still too Little Land The group of executives were clearly bewildered. It made sense for a wealthy individual to purchase shares in one or twopanies at a time. But to acquire stakes in numerouspanies all at once was truly baffling. The cars parked at the entrance of the skyscraper were nearly overflowing, and the employees from nearby buildings were clueless as to why this was happening. They began to wonder aloud, ¡°Why are all thesepany owners converging here? Is there some major event taking ce today?¡± Upon learning the truth, they were utterly astounded. Someone had actually spent a fortune to acquire so manypanies in one fell swoop! It was beyond belief. Such madness! Then, suddenly, the building''s doors swung open. Su Ming emerged, and the once noisy surroundings fell silent. All eyes turned to Su Ming. He donned a straw hat, a long shirt, and trousers, his attire smeared with soil, and a child''s watch wrapped around his wrist. As Su Ming stepped out and surveyed the crowd, a hush fell over them. The onlookers scrutinized Su Ming closely. Before long, they recognized that this oddly dressed man was indeed their chairman. Yet, Su Ming''s attire left them perplexed. They had expected that a young man capable of buying shares in so manypanies would be d in a suit and leather shoes, exuding confidence and perhaps a touch of arrogance. But the chairman before them defied their expectations. To their eyes, the chairman was quite unconventional. ncing at the yard behind Su Ming and then at his clothes, they quickly realized that Su Ming had been gardening. Instant respect washed over the crowd. They all marveled, ¡°He''s truly incredible. To think he could buy such a vast tract ofnd in the city center and live a life of retirement at such a young age.¡± Yet they were also puzzled. They couldn''t fathom why Su Ming would lead such a tranquil life while simultaneously purchasing shares in so manypanies. It was a conundrum. Though initially shocked, they soon gathered their wits. After all, the man before them was their chairman, and his background was undoubtedly extraordinary. They couldn''t afford to slight him. ¡°Good day, Chairman!¡± all the executives called out in perfect unison. The onlookers were left in sheer amazement. They each questioned whether their ears had deceived them. A hundred of Eastsea''s upper-middle-ss business owners were simultaneously addressing a young man as their chairman. The situation felt surreal. The crowd began to suspect it was all an act. But clearly, it was not. Among these entrepreneurs, some had even coborated with them in the past. It was simply astounding! ¡°Hello!¡± Su Ming stood there, nodding in acknowledgment. After a moment of contemtion, Su Ming said, ¡°You remain the decision-makers of yourpanies. I won''t meddle in your affairs; just ensure that my dividends are delivered on time. Now, let''s disperse.¡± With those words, Su Ming turned and shut the door behind him. The sound of the closing door left the business owners even more perplexed. Was that all Su Ming had to say? Their new chairman was certainly not ying by the usual rules. They were still at a loss to understand Su Ming''s behavior. Su Ming seemed indifferent to owning their shares or theirpanies, yet he had reluctantly epted them because they were offered, and it would have been rude to refuse. Su Ming also conveyed that he had no interest in managing their businesses; he simply expected them to continue their operations and provide him with the year-end dividends. ¡°If he weren''t so wealthy, I''d give him a piece of my mind! He''s too impatient for apany boss. If he''s so reluctant, he might as well hand thepany over to me.¡± ¡°You''re absolutely right. He''s crossed the line. It''s unbearable!¡± ¡°Who is this guy, really? Police cars clear the way for him, VIPs pay him visits, he''s the chairman of numerouspanies, and he even farms in the city center!¡± ¡°If you''re so curious, go ask him. I''d like to know as well.¡± ¡°That''s easy for you to say, but do I dare approach him?¡± ¡°It seems like he''s unprotected, but someone of his stature probably has countless unseen guardians.¡± ¡°You''ve hit the nail on the head. Otherwise, the media would have been all over him by now.¡± The journalists scoffed at the thought, knowing better than to approach such a high-profile individual. They weren''t foolish; they understood which individuals were approachable for interviews and which were not. The 100 executives stood outside the door, exchanging nces, each wanting to speak but unsure of how to begin. They had anticipated that the new chairman would invite them in for an hour or two of conversation. Instead, he uttered just one sentence. The door opened and closed within a mere ten seconds. Yet, they quickly regained theirposure and resolved to follow the chairman''s directive. They would work diligently to earn money. Before long, they had all dispersed. Su Ming returned to his harvesting. Once the harvest wasplete, a notification chimed in his mind. ¡°Sessful crop harvest. Earned 80,000 experience points. Additional Experience Points: 16,000.¡± ¡°Recycled. Congrattions, Host, on earning 5,000 experience points. Additional Experience Points: 1,000.¡± ¡°Congrattions, Host, on leveling up!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you''ve earned a chance to spin the Wheel Lottery!¡± Su Ming was thrilled. He had actually won a chance at the Wheel Lottery? Just then, his watch beeped. He picked it up and examined it closely. To his amazement, the Wheel Lottery interface was disyed on the screen. The wheel was segmented into eight sections, each marked with a distinct-colored question mark. The notification sounded once more, ¡°Master, would you like to initiate the lottery?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Su Ming responded. He was confident in his exceptional luck. The lottery wheel began to spin immediately, and Su Ming watched intently. After a suspenseful ten seconds, the wheel gradually came to a halt. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you''ve gained one skill point!¡± Su Ming paused briefly upon hearing the notification. But he quickly regained hisposure. Without hesitation, he allocated the skill point to his Experience Buff. In no time, his experience jumped from 20 to 25! Su Ming swiftly pulled up his data panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV10 Experience: 323,927 / 500,000 Farm: Level Two Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff at 25. Su Ming paused again. Was this the extent of his data? Wasn''t there supposed to be a significant change upon reaching level ten? What about the fabled Unlocking Store? ¡°System, shouldn''t there be a significant change at level ten?¡± Su Ming, unable to contain his curiosity, inquired. ¡°The System has detected that the Host''s farming area is too small!¡± ¡°System Notification: If the farming area exceeds 10 acres, the System will upgrade and update!¡± Su Ming paused for a moment, processing the information. Did he really need to cultivate 10 acres ofnd? The rule caught him off guard. But after giving it some thought, Su Ming realized it was feasible. Old Man Yang''s building upied three acres, and the Xiao family was set to gift him another building, also covering three acres. Together with his original five acres, that would total eleven acres. That would suffice! Initially, Su Ming wasn''t in any rush, but now he felt a stir of urgency. Well, it wasn''t so much urgency as it was curiosity. Su Ming was eager to see what the System would look like after the update and what wonders the Unlocking Store might hold. He was confident that the oues wouldn''t disappoint. Deciding to put those thoughts aside for the moment, Su Ming knew he''d soon be in a position to tear down the building. First, he headed to the breeding zone to feed the animals. Afterward, he hopped on the tractor and thoroughly plowed the five-acre plot from end to end. Next, he pondered what crops he would nt. Chapter 317 Chapter 317 - Using Scientific Methods ¡°Yuvyuv.¡± Su Ming suddenly remembered his assistant. ¡°Master!¡± Yuvyuv responded promptly. ¡°What do you think I should nt?¡± ¡°Considering your current nting situation and the recent soil conditions, I rmend nting rice!¡± Rice? Su Ming paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. This intelligent assistant was quite impressive. It had certainly resolved his indecision. ¡°Yuvyuv, what''s the best way to nt it?¡± ¡°There are two methods I can suggest. The first is the conventional approach: simply sow the rice seeds into the soil, water them, and apply fertilizer. The yield and quality are average with this method. The second is the standard approach: soak the rice seeds until they germinate, then nt the seedlings in a wend before transferring them to a paddy field. This method yields a higher quantity and quality of rice.¡± Su Ming''s interest was piqued. His assistant was truly remarkable! It was so clever! As for which method Su Ming would choose, it was obvious. He would opt for the second method! After all, there were paddy fields back in his hometown. Su Ming had experience nting rice fields with his parents as a child. He was quite familiar with the rice cultivation process. Without further ado, Su Ming confidently walked into the field. He pondered for a moment. Typically, one could nt six to ten pounds of rice seeds per acre. Su Ming had a total of five acres. He decided to start with 40 pounds of seeds. He then selected a plot ofnd approximately 10 x 10. From the warehouse, he retrieved a shovel. He began digging, constructing a circr embankment around the plot. He thenpacted the soil with his feet to prevent erosion from the water. Afterward, he fetched a long hose from the warehouse and began to irrigate thend. Meanwhile, Su Ming was far from idle. He went to the nearby mall and purchased arge stic basin. He filled it with water, added a generous amount of rice seeds, and poured in nutrient solution. This was the seed soaking process! ¡°Just a reminder, the seeds will sprout in two hours, and you''ll be ready to start nting them!¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Having Yuvyuv around made things much more convenient for him. ncing at the clock, Su Ming realized he was starting to feel hungry. He decided to head back, grab a bite to eat, and then wait for another two hours. At the Xiao family home, the household of four, including the two elders, kept vigil by the sickbed. Yet, the Xiao family patriarch had not awakened. The tests indicated that he had transitioned from aa to a deep sleep. It wouldn''t be much longer until he awoke. Minutester, the old man''s eyelids twitched slightly, and then he slowly opened his eyes, looking somewhat bewildered. He nced around. ¡°You''re awake!¡± The people around him were ecstatic at the sight. Fantastic! His awakening was indeed a stroke of luck! ¡°Dad, how are you feeling?¡± Xiao Luomu asked anxiously. ¡°I want to sit up,¡± Xiao Luyuan said, his voice raspy. Xiao Luomu gently assisted him into a sitting position. ¡°I''d like some water,¡± Xiao Luyuan requested, reaching out. Beside the bed, there was a cup of water. Xiao Luomu quickly handed it to him. Xiao Luyuan took the cup and drank eagerly. He sighed deeply, feeling much morefortable. ¡°I feel a lot better,¡± Xiao Luyuan remarked, assessing his physical state. ¡°It''s odd, why do I feel so light? I know my illness was severe. What have you given me?¡± ¡°By a fortunate twist of fate, we managed to collect all the ingredients for the prescription,¡± Old Master Qin said, beaming with joy. ¡°What?¡± Xiao Luyuan was skeptical. ¡°Don''t fool me! Each ingredient in that prescription is a rare treasure, and some have been lost to time,¡± he protested. Xiao Luyuan paused, then shook his head in disbelief. Old Master Tang chuckled, ¡°I knew you''d be doubtful. Chen, bring the items here.¡± ¡°Right away!¡± Xiao Chen responded, moving to the corner to fetch several stic bags. ¡°What''s this?¡± Xiao Luyuan asked, eyebrows knitted in curiosity. ¡°What treasure is inside these stic bags?¡± ¡°Just take a look, and you''ll see,¡± Old Master Tang said with a smile, motioning for Xiao Chen to open the bags. Xiao Luyuan bent down to inspect their contents. He was astounded! ¡°There are so many treasures here! Where did you find them all? Did you raid a treasure vault?¡± Laughter filled the room. From the sidelines, Xiao Luomu briefed Xiao Luyuan on the events that had transpired. Xiao Luyuan''s brow furrowed slightly upon hearing the story. Such a thing had actually urred? ¡°So, Mr. Su is my lifesaver? Then I must meet him! Could you invite him to our home?¡± Xiao Luyuan inquired. ¡°Dad, Mr. Su may be young, but he''s incredibly capable. He''s carefree and loves his freedom. He''s neither a member of our family nor our subordinate, so we can''t just summon him at will,¡± Xiao Luomu quickly interjected. ¡°Indeed.¡± Xiao Luyuan nodded in agreement. ¡°You''re absolutely right. Once I''m better, I''ll make it a point to visit him personally to express my gratitude.¡± Xiao Luomu continued, ¡°Regarding the reward, we''re considering giving Mr. Su a building.¡± ¡°That''s fine.¡± Xiao Luyuan didn''t hesitate for a second. Even though he was well into his eighties and hade to view death lightly, he still harbored a significant unfulfilled desire. If he didn''t satisfy this wish, he would die with regret. Saving his life was no small feat, and giving Su Ming a building¡ªor even several¡ªwas the least he could do. ¡°Dad, you might be under the wrong impression. Mr. Su isn''t interested in wealth. We n to give him a building in the city center because Mr. Su enjoys farming there,¡± Xiao Luomu said with a smile. ¡°What?¡± Xiao Luyuan was taken aback. ¡°Farming?¡± He struggled to grasp the concept. Su Ming was a young man shrouded in mystery. And he was farming right in the city center? His curiosity was piqued. ¡°Su Ming is surely no ordinary individual. We must cultivate a strong rtionship with him and act swiftly on this matter.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Dad. Kemeng is already handling it.¡± Xiao Luyuan nodded. He shifted his body slowly. During his illness, he had experienced dizziness, chest tightness, and overall weakness. Walking just a few steps would cause him to tremble and break out in cold sweats. His heartbeat would asionally race or slow down. His blood pressure was rmingly erratic. Now, he felt a newfound rity in his hearing and vision. His body was at ease, and he sensed an inexhaustible supply of energy coursing through him, as if he had reverted to the vigor of his forties or fifties. Who exactly was Mr. Su? How was he able to produce such an array of precious medications? He was determined to pay Mr. Su a proper visit! Chapter 318 Chapter 318 - Don''t Let Him Know In the penthouse office of a towering skyscraper, a middle-aged man satfortably¡ªthe very owner of the building. Xiao Ke''er faced him, ready to state her business. ¡°I''m not selling!¡± he dered resolutely. ¡°I haven''t even mentioned my offer yet,¡± Xiao Ke''er replied with a smile. ¡°It doesn''t matter what your offer is; I''m not selling this building,¡± he said, his stance unwavering. The building was a prime piece of real estate in the heart of Eastsea City, valued at ten billion. By simply renting it out, he could live a life of luxury without a care in the world. Selling it could mean a potential loss, a risk he was not willing to take. Xiao Ke''er smiled again. ¡°I think it would be in your best interest to at least hear my offer.¡± ¡°I''m not interested in selling.¡± ¡°I''m prepared to purchase the building at a price ten percent above market value.¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°I can offer you a building of equal value in J City''s Second Loop.¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°The First Loop of J City.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I can secure a household registration for your family in the capital!¡± ¡°Alright!¡± The butler trailed behind Xiao Ke''er, listening to the exchange as if it were a haggling session at a vegetable market. Moments ago, the man had been adamant about not selling. Before arriving in Eastsea, the butler had considered himself quite worldly, but Eastsea had proven to be a ce brimming with unique talents and distinctive business styles. ?The middle-aged man was well aware of Xiao Ke''er''s prestigious background and her connection to the Xiao family, a renowned n in the capital. He knew she wasn''t deceiving him. Despite Eastsea City''s status as a top-tier city, it paled inparison to the allure of the capital, especially the coveted household registration there, which would give his academically challenged son a chance at attending one of the nation''s finest universities.? After some thought, the man said, ¡°I''m willing to sell the building, but I have one additional condition.¡± ¡°Please, tell me,¡± Xiao Ke''er encouraged. ¡°The Xiao family is renowned for their investment prowess, and you''re considered an investment prodigy. I''d like to hire you as a consultant for ourpany for one year.¡± The man offered a faint smile. ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Ke''er immediately agreed. The butler, upon hearing this, was momentarily taken aback. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately remained silent. With her response, the man wasted no further time. He signed on the spot. The Xiao family transferred a building of equal value to the man. In addition, the Xiao family financially settled the other tenants in the building and alsopensated for the breach of contract. Soon, the building would be ready for demolition. Xiao Ke''er and the butler entered the car. They headed directly for the vi. During the drive, the butler wavered, struggling with his thoughts, until he finally couldn''t contain himself any longer. ¡°Miss, why did you so readily agree to his terms? You could have negotiated with him.¡± Xiao Ke''er gazed out the window and replied, ¡°I understand your concern, but negotiating would only waste time.¡± She had intentionally instructed the driver to take a route that would pass by Su Ming''s property. As they drove by Su Ming''s ce, Xiao Ke''er involuntarily bit her lip at the sight of him tidying up the yard. ¡°Miss, that''s merely an obscure smallpany. Your status is far more distinguished,¡± the butler remarked.? The Xiao family heiress was a renowned figure in the investment world. Numerous international corporations were eager to recruit her. Yet, Xiao Ke''er had declined their offers. Though the man was a billionaire, he paled inparison to the Xiao family. It was akin to a PhD graduate from a prestigious university,den with honors and awards, and involved in pioneering technology, taking a job at a local television factory. Such an underutilization of talent. ¡°Enough,¡± Xiao Ke''er said, her smile faint. ¡°The decision is made; there''s no need for further discussion. And remember, Mr. Su must not learn of this.¡± The butler paused, exhaling a deep sigh, and shook his head. The young miss was exceedingly generous to Mr. Su. He envied Mr. Su greatly. Unaware of these events, Su Ming was upied with his work in the field. Two hours had psed, and the seeds in the basin were ready. Su Ming lifted the basin and made his way to the field. He selected a corner plot and densely sowed the seeds onto the soil. Once he had firmly pressed the earth down, he covered the area with a sheet of stic film. ¡°Yuvyuv reminded her master that the seedlings would sprout in five hours, and then you can transnt them,¡± she said. Su Ming nced at the clock. In five hours, it would be dark. He decided to grab a bite to eat first. The fridge was running low on supplies. ?Su Ming went back inside the house and changed his clothes. He walked across the street to the supermarket next door. No sooner had he taken a few steps than a young man approached him from the side. Dressed in a uniform, the young man inquired, ¡°Are you interested in working out?¡± Su Ming shook his head. Undeterred, the young man persisted, ¡°We offer great rates, and you''ll have a beautiful coach to guide you.¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. ?He had fallen for their deception before, spending an entire month''s sry on a gym membership. Aside from the first month when he used the gym showers twice, he never set foot in the gym again. He had no idea if there were any beautiful coaches there. Despite Su Ming''s refusal, the young man was relentless. Chapter 319 Chapter 319 - Dreams Come True ¡°I can offer you a special discount.¡± ¡°Only 5000 RMB for an entire year. That''s not too pricey, is it?¡± ¡°You''re quite the negotiator. How does 4000 RMB for the year sound?¡± ¡°Do you still find that expensive? What about 3000 RMB for the year?¡± ¡°I can''t reduce the price any further, otherwise our club will lose its profit margin. The absolute lowest I can go is 2000 RMB for the year!¡± ¡°Still not convinced? What if I throw in an additional 100 private training sessions for free?¡± ¡°Isn''t that a good deal? Don''t push your luck.¡± Su Ming listened and sighed to himself. He hadn''t uttered a single word throughout the entire exchange. How could he be haggling? Seeing that Su Ming remained unaffected, the young salesman sighed as well. ¡°Where do you work? What''s your profession? Is yourpany hiring?¡± Su Ming was taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. Sales tactics had be quite distinctive. Salespeople would build rapport with potential customers through casual conversation before pitching their products. Customers who were less confrontational might feel too awkward to decline the offer, often ending up purchasing out of sheer politeness. Even if the salesman targeted ten customers and only one made a purchase, it was still a win for him. The young man had been trailing Su Ming for 50 meters. Just one more turn and they would lose sight of the club''s entrance. Yet, he persisted, seemingly determined to follow Su Ming until he agreed to sign up for a membership. ¡°Don''t tell me you find me annoying. I''m starting to annoy myself.¡± Su Ming had remained silent the whole time. But that did nothing to deter the young man''s endless prattle. Su Ming paused, pondering the situation. Was this some novel sales strategy? ¡°In our job, themissions are low and the benefits are meager. The bulk of what we earn from sales goes to the owner, leaving us with just a small cut,¡± hemented with a gloomy expression. Su Ming was at a loss for words. He truly wished the young man would stop following him. ¡°Did you hear about the guy who bought a plot ofnd downtown just to farm it? Do you know him?¡± the young man inquired. Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He was well aware of the story, as he was the man in question. ¡°I''m quite jealous of him. Land in the city center is incredibly expensive, yet he bought it to farm. Such luxury.¡± ¡°Sometimes I wonder if my family is secretly wealthy and owns property in the downtown area, but my parents have kept it from me as a test,¡± I muse. The young man tagged along with Su Ming into the supermarket. Su Ming gave him a quizzical look. His persistence was remarkable. Su Ming had a sneaking suspicion that if he headed to the restroom, the young man would follow him there too. And Su Ming was itching to tell him just how absurd his ideas were. ¡°I''m convinced my dream will be a reality!¡± the young man suddenly proimed, his fists clenched with fervor. Su Ming jumped at the outburst, and so did everyone else in the supermarket. All eyes were on Su Ming and the young man. Su Ming sidestepped, putting some distance between them. He didn''t know this guy at all! ¡°My parents have to be wealthy. There''s got to be a huge estate out there waiting for me to inherit. Every hardship I face is surely a test! If I persevere, I''m destined to take over the family empire and manage our wealth!¡± the young man dered, his eyes brimming with hope. Su Ming shook his head, unable to hide his disbelief. He wondered if the young man had been reading too many fantasy novels. Could he really believe everyone was a hidden millionaire? Ironically, standing right before him was a genuine hidden millionaire¡ªSu Ming himself. Pushing his cart to the snack aisle, Su Ming listened to the young man continue to mutter to himself. ¡°God has given me a grand mission, hence my trials. I''m bound for greatness!¡± ¡°So, what do you think about signing up for a gym membership?¡± the young man abruptly switched gears. Su Ming couldn''t help but burst intoughter at the sheer audacity. The young man hadn''t lost sight of his original goal, despite his momentary disdain for worldly concerns. Now he was back to facing the harsh reality. He was inwardly frustrated. What could he do? It was tough to make sales nowadays. Gyms were everywhere, yet few people were interested in memberships. Without being persistent with potential clients, he wouldn''t make any money. His sales tactics were high-stakes. This month, he''d been roughed up seven times, but thepensation totaled thirty thousand RMB. He hadn''t lost out¡ªin fact, he''d made more than his regr paycheck! ?He was overjoyed! Today, when he encountered Su Ming, he thought Su Ming seemed quite persuadable. So, hetched onto Su Ming. Right as Su Ming was rolling his eyes, the young man''s phone rang. Caught off guard, he pulled out his phone. ¡°Mom, I''ve told you, I can''t take calls while I''m at work.¡± ¡°Son!¡± A woman''s voice came through from the other end: ¡°Your father bought you a piece ofnd. When can youe to see it?¡± ¡°What?¡± The young man was taken aback. Su Ming was equally surprised. His dream hade true! Tears sprang to the young man''s eyes. He was so moved that his hands shook. He wasn''t just daydreaming after all! ¡°Mom, hold on, I need to make a call!¡± He ended the call. Then he flipped through his contacts and dialed a number. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± An authoritative voice answered. ¡°Jerk! I''ve been wanting to tell you, I''ve despised you for a long time. I''m quitting, effective immediately!¡± With that, he hung up. The thrill of wealth was exhrating! He imagined his boss, who squeezed everyst drop of work from his employees, would be seething with anger. The thought alone made him want to chuckle. He then called his mother back. ¡°Mom, thank you for everything you''ve done for me over the years. I''m deeply moved. Rest assured, I won''t let you down!¡± Tears streamed down his face as he spoke. ¡°Why are you crying? Your father simply bought you a piece ofnd.¡± A voice tinged with confusion came from the other end. ¡°It''s not a big deal. Thend isn''t worth much. Your dad intended it as a birthday gift for you.¡± Hearing this, he was even more touched and burst into tears. Chapter 320 Chapter 320 - The Truth He was so thrilled that he plunged his hand into his pocket. With a dramatic gesture, he yanked out a handful of cards and mmed them onto the ground! ¡°I won''t have to sell cards ever again!¡± ¡°It''s just a plot ofnd. Are you really that worked up over it?¡± A voice tinged with confusion came through the phone. The young man''s excitement was undiminished. The truth was known to everyone but him. After enduring so much hardship, he had finally discovered the truth! Naturally, he was ecstatic. ¡°Mom, rest assured, I''ve spent all these years learning about investment and financial management in my spare time.¡± ¡°I understand now that all my current struggles are just a test you''ve set for me.¡± ¡°But don''t worry. I''ve grown up. You can entrust thatnd to me, and I promise to exponentially grow our family''s wealth in record time.¡± He went on and on. The supermarket was bustling with people who overheard his conversation and couldn''t help but feel envious. They were worlds apart from him now. Just minutes before, they were all at the bottom rung of society. But now, he was a wealthy man. He ownednd! ¡°Maybe I should go home and ask my parents if they''re secretly wealthy too?¡± ¡°Who knows, I might have a piece of farnd waiting for me!¡± The bystanders let their thoughts wander. They gazed at the young man with eyes full of envy. The young man, phone in hand and the other hand on his hip, was passionately outlining his future and ambitions. He envisioned a future filled with towering skyscrapers, tens of thousands of employees, and bank ounts brimming with digits. He saw himself in a plush office, nked by beautiful secretaries. He imagined a life of endless cigars, fine wines, and gourmet meals. He had reached the pinnacle of sess! The more he talked, the more animated he became,pletely oblivious to the fact that his mother had been silent for quite some time. ¡°Mom!¡± Atst, he coughed twice, his throat parched from talking, ¡°Mom, where exactly is thisnd? What''s it worth?¡± ¡°Thend is right under our apartment building, you know that!¡± The voice on the phone sounded puzzled. Under the building? He paused, taken aback. His excitement dimmed slightly. Their home was in the suburbs, and the value of suburbannd paled inparison to that of the city center. But he knew he shouldn''t be too greedy. At least he had a piece ofnd to his name. Moreover, it could very well be a test for him! Even if it was merely a suburban plot, with the right strategy, he could turn it into a lucrative business. ¡°Mom, how big is thisnd?¡± he asked eagerly. If thend wasrge, he''d consider taking out a loan to build on it. If it was small, he''d lease it. Either way, he was confident he wouldn''t lose money. ¡°Let me check,¡± the middle-aged woman replied, pausing for a moment before adding, ¡°Thend is roughly the size of a small table.¡± He was dumbfounded. What? Thend is only as big as a small table? Less than a square meter? Surely, his mother was pulling his leg. ¡°Mom¡­¡± his voice quivered, ¡°Where did thisnde from?¡± ¡°Your dad purchased it,¡± she exined. ¡°The courier service has been incredibly slow. Your father ordered this delivery half a month ago, and after much prodding, the seller finally shipped it. Thankfully, it arrived before your birthday, or we would have had to file aint!¡± He stood there, frozen. His mother had been referring to a delivery, not actualnd! He was on the verge of tears. In his panic, he''d discarded his card, made frantic calls, and even berated his boss. And for what? He ended up with nothing. The pain was unbearable. ¡°Son, what''s the matter?¡± his mother inquired. ¡°I''m okay,¡± he replied softly. ¡°Mom, I''ve got things to handle here, so I''m going to hang up now.¡± With that, he ended the call. Hisplexion was ashen as he staggered in ce. He remained motionless for a full five minutes. Finally, he crouched down and began collecting the discarded cards. Turning around, he dialed his phone with a heavy heart. ¡°Manager Wang, I apologize. I had too much to drink earlier. Please, I''m begging for your forgiveness. I can''t afford to lose this job.¡± He wouldn''t bother Su Ming anymore. He had enough on his te as it was. Su Ming just shook his head and smiled. He wasn''t bothered in the slightest. Nowadays, people were blinded by their thirst for wealth. Too many were chasing the dream of overnight riches, getting lost in their own delusions. He had encountered many such individuals before, so nothing about the situation surprised him. Su Ming made some purchases and also bought a small cart. He loaded his purchases into the cart and strolled off, humming a tune and stepping lightly. He intentionally bypassed the fitness club, intending to head straight home. Upon reaching his doorstep, he noticed a ck sedan parked outside. Recognizing the license te, he identified the vehicle. It belonged to the Xiao family. Approaching, Su Ming saw five people standing in the yard. There was a family of four and an elderly man at the center. Xiao Luyuan. ¡°I presume you''re Mr. Su?¡± Xiao Luyuan greeted Su Ming with a warm smile. ¡°Mr. Su, you truly have an impressive presence. If my son had even a fraction of your talent, I would rest easy.¡± Xiao Chen stood by, feeling rather exasperated. He remained quietly on the sidelines, not uttering a word, yet Xiao Luyuan still seemed to undervalue him. It was an ufortable feeling. ¡°You''re too kind. Xiao Chen is still young, so his energy and enthusiasm are to be expected. He''s also quite bright. Give him a few years, and he''ll aplish great things,¡± Su Ming responded cheerfully. Xiao Chen vigorously nodded in agreement. Su Ming was spot on! His words couldn''t be truer! Indeed, Su Ming understood him best! ¡°This visit is to express my gratitude for your life-saving assistance. I''ve brought a modest token of appreciation for you to ept,¡± Xiao Luyuan said, handing a red booklet to Su Ming. Upon inspection, Su Ming saw it was and ownership certificate. It appeared the Xiao family hadpleted the purchase of the building. ¡°Let''s continue inside,¡± Su Ming said with a beaming smile, leading the way. ¡°Brother-inw, let me help you with your items!¡± Xiao Chen quickly offered, taking some of the load from Su Ming. The party of six entered the vi and settled into their seats. Su Ming brewed tea for everyone. They refrained from using ginseng this time, not out of stinginess on Su Ming''s part, but because Xiao Luyuan was still recuperating from a serious illness. Despite appearing as healthy as anyone else, he was still somewhat frail. He had already incorporated a significant amount of ginseng into the medication. However, Xiao Luyuan''s body was unable to assimte these nutrients. Chapter 321 Chapter 321 - I Can Still Raise Fish ¡°Mr. Su, we''ve also secured a construction crew for you,¡± Xiao Luyuan said cheerfully. Su Ming was delighted; this made things much more convenient for him. ¡°Then I really appreciate it,¡± Su Ming responded with a smile. ¡°I heard the building next door is yours as well?¡± Xiao Luomu inquired. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. ¡°Great, we can demolish both buildings,¡± Xiao Luomu added, ¡°It shouldn''t take too long, perhaps within three days.¡± They work that quickly? Wang Guohui had given Su Ming a building before, and he had demolished it overnight. But that building wasn''t very tall. These two buildings, however, were rtively new, less than ten years old, and had many floors. Their ability to demolish them so quickly was impressive. But this was a positive development. Su Ming had reached level 10. Yet, the System had shown no change for some time. Su Ming was just six acres short. Once he consolidated thesends, the size of his holdings would increase dramatically. The System would then be eligible for an upgrade. Truth be told, Su Ming was eagerly anticipating the upgraded System. What would it be like? After some more conversation, they left, and Su Ming changed back into his work clothes to head out to the fields. Before, Su Ming had only irrigated a small section of the paddy field for growing seedlings. He would wait for the rice seedlings to reach a certain height before transnting them. He was looking at arger, five-acre paddy field that he hadn''t started working on yet. As the seedlings grew taller, Su Ming first constructed an earthen dam around the perimeter of the two-acre plot. Hepacted the soil by stepping on it and then used a shovel for furtherpaction. Next, he ced a water pipe inside and moved on to the remaining three acres. He built another dam in the same manner and filled it with water from a connected hose. By the time he finished with the three acres, the two-acre plot was almost ready. Su Ming rolled up his pant legs, attached a bucket to the back of the tractor, and drove straight into the field. Previously, the ground here was nothing but hard soil. Even though water had been added, the bottomyer remained tough. Su Ming aimed to break up the soil again, allowing the water to prate deeper and shatter therge clumps within. Seated in the tractor, all he could hear was the engine''s roar and the sight of mud sttering about. Su Ming steered the tractor forward, relishing the experience. It was a wonderful feeling! After more than two hours ofbor, he had managed to prepare all five acres. He nced over at the rice seedlings, which were nearly ready to sprout. ¡°Yuvyuv, how much longer before these rice seedlings can be nted?¡± inquired Su Ming. ¡°Master, roughly 20 minutes. You could nt them now, but I rmend waiting for better quality,¡± Yuvyuv advised. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. He decided to wait the twenty minutes; there was no rush. He moved the recliner over and sat beside the two acres ofnd. Autumn had set in, bringing with it refreshingly cool nights. This was indeed the most pleasant time of the year. With his eyes closed on the recliner, Su Ming listened to the bustling traffic outside. The earthy scent filled his nostrils, lulling him into a drowsy state. Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep! ¡°Master, I must remind you, the time hase,¡± a voice gently roused him. A voice suddenly echoed in Su Ming''s mind, soft and soothing. Despite having just fallen asleep, being awakened by this voice didn''t bother him in the slightest. Being jolted awake when one is deeply asleep or just waking up is usually quite jarring. Su Ming paused, taken aback. Had he not misheard, Yuvyuv seemed to have spoken directly into his mind, hadn''t she? ¡°Yuvyuv, can youmunicate with me in my mind?¡± Su Ming posed the question mentally, without uttering a word. ¡°Of course, Master!¡± ¡°Then let''s continue our conversations this way from now on.¡± ¡°Very well, Master!¡± Yuvyuv responded. Noticing the rice seedlings had grown significantly, Su Ming got down to business, starting the transntation process. The rice seedlings were densely packed, their roots intertwined and forming a thick mat beneath. Su Ming grabbed a hefty clump of rice seedlings. Clutching them in his hands, he strode into the field and began to expertly transnt the seedlings, having had previous experience with the task. Choosing to disable his Stamina Talent, Su Ming wanted to fully embrace the hardship and exhaustion of farming. What would be the purpose otherwise? Thanks to the Body-stretching Pill he had consumed, his physical condition was excellent. After some time, he stood up to wipe off his sweat, surveying the verdant sprouts covering the field with a sense of satisfaction. Midway through, Su Ming headed to the breeding zone to distribute feed and fruit. The chickens were nearly full-grown, but their unique qualities remained unseen until harvest time. Pausing briefly to ponder, Su Ming resumed hisbor, working tirelessly until well past midnight toplete all his tasks. ¡°You have sessfully nted rice! Harvest time: 42 hours!¡± announced the System. Su Ming straightened up, hands on hips as he admired the expanse of rice paddies, feeling a swell of pride. He inspected the area; the embankments were solid, and the paddies had plenty of water. After spreading some fertilizer, he checked on the special nts in the corner, which had grown significantly. A sturdy stem had emerged, crowned with a budding flower peeking through in a hue of red. ?What could a red flower signify? Su Ming estimated it would be just a few more days until the nt reached maturity, a moment he had been anticipating for nearly half a month. Gazing at the rice field, he stroked his chin, contemting whether to introduce carp and crabs into the ecosystem. ¡°Yuvyuv, is it possible to raise fish here?¡± he inquired. ¡°Of course, Master!¡± Yuvyuv replied. ted by the confirmation, Su Ming reveled in the sess of his n. But now, in the early hours of the morning, the market was closed, and although the wholesale stores might be open, he was unsure of their locations. Deciding to postpone the matter, he chose to get some rest. Before turning in, Su Ming made onest visit to the breeding zone, topping off the feed and adding more fruit. ¡°Host, you''re incredibly lucky. You''ve triggered the lucky evolution in the breeding zone!¡± ¡°You now have two options!¡± ¡°Option one: Decline the lucky evolution and harvest at the regr time.¡± ¡°Option two: ept the lucky evolution and wait 72 hours to harvest.¡± Su Ming stood there, momentarily stunned. His luck was astoundingly good! Could it be the effect of the Blessing Potion? Without any hesitation, he chose the second option. ¡°I choose the second option!¡± ¡°Host, you''ve selected the Lucky n. Your harvest will be ready in 72 hours!¡± Su Ming burst into heartyughter. His luck was truly on his side, and his hard work today hadn''t gone to waste. Had he unlocked his Stamina Talent, he probably would have finished all his work by now. It was clear that he was meant to farm the old-fashioned way. Feeling upbeat, Su Ming washed his hands and feet, and gave the tractor a good cleaning as well. Then he headed off to bed. In his dreams, Su Ming envisioned hisnd teeming with nes, cannons, rockets, tanks, and aircraft carriers. There were even spaceships! Chapter 322 Chapter 322 - Fake ?The next morning, Su Ming rose early and checked on the fields. The rice stalks had grown significantly, and he anticipated the harvest in just forty hours. Afterward, he visited the breeding zone to provide food and water. Driving directly to the seafood market, Su Ming parked right at the entrance and stepped out into the briny scent of the sea. He resolved to cultivate fish, as crabs proved too unruly. Back in his hometown, no one dared to raise fish in the rice paddies for fear they''d vanish¡ªnot due to theft, but because of the numerous predators. But with the System''s assistance, Su Ming had no such concerns. Activating his scanner, he browsed the market until a stall with plump,rge carp caught his eye. After scanning, the results showed: Domestic carp, quality: excellent. ¡°Do you want to buy some fish?¡± asked the stall owner, a portly middle-aged man dressed in shorts, with a towel draped over his neck. He was in the midst of gutting a fish but paused to warmly wee Su Ming. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°How much for this carp?¡± ¡°This carp is exceptionallyrge and well-fed. I assure you, there''s no better carp in the market,¡± the owner boasted. ¡°Naturally, the price is a bit higher. While others sell for six yuan per catty, ours are eight yuan per catty.¡± The price seemed fair, especially given the impressive size of the carp, each weighing over ten catties, with gleaming scales and a golden belly. Clearly, they were well-cared-for. ¡°I''ll take 500 fish,¡± Su Ming dered. ¡°500 fish?¡± The owner was taken aback by the size of the order¡ªa major customer indeed! ¡°Alright!¡± he agreed eagerly, setting aside his current task. A nearby customer frowned in displeasure, prompting Su Ming to say, ¡°There''s no rush. Finish up with his order first.¡± ¡°Sure thing!¡± The owner nodded with enthusiasm and quickly set to work cleaning the fish for the waiting customer. He approached Su Ming and rubbed his hands together, smiling. ¡°I don''t have that many fish on hand, but I''ve got plenty in stock. Just give me an address, and I''ll ship them over to you.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Su Ming pondered for a moment before agreeing. He then provided an address. The boss was taken aback upon seeing it. The address Su Ming had given was in the downtown area. He surmised that there must be a banquet happening there. Only someone of significance could host such a grand event. He assumed Su Ming was likely an assistant to a chef. The boss silently snickered to himself. A chance to make a profit had presented itself. Once Su Ming had purchased the carp, he drove straight back home. He cleaned the breeding zone and straightened up the yard. A car pulled up at the gate. The boss stepped out, looking confused. He had expected to arrive at a skyscraper or perhaps a hotel service entrance, but instead, he was at a gate. ¡°You''ve arrived.¡± Just then, Su Ming emerged, beaming. The boss paused, taking in his surroundings. The property was expansive. But it was all wheat fields. This wasn''t a ce for raising fish. ¡°Boss, do you have everything?¡± Su Ming asked. ¡°Rest assured, all 500 fish are here,¡± the boss replied cheerfully, opening the rear door of his vehicle. ¡°Okay.¡± Su Ming nodded. Out of the blue. ¡°Master, Yuvyuv alerts you that the fish quality has changed,¡± Yuvyuv''s voice echoed in Su Ming''s mind. Su Ming paused, slightly bewildered. He activated his scanner for a quick look. Domestic carp, quality: poor. Yet, he struggled to discern any difference. To him, they seemed identical to the ones he had seen earlier. ¡°Boss, there seems to be a mistake,¡± Su Ming said calmly. ¡°I can''t ept these fish.¡± The boss was instantly rmed. These carp had been raised on a special diet. To the naked eye, they appeared indistinguishable from the previous batch. It was nearly impossible to spot any discrepancy. He had assumed that Su Ming, being young, would not notice any difference. He had brought this batch of carp, each costing 5 yuan, expecting to make a hefty profit. With each fish weighing at least 15 catties and a total of 500 fish, he stood to make a margin of 22,500 yuan. This wasn''t an insignificant sum. He had assumed Su Ming was just a small fry. Having been in the market for many years, he was convinced that buyers like Su Ming wouldn''t fuss over the quality of the fish. Besides, hardly anyone could spot the difference in this batch of carp. He had expected to turn a hefty profit. Yet, Su Ming had noticed the discrepancy. He was utterly perplexed. However, he couldn''t own up to it. ¡°What are you implying? You asked for 500 fish, and I went out of my way to ensure I had them ready for you. Are you saying you don''t want the fish I''ve painstakingly transported here?¡± The boss red, his brow furrowed as he raised his voice. Su Ming offered a slight smile. He casually scratched his ear. ¡°If the fish are subpar, naturally I''d refuse them.¡± ¡°I don''t care!¡± The boss scoffed, ¡°Listen, unless you cough up 5000 yuan, you''re going to face consequences!¡± Chapter 323 C323 ¨C Let¡¯s Just Barely Keep It Upon hearing the demand, Su Ming¡¯s thoughts raced: ¡°What? Are you trying to shake me down? Five thousand? Do you think you¡¯ll strike it rich off me?¡± Before he could respond, the screech of tires pierced the air. A car came to a smooth halt at the curb. A middle-aged man in a suit emerged, clutching a document and beaming. He had barely taken a few steps when another car rolled up. Then a third! And a fourth! Each time a car stopped, someone stepped out, documents in hand, smiling broadly as they made a beeline for Su Ming. Su Ming was taken aback. Who were these people? What did they want? ¡°Director Zhao.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that Director Qian?¡± ¡°Boss Sun, it¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°Boss Lee, let¡¯s put the past behind us.¡± ¡°Mr. Zhou, I¡¯m thinking of increasing the price for our joint project.¡± ¡°Good morning, Boss Wu!¡± ¡°Mr. Zheng, your products are of excellent quality.¡± ¡°Boss Wang¡­¡± The entrance became a parking lot as more cars arrived. In no time, there were nearly dozens. The neers stepped out and exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances. Something seemed off to Su Ming. Their names were Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li, Zhou, Wu, Zheng, and Wang? Were they assembling a veritable list ofmon surnames? Hold on, these faces¡­ they seemed oddly familiar. He was sure he had seen them somewhere. Su Ming wasn¡¯t the only one dumbfounded; the fish vendor was equally perplexed. What was happening? Should they call for backup? Were they gearing up for a brawl? The fish vendor wondered if he and his 500 fish could take on this crowd. He had no clue! ¡°This kid¡¯s got some nerve, summoning help so swiftly,¡± the vendor mused to himself. He¡¯d never seen a group arrive in cars for a fight, and not just any cars¡ªluxury ones at that. The cheapest among them would set you back a cool 700,000 to 800,000 yuan. Could people this wealthy really be looking to throw down? Unthinkable! As the vendor wrestled with his confusion, a recognizable face caught his eye. Wasn¡¯t that Director Fong, the head honcho of Eastsea City¡¯s biggest seafoodpany? What brought him here? ¡°Director Fong!¡± The vendor approached with a grin, ¡°Director Fong, what brings you here?¡± Director Fong paused momentarily, his brow furrowed as he scrutinized the boss before him. ¡°Who might you be?¡± He took a small step back, not out of dislike for the boss, but for another reason entirely. The boss reeked of fish, so much so that flies buzzed around him. ¡°Director Fong, it¡¯s me, Ma Guangcai. I¡¯m a regr buyer from yourpany. Have you forgotten me?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Director Fong had a moment of recognition, then said, ¡°I don¡¯t remember you.¡± Ma Guangcai was taken aback. If Director Fong didn¡¯t remember, why pretend to have an epiphany? Director Fong ran thergest seafoodpany in Eastsea City. Every fishmonger in town, including Ma Guangcai, frequented his establishment. Each morning, nearly a hundred people would crowd at thepany¡¯s doors to purchase fish. And Director Fong, being thepany¡¯s owner, certainly wouldn¡¯t be selling fish at dawn himself; that was a task for his employees. So, of course, he wouldn¡¯t recognize Ma Guangcai. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Director Fong inquired, still frowning. ¡°Don¡¯t get me started, Director Fong. This young man is beingpletely unreasonable. I diligently followed his instructions, delivering 500 fish, and now he refuses them. He¡¯s disrespecting us fishmongers. I¡¯m determined to set him straight today!¡± Director Fong looked surprised. He blinked, swallowed hard, and asked cautiously, ¡°Are you certain you¡¯re referring to him?¡± ¡°Yes, him!¡± Ma Guangcai affirmed, hands on his hips. Director Fong rubbed his nose and asked, ¡°Did you tamper with the fish?¡± Ma Guangcai let out a sly chuckle and leaned in to whisper to Director Fong, ¡°It¡¯smon knowledge.¡± ¡°You swapped out the fish, and now you expectpensation?¡± Director Fong couldn¡¯t help but blurt out the usation. Ma Guangcai nearly jumped out of his skin. What was Director Fong thinking, spilling the beans like that? Now he wouldn¡¯t be able to demand any money. It had been years since he¡¯d encountered such a novice. Couldn¡¯t Director Fong just let him make a quick buck? Someone of his stature should be attending meetings instead. Why would he sabotage his own business? Right next to him stood the Guoxing Building, the premier skyscraper in Eastsea City. Ma Guangcai had assumed that Director Fong had parked on the roadside to attend a meeting at the Guoxing Building. ¡°Mypany will never sell you fish again!¡± Director Fong dered, his face expressionless. Ma Guangcai was rooted to the spot,pletely motionless, upon hearing this. Why would he say that? Isn¡¯t this just the industry¡¯s unwritten rule? Director Fong himself had engaged in such deals numerous times, hadn¡¯t he? Why was he so infuriated? Feng Group was thergest seafood enterprise in Eastsea. Without their fish, he¡¯d have no other source to turn to. ¡°Director Fong, can we talk¡­¡± As Ma Guangcai turned to follow Director Fong, he stopped dead in his tracks. When had all these people arrived? A crowd had gathered around Su Ming. The individual at the forefront raised his arm and bellowed. Then, in unison, the rest followed. ¡°Good morning, Chairman!¡± Their voices thundered through the air. Ma Guangcai was dumbfounded. What? Who are these people? He didn¡¯t recognize all of the 100 individuals, but he could identify a few. Among them were executives of major corporations. The rest, though unfamiliar, were dressed impressively, likely holding significant positions. All these affluent, impably dressed executives were addressing a young man in in clothes, his limbs smeared with dirt, as their chairman? Could someone please exin what was happening?! Even Director Fong was bowing respectfully. At a perfect 90-degree angle! Many onlookers merely gave a cursory nce. They remained unfazed. They continued on to work or home as if nothing was amiss. Their nonchnce stemmed from familiarity; this was trivial to them. The young man living here was a person of considerable influence. Not long ago, the streets were closed off, andyers of police protection were provided for Su Ming. Compared to that, this situation was minor. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you,¡± Su Ming acknowledged them. They were the bosses of the 100panies acquired on his behalf by the System. ¡°Chairman, here¡¯s the situation. We¡¯ve formed a private group,¡± the middle-aged leader exined, approaching Su Ming with a smile. ¡°We¡¯re grateful for the trust you¡¯ve ced in us, leaving thepany in our hands. You are, and always will be, our chairman. To put your mind at ease, we decided to visit you today and present ourpany¡¯s financial statements for your review¡­¡± It all made sense now. Su Ming had an epiphany. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that these bosses would be so understanding. But truthfully, Su Ming wasn¡¯t fond of running apany. And he liked dealing with finances even less. After all, he wasn¡¯t short on cash. His bank ount boasted over ten billion. There really wasn¡¯t much he needed to spend money on. Frankly, if the System hadn¡¯t acquired theirpany, he wouldn¡¯t have wanted it at all. Such a hassle. But he might as well keep thepany. Click to visit???? OR download the app directly??All kinds of fantasy novels here?? Chapter 324 C324 ¨C There Was a Beauty Who Invited Su Ming Su Ming cleared his throat with a slight cough. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Chairman, my name is Mei Shu!¡± Su Ming nearly burst intoughter. The name Mei Shu had an unfortunate ring to it. He meant no harm, but the name was amusing. ¡°Well¡­¡± With a smile, Su Ming gave Mei Shu a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Mei Shu bowed even deeper. His heart raced. His cheeks flushed with excitement! He thought to himself, ¡°Oh my god! The chairman patted my shoulder! What an incredible honor!¡± Those standing behind him were green with envy. He had caught the attention of Su Ming! To them, Su Ming was the tycoon who had snapped up 100panies. His family background had to be remarkable. To be acquainted with such an influential figure would be their good fortune. If such a VIP deigned to pat their shoulders, they would treasure the clothes they were wearing for life. Some even mused, ¡°I could skip a bath!¡± It was a badge of honor! It was akin to an ancient emperor bestowing amoner with a pat on the shoulder¡ªa cause for immense excitement. Ma Guangcai was at a loss for words. Just who was Su Ming to be such an influential figure? He had actually crossed paths with Su Ming! Ma Guangcai was on the verge of tears. With Su Ming¡¯s lofty status, he could easily have sent someone to purchase fish. Why did he go himself? Was it intentional? But now, Ma Guangcai was trapped. His car was hemmed in by the vehicles of other business owners. Escape was impossible. If only he were a fish, he could leap into the water and swim away. Ma Guangcai didn¡¯t know what to do and stood there, his face a picture of difort. Su Ming, however, paid him no mind. Truth be told, a small fish like Ma Guangcai had long been dismissed from Su Ming¡¯s thoughts. Ma Guangcai couldn¡¯t even stir a ripple in Su Ming¡¯s emotions. Turning his attention to Mei Shu, Su Ming dered, ¡°You¡¯ll manage these 100panies. You¡¯re now the general manager of all of them. Whatever happens, you don¡¯t need to report to me, just steer clear of illegal dealings!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got other matters to attend to, so let¡¯s wrap this up,¡± Su Ming stated coolly. ¡°Yes!¡± responded the 100 bosses in chorus. ?They quickly turned, got into their car, and sped away. Within a mere two minutes, they had all disappeared, leaving only a stunned Ma Guangcai standing in ce. Ma Guangcai shivered, wanting to exin himself, but he found he was at a loss for words. ¡°Get a better batch,¡± Su Ming said, uninterested in any further discussion. ¡°Yes!¡± Ma Guangcai, terrified, took Su Ming¡¯s words as if they were a reprieve. He scrambled into his vehicle and sped off in a cloud of dust. In less than thirty minutes, he returned with 500 fish, each one plump and sulent, far superior to those Su Ming had previously seen in the market. ¡°Boss,¡± Ma Guangcai stammered. Su Ming nced at the scanner. The fish¡¯s quality was not just excellent¡ªit was outstanding! ¡°Dump the fish into the swimming pool,¡± Su Ming instructed. ?Without hesitation, Ma Guangcaiplied. As he drove into the yard, he noticed several acres of farnd sown with wheat and arge vi at the center,plete with a spacious swimming pool and a fish pond out front. Ma Guangcai¡¯s hands shook in disbelief. He must have been out of his mind to have angered Su Ming. Setting aside the fact that Su Ming was the chairman of 100panies, just owning such a vast tract ofnd in the city center made him untouchable. After unloading the fish into the pool, Su Ming was ready to pay him, but Ma Guangcai refused the money and fled in his car. Su Ming, left with no other option, called Mei Shu to arrange payment. Before leaving, Mei Shu had given Su Ming his business card. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll contact him,¡± Su Ming mused, pocketing the card¡ªa decision he didn¡¯t expect to act upon so soon. Su Ming then closed the gate behind him, picked up a fishing, and began to methodically catch the fish, transferring them into the rice fields. He stocked three acres with 300 carp and two acres with 200 carp. ¡°You¡¯ve sessfully raised carp. Now you can harvest them along with the rice!¡± Su Ming chuckled heartily upon hearing the notification in his mind. Patience truly was a virtue in farming. If he had beenzy and neglected the fish, he wouldn¡¯t have any to harvest. The System appeared straightforward, yet it boasted numerous hidden features. He still had more to uncover. Carp swam beneath the rice seedlings as Su Ming stood on the embankment, fishing in hand, looking quite content. Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Who could it be? Su Ming wondered, momentarily taken aback. He went to the door and swung it open. It was Xiao Ke¡¯er. She was exceptionally well-dressed today. Her ck dress was impably tailored,plemented by high heels and subtle makeup. Seeing Su Ming, Xiao Ke¡¯er greeted him with a smile, ¡°Mr. Su, I hope I¡¯m not interrupting.¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Su Ming replied with an easy smile, having just finished his chores with no further ns. ¡°Mr. Su, I¡¯ll be returning to the capital in a few days. Thank you for your help; my grandfather has fully recovered. Do you have any free timeing up? I¡¯d like to invite you to dinner,¡± Xiao Ke¡¯er asked, her courage evident, her cheeks blushing slightly with the question. The young elites of the capital would be astounded to hear Xiao Ke¡¯er¡¯s invitation. Many sought her affection there, and they were all influential figures. Yet Xiao Ke¡¯er had always declined their advances with a cool detachment, never growing close to anyone, much less dining with them. The idea of her initiating an invitation to dinner was even more unheard of. But Su Ming was oblivious to all this. Truthfully, even if he were aware, it wouldn¡¯t concern him. For him, everything paled in importancepared to his farming. ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks; after all, you¡¯ve given me a building,¡± he said. Checking the time, Su Ming added, ¡°It¡¯s just about lunchtime, and I¡¯m starting to feel hungry. Give me a moment to change my clothes.¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app directly??All kinds of fantasy novels here?? Chapter 325 Chapter 325 - Pestering People ?At the Xiao family estate, a sleek ck sedan pulled up to the grand entrance. The door swung open, and an impably dressed man with an air of arrogance stepped out. He adjusted his clothes before striding into the manor. ?Inside the courtyard, he spotted Xiao Luyuan soaking up the sun. Approaching with a smile, he greeted, ¡°Grandpa Xiao.¡± ?Xiao Luyuan opened his eyes a fraction and replied, ¡°Faang, what brings you to Eastsea?¡± ¡°My family has some business matters here, so my father sent me,¡± Faang exined. ¡°I heard about your recovery and brought a small gift to celebrate.¡± ?He epted a small box from an assistant standing behind him¡ªan inkstone, far from ordinary. ?Xiao Luyuan gave it a cursory nce and responded, ¡°Please extend my thanks to your father.¡± ?After a brief pause, Faang ventured, ¡°You''re inquiring about my sister, aren''t you?¡± ?Just then, Xiao Chen emerged from the house. He had noticed Faang Ying from the upstairs window. The Faang family was wealthy; Faang Ying''s father had established apany that, over the decades, had grown into one of the nation''s top enterprises. Faang Ying, much like the privileged sons of the capital''s elite, had been relentlessly pursuing Xiao Chen''s sister. Faang Ying was a frequent visitor to their home in the capital, and Xiao Chen had hoped that moving to Eastsea would end the constant attention. Yet, here was Faang Ying again. ¡°Yes,¡± Faang Ying confirmed with a grin. ?¡±My sister and her husband are out dining,¡± Xiao Chen mentioned offhandedly. ?¡±Her husband?¡± Faang Ying was taken aback. In the capital, just days ago, Xiao Ke''er had been single. How could she have a boyfriend so soon? It seemed inconceivable, surely a misunderstanding. Faang Ying recovered quickly, his smile returning. ¡°That''s wonderful news. I''ve known your sister since childhood, and I''m thrilled she''s found someone she can trust. I''d love to meet your brother-inw. Do you know where they''re dining? I''d like to join them.¡±? Faang Ying spoke with confidence. He had a history of numerous girlfriends and a wealth of experience. Had the Xiao family not been so influential, he would have already been intimate with Xiao Ke''er. Faang Ying mused to himself, ¡°If the guy is the scion of a major family, I''m out of luck. But if he''s just some random guy, I''ll make sure he regrets it.¡± Xiao Chen, aware of Faang Ying''s thoughts, couldn''t help but snicker. Even Grandpa Xiao had to address Su Ming with the honorific ¡°Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Alright, I''ll give my sister a call,¡± Xiao Chen said, grinning. ¡°Great, I''ll wait for you in the car outside. Grandpa Xiao, I''ll take my leave now,¡± Faang Ying said cheerfully. Xiao Luyuan gave a slight nod, his eyes remaining closed, as Faang Ying walked away smiling. Xiao Ke''er was Xiao Luyuan''s most cherished child, and he cared deeply about her well-being. Yet, despite Xiao Chen''s lengthy conversation, Xiao Luyuan hadn''t uttered a single word, which was quite surprising. However, Faang Ying wasn''t bothered; he suspected Xiao Ke''er had orchestrated this silence. His confidence was unshaken. Meanwhile, in downtown Eastsea City, Su Ming had just finished changing his clothes. ¡°Shall we?¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°You didn''t drive here?¡± he asked, noticing the absence of a car outside. ¡°The butler dropped me off,¡± Xiao Ke''er replied with a smile. ¡°I''ll go get a car from the garage,¡± Su Ming offered. Just as he was about to leave, Xiao Ke''er called out from behind. ¡°I''d like to ride in a truck.¡± Su Ming paused and turned to look at her, a hint of helplessness in his expression.? While most people dream of driving sports cars, they were keen on riding in a truck¡ªa truly unique preference. ?Noticing Su Ming''s gaze, Xiao Ke''er''s cheeks flushed with color. ?¡±Truth be told, I always have to be extremely careful about my behavior, diet, and dress. It''s quite exhausting,¡± she confessed. ¡°But today, they''re all away. In Eastsea City, there are few who recognize me,¡± Xiao Ke''er added cautiously. ?Su Ming nodded in understanding upon hearing the news. Xiao Ke''er had always carried herself with grace and poise, never acting impulsively even when alone. Herposure was particrly evident now, with Su Ming by her side. However, Su Ming didn''t give it much thought. ?Before long, Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er climbed aboard the truck. Xiao Ke''er was filled with curiosity; she had to admit, she had never ridden in a truck before. As they set off, her phone rang¡ªit was Xiao Chen. She answered, but her face fell almost immediately. After a brief conversation, she hung up. ?¡±What''s wrong?¡± Su Ming inquired, turning to her with concern. Xiao Ke''er paused briefly before sharing the details with him. ?¡±I understand,¡± Su Ming said with a reassuring smile. ¡°Well, that''s perfect. Since he''s our guest, we should let him pick a restaurant.¡± ?¡±Okay.¡± Xiao Ke''er pondered for a moment and then sent a text message to Xiao Chen. Chapter 326 Chapter 326 - Faang Ying Was Really Amazing Shortly after, Xiao Ke''er received a text message. ¡°Milo Sunshine.¡± She nced at the content of the message. Upon hearing this, Su Ming nodded in recognition. He was aware that Milo Sunshine was an exceptionally renowned Western restaurant with a high level of expenditure. And if he wasn''t mistaken, this restaurant was located within the ck Plumplex. Driving along, Faang Ying couldn''t help but smirk to himself. He had learned something interesting during his conversation with Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen''s brother-inw was merely a farmer, whereas Faang Ying''s family ranked among the top 100 wealthiest in the nation. Xiao Chen, noticing Faang Ying''s smug look, silently amused himself with the thought. Mr. Su did indeed work thend, but he did so in the heart of the city. His farnd spanned 11 acres, with an additional acre for his residence. This 12-acre plot was exceedingly valuable. Even more impressive were Mr. Su''s possessions, which included a variety of precious herbs, antiques, jade, and calligraphy by renowned artists. The fact that Mr. Su owned such a prime piece ofnd at his young age was a testament to his extraordinary status. ?Xiao Chen had deliberately withheld details to set a trap for Faang Ying, who was brimming with overconfidence. If Faang Ying knew Xiao Chen''s true thoughts, he would be absolutely livid. They soon reached their destination. Faang Ying andpany waited outside for a moment before a truck rolled up slowly. Faang Ying stepped aside, continuing to scan the road. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Xiao Chen. ¡°What''s up?¡± Faang Ying asked, a hint of bewilderment in his voice. ¡°My sister has arrived,¡± Xiao Chen said cheerfully. At that, Faang Ying''s brow furrowed. He hadn''t caught sight of Xiao Ke''er. Craning his neck, he peered around, but the truck was obstructing his view. Growing impatient, he said, ¡°Move the truck out of the way, will you?¡± But before he could finish his demand, he was struck speechless. Xiao Ke''er emerged from the truck''s passenger side. Faang Ying stood there,pletely taken aback. Xiao Ke''er had actually stepped out from the truck! Faang Ying''s eyes twitched uncontrobly. ?He was at a loss for words. ¡°Let''s go grab some food,¡± Xiao Chen suggested cheerfully from behind. Faang Ying blinked in surprise, then realized, ¡°Kemeng, you actually arrived in a truck?¡± Xiao Ke''er responded, ¡°Ah, Young Master Faang. Thanks for the invitation.¡± ¡°It''s no big deal¡ªwe''re friends after all,¡± Faang Ying replied with a slight smile, his demeanor softening. Su Ming stood at the entrance, surveying the restaurant. He was right; this was one of the 100 restaurants on his list. ¡°I''ve never been to Milo Sunshine before,¡± Su Mingmented with a smile. Faang Ying''s spirits lifted at the remark. Now was his chance to impress! Su Ming had never been to Milo Sunshine! And yet, he dared to woo Xiao Ke''er! ¡°Milo Sunshine is a renowned Western restaurant with top-notch fare, though it''s a bit pricey. Many people never get the chance to dine here in their lifetime.¡± Faang Ying''s confidence seemed to swell. He stepped forward, chest puffed out with pride. ¡°This is the only Milo Sunshine in Eastsea City. It''s frequented by many VIPs, and reservations are booked until next year.¡± ¡°Luckily, I''m acquainted with the owner. Let''s head in and eat.¡± Faang Ying strutted inside, hands sped behind his back, portraying himself as a sessful man with extensive connections. Little did he know, the three people trailing behind him looked on as if he were a simpleton. Actually, Su Ming meant to imply that he owned the restaurant, despite never having visited. Faang Ying was oblivious to Su Ming''s implication. He was brimming with self-satisfaction, eager to astonish Su Ming. Faang Ying had managed to secure a reservation only with someone else''s help, unaware that it was Su Ming''s approval of Mei Shu''s request that had secured their spot. The group entered. Su Ming took in the surroundings. ¡°This ce is quite nice.¡± What Su Ming left unsaid was, ¡°It''s just as I would expect of my own restaurant.¡± But Faang Ying, hearing this, felt a surge of happiness. ¡°The ambiance is actually just average. If you''re freeter on, I can show you around some more.¡± Su Ming offered a smile. ¡°I really appreciate it. It''s thanks to you that I got to dine in such a fine restaurant.¡± Faang Ying, upon hearing this, swelled with pride. He held his head high, convinced that Su Ming was about to give up his pursuit of Xiao Ke''er. Meanwhile, in the bustling hall, General Manager Lee Dahai was attending to guests. The clientele here were all high-profile individuals. Lee Dahai presented them with signature dishes and handed out his business card. Amidst his duties, amotion at the entrance caught his attention. He turned to look and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. It was none other than the new Chairman, Mr. Su Ming! ?Lee Dahai blinked rapidly in disbelief. The Chairman himself hade to dine here! Without a moment''s hesitation, Lee Dahai, apanied by the restaurant''s manager and head waiter, made a beeline for Su Ming, a radiant smile stered on his face. Faang Ying, basking in his own delight, was taken aback as he saw a group approaching him. He nced at their name tags, mistakenly thinking that the restaurant''s general manager hade to greet him personally. Chapter 327 Chapter 327 - Arrogant Faang Ying Faang Ying swelled with pride as he watched the crowd approach him with great reverence. He cleared his throat and straightened his attire. With his hands sped behind his back, he strode forward, head high and chest out. Su Ming couldn''t help but find the sight amusing. He decided to quietly observe Faang Ying''s cool demeanor. Before Lee Dahai could utter a word, he caught Su Ming shaking his head. Su Ming shot him a significant look, then cast a sidelong nce at Faang Ying. Lee Dahai paused, then realized Su Ming didn''t want him to reveal the truth. Grasping Faang Ying''s hand, Lee Dahai greeted him with respect, ¡°Sir, your visit truly honors our establishment!¡± ?Faang Ying was taken aback. It was his first time in Eastsea City, his first time at this restaurant, and his first time meeting Lee Dahai. Yet, Lee Dahai greeted him with such warmth and respect. He quickly reciprocated the handshake. ¡°Manager Lee, I appreciate the personal wee. Thank you!¡± Faang Ying was visibly smug. ?Su Ming walked behind, barely containing hisughter. ?Xiao Ke''er and Xiao Chen were quite astute. They had noticed Su Ming''s subtle cue to Lee Dahai. They instantly grasped the truth and struggled to suppress their giggles. The effort to stifleughter was almost unbearable. They were all in on the secret except for Faang Ying. Their deceit was palpable. Oblivious, Faang Ying continued to bask in his cool facade, unaware of their suppressed mirth. ?¡±You are a distinguished guest. Your presence at our shop fills us with immense joy,¡± Lee Dahai continued tovish praise on Faang Ying. His ttery, though, was intended for Su Ming''s ears, not Faang Ying''s. But Faang Ying was none the wiser. He stood taller, his pride growing. He gave Su Ming a haughty look and snorted dismissively, clearly feeling superior in the pursuit of Xiao Ke''er''s attention. ¡°Manager Lee, you''re too kind. We''ve been acquainted for many years, and we even shared drinks in the capital recently. We''re old friends; there''s no need for such formality.¡± ?Faang Ying continued to strut around with an air of self-importance. Lee Dahai''s badge disyed his name and position, so Faang Ying was able to identify him easily. After listening to Faang Ying''s antics, Lee Dahai felt nauseated. He was at his limit. Not having eaten yet, thest thing he wanted was to throw up. He had never met Faang Ying before and was certain that Faang Ying was fabricating stories. ?Su Ming and hispanions struggled to contain theirughter, nearly running out of breath. Lee Dahai let out a quiet sigh, feeling secondhand embarrassment for Faang Ying. Since Su Ming remained silent, Lee Dahai chose not to call out Faang Ying''s bluff just yet. ?¡±I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to invite you inside, leaving you standing at the door for so long. Please,e in,¡± Lee Dahai said with a warm chuckle. ¡°Manager Liu, please escort these esteemed guests to the VIP room upstairs. I''ll personally prepare some appetizers for them.¡± ¡°Manager Lee, I appreciate your efforts,¡± Faang Ying said, pping Lee Dahai on the shoulder with a grin. He strode inside, visibly pleased with himself. Once Faang Ying had turned away, Lee Dahai couldn''t help but roll his eyes. He noticed Su Minggging behind and approached him cautiously. In a hushed tone, he asked, ¡°Boss, why are you letting this happen?¡± ?Su Ming gave a nonchnt smile. ¡°Just remember, you don''t know me, and he will be footing the bill for the meal.¡± Lee Dahai caught on immediately. ¡°Got it!¡± he eximed, pping his thigh in a burst of tion. He began to feel a twinge of pity for Faang Ying. Unaware of the snareid out for him, Faang Ying was basking in his perceived triumph. ¡°Do you all think my cool demeanor is wless?¡± he boasted. ?Su Ming and the others exchanged nces before quickly nodding in agreement with Faang Ying. They soon reached the most secluded and opulent private room on the third floor. Lee Dahai, having prepped his staff, greeted Faang Ying with a beaming smile. ?¡±Mr. Faang, having you visit us in person is a great honor. The rest of you, please excuse us. Mr. Faang, feel free to tell me directly what you''d like to eat and drink,¡± Lee Dahai offered graciously. ?¡±You''re too kind!¡± Faang Ying beamed, clearly delighted. With Lee Dahai, the restaurant''s general manager, personally attending to him as a waiter, Faang Ying''s arrogance knew no bounds. Chapter 328 Chapter 328 - Show off Faang Ying pondered for a moment. This wasn''t a ce just anyone could frequent; even the wealthy couldn''t afford to dine here regrly. Securing a reservation was a mark of one''s social standing. ?Faang Ying had not only managed to secure a reservation, but he was also attended to by the general manager himself¡ªa truly exceptional privilege. What''s more, Boss Lee had gone out of his way topliment him. ¡°It''s my honor to serve our most esteemed guest,¡± Lee Dahai said, ncing at Su Ming. He was referring to Su Ming, of course, but Faang Ying mistakenly believed the praise was directed at him, which delighted him immensely. ¡°Manager Lee, these are my friends. Would you mind taking their order?¡± Faang Ying requested, lounging in his chair with a casual smile. ¡°Right away!¡± Lee Dahai responded with a grin, quickly approaching Su Ming and hispanions. He presented three menus to them with utmost reverence. Lee Dahai''s deference was, of course, due to Su Ming''s presence. Su Ming was the big boss, a man of mystery and formidable influence. The two individuals seated beside him clearly had a close connection with him. The young woman, in particr, was strikingly beautiful with an air of elegance about her. Her rtionship with Mr. Su was undoubtedly significant. The young man next to her bore a strong resemnce to her, suggesting they were siblings. Lee Dahai was especially careful, considering she might be Mr. Su''s girlfriend and the young man his potential brother-inw. Yet, Faang Ying was under the impression that Lee Dahai''s respectful demeanor was all for him. He was sorely mistaken. ?Opening the menu, Faang Ying noted the steep prices. Nheless, it was a small price to pay to reflect his own prestige. ¡°Brother Su, this restaurant is part of a nationwide chain. There''s one in the capital as well¡ªI''m a regr there. Today, I wanted to invite you out as a gesture of friendship. Please, feel free to order,¡± Faang Ying said to Su Ming, beaming with barely concealed pride. Su Ming offered a polite smile and perused the menu. This establishment was indeed a renowned Western restaurant with a reputation for its costly fare. Despite being part of a chain, this particr location had its own unique shares. Su Ming scrutinized the menu and raised an eyebrow. ¡°A fruit sd for 580 yuan?¡± he inquired, spotting the item on the menu. ?¡±Mr. Su, you have quite the eye for quality,¡± Lee Dahai said, eagerly promoting their products. ¡°These fruits are grown onnd ourpany specifically contracted abroad. We have experts monitoring the growth temperature, humidity, and climate for the vegetables and fruits. We adhere to very strict standards, discarding anything that doesn''t meet them. Take these apples, for instance: they''re sweet, low in fiber, crisp, and utterly delectable. Truly a modern-day delicacy.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Faang Ying was even more pleased to hear this. ¡°If Brother Su is a fan, let''s get him a sd,¡± Faang Ying dered with a smug grin. ?Su Ming couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. ¡°How can this steak, at only 30 grams, be priced at 880 yuan?¡± Su Ming inquired, pointing to a steak on the menu. ¡°This steak has quite an extraordinary backstory,¡± Lee Dahai continued. ¡°Ourpany owns a small ind in the ocean with exceptionally high-quality pasture. We''ve established a cattle ranch there where the cows are given milk to drink, music to listen to, and massages for rxation. The calves are ughtered before they reach six months.¡± ¡°However, the cattle breed is rare, the breeding conditions are stringent, and the yield is incredibly low. Only a handful of cows meet our standards each year.¡± ¡°The beef''s texture is tender, ranking among the finest. The chef sears the beef to a perfect medium-rare, delivering a charred aroma followed by the beef''s authentic vor.¡± ¡°It''s a taste that lingers on the pte,¡± Lee Dahai remarked. ?¡±I''ll take four servings of beef!¡± Faang Ying announced right after Lee Dahai finished. ?What did it matter if the dish was expensive? He had the money and could easily afford it. Besides, it was a testament to his distinguished status. Faang Ying was thrilled. ?He nced at Su Ming and asked nonchntly, ¡°Where do you work?¡± Su Ming looked up from the menu and replied with a slight smile, ¡°I''m in agriculture.¡± Despite anticipating the answer, Faang Ying burst intoughter. ¡°Farming, huh? That''s very down-to-earth of you.¡± His voice dripped with sarcasm and delight in another''s misfortune. Xiao Chen and Xiao Ke''er exchanged a knowing nce. Upon hearing this, Lee Dahai couldn''t help but think Faang Ying was utterly foolish. Su Ming offered a faint smile. He nced at Lee Dahai. In that moment, Lee Dahai grasped the situation. He took a few minutes to silently pay his respects to Faang Ying in his mind. Chapter 329 Chapter 329 - Are You Unable to Drink? Lee Dahai rubbed his hands together and approached Faang Ying. ¡°Young Master Faang, I''d like to offer a modest proposal,¡± he said with a deferential air. Faang Ying was quite pleased with Lee Dahai. He thought to himself that if his subordinates were as attentive as Lee Dahai, his days would be filled with joy. ¡°What''s on your mind, Manager Lee?¡± Faang Ying inquired. ¡°Young Master Faang, given your illustrious family and indifference to wealth,¡± Lee Dahai began. Faang Ying perked up, standing a bit taller; thepliment sat well with him. ?¡±It''s clear to me that you''re in high spirits today,¡± Lee Dahai added. ?¡±Indeed!¡± Faang Ying confirmed with a nod. ?¡±To be frank, the dishes we''ve served so far are quite pedestrian and hardly befitting someone of your stature.¡± Faang Ying hade to demonstrate his influence, and thesemon offerings did little to showcase his status. ?¡±What do you suggest, Boss Lee?¡± Faang Ying prompted. ?Lee Dahai quickly moved to a side cab and retrieved a small, yet ornate purple menu. ¡°Take a look, Young Master Faang. The menu you perused earlier is our standard one, which most patrons use.¡± ¡°But for a guest of your esteemed caliber, we reserve our exclusive internal menu.¡± ¡°The culinary delights listed here are out of reach for the average diner, but for someone of your means, they represent the pinnacle of global cuisine,¡± Lee Dahai exined. ?¡±Is that so?¡± Faang Ying replied, clearly intrigued. ?He smiled as he opened the menu to reveal the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of gourmet offerings, a stark contrast to the unremarkable steaks served earlier. ?¡±Manager Lee, make a few rmendations. Money is no object,¡± Faang Ying said casually, leaning back in his chair. ?¡±With your permission, Young Master Faang, I''ll suggest a few selections,¡± Lee Dahai responded cheerfully. ?¡±We''ve just received a shipment of caviar, infused with gold leaf. It''s both exquisite and prestigious, truly a top-tier delicacy.¡± ¡°Excellent! I''ll take four servings,¡± Faang Ying dered without hesitation. ?¡±Right away!¡± Lee Dahai affirmed, using the tablet beside him to ce the order. ¡°There''s also the goose liver. Ourpany raises these geese, and the breed is incredibly rare and costly. Their breeding conditions and diet are strictly controlled, which gives the goose liver a subtle, aromatic fragrance.¡± ¡°Four servings, please!¡± Faang Ying dered without hesitation. ?¡±And this ck truffle.¡± ¡°No need for more details. Just help me order! And bring two bottles of your finest Pinot Noir wine!¡± ¡°Right away!¡± Lee Dahai beamed with joy. ¡°Young Master Faang is truly generous. We can tell these dishes aren''t cheap just by their names,¡± Su Ming remarked. ?¡±It''s fine. I''m not concerned about the cost,¡± Faang Ying replied with a casual smile. ?At that moment, Lee Dahai returned, carrying two bottles of red wine. ?¡±Per Young Master Faang''s request, these are the finest two bottles of Pinot Noir wine in our establishment,¡± he announced. ¡°They''re a limited global edition and the pride of our shop. It''s only fitting we extend the best hospitality to Young Master Faang.¡± ¡°The price of these two bottles is quite reasonable, only about fifty thousand USD each.¡± Initially pleased, Faang Ying''s smile stiffened upon hearing the price, and a slight twitch appeared at the corner of his eye. ?The cost of the two bottles amounted to 600,000 yuan! ¡°Young Master Faang, is something amiss? Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps it''s too warm in here?¡± Lee Dahai inquired, feigning ignorance with a blink. ?¡±I''m alright,¡± Faang Ying assured. ¡°Do you find the wine too pricey? No issue. If it''s too much, I can remove them,¡± Lee Dahai offered. ?Hearing this, Faang Ying''s irritation red. ¡°Do you think I can''t afford the wine?¡± he snapped, eyes ring. ?He was clearly displeased. Su Ming nced at Lee Dahai and gave a covert nod of approval. Seeing Su Ming''s silentmendation, Lee Dahai''s enthusiasm surged. Chapter 330 Chapter 330 - Lies Lee Dahai couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly when he noticed Faang Ying was upset. Yet, outwardly, he feigned a look of utter panic. ?He hastened to offer Faang Ying an apology. ¡°I''m sorry, I misspoke!¡± ¡°Someone of your esteemed status surely wouldn''t have trouble affording two bottles of red wine?¡± ¡°Indeed, not just two bottles¡ªpurchasing two trucks of red wine would be a mere trifle for you!¡± ¡°Please, don''t stoop to my level over this.¡± ¡°I''m not worldly; the sudden presence of a distinguished guest like you threw me off bnce.¡± ¡°I implore you not to hold this against me.¡± Lee Dahai bowed deeply, his demeanor the picture of respect. ?Faang Ying''s mood lightened a bit at the sight. Had it not been for Lee Dahai''s attentive service earlier, Faang Ying would have stormed out on the spot! Seatedfortably, Faang Ying spoke with a deliberate slowness, ¡°Make sure not to repeat this kind of mistake in the future.¡± His voice dripped with condescension, reminiscent of a high-ranking official conducting an inspection. ¡°Understood!¡± Lee Dahai responded promptly. ¡°The dishes are ready!¡± ?The door swung open, and a waiter wheeled in a cart. The cart, arranged on three tiers, wasden with tes. ¡°This sashimi is crafted from bluefin tuna and is priced at triple the rate of gold. But for Young Master Faang, that''s hardly significant.¡± ¡°Here we have the Golden Mushroom, priced at double the value of gold, though it pales inparison to the sashimi.¡± ¡°And this is premium coffee, ground by hand. It''s quite reasonable at only 400 US dors per pound.¡± Lee Dahai cheerfully presented each dish. Initially, Faang Ying maintained aposed expression. But as Lee Dahai continued to detail the exorbitant prices of the dishes, Faang Ying''splexion grew increasingly ashen. Eventually, his face was frozen in shock, his eyes twitching involuntarily. The cost of the dishes was astronomical! While his family was wealthy, the valuation of apany hinged on the vtile nature of stock equity and prices. Moreover, a portion of his family''s wealth was tied up in fixed assets. His liquid capital was, in reality, quite limited. Even the mostvish meals at home didn''te close to the extravagance of these dishes. ¡°Young Master Faang, is something the matter? Is it too warm for you in here?¡± Lee Dahai inquired, feigning ignorance. Faang Ying frowned and nced at the nearby waiter. ¡°Could you please lower the air conditioning?¡± ¡°No need!¡± Faang Ying quickly interjected, stopping the waiter in his tracks. He felt like his blood was turning to ice. Were they trying to freeze him to death? Just then, Su Ming''s voice rang out, full of admiration. He picked up a slice of raw fish, chewing and sighing contentedly. ¡°This is incredible! Young Master Faang, thank you for this treat. I''ve never had anything so delicious in my life! You all should try it too.¡± Su Ming helped himself to another piece. Watching them, Faang Ying felt as if his heart was bleeding. He desperately wanted to stop them from eating. They weren''t just consuming food; they were devouring his money! ¡°Young Master Faang, you look quite pale. Is something wrong? If our hotel''s service iscking, we''ll make immediate improvements,¡± Lee Dahai inquired, feigning ignorance. ¡°The service is excellent,¡± Faang Ying managed to say, wiping the cold sweat from his brow and forcing a strained smile. He tried to appear nonchnt, but it was a struggle. The thought of the money being spent was too painful. The private room was spacious, with arge round tableden with exquisite ingredients. Lee Dahai was in high spirits. ¡°Many thanks, Young Master Faang. You truly live up to your reputation as a wealthy man. You''ve practically cleared out our inventory!¡± Faang Ying felt a lump in his throat at those words. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. He reached for his chopsticks and shakily picked up a piece of foie gras. ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Before he could enjoy it, Lee Dahai''s loud exmation startled him, causing the foie gras to tumble back onto the te. ?Lee Dahai promptly took the te away. ¡°This ingredient is far toomon for someone of your stature. Please, have this dish instead.¡± He presented Faang Ying with a bowl of soup and set the te of foie gras before Su Ming and the others. Faang Ying felt like weeping. He had been longing for that foie gras! Before he could utter a word, Lee Dahai quickly added, ¡°My apologies, Mr. Faang, if my service has disappointed you. Waiter, two more soups, please!¡± While Su Ming and the rest ate with gusto, Faang Ying was left staring at three bowls of soup before him. Faang Ying was so pitiable that even Su Ming felt a twinge of sympathy for him. The dishes at this high-end Western restaurant were pricey, yet the portions were modest. ?Patrons here prioritized quality over quantity, seeking a fine dining experience rather than a full belly. Nevertheless, Su Ming and hispanions had indulged heartily, leaving thempletely satisfied. ?They had devoured everyst ingredient on the table and drained the bottles of red wine. Faang Ying, staring at the three servings of soup before him, was visibly irritated. With a sense of resignation, he downed each one. Throughout the meal, Su Ming and the others incessantly expressed their gratitude to Faang Ying. ¡°Thank you, Young Master Faang!¡± ¡°You''re incredibly generous, Young Master Faang!¡± ¡°Thanks to your hospitality, Young Master Faang, I''ve tasted delights I never dreamed of!¡± ¡°You must eat snails often, Young Master Faang. I had never tried them before today, and after just one serving, I''m still hungry. Could I have yours?¡± ¡°That steak is excellent, Young Master Faang. Would you mind if I took your portion?¡± Su Ming and Xiao Chen echoed each other''s sentiments, while Xiao Ke''er giggled behind her hand. Faang Ying had lost all appetite to continue. He was already ruing his earlier attempt to impress. Atst, the lengthy meal came to an end. The feast had been consumed, yet he had partaken in nothing more than three bowls of soup. Faang Ying fought back tears. He was determined to maintain hisposure; a man shouldn''t cry so easily. If the tears were toe, they would find him in solitude. Seeing that everyone else was satiated, Faang Ying longed to leave. With a forced smile, he said, ¡°Boss Lee, I''d like to settle the bill, please.¡± He inhaled deeply as he spoke, bracing himself for the onught toe. Chapter 331 Chapter 331 - Even a Donkey in the Production Team Could Not be Bullied like This ¡°Please hold on, I''ll get your bill right away!¡± Lee Dahai stood nearby with a smile. ¡°After finishing your meal, it''s not ideal to just stand around waiting. Our restaurant offers special post-dinner treats. Would you like to try some?¡± Lee Dahai offered. Faang Ying was about to decline when Xiao Chen quickly interjected. ¡°Manager Lee, there''s no need to ask. Young Master Faang is of high status and quite wealthy,¡± Xiao Chen said. ¡°Bring us six servings of dessert. One for my sister, two for my brother-inw, and three for me!¡± ¡°Young Master Faang, you''ve already had plenty. You don''t really need this,¡± Xiao Chen teased. ¡°He surely won''t want to hang around us after this,¡± Xiao Chen mused to himself. Faang Ying felt like crying. ¡°How can they treat me this way?¡± he wondered silently. ¡°They''re picking on me!¡± Yet Xiao Chen''sment had, at least outwardly, maintained Faang Ying''s facade of grandeur. ¡°Go ahead and order,¡± Faang Ying finally conceded with a nod. He was determined to keep up the act, even if it meant grinding his teeth to dust. He hadn''t ordered for himself, which was a small financial relief. Lee Dahai promptly went to ce the order. Soon, he returned with the desserts and an exceptionally long bill in hand. Faang Ying''s eyes widened at the sight of the bill. ¡°They''ve really set me up,¡± he thought to himself. ¡°Surely, not even the vige donkey has been duped like this?¡± Faang Ying took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, striving to appear unfazed. After all, the money was bound to be spent at some point. Money is fleeting, so he shouldn''t fret over it. ¡°Let''s see the damage,¡± he said, trying to sound nonchnt as he took the bill. His eyes went straight to the grand total at the bottom. Upon seeing the sum, Faang Ying waspletely stunned. 25,467,400 ¡°Did this meal really cost 25 million?¡± Faang Ying nearly passed out with shock. ¡°Did we really spend that much?¡± He did the math again, certain that ten million should have more than covered the meal. He quickly scrutinized the menu once more. He noticed that the final dessert he had ordered was the Strawberry Arnold, one of the world''s most extravagant sweets. The strawberries atop the Strawberry Arnold were cultivated using a special technique, resulting in an exceptionally rich milky vor. These strawberries were marinated in exorbitantly priced wine, giving off a burst of fresh cream and peppermint when savored. But the pi¨¨ce de r¨¦sistance was the pink diamond nestled within each serving. Altogether, the six desserts were valued at 14 million. Yet, the strawberries themselves couldn''t justify such a steep price. While the pink diamonds were certainly valuable, they were notrge. So, what ounted for the hefty price tag? It was the cachet of the brand. Rumor had it that this dessert was a favorite of a queen in a foreignnd. Thus, people were indulging not merely in strawberries but in the significance that the dessert represented. This same logic applied to the pricing of luxury items. Faang Ying was on the brink of exploding with frustration. His attempt to y the part of a wealthy patron had backfired spectacrly. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Lee Dahai feigned ignorance, his face a mask of confusion. ¡°Young Master Faang, we''ve already applied a discount for you¡ªa 99% discount.¡± At that, Faang Ying almost burst with irritation. ¡°You call that a discount?¡± But upon reflection, he conceded that a 99% discount wasn''t too shabby. With an original total exceeding 20 million, a 99% discount meant a savings of over 200,000¡ªa small constion, but a constion nheless. ?¡±I''ll pay with a card!¡± Faang Ying dered, extracting his card with considerable effort. He clutched it tightly, reluctant to part with it. Lee Dahai, ever-smiling, gently ced his hand on the bank card and, with a firm tug, liberated it from Faang Ying''s grasp. Faang Ying''s face betrayed his dismay. Internally, he rallied himself. ¡°I''vee this far; I must keep up the act.¡± The thought of the fortune he''d spent on a meal where he''d eaten nothing but three bowls of soup was agonizing. Now, he entertained the desperate thought of snatching back his bank card and making a daring escape through the window. But the reality was stark: he was on the third floor, the windows were sealed shut, and the ground below was unforgiving stone pavement. A leap from this height would surely result in broken bones. ?Amidst Faang Ying''s distress, Lee Dahai returned. ¡°Young Master Faang, it seems there''s not enough money on your card.¡± Lee Dahai said with a smile, ¡°Perhaps you''ve grabbed the wrong one?¡± Faang Ying''s eye twitched uncontrobly. He clenched his jaw and produced another card. Yet, this one also fell short. After pooling together all his funds, he had amassed only 23 million. He was over two million short. Sweat beaded on Faang Ying''s forehead as panic set in. ¡°Young Master Faang, you''re not pulling my leg, are you?¡± Lee Dahai kept up his cheerful demeanor. His words, however, wereced with mockery. ¡°We run a modest operation here. I simply can''t write off more than two million.¡± ¡°If you''re unable to pay now, that''s alright; you can settle upter. But you''ll be added to our restaurant''s cklist.¡± ¡°We''ll post your photo at the entrance.¡± Lee Dahai''s tone suggested a friendly warning, but his true intent was to shame him. In the capital, Faang Ying was a person of stature. Being cklisted by this establishment, with his photo disyed andbeled ¡°insufficient funds,¡± would be a major blow to his reputation. ¡°I have money! I have plenty,¡± Faang Ying protested, nearly leaping to his feet. Shaking, he pulled out his phone and dialed his father. Eventually, Faang Ying held the phone a good distance from his ear. The booming voice on the other end was audible to all. The conversation was clearly not a pleasant one. In the end, Faang Ying''s father relented and wired three million. Only after the payment was made did Faang Ying breathe a sigh of relief. He was inwardly tormented. He felt like he could die from the humiliation! He was bound to face a barrage of criticism at home. Still, he had to maintain the facade of affluence. ¡°Haha, I was a little short this time. Next time I treat you all, I''ll make sure to bring enough,¡± Faang Ying said as he rose, forcing a casualugh. ?He thought to himself, ¡°I can easily drop 15 million on a meal. That farmer could never afford to spend so much.¡± Chapter 332 Chapter 332 - Regret If Su Ming knew what was going through Faang Ying''s mind, he''d surely nod in agreement. He certainly wouldn''t splurge on a meal here, given that he owns the ce. Plus, he has a savings of 10 billion yuan. Su Ming grinned and said, ¡°We owe this fine service to you, Young Master Faang. Thank you.¡± At those words, Faang Ying''s excitement soared. As Faang Ying was about to head out, Lee Dahai burst in. Faang Ying turned to him, bewildered. ¡°Manager Lee, what''s the meaning of this? I''ve settled my bill.¡± The thought of fleeing crossed Faang Ying''s mind. Lee Dahai paused, a bit taken aback. ¡°Young Master Faang, there''s been a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°I''m here to see our boss.¡± Lee Dahai said with a smile. Faang Ying was puzzled; there were only four of them, and his boss was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Young Master Faang, if you could step aside, please.¡± Lee Dahai requested. Faang Ying hesitated, then moved aside. Lee Dahai strode over to Su Ming and presented the ount book. ¡°Boss, here''s our restaurant''s turnover for the month.¡± Lee Dahai flipped open the ount book. Faang Ying''s mind went nk. Su Ming was the owner? Faang Ying was utterly dumbfounded. Su Ming nodded thoughtfully, taking the ount book to review it. ¡°Not bad at all, we''ve had a substantial ie this afternoon.¡± ¡°Indeed!¡± Lee Dahai knew Su Ming had orchestrated this to irk Faang Ying. ¡°With Young Master Faang''s patronage of 25 million yuan, today''s turnover is bound to surpass 26 million!¡± Faang Ying mentally unleashed every curse he knew. What a rip-off. He red at Lee Dahai, Su Ming, and the rest, his frustration boiling over. He realized he''d been duped from the moment he walked into this Western restaurant. Su Ming snapped the ount book shut, remarking, ¡°This ce hasn''t been doing too well, so your business is much appreciated.¡± Faang Ying was at a loss for words. All he wanted was to disappear into the springtime. ¡°I must be going, I have other matters to attend to,¡± Faang Ying announced. Then, from outside, came the sound of something breaking. Su Ming and the others stepped out to investigate. Faang Ying took an unfortunate tumble and ended up knocking over a vase on the nearby table. Lee Dahai rushed to his side in a panic. ¡°Young Master Faang, you need to be more careful! This is a Blue and White Porcin piece from the Song Dynasty, worth over two million!¡± Lee Dahai eximed. Upon hearing this, Faang Ying passed out. The ambnce arrived promptly, and the medics loaded Young Master Faang inside. In his unconscious state, he was babbling incoherently. Su Ming and the others couldn''t help but smile at the situation. If Faang Ying could read their thoughts, he would surely regret his visit. Xiao Chen couldn''t help butment, ¡°He really is a nuisance.¡± ¡°Many thanks, Mr. Su,¡± Xiao Ke''er said with a chuckle. Suddenly, Xiao Ke''er''s phone rang. She answered, exchanged a few words, and hung up. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize, but my father just called about an urgent matter at home. We''ll have to head back,¡± she exined. ¡°Of course,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Hop in, I''ll drive you.¡± They all entered the car, and Xiao Chen, initially aiming for the front seat, reluctantly moved to the back after catching his sister''s nce. Xiao Ke''er took the passenger seat, leaving Xiao Chen feeling slighted. Su Ming just smiled at the dynamic. Soon enough, he dropped them off at their home. After bidding farewell, he headed back to the city center, parking his truck and entering his property. He admired the thriving rice in his five-acre field and then attended to the chickens in the breeding zone, providing them with feed and water. ?After a satisfying stretch, Su Ming settled into the living room, turned on the TV, and started munching on snacks he''d bought earlier. The current TV dramas left much to be desired: characters would die at the slightest cough of blood, the plotlines were bizarre and illogical, and romance seemed to be shoehorned in without any rationale. It appeared that only the good-looking guys got the girl, while average men remained perpetually single. Su Ming stroked his chin, confidently considering himself among the handsome. Chapter 333 Chapter 333 - A Sessful Person He decided to catch up on the news. Su Ming expertly switched to the news channel, tuning into Eastsea City''s local broadcast. It was important to stay informed about his hometown. ?¡±Esteemed musician, conductor, and singer, Madam Wang Fanghua, a three-time Golden Melody Award winner and a leading authority in the national music scene, will soon visit the Eastsea City Symphony Orchestra for a performance,¡± the news anchor announced. Su Ming watched attentively, blinking asionally. He clicked the remote, shifting his focus to international news, acknowledging his limited expertise in music. ?While engrossed in the news, his phone suddenly rang. Su Ming checked the caller ID: President Chen. It dawned on him that he hadn''t seen President Chen in some time and wondered what had kept him so upied. ?¡±President Chen,¡± Su Ming greeted warmly as he answered. ?¡±Mr. Su!¡± came the reply. President Chen stood erect in his office, bending forward slightly, his phone cradled in his hands, his smile radiant. The bank''s executives around him acted as if they didn''t notice President Chen''s demeanor, well aware that Mr. Su was on the line. ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve been away on business and haven''t seen you for quite a while. I''ve missed you greatly and have brought back a small gift for you,¡± President Chen said. ¡°I wanted to deliver it personally, but I''m currently tied up with some urgent matters. However, I''d like you to receive the gift as soon as possible. Are you avable now?¡± ?Su Ming chuckled. So President Chen had been traveling. That exined his absence. And what about Wang Guohui? Had he been traveling as well? Su Ming''s hunch was correct. As a multinational corporation''s CEO involved in trade, Wang Guohui was abroad, dealing with a business negotiation. ?¡±Sure, I''lle over now,¡± Su Ming replied. ¡°I''ll be waiting for you!¡± President Chen ended the call with enthusiasm and mmed his hand on the desk. ¡°Everyone, prepare to receive Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± the bank staff responded in unison. They quickly organized themselves to greet Su Ming, lining up with impable posture. Despite the heat, their anticipation to meet Mr. Su was undeterred. ?President Chen quickly settled into his seat, briskly processing two documents in his hands. These were critical documents for the bank, and he needed to attend to them immediately. ?Su Ming switched off the TV and headed to the front door, where his truck was conveniently parked. Opting not to use the garage, he prepared to drive the truck out. As soon as Su Ming climbed into the vehicle, he heard a knock on the door. Looking down, he saw a young man standing below. The man appeared to be in histe twenties, with his hair slicked back and dressed in a suit and tie. He had deliberately rolled up his left sleeve to unt what seemed to be an expensive watch that gleamed in the sunlight. Exuding immense confidence, his expression seemed to say, ¡°I am a sessful person; you should admire me.¡± But what was this sessful individual doing knocking on his truck door? ?¡±Do you want to make some quick cash?¡± the man inquired, tilting his chin upward. ?Caught off guard, Su Ming responded, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Where are you headed?¡± the man pressed on. ?¡±To the east side of the city,¡± Su Ming replied. ¡°Perfect! Drive me to the east side, and I''ll give you 5 yuan for the trip. It''s an easy way to make some extra cash. Don''t turn it down; that would be a mistake. You have to build wealth gradually to be as wealthy as I am!¡± Su Ming blinked, unsure if he should voice the question that lingered in his mind. Why didn''t this sessful man have a car? He could have chosen not to own one for environmental reasons, but why not just hail a taxi? After all, the base fare for a taxi in the city was ten yuan. Was he really looking to save five yuan by hitching a ride in a truck? ¡°Thank you,¡± the man said, not waiting for Su Ming''s response. He opened the door and settled into the passenger seat with practiced ease, leaving Su Ming dumbfounded. When had he agreed to let the man in? And how was he so adept at climbing into the truck? The driver''s seat was quite high, and most people unfamiliar with trucks would hesitate, but this man''s actions were too fluid. Just how many times had he ridden in a truck before? ?Su Ming couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. He could tell that the so-called sessful man was just putting on an act. After all, no genuine sess story would step out every day in such attire. Yet, Su Ming chose not to call him out on it. With a grin, he inquired, ¡°Where are you headed? I''m off to the eastern part of the city, though I might not be going exactly where you are.¡± ¡°I''m on my way to Tianhua Bank,¡± the man replied with a smile. ?A look of smug satisfaction crossed his face as he added, ¡°I''ve got some major business to handle at the bank this time.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming realized they were headed to the same ce. ?He revved up the engine and merged onto the main thoroughfare. The sight of the self-proimed sessful man amused him greatly. ¡°I can spot a sessful person when I see one,¡± Su Ming remarked. ¡°What''s the big affair you''re attending to at the bank today?¡± Little did Su Ming know, hisment had piqued the man''s interest immensely. ?He perked up andunched into a narrative of his life''s aplishments, ranging from starting primary school at three to graduating from university at fourteen, followed by six years at a top-tier international university. He boasted about his myriad patents and thepanies he had established. Su Ming mused that if this man''s tall tales could be converted into fuel, his truck wouldn''t need refueling for a century. And if the man''s words could fill a room, Su Ming was certain the cab would have burst at the seams long ago. Chapter 334 Chapter 334 - He Was Stunned There were quite a few red lights along the way, which was to be expected in the heart of downtown, not to mention a bit of congestion. The young man had been talking non-stop for five minutes, his mouth dry from the effort, and he paused briefly. Su Ming thought he might finally fall silent. But after a mere five seconds, he resumed his monologue with renewed vigor. ¡°This time I went to the bank, it was to secure a loan,¡± he said. ¡°I''ve got this new project that''s caught the eye of some heavy hitters.¡± ?¡±People are throwing their money at it, eager to invest for a share of the pie.¡± ¡°I see it differently. I''m set on being my own boss, which is why I''m after a loan.¡± ¡°Guess who''s looking to back me?¡± He gazed at Su Ming, his eyes brimming with hope. Su Ming feigned great interest. ¡°Who?¡± No sooner had the words left Su Ming''s mouth than the young man pped his thigh with excitement. ¡°It''s Mr. Ma from Fortune Pay.¡± ¡°He''s been on the phone every day, wanting to invest and take me out to dinner. I''ve held off agreeing,¡± the young man dered. ?Su Ming responded with an approving thumbs-up. ¡°You should give up truck driving,¡± he advised. ¡°Entrepreneurship is your calling.¡± ¡°Look around; the world is teeming with opportunities. It''s through starting your own business that you''ll really strike it rich.¡± ?Undeterred, the young man pressed on. ¡°Did you know there''s an incredibly wealthy individual farming right in the city center?¡± ?He nced over at Su Ming, who blinked in response. ¡°I''m aware. Do you know him?¡± ¡°Absolutely. But keep it under wraps; he''s confided in me and no one else.¡± ¡°He''s from a secretive and affluent family back at the imperial court, with assets in the hundreds of billions. His journey here is all about gaining experience.¡± ?Hearing this, Su Ming was taken aback. The young man mistook Su Ming''s astonishment for gullibility. ?¡±This must stay between us,¡± he insisted. ¡°He shared this with me over dinner once.¡± ¡°I even know his name¡ªSu Ming. Anyone who buys such a vast tract ofnd in the city center to farm is no ordinary individual.¡± ¡°Yet he''s incredibly down-to-earth. We''ve be friends.¡± ¡°He''s an old childhood friend from the capital,¡± the young man went on. Su Ming was dumbfounded. As the young man''s tall tales continued, Su Ming''s phone began to ring. He looked down to see President Chen''s name on the caller ID. ?¡±Mr. Su, where are you?¡± Su Ming nced at the road sign. ¡°President Chen, I''m almost at the bank.¡± ¡°Great. I''ll wait for you here!¡± With that, President Chen ended the call. The young man chuckled upon hearing this. He was familiar with all the bank presidents in Eastsea City, having done his research. ?There was only one President Chen in Eastsea City, and that was President Chen of Tianhua Bank. ?He was convinced that Su Ming couldn''t possibly know President Chen! While the young man was scoffing at Su Ming, they arrived. The bank staff hade outside. They lined up on either side, their eyes filled with reverence. President Chen stood at the center, beaming. The young man assumed President Chen hade out to greet him personally, even though his earlier proposal had been rejected. ?He was sure President Chen must have realized the potential of his n after all. As the car came to a halt, the young man confidently pulled out five yuan from his pocket and handed it to Su Ming, the notes still damp with sweat. ?He stepped out of the car, straightened his clothes, and strode towards President Chen with joy. He smiled and nodded at the employees as he passed. ¡°Hard at work, I see. Thank you all.¡± The young man basked in the attention of those around him, interpreting their stares as admiration. ?But their gazes were actually filled with confusion. Continuing to smile and greet them, he approached President Chen as if he were a dignitary on an official visit. ¡°President Chen,ing out to meet me in this heat! Rest assured, once I make it big, I''ll definitely share the profits with you.¡± The young man reached out for a handshake. But President Chenpletely disregarded him. Instead, President Chen quickly made his way to Su Ming''s side. ¡°Mr. Su, it''s been too long.¡± Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke. The staff members witnessing this scene were moved to tears as well. ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve missed you so much!¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Chapter 335 Chapter 335 - The Gift President Chen Had Given Him The Sessful Young Man waspletely taken aback by the scene before him. He wondered to himself, ¡°What in the world is going on?¡± ¡°The person you''re supposed to be meeting is right here.¡± ¡°I''m the one who''s truly impressive.¡± ¡°Why are you fussing over someone who drives a truck?¡± ¡°President Chen, could you have mistaken me for someone else?¡± The Sessful Young Man wasn''t about to give up. He quickly stepped forward. ¡°President Chen, I''m the one you''re supposed to be greeting. Have you forgotten that I just called you?¡± ¡°Move aside!¡± President Chen turned back. He gave the Sessful Young Man a fierce re. The employees around them echoed the sentiment in unison. ¡°Move aside!¡± Their stares were just as intense. They were perfectly synchronized. President Chen immediately turned his attention to Su Ming, his demeanor changing in an instant. A broad smile spread across President Chen''s face. ¡°Mr. Su, this way, please!¡± ?No sooner had President Chen spoken than the employees around him also transformed their expressions. They were now the epitome of respect. Bowing deeply, smiles stered on their faces, they chorused. ?¡±Mr. Su, this way, please!¡± President Chen took Su Ming by the hand. He escorted Su Ming into the bank, with the employees trailing behind them. ?They all made their way inside. The Sessful Young Man tagged along behind them, but he barely managed two steps before¡­ ?¡±Thud!¡± He walked smack into the ss door. Thest two security guards had shut it right in his face. ¡°Ouch!¡± The collision left the Sessful Young Man in pain. ¡°Why him? Why do you value him so much and not me?¡± The Sessful Young Man stood outside, his voice loud with indignation. ?¡±Who do you think you are? You think you canpare to Mr. Su? Mr. Su farms in the city center; can you do that?¡± ¡°What?¡± The Sessful Young Man was utterly dumbfounded. ¡°What''s going on?¡± He realized, ¡°I''ve been boasting all this time.¡± ¡°But the real deal was sitting right beside me.¡± ¡°My goodness!¡± ¡°How could this happen?¡± But true to his moniker, the Sessful Young Man was quick to adapt. ?He reassured himself, ¡°This is a stroke of luck in disguise.¡± ¡°At the very least, I got to see Su Ming.¡± ¡°And I even spoke to him.¡± ¡°We chatted the whole way there; that makes us friends, doesn''t it?¡± ¡°Next time I boast, who will dare to doubt me?¡± With renewed confidence, the Sessful Young Man straightened up and strode back the way he came, head held high, after just a couple of steps. ?He paused and turned his head to take a look at Su Ming''s car. He mused, ¡°If this big shot is farming downtown, he must be rolling in dough, right?¡± ¡°So, can I just take these five bucks?¡± ¡°He surely won''t care.¡± The Sessful Young Man pped his thigh in excitement. ¡°I''m just too clever,¡± he thought. ¡°I''ve ridden for 3 kilometers and it didn''t cost me a dime.¡± ¡°Only someone as brilliant as me could pull this off.¡± ¡°How can anyone else''s mind race as quickly and cleverly as mine?¡± Resolute, the Sessful Young Man swung the car door open and climbed in. Su Ming hadn''t bothered to lock it. He was indifferent to the possibility of his car being stolen; it wasn''t worth much anyway. Plus, he had parked right in front of the bank. If anything went missing, a quick call to the police would have them recover it in no time. As soon as the Sessful Young Man settled into the car, two security guards fixed their gaze on him. They recognized that he had entered Mr. Su''s vehicle and were incensed. Reaching into their pockets, they pulled out electric batons, thinking, ¡°You dare to steal right before our eyes?¡± ¡°And to steal from Mr. Su, no less?¡± ¡°Are you asking for trouble?¡± ¡°Get out!¡± the guardsmanded. ¡°You''ve got some nerve, stealing in broad daylight like this.¡± The Sessful Young Man was swiftly subdued by the guards with a stun gun, his body convulsing to the sound of the electric current. Upstairs, Su Ming had just stepped into President Chen''s office when he heard the wail of police sirens. He paid it no mind; the police were simply doing their job. ¡°Mr. Su, I''m aware that you''re not fond of money; such things are trivial to you. This time, I''ve brought you something truly special,¡± said President Chen as he poured Su Ming a ss of water. With a secretive smile, President Chen fetched a briefcase from the side. Su Ming noticed its heft. The case was ck, metallic, and shimmered in the light¡ªa clear sign that it was designed for transporting valuables. Su Ming''s curiosity was piqued. ¡°What sort of treasure has President Chen brought me?¡± he wondered. ¡°What kind of treasure requires such extensive protection?¡± Su Ming watched as President Chen keyed in a password and authenticated his fingerprint. After much effort, President Chen finally managed to open the box. Curiosity piqued, Su Ming peered inside. He thought to himself, ¡°Unless I''m mistaken¡­¡± ¡°Is this a bag of seeds?¡± ¡°My goodness.¡± ¡°President Chen, was all this necessary?¡± ¡°Just for a bag of seeds.¡± Su Ming wondered, ¡°Is such heavy security really warranted?¡± Opening the box had clearly been exhausting for President Chen; sweat beaded on his forehead. The box was not only heavy but also had aplex locking mechanism. Moreover, it had been a long time since President Chen hadst seen Su Ming, adding to his excitement. ?He eximed, ¡°Mr. Su, these are seeds I''ve brought for you all the way from the capital.¡± ¡°I have a friend who is particrly fond of gardening.¡± ¡°He developed these seeds himself through hybridization.¡± ¡°I''m not too familiar with the details. But I know you enjoy farming, right? You like nting flowers and such.¡± ¡°So, I thought I''d bring you some.¡± President Chen set the items before Su Ming with an eager expression, reminiscent of a grade schooler awaiting a teacher''smendation. ¡°Mhm.¡± Su Ming smiled in appreciation of President Chen''s kind gesture. ?But before Su Ming could respond, Yuvyuv''s voice suddenly echoed in his mind. ?¡±Master, Yuvyuv has detected two special seeds within this bag.¡± ¡°Special seeds?¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He quickly inquired in his thoughts. ¡°How special?¡± ¡°They''re just like the unique nts you''ve been cultivating in the corner, Master. You''ll see them if you activate the scanner.¡± Overjoyed, Su Ming activated the scanner without dy. ?The seeds in the bag were yellow, much like the hue of rice grains. ?Yet, two seeds stood out in vibrant green. They shone like emeralds, translucent and emitting a soft green glow. This glow was something Su Ming recognized all too well. He thought, ¡°Aren''t these the same as the cotton and ck plum I acquired?¡± But the glow around these seeds was more intense and a deeper shade of green. When he had obtained the cotton and ck plum, they were merely enveloped in a thin green film. Clearly, these two seeds were of a significantly higher caliber. ¡°President Chen is truly impressive.¡± ¡°He''s brought me such incredible treasures.¡± Su Ming was overjoyed. President Chen was sweating bullets. He thought to himself, ¡°I''m done for!¡± ¡°I''ve botched it.¡± ¡°Mr. Su definitely doesn''t appreciate this gift.¡± ¡°He wouldn''t have just frozen there, holding it, otherwise.¡± ?¡±I''ve totally messed this up.¡± ¡°Chen Guosheng, oh Chen Guosheng.¡± ¡°How could you be so foolish?¡± ¡°How could you make such a blunder?¡± ¡°You''ve worked so hard to build a good rapport with Mr. Su.¡± ¡°And now, you''ve ruined it all in one fell swoop.¡± ¡°Mr. Su!¡± With a voice tinged with desperation, President Chen pleaded, ¡°I''m sorry, I was wrong. I didn''t realize you disliked this item. I''ll dispose of it right away.¡± With that, President Chen moved to seize the seed and toss it out. ¡°Stop!¡± Su Ming bellowed urgently. Startled by Su Ming''s outburst, President Chen shuddered. Su Ming regained hisposure. Then he burst into heartyughter. Hisughter was robust and hearty, echoing to the heavens. President Chen waspletely bewildered. ¡°What''s gotten into Mr. Su?¡± he wondered. President Chen scanned the room. ¡°Everything here is in order,¡± he reassured himself. ¡°I don''t have a collection of jokes hanging on the wall.¡± ¡°What''s Mr. Suughing at?¡± ?Yet, as Su Mingughed, President Chen feltpelled to join in, albeit awkwardly, all the while scratching his head in confusion. ¡°What on earth is making Mr. Suugh?¡± he pondered. Chapter 336 Chapter 336 - Special Crop Su Mingughed heartily for quite some time. After all his years of farming, he had finally stumbled upon a special crop. But then President Chen presented him with not one, but two special crops. Su Ming pondered for a moment. His luck had been extraordinary over thest couple of days. First, he had triggered the special reward in the breeding zone, and now he had received two special crops from President Chen. The Blessing Potion was truly remarkable! President Chen was beside himself with frustration. Why was Su Mingughing? ?Unable to contain his curiosity, President Chen blinked and, gathering his courage, asked, ¡°Mr. Su, why are youughing?¡± Seeing President Chen''s hopeful look made Su Ming even more delighted. ¡°President Chen, I truly appreciate the gift you''ve given me.¡± ¡°Rest assured, I won''t let your generosity go unrewarded.¡± Su Ming gave President Chen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Hearing this, President Chen was thrilled. ?He experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from initial fear to overwhelming joy. Su Ming''s words suggested that he would certainly reciprocate with something equally valuable. The gifts from Mr. Su were never ordinary. Thest gifts Su Ming had given were the Body-stretching Pill and fennel. Their effects were outstanding. Even without a wink of sleep, he felt full of vigor. And his wife''s spirits were lifted as well. ¡°President Chen, I have some pressing matters to take care of, so I must be on my way,¡± Su Ming said, barely able to contain his eagerness. ?He was anxious to get back and nt these special crops. Before President Chen could respond, Su Ming was already heading downstairs. President Chen was taken aback. He thought to himself, ¡°Mr. Su, I haven''t even told you what kind of seeds these are.¡± But President Chen figured that Su Ming must already know what crop the seeds would yield. If Su Ming didn''t recognize them, he wouldn''t be farming in the heart of the city. If Su Ming didn''t recognize them, he wouldn''t be so overjoyed. ¡°Wait, Mr. Su, you haven''t told me why you wereughing,¡± President Chen realized, just as Su Ming had descended the stairs. He quickly followed after him. ¡°Mr. Su, please visit again soon,¡± President Chen called out from the doorway. ?Though he was eager to find out why Su Ming wasughing, he understood that Su Ming had urgent business to attend to. President Chen had no choice but to hold back his curiosity. ¡°Mr. Su, you''ve put in a lot of effort.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, have a safe journey.¡± The bank staff closely trailed President Chen. They lined up at the entrance, uniformly waving farewell to Su Ming. Both the bank''s patrons and passersby at the door were left in shock. Why were these bank employees acting this way? Overhearing their words, Su Ming nearly stumbled. It felt as though they were seeing him off at his own funeral. Shaking his head, Su Ming climbed into his car and drove off. On the road, it dawned on him that he hadn''t inquired about the type of seed President Chen had given him. ¡°Yuvyuv, what kind of seeds are these?¡± Su Ming inquired. ?¡±Top-grade orchid seeds,¡± Yuvyuv responded. ?Su Ming nodded in understanding. Orchids, particrly the premium varieties, could fetch a hefty price. At times, a single orchid might sell for several million. ?Cultivating orchids was a challenging task, requiring precise control of temperature, moderation, moisture, nutrition, and timing. Crucially, each orchid had its own unique temperament. He couldn''t apply the same cultivation method to different orchids. Yuvyuv offered a piece of advice, ¡°I would suggest that you hold off on nting orchids for now.¡± Su Ming hit the brakes. ?Thankfully, he was at a red light. Otherwise, he might have caused an ident. ¡°Why?¡± Su Ming queried. ?¡±Your System is about to upgrade. I rmend you wait to nt the orchids until after the upgrade for a better yield,¡± Yuvyuv advised. Su Ming paused, taking a moment to reflect. ?Yuvyuv, a creation of the System, shared its essence. She could be seen as the embodiment of the System. Her advice was surely trustworthy! Though eager, Su Ming decided it was best to wait. That morning, he had noticed the demolition work on the building had started and would bepleted in a couple of days. ?Following the upgrade, he would be able to harvest rice and chickens. Then, he would be fully informed about the System''s updates. With this in mind, Su Ming eased off the elerator. ?Having just crossed an intersection, it suddenly struck him that his work shoes were worn out. He needed to buy a few pairs for hisbor-intensive tasks. ?After giving it some thought, Su Ming headed straight to the nearby mall. He parked his car and made his way inside. Su Ming ended up purchasing quite a few pairs of shoes. He realized that he had absolutely no interest in luxury items. The mall was filled with leather shoes costing thousands, but Su Ming didn''t even feel like giving them a nce. However, his interest was piqued by the cloth shoes and the thick-soled military boots. ?Back in the parking lot, Su Ming noticed a middle-aged man sitting on a small stool, eating his lunch in the shade of Su Ming''s car. The man looked like he could be a delivery driver. Su Ming wasn''t in any rush. He strolled over, opened his car door, and tossed the shoes inside. ?The middle-aged man, who was eating from his lunchbox, smiled at Su Ming and asked, ¡°Thank you. Are you a delivery guy too?¡± Su Ming simply nodded. ¡°How many hours do you work each day?¡± inquired the man. ?Su Ming stroked his chin, pondering the question seriously before replying, ¡°I can manage two round trips.¡± ?Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man choked and spat out a mouthful of his meal. He couldn''t help but wonder, ¡°If he''s making two round trips a day, is he earning enough to cover his meals?¡± Chapter 337 Chapter 337 - Why Can''t I be the Father of a Rich Family? ¡°You young people are just toozy,¡± the middle-aged man remarked, ncing at his chicken. If no one were around, he''d likely pick up the chicken and eat it. ¡°Young man, are you married?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°What do your parents do?¡± ¡°They''re farmers.¡± Su Ming listened, growing increasingly uneasy. Why was he being questioned like this? ¡°Young people today are being corrupted by society,¡± the man continued. ¡°You need to earn and save more money. You''ll need a substantial amount for marriage and even more to buy a house. How much can your parents really have, living in the countryside?¡± The middle-aged man took a bite of his meal and shook his head. ¡°You should take a leaf out of my book. I start work at three in the morning and don''t get to bed until ten at night. I can make 1,500 a day, easily pulling in 40,000 to 50,000 a month. I''ve even saved enough to help my son with his wedding and buying a house.¡± ¡°What does your son do?¡± Su Ming asked, blinking innocently. ¡°My son? He does nothing but y games all day,¡± the man admitted, almost reflexively. Then he paused, struck by the irony of his own words. Here he was, lecturing Su Ming, yet his own son was not nearly as responsible. At least Su Ming was working, unlike his son who spent his days gaming. The chicken leg in his hand suddenly seemed less appetizing. ¡°So, you''re quite the earner,¡± Su Ming acknowledged with a nod. The middle-aged man, buoyed by thepliment, puffed up with pride. ¡°Hard work is key. The boss will only value you if you''re diligent. I''ve just secured a deal with a big-time boss. I''ll be working for him long-term and earning even more. I''m actually looking for an assistant. How about it? Do you want to work under me?¡± He saw Su Ming as naive, someone he could easily bring into his fold. Just then, a man approached from the side. ¡°Boss Sun!¡± Upon seeing Boss Sun, the middle-aged man tossed his boxed lunch onto the ground and made a beeline for him. ?¡±Boss Sun, when can I start working for you?¡± The middle-aged man was brimming with eagerness. Boss Sun maintained a stern expression. He was about to respond when he caught sight of Su Ming and froze. ?Quickly sidestepping the middle-aged man, he made his way over to Su Ming. The middle-aged man followed, stepping in front of Boss Sun. ¡°Boss Sun, we had an agreement that I''d take on this job. This young fellowcks strength, experience, and he''s quitezy.¡± ¡°Scram!¡± Boss Sun, visibly annoyed, shot the middle-aged man a re before turning to Su Ming with a beaming smile. ¡°Chairman, what brings you here?¡± ¡°I''m looking to buy some shoes for farming.¡± Su Ming returned the smile. Eager to please, Boss Sun said, ¡°In time, I n to take up farming myself.¡± Hearing this, the middle-aged man stared at Su Ming, dumbfounded. ¡°What are you staring at? This gentleman is the chairman of our group. If you join ourpany and be part of our transport team, you''ll be working for our chairman, just as I do!¡± Boss Sun dered, eyes wide with intensity. The middle-aged man was utterly taken aback. Su Ming chuckled. ¡°His job is quite tough. Boss Sun, perhaps you could consider a position for him, but I have one condition.¡± ¡°He must work alongside his son.¡± Su Ming''sughter was warm and genuine. Boss Sun caught on immediately. He turned back to the middle-aged man. ¡°Did you catch that? Go home and drag thatzy son of yours here! Otherwise, I assure you that you won''t find work anywhere in Eastsea!¡± The middle-aged man looked perplexed but quickly grasped the situation. He agreed in haste, foregoing his meal to jump in his car. Determined, the middle-aged man resolved to get his son to work. He might not have the means to make his son wealthy by inheritance, but he could certainly be the father of a self-made sess. The more he thought about it, the more irate he became. ¡°Boss Sun, I''ll leave you to your work. I''m heading back.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Boss Sun nodded promptly, watching as Su Ming departed. Chapter 338 Chapter 338 - Xiao Chen Whose Position Had Dropped Sharply ?Su Ming arrived home and promptly tossed the clothes he had worn while working over the past two days into the washing machine for a quick wash. Afterward, he hung them out to dry on the balcony. Settling into his recliner, he soaked up the sun''s warmth. Surrounded by lush green rice seedlings and the asional sight of fish darting through the water, apanied by the soft clucking of chickens, he reveled in the serene atmosphere. It was delightful! Before he knew it, Su Ming had drifted off to sleep, not waking until night had fallen. He awoke to find ayer of dew covering him. Luckily, he had taken a Body-stretching Pill, which bolstered his robust health, sparing him from catching a cold. After rising, Su Ming surveyed hisnd briefly before heading to the breeding zone to feed the animals. Later, he retreated indoors and spent several hours gaming, quickly ascending to the rank of top yer. It wasn''t until well into the night that he finally sumbed to a deep sleep. Come morning, Su Ming opened his eyes, freshened up, and enjoyed his breakfast. Stepping outside, he noticed that the two buildings behind his house had been demolished, exining the newfound spaciousness. Workers were busy preparing the foundations, which would soon be filled with soil, readying thend for cultivation. Donning the new water boots he had purchased the day before, Su Ming set out to weed his farnd. As he worked diligently, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. He walked to the door and was greeted by Xiao Chen''s smiling face. ¡°Brother-inw,¡± Xiao Chen greeted cheerfully. ?¡±What brings you here?¡± Su Ming inquired with a smile. ¡°Brother-inw, my sister apanied our grandfather today and couldn''t make it,¡± Xiao Chen exined. ?Su Ming couldn''t help but roll his eyes discreetly. His question had been directed at Xiao Chen''s presence, not the absence of his sister. Misinterpreting Su Ming''s reaction for disappointment, Xiao Chen quickly added, ¡°Don''t worry, brother-inw, my sister will be here this afternoon.¡± ¡°Scram!¡± Su Ming responded, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his voice. ?Realizing his oversight, Xiao Chen pped his forehead and said, ¡°Brother-inw, I got so excited seeing you that I forgot to discuss the important matter. My dad sent me to inform you that the buildings were demolishedst night, and the workers are currently preparing the foundation. In two days, you''ll be able to start farming on these plots.¡± ¡°They''re simultaneously building walls as they tear down the two buildings. The new walls will match the existing ones.¡± ¡°Their work pace is impressive!¡± Xiao Chen eximed. ¡°I''m not particrly concerned about the speed,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. He had done the math; once the six acres ofnd were consolidated, all of his crops would be perfectly ripe for harvesting. All except for that one special nt, which needed a few more days to reach maturity. Su Ming was filled with anticipation, eager to see the transformation of thend once it wasbined. He nced at Xiao Chen and noticed the dark circles under his eyes. ¡°Did you not get any sleepst night?¡± Su Ming inquired. Xiao Chen''s expression turned to one of self-pity. ¡°Brother-inw, let''s not talk about that.¡± He was beginning to feel like the lowest-ranking member of his family. Just the previous night, he had been cozily in bed when his father summoned him. ¡°Go to the construction site and supervise the workers for Mr. Su!¡± So, Xiao Chen dutifully headed to the site and pulled an all-nighter. If he had spent the night gaming at an inte cafe or partying at a club, he wouldn''t have been nearly as worn out. The construction site was dusty, surrounded by steel and concrete, and he was among workers wearing hats, their faces smeared with grime. He stood there, as still as a post, but his presence made a difference. Without him, the workers wouldn''t have demolished the buildings so quickly; his watchful eye kept them from cking off. ¡°Hold on a second,¡± Su Ming said with a chuckle, then went inside to retrieve a bottle of the Body-stretching Pill. Xiao Chen eyed the dark liquid warily. ¡°Brother-inw, we don''t have any bad blood, do we?¡± he joked. ¡°Rest assured, I''d happily leave all my inheritance to my sister and not take a dime for myself. Do I really have to drink this?¡± The sight of the ck liquid made him uneasy; it looked toxic, and in the sunlight, it seemed to emit a greenish glow¡ªno consumable liquid should ever look like that. Su Ming gave Xiao Chen a yful tap on the head and urged, ¡°Stop the nonsense! Drink up, it''s beneficial for you.¡± Xiao Chen nodded in agreement. He couldn''t help but think, ¡°Great, another person to keep me in line. As if my grandfather, parents, and sister weren''t enough. My luck just keeps getting worse.¡± Despite his trepidation, he epted the bottle. He was concerned that rejecting Su Ming would lead to aint to his father, which would surely result in punishment. ?With a sigh, he resigned himself to his fate. With a look of resignation, Xiao Chen took a swig. Su Ming chuckled at the sight. ?Contrary to his expectations, the ck liquid wasn''t bad at all. In fact, after just one gulp, his exhaustion vanishedpletely, leaving him feeling invigorated with boundless energy. ?¡±Brother-inw, what is this stuff?¡± Su Ming yfully tapped Xiao Chen''s head once more. ¡°Don''t ask about things that don''t concern you!¡± Xiao Chen noddedpliantly. Su Ming observed Xiao Chen''s reaction with a smile. He found the act of patting his head quite satisfying and gave in to the urge to do it again. Xiao Chen was utterly baffled. ¡°Brother-inw, why are you doing that?¡± ¡°The sensation of patting your head is quite pleasant; I just couldn''t resist,¡± Su Ming admitted with a heartyugh. ?¡±Brother-inw, you''re picking on me.¡± ?A look of hurt crossed Xiao Chen''s face as he imagined a bleak future filled with such teasing. ¡°Are you upset?¡± Su Ming gave him a stern look, his hand poised for another pat. ?¡±I''m thrilled!¡± Xiao Chen quickly shielded his head and retreated three steps. Then something urred to him, and he blurted out, ¡°The workers unearthed a mouth of spring at the construction site. I''m not sure if we should seal it. Would you like to check it out?¡± Su Ming''s interest was piqued at the mention of a mouth of spring¡ªa valuable find. ?He envisioned drilling a well there, freeing himself from the need to use tap water. After all, spring water is surely purer. ?¡±Let''s go have a look.¡± ¡°Sounds good!¡± Xiao Chen took the lead, with Su Ming following close behind. Chapter 339 Chapter 339 - Where Is My Money?? ?Two men were walking along when they rounded a corner and came upon a sports car parked at the roadside, its hood propped open. Beside it were two more sports cars, around which a group of young men, who had the air of wealthy heirs, were huddled at the front, diligently inspecting the vehicle. ¡°Couldn''t you have checked the car''s condition before we set out? You''vepletely spoiled my mood!¡± one of the young mastersined impatiently. Without warning, he smacked the back of the head of the person next to him. The struck individual looked up, his face a picture of aggrieved innocence. ¡°But this is your car,¡± he protested weakly. No sooner had he spoken than another pnded on the back of his head. ¡°I don''t need you to tell me that!¡± the first young master snapped. ?¡±Brother Soong, there''s nothing wrong with your car,¡± interjected one of the car-savvy men, looking up in confusion. ?Soong Shuhang furrowed his brow, ¡°Then why won''t it start?¡± The one who had been hit, Lee Qiushui, raised his hand feebly and ventured, ¡°Did you put gas in it?¡± Soong Shuhang pped him yet again, ¡°I filled it up justst week!¡± The group fell silent at this. ?They had been nning to drive from the provincial city to Eastsea today, a journey of nearly 300 kilometers. Everyone else had made sure to fill up their tanks before departing. Soong Shuhang nced around at the silent group and said dismissively, ¡°What''s with those looks? It''s a minor issue.¡± He showed no sign of embarrassment. Just then, Soong Shuhang noticed Su Ming and Xiao Chen approaching from nearby. One was dressed in cotton shorts with military boots, and the other in casual attire with travel shoes. They didn''t have the appearance of the affluent. ¡°You two!¡± Soong Shuhang called out, hand on his hip and pointing at Su Ming and Xiao Chen. The pair turned, momentarily taken aback, then exchanged a nce and subtly sidestepped, having overheard the entire exchange. It was their first visit to Eastsea. They might just be tourists. And this is right in the heart of the city center. Su Ming and Xiao Chen had just walked past andmark building. They realized they must have been blocking Soong Shuhang''s view. Soong Shuhang blinked. Su Ming nodded, stepping back several paces with Xiao Chen. Soong Shuhang looked puzzled. ¡°You two,e here,¡± Soong Shuhang instructed. ?¡±I don''t know how to fix cars,¡± Su Ming admitted, shaking his head. ?¡±Neither do I,¡± Xiao Chen added quickly. ?Soong Shuhang rified, ¡°Come here first. I''m not asking you to fix the car.¡± ¡°Then what do you need?¡± Su Ming and Xiao Chen approached. ?¡±Is there a gas station around here?¡± Soong Shuhang inquired. ?¡±Yes,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. Wang Guohui had once built a dedicated gas station for Su Ming, right next to the parking lot entrance. ¡°I''ll give you two 100 yuan to go buy me a can of oil,¡± Soong Shuhang said, pulling out 100 yuan from his belt. ?¡±I won''t do it,¡± Su Ming refused, shaking his head. ?Su Ming would have assisted if Soong Shuhang were an elderly or mobility-impaired person, honoring the traditional virtues of the imperial court. But Soong Shuhang was perfectly capable. ¡°Is the money not enough?¡± Soong Shuhang asked, offering another 100 yuan. ¡°That''s for running the errand,¡± he added with a hint of pride. ¡°I''m not going,¡± Su Ming insisted, still shaking his head. ¡°I''ll give you up to 300!¡± Soong Shuhang said, taking out another 100 yuan. ?Before Su Ming could respond, a shadow zipped by, giving them all a start. It was a skateboarder speeding past. Soong Shuhang was taken aback. Eastsea sure was full of surprises! ?¡±Where''s my money?¡± Soong Shuhang suddenly realized his money was gone. The skateboarder had snatched his three hundred yuan! ¡°Stop right there!¡± Soong Shuhang yelled, but the thief had already vanished around a corner, leaving Soong Shuhang on the verge of tears. ¡°Brother Soong,¡± Lee Qiushui interjected, raising his hand, ¡°there''s no need for them to go buy it. We have a spare can of oil in our car.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Soong Shuhang was resolute, pulling out an additional 300 yuan from his pocket. ¡°You two are going to buy oil for me today, no excuses!¡± The moment Soong Shuhang''s words fell, another shadow darted by. Soong Shuhang was fuming with anger. Click to visit??NovelDragon & More plots waiting for you?? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 340 Chapter 340 - The Seven Brothers Soong Shuhang was incredibly stubborn. He whipped out another 300 yuan! And once again, the 300 yuan was snatched by someone else! This cycle continued. Soong Shuhang was on the verge of tears. ¡°Brother-inw, shall we head out?¡± Xiao Chen suggested, blinking as he stood behind Su Ming. ?¡±Hold on, let''s watch a bit longer!¡± Su Ming replied. Spotting a bench by the roadside, they walked over and took a seat. Soong Shuhang was utterly disheartened. Yet, he was unwilling to stop. Five minutester, Soong Shuhang was out of money. ?To his relief, he was finally penniless! Why had he carried so much cash in the first ce? Clearly, it was to impress others. But Soong Shuhang resolved that from now on, he would never carry cash again. Then, that person reappeared! ¡°Where''s the money? You broke loser!¡± he taunted before walking away. ?Soong Shuhang was seething. ¡°Don''t walk away! If you''re so tough,e and fight me!¡± he challenged, nearly bursting with rage. ?No sooner had Soong Shuhang spoken than a young man emerged from the right-hand corner. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder and a skateboard in hand. ¡°You want to fight with me?¡± ¡°Yes, I want to fight you. We''re not afraid of you; there''s a bunch of us!¡± Soong Shuhang dered, hands on hips and full of bravado. ?He had three friends backing him up. ¡°Big Brother, are they looking for a fight?¡± asked another young man, appearing on the scene. ?He was dressed identically, with a matching backpack and skateboard. Soong Shuhang was taken aback. Their muscr physiques were somewhat intimidating. Soong Shuhang reckoned that the four of them could at least hold their own against two. ¡°Big Brother, Second Brother, they''re asking for a fight?¡± chimed in another, identical to the first two. ?Soong Shuhang felt a twinge of fear. Triplets, perhaps? Still, Soong Shuhang believed they had a fighting chance! ¡°Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, they''re up for a fight!¡± announced yet another young man, joining the fray. ?Soong Shuhang was dumbfounded! And then, a fifth young man appeared! The sixth guy emerged! Then came the seventh! Soong Shuhang was utterly dumbfounded. It dawned on him that the seven had been taking turns trying to swipe his cash. Su Ming and Xiao Chen, spectating from a distance, were nearly in hysterics. ¡°Big brother, how much did you rake in?¡± ¡°1200.¡± ¡°I only managed to snag 600.¡± ¡°That''s not too shabby.¡± ¡°Second Brother, you pocketed 1500, didn''t you?¡± ¡°How''d you guess?¡± Someone chimed in, ¡°I caught you sneaking into the queue!¡± ¡°We''ll take the money to the hospitalter.¡± ¡°Sure thing!¡± In front of Soong Shuhang, the seven brothers delved into their discussion. Shuhang was on the verge of tears. Su Ming and Xiao Chen were taken aback when they overheard. What was this situation? ¡°Considering you''re a visitor from out of town, we''ll spare you this time.¡± The eldest of the seven stepped forward. ¡°You hit someone with your car and fled the scene.¡± ¡°Judging by your license te, you''re from the provincial city. You''re a real disgrace to the ce!¡± They used, pointing directly at Soong Shuhang. Su Ming and Xiao Chen quickly caught on. These seven weren''t thieves after all. Soong Shuhang, ustomed to his own arrogance, had hit someone with his car and didn''t even bother to stop. There he stood, head hung low, the picture of a chastened schoolboy. His three buddies behind him, in perfect unison, turned away and gazed skyward. Soong Shuhang remained frozen, not daring to make a move. He endured a half-hour tirade from the seven. Finally, they dispersed. Soong Shuhang breathed a sigh of relief. Su Ming and Xiao Chen exchanged nces, then rose to their feet, ready to take their leave. Seeing Su Ming, Soong Shuhang''s irritation red anew. Click to visit??NovelDragon & More plots waiting for you?? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 341 Chapter 341 - The Mouth of Spring ¡°Both of you, hold it right there!¡± Soong Yuhang noticed Su Ming and Xiao Chen were making their way out. He was instantly displeased. He hadn''t given them permission to leave! Ever since Su Ming and Xiao Chen showed up, Soong Yuhang''s luck had turned sour. ¡°We don''t need money.¡± Su Ming blinked and shook his head. Soong Yuhang was so infuriated he felt like he could spit blood. He thought to himself, ¡°Please, can we not bring this up again?¡± ¡°Give me a break, will you?¡± He had just been pushed around by the seven Cbash Brothers. What were they after? Did they really think Soong Yuhang was a pushover? ¡°Have you been enjoying yourself since you arrived in Eastsea?¡± Su Ming asked out of the blue. Soong Yuhang was taken aback. Enjoying himself? What was Su Ming getting at? Why such a question? Was this how people in Eastsea typically struck up a conversation? Soong Yuhang couldn''t fathom Su Ming''s intent. Why would Su Ming ask such a question out of nowhere? ¡°I''m doing alright,¡± Soong Yuhang replied, still puzzled. ?¡±No, you''re not truly happy,¡± Su Ming countered, shaking his head. ?Soong Yuhang was perplexed. What was he implying? Why was Su Ming suddenly quoting song lyrics to him? Soong Yuhang stood there, frozen for a few seconds. He blinked, opened his mouth, and instinctively followed up with the next line of the song. ¡°No.¡± Su Ming shook his head. ¡°What I mean is, if you''re feeling down, there''s an amusement park nearby. It''s got some really fun stuff.¡± Soong Yuhang felt like he was about to lose it. Was Su Ming out of his mind? Soong Yuhang found it all very odd. His thoughts were in turmoil. Why was Su Ming shifting the conversation? He had wanted Su Ming and Xiao Chen to go buy oil. Instead, Su Ming had started reciting lyrics to him. Soong Yuhang was convinced that Su Ming was deliberately trying to rile him up! Su Ming''s thought process didn''t seem to align with that of a typical person. His words seemedpletely unrted to Soong Yuhang''s. Judging by Su Ming''s attire, Soong Yuhang surmised that he probably didn''t have the money and wouldn''t be able to afford the amusement park! Just then, the sound of engines revving in the distance grew louder. Several sports cars zoomed in from afar and came to a swift halt at the roadside. Soong Yuhang''s jaw dropped in sheer astonishment! Eastsea is teeming with understated wealth! Each of these cars was a limited edition masterpiece. The Hennessy Venom GT and the Koenigsegg were priceless. These were the world''s most exclusive limited edition sports cars. Who in Eastsea could possibly afford such luxury? Wang Haiyang and hispanions stepped out of their vehicles. Soong Yuhang took notice. The car owners were all young elites, and he was eager to make their acquaintance. Soong Yuhang believed he shared a simr status with these individuals and looked forward to socializing with them. Once they became good friends, he could even borrow their cars. The thought thrilled him! Soong Yuhang approached Wang Haiyang with a beaming smile. ¡°Brother, let''s be friends. You see, we''re both sports car enthusiasts.¡± Wang Haiyang gave him a nce. ¡°Junker!¡± That was all Wang Haiyang said to Soong Yuhang. ?Soong Yuhang was seething with rage. He could feel every ounce of blood in his body surging towards his brain. His head felt like it was about to burst! Wang Haiyang had insulted him so tantly. Soong Yuhang admitted his car wasn''t on par with those of Wang Haiyang and his group. But to call it a junker was too much. His car was worth a fortune, after all. While Soong Yuhang wallowed in frustration, Wang Haiyang and the others approached Su Ming. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, it''s been a while.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, have you had breakfast?¡± Each offered their greetings to Su Ming. Soong Yuhang was perplexed. What was happening? ¡°Mr. Su, do you know these people?¡± Wang Haiyang inquired if Su Ming knew Soong Yuhang. ?¡±No,¡± replied Su Ming, shaking his head. ¡°I thought as much. How could Mr. Su possibly know someone who drives a beater like that?¡± Wang Haiyang nodded in agreement. Soong Yuhang''s expression turned stormy. Wang Haiyang was crossing the line! ¡°Mr. Su, the reason I wanted to see you was to discuss some business. Your cars are due for maintenance. If you trust us, we can take care of it right away.¡± Wang Haiyang continued, ¡°Alright!¡± ?Without hesitation, Su Ming nodded. ¡°I''ll cover the maintenance costs.¡± ¡°No, Mr. Su, that would be insulting to me. We''ve been driving your fleet of over four hundred luxury sports cars for free, so it''s only right that we pay for their upkeep,¡± Wang Haiyang insisted, with the group behind him nodding in agreement. ?They felt guilty for using Su Ming''s cars without charge, especially given their high value, which tempted them to show off. Now, with an opportunity to repay Su Ming''s generosity, they were eager to seize it. ?Su Ming chuckled. ¡°Okay then.¡± ?The group continued their lively conversation, while Soong Shuhang was all ears, almost literally. If he exaggerated a bit, his ears might bepared to those of a donkey! ?Soong Yuhang started to doubt his own hearing. These people were iming all these cars belonged to Su Ming. Over 400 cars? It dawned on him that Su Ming was indeed a low-key magnate. No, Soong Yuhang had to get home immediately! He couldn''t bear the thought of staying in Eastsea any longer. Upon his return, he nned to write a novel, ¡°The Eastsea Adventure,¡± starting with his encounter with the seven Cbash Brothers, robbing the rich to aid the poor, followed by his meeting with the unassuming tycoon that left him feeling humiliated. Soong Yuhang resolved never to return. He had been in Eastsea for less than three hours and had already experienced a whirlwind of events. If he lingered, who knew what might happen next? Given his current streak of bad luck, he decided it was best to leave. Soong Yuhang hastily called a tow truck, then he and his three friends made a quick exit. ?Having exchanged a few words with Su Ming and realizing he was busy, Wang Haiyang and the others didn''t linger and soon departed. ?Finally, Su Ming and Xiao Chen made their way to the construction site. They came across an enclosed area and upon entering, discovered an active mouth of spring, bubbling away. In a rural setting, vigers could have used this natural spring to dig a well. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± A warm greeting suddenly came from nearby. Su Ming nced over and recognized the manager who had been in charge of constructing his fence. ¡°Mr. Su, we''ve tested the water quality of this well, and it''s outstandingpletely unpolluted. You have the option to construct a well here, or if you prefer, you can seal off the mouth of the spring,¡± the manager said cheerfully. ?Su Ming stroked his chin, pondering the decision. To seal or not to seal the mouth of the spring? That was the question. ?¡±Yuvyuv suggests that you shouldn''t seal it, Master,¡± a voice suddenly echoed in Su Ming''s mind. Startled, Su Ming blinked and inquired, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°You''ll understand once the System updates,¡± came the reply. ¡°Okay then.¡± Su Ming could only nod in agreement. He calcted the timing; everything would be ripe by tomorrow. He could clear the two plots ofnd tonight, and they would be ready to merge. ?Su Ming was eagerly anticipating the System update. What changes would Yuvyuv undergo after the update? He could barely contain his excitement. ¡°Let''s keep it. Don''t concern yourself with this mouth of spring for now; I''ll handle itter. Just focus on tidying up the other areas.¡± ¡°Sure thing, Mr. Su, I''ve got it all under control,¡± the manager responded promptly, nodding. Chapter 342 Chapter 342 - Update Su Ming returned to the field and cleared away the weeds. Afterward, he irrigated the rice paddies and checked on the fish fry, which were thriving. He then visited the breeding zone to feed the animals a mix of feed and fruit. He also checked on a particrly special nt; its flower bud had grownrge, with petals of a vibrant red. The leaves were a lush emerald green, with golden stripes down the center resembling threads of gold. It was strikingly beautiful and on the verge of maturing. As he busied himself, night fell. After eating, Su Ming retired to his room for the night. The next morning, as soon as Su Ming awoke, the System chimed in his mind. ¡°Ding! The System has detected six acres of vacantnd under the Host''s name. Would you like to merge them?¡± Su Mingughed with excitement. He had waited so long for this moment! ¡°Merge!¡± Su Ming responded instantly. ¡°Ding! Merging now.¡± ¡°Ding! 1¡­ 49¡­ 80¡­ 99¡­ 100.¡± ¡°Ding! Merge sessful.¡± ¡°Ding! You now have over ten acres ofnd, meeting the System''s update requirements!¡± ¡°Ding! The System is now updating!¡± ¡°Ding! The update will take three hours. Please do not leave the house during this time and wait patiently!¡± ¡°Ding! All activities on thend will be concealed by the System. Even if someone identally enters, they will notice nothing!¡± Su Ming''s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he rushed to the window. Looking down, he saw thend appeared unchanged. ¡°I''ll wait it out. This is a major level 10 update, after all,¡± he thought. Yuvyuv had once mentioned that the effects of this update would exceed his wildest dreams. ?Struggling to contain his excitement, Su Ming decided to distract himself by heading to Summoner''s Canyon. After what felt like an eternity, the long-awaited notification finally echoed in Su Ming''s mind. ¡°Ding! The System update isplete!¡± ¡°Ding! The herding area and aquatic product area have been unlocked!¡± ¡°Ding! The facility''snd upgrade feature is now avable!¡± ¡°Ding! Farm software unlocked!¡± ¡°Ding! The software instation isplete. You can ess it on yourputer and smartphone. This software is visible only to the Host and cannot be seen or operated by others.¡± ¡°Ding! Shop function unlocked!¡± ¡°Ding! You can now ess the store function in the software!¡± A cascade of notifications echoed in Su Ming''s mind, filling him with immense excitement. ?He hadn''t anticipated that so many features would be activated all at once, and his excitement propelled him to jump for joy. ¡°The herding area and aquatic product area are unlocked in the software store. This is amazing.¡± It was a total upgrade! Unable to contain his eagerness, Su Ming dashed downstairs and flung open the door. Outside, the tall dam and rice paddies appeared unchanged. Then, Su Ming noticed a void in his field of vision. Looking more closely, he realized the breeding zone had vanished! ¡°Where have my chickens gone?¡± He hurried toward the spot. Upon arriving, he stopped dead in his tracks! The vi and thatched hut had previously obscured Su Ming''s view from the doorway. Now, standing where the breeding zone used to be, there was nothing to obstruct his sight. Taking in the full view, Su Ming''s mouth hung open in awe. The wait had been worthwhile; the upgrade was incredibly valuable. From an aerial perspective, Su Ming''snd was a perfect square. The main gate opened onto a pathway, with the System''s initial gift of two acres on the right. To the left of the pathwayy a red expanse where Su Ming''s vi, thatched hut, and warehouse stood. Adjacent to this three-acre plot was another three acres gifted by Wang Guohui. Above Wang Guohui''snd was the three acres from Old Yang. And above the initial plot was the three acres from the Xiao family. Currently, the original two acres still bore rice and fish. The breeding zone that had been tucked in the corner of the initial two acres was gone, but the unique crop remained. There were no changes to the vi, thatched hut, or warehouse on the opennd. The rice fields on thend from Wang Guohui remained untouched as well. The Xiao family''s three acres continued to serve as farnd. Connecting each adjacent three-acre plot was a half-meter-wide path for people to traverse. ?However, the three acres ofnd gifted by Old Yang were starkly different from the other parcels. Su Ming first noticed numerous wooden stakes nted in the ground, each pair roughly two to three meters apart. Wooden nks were thenid horizontally and nailed together, creating a simple fence. At the center of this enclosure was a grassy area. Su Ming walked over for a closer inspection. ¡°Yuvyuv, is this a ranch?¡± Su Ming inquired mentally. ¡°Yes, Host. This is the herding area added in thetest System update!¡± Atst, he could herd cattle and sheep! The farming system now truly included a farm. Su Ming examined it more closely. The ranch spanned about an acre, encircled by a wooden fence riddled with insect-bored holes and rusted nails, clearly showing signs of decay. ¡°Host, you can open the scanner to check,¡± Yuvyuv suggested telepathically. Startled, Su Ming quickly activated the scanner. ¡°The deteriorated fence can be upgraded, requiring 10 points for the upgrade!¡± Su Ming paused, puzzled. ¡°Yuvyuv, what exactly are points?¡± The System hadn''t mentioned points in the recent update. ¡°Host, all items produced on the farm can be recycled for points. Points can be used to upgrade facilities, enhancing crop yields and quality!¡± ?With this revtion, Su Ming grasped the importance of points. Harvesting crops would not only yield experience, which could elevate his level but also improve the levels of the ntation area, aquatic product area, and herding area. Higher levels meant unlocking more functions, nting a greater variety of crops, and improving their quality. However, specific facilities within each area, like the herding area, required points for upgrades. Eagerly, Su Ming opened his data panel: Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV10 Experience: 323,927 / 500,000 Farm: Level Three Breeding: Level Two Ranch: Level One Aquatic Product: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 20 Points: 0 Chapter 343 Chapter 343 - Aquatic Product Area and Breeding Zone As expected, Su Ming''s score stood at zero. Yet, he wasn''t the least bit anxious. He mused, ¡°One must not rush through tasks. I need to cultivate the farm slowly. It''s only through witnessing its gradual growth that I can truly savor the joy of a bountiful harvest.¡± An instant upgrade to the farm''s highest level would be utterly dull! Su Ming did notice, however, that aside from the farm reaching Level Three, his breeding zone had advanced to Level Two. After some thought, he figured it out. It was likely due to the experience he had gained while working in the breeding zone. Consequently, the breeding zone had leveled up as well. Su Ming wasn''t overly concerned; after all, an upgrade was always wee. Having interacted with the System for so long, he was aware that it wasn''t as rigid and precise as aputer. The plot ofnd totaled three acres. One acre was dedicated to the herding area, with the remaining two acres avable. Walking on a freshly made path by the System, Su Ming passed the herding area and came upon a one-acre pond fringed with aquatic nts. The water was crystal clear, revealing the muddy bottom. ?Beneath the watery something resembling a disc, likely a device for oxygenation. A spot in the pond continuously bubbled. On closer inspection, Su Ming recognized it as the mouth of spring he had discovered the day before. It made sense why Yuvyuv had advised against sealing it. Not far from the pond stood a quaint wooden cabin perched on the bank. The structure straddled bothnd and water, with half on terra firma and the other half over the water, supported by two wooden stakes driven into the pond. ?The cabin was in a state of severe disrepair, teetering on the brink of toppling into the pond. A small window on the cabin faced the pond. Approaching, Su Ming activated the scanner. ¡°A rundown cabin, eligible for an upgrade. Upgrade requires 10 points!¡± He pushed the creaky wooden door open, and a musty stench enveloped him. Treading carefully on the shaky floor, he felt the house quiver beneath him. ¡°Oh my god!¡± Su Ming thought. ¡°This cabin mustn''t copse. Drowning in my own wooden house would be an enormous setback!¡± The wooden cabin featured two windows and a small hatch beneath that could be opened. Su Ming surmised it was likely used for depositing fish fry and feed. ?A simple switch, just a button, was mounted on the wall. ?He pressed it lightly, and bubbles began to surface in the center of the pond, confirming his suspicion¡ªthe disc mechanism beneath was designed for oxygenation. With a press of the switch, the disc would supply oxygen. Could this be upgraded, too? ?Su Ming blinked, activated his scanner, and saw, ¡°Basic oxygen supply equipment, upgradable. Upgrade requires 50 points!¡± What? Su Ming was incredulous. Upgrading this rudimentary oxygen supply cost 50 points, while the fence and cabin upgrades were a mere 10 points each. Not yet knowing how many points the harvested crops would yield, Su Ming believed the lower the upgrade cost, the better. After a lengthy grumble, he could only sigh in resignation. The System wasn''t wrong; the oxygen supply was indeed basic¡ªa worn switch connected to dusty wires. Stepping out of the cabin, Su Ming''s attention was drawn to a structure nearby. Adjacent to the pond, arge wooden house spanned about an acre, its timber of noticeably higher quality. ?Approaching the house, Su Ming was startled by sounds from within¡ªhis chickens! ?He rushed to the side door, opened it, and was amazed by the vast, expansive space inside. ?The three-acre plot, roughly 2,000 square meters, was evenly divided into the herding area, aquatic product area, and breeding zone. Thus, the house''s dimensions were easily deduced: approximately 44.7 meters in both length and width, and about 15 meters across. A lengthy corridor stretched before Su Ming, nked by a series of individual rooms. Within thesepartments, Su Ming could raise both chickens and pigs. Compared to the current setup, the old breeding zone was in a sorry state. Su Ming''s previous purchase of 50 chickens perfectly filled five of the individual rooms. Before, Su Ming only had five single rooms, but now he boasted over 20! With more than 20 single rooms at his disposal, Su Ming was at a loss for how many animals he could possibly raise. He took a moment to survey the structure. ¡°A durable breeding house that can be upgraded. Upgrading requires 300 points!¡± 300 points to upgrade a breeding house? He had just balked at spending 50 points to upgrade the oxygen supply system. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming discovered that there was also an auxiliary system avable. True to its name, this supplementary system was designed to assist. It could, for instance, automatically open the windows each day, but it was limited to executing very simple tasks. Unlike Yuvyuv, this was merely aputer program. As such, Su Ming would need to manually inputmands into the auxiliary system. Its functionality was straightforward and user-friendly. Stepping out of the breeding zone, Su Ming felt a wave of contentment wash over him. My goodness, so many new features had been added this time! The System had truly outdone itself. His patience had paid off. Previously, while waiting for his crops to mature, there wasn''t much for Su Ming to do. He was relegated to loosening the soil, watering, fertilizing, and asionally ying music for the animals in the breeding zone. But now, things were different! He was now tending to a sprawling eight acres,plete with breeding zones, aquatic product areas, and herding areas. Gazing at these structures, Su Ming felt a surge of exhration. Atst, the ce was starting to resemble a real farm! Su Ming was immensely pleased. He could already envision his days, bustling from dawn till dusk. But he wasn''t daunted by the prospect of hard work; after all, he possessed the Stamina Talent. In Su Ming''s mind, all his efforts were in pursuit of advancement. He let out a heartyugh. Then, something suddenly urred to Su Ming. Right at the start, the System had mentioned software and a shop! He had been so focused on checking the facilities that he''dpletely overlooked the shop he''d been curious about for so long! Thrilled, Su Ming dashed toward the vi with unbridled excitement. Upon arriving at the vi, Su Ming had an epiphany about his own foolishness. The System had mentioned that the shops could be essed through his phone. With his phone in hand, Su Ming was torn betweenughter and tears. But it was no big deal that he hade back. He could browse the shop on his massive, ultra-wide gaming screen, which was not only more convenient than his phone but also allowed him to examine everything in detail. Unperturbed, Su Ming headed upstairs, plopped down in front of hisputer, and booted it up. As expected, there was a new icon on his desktop. The icon was for something called Farm System Software. The name couldn''t have been more straightforward. Su Ming clicked the mouse,unching the System, and a page opened up. Upon seeing the page, he waspletely gobsmacked. How could this page look so familiar? System, you''ve outdone yourself! Chapter 344 Chapter 344 - System Software The interface on Su Ming''sputer bore a striking resemnce to Penguin Farm. Disyed in a bird''s-eye view, the ntation area was segmented into eight squares across three plots, each square measuring an acre. Hovering the cursor over a square revealed an upgrade option, which was currently inactive and grayed out. Su Ming was aware that hecked the points needed for upgrades. The two acres initially granted by the System, along with the three acres from Wang Guohui and another three from the Xiao family, were all represented. A status bar adjacent to the plots disyed the types and quantities of crops nted, along with a countdown to their maturity. In the top-left corner of the page, there were three buttons: Breeding, Grazing, and Aquatic Products. Exploring these options, Su Ming found that the breeding zone consisted of 24 individual rooms and a hallway, each room apanied by its own status bar. However, only five rooms disyed information; the rest were vacant. At the end of the hallway sat a smallputer, the breeding zone''s control system. Clicking on it would prompt an upgrade button to appear, albeit in the same inactive gray. The aquatic product area featured a solitary pond and a modest wooden hut, while the herding area was equipped with a fence and a stretch of grasnd. Two additional options were present on the right side of the screen, one of which was for upgrades. Upon selecting this option, Su Ming could see the point requirements for upgrading equipment in the ntation area, herding area, aquatic product area, and breeding zone. ?For the herding area, the upgrade costs were as follows: ?- Level Two fence: 50 points. Chapter 345 Chapter 345 - Point Su Ming clicked on the supply option once more and immediately grasped the contents of the page. It listed fertilizers for farming and feed for raising fish and chickens, avable in aplete range of colors from colorless to white. It was clear that each crop and nt required the corresponding level of fertilizer or feed. Curious, Su Ming then clicked on the special option, only to find it empty. Puzzled, he inquired, ¡°Yuvyuv, what''s this about?¡± ¡°Yuvyuv''s level is too low, so I don''t have the authority to provide an answer,¡± came the response in his mind. Su Ming was at a loss for words. Then, a crucial question struck him: how could he acquire points if they were so vital? ¡°Yuvyuv, how can I earn points?¡± he asked. ¡°There are three ways to earn points,¡± Yuvyuv exined. ¡°First, you can recycle products from each region through the System and receive corresponding points. This is your primary method. Second, you can exchange money for points, but this requires special conditions that I can''t exin due to my limited authority. You''ll understand in time. Third, the System will assign missions, andpleting them will reward you with points. Remember, points can only be used within their respective regions and cannot be shared.¡± Su Ming paused to consider this information. The first method seemed the most dependable. It made sense that there would be conditions for exchanging money for points, especially since he had plenty of money. The System would surely have restrictions in ce. But what were these special conditions? Su Ming decided not to dwell on it, confident he would learn in due course. What really intrigued him was the third method of earning points. Since initially unlocking the System and receiving a mission, he had not been given any other tasks. He had assumed that the initial mission was simply to activate the System, but now it appeared his level wasn''t high enough to receive more. The logic behind the point usage was sound. For instance, his vast farming area could potentially earn him many points, but upgrading thend would require a significant amount. If he allocated all the points earned from thend to the other three areas, they would quickly advance to higher levels. This was cheating. Su Ming opened his data panel. Farmer: Su Ming. Level: LV10. Experience: 323,927 / 500,000. Farm: Level Three. Breeding: Level Two. Ranch: Level One. Aquatic Products: Level One. Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff. nting Points: 0. Breeding Points: 0. Herding Points: 0. Aquatic Points: 0. His data panel had undergone changes. Su Ming quickly left the vi and headed straight for the ranch. ?He then pulled out his phone and essed the System''s warehouse. After pondering for a moment and scratching his head, he tapped on the cow option. A new page appeared instantly. ¡°Facilities meet the requirements for dairy cow breeding. Would you like to proceed? The ranch can amodate up to two cows.¡± An input field followed, allowing him to specify the number of cows he wished to raise. Su Ming felt a bit stuck. His level was still low, but he knew that as it increased, he would be able to raise arger number of cows in the future. Without hesitation, Su Ming confirmed his choice and entered the number 2. With the sound of two moos, two cows materialized out of nowhere. They ambled around the ranch, grazing contentedly. ¡°Cows have been sessfully bred! Harvest in 36 hours!¡± Su Ming then visited the aquatic product area. He noted that the limit was still two for breeding. ¡°Carps have been sessfully bred! Harvest in 40 hours!¡± Next, Su Ming headed to the cabin to exchange for two bags of feed, which appeared out of nowhere, startling him. ?He added some feed to the fish tank and switched on the oxygen supply before proceeding to the breeding zone. ?Once there, he encountered a slightly embarrassing situation. The chickens he had purchased had no breeding restrictions; he could house as many as he wanted in a single room. In contrast, the store-bought small animals were limited to two per room. Currently, five rooms housed chickens, while the other neen remained empty. ¡°Rabbits have been sessfully bred! Harvest in 36 hours!¡± After distributing some more feed, Su Ming emerged feeling quite pleased. ?His farm was now taking shape, showing the beginnings of a well-established operation. Su Ming had grasped the direction of the upgrade. Now, there was just one thing left to do: buckle down and work hard! Farming, recycling, earning points, and upgrading his equipment filled him with vigor! Suddenly, Su Ming had a thought. ¡°Yuvyuv, can the products stored under my vi be exchanged for points?¡± ?¡±Yes!¡± Yuvyuv responded telepathically, not allowing Su Ming time to revel in the prospect. She added, ¡°However, the seeds you''ve nted are ordinary, yielding ordinary products. Each product can only be exchanged for one point! Also, unlocking the breeding zone was a stroke of luck. Unfortunately, the products previously generated there aren''t eligible for point exchange.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Su Ming wasn''t too disheartened. ¡°Can I recycle the rice, the fish from the paddy fields, and the chickens from the coop now?¡± He asked eagerly. ¡°Now that you''ve leveled up, all harvested products will be recycled for the standard amount of points!¡± Su Ming burst intoughter. He also noticed that the System upgrade had transformed thendscape, automatically erecting a high wallplete with barbed wire around the perimeter of hisnd. ?Large searchlights were ced at intervals along the wall. Come nightfall, when the lights switched on, the area was illuminated as if it were daytime. This saved him a tremendous amount of effort. ncing at the time, Su Ming noted that both the rice and the chickens were nearing maturity. What would his harvest bring? And how many points would they yield? Su Ming was brimming with anticipation. Feeling a pang of hunger, he patted his stomach and decided to grab a bite to eat first! Chapter 346 Chapter 346 - Uncle Tofu and Wishing Lantern Su Ming was eagerly anticipating the fruits of hisbor. After a quick meal at a nearby shop to satisfy his hunger, he returned to find that his crops were still not ready for harvest. Undeterred, he hopped onto his tractor and diligently tilled the entire three-acre plot gifted to him by the Xiao family. He knew he couldn''t afford to squander thisnd. ?With time of the essence, Su Ming focused on nting crops to earn points, which was his primary goal. But what to nt? He pondered for a moment, scratching his head in slight confusion. Pulling out his phone, he browsed through his virtual warehouse for inspiration. That''s when it hit him: melons! Selecting the option to extract, a bag of seeds materialized in the warehouse next to his thatched hut. Su Ming then extracted some fertilizer, and several bags appeared just as magically. The System''s recent update had made his life incredibly convenient: no more trips to the store, as everything he needed was now just a click away. With practiced ease, Su Ming nted his crops, followed by watering and fertilizing them. A chime sounded in his mind, ¡°Ding! Melon sessfully nted! Harvest time: 48 hours!¡± He nodded in acknowledgment, ustomed to such alerts. ?¡±Master, Yuvyuv reminds you that the rice is ready for harvest,¡± chimed in the familiar voice. Su Ming, who had been meticulously weeding the edges of the Xiao family''snd, froze upon hearing the message. The rice was ripe, and his first batch of points was within reach! Excitedly, he stood up and dashed to the fields, slipping off his shoes and stepping barefoot into the muddy paddy. But what he saw left him dumbfounded. Instead of the expected rice stalks, something bizarre met his eyes: an oddity beyond words. The rice nts had no grains; instead, atop each stalk dangled a line with several white, cubic solids, reminiscent of candied fruit skewers. ¡°What on earth is this?¡± Su Ming muttered, reaching down to examine one of the peculiar objects. As he did, the System announced, ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you have obtained Mabaca Tofu. Consuming it will render you unbeatable!¡± Su Ming nearly choked in disbelief. All this time, he had been expecting a valuable treasure, not¡­ tofu. ?Was the System ying a joke on him? Why would the System choose such an odd name? Besides, he had no use for this feature. He didn''t have a girlfriend or a wife at the moment. And even if he did, he was quite confident in himself! This seemed a bit perverse. Su Ming mentally ranted and raved. Clearly, there was something off with the System. Yet, Su Ming had started to discern some patterns. This acre could support nearly ten thousand rice nts. The denser the rice nting, the more average the quality of the mature rice seemed to be. The rarer something is, the more valuable it bes. Take thest time, for instance: the ck plum was nted sparsely and ended up transforming into Yuvyuv, earning him shares in 100panies. That was incredibly cool. ¡°Bang!¡± Something suddenly struck Su Ming''s ankle, startling him. ¡°What''s that?¡± Looking down, Su Ming was taken aback. Damn! He hadpletely forgotten about the carp in the field. But it wasn''t a carp that was swimming around now. It was antern! It wasn''t particrlyrge, roughly the size of a volleyball. Thentern was entirely red with long tassels hanging from it. It glowed warmly from within, looking quite stunning. The tassels swayed to and fro, moving through the water like fish. What on earth was this? Curiosity piqued, Su Ming reached out and lifted one. As soon as thentern was out of the water, it became motionless. Thentern he held was light, covered in red silk with bamboo framing inside. At the base of thentern, a cluster of slender bamboo rods crisscrossed to support a tform where a candle burned brightly. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you''ve obtained a wishingntern!¡± ¡°Ding! With the wishingntern, the Host can write a wish on paper, ce it inside thentern, and light it with the candle. Your wish stands a chance of being granted instantly!¡± ¡°Ding! The simpler the wish, the greater the likelihood it wille true!¡± Hearing the System''s alerts, Su Ming was thrilled. It was like having his own wishing well! In the Seven Dragon Pearls, just one wish could be fulfilled by the seven pearls. He now had a total of 500 wishingnterns. Awesome! Haha! This was a real treasure. Feeling ted, Su Ming began to tidy up. He first retrieved all 300nterns from the three-acre plot. He pocketed thenterns and took them back to the vi. He decided to hold onto them, as they mighte in handyter. Next, he harvested all the Big Wave Tofu. The method was straightforward. He simply drove the tractor over them and reaped the harvest. With the System''s protection, these items wouldn''t spoil. Su Ming busied himself for four hours before he finished cleaning up the three acres. Then, he moved on to the original two-acre plot. Thisnd was also nted with rice, withnterns floating in the water. Using the same technique, Su Ming fished out thenterns and pocketed them, then harvested all the rice. ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested crops. Obtained 50,000 experience! Additional Experience Points: 10,000!¡± ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested crops. Obtained 5,000 experience! Additional Experience Points: 1,000!¡± The sound of sessful harvests echoed in Su Ming''s mind. One notification was for the rice, the other for the carp. Su Ming nced at his data panel; his experience was nearing 390,000. Large-scale farming really paid off! His nting area had now reached a vast eight acres! Although he had unlocked several other areas and features, farming remained his top priority. His ntation area was thergest, yielding the most experience. ¡°Yuvyuv! Recycle all the tofu! Exchange for points!¡± ¡°Master, are you certain?¡± ¡°Yes, I''m sure!¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. ¡°Ding! Recycling¡­ Recyclingplete. Congrattions, Host, you''ve earned 2,000 points!¡± ¡°How many points?¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. Fifty thousand Big Wave Tofu, and all he got was 2,000 points? That seemed far too low. Currently, his ntation area consisted of Level Onend. To upgrade to Level Two, he needed 8,000 points. With only 2,000 points to his name, it meant he could only upgrade two acres. Su Ming''s attention returned to thenterns. ¡°Yuvyuv, retrieve antern.¡± ¡°Ding! Retrieving¡­ Congrattions, Host, you''ve earned one point!¡± One point? That high? Su Ming once used 50,000 Big Wave Tofu to trade for just 2,000 Additional Experience Points. Could a singlentern really be worth one credit point? It seemed that the denser the ntation area, the more mundane the yield, and consequently, the fewer points he got from the exchange. The System hadn''tid out any specific regtions regarding this, but Su Ming wasn''t new to farming; he had managed to deduce this pattern on his own. Chapter 347 Chapter 347 - Wish Having umted enough points, Su Ming was ready for an upgrade. He was just about tounch the app when Yuvyuv chimed in his thoughts. ?¡±You can level up by telling Yuvyuv directly, you know!¡± Su Ming, phone in hand, paused for a moment. Being able tomunicate directly with Yuvyuv was indeed a convenience that made things much easier. His attention returned to the two-acre plot before him. ¡°I''d like to use 2000 points to upgrade these two acres.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± ¡°Yuvyuv has notified you that your points have been deducted, and thend upgrade is in progress. The process will take 12 hours, so please be patient!¡± As the notification sounded, the dam and silt that once marred thend vanished, restoring it to its natural state. ?Su Ming stepped onto thend. Though he could walk on it, the soil was not yet ready for cultivation. With a nonchnt shrug, Su Ming wasn''t bothered. All he had to do was wait until dawn the next day for the upgrade to bepleted. Then, he could start nting excellent bananas. Being Level Two crops, the excellent bananas promised not to disappoint. ?He was in no rush. He moved on to the adjacent three-acre plot. To his pleasant surprise, the dam and silt had also been cleared there, leaving thend in its pristine state. ?The System had taken care of this little inconvenience for him. Su Ming prepped the entire area and nted melons. ?Realizing he was short on seeds, he purchased a new batch from the store. ¡°Melons sessfully nted! Harvest them in 48 hours!¡± The nting sequence differed between the two plots, as harvesting took time. ?With the melons now in the ground, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. What a relief! ncing at the time, he noticed it was now well past two in the morning. He made his way back to the vi. Upon entering, Su Ming spotted the wishingnterns in a bag in the living room, something he had nearly forgotten. ?He quickly approached and retrieved antern. The System had exined that its use was straightforward: simply write a wish on paper and burn it. What wish should he make? Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully, stood up, and headed to the bookshelf to grab a pen and paper. Beside him stood antern. ¡°May the world be at peace!¡± Su Ming picked up a pen and wrote five words on the paper. He then ced the note inside thentern. The note immediately caught fire, emitting a green me. Su Ming was startled and quickly released it. He braced for a burn, but to his surprise, the me wasn''t hot at all. As the paper burned, thentern too was enveloped in green mes. In less than a second, thentern waspletely consumed by the fire, leaving not a trace of ash. ?¡±Your wish has been made. Probability of wish fulfillment: 0%,¡± the notification in his mind announced, leaving him rather bemused. ?The System had previously rified that the simpler the wish, the higher the likelihood of iting true. Conversely, the moreplex the wish, the slimmer the chances of realization. Su Ming was aware that his wish was a tall order. He decided to make another wish. ¡°May the Chinese men''s ser team win the World Cup!¡± ?He ced the note into thentern, which, along with the note, vanished in a sh. ¡°Your wish has been made. Probability of wish fulfillment: 0%.¡± It dawned on Su Ming that the difficulty of China''s ser team clinching the World Cup was on par with achieving world peace. He sighed deeply. Once more, Su Ming took up his pen and wrote down another wish. ¡°May my parents'' dog be able to speak.¡± ¡°Your wish has been made. Probability of wish fulfillment: 0.0000001%.¡± Though it seemed an impossibility, it still held a marginally better chance than China securing the World Cup. Su Ming sighed in resignation. After some thought, Su Ming wrote down another sentence. ¡°I hope to obtain a Top Grade item on my next harvest!¡± ¡°Your wish has been made. Probability of sess: 15%.¡± Encouraged by this figure, Su Ming felt a surge of hope. Though the odds were low, there was still a possibility of sess. He then wrote down another wish. ¡°May I gain more experience and points on my next harvest.¡± ¡°Your wish is a duplicate!¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. The System''s response was a wake-up call. His two wishes, while simr, were distinct; one was to harvest Top Grade items, the other to gain more experience and points. The System indicated that those two wishes were duplicates. What did that imply? It meant that the higher the quality of the item, the more experience and points he would earn! Eventually, Su Ming grew weary. He ced thentern in the underground storage. After eating and taking a bath, he turned in for the night. The following morning, Su Ming rose early. He noticed that the updates were still in progress. Only two hours remained until the update wasplete. He changed into fresh clothes. Su Ming, carrying a bag of fertilizer, made his way to the fields. He began spreading fertilizer in the melon patch and then watered it. Once he finished these tasks, he headed to the herding area. There, he gave the cows some water. Next, he visited the aquatic product area to scatter some feed. After a quick inspection that revealed no issues, he proceeded to the breeding zone. Chapter 348 Chapter 348 - This Is too Smelly As Su Ming drew near, he sensed that something was amiss. What was that odor? It was as though a sewer had burst nearby. Who could be so inconsiderate? The responsible party needed to address this stench. Internally, Su Ming ranted about the situation, when a realization struck him. He was in the downtown area. His was the only residence downtown. The rest were towering skyscrapers. It couldn''t be! Absolutely not! Su Ming shook his head in disbelief. He convinced himself it was a trick of the mind. Even skyscrapers have bathrooms. That had to be it. Muttering to himself, Su Ming made his way to the front door. The closer he got to his home, the more intense the smell grew. Then, he pushed the door open. An indescribably thick gas hit him. It was as if billowing ck smoke was pouring out of the room. Su Ming couldn''t help but let out a string of expletives. What in the world was happening? What had transpired in this room to make it reek so badly? Anyone who had ever managed or visited a breeding farm knew the stench was unbearable. Stay too long, and you''d be dizzy, your vision blurred, feeling nauseous. But why was there ck smoke in the chicken house? The odor was sharp and eye-watering. Su Ming flung the door wide open and stood at the threshold, gulping in fresh air. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and quickly entered. What on earth had gone wrong? It had been just one night. Yet the room reeked. Su Ming made his way to the end of the path. Just as he was about to lose hisposure, he mustered all his strength and pressed a button on the wall. Instantly, all the windows in the breeding zone opened slowly. A refreshing breeze wafted through, diluting the overpowering odor somewhat. Su Ming let out a sigh of relief. Now, he had to urgently locate the source of the smell and determine what had happened. If Su Ming couldn''t find the source¡­ He wondered if the stench might be the death of him. But the small animals on the farm would likely have a harder time escaping it. Starting with the rabbit hutch, Su Ming inspected everything and noticed no changes. The rabbits were sprightly, munching on feed, drinking water, hopping about. He then moved on to the chicken coop, examining it closely. ?Su Ming was utterly shocked. He could feel his cholesterol and blood pressure skyrocketing. Atst, he had identified the source. Su Ming had suspected an underground pipe explosion or some other cause, but he never imagined the culprit would be the chickens. The chickens were still chickens. Yet, their bodies were ck. Not the same ck as a ck chicken, though. Their legs weren''t chicken ws but resembled two toothpicks. Su Ming felt he was gaining new insights. These chickens looked like ambtory toothpicks. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have obtained the stinky tofu chicken.¡± ¡°Stinky tofu chicken, the Top Grade of stinky tofu, is incredibly delicious. One bite grants immortality, and two bites astonish the world.¡± Just then, a notification echoed in Su Ming''s mind. Stinky tofu chicken? System, how on earth did you link these two terms? He had been nurturing these chickens for many days. And they had even gone through a fortunate evolution. To think they turned out to be stinky tofu? ¡®System, are you ying a joke on me?'' This isn''t right. We could still be friends if we had a nice chat. But if you keep this up, friendship is off the table. You im one bite bestows eternal life, and two bites stun the world. Those are some bold statements. Yet, the System might be onto something. Imagine someone eating a bite of stinky tofu chicken. When the Ghost Messenger arrives to im their soul. They open their mouth. And the Ghost Messenger says, ¡°You might as well stay alive. One breath from you, and everyone in Hell will be overwhelmed by the stench!¡± Su Ming blinked. He surveyed the chickens meandering about. He intended to catch them. But Su Ming pulled his hand back. Why? He was too apprehensive to touch them. They reeked. If he grabbed them with his hands. His hands would be foul-smelling too. Could he even continue living then? Before long, he''d be everyone''s enemy. Su Ming pondered briefly. He had to do it. If he left the stinky tofu chickens out, the smell would be unbearable. With no other options, Su Ming steeled himself to catch them. He returned to the vi. He made his way to his bedroom. Opening a cab, he prepared for the task ahead. He pulled out a pair of gloves, pondered for a moment, and decided to grab another pair. After a second thought, he retrieved yet another pair. Su Ming then donned a diving suit, gearing up for the task ahead. The only thing he was missing was a gas mask. With a stic bag in his left hand and tweezers in his right, he cautiously made his way to the breeding zone. Taking a deep breath, Su Ming steeled himself for the inevitable. He couldn''t escape what wasing. ¡°Bring on the storm,¡± he thought to himself as he attempted to use the tweezers to grasp a stinky tofu chicken. But as soon as the chickens caught sight of the tweezers, they turned tail and fled. Their escape was of little consequence, except for the fact that they managed to fling a few drops of their potent soup in the process, intensifying the already strong odor. Internally, Su Ming was cursing up a storm. ¡°Why are you running? Where do you think you can go in such a confined space? You''re all grown chickens. Can''t you act with a bit moreposure? Can''t we discuss this reasonably? You already reek, and everyone despises you, but I''m the one person who doesn''t. You should be good and let yourselves be caught in my bag.¡± The stinky tofu chickens seemed to respond, ¡°We''re going to stink you out.¡± ?Su Ming tried once more with the tweezers, but the chicken slipped away like an eel and vanished. Soon, the ground was slick with their soup, and Su Ming was overwhelmed, his tears and snot flowing freely. ¡°Oh God! Have mercy on me,¡± he pleaded. ¡°If I''ve done something wrong, let thew punish me, not these stinky tofu chickens.¡± Eventually, Su Ming realized the truth. The System was incredibly sly, and it was futile to try to catch the chickens with any tool. If he wanted to catch them, he had to rely on his bare hands. Resigned, Su Ming took another deep breath, tossed the tweezers aside, and with the bag in his left hand, he reached out swiftly and urately with his right. Unfortunately, he exerted too much force, and a spurt of ck liquid erupted. One drop, following a particrly clever trajectory, cleared every obstacle andnded precisely in a crevice of Su Ming''s clothing. Su Ming felt a chill spread across his skin. Then, his heart chilled in an instant. A foul odor seemed to emanate from the area, permeating the surroundings. He felt tainted. His sense of helplessness was overwhelming. Regardless of his distaste for the items produced by the System, Su Ming couldn''t simply discard them. He methodically captured the ck chickens, stuffing them into his pocket one after another. ¡°The System has detected that the current batch of goods is edible and has automatically processed them with packaging and sterilization. They are guaranteed to be clean and safe.¡± At that moment, a prompt echoed in Su Ming''s head. He listened. What did this mean? Did the System actually expect him to eat these stinky tofu chickens? There was no way he would. Chapter 349 Chapter 349 - Stinky Tofu Mission ?¡±Yuvyuv! Recycle all this stinky tofu!¡± Su Ming called out urgently. ¡°Sorry, you can only retrieve them after they''ve beenpletely harvested!¡± He had to harvest a total of 50 chickens. He felt as if he was about to lose his sense of smell. Unable to stand the odor any longer, Su Ming resorted to using a pair of tongs to pinch his nose. It took a considerable amount of time, but he finally managed to harvest all 50 chickens. After the task was done, Su Ming was far from pleased. It was only after a lengthy rest that he began to feel like himself again. Despite the System''s asional unreliability, its products were always top-notch. In the past, he had consumed items with special effects that enhanced his attributes. Could this stinky tofu have simr properties? If so, then it wasn''t a loss after all. Su Ming stroked his chin, pondering. Stinky tofu might smell foul, but it tasted great. He wasn''t a regr eater of stinky tofu, but he didn''t dislike it. Perhaps it did have some unique benefits? With that thought, Su Ming opened his bag. He wasn''t paying much attention. As soon as he tossed the chickens into the bag, the stinky tofu would be automatically sealed and vacuum-packed. There was also a small box of toothpicks nearby. Intent on sampling the tofu, Su Ming carried the bag back to the front door of his vi. But instead of going straight in, he stripped off all his clothes at the doorstep. Wearing only his underwear, he entered the house¡ªthere was no one else around, after all. He then changed into a fresh set of clothes and came out holding a pair of scissors and an empty bowl. He snipped open the bag and tipped out a few chunks of stinky tofu, releasing a pungent aroma. Grabbing a toothpick, he speared a piece of tofu and popped it into his mouth. The vor was surprisingly good! Yet, he gained nothing from it. Was this just ordinary stinky tofu? Tasty as it was, it seemed to have no practical use. He decided to exchange the stinky tofu for points. As Su Ming contemted this, he prepared to convert them all into points. ¡°Your wish has been granted. You''ve triggered a mission: Sell Stinky Tofu! Participation is optional, not mandatory.¡± ¡°You can choose to directly recycle the stinky tofu for one point per serving, or opt to sell it for two points per serving!¡± Just as Su Ming was preparing to redeem his points, a notification chimed in his mind. He paused, momentarily taken aback. ?After a careful estimation, Su Ming figured that each chicken could yield about five servings of stinky tofu. With 50 chickens, that would total approximately 250 servings of stinky tofu. If he were to collect all the stinky tofu, he would only earn 250 points. Since the breeding zone had been upgraded previously, it was at a rtively high level. Thus, whether upgrading the breeding house or the control panel, the points required were substantial. However, selling all the stinky tofu could him 500 points. And to upgrade the control panel from Level One to Level Two, he only needed 300 points! How could a farmer not sell his produce? Having made his decision, there was no room for hesitation. But he needed a location to sell his goods. This was a major city. Though officials had now allowed street vending, enabling anyone to set up a stall, hecked the necessary equipment. ?He needed to purchase a small cart. He also required a business license and a health certificate. ¡°Don''t worry, the certificate has been automatically generated!¡± the System assured him. At that moment, another alert sounded in his mind. Su Ming was startled again; he didn''t own a vehicle. After some thought, Su Ming dialed the number of the seed shop owner. The owner was perplexed upon receiving the call. Mr. Su was asking for a vending cart? What was Mr. Su up to? But without probing further, the owner agreed promptly. In under thirty minutes, a vehicle pulled up to the curb, towing a small cart behind it. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± greeted the owner cheerfully as he stepped out of the car. ¡°Are you pleased? This is an electric tricycle you can ride. Your certificate is ready, and there''s a gas tank underneath. I''ve also picked up a few small items for you.¡± ?¡±Perfect,¡± Su Ming nodded, quite content. ?¡±Mr. Su,¡± the owner inquired with curiosity, ¡°what are you nning to do?¡± ¡°I''m going to sell stinky tofu,¡± Su Ming replied honestly. ?¡±You''re selling stinky tofu?¡± The owner''s eyes bulged in surprise. ?He owned such a vast plot ofnd in the heart of the city and yet he was choosing to sell stinky tofu! ?Mr. Su surely had his reasons! He couldn''t pry further. Once Su Ming handed over the money, the boss departed promptly. Su Ming retrieved the stinky tofu from inside the vi and packed it into his car. He shut the gate behind him and headed straight for the market. Su Ming was a regr at this market in the past. Initially, anyone could set up a stall there. However, that changed, and setting up stalls was no longer permitted. It became a daily urrence for vendors and city officials to be embroiled in disputes. One side was fighting for their livelihood, while the other was focused on urban development. Chapter 350 Chapter 350 - You Did It on Purpose Right? However, the government policy eventually changed. They designated several specific areas for setting up stalls, and this ce included the old market. ?Previously, the market had vendors selling vegetables and clothes. But the vegetable sellers moved to a dedicated vegetable market, and the clothes vendors went to the mall. ?Now, only the food sellers remained, making it one of Eastsea''s renowned snack streets, bustling from dawn tillte at night. When Su Ming arrived, the breakfast vendors were just packing up, leaving behind those selling snacks. ?Su Ming wheeled his cart into an open spot. ?¡±New around here, young man?¡± asked the friendly uncle selling fried chicken next to him. ?¡±Yeah,¡± Su Ming replied, his first time setting up a stall and still a bit awkward. ?¡±What are you selling, young man?¡± the uncle inquired, now free of customers. He lit a cigarette and strolled over to chat with Su Ming. The locals here earned their living through hard work. In quieter moments, they would gather to shoot the breeze, finding sce in each other''spany. ?¡±Stinky tofu,¡± Su Ming answered honestly, with a grin. ¡°Let me tell you, young man, selling stinky tofu isn''t easy these days!¡± the uncle said, pulling out a handful of sunflower seeds from his pocket and munching on them as he smoked. ?¡±Not many people are into stinky tofu now. It''s tough for someone as young as you to start a stall. I''ve been around, so let me give you a couple of tips to save you from taking the long way around.¡± ¡°Believe me, young man, I''ve been selling on this street for over 20 years. I know what sells and what doesn''t.¡± ?¡±These days, stinky tofu isn''t a hot item. The crowd for it is dwindling. Some trendy foods might sell well for a time, but that''s just a phase. Once it passes, they don''t sell anymore.¡± ¡°You should be selling kebabs and barbecue; that''s where the steady business is.¡± ¡°Do you want to learn from me? I can show you the ropes on managing the grill and mixing the spices. Tuition would be 2000 yuan. It''s a fair price. What do you think?¡± As the uncle spoke, he made his way over to Su Ming. He noticed Su Ming squatting down, busily at work, and couldn''t resist squatting down alongside him. ?Then, with a smile, the uncle asked him, ¡°Don''t you want to try something else? I find selling stinky tofu quite satisfying.¡± Su Ming cheerfully declined the suggestion. The uncle rolled his eyes in response, ¡°You young folks really should listen to your elders, or you might learn the hard way. My little stall here sells fried skewers, and I clear a profit of at least 500 yuan a day. That''s over 10,000 yuan a month. Isn''t that good? With stinky tofu, you''d be lucky to make 100 yuan in a day.¡± He sighed as he spoke. ?¡±Uncle, might you want to step back a bit?¡± Su Ming asked, just as he was about to open up the stinky tofu, ncing at the uncle after a sudden thought. ?¡±Why?¡± the uncle asked, taken aback. ¡°What''s the matter, young man? You think I''m going to steal from you? You''re quite alert.¡± ?¡±No,¡± Su Ming shook his head. ¡°Then what is it?¡± the uncle inquired, blinking in curiosity. ?¡±The stinky tofu is particrly pungent,¡± Su Ming exined. ?The uncle burst intoughter upon hearing this. ¡°Young man, I thought it was something serious. I''ve been running a stall for years and havee across nearly ten different stinky tofu vendors. Each has its unique stench, and I''ve smelled them all. Do you think your tofu can knock me out? You underestimate me!¡± ?¡±Alright then,¡± Su Ming said, seeing the uncle''s self-assured demeanor. ?He nodded silently, thinking to himself, ¡°You can''t say I didn''t warn you.¡± ?¡±It was your choice to stay,¡± Su Ming said, hands in his pockets. ?He then opened his pockets, and it seemed as if he could hear the scent bursting forth. The uncle''s face immediately transformed from nonchnce to shock. ?He wasn''t the only one stunned. All the nearby snack vendors were equally frozen in disbelief. ?They all thought to themselves, ¡°What on earth is that smell?¡± ¡°It''s incredibly foul.¡± ¡°My goodness.¡± The uncle leaped up, covering his nose and backing away rapidly: ¡°Young man, are you selling stinky tofu or a gas bomb?¡± The uncle''sment served as a wake-up call to everyone. This group was on the hunt for the origin of the aroma. Upon hearing the uncle''s remark, all eyes turned to Su Ming. Vendors were selling everything from melon seeds to chunks of candy. ?Some hawked pancakes and kebabs, while others offered wontons and deep-fried dough sticks. There was even a stall selling rice noodles. The rice noodle vendor had never anticipated this. They mused, ¡°I''ve been selling rice noodles for years.¡± ¡°Sure, rice noodles have a foul odor, but I suffer from rhinitis.¡± ¡°After all these years, I haven''t caught a whiff of anything.¡± ¡°Yet, it took a stinky tofu vendor to shatter my obliviousness!¡± ¡°My rhinitis is gone.¡± ¡°This stench is unbearable.¡± ¡°This odor¡­¡± ¡°It prates the soul, leaving asting impression.¡± ¡°Who is tapping at my window?¡± ¡°Who brought you to my side?¡± ¡°It''s the stinky tofu!¡± Ordinary stinky tofu carries a mild stink that can be torturous for some. Those who dislike it might grimace but bear it. But for stinky tofu aficionados, they flock to it eagerly. However, Su Ming''s stinky tofu was on a whole other level of stench, rivaling that of a biochemical weapon. It was unbearably foul. The stench was eye-watering. So potent that it made bystanders weep and theirplexions turn sallow. Everyone wondered, ¡°Who can tell me how this stinky tofu is made?¡± ¡°How did this young man manage to make stinky tofu this repulsive?¡± The man next to him grabbed a stack of tissues to cover his nose and mouth. He gazed at Su Ming with a look of agony. ¡°Listen, young man, we''ve never met before, right? You didn''t have to go this far with me, did you?¡± The uncle''s eyes spasmed. ¡°I haven''t done anything to you.¡± Su Ming blinked innocently. He thought, ¡°Do they really need to be so dramatic? Is the stinky tofu that bad?¡± ¡°I personally find the aroma of this stinky tofu quite pleasant.¡± A passerby thought to himself, ¡°You''ve got some nerve.¡± ¡°Don''t forget the excitement you felt when you first began harvesting.¡± ¡°If it weren''t for the points you earn from selling this stuff, it would probably have been reimed by the System by now.¡± ¡°Does this stinky tofu actually smell good to you?¡± ¡°Definitely not.¡± ¡°What''s that delightful scent?¡± ¡°It''s the points.¡± The middle-aged man was nearly in tears. He thought to himself, ¡°And you im you haven''t done anything to me?¡± ¡°What more do you n to do to me?¡± ¡°After you set up your stall.¡± ¡°Didn''t you notice?¡± ¡°Morning foot traffic is usually light, not many people around.¡± ¡°Now the street is almost deserted.¡± ¡°If it weren''t for the vendors sticking by their stands¡­¡± ¡°They would''ve scattered long ago, you know?¡± ¡°My skewer business was actually doing quite well.¡± ¡°I sell chicken racks and fried chicken drumsticks.¡± ¡°The customers really enjoy them.¡± ¡°But then you set up your stinky tofu next to me.¡± ¡°Now I can''t help but think my chicken tastes like stinky tofu.¡± ¡°That''s correct.¡± ¡°I initially quoted you 2,000 yuan, which was a bit steep.¡± ¡°How about 1,500 yuan?¡± ¡°I''m offering you a 500 yuan discount.¡± ¡°Please, I''m begging you to leave quickly.¡± ¡°Your stinky tofu truly embodies that phrase.¡± ¡°Wherever it goes, nothing else can thrive!¡± Su Ming smiled at the man''s expression. ¡°Uncle, give it a try. It might smell off-putting, but it tastes even more pungent. No, I mean, it tastes even better!¡± Su Ming cheerfully took out a few pieces of stinky tofu and ced them in a small box. He skewered them with two bamboo sticks and topped them with a sprinkle oftro. Then, he offered it to the man. Chapter 351 Chapter 351 - Stinky Tofu The man shook his head vigorously and retreated repeatedly. He feared the lingering stench in his mouth would deter future customers from buying his wares. ¡°This actually tastes really good.¡± Su Ming took out a bamboo skewer and pierced it through a piece. Then he popped a piece of stinky tofu into his mouth and swallowed it down. The man was petrified! It was frightening! ¡°Try some!¡± Su Ming extended the box toward him. ¡°No!¡± The vendor shook his head and backed away in panic. His son had just graduated from college and wasn''t married yet¡ªhe needed to make money to buy his son a house! Seeing the vendor''s obstinate demeanor, Su Ming decided not to press the issue. Since the stinky tofu was created by the System, he could sell it directly. However, the tofu was cold. Su Ming had observed others preparing stinky tofu and knew it had to be fried. He had even consulted Yuvyuv on the matter. The stinky tofu could indeed be fried. Frying wouldn''t alter the taste, but it would warm it up. He turned on the gas stove and set a pot on top. He poured a kettle of soybean oil into the pot. He took out several bags of stinky tofu and ced them into arge bucket nearby. He fished out the tofu and arranged some disposable containers, along with disposable chopsticks. He also had a small box filled with some change at the ready. Half an hourter, Young Master Su, brimming with confidence, was dumbfounded. Something was amiss. Apart from the vendors, the street was deserted. Su Ming felt a bit disheartened. It couldn''t be this deserted, could it? Perhaps he had arrived at an inopportune time? It was still morning, after all. The peak hours were usually in the evening. Su Ming nced at the time. In another half hour, the upgrade of his two-acre plot would beplete. He contemted whether to head home and nt the bananas first. While Su Ming was lost in thought, the sound of a bell suddenly rang out nearby. He looked up sharply! His chance had arrived! There were two schools in the vicinity¡ªa middle school and an elementary school. ?At noon, some students dined in the cafeteria, while others ventured out for their meals. This street, situated right beside the schools, presented a prime opportunity for business when students were dismissed. Under normal circumstances, everyone would be on edge right now. But today, nobody was stirring. Their gazes were fixed on Su Ming, silently urging him to leave quickly. The street was lined with food stalls offering an array of dishes. Though the mingling scents wereplex, they were undeniably appetizing. People usually arrived with their appetites piqued, eager to indulge. But today, there was only an offensive odor. A few students approached, only to stop dead in their tracks. They clutched their noses and quickly walked away. The vendor next to Su Ming couldn''t take it any longer. He was assaulted by an overpowering stench. Su Ming was barely 20 centimeters from his stall. The vendor inhaled deeply, trying to hold his breath a bit longer. ?But he inadvertently got a stronger whiff and nearly passed out. ¡°Young man, could you please head home? We can''t conduct business with you around!¡± The vendor had reached his limit. Su Ming looked confused. ¡°I think it smells quite nice.¡± No sooner had he spoken than he felt a bit queasy. He noticed all the stall owners ring at him. If looks could kill, Su Ming was sure he''d be reduced to dust. ?Feeling embarrassed, Su Ming had only wanted to sell some items and make a little money. He hadn''t intended to cause such a disturbance. ¡°I''ll head home then.¡± With no other option, Su Ming began to pack up his things. Just then, a luxury car cruised by the intersection. The vehicle was worth over ten million, indicating the owner''s status was far from ordinary. ?The driver navigated smoothly, while two individuals upied the back seats. One was a young, attractive, and slender secretary. The other was a middle-aged man, scowling. ?¡±Mr. Sun, please calm down. Why not have something to eat?¡± the secretary suggested softly. ?The middle-aged man snapped his eyes open and bellowed, ¡°Is that the way to prepare the Grand Peony? It should be made with carp that have grown in theke for at least five years.¡± ¡°Their rendition of the dish was a disaster. If not for Old Man Loong''s sake, I would have trashed their restaurant!¡± Chapter 352 Chapter 352 - This Wind Came at the Right Time At the entrance of a five-star hotel, luxury cars were parked as far as the eye could see, and guests swarmed like the sea. A portly middle-aged man, dressed in a suit and tie but oddly wearing slippers, had his hair slicked back, gleaming with oil. He was sweating profusely and looked visibly distressed. With hands nted firmly on his hips, he paced back and forth impatiently. ?His anxious stride halted when he spotted a woman in uniform approaching briskly. The man, Wang Liang, the hotel''s owner, stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes bulging with disbelief. He pointed usingly at the woman''s nose and bellowed, ¡°What''s going on with you? What is that smell?¡± Today, the hotel was graced by the presence of a VIP¡ªa chef of state banquet caliber. Renowned in the culinary circles of his homnd, he was as famous as Yao Ming in basketball, Zhong Nanshan in medicine, and Yuan Longping in agriculture. ?The imperial court boasted a civilization rich and ancient. Over thousands of years, it had lost countless ssical texts, traditional techniques, and many age-old recipes. Yet, this culinary maestro had dedicated thirty years to painstakingly recreate eight dishes from antiquity¡ªone for each cardinal and intercardinal direction. The culinary profession, part of the service industry, often goes unnoticed in society. Most chefs work in obscurity. But this chef was a household name,manding respect for his exceptional talent. His culinary prowess was evident, making any of his appearances a sensational event. Journalists with cameras in tow would mor for an interview whenever he stepped out. Hotels vied for the honor of hosting him, hoping he would sample their signature dishes. More often than not, he would simply shake his head in disapproval. Nevertheless, his mere presence at a hotel was tantamount to the best advertisement they could hope for. People would flock to a hotel he had visited, eager to taste the dishes he had sampled. And if the gentleman ever gave his nod of approval to a dish, the news would spread like wildfire. Crowds would descend upon the hotel, eager to savor the chef-endorsed culinary delight. The hotel owner would be overjoyed,ughing all the way to the bank as he counted his earnings until his hands ached. Unfortunately, the chef had yet to arrive. He had only confirmed two dishes. These two dishes remained incredibly popr. One could infer the chef''s esteemed identity and status. Wang Liang had paid a steep price for the opportunity to host this renowned chef on his business trip. Moreover, his establishment was a five-star hotel with an excellent reputation. Atst, the esteemed chef came to Eastsea on business and agreed to sample the hotel''s signature dish. Wang Liang was thrilled, as if he had been given a shot of adrenaline, and began preparations a full two weeks in advance. He instructed the chef, ¡°For the next half month, you have no other tasks. I''ve arranged a private room for you to focus solely on perfecting our signature dish. I will provide all the necessary ingredients and funds, and in return, I''ll triple your sry.¡± ¡°You have free rein with the signature dish you create.¡± ¡°But I have one requirement: the vor must be exceptional.¡± Wang Liang hadbored tirelessly for half a month. He had just received a call that Mr. Sun was en route. Suddenly, an unbearable stench wafted through the air. The odor was a vilebination of sewer, durian, and canned herring, boiled together, then mixed with two pounds of rice noodles and five pounds of stinky tofu, left to ferment in a cer for three months. ?The resulting smell was what now filled their nostrils. If someone bedridden for years caught a whiff of this, they might leap out of bed. The most critical elements of a perfect dish are its color, aroma, and taste. If a dish looks appealing and tastes delightful, But emits a foul odor, few would find it ptable. Under normal circumstances, if a guest experienced this at Wang Liang''s hotel, a simple apology andpensation would suffice. But this was no ordinary guest; this was Mr. Sun, whom Wang Liang had invited at great expense. Wang Liang had prepared meticulously for this moment. With just ten minutes to go before Mr. Sun''s arrival, the air was thick with the pungent smell. ?The stench was overpowering. It was as if the foul molecules in the air were packed tightly together, impossible to separate or dilute. The manager was drenched in sweat. He had meticulously inspected every nook and cranny of the hotel. Not a single shoe in the shoe cab corner was left unexamined¡ªhe sniffed each one. Yet, he couldn''t pinpoint the origin of the foul odor. ¡°Boss, I really don''t think the smell is emanating from inside our hotel.¡± Wang Liang was skeptical of the manager''s im. ¡°Our hotel is roadside, and it''s the only one in this area.¡± ¡°If it''s not our ce that''s reeking, then where is the stenching from?¡± Wang Liang was livid. After all, this was a five-star establishment. The property was expansive. The main entrance of the hotel was a considerable distance from any surrounding structures. To the left was the parking lot, and to the right, the dining and lodging facilities. His worst fear was that even a burst sewer pipe wouldn''t ount for such a horrendous smell! Wang Liang felt like his sense of smell was on the brink of failure. ¡°Find and fix the problem immediately, or I''ll fire everyst one of you!¡± Wang Liang was seething with anger. He had gone to great lengths and expense to bring Mr. Sun here. The chef was all set. Now, there was a real chance that Mr. Sun might leave due to the unbearable stench. If that happened, it would be a disaster for Wang Liang! Just then, a ck sedan appeared in the distance. Wang Liang felt a chill in his heart. All his meticulous preparations could be for naught! But Wang Liang was out of options. With Mr. Sun''s arrival, he had to proceed as nned. Taking a deep breath, Wang Liang forced a smile onto his face. He hurried to the entrance to greet the approaching ck car. The sedan inched closer, nearly there. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through. ?It was a powerful gust that dispersed the stench from the air. Wang Liang was on the verge of tears! He silently thanked the heavens for this timely blessing! ?Overwhelmed with relief, he watched as the car came to a halt. Sun Jianjun stepped out, followed by his secretary. ?The reporters, who had been eagerly waiting, swarmed around Sun Jianjun, creating a bustling scene. Several vans pulled up behind, and the security team quickly emerged to keep the reporters at bay. ¡°Mr. Sun, I''ve heard rumors that you''ve unearthed several ancient recipes. Can you confirm that?¡± ¡°During your recent trip to Eastsea, did youe across any dishes that particrly impressed you?¡± ¡°Mr. Sun.¡± The journalists in Eastsea City were practically beside themselves with excitement. A visit from a luminary like Sun Jianjun was a rare event in Eastsea. They were determined not to squander this chance! Chapter 353 Chapter 353 - Special Hobby The secretary quickly stepped forward. ¡°I am Mr. Sun''s secretary, and I am authorized to speak on his behalf. Please direct your questions to me.¡± The reporters all nodded in agreement. Mr. Sun held a very high status. And they were merely local reporters. They never expected Sun Jianjun to personally respond to their inquiries. ¡°Mr. Sun, how many dishes did you sample during your visit to Eastsea?¡± A reporter eagerly raised his hand to ask. ¡°Mr. Sun sampled a total of fifteen dishes.¡± ¡°How many of those dishes met Mr. Sun''s approval?¡± ¡°I''m sorry, but none.¡± The secretary was blunt, but she was simply stating the facts. ¡°How many more hotels does Mr. Sun have yet to visit?¡± ¡°Three more.¡± The scene was akin to a mini press conference, with the secretary acting as Sun Jianjun''s spokesperson. ?Meanwhile, Wang Liang said in a rush, ¡°Mr. Sun, wee. You are an elder I''ve always held in high regard.¡± But Sun Jianjun simply gestured with his hand, ¡°Let''s proceed to the tasting.¡± Wang Liang quickly nodded in agreement and led the way. ?Soon, they entered a room. ¡°Please wait a moment, Mr. Sun. We didn''t want the dishes to cool, so we only started cooking when we knew you were on your way. It will be just a few more minutes.¡± Wang Liang said hastily. Sun Jianjun remained silent, sitting down and closing his eyes to rest. Shortly after, the first dish was served. It was steamed Wuchang Fish. A renowned dish among the top ten of the imperial court. Sun Jianjun slowly opened his eyes and took in the aroma. ?His face was impassive, and he refrained frommenting. He then used his chopsticks to gently prod the fish before picking up a piece and tasting it slowly. It was some time before he swallowed the morsel of fish. ¡°Mr. Sun, what do you think of this dish?¡± Wang Liang asked with anticipation. ?The room was packed with people, including hotel staff and journalists. Every camera was focused on Sun Jianjun. The room fell silent, awaiting his verdict. Everyone was eagerly awaiting Sun Jianjun''s feedback. After a long pause, Sun Jianjun finally spoke, ¡°The steamed fish took a bit too long, and the oil wasn''t hot enough.¡± Wang Liang let out a silent sigh of relief. If Mr. Sun wasn''t pounding the table or yelling, it meant the dish was passable. He had heard about the severe tongueshing Mr. Sun gave thest restaurant. Soon, the second dish was served¡ªfish-vored shredded pork. ?Sun Jianjun, as before, carefully tasted a piece of the meat. Fish-vored shredded pork is a staple in Sichuan cuisine, yet its simplicity is a true test of a chef''s abilities. After some time, Sun Jianjun set down his chopsticks with a slight frown. ?¡±This dish is terrible.¡± Wang Liang''s hands shook with nervousness. Mr. Sun had dered the dish terrible! Mr. Sun then sampled two more dishes, shaking his head with dissatisfaction each time. ?As the next dish was presented, Sun Jianjun stood up, shaking his head, ¡°I won''t bother tasting any more. Inform the other restaurants I won''t be visiting. The cuisine of Eastsea is mediocre at best. Old Man Loong''s years of effort have been in vain.¡± With that, Sun Jianjun strode out. The faces around him grew somber¡ªthey were all Eastsea locals. Sun Jianjun''s critique stung, but no one could deny his honesty. ?Wang Liang sighed again, realizing Mr. Sun was even more demanding than he had anticipated. ¡°Mr. Sun, please allow me to escort you out.¡± Despite his disappointment, Wang Liang had no choice but to see Mr. Sun off. He had barely taken a few steps when a foul odor assaulted his nostrils. ?The stench had returned with the stillness of the wind! If Mr. Sun caught wind of this, he would surely criticize the hotel''s cleanliness. Sun Jianjun paused, his brow furrowed, as he stood still. Wang Liang''s heart sank. He was overwhelmed with anxiety. ¡°Please forgive me, Mr. Sun. I''m not sure what''s happening. My hotel has never had this smell before, but it suddenly appeared just now. You might not believe me, but I''m telling the truth.¡± Wang Liang was desperately trying to exin himself. Truth be told, he didn''t think his exnation carried much weight. Sun Jianjun remained silent, standing his ground. Wang Liang felt a chill in his hands and feet. His initial n had been to invite Mr. Sun over for some free publicity, hoping to boost his own profile. But now, things had taken an unexpected turn! What in the world was happening? And why did it smell so foul? While Wang Liang''s hands and feet shook with nerves as he pondered how to apologize, Sun Jianjun''s eyes suddenly sparkled. He turned around, his gaze intense and fixed on Wang Liang. Wang Liang was taken aback. What had just happened? Seeking assistance, Wang Liang turned his gaze to his secretary. She was just as perplexed. Having worked with Mr. Sun for so long, she knew he seldom smiled, much less disyed such an eager look! The journalists nearby were equally baffled. They had never seen Sun Jianjun behave this way. What was going on? What had Sun Jianjun discovered? Surely, there couldn''t be a hidden secret to this horrible smell? While it''s true that some people enjoy the scent of paint or durian, surely no one would find this offensive odor appealing? It was, after all, overwhelmingly foul. Chapter 354 Chapter 354 - So You Want to Eat Stinky Tofu This group was always bursting with bizarre ideas. ?No wonder Mr. Sun was often seen shaking his head wherever he went. It turned out he had quite the unique pte. Everyone has their own tastes, after all. What was Mr. Sun''s preference? He had a fondness for pungent things. It was hard to believe that Mr. Sun enjoyed such odors. Wang Liang felt an overwhelming urge to cry. Just as Mr. Sun was about to leave, right at the doorstep, Wang Liang learned of his penchant for stinky foods. This revtion would surely spread like wildfire, and from then on, others would know to prepare such fare for Mr. Sun. Life offered a myriad of vors, but it seemed that the stinkiest were the best. Wang Liang had uncovered this truth, yet he reaped no benefit from it, inadvertently passing the advantage to others. He wanted to cry but found himself unable to shed a tear, feeling both helpless and aggrieved. It seemed his luck was simply not on his side. ¡°Delicious! Top Grade!¡± Sun Jianjun eximed, his eyes wide with excitement. He then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, a look of sheer bliss on his face. Witnessing this, Wang Liang couldn''t help but think to himself, ¡°Mr. Sun, are you for real? You''re not pulling my leg, are you?¡± The situation was utterly baffling. The scent nearly made Wang Liang gag, yet Mr. Sun was proiming it to be Top Grade? ¡°Boss Wang, what is this?¡± Sun Jianjun, eyes wide open, clutched Wang Liang''s shoulder and asked with fervor. Wang Liang was taken aback by the attention. The crux of the issue was that he had no idea what the source of the smell was. All he could do was respond truthfully, ¡°I don''t know.¡± Wang Liang had the impulse to smack himself. He was troubled by his own ignorance. How could he have predicted Mr. Sun''s peculiar taste? If only he had known sooner, he would have made preparations for Mr. Sun in advance. Had the aroma been from a certain food, Wang Liang would have ensured it was ready beforehand, and today''s events would have unfolded much more smoothly. At that moment, Sun Jianjun turned and, with eyes closed, began searching for the source of the smell. He sniffed to the left, then to the right. He rushed to the doorway, continuing his quest for the elusive scent. The reporters trailing behind him remained quiet, following in mute astonishment, none daring to utter a word. The reporters were baffled. They couldn''t help but notice that Mr. Sun''s method of tracking down a scent was reminiscent of a police dog. His technique was impressively professional. As whispers of curiosity spread among the onlookers, Sun Jianjun''s eyes suddenly sparkled with recognition. He appeared to have pinpointed the origin of the odor. Mr. Sun, ted, dashed off toward the location. The onlookers were astounded by the sight. The reporters and service staff had been waiting there for quite some time. ?They had all detected the odor earlier but had failed to locate where it wasing from. Yet, Mr. Sun managed to identify the source in short order. Everyone present couldn''t help but admire Mr. Sun''s keen ability. Sun Jianjun led the way, with Wang Liang trailing behind him. A host of security personnel followed Wang Liang, along with a throng of reporters. And behind the reporters, a crowd of onlookers eager for news tagged along. Their curiosity was piqued. They could tell that the man leading the pack was no ordinary individual. They were all eager to discover where he was headed and what he intended to do. Had he stumbled upon something? The spectators were adamant that they wouldn''t be able to sleep that night unless they figured out what this man was up to. Meanwhile, Su Ming was packing up his stall. The System had tasked him with selling all his stinky tofu, but he wasn''t about to undermine the livelihood of his fellow vendors just to fulfill this mission. Life was hard for those running street stalls, enduring the sweltering heat of summer and the biting cold of winter, all while relying on their craft to make ends meet. ?Su Ming knew that if he took business away from others just toplete his mission, he would be wracked with guilt. Having organized most of the items on the table, Su Ming crouched down to tidy up the contents of his cart. He made sure the disposable lunch boxes were neatly stacked, and the gas canister was securely closed to prevent any leaks. With everything in order, Su Ming looked up, ready to head home. But as he was about to leave, he was met with an unexpected sight. A middle-aged man stood before Su Ming, backed by an entourage of people. ?Su Ming was at a loss for what the man wanted. Puzzled, he thought to himself that while his stinky tofu might have a strong odor, it surely couldn''t have drawn such a crowd. This ispletely unreasonable! Could they possibly be here to attack him? Su Ming reassured himself internally, ¡°We live in a society governed by the rule ofw.¡± Sure, his stinky tofu was quite pungent, but he was just about to pack up for the day. Surely he hadn''t offended anyone, had he? The other vendors, witnessing themotion, assumed the group hade to confront Su Ming. They were thrilled at the prospect and hoped the group would swiftly send Su Ming on his way. After all, the odor of Su Ming''s stinky tofu was so overpowering that they found it hard to think straight. They had encountered other stinky tofu sellers before, but none whose product was as malodorous as Su Ming''s. Yet, considering Su Ming''s poor sales that day, the vendors found it in their hearts to forgive him. Still, the mood on-site was incredibly awkward. Su Ming stepped back, adopting a defensive stance. Sun Jianjun was visibly eager, while hispanion looked puzzled. ?Reporters swarmed in with their gear, encircling Su Ming''s stall. The other merchants watched with schadenfreude. They had warned Su Ming to leave earlier, but he had ignored them. Now, it seemed, he was facing the consequences. They were also astonished that Su Ming''s stinky tofu had drawn such a crowd. The reporters felt a sense of resignation. They too were struggling with the stench, but the story appeared to be a scoop they couldn''t afford to miss. Curiosity-seekers were also put off by the smell, yet they were reluctant to pass up the chance to uncover some juicy gossip. After enduring for what seemed like an eternity, Su Ming could no longer contain himself. He blurted out, ¡°Sir, what exactly do you want?¡± Taken aback, Sun Jianjun responded, ¡°Didn''t I exin it to you just now?¡± Su Ming was puzzled. ¡°When did you say that? I didn''t hear anything.¡± ¡°I didn''t say it?¡± Sun Jianjun blinked, turning to nce at his followers. ¡°You didn''t say anything,¡± they responded in unison, shaking their heads. Sun Jianjun paused, taken aback. ?Maybe his craving for the stinky tofu was so intense that he had imagined their entire conversation in his head, convinced he had already spoken to Su Ming. ¡°Give me some stinky tofu!¡± Sun Jianjun rubbed his hands together, his face alight with desire and anticipation. The people around werepletely taken aback. They couldn''t believe their eyes. Mr. Sun had gone to such lengths, sprinting all the way here, just for a serving of stinky tofu? The nearby vendors nearly burst into tears. They had assumed this crowd hade to chase Su Ming away, only to find out they were actually here to buy stinky tofu. The vendors couldn''t fathom that anyone would want to eat such stinky tofu. And yet, this stinky tofu had drawn quite a crowd. ¡°Coming right up!¡± Su Ming answered with joy. Su Ming had been eagerly awaiting customers for his stinky tofu, and now he wasted no time in preparing it. He took out six pieces of stinky tofu and dropped them into the fryer. Afterward, he lifted the tofu out, drizzled it with sauce, sprinkledtro on top, and skewered each piece with two bamboo sticks. Finally, he presented the stinky tofu to Mr. Sun with great respect. Chapter 355 Chapter 355 - Bidding ¡°Thank you!¡± Sun Jianjun gingerly epted the stinky tofu, yet he didn''t rush to take a bite. Instead, he held it in his hand and inhaled deeply. With a look of sheer bliss, he nodded, ¡°This aroma is spot-on authentic!¡± The onlookers were taken aback. But upon reflection, they agreed with him; the stench was genuinely authentic! ?Sun Jianjun popped a piece of the stinky tofu into his mouth, and a satisfying crunch resonated. The tofu was perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and tender inside. The rich sauce exploded with vor, delighting his taste buds. ¡°Delicious!¡± His eyes sparkled with happiness, clearly savoring the top-grade stinky tofu. Someone nearby swallowed hard. ¡°I don''t know why, but now I''m craving some stinky tofu.¡± ¡°Same here.¡± ¡°If Mr. Sun is eating it, maybe we should give it a try?¡± Witnessing Sun Jianjun''s rapturous enjoyment, the crowd grew eager. ¡°Hey, young man, I''ll take an order of stinky tofu!¡± ¡°And I''ll have one too!¡± ¡°Extra sauce, please.¡± The crowd swarmed around the vendor. ?Su Ming''s face lit up with happiness. He had been worried about selling his stinky tofu, but now his concerns vanished. He cheerfully obliged and swiftly got to work frying up more servings. ?Wang Liang, the hotel staff, and the reporters each purchased a serving and eagerly dug in. They instantly realized why it was so praised¡ªthis stinky tofu was incredibly tasty! As the group enthusiastically nodded in approval, the neighboring stallholders were puzzled. ¡°What''s happening here?¡± ¡°Doesn''t that guy leading the charge look familiar?¡± ¡°I thought so too.¡± ¡°I''ve got it¡ªhe''s Sun Jianjun!¡± ¡°It''s really him! I never miss his food critique show; it''s rare to see him this impressed.¡± ¡°Quick, let''s grab some stinky tofu to try for ourselves.¡± ¡°I''m getting a few servings for my wife and kids to taste too.¡± The surrounding vendors buzzed with excitement and made their way over to join in. ?Su Ming waspletely worn out after an hour of non-stop work. He tirelessly fried tofu. Yet, there was a sense of joy in his heart. In just one hour, he had sold over 200 servings. His points were steadily climbing. He was now eligible for an upgrade. Only 20 portions of his stinky tofu remained. Su Ming''s stinky tofu had taken everyone by storm. The crowd was substantial. Numerous reporters were present. Several Little Streamers were broadcasting live. On top of that, Wang Liang couldn''t stop boasting to everyone. The news spread like wildfire. Before long, the alley entrance was nearly jam-packed with cars. Owners of five-star hotels and internationally acimed top chefs had all made their way here. Truth be told, they were somewhat skeptical at first. But upon arrival, they saw Mr. Sun enjoying himself immensely. Their doubts vanished, and they started purchasing stinky tofu. ¡°Young man, I''ll take two servings.¡± ¡°Young man, I want five servings.¡± ¡°How many servings are left? I''ll buy the lot!¡± ¡°Are you sure you can eat all that?¡± The group of elite chefs, faces alight with excitement, crowded around Su Ming''s stall. ¡°Please, everyone, stay calm!¡± Su Ming quickly interjected, ¡°Let''s not get too worked up.¡± ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I only have 20 servings of stinky tofu left.¡± After checking, Su Ming gave an apologetic smile and added, ¡°To allow more people to try it, each person can only purchase one serving.¡± ¡°I''ll take one serving!¡± ¡°Me too, I''ll take one!¡± ¡°I''ll add 100 yuan!¡± ¡°I''ll raise it by 500 yuan!¡± The chefs were beside themselves with excitement. The other stallholders were dumbfounded. Such esteemed chefs, vying for a few servings of stinky tofu, had started a bidding war. The chefs were in disarray, scrambling for the stinky tofu. Su Ming blinked in disbelief. At that moment, Sun Jianjun cleared his throat. Taking a deep breath, Sun Jianjun cast a stern look over the crowd, demanding their attention. Silence fell. It appeared Mr. Sun was ready to speak. ¡°I''ll have another serving.¡± With that, Sun Jianjun spoke up. ¡°Mr. Sun, how many servings have you already had?¡± ¡°Would you mind leaving some for the rest of us?¡± His words sparked discontent among the onlookers. Su Ming chuckled and said, ¡°You''ve had ten servings already. Maybe it''s time to stop.¡± Chapter 356 Chapter 356 - Stinky Tofu Auction As Su Ming''s words fell, those around him were taken aback. ¡°Ten portions?¡± ¡°Mr. Sun, you''ve consumed enough for ten people!¡± ¡°That''s quite unreasonable.¡± Protests began to rise from the crowd around Sun Jianjun, ¡°You simply can''t have thest twenty portions, no matter what!¡± The crowd was fervently animated. Couldn''t Mr. Sun spare some stinky tofu for the rest to try? Sun Jianjun''s cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment. He was aware that he had overindulged. ¡°Alright then.¡± With a lingering nce at the stinky tofu simmering in Su Ming''s pot, Sun Jianjun swallowed hard. It was a struggle for him to avert his eyes. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su, for the opportunity to savor such exquisite food.¡± Sun Jianjun expressed his gratitude with great reverence. Despite his lofty status, Sun Jianjun was not one to be consumed by a thirst for power or prestige. For him, the only true conquest was the vor of food. Su Ming''s stinky tofu was unquestionably Top Grade! It was an exceptional gastronomic delight for the taste buds. Among the many dishes Sun Jianjun had tried, none could hold a candle to Su Ming''s stinky tofu. Su Ming deserved the title of master for creating such a culinary masterpiece! Then, Sun Jianjun turned, hands sped behind his back, and addressed the chefs, ¡°Fighting here is quite rude. How about I take over? Please, take a seat first.¡± The chefs promptlyplied. They each fetched stools from a nearby stall and sat down neatly in front of the stand. ?¡±Anyone else interested?¡± Sun Jianjun scanned the crowd, but no one stirred. ?He then turned to Su Ming and suggested, ¡°Mr. Su, please fry up a portion to start.¡± ¡°Certainly!¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. ¡°Mr. Su''s stinky tofu is crafted with meticulous care. The tofu itself is made from top-grade soybeans, and the sauce is particrly special. It contains not only the usual fermented ck beans, alkaline agents, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and salt but also a selection of medicinal herbs. This must be Mr. Su''s proprietary blend.¡± ¡°The result is a stinky tofu with an overwhelmingly pungent aroma, yet once tasted, it reveals a crisp, rich vor with an unforgettable aftertaste.¡± Sun Jianjun stroked his goatee thoughtfully. Cameras from all around were trained on Sun Jianjun. Numerous Little Streamers, having caught wind of the event, were live streaming the unfolding scene. ¡°I''m a regr viewer of Mr. Sun''s culinary show. If I recall correctly, the most he''s ever said to praise a dish was three words: ¡®Not bad.''¡± ¡°Absolutely, he''s nevervished such praise on a dish before.¡± ¡°It''s incredibly rare for Mr. Sun to call someone a master. The vor of this dish must have utterly captivated him.¡± ¡°It''s unbelievable. Can anyone from Eastsea step up and sample this stinky tofu for us?¡± ¡°Ha! I''ve tried it already! It''s truly Top Grade!¡± ¡°The previous speaker is despicable. We need to uncover his identity!¡± ¡°Exactly, let''s give him a taste of what social obliteration feels like!¡± ¡°My apologies, dads!¡± ¡°I''m en route to Eastsea, hoping to get a taste of this stinky tofu.¡± Netizens were losing their minds online. No one anticipated that a serving of stinky tofu could create such a stir. ¡°Mr. Su''s first batch of stinky tofu is almost ready. Get ready to ce your bids!¡± Sun Jianjun raised his hand, signaling the start of the auction. ¡°I''ll start with five hundred!¡± ¡°Six hundred here!¡± ¡°One thousand!¡± The crowd was taken aback. They were ustomed to the auctioning of antiques and cars, but auctioning stinky tofu was unheard of. Typically, stinky tofu would cost no more than ten dors a serving. Yet here it was, fetching a thousand dors a serving. Was this stinky tofu crafted from gold? ¡°Eight thousand!¡± A chef interjected with a shout, raising his hand. ¡°Any more bids?¡± Sun Jianjun scanned the crowd. ¡°Sold for eight thousand yuan! This stinky tofu is yours!¡± He quickly determined the new owner of the stinky tofu. ?The chef was overjoyed. Was a serving of stinky tofu really worth such a fierce bidding war? Certainly not. But the significancey in Sun Jianjun''s endorsement. That changed the entire value proposition. For these chefs, money was no object. Their ultimate pursuit was culinary excellence. If they missed out on the deliciousness before them, it would surely be a lifelong regret. The chef jubntly epted the stinky tofu from Su Ming''s hands, eximing, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± He then happily squatted down to the side and began to savor his treat. ¡°Hot! Tasty!¡± Onlookers watched the chef skewer a piece of stinky tofu with a bamboo stick and pop it into his mouth. Despite the heat, the chef found it to be top grade in vor. The chefs who hadn''t managed to secure a portion were green with envy! They eagerly anticipated the second batch of stinky tofu. ¡°Come on, let''s start the bidding for the second serving of stinky tofu!¡± ¡°I''ll bid 5,000 yuan!¡± ¡°8,000!¡± ¡°12,000!¡± The bids escted wildly. They had all received word from their bosses that the auction expenses would be covered. ?Determined, they were set on securing a portion at any cost. The chef devoured half of the stinky tofu they purchased. Of the other half, the boss tasted just one piece, and the rest was vacuum-sealed to be the restaurant''s showpiece. In an unassuming food street in Eastsea City, chefs earning millions annually sat on tiny stools, vying for a portion of stinky tofu like schoolchildren. Thepetition evolved from a solo endeavor to a group effort. Groups of six banded together, each member eager for their share of the prized tofu. Ultimately, it took two hours to auction off twenty portions of stinky tofu, fetching a staggering 500,000 yuan! ?Each portion sold for an astonishing 25,000 yuan! Stall owners nearby watched in awe, envious of the spectacle. After years of running their modest stalls, they had never witnessed such a phenomenon. The price of a single portion of stinky tofu had soared to rival that of gold. Su Ming''s stinky tofu was worth as much as some vendors made in a month or two! Particrly regretful was the uncle from earlier, who now wished he had capitalized on his proximity to secure a few portions right from the start. Later, he could auction it off and make a fortune to buy his son a house. The uncle was heartbroken, feeling he had missed a golden opportunity to strike it rich! However, nobody could have predicted the high value of Su Ming''s stinky tofu. ¡°All my stinky tofu is sold out; I''m heading home now.¡± Su Ming packed up his stall, beaming as he spoke. ¡°Mr. Su, here''s our hotel''s top-grade card. If you stay with us, you''ll enjoy a 70% discount!¡± ¡°Your hotel is quite stingy! Mr. Su, this is our VIP card. Whenever you visit, regardless of how many people apany you, their stay will beplimentary!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, this is our diamond card. You don''t even need to be present; anyone carrying this card, whether family or friends, can stay for free!¡± ¡°Mr. Su.¡± As Su Ming made his way from one end of the alley to the other, he was handed a plethora of VIP cards from various hotels. These hoteliers were savvy. Even though Mr. Su was merely a humble stinky tofu vendor, his tofu had earned high praise from Mr. Sun. The power of advertising is unbeatable! Should Mr. Su feel generous one day and gift them some stinky tofu, they could indeed be wealthy overnight! Chapter 357 Chapter 357 - Level Three Commodity ¡°Mr. Su, take care!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, when will you set up your stall again?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we''re looking forward to your return!¡± Adjacent to a high school, on a nondescript street, a young man d in cotton shorts and cloth shoes, topped with a straw hat, pedaled away on his electric bike, towing his stinky tofu stall behind him. A crowd trailed behind him. They were hotel magnates, elite chefs, and journalists from Eastsea City. A throng of spectators gathered as well. The most notable among them was Sun Jianjun, a renowned gourmet from the imperial court. Tears welled in his eyes as he waved a heartfelt farewell to Su Ming. The stinky tofu auction that took ce in this alley today would go down in history. Twenty portions of stinky tofu fetched a total of 500,000 yuan. The highest bid for a single portion reached an astonishing 68,000 yuan! In no time, the alley was renamed Stinky Tofu Alley. Those who had purchased the delicacy but couldn''t bring themselves to eat it immediately vacuum-sealed their portions and had them guarded vigntly. The media extensively covered the event. It became known as the Stinky Tofu Incident! ?Unaware of the frenzy, Su Ming cycled back to his home and shut the door behind him. He then made a beeline for his two-acre plot ofnd¡ªbecause the upgrade wasplete! ?Parking his bike on the path, Su Ming hurried to the field. ?A dramatic transformation had taken ce. Previously, the soil had been a dull mix of ck and yellow. Now, the entire expanse was a vibrant green, shimmering withyers of light. ?Crouching down, Su Ming scooped up a handful of the green soil. ?The upgrade was indeed beneficial, despite the unusual color. He pulled out his phone andunched the app. Tapping on the warehouse, he redeemed several packets of banana seeds. Next, he headed over to the thatched hut. As expected, the packets of banana seeds were there. Lifting the seeds, Su Ming ced them beside the path and hopped onto the tractor, tilling thend thoroughly. ?¡±The System has detected that you are about to nt Level Two crops!¡± ¡°The soil is Level Two, meeting the nting requirements. You may proceed with nting!¡± A notification from the System chimed in Su Ming''s mind. He simply smiled, choosing not to borate further. Then, he set to work digging holes and nting seeds. Initially, he didn''t notice anything amiss. However, when he nted the second banana seed, he realized something was off. Typically, he could nt at least 100 banana nts per acre. Su Ming had acquired seeds based on that figure. But the oue defied his expectations. The System suggested a much wider spacing between nts. After a quick calction, Su Ming was taken aback to find that he could only fit ten banana nts on the two acres! A frown creased his brow momentarily. Yet, he trusted that the System''s guidance meant that a greater nting distance would yield superior produce. With that thought, Su Ming''s hesitation vanished. He followed the System''s rmended spacing, nted the seeds, and proceeded with watering and fertilizing. ¡°Excellent Banana sessfully nted! Harvest time: 50 hours!¡± Once he finished tending to the field, Su Ming headed directly for the breeding zone. There, his points had reached a hefty sum of 500. But the data panel disyed 600 points¡ªwhere had the extra 100e from? ¡°Yuvyuv, how did I suddenly gain an extra 100 points?¡± Su Ming inquired. ?¡±It''s because your stinky tofu sale created quite the stir. Those 100 points are a bonus!¡± Yuvyuv responded. ?Su Ming paused, taken aback. ¡°The System is designed to reward your showmanship. Naturally, you get a bonus for causing such a sensation!¡± the System chimed in. ?Su Ming chuckled at the exnation. He made a beeline for the control console. ¡°Yuvyuv, I''d like to upgrade the control console.¡± ¡°I''ve confirmed you have enough points. Do you wish to proceed with the upgrade?¡± ¡°Yes, I''m sure!¡± Su Ming confirmed mentally. ?¡±Upgrading now.¡± ¡°Upgradeplete!¡± ¡°Congrattions, your control console has been upgraded to a Level Two control panel!¡± ¡°New feature added to the control panel: Automatic water feeding!¡± With Yuvyuv''s voice fading, the control panel transformed noticeably. It had been an oldputer screen from thete 20th century with low image resolution. ?But now, the screen was evolving. It morphed into a modernputer screen, with significantly improved rity. The control panel, once covered in rust, now gleamed with its original metallic sheen following the upgrade. Concurrently, a new pipe materialized in the corner of the wall, stretching along two rows of the breeding zone. Each individual room was now equipped with an automatic outlet. Su Ming tapped on the console''s screen and discovered that the System had gained a new feature: an automatic water-feeding function, in addition to its ability to open and close windows automatically. Su Ming was ted; things were unfolding just as he had anticipated. The upgrade had not only improved the console''s appearance but had also unlocked additional functionalities. At present, he had only essed the automatic water-feeding feature, but Su Ming was confident that with further advancements in his level, he would unlock automatic feeding, harvesting, and even food distribution functions. For the moment, he tempered his excitement. In high spirits, Su Ming fed the rabbits before proceeding to five vacant rooms, where he raised ten more rabbits. After setting the timer for the automatic water feeder, he secured the door to the breeding zone and made his way back to the vi. The fields were abundant with crops, but nting remained his primary focus. As Su Ming contemted his future endeavors, a sudden thought struck him¡ªthe store had updated! He dashed upstairs, powered on hisputer, andunched the System software. He scrutinized the new offerings. In the ntation area, fivemon crops had made their appearance. They were quite standard, yet Su Ming decided to store some. The herding and aquatic product areas featured simr ordinary items, which he also chose to keep. Finally, turning his attention to the breeding zone, Su Ming was met with a brilliant blue light¡ªa Level Three product had surfaced in the marketce! He eagerly examined it with great attention. Chapter 358 Chapter 358 - Pseudo Threelegged Golden Toad Su Ming was thrilled. He hadn''t expected a Level Three product to make an appearance in the store! Following a sh of dazzling blue light, his eyes locked onto the item. Su Ming blinked in disbelief. It was the Three-legged Golden Toad. This creature hailed from the imperial court''s mythological tales. It resided on the moon, much like the jade rabbit. Within the imperial court''s traditions, the Three-legged Golden Toad was a harbinger of good fortune. It symbolized wealth. Many imed to have encountered the Three-legged Golden Toad, and those who did often stumbled upon unexpected riches. ?Nowadays, it''smon to see a Three-legged Golden Toad perched on shop counters, clutching a coin in its mouth. While the Maneki-Neko serves as a wealth emblem in the ind country, the Three-legged Golden Toad is the imperial court''s enduring symbol of prosperity. Su Ming never imagined that the System would feature a Three-legged Golden Toad! As he marveled at the sight, his mouse cursor inadvertently hovered over it. Thebel read, Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toad! Su Ming paused, taken aback. Was it a counterfeit? ¡°Yuvyuv, what''s this all about?¡± he asked urgently. ?¡±Master, this isn''t the true Three-legged Golden Toad; it''s a descendant from many generations of the original,¡± Yuvyuv rified. ?That made sense. Su Ming nodded, enlightened but slightly let down. ?He had hoped it was the genuine article, but it turned out to be merely a progeny of the original Three-legged Golden Toad. ?Nevertheless, Su Ming quickly adjusted his expectations. ?Given his current low level, it was understandable that the real Three-legged Golden Toad wouldn''t appear. But what did the presence of a Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toad imply? It suggested that someday he might indeed acquire the real deal! Especially now that the breeding zone''s level had just been upgraded. Su Ming was confident that, with a sufficiently high level, he would eventually be able to cultivate a host of legendary mythical beasts! With this thought, he let go of his initial disappointment. He nced at the price tag. One million for a Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toad! Quite pricey! Yet, Su Ming''s excitement swiftly returned. He trusted that the System would never allow him toe out at a loss. He had to shell out a million to secure a Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toad, so it stood to reason that once the Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toad reached maturity, it would certainly be something valuable. Su Ming was furiously clicking his mouse; he had set his sights on acquiring 100 Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toads. However, the System notified him that he was limited to purchasing only 50 Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toads. With no other option, Su Ming resigned himself to buying the 50 Pseudo Three-legged Golden Toads. Currently, his breeding zone was at Level Three. But the control panel was still at Level Two. To breed Level Three creatures, he needed to upgrade the console to Level Three. Su Ming was confident, though, that once the rabbit was harvested, the control panel would surely be upgraded to Level Three. He clicked the mouse again. ?On closer inspection, Su Ming noticed a small ck square on the screen, marked only with a question mark. ?When he inquired with Yuvyuv about it, she simply told him his clearance wasn''t high enough. What could this be? Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Master.¡± Yuvyuv interjected, ¡°Master, you have two options: ignore it and it will vanish after the overnight refresh, or you can lock it in. Other items will refresh as usual, but special items will be retained if locked. Just remember, once locked, it cannot be unlocked, and it will cost you 100,000 a day to maintain the lock.¡± ¡°When will I be able to check it out?¡± Su Ming asked. ?Given his current bnce, he could afford to keep it locked for quite some time. His concern was that the requirements to ess it might be too stringent. That could potentially lead to a loss. ¡°You need to level up!¡± Yuvyuv informed him. ?¡±Level up?¡± Su Ming blinked in surprise. ¡°To what level do I need to upgrade?¡± ¡°My authority is insufficient to provide that information,¡± she replied. Su Ming pondered for a moment. Anything that appeared in the first refresh had to be worth keeping! He decided to hold onto it. Clicking the mouse, Su Ming locked in the item. He was counting on the System to live up to his expectations. Otherwise, he''d be at a loss! After wrapping up most of the work in the field, Su Ming finally allowed himself to rx. He was lounging in the vi, watching TV when Su Ming''s phone rang. He checked the caller ID¡ªit was his mother. ¡°Mom, what''s up?¡± Su Ming answered. ¡°Do I need a reason to call you?¡± Lee Sumei''s voice came through the line. ?¡±Of course not!¡± Su Ming quickly responded. ¡°I''m always happy to hear from you!¡± ¡°I actually do have a reason this time,¡± Lee Sumei admitted. ?¡±What''s going on?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Do you remember your fourth uncle''s granddaughter?¡± she asked. Su Ming paused, blinking as he dredged up the memory. His grandfather had four brothers. His grandfather was the second oldest. The eldest and Third Brother had moved away when they were younger, while the youngest had relocated to a nearby town. Only Su Ming''s grandfather and his fourth uncle had stayed put. His fourth uncle had one son, one daughter, a granddaughter, and two grandsons. The granddaughter was three years younger than Su Ming. They had spent summers together as kids and got along well, but they hadn''t seen each other since they started junior high. It had been over a decade. ¡°Yeah, I remember her. What about her?¡± Su Ming asked. ?¡±We''ve lost touch with their family over the years, but I just learned she''s now a sophomore at Eastsea University,¡± Lee Sumei exined. ?Su Ming was taken aback. He hadn''t expected her to be in Eastsea. ¡°Is she in trouble?¡± he asked, concern creasing his brow. ?¡±Yes, she''s been having a tough time at school. Her mother found a depression diagnosis in her room yesterday and was too worried to confront her about it. They know you''re in Eastsea, so they reached out to me,¡± Lee Sumei exined. ¡°Could you visit her at school and see if you can help?¡± ?¡±I''m on it. Just text me the school''s name, and I''ll head over there right away,¡± Su Ming assured her. ?¡±Will do,¡± Lee Sumei said before ending the call. Shortly after, a text message with the details arrived. Chapter 359 Chapter 359 - You Can''t Graduate If You Don''t Go Eastsea University. Economics Academy, women''s dormitory. It was a room for four. The beds were lofted high, with desks nestled underneath each one. The dormitory boasted a private bathroom. Clothes cluttered the modest space. Cosmetics sprawled across the desks. Two girls lounged in pajamas on their beds, absorbed in music and games. Another girl sat on a chair, deep in a video call with her boyfriend. Thest girl, however, seemed somewhat out of ce. Her bed was immactely tidy. Her desk, spotless. Herplexion was pale, her frame slight. She gazed listlessly at a book when suddenly, her phone rang. ?Su Qiu jumped. Breathing deeply, she flipped her phone open with trepidation. The caller ID drained the color from her already pale face. ¡°Senior Ye calling again?¡± ¡°Su Qiu, if I were you, I would''ve said yes by now. Senior Ye is good-looking,es from a wealthy family, and is the principal''s son. He''s such a catch.¡± ¡°Exactly. He''s wealthy and handsome. If you''re with him, you won''t even have to worry about finding a jobter on.¡± The other three girls turned their attention to her. ?Su Qiu forced a weak smile. She shakily answered the call. ¡°Senior.¡± Her voice was sweet, yet frail. ¡°Su Qiu, are you free right now? I''m off this afternoon. How about we grab a bite and catch a movie? I''ve heard thetest release is quite good.¡± ¡°No, Senior, I''m busy,¡± Su Qiu cut in quickly. ?There was a moment of displeasure from the other end, but it soon passed. ¡°Alright then, make sure you rest up this afternoon. There''s a banquet at the school tonight. My dad has invited a lot of top entrepreneurs. You really shoulde. It''ll be beneficial for your future career.¡± Su Qiu was about to decline when he added, ¡°Su Qiu, I''ve heard you''ve failed a couple of courses. It might not seem like a big deal now, but if you continue to fail, you might not be able to get your diploma and degree, right?¡± Ye Fenglong let out a coldugh over the phone. Su Qiu bit her lip. Her face, already ghostly pale, had now lost all traces of color. ¡°I''ll go.¡± Su Qiu finally managed to utter those two words, her voice devoid of strength. ¡°That''s good. I''ll pick you up tonight. Get some rest this afternoon.¡± Ye Fenglong was smug as he ended the call. Clutching her phone, Su Qiu wrapped her arms around her knees. Curled up tightly, she couldn''t hold back her quiet sobs. ?On a bustling pedestrian street, Ye Fenglong sported an expensive outfit, his wrist adorned with a luxury watch. He had just slipped his phone into his pocket. nking him were two heavily made-up women, clinging to him incessantly. ¡°Darling, she''s just a weakling. Why do you treat her so well?¡± one of the women asked in a flirtatious tone. ?¡±What do you know? I can''t stand it when women act all innocent in front of me. The less essible she is, the more I want her,¡± Ye Fenglong scoffed. ¡°She either sumbs to my advances, or I''ll see to it that she fails and is sent packing. I''ve heard her family''s struggling, and they''re banking on her academic sess. If she ends up failing and returning home, how will she ever face them?¡± ¡°Darling, you''re so cunning!¡± chimed in the other woman, equally flirtatious. ?¡±Let''s go!¡± ?Ye Fenglongughed triumphantly as he wrapped his arms around the two women and strutted into the nearby inn. As the principal''s son, Ye Fenglong''s arrogance knew no bounds at Eastsea University. ?Su Qiu had caught his eye early into her college days, her beauty and innocence making her a target. ?Ever since, Ye Fenglong had been relentless in his pursuit. He hounded her before and after sses and even had her followed. Su Qiu''s dorm mates had been bought off by Ye Fenglong, ready to report her every move. ?They stopped just short of invading her privacypletely. Furthermore, Su Qiu was an outstanding student. The subjects she had failed were those in which she excelled. She was confident she could score over 90 points in them. But Ye Fenglong had used his influence to ensure she failed. Su Qiu received daily calls from her family. They urged her to study diligently. ¡°You''re our family''s hope,¡± they told her. Su Qiu resided on the campus. Yet, she felt eyes constantly watching her. She had no confidant or way to release her frustrations. Over time, Su Qiu grew more withdrawn and quiet, battling severe depression. She even contemted suicide. ¡°I''m so jealous of Su Qiu. If the principal''s son likes her, she''ll have an easy time getting a job at a state-ownedpany, right?¡± ¡°Why would she even bother working at a state-ownedpany? It''d be better for Su Qiu to stay at the university. Imagine her as a top official there: how impressive that would be.¡± ¡°But Su Qiu doesn''t care for Young Master Ye at all.¡± ¡°What do you know? She''s just ying the innocent!¡± ¡°Exactly! The more innocent she acts, the more Young Master Ye will be smitten!¡± ¡°Su Qiu''s the smartest in our dorm, isn''t she?¡± ¡°Definitely! Not everyone gets to attend tonight''s banquet, but Su Qiu does. I wish I were in her shoes!¡± Her roommates sneered at her. Su Qiu clenched her fists and bit her lip until her fingers turned white. ?She had done her best to avoid Ye Fenglong. But she couldn''t skip tonight''s event. Not attending could mean failing her course or even expulsion. The stakes were too high. Yet, what if she did attend? The banquet would be filled with Ye Fenglong''s people. Su Qiu feared for her safety. ?Her heart grew colder, her suicidal thoughts more persistent. Just then, her phone rang again. Startled, Su Qiu let out a scream. ¡°Why are you screaming? We know it''s Young Master Ye calling. No need to unt it,¡± they taunted. ¡°You act so convincingly every day. But when Young Master Ye calls, you''re thrilled.¡± ¡°Give it a rest. It must be exhausting.¡± Her roommates, startled themselves, rolled their eyes and mocked her. Su Qiu heard them and felt deeply aggrieved. ?She didn''t argue, instead extending her hand to flip her phone over for a closer look. Su Qiu wondered, ¡°Why is it an unfamiliar number?¡± ¡°Who could it be?¡± ¡°A telemarketing call?¡± But it was a number from Eastsea, not a virtual one. After a moment''s consideration, Su Qiu decided to answer the call. ¡°Hello? Su Qiu? Remember me? It''s Su Ming.¡± A warm and breezy voice came through the line. Su Ming? Su Qiu paused, momentarily taken aback. Memories long buried began to resurface. ¡°Is that you, Mr Su?¡± Su Qiu blinked in astonishment, seeking confirmation. ¡°Yeah, that''s me. You went off to study at Eastsea University and didn''t even drop me a line. I''m actually in Eastsea right now. I''m about to reach your campus''s main entrance. Come out quick; I''m taking you out for some great food,¡± Su Ming said cheerfully. Chapter 360 Chapter 360 - Banquet ?¡±Mr. Su, are you in Eastsea?¡± Su Qiu asked, her voice tinged with astonishment. Su Ming chuckled, ¡°I''m an Eastsea University alum, and I''ve been working here since graduation. I''ll be there shortly; let''s meet at the school gate.¡± Su Qiu confirmed and ended the call, still struggling to process the news. It had been over a decade since theyst spoke, and the prospect of seeing him again was disorienting. Yet, the call from Su Ming had lifted her spirits from their nadir. It took her a while topose herself and don her coat before she rushed to the school entrance. ?¡±Mr. Su?¡± The sight of Su Qiu dashing out left her dorm mates exchanging puzzled nces. ¡°Who''s this Mr. Su?¡± ¡°I have no idea. Never heard of him.¡± ¡°Could he be her secret boyfriend?¡± ¡°Remember when Young Master Ye was pursuing her? She insisted she had a boyfriend. We thought she was bluffing, but what if she was serious?¡± ¡°It''s likely. We should tell Young Master Ye right away!¡± The news quickly reached Ye Fenglong, who responded with a derisive snort. He doubted a girl from a humble mountain vige couldnd an impressive boyfriend. He was acquainted with all the wealthy heirs in Eastsea City, and none bore the surname Su. They were probably just as impoverished. Su Qiu ran to the school gate and spotted a car in the distance with a somewhat familiar figure standing beside it. Approaching cautiously, she inquired softly, ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Su Ming, engrossed in his phone, looked up, startled. Before him stood a beautiful, slender girl with a pallidplexion. Su Qiu had changed immensely over the years, yet he could still discern traces of the girl he once knew. ¡°You''ve really grown up; you''re not the little girl who used to tag along with me anymore,¡± Su Ming said with a warm smile. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± Su Qiu''s face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly averted her gaze. At the school gate, the possibility of ssmates witnessing their exchange made her feel self-conscious. ?Su Ming''s smile broadened as he observed Su Qiu, realizing that her life had been challenging and that she was battling severe depression. He needed to distract her with this topic to lighten her mood. ¡°Get in the car.¡± Su Ming invited Su Qiu to join him in the car. Yet, Su Ming didn''t rush to start the engine. He reached over to the seat and picked up a bottle. ?Inside was the Body-stretching Pill, along with a Chinese herbal medicine known for bolstering health. Su Qiu paused, taken aback. Was this ink? Did Mr. Su want her to practice her calligraphy more? ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su.¡± Despite her confusion, Su Qiu graciously epted the medicine bottle. Seeing the look on Su Qiu''s face, Su Ming realized she had misunderstood: ¡°This isn''t ink; it''s medicinal and meant to be drunk.¡± Su Qiu was momentarily stunned. This was drinkable? ?¡±Give it a try,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. Had anyone else given her this bottle, Su Qiu would have been skeptical. But she trusted Su Mingpletely. Without a second thought, she opened the cap and took a sip. Expecting a bitter taste, she was surprised to find the medicine pleasantly aromatic. A warm sensation spread through her limbs, revitalizing her once frail body with newfound energy. Her previously heavy heart felt significantly lighter, and the suicidal thoughts that had loomed over her began to fade. ¡°Mr. Su, what is this?¡± Su Qiu asked, astonished. ¡°A friend gave it to me,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, offering no further exnation. Just then, Su Qiu''s phone rang again. She checked the caller ID, and her face fell. It was a call from Ye Fenglong. ?¡±Who''s calling?¡± Su Ming inquired, noting the change in her demeanor. ¡°It''s a senior from my university,¡± Su Qiu replied, hesitating. ?¡±Does he often bother you?¡± Su Ming asked, understanding the situation from her expression. ?Su Qiu nodded. ¡°Hand me the phone,¡± Su Ming said, taking the call with a calm smile. ¡°Su Qiu, tonight''s banquet will host many VIPs. I remember you don''t have any suitable attire. Meet me on the pedestrian streetter; I''ll buy you a nice outfit,¡± Ye Fenglong''s voice suggested over the phone. ?Incredibly, the man had spent no more than ten minutes in the hotel. ¡°No need, I''ll buy it for her,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°Who are you?¡± Ye Fenglong was startled, but he quickly regained hisposure. ¡°Are you Su Qiu''s boyfriend, the one who''s never made an appearance?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming replied with a serene smile. ¡°Where are you working now?¡± Ye Fenglong asked, his smile broadening. ¡°I''ve just graduated and am currently job hunting,¡± Su Ming informed him. ¡°Join Su Qiu and me tonight; I''ll help you find a job. Let''s meet at five o''clock sharp,¡± Ye Fenglong offered before abruptly ending the call. ?As soon as the call ended, the smile vanished from Ye Fenglong''s face. ¡°A poor man trying topete with me for a woman!¡± he scoffed. ¡°Young Master Ye, there''s no need to get upset over someone like that.¡± ¡°Let''s ignore him and continue our shopping,¡± the two women suggested soothingly, though they felt a twinge of dissatisfaction. His sexual performance was disappointing, failing to satisfy either of them. Su Ming handed the phone back to Su Qiu, ncing at the well-worn device. ¡°I''ll get you a new phone, along with aptop and a desktopputer,¡± he offered with a smile. ?Su Qiu quickly shook her head in refusal. ¡°I haven''t reached out to you in years, and I didn''t even send you a gift when you went to college.¡± ¡°If you''re still hesitant to ept them, then wait until you''re employed and earning. You can pay me back then,¡± Su Ming suggested with a smile. ?After a moment''s pause, Su Qiu bit her lip and nodded, the resolve in her eyes strengthening. The medicine Su Ming had given her, along with his words, had given her a new reason to keep going. She was determined to live well and repay Su Ming. ?¡±I''ll go with you to that banquet,¡± Su Ming dered as he started the car. ?¡±Mr. Su, I can go to the banquet by myself,¡± Su Qiu interjected. ?¡±The man on the phone believes we''re a couple. He''ll be let down if I don''t show up,¡± she exined. Su Ming gave a nonchnt smile. ¡°Besides, if I don''t make an appearance now, you''ll continue to be bothered by him. I''ll take this chance to ensure he never dares to trouble you again.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Su Qiu paused, her voice tinged with disbelief. How could that be? Ye Fenglong was the son of the principal. No one at Eastsea University dared to cross him. Not even the vice principal would risk offending him. ¡°When have I ever deceived you?¡± Su Ming said with a smile, gently ruffling Su Qiu''s hair. Su Qiu became somewhat lost in thought. It was as if she had been transported back to that worry-free time from over a decade ago. Back then, she was blissfully unaware of poverty and hunger. Despite wearing old clothes every day and having meals of just potatoes and pickles, she was genuinely content. Even though it had been years since shest saw Su Ming, Su Qiu knew he was not one to lie. A renewed sense of hope began to blossom in her heart. Chapter 361 Chapter 361 - Guests Were as Numerous as Clouds Evening arrived in the blink of an eye. Su Ming had purchased a new outfit for Su Qiu and treated her to a fresh hairstyle. The medicine she''d taken earlier had revitalized her, bringing a healthy flush to her cheeks. Gone was her previously lifeless appearance; she looked youthful once more. No sooner had they settled into the car than Su Qiu''s phone chimed. She nced at the screen to find a message from Ye Fenglong with the details of the gathering. ¡°Is that a message from Young Master Ye?¡± Su Ming inquired, a grin on his face. ¡°Yes, he''s sent the location for the gathering,¡± confirmed Su Qiu with a nod. ¡°And where might that be?¡± Su Ming asked, still smiling. ¡°The National Banquet Hotel,¡± Su Qiu replied, after a quick look at the address. ¡°National Banquet Hotel?¡± Su Ming raised his eyebrows in recognition. Why did that name seem familiar? Was it one of the top 100panies from before? Young Master Ye really had some bad luck¡ªout of all the hotels in Eastsea, he had to pick the National Banquet Hotel. But it made sense; whether it was Young Master Faang or Young Master Ye, they were both intent on unting their status and stepping on others. Naturally, they''d opt for the finest hotel. Su Ming drove directly to the National Banquet Hotel. Upon arrival, they spotted Ye Fenglong at the hotel entrance, greeting guests. He was the epitome of elegance, d in a designer suit, a Louis Vuitton tie, Hermes shoes, and a Patek Philippe watch¡ªundoubtedly the most dashing man at the event. ?¡±Wee, Boss Sun.¡± ¡°Please, President Chen,e inside!¡± ¡°Boss Wang, you''ve made it as well? I appreciate your effort.¡± Young Master Ye was in his element, basking in the adtion. Spotting a car pulling up, his eyes sparkled with interest. It was an impressive vehicle¡ªa Bentley Mulsanne, worth no less than ten million. The other magnates had nice cars, but this was exceptional. Who could this boss be? He made a mental note to introduce himselfter; this person might prove to be a valuable connection. With that thought, Ye Fenglong straightened his attire and approached with a weing smile. Just then, the car door swung open, and Su Ming stepped out. ?How could he be so young? Ye Fenglong was convinced the man must be a scion of some major family. He hadn''t realized their school''s reputation had reached such heights that even scions from prestigious families were drawn to it. He was determined to befriend this individual, seeing it as his ticket into high society. ¡°Sir, I am the host of this banquet. Wee to our event. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?¡± Ye Fenglong said, his face beaming with a respectful smile as he extended his hand. ?As he was smiling, the passenger door swung open. Su Qiu stepped out of the car. ¡°It''s you?¡± Ye Fenglong was taken aback. He felt incredibly awkward. Could it be that the person he was treating with such reverence was Su Qiu''s boyfriend? ?¡±So, it''s you two,¡± Ye Fenglong said, withdrawing his hand slightly. ¡°Not bad at all. How much does it cost to rent this car for a day?¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°Quite a bit. It''s over 2000 a day.¡± ¡°Humph!¡± Ye Fenglong scoffed internally upon hearing Su Ming''s admission. Just as he suspected! Those without money always try to look cool. ¡°Young man, we''re not the same. We can easily rake in a few million a year, but for you, earning money must be tough. You can only make a few tens of thousands a year, and here you are, spending 2000 on a day''s car rental. Such a waste.¡± ¡°Young man, one must live within their means. You shouldn''t spend so much just to look cool.¡± ¡°Right?¡± Ye Fenglong said cheerfully, as if he were giving Su Ming friendly advice, though his smugness was barely concealed. ¡°Really?¡± Su Ming replied with a light smile. ¡°Well, Young Master Ye, I appreciate your concern.¡± ?¡±Good to know you understand,¡± Ye Fenglong said, straightening up with a sense of satisfaction. ¡°Now, let''s go inside. There''s food avable at no cost: it''s a buffet. Make sure to enjoy the feast.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Su Ming nodded, still smiling, and walked in with Su Qiu. Ye Fenglong''s expression soured instantly. They were utterly shameless. Most people would have fled in embarrassment after hearing Ye Fenglong''s remarks. ?Su Ming had actually gone inside to eat. Given that, Ye Fenglong was not about to extend any courtesies to them. He was looking forward to showing off in front of Su Ming and the otherster, and he hoped they wouldn''t feel too embarrassed. Just then, a sports car roared in from the distance. Ye Fenglong''s face broke into a smile, and he quickly approached the vehicle. ¡°Brother Xiao! What brings you here? You''re a distinguished young master from the capital. Your presence graces my humble abode.¡± Ye Fenglong raised his voice intentionally, making sure Su Ming and Su Qiu could hear him. Such was the disparity. ?Su Qiu should hurry up and throw herself into his arms. Hanging around with a pauper was utterly dull. ¡°Brother Xiao, please,e inside!¡± Ye Fenglong was ted. Though he was the son of the principal, Eastsea University was only well-known locally. He had long aspired to mingle with the elite and join the circles of the capital''s young masters, butcked the means. Now, the opportunity had presented itself. Ye Fenglong personally escorted Brother Xiao inside. No sooner had he stepped out than another car sped up to the entrance. An elderly gentleman alighted from the vehicle. ¡°My goodness! Mr. Tang!¡± Ye Fenglong was astounded to see the old man. He hadn''t anticipated such prestigious figures attending the school''s banquet. ¡°Are you Ye Fenglong?¡± The old man scrutinized him. ¡°Yes!¡± Ye Fenglong replied, honored. ¡°I''ve heard that your medical college has produced some exceptional talents¡­¡± ¡°Don''t worry. If you''re interested, I can provide you with a detailed list right away. If they agree, I''ll arrange for you to meet them immediately,¡± Ye Fenglong offered eagerly. ¡°Very well.¡± Mr. Tang nodded, said no more, and, with his entourage and cane, proceeded inside. ¡°Please, take your time, sir. I''lle by to offer a toast shortly,¡± Ye Fenglong called after him, wiping the sweat from his brow. He could hardly believe the caliber of guests arriving. Tonight was an excellent opportunity towork, and he was determined not to miss it. Before long, all the guests had arrived. Ye Fenglong checked the time; the gathering was about to start. He made his way inside, searching high and low until he finally spotted Su Ming and Su Qiu in a corner, lounging on a sofa and enjoying refreshments. Then, with a hint of a smile, he made his way over. Click to visit??NovelDragon & Start your reading trip?? OR download the app directly?? Chapter 362 Chapter 362 - The Moment When My Brilliance Is at Its Peak ¡°Brother, this egg yolk pastry is so delicious.¡± ¡°Brother, the vor of this meat floss is really good. You should try some.¡± ¡°The sushi tastes great too.¡± Su Qiu was walking alongside Su Ming. Whether the gloom in her heart was concealed or had been cleared away was uncertain. She had regained a bit of her girlish cheerfulness. Ye Fenglong approached upon hearing Su Qiu speak. He inwardly scoffed. He thought to himself, ¡®These two really do seem like they''re penniless.'' ¡°To me, these crispy egg yolk pastries and sushi snacks are quite mundane.¡± ¡°I notice you two are enjoying them immensely.¡± ¡°You''re quite pitiable, aren''t you?¡± ?Although Su Qiu called Su Ming ¡®Brother,'' it''s not umon for some girls to refer to their boyfriends as ¡®brother'' when in a rtionship, so there was no cause for suspicion. ¡°You''re in the middle of eating.¡± Ye Fenglong gave a slight smile and sat down next to them. Su Qiu instinctively shifted away. Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°Yes, thanks, Young Master Ye. We haven''t had dinner yet this evening.¡± ¡°Then make sure you eat plenty.¡± Ye Fenglong returned the smile. ¡°I''ll need to mingle and share drinks with some distinguished guestster, so I won''t have the opportunity to chat with you.¡± ¡°Let''s talk a bit before the banquet gets underway.¡± ¡°We have quite a few VIPs attending this event.¡± ¡°I assure you, you''ve never encountered them before.¡± ¡°Do you see that man over there? Wang Guohui is my uncle. He owns a multinational Trade Company with assets in the billions.¡± Ye Fenglong boasted with unmistakable pride. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡®Wang Guohui?'' He paused for a moment. ¡°So it is him!¡± The old fellow was glowing with a ruddyplexion. Clutching a ss of red wine, he was flirting with a pretty waitress. It looked like he was on the verge of sess. ¡®Old lecher,'' Su Ming mused. ?Ye Fenglong caught Su Ming''s expression and mistook it for awe. Ye Fenglong continued his monologue with increased vigor. ¡°See that guy? He''s a prominent young master from the capital and he''s my brother.¡± Ye Fenglong pointed out with a triumphant air. Su Ming took another look. He thought, ¡®Isn''t that Xiao Chen?'' ¡®What''s he doing here?'' Ye Fenglong noticed Su Ming''s bewildered look and stood a little taller. ?Ye Fenglong congratted himself, ¡®My performance is wless.'' ¡°Every person in this room is a VIP.¡± ¡°Each one is a tycoon.¡± ¡°Wouldn''t they intimidate you, a mere pauper?¡± ¡°You really think you canpete with me for a woman?¡± ¡°Take a good look and see clearly.¡± ¡°Crossing me is the biggest mistake you''ll ever make.¡± ¡°See that guy over there? He''s the owner of the National Banquet Hotel, a billionaire. That''s my uncle,¡± Ye Fenglong boasted with pride. ?His ego knew no bounds. ¡®My status is already quite high,'' Ye Fenglong mused. ¡®After all, I''m the son of a university president.'' ¡®And with all these wealthy individuals here¡­'' ¡®Crushing Su Ming will be a breeze.'' ¡°Alright, I''ll leave you to it for now. I have people to meet,¡± Ye Fenglong said cheerfully as he stood and straightened his attire. ?¡±Mixing with these high-profile individuals every day is exhausting,¡± he dered with an air of self-importance. ?Ye Fenglong walked off with his head held high and his chest puffed out. In his mind, he thought, ¡®You''re envious, aren''t you?'' ¡®You''re jealous, right?'' ¡®This is just a typical day for me.'' ¡®Yet, it''s a pinnacle you''ll never reach in your lifetimes.'' Ye Fenglong was eager to unt his status in front of Su Ming. ?He struck up a conversation with one person, then another. ?Even though several of them didn''t recognize him, once they learned he was the president''s son, they showed him a degree of respect. This was, after all, an event at Eastsea University. Soon it would be time for the autumn admissions. Eastsea University is renowned and ranks among the top in the province. ?The credentials of its students carry significant weight. Hiring students from Eastsea University benefits thepany''s growth. ?Moreover, it''s an opportunity for the students to work in their home region. The turnover and job-hopping rates among these students are notably low. Another half hour ticked by. Su Ming and Su Qiu had nearly finished their meal. They rxed on the sofa, observing Ye Fenglong as he mingled throughout the room. Just then, a cough echoed through the speakers, and the music came to an abrupt halt. Everyone turned their attention to the side, where a small stage stood. On it was a middle-aged man bearing a resemnce to Ye Fenglong. He was Ye Fenglong''s father, Ye Guang. With a heartyugh, Ye Guang expressed his gratitude, ¡°Thank you all for joining us at our school''s celebration.¡± ¡°Our graduates this year have surpassed those of previous years in excellence,¡± he continued. ¡°I''m confident that you''ll all find the talented individuals you''re seeking.¡± ?¡±However, I must confess I''m an old academic at heart and have a hard time remembering faces. I''ll let my son do the introductions.¡± Ye Guang''s eyes then found Ye Fenglong. Could Ye Guang truly not remember anyone? As the principal of a school, it seemed unlikely. Even if he struggled with names, it wouldn''t be inappropriate for him to bring notes onstage, would it? Clearly, Ye Guang was creating an opportunity for his son to shine. Ye Fenglong, aware of his father''s intentions, beamed with pride. He straightened his attire and wore a self-assured grin he believed to be exceptionally charming. Approaching the podium, he offered a respectful bow. ¡°Thank you for attending Eastsea University''s banquet,¡± Ye Fenglong greeted the crowd. ¡°Today, we are graced with a host of guests¡ªsome familiar faces and some esteemed neers.¡± ?¡±Allow me to make some introductions.¡± Ye Fenglong was clearly trying to look cool, aiming to unt his widework and make asting impression on everyone present. The room was filled with various entrepreneurs, and although Ye Fenglong didn''t usually mingle with them, he knew the importance of keeping up appearances. How else would he assert his identity, his status, or ensure that the influential guests would remember him? Among the hundreds gathered, including Su Ming, Ye Fenglong sensed their anticipation for his performance. Seeing the eager looks, Ye Fenglong''s satisfaction grew. He was brimming with pride. ¡°This is President Chen, the head of Tianhua Bank!¡± he announced, starting from the left with his introductions. The crowd murmured in awe, ¡°It''s actually President Chen!¡± ¡°He''s the head of thergest bank in Eastsea¡ªa truly formidable figure.¡± ?Last time I sought a loan from Tianhua Bank, a junior employee there processed my application. He mentioned that a loan of five hundred thousand yuan was just pocket change.¡± ¡°I''ve heard that the loans President Chen approves are at least a hundred million yuan.¡± ¡°We definitely need to invite President Chen for a drinkter.¡± The moment Ye Fenglong''s words fell, the room erupted in excitement. Many of the entrepreneurs present had neverid eyes on President Chen. All they knew was that President Chen from Tianhua Bank in Eastsea was an influential figure. Now that they had the chance to meet him, they were eager to ingratiate themselves. ¡°This gentleman is the chairman of Wang Group, Wang Guohui, Mr. Wang.¡± Ye Fenglong continued with the introductions. ¡°My goodness. The chairman of one of the top ten Trade Companies in the nation?¡± ¡°I''ve heard his worth is nearing a hundred billion.¡± ¡°He''s truly a titan of industry.¡± ¡°To stand in the same room and share the air with him is an absolute honor!¡± The crowd was abuzz with admiration. Chapter 363 Chapter 363 - So I Am the Loser ¡°This gentleman is Xiao Chen, the young master of the Xiao family! The Xiao family is a prominent household in the capital.¡± Ye Fenglong''s face beamed with pride as he witnessed the crowd''s overwhelming excitement. ¡°Wow! Has the capital sent someone?¡± ¡°That''s incredible!¡± ¡°Young Master Ye''swork is expanding. He''s even acquainted with nobility from the capital.¡± ¡°Remarkable. I must make it a point to cultivate a good rtionship with Young Master Ye.¡± Basking in the adtion, Ye Fenglong''s pride swelled. He deserved a trophy. He was the most sessful at showing off in history! With a smug nce at Su Ming, Ye Fenglong was eager to unt his connections and influence. ?Su Ming was nowhere close to his league. ¡°This is Mr. Tang, a titan of medicine.¡± ¡°Here we have the chairman of the Ma Group, Mr. Mai.¡± ¡°And this is¡­¡± One by one, Ye Fenglong introduced the VIPs, relishing the gasps and ttery from the crowd. With each introduction, his self-satisfaction grew. Su Ming and Su Qiu sat on the couch, mirroring each other''s posture. This was far more entertaining than any television show. As Ye Fenglong continued to introduce the heavyweights, the atmosphere hit a crescendo. He had be the focal point of the event. Ye Fenglong had expected Su Ming to look up to him. He imagined Su Qiu would push Su Ming aside and rush into his embrace. After all, who could resist the allure of wealth? But when he turned to them, he saw that Su Ming and Su Qiu appeared to be as engrossed as if they were watching a drama series. It seemed they were keen to see more of Ye Fenglong''s performance. Despite his sessful disy, Ye Fenglong couldn''t shake off a sense of futility. Surely, it was because their social standing was too low to appreciate the significance of these influential figures. He resolved to exin it to themter, to make them see the vast social chasm. ¡°By the way! Besides my esteemed uncles, I also have a ssmate here.¡± ¡°My ssmate excels academically, a brilliant economics student. She''s only a sophomore, yet she outshines many seniors.¡± ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, take note: she is an exceptional talent.¡± As Ye Fenglong spoke, his gazended squarely on the corner of the room. Everyone simultaneously turned to look in that direction. There, Su Ming and Su Qiu were seated on the couch, grinning and munching on melon seeds as they enjoyed the show. The entire room was in shock! Xiao Chen, Wang Guohui, President Chen, Old Master Tang, and a host of other influential figures werepletely bbergasted. Holy smokes! Were they seeing this correctly? Mr. Su was here as well!? ¡°Alright, everyone, we''ve pretty much finished the introductions. The next step should be¡­¡± As Ye Fenglong continued speaking, all the heavy hitters made a beeline for Su Ming and lined up in front of him. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± they greeted him with deep respect. A wave of confusion swept over them as they exchanged bewildered nces. It turned out they all knew Mr. Su! Wang Guohui and President Chen were aware of each other''s acquaintance with Mr. Su. They both knew Su Ming was a big deal, but they had no idea the others were also in the know. The leaders of various industries in Eastsea City were all familiar with Su Ming. These titans of business held Su Ming in high regard. They had thought Mr. Su was quite impressive. They had believed they understood Mr. Su quite well. But now, it seemed they had only scratched the surface. Ye Fenglong was utterly baffled. What was happening? What was this all about? Was this some kind of joke? Wasn''t Su Ming supposed to be destitute? Why were they treating him with such reverence? ¡°Everyone¡­¡± Ye Fenglong ventured cautiously. ¡°Ye Fenglong, what''s the matter with you?¡± Wang Guohui turned around and fixed him with a stern look: ¡°Mr. Su is here, and not only did you fail to introduce him, you put Mr. Su in the corner?¡± ¡°No, I¡­¡± Ye Fenglong was at a loss for words. ¡°You''ve got some nerve. To think you''d dare to treat Mr. Su with such disregard!¡± President Chen scowled, visibly livid. ¡°You dare to overlook my brother-inw?¡± Xiao Chen chimed in. Hearing this, Ye Fenglong waspletely taken aback. What? Xiao Chen was Su Qiu''s brother? Even though they didn''t share ast name, they could very well be cousins. That couldn''t be right! He had thoroughly researched Su Qiu''s background and knew her family was far from affluent, certainly not a prominent one. Could his investigation have been incorrect? Who exactly had he managed to upset? ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Ye Guang approached from the sidelines. With his son taking the stage, it was only natural for Ye Guang to step aside. He had just taken a phone call and was unaware of the events unfolding in the room. Upon his return, he sensed something amiss and made his way over. President Chen let out a disdainful snort and gestured towards Su Ming, ¡°Hmph! Do you see who your son has crossed?¡± Ye Guang was taken aback: ¡°Mr. Su? What brings you here?¡± Ye Guang was acquainted with Su Ming after thetter had healed Old Master Xiao, prompting a visit. Old Master Xiao was a respected elder, and as a younger member of themunity, Ye Guang was obliged to pay his respects. During their conversation, he learned about Su Ming. He recognized Su Ming as an influential figure and had hoped to forge a friendship with him. Yet, he had never anticipated encountering Mr. Su under such circumstances. Ye Guang quickly realized the gravity of the situation. He pointed at his son''s nose and berated him, ¡°Fool, how could you show such disrespect to Mr. Su?¡± In a flurry, Ye Guang grabbed a wine ss from nearby, filled it to the brim with red wine, and approached Su Ming with utmost reverence. ¡°Mr. Su, my son is inexperienced. Please don''t stoop to his level. ept my sincerest apologies. I implore you to forgive him, considering the little regard you may have for me.¡± With that, Ye Guang downed the wine in one swift motion. After finishing his drink, Ye Guang bowed deeply, his body shaking. This was, after all, his son. His heart ached for Ye Fenglong. If he had truly angered Su Ming, his son''s prospects in Eastsea would be bleak. And his chances elsewhere would be even slimmer. Ye Fenglong waspletely stunned. Seeing his father''s deferential demeanor, he was at a loss. What in the world was happening? Wasn''t this supposed to be his moment to shine? He had just been basking in his cool demeanor. But how had everything taken such an unexpected turn? Chapter 364 Chapter 364 - Banquet Ye Fenglong wasn''t the only one feeling bewildered; the venue was filled with many individuals, including those unfamiliar with Su Ming, who were equally puzzled by the unfolding events. A group of onlookers stood at the back, absorbing the astonishing scene before them. The individuals facing Su Ming were the most esteemed attendees of the event. It was quite telling that these high-status individuals addressed Su Ming with such reverence, referring to him as Mr. Su, a testament to his influence. At that moment, Ye Guang''s heart was racing. He had stepped away to take a phone call, only to return and find his son had stirred up significant trouble. The formidable Xiao family wouldn''t dare cross the man in question, so what made him think he could provoke Su Ming? After all, he was merely a university principal. Even Old Master Tang, a giant in the medical field with an extensivework, treated Su Ming with the utmost respect. A single word of dissatisfaction from Su Ming could cost him his position. With a slight smile, Su Ming reassured, ¡°Mr. Ye, you''re overthinking it. I had a pleasant conversation with your son.¡± Upon hearing this, Ye Guang felt a chill as sweat instantly coated his back, well aware that Su Ming''s actual implication was the exact opposite of his words. Enraged, Ye Guang spun around and delivered another p to his son. ¡°I''ve been too lenient with you, and you''ve taken it as license to behave recklessly. Once today''s banquet is over, you''re to stay home and reflect on your actions. You''re grounded for three years!¡± Ye Fenglong''s face went pale. He knew all too well that his father was not one for jests. He was facing a three-year confinement. ¡°Please, everyone, enjoy the banquet,¡± Su Ming said with a light smile. The guests exchanged nces and nodded in agreement. Old Master Tang took his ce next to Su Ming, while Xiao Chen sat alongside Su Qiu. Wang Guohui and President Chen positioned themselves on opposite ends of the sofa. Behind them, the rest of the attendees stood with ramrod-straight postures, eyes fixed ahead in silence. They appeared less like banquet guests and more like candidates auditioning for a bodyguard role. Su Ming nced over his shoulder at the group, his expression one of mild exasperation. Was it too much to ask for them to rx a little? ¡°Please, take your seats,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Yes!¡± came the resounding response. The group then took their ces at the banquet tables, maintaining their upright postures and solemn demeanors. The people around were so tense they scarcely dared to breathe loudly. Were they actually here just to eat? ¡°Everyone, feel free to chat.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± came the unanimous response. Then, someone stood up. ¡°Mr. Su is our guiding light, the lighthouse for our journey!¡± Su Ming quickly intervened, ¡°Please, just have a normal conversation.¡± Had they practiced a recitation beforeing here? It was only at this moment that Ye Fenglong realized he had crossed paths with someone of great influence. He was now profoundly thankful for Ye Guang''s p. He had fancied showing off in front of Su Ming, not anticipating Su Ming''s esteemed standing. He had hoped to win Su Qiu''s affection during this encounter, but his ns had fallen through. He wouldn''t dare to harass Su Qiu ever again. Who would risk antagonizing a VIP''s partner? Noticing that he was being ignored, Ye Fenglong made a very prudent decision. He needed to slip away quickly. If he lingered, he risked bing the focal point of collective ire. Old Master Tang chuckled, ¡°You''ve be the top figure in Eastsea now.¡± ?¡±Old Master Tang, you''re too kind,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, shaking his head. Truth be told, I''d prefer to be just an ordinary person, but that''s not an option for me. ?¡±Brother-inw,¡± Xiao Chen began, recalling something, ¡°My sister will be back home in two days, and she''d like to invite you to a meal, just the two of you.¡± Theirst meal hadn''t been enjoyable due to interruptions. This time, Xiao Ke''er was looking for a quiet ce to have a good meal and a chat with Su Ming. To secure the purchase of that building, Xiao Ke''er had agreed to a year-long consultancy role with the seller. She was due to start in just two days. Xiao Chen had wanted to discuss this with Su Ming, but his sister had stopped him. Xiao Ke''er wanted to do something for Su Ming, feeling it was the right thing to do, without making a fuss about it. Su Ming nodded in agreement; the previous meal had indeed been less than satisfactory. ¡°However, I insist on being the host this time. It''s my treat.¡± Xiao Chen nodded in eptance, not objecting. It was only fitting for him to offer, given his status as the brother-inw. ¡°And who might this be?¡± Xiao Chen''s gaze settled on Su Qiu, prompting a chuckle from Su Ming. He knew Xiao Chen was inquiring on behalf of his sister. ¡°Her name is Su Qiu, my sister. We''ve grown up together. She''s currently studying at Eastsea University and has been constantly bullied by Ye Fenglong. I''m here to sort this out for her,¡± Su Ming exined with a smile. Xiao Chen had an epiphany, reached out his hand with a grin, and said, ¡°So, we''re practically family.¡± Su Ming yfully smacked Xiao Chen on the head, and Xiao Chen withdrew his hand, feigning hurt. Su Ming couldn''t help but admire Xiao Chen''s acting prowess. Ye Fenglong had nned to use the gathering to boast about himself, but it was Su Ming who ended up stealing the show. That evening, all the bigwigs came to toast to Su Ming, insisting that he stay seated while they drank in his honor. ¡°Mr. Su, let us handle the drinking. You just rx,¡± they said, and continued toasting. Wang Guohui and President Chen stood by Su Ming like two loyal bodyguards, beaming with pride. ¡°We recognized Mr. Su''s capabilities long ago! We''re proud to be on Mr. Su''s team!¡± they dered. Throughout the night, Su Ming was showered with praise. Su Qiu, seated beside Su Ming, caught the attention of manypanies. Numerous prestigious firms extended job offers to her, promising positions without the need for interviews upon her graduation. She could be a director, a general manager, or even receive a sry in the millions. They were ready to offer her the world, all out of respect for Mr. Su. ?Hourster, noticing Su Qiu''s fatigue, Su Ming decided it was time to leave. The crowd behind him bid farewell with teary eyes, and after Su Ming''s departure, some even broke down in sobs. Su Ming was baffled by their reaction¡ªdid they really think he was nevering back? Chapter 365 Chapter 365 - Leaders Their journey was uneventful. Su Ming drove Su Qiu back to Eastsea University, parking the car in the off-campus lot. They walked onto the familiar grounds together. It had been some time since Su Ming had visited his alma mater since graduating. The unchanged campus stirred a sense of nostalgia within him. It was now 10:30 PM, and the dormitory would close at 11 PM, but he wasn''t worried about the time. ¡°Ye Fenglong won''t bother you again. You can concentrate on your studies now,¡± Su Ming said, smiling reassuringly. ¡°Thank you, brother,¡± Su Qiu replied, her demeanor noticeably brighter and more spirited. ?The events of the banquet were somewhat of a blur to her, but she was certain of one thing: her brother was formidable, a protector who could alleviate her troubles. ¡°This card has 100,000 yuan in it, and the PIN is your birthday,¡± Su Ming said as he handed her a bank card. ?¡±I can''t ept this!¡± Su Qiu protested, shaking her head vehemently. ¡°Take it,¡± Su Ming insisted, his voice firm. ?It wasn''t that he couldn''t afford to give more; he knew that offering too much would only lead to her refusal. ¡°I have plenty of friends and money isn''t an issue for me. Consider this a loan for your education,¡± he exined. ?¡±Return it to me in ten years, okay?¡± he added with a smile. ¡°Okay!¡± Su Qiu agreed, biting her lip and nodding determinedly as she carefully epted the card. ?Su Ming smiled again. ¡°Now, go back and focus on your studies. Don''t overthink things.¡± At the dormitory entrance, he gave her onest piece of advice before she nodded and hurried back inside. Su Ming had considered renting an apartment for her off-campus, but she had declined. Regardless of his wealth, she didn''t want to be reckless with money that wasn''t hers. Besides, she saw no need to live off-campus. Thinking about how Young Master Ye would no longer trouble her and that she could graduate without further incident, Su Qiu felt a wave of relief. Upon opening the dormitory door, all eyes turned to her. ¡°You look stunning. Are those gifts from Young Master Ye?¡± her roommates asked curiously. ¡°Su Qiu has be a woman now!¡± Her three roommates burst intoughter. Su Qiu''s smile vanished in an instant. She bowed her head and silently returned to her bed. ¡°She''s still ying the innocent!¡± Su Qiu nestled under her covers, biting her lip. Being naturally shy, she was at a loss for words against her roommates'' mockery and could only suffer in silence. Soon after, the dormitory door shut. The dormitory manager was also settling down for the night. Suddenly, a frantic knocking sounded at the door. ¡°Who''s there?!¡± An irritated dorm supervisor climbed out of bed, grumbling, ¡°Which ss are you from? I''ll make sure to speak to your teacher tomorrow!¡± Dressed in her nightgown and wielding a shlight, the supervisor stepped out, visibly annoyed. But when the shlight illuminated the visitors'' faces, she nearly leaped with shock! There stood the leadership of the college, including the dean, vice dean, and secretary of the School of Economics! What was happening? ¡°Open the door!¡± The dean demanded, knocking urgently and speaking with a stern voice. The supervisor, not daring to waste time, struggled to open the door. ¡°Which dormitory is Su Qiu in?¡± The dean asked, his brow furrowed. ¡°305.¡± The supervisor stammered, blinking rapidly. ¡°Lead the way!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The supervisor realized in a sh. Su Qiu was rumored to be promiscuous. She''d heard from Su Qiu''s roommates that Su Qiu was always out with the son of the university''s president, and yet she acted so innocently upon her return. ?Su Qiu''s roommates had spread such rumors widely, causing many to shun her, which had led to her severe depression. ¡°Leader, she''s just a college girl who likes to socialize. It''s nothing serious.¡± The supervisor said, leading the way and looking back. ¡°Be quiet!¡± The dean red, pointing at the supervisor''s nose and shouting, ¡°Leave now!¡± The supervisor stood there, stunned, insisting, ¡°But I''m telling the truth.¡± The dean, hands on his hips and seething with anger, retorted, ¡°It''s people like you who have tormented Su Qiu to this point. You should know, Su Qiues from a very influential family; even the president wouldn''t dare cross her! How dare you spread such lies?¡± The aunt was utterly bewildered. In her eyes, the president of Eastsea University was an incredibly influential person. Yet, even he wouldn''t dare cross Su Qiu. How influential must Su Qiu be? But if she was that influential, why did she constantly bite her tongue? She never spoke up in her own defense. If Su Qiu was so formidable that even the president wouldn''t dare offend her, then everything her roommate had said must be a lie! ¡°Lead the way, now!¡± The dean bellowed. It was the middle of the night in the girls'' dormitory, and many were asleep. Startled by the bellowing, numerous girls quickly dressed and came out to see what was happening. What in the world was going on? As they opened their doors, they saw the aunt, drenched in sweat and panic-stricken, hurriedly leading the way. Trailing behind her was a procession of university officials, including the president, the vice president, the secretary, and the director. Chapter 366 Chapter 366 - Shock Inside the dormitory building, an anxious-looking woman led the way at the front. A group of school administrators followed closely, sweating profusely and wiping their brows in a state of panic. Trailing behind them was a cluster of girls, their faces alight with curiosity. ?Soon, the group reached their destination. ¡°Leaders, this is Su Qiu''s dorm,¡± the woman said, her voice quivering. ?The girls behind them had an epiphany. ¡°Oh, it''s Su Qiu. We''ve heard from her roommates that she gets a new boyfriend every three days. She''s quite promiscuous.¡± ¡°And she has the nerve to act all innocent. She''s truly vile.¡± ¡°With all these administrators here for her, she must be in deep trouble.¡± ¡°She could be expelled.¡± ¡°She might even end up in jail.¡± The girls whispered among themselves. ?¡±Quiet down, all of you!¡± The dean, having overheard the girls'' gossip, was livid. He whirled around, ring at them, and bellowed. Instantly, the girls fell silent. Though they stopped talking, they all suspected that Su Qiu had stirred up some serious trouble. Could she have done something to disgrace the school? It seemed quite likely. Why else would so many administrators visit her dorm? They might even prohibit the other students from discussing it! ?Unaware of the girls'' inner thoughts, the dean stood at the dormitory door, took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. He exchanged knowing looks with the other administrators behind him. Then, with a smile on his face¡ªa smile that radiated kindness¡ªhe bent forward slightly and gently tapped on the door. ?The knock wasn''t loud, but in the quiet of the night, the sound carried through the wooden door and into the dorm. ?¡±Who''s knocking?¡± ¡°Is it Young Master Ye?¡± ¡°It''s very likely!¡± ¡°Qiu, you''re amazing. You''ve won Young Master Ye''s heart with such ease.¡± ¡°When you''re rich, don''t forget us. We''ve put in a lot of effort for you.¡± Her three roommates chimed in together. Su Qiu''splexion was ashen. Yet, she was certain that the person outside wasn''t Ye Fenglong. Could it be a ssmate from the next dorm over? The individuals living in the neighboring dorm room hailed from different sses, and they weren''t well-acquainted with them. Su Qiu had barely sat up when one of her roommates flung the door open. ¡°Young Master Ye.¡± Her roommate''s face beamed with a smile, but after uttering those words, she froze in ce. ¡°Dean Lee, Secretary Chen, Director Wang?¡± The girl retreated several steps in astonishment. What could have brought the School of Economics'' leadership to their doorstep at thiste hour? ¡°Is Su Qiu here?¡± Dean Lee inquired, a warm smile gracing his features. ¡°She''s in the dorm,¡± the roommate replied, still visibly stunned. Dean Lee peered inside and spotted Su Qiu sitting on her bed, looking bewildered. He rubbed his hands together and cautiously approached. Secretary Chen and Director Wang trailed behind him, both wearing pleasant smiles. ?¡±Su Qiu, we had no idea someone of your esteemed status was studying at Eastsea University. We sincerely apologize for not providing the care you deserved earlier,¡± Dean Lee began. ¡°We''ve reviewed your academic performance and found that your scores in the previous two subjects were outstanding. Your failing grades were due to collusion between Ye Fenglong and the teacher.¡± ¡°We''ve corrected those grades to 99 points for you, and the teacher involved has been dismissed.¡± ¡°We''ve also arranged a luxurious single apartment for you,plete with a private bedroom, study, living room, bathroom, and a small kitchen. It''s fully equipped with air conditioning, geothermal heating, a refrigerator, washing machine, and all the necessary amenities.¡± ¡°We hope you''ll speak kindly of us to your brother and not hold any grudges.¡± Dean Lee watched Su Qiu''s reaction intently as he spoke. Sweat began to bead on his forehead. ?Though autumn had brought cooler nights that warranted the use of nkets, Dean Lee felt an intense heat, as if he were next to a zing furnace. As the dean of the School of Economics, he was aware that Su Qiu had been unfairly targeted because of Ye Fenglong. But his hands were tied; he couldn''t risk offending the principal''s son. Yet, Su Qiu''s brother wielded even greater influence, someone not even the principal would dare cross. Dean Lee had been nestled in bed, nearly asleep, but the news jolted him awake. He dressed swiftly and made his way to the university with utmost urgency. He was terrified that Su Qiu would be furious. If Su Qiu decided to seek retribution for past events, They would be doomed. The academy''s leadership would be dismissed. They would all be forced into retirement, or worse, outright fired. Su Qiu was dumbfounded for quite some time after hearing Dean Lee''s proposition. ¡°If you feel this offer isn''t satisfactory, we''re prepared to cover all your university expenses, and the school will provide you with an annual schrship of 40,000 yuan.¡± ¡°Furthermore, the School of Economics will offer you a spot in the PhD program. If you agree, I assure you that you can obtain your doctorate within six years!¡± Dean Lee added. The students around were shocked upon hearing this. They had thought Dean Lee wasing to confront Su Qiu, but now it seemed he was actually apprehensive about her settling scores with them. Eastsea University ranks among the top ten institutions in the country. Admission requires a minimum score of 660. PhD positions are exceedingly rare. The prestigious School of Economics at Eastsea University only offers two PhD spots annually. Any student securing one of these spots can earn their PhD, provided they don''t fail any courses and their thesis is approved. With the significant prestige attached to an economics PhD and fewer than 100 individuals in the country holding one, each bes a highly sought-after asset for major corporations. They canmand multimillion-dor sries right at the start of their careers. A few years with apany can lead to even greater earnings. Thepany would provide them with housing and cars, shares in the business, and year-end bonuses. In a few years, they could be billionaires. This is a highly coveted and hard-to-attain opportunity. Yet, while others must diligently study and excel academically to earn such a spot, Dean Lee had just offered it to Su Qiu, implying she could secure her PhD simply by agreeing to remain at the university. They had personally extended this valuable PhD opportunity to Su Qiu. Chapter 367 Chapter 367 - You Are Trying to Win Him over Su Qiu was somewhat bewildered. Yet, as she pieced things together, it became clear that it must be rted to her brother, Su Ming. Apparently, the events of the party had gotten around, prompting these leaders to seek her out. ¡°Dean Lee, thank you. However, I would prefer to earn this opportunity on my own merits,¡± Su Qiu said with a smile. Upon hearing this, Dean Lee quickly nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. ¡°Su, you exemplify both character and schrship. I have no doubt that with your academic prowess, you''ll secure this position. If you''re open to it, I would be honored to serve as your mentor for both your master''s and PhD.¡± The students behind Dean Lee gasped in astonishment. Dean Lee was not only a renowned schr nationally but also a towering figure in the field of economics. He was qualified to mentor PhD students, yet he hadn''t taken on any for many years. Deeply immersed in his research, he had turned down many hopefuls. And yet, today, he had extended an invitation personally. Everyone envied Su Qiu. ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Su Qiu replied, her heart swelling with joy. ¡°Not at all!¡± Dean Lee was thrilled by her response. ?Bing Su Qiu''s mentor could open doors: perhaps even pave the way to a friendship with Su Ming. What a fortuitous prospect! ¡°But let''s set that aside for now and focus on moving your dormitory.¡± ¡°My clothes, though¡­¡± ¡°We can sort out the clothes tomorrow. For now, let''s check out the single apartment.¡± Dean Lee took the lead. Su Qiu initially wanted to decline, but after considering her roommates and the state of the dormitory, she opted for the move. A change of scenery would likely do her good. Nodding, Su Qiu donned a jacket. As she rose from her bed and made for the door, a figure burst in, drenched in sweat and out of breath. ?The onlookers were initially unable to recognize him, but upon closer inspection, their surprise was palpable. It wasn''t just Dean Lee who had arrived: the principal himself had made a personal appearance! Indeed, the man who had barged in was none other than Ye Guang. Ignoring the rest, Ye Guang''s gaze fixed on Su Qiu. ¡°Miss Su, my son has caused you considerable inconvenience previously. I take full responsibility and offer you my sincerest apologies here and now.¡± ¡°We''re ready to offer you both a schrship and a grant, and you''ll have the opportunity to continue with your master''s degree right here at our university,¡± Principal Ye began. But before he could finish, Dean Lee cut in, ¡°Principal Ye, I''ve already outlined those terms.¡± ?Ye Guang shot him a re and retorted, ¡°You may be a dean, but I''m the principal. I outrank you by several levels, so I must reiterate.¡± ¡°That''s uneptable!¡± Dean Lee stood his ground. ¡°Su has already agreed to have me as her mentor through her master''s and PhD studies.¡± ¡°No!¡± Ye Guang insisted firmly, ¡°Miss Su, don''t listen to him. He may have some aplishments in economics, but he''s no match for me.¡± ¡°Principal Ye, if you''re going to y that game, I won''t hold back. Your son''s thesis was ghostwritten, so what does that say about your schrly achievements?¡± Dean Lee said with a dismissive roll of his eyes. ¡°I''ve retracted all his papers and even had him take a leave of absence to repeat his senior year of high school. Miss Su, I''vee to a profound realization of my error. Please, give me another chance,¡± Ye Guang pleaded. ¡°Ye, this is crossing the line. You''re poaching talent right in front of me, and Miss Su is a student from our School of Economics!¡± ¡°Let me remind you, this is Eastsea University. Your School of Economics is part of Eastsea University!¡± ¡°That changes nothing. Su can only be my student!¡± ¡°Then let''s put it to the test.¡± ¡°Fine by me!¡± Both men, nearing their sixties, stood their ground, their demeanor suggesting they were ready toe to blows. The students watching werepletely taken aback. Who was Su Qiu, to warrant such attention? It was one thing for the dean to personally apologize to her, but now the principal was involved as well. And to top it off, they were actually fighting over the right to mentor Su Qiu. Neither had taken on new students for years, but if they did, there would surely be a flood of applicants. Just as the two seemed ready to sh, Director Wang cleared his throat: ¡°Dean Lee, Principal Ye, please be mindful of your conduct.¡± Caught off guard, both men paused, suddenly aware that they were in the women''s dormitory. As leaders of the institution, they knew they had to behave appropriately. ¡°I''ll deal with youter. Miss Su, let''s go. I''ve just arranged a single apartment for you.¡± ¡°Were you eavesdropping on my conversation just outside the door?¡± ¡°I''ve known Miss Su since six this evening. I had everything nned out by then. But at that time, you were clueless!¡± At this, the students around them coughed in unison. Dean Lee and Principal Ye exchanged an awkward nce, then offered a smile and a weing gesture. ?Su Qiu, caught betweenughter and tears, walked out. Dean Lee and Principal Ye trailed behind her. Director Wang breathed a sigh of relief once the trio had departed. Secretary Chen, meanwhile, turned to face the three girls in the dormitory with a stern look. ¡°You have been spreading rumors and defaming others at school. As punishment, you will be ced on probation. All the subjects you passed with the help of Ye Fenglong will now be marked as zero!¡± Upon hearing Secretary Chen''s deration, the three girls were devastated. Su Qiu was just a very poor girl from the countryside. Why did the school leaders treat her with such respect? If they had realized Su Qiu''s influence earlier, they would have made sure to ingratiate themselves with her. ¡°Furthermore, stop discussing this matter. While Su is kind-hearted and doesn''t wish to hold a grudge, it doesn''t mean the school''s administration will overlook your actions. Now, head back to your dorms and get some sleep!¡± With that, all the girls obediently returned to their rooms. The leaders had weed Su Qiu with beaming smiles, but they faced the others with stern expressions and sharp reprimands. Was this the disparity they were witnessing? Chapter 368 Chapter 368 - Heart of Wisdom ?Su Ming was unaware of the events unfolding at his school. The school''s administration wanted to inform him, but they couldn''t broach the subject on their own initiative. Once he returned home, Su Ming promptly called his parents to confirm that the issue had been resolved. He also instructed them to deliver 100,000 yuan to Su Qiu''s residence. With everything in order, Su Ming finally rxed. ?Leaving the vi, he made his way to the fields bathed in moonlight. The melons were thriving. Su Ming watered them and fetched some fertilizer from the storehouse to spread over the soil. Next, he headed to the adjacent banana ntation where the nts had begun to sprout. He fetched a hose from a nearby thatched hut and began watering the bananas, which were Level Two crops. Su Ming then turned his attention to a mysterious nt. To his delight, he discovered it had blossomed. The enigmatic nt swayed gently with the breeze. Its broad leaves featured a striking golden stripe that connected to other veins, shining brilliantly and looking quite stunning. At its center was arge red flower, about the size of a hand, which had unfurled into a beautiful bloom. At the heart of the flower was a multicolored orb of light. Despite his scrutiny, he couldn''t discern whaty within the flower. After waiting an entire half-month, the time to harvest had finally arrived. Checking the time, he realized he could reap the rewards the following morning. When Su Ming activated the scanner, it returned only question marks. ¡°Yuvyuv, do you know what this is?¡± he inquired mentally. ¡°Master, I am not sure. My level is too low,¡± Yuvyuv responded. Su Ming blinked, suddenly aware of a potential solution. ¡°Yuvyuv, is it possible for you to level up?¡± ?¡±Of course!¡± ¡°And how can you level up?¡± ¡°My permissions are insufficient to provide an answer. However, once you level up, you''ll soon find out,¡± Yuvyuv exined. Su Ming nodded, taking in Yuvyuv''s words. Yuvyuv had the capability to level up. She functioned as a smartwatch, enabling him to converse with her and keep track of time and his interactions with the System. Although her capabilities were elementary, she had already surpassed the artificial intelligence of contemporary society in her ability to engage in fluid conversation¡ªa feat many AI systems had yet to achieve. What will she be after the upgrade? Su Ming struggled to contain his inner excitement. He visited the breeding zone, aquatic product area, and herding area. After busying himself for quite some time, he didn''t head to bed until well past midnight, where he quickly fell into a deep sleep. Early the next morning. ¡°Master, the mysterious crop has matured!¡± Su Ming was momentarily stunned, then snapped to full alertness. He scrambled out of bed and rushed downstairs. Opening the door, Su Ming was taken aback. There he stood at the vi''s entrance, a good fifty to sixty meters from the enigmatic crop. Yet, even from this distance, he could see the entire nt radiating a rainbow glow. The multicolored peach blossoms gently drifted to the ground, vanishing upon contact. The scene was enchantingly beautiful! Su Ming''s mouth hung open in awe. Typically, when ordinary crops ripened, they might gain an extra sheen. But this mysterious nt was like a giant light bulb. The two-acre plot was bathed in a spectrum of colors, even the lofty banana trees shimmered with a rainbow luminescence. Thankfully, the System concealed all this, making it invisible to the outside world. Otherwise, Su Ming was certain the ce would be swarming with crowds. Su Ming dashed over and crouched before the wondrous nt. The flower was in full bloom, emitting beams of rainbow light from its core, and at the heart of the blossom floated a crystal resembling a water droplet, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow. ?Su Ming, puzzled, reached out to grasp the object. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have obtained the Heart of Wisdom!¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. He initiated a scan, only to be met with a series of question marks: clearly, the item was of an exceptionally high level. This was, after all, a Level Four crop. ¡°Yuvyuv, what''s the Heart of Wisdom for?¡± Su Ming inquired mentally. ?¡±Master, if you ce the Heart of Wisdom on some basic robots, it can induce their evolution, eventually granting them human emotions. The more advanced the robot''s intelligence, the more effective the evolution,¡± Yuvyuv exined in his mind. Su Ming nearly leapt with excitement. ¡°Master, rest assured, even after the robots evolve, they will remain obedient to you!¡± Yuvyuv assured him telepathically. Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief, the crystal radiating brilliant colors in his hand. He mulled over the idea of purchasing a robot to test out. Yuvyuv''s voice echoed in his mind, ¡°I rmend that you refrain from using the Heart of Wisdom for now, Master. The artificial intelligence of the market''s robots is currently too rudimentary. Please be patient and wait a while longer.¡± Su Ming paused, a spark of joy igniting within him as he grasped Yuvyuv''s implication. The robots avable on the market were quite basic, capable only of running simple programs. To use the Heart of Wisdom on them would indeed be squandering its potential. Yuvyuv''s advice suggested that more sophisticated robots were on the horizon. After some deliberation, Su Ming identified three potential avenues to acquire such intelligent robots. One was the advancement of modern human technology to create moreplex robots. However, Yuvyuv was not able to foresee the future; she could only make predictions based on the System''s pre-set parameters. Therefore, her hint likely didn''t pertain to this scenario. ?Another possibility was the emergence of robots in the shop, though this seemed to be a long shot. The final, and most curious possibility, was that robots might one day spring forth from the earth itself! Chapter 369 Chapter 369 - Robot Fragment Su Ming cradled the Heart of Wisdom and gingerly set it into a wooden box. His home had plenty of storage options. Yet, he trusted the wooden box, spawned by the System, to be the most secure. With everything stowed away, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°The Host cannot earn experience points as the crop level is too high!¡± ¡°The Host has triggered a surprise reward. You have received an Upgrade Card!¡± ¡°Upgrade Card: Allows the Host to level up immediately!¡± ¡°Note: Valid for 24 hours!¡± Right after securing the item, a notification chimed in Su Ming''s mind. He essed his data panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV10 Experience: 389,927 / 500,000 He was just over 110,000 experience points shy of leveling up. ?Surveying his fields, Su Ming knew harvesting the crops would surely grant him a level up. But the Upgrade Card was only good for 24 hours. Without hesitation, Su Ming opted to use the Upgrade Card. ¡°The Host has utilized the Upgrade Card!¡± ¡°Host level upplete!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you''ve earned one lottery draw!¡± Su Ming revisited his data panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV11 Experience: 500,000 / 1,000,000 Farm: Level Three Breeding: Level Two Ranch: Level One Aquaculture: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 20 nting Points: 1 Breeding Points: 300 Grazing Points: 0 Aquatic Points: 0 The experience needed to advance had grown, but so had the expanse of his farming operations. He still had a chance to spin the lottery wheel. But before taking that chance, Su Ming paused to consider, then dashed to the side and took a swig of Blessing Potion. ¡°Congrattions to the Host for acquiring 1 Beginner Smart Robot Fragment!¡± The alert in his mind nearly made Su Ming leap for joy. He''d harvested the Heart of Wisdom just this morning, and now he''d snagged a Beginner Smart Robot Fragment! It was merely a piece, yet it filled Su Ming with hope! He hastily pulled out his phone,unched the app, and there it was¡ªa robot fragment in his inventory. The robot was pristine white. As Su Ming touched it, a prompt box appeared beside it. A Beginner Smart Robot can assist its Host with work. It never needs a break and can recharge itself using sr energy! It possessesbat capabilities and can engage in basicmunication with the Host. Should the Host acquire the Heart of Wisdom, they can integrate it with the smart robot, enhancing its performance andbat abilities, and it will begin to exhibit human-like emotions and self-awareness. It will be able tomunicate seamlessly with the Host! Robots created by the System are eternally loyal to their master and are automatically immune to any attacks from the System itself. This means that once he unlocks this smart robot, he won''t have to lift a finger to work again. While Su Ming was reveling in this thought, his phone abruptly rang. Caught off guard, Su Ming shook his head and chuckled at himself. He was quite a ways from leveling up; he had gotten ahead of himself. He checked his phone and saw it was a call from Su Qiu. Su Ming smiled. ¡°What''s up, sis?¡± He greeted her warmly as he answered the call. ¡°Thank you, brother!¡± Su Qiu''s voice bubbled with excitement from the other end. ?¡±For what?¡± Su Ming asked, puzzled. ¡°Brother, wasn''t it you who arranged for them to switch my dorm? I''ve got a single apartment now. Principal Ye said as long as I''m at the school, the apartment is mine. We''ve signed the contract. Even if Principal Ye is reced, the apartment will still belong to me. He even secured a PhD spot for me!¡± Su Ming was taken aback. He hadn''t arranged any of this; it seemed they had taken care of it themselves. ¡°That wasn''t my doing; it must have been Principal Ye''s arrangement. Did you thank him for his generosity?¡± ¡°I did thank him, and they even awarded me a schrship! Brother, I want to buy a newputer, but I''m not sure how and I''m worried about getting scammed. Could youe with me?¡± Su Qiu asked. ?Hearing this, Su Ming pped his forehead in realization. He had explicitly promised to buy her a phone and aputer. But after taking her shopping for clothes because of a party that evening, he hadpletely forgotten about it as night fell. ?¡±I promised you yesterday I would buy them for you, and I totally forgot. I''ll take care of it today.¡± ¡°Bro, I''ve got enough money; I''m not hitting you up for cash!¡± Su Qiu was so frantic upon hearing this that she was on the verge of tears. Su Ming understood Su Qiu''s temperament well, so he didn''t overthink it. ¡°I''m aware you''re not hinting at anything. Your money is your own. I already promised you yesterday, consider it a gift for your college eptance. Just wait at school, I''ll drive over to meet you.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Su Qiu could do nothing but nod in agreement. After ending the call, Su Ming changed into a fresh set of clothes, tidied up a bit, and set off for the school in his car. Soon, he reached the entrance of Eastsea University. He noticed a crowd gathered around the entrance. Su Ming was bewildered. Was there some kind of holiday today? Despite his confusion, with the crowd being sorge, he discreetly parked his car in a lot a fair distance from the school''s entrance. With his hands in his pockets and music in his ears, he made his way toward the school. Chapter 370 Chapter 370 - Principal You Are too Shameless As Su Ming approached the school gate, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Why were they staring at him? He stepped to the left, and every gaze followed suit. He moved to the right, and again, the eyes tracked his every move. Pausing, Su Ming nced over his shoulder. Besides an old man sweeping the street, there was no one else. Could this sweeper be some sort of undercover boss? He certainly didn''t look the part. ¡°Brother!¡± At the height of Su Ming''s indecision about whether to move forward, a crisp voice rang out. Su Qiu was standing at the front, caught betweenughter and tears. In an instant, Su Ming got it. He had no choice but to advance. He hadn''t gone far when the school''s leaders converged on him. ¡°Good morning, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Have you had breakfast, Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Don''t mind him, Mr. Su. He''s the one who failed you before!¡± The group swarmed around Su Ming with overwhelming warmth. Su Ming gestured frantically: ¡°Sister, what''s all this about?¡± Su Qiu looked equally bemused: ¡°I was just waiting for you here. I ran into one of the academy''s leaders, and then everyone just showed up.¡± As the crowd pressed in, Su Ming urged, ¡°Please, go about your business.¡± ¡°We''re not busy at all!¡± They shook their heads vehemently. The news from the previous night had spread like wildfire across the school. The principal had crossed someone untouchable,pelling his son to rejoin the senior year of high school. The implications of that person''s influence were clear. And, crucially, Su Ming''s sister was a student at Eastsea University. This morning, upon his arrival, the vice principal was delighted to see Su Qiu. Learning she was waiting for Su Ming, he decided to join the wait. ?And so the news proliferated. Su Ming felt a twitch in his eyelid and a tingling on his scalp. As he was about to lead Su Qiu away, a thunderous voice erupted from behind. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ye Loong, hands sped behind him and brow furrowed, strode forward. ¡°What''s thismotion at the school gate? Are you looking to get fired?¡± The principal had arrived! With a collective sigh and reluctant shakes of their heads, they stepped back a few paces. Once the crowd had cleared, Ye Loong''s stern expression vanished, reced by a beaming smile. ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you here?¡± ?¡±I remember you''re an alumnus of Eastsea University; my signature is even on your diploma. How about a campus tour? I could show you around personally. We''ve added several newbs and a park recently,¡± Ye Loong said, still smiling warmly. ?The teachers behind him were visibly displeased by the sudden change in demeanor. They cast disapproving nces at the principal. Scratching his head and blinking, Su Ming replied, ¡°Maybe some other time. I''m here to take Su Qiu out for an errand today.¡± ?¡±Alright!¡± Ye Loong agreed without hesitation. Su Ming was startled by the swift response. ¡°Mr. Su, here''s a special pass for the school. With this, you can go anywhere you like, no need to knock, even if it''s my office,¡± Ye Loong offered. ?Su Ming blinked and epted the pass, realizing that refusing it would only waste more time. He quickly grabbed the pass and hurried off with Su Qiu. Su Qiu had to stifle herughter at Su Ming''s hasty departure. ¡°Laugh again, and I''ll sell you off to the mountains!¡± Su Ming threatened, turning to her with a mock fierce look. ?¡±I won''tugh anymore!¡± Su Qiu promptly straightened up. ?Left without aeback, Su Ming rolled his eyes, got into the car with Su Qiu, and they headed straight for Appliances City. ?Driving leisurely down a street, they were suddenly interrupted by an elderlydy darting out from a side alley. She appeared to be in her sixties or seventies, her hair white, and she was unsteady on her feet, leaning heavily on a cane. Su Ming hit the brakes, bringing the car to a standstill. The olddy made a beeline for Su Ming''s car and then stumbled and fell. ?Both Su Ming and Su Qiu were stunned. Su Ming had bought so many cars that he hadn''t yet installed a dashcam in this one. After a moment''s hesitation, Su Qiu was the first to exit the car. ?Su Ming followed suit, and Su Qiu approached the olddy to offer assistance. The elderly woman, clearly advanced in years, exerted considerable effort trying to rise from the ground. Despite her prolonged struggle, she remained unable to stand. Su Qiu inquired, ¡°Grandma, does your family live nearby? Could you provide me with a family member''s phone number? I can call them and ask for assistance.¡± Chapter 371 Chapter 371 - I''ll Give You More The olddy was in obvious pain when she spotted Su Qiu. ¡°I can''t remember where my home is. It seems I have one child, or maybe two. I''m not sure.¡± Her speech was confusing to listen to. Su Ming and Su Qiu exchanged a nce, suspecting the olddy might be suffering from Alzheimer''s disease. ¡°Brother, should I help her or not?¡± Su Qiu asked, still uncertain. ?It''s tough to do the right thing in today''s world. ¡°Let''s help her out. Don''t worry, I''ve got your back,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a nod. ?¡±Alright.¡± Su Qiu stepped forward and gently supported the olddy''s arms. ¡°Grandma, let me help you stand. Try to remember the way home. You should get back.¡± ¡°Okay. My leg is hurting.¡± ?No sooner had Su Qiu helped the olddy to her feet than two vans screeched to a halt before and behind them. The doors flew open. A group of seven or eight people charged at them. ¡°Mom, what happened? How did you fall?¡± one of the men asked as he hurried over. ?¡±Son, they''re the ones who hit me with their car!¡± the olddy used, pointing at Su Ming. ?Su Ming and Su Qiu were stunned. ¡°This olddy''s acting is wlessly connected,¡± they thought to themselves. ¡°We couldn''t even tell you were pretending.¡± ¡°Your portrayal of Alzheimer''s was incredibly convincing.¡± ¡°But as soon as your people arrived,¡± ¡°Your back stopped hurting, your legs weren''t sore, you could talk clearly, and your mind was sharp again.¡± ¡°Olddy, it was you who fell on your own. We had already stopped the car before you fell. I was only trying to help you up. Why are you ming us?¡± Su Qiu pleaded urgently. ?¡±You young people hit me with your car, and now you''re denying it. My leg hurts, my head hurts, my knee hurts,¡± the olddy wailed anew. ?She furrowed her brow, looking genuinely injured. The expressions of the people from the vans turned hostile in an instant. They quietly encircled Su Ming and Su Qiu. They had a menacing look in their eyes. ¡°Hey, young man, you''re driving way too recklessly. How could you hit my elderly mother?¡± ¡°Exactly. This is a narrow alley with a speed limit. You were driving way too fast. Look how far you sent my mother flying.¡± Su Ming blinked. He thought to himself, ¡°I''m not even going to mention your scamming attempt.¡± ¡°I just realized that the olddy supposedly fell right in front of the car.¡± ¡°But after you two got out, she managed to scoot several meters on the ground.¡± ¡°Thisdy must have incredible stamina.¡± Inwardly, Su Ming gave her a mental thumbs-up. ¡°Maggots couldn''t slide as far as you did.¡± ¡°And in this heat, too.¡± ¡°You''re really something.¡± ¡°Doesn''t it burn?¡± ¡°Even though it''s autumn, it''s nearly midday. The sun is beating down, and it''s hot.¡± ¡°Moreover, at your age¡­¡± ¡°If my car had really sent you flying several meters, you probably wouldn''t be breathing right now.¡± ¡°Kid, why the silent treatment? I''m telling you, this isn''t over. You''re taking my mom to the hospital for a checkup immediately. And you''re going to pay us today, not a cent less.¡± With that, they advanced a few steps. Su Qiu was so upset she was on the verge of tears, thinking, ¡°I was just trying to help, and this is the thanks I get?¡± Su Ming just smiled and reassuringly patted his sister''s shoulder. ¡°And what if I refuse?¡± No sooner had Su Ming spoken than the olddy burst into dramatic sobs. Her cries were so loud it was as though her voice was amplified. ¡°The youth today have no sense of public duty.¡± ¡°You hit me and now refuse to pay up.¡± ¡°There''s no morality left!¡± The olddy''s voice boomed. Her voice was robust and strong. Su Ming observed and mused, ¡°With your build, not even a tank could take you down, let alone a car.¡± ¡°You could probably live another 40 years with no trouble at all.¡± ¡°The saying is true: ¡®Good people die young, but troublests a millennium.''¡± The street was about ten meters across. Shops lined both sides of the street, bustling with a steady stream of pedestrians. The imperial court''s penchant for spectacle quickly became evident. Within minutes, arge crowd had gathered around the scene. An elderly woman sat on the ground, wailing and pping the pavement in distress. She had resorted to a tactic well-known among her peers: the first move in the Crying Style, which was to create a scene. ¡°The heavens are blind! These two are picking on me!¡± she cried out. ¡°They bumped into me and won''t evenpensate me. Is there no justice left?¡± ¡°I''m just a poor, 75-year-old woman.¡± Her tears and snot flowed as if she had truly been struck by a vehicle. ¡°Young man, just own up to hitting someone,¡± a bystander chimed in. ¡°I was just over there, having a smoke. I saw them hit this olddy with their car.¡± ¡°That''s exactly what happened. I saw it too!¡± another confirmed. ?Voices from the crowd grew louder as more people joined in without knowing the full story. ¡°You two, so young and driving such a nice car, you hit someone and won''t pay up?¡± ¡°Don''t leave, you two. Let''s call the police and let them sort this out.¡± ¡°This olddy''s age means you''ve probably shortened her life with that hit.¡± The uninformed onlookers began to frown and point fingers at Su Ming and Su Qiu. ?¡±You!¡± Su Qiu was livid. These people hadn''t witnessed the incident, didn''t know the truth, yet they were quick to pass judgment. It was a baseless usation! ¡°Calm down, I''ve got this,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile, stepping forward. He turned to the olddy''s towering son. ¡°Are you her son?¡± ?¡±Yes, I am. Listen here, kid, you''re not getting away today. Take my mom to the hospital, pay for the damages, and we can put this behind us. Otherwise, we''ll get the police involved, take it to court, and you might just find yourself behind bars. You''re young; a criminal record wouldn''t look good for you,¡± the tall man said with a scoff. ?Su Ming stroked his chin and nodded thoughtfully. ¡°You''ve got a point.¡± ¡°That''s right!¡± eximed the tall man. ¡°This kid looks young but drives a luxury car. He''s definitely loaded,¡± they thought to themselves, exchanging knowing nces. ¡°This time, we''re going to strike it rich.¡± ¡°I''ve got other things to handle, so I can''t take her to the hospital. You guys do it. Isn''t it just money you want from me? Tell me how much you want,¡± Su Ming said with a faint smile. ?¡±Can it really be this easy?¡± they wondered, their faces lighting up with joy. ?¡±You seem like a straightforward guy. We won''t ask for too much. Let''s say three hundred thousand. No, make it five hundred thousand!¡± one of them dered, trying to sound firm. ?¡±The olddy got hit by my car, and five hundred thousand is too little. I''ll give you two million. Once you have the two million, we''re square, and you can''t hassle me anymore,¡± Su Ming said, smiling again. ?The number left them dumbfounded. ¡°So much money?¡± they thought. ¡°Today we''ve really hit the jackpot with this easy mark!¡± ¡°He''s got to be some rich young heir who doesn''t care about money.¡± ¡°We''re going to get rich.¡± ¡°Fantastic.¡± Chapter 372 Chapter 372 - Su Ming''s Tricks ¡°I didn''t expect you to be so clever.¡± One of them stepped forward and gave Su Ming a pat on the shoulder. ¡°Don''t worry, once you''ve paid, we''re done here. I''m a man of my word. We won''t hassle you again.¡± The young man grinned from ear to ear. Two million would tide him over for some time. ¡°Must be tough, your line of work?¡± Su Ming asked as he pulled out his phone. ¡°It''s not too exhausting,¡± the young man replied. ?¡±This two million isn''t chump change. I''m using it to close this chapter. You get my drift?¡± Su Ming said, chuckling. ¡°No problem at all!¡± The young man pped his chest and assured loudly, ¡°Rest easy, I guarantee you won''t have to deal with this kind of situation ever again.¡± Su Ming smiled. ¡°I''ll need a receipt.¡± The man paused, taken aback. It was the first time he''d encountered such a request. ¡°Just write a note, and if this ever happens again, I''ll show it.¡± Su Ming continued, still smiling. The man had an epiphany: ¡°That''s no big deal. Third Brother, write him a note.¡± ¡°Sure thing!¡± Another man agreed cheerfully and quickly scribbled down a note. ?Su Ming examined the note in his hand. The handwriting was atrocious. ¡°Fine, give me your ount details.¡± The young man couldn''t contain his excitement now that they were getting down to business. He hurriedly fished out a bank card from his pocket. Su Ming didn''t hesitate and called Tianhua Bank. He transferred two million. The man was ecstatic when he received the confirmation message. ¡°Thanks, bro!¡± He shook hands with Su Ming enthusiastically. Onlookers who were unaware of the situation might have mistaken them for actual brothers. At that moment, the olddy''s back pain miraculously disappeared, and she stood up straight. Su Ming offered a wry smile. ¡°Let''s not waste any more time, then.¡± The man said, and with a grand gesture, led his group away. ?They moved with surprising speed, as if they were trained for it. The crowd watching was left speechless. Despite earlier defenses of the olddy, it was clear from the exchange that Su Ming was being extorted. Su Qiu, who had been observing, was taken aback. It finally dawned on her. ¡°Brother! They''re tantly extorting you!¡± ¡°Don''t rush.¡± Su Ming offered a knowing smile before addressing the onlookers. ¡°Everyone, these individuals are engaging in extortion, which I''m sure you''ve realized by now.¡± As Su Ming''s words settled, several heads around him nodded in agreement. ¡°I''d like to ask for your assistance.¡± His request left the crowd momentarily taken aback. ¡°Who here has a video recording? I''ll buy it for 10,000.¡± Su Ming announced. The crowd buzzed with excitement. A vendor nearby, who had been idly standing by, sprang into action. ¡°I was just killing time and happened to record everything, including the conversation!¡± Su Ming nodded in approval, walked over to review the footage, and promptly transferred 100,000 yuan. The surrounding crowd''s excitement intensified. ¡°I have a video too!¡± It was as if a frenzy had taken hold, with people eagerly offering their videos and testimonies. Those without recordings could only look on in frustration. Before long, seven individuals had provided Su Ming with evidence, and he transferred a total of 700,000 yuan to them. Subsequently, Su Ming contacted the authorities. In under ten minutes, the police arrived, led by Captain Wu himself. ?¡±Mr. Su, it''s been a while.¡± Captain Wu approached Su Ming quickly, greeting him with a friendly handshake. Su Ming''s strategy had proven incredibly effective. ¡°It''s good to see you, Captain Wu.¡± Su Ming returned the greeting with a smile. He handed over all the gathered evidence to Captain Wu, who scrutinized it and furrowed his brow. ?¡±Not them again!¡± Captain Wu expressed his frustration: ¡°This group is notorious for such schemes, always targeting secluded areas. They flee at the first sign of police.¡± ¡°But now, with this video evidence, we can finally catch them.¡± Captain Wu couldn''t hide his tion. ¡°Captain Wu, I have additional evidence.¡± With that, Su Ming produced a slip of paper. Chapter 373 Chapter 373 - I Want This Room ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Su, with this video and note in hand, I''ll round them all up,¡± Captain Wu said, beaming with excitement. ?It was clear that this was the work of a gang. And it wasn''t just any gang¡ªthese crooks were definitely connected to others. Following this trail, who knows how many secrets could be unearthed. It''s quite sad, really. The swindlers roaming the streets have no idea they''ve been sold out by their own teammates. There''s truth in the saying that one shouldn''t fear a formidable enemy as much as a foolish teammate. They must be cursing up a storm now, realizing these fools left behind a note. Such stupidity was beyond belief. Couldn''t they think things through? Captain Wu promptly excused himself to go make the arrests. Meanwhile, Su Ming and Su Qiu continued on their way to Appliances City. ?But Appliances City wasn''t just about appliances; it offered a wide array of electronic products as well. Su Ming found a parking spot and with Su Qiu in tow, headed straight for a nearby store. He purchased the most expensive smartphone avable. He didn''t stop there; he also bought aptop and a desktopputer. He requested the best specs for hisputer, including arge screen, though the store needed some time to prepare the order. Su Ming left his address for delivery. They spent the better part of the morning shopping and didn''t leave until noon. Stepping out of the store, Su Qiu''s stomach growled audibly. She blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed. ?¡±Are you hungry?¡± Su Ming asked with a smile, patting his own stomach. ¡°Truth be told, I''m a bit peckish myself. Come on, I''ll treat you to something tasty.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Su Qiu nodded, and Su Ming took the lead with her following. The city center was bustling with activity. They rounded a corner and soon came upon a grand restaurant. ?The entrance was adorned withvish decorations. The restaurant stretched nearly thirty meters in length and spanned three stories. ?¡±Let''s eat here,¡± Su Ming suggested with a smile. ?¡±Brother¡­¡± Su Qiu hesitated. ¡°Isn''t this ce a bit too pricey? Maybe we should eat at the smaller ce next door?¡± ¡°Why worry? It''s my treat. Let''s go.¡± After finishing his sentence, Su Ming strode into the restaurant. Su Qiu hesitated at the entrance but eventually followed him inside. ¡°Wee!¡± The establishment clearly maintained high standards; the hostesses greeting guests at the door were as stunning as flight attendants. ¡°May I ask if it''s just the two of you?¡± one of the hostesses inquired with a warm smile. ?¡±Yes! Do you have a private room avable?¡± ¡°Of course, sir. Right this way, please!¡± The hostess led them upstairs to the third floor. Su Ming surveyed the restaurant''s interior and gave a nod of approval. Theyout was impressive, with a meticulous design that featured famous paintings on the walls and rare spider nts ced at intervals. Su Ming could tell at a nce that the paintings were genuine. However, being a Sichuan restaurant, the kitchen''s greasy fumes necessitated that the artworks be protected behind ss. Along the corridor, there was a cab disying an array of valuable porcin. Before long, they reached their private room and settled into their seats. Su Ming picked up the menu, and Su Qiu did the same. Her eyes widened at the prices. ¡°Oh my god, the dishes here are so expensive. One spicy boiled fish is 888 yuan!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± For Su Qiu, 888 yuan was once one or two months'' worth of living expenses. She remarked, ¡°Isn''t that a bit too pricey?¡± ?¡±Don''t worry about it. The food here is worth the price,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile, then called out to the server, ¡°Could we have a Kung Pao chicken, fish-vored shredded pork, boiled meat, spicy boiled fish, two bowls of rice, a bottle of hot water, and two Cokes, please?¡± ?¡±Right away!¡± The waitress responded cheerfully and went to prepare their order. The aroma from the kitchen wafted through the air, and their hunger made them eager for the meal toe. As they waited, a loud argument erupted outside their room. ?¡±What''s the problem here? Why can''t I enter this room?¡± a man''s voice demanded, his tone edged with frustration. ?¡±I''m sorry, sir, but the room is already upied,¡± the hostess exined. ?The man let out a derisiveugh and retorted, ¡°Just ask around the city, who doesn''t know me? I''m telling you, get those two out of there. I want to dine in the private room. If not, I''ll be speaking to your boss about this!¡± ¡°I''m sorry, sir, but we really¡­¡± The youngdy''s words were cut short by a crisp sound at the door, clearly indicating that the man had struck her. Su Ming''s brow furrowed slightly as he thought, ¡°Who could be so domineering?¡± He approached the door and pushed it open to get a better look. A young man stood at the entrance. Dressed in an exceptionally expensive suit and gleaming leather shoes, he sported a small bag at his waist and slicked-back hair. Arge, shy watch adorned his wrist, sparkling conspicuously. His presence seemed to demand attention, as if he were saying, ¡°Look at me, I''m wealthy. Come and admire me!¡± Zhou Yong caught sight of the door swinging open and scrutinized Su Ming from head to toe, a scornful smirk quickly spreading across his face. ?To him, Su Ming appeared destitute. This man was unting his wealth just because he had a little money in his pocket! But he, Zhou Yong, was truly affluent. ?¡±Give me this private room immediately,¡± he demanded, pulling out five banknotes from his pocket. ¡°Don''t worry, I''m not unreasonable. Take this money and dine at another establishment.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Su Ming responded with a calm smile. ¡°I''m sorry, but I''m not giving up this room.¡± Zhou Yong, taken aback by the refusal, burst into an incredulousugh. ¡°You dare to disrespect me? I was generously offering you money, but now I''ve changed my mind. Get out of here, now!¡± Just then, the cking of high heels resonated from the staircase. A heavily made-up woman approached Zhou Yong and clung to him tenderly, saying, ¡°Darling, I''m so grateful. I''ve always wanted to dine here but could never afford it. Thank you, my love. What''s the issue? Is the private room upied? Maybe we should just eat downstairs.¡± ¡°No way!¡± Zhou Yong replied, his agitation mounting. ?As Young Master Zhou, he couldn''t afford to be embarrassed in front of a woman. ¡°This is yourst chance. Take the money and leave, or don''t me me if I resort to force,¡± Zhou Yong said with a coldugh. ?He had intended to tower over Su Ming in disdain, but his height fell short. No matter! Zhou Yong mused to himself, ¡°I may not be able to outdo him in that regard, but I''ve got money, and money talks!¡± ¡°Apologies, I''m staying put.¡± Su Ming repeated his stance firmly. Chapter 374 Chapter 374 - If the Thing Is Broken You Have to Pay the Compensation Upon hearing the remark, Zhou Yong was taken aback. ¡°You won''t even give me face!¡± he thought indignantly. ¡°Well, I''ll just have to show you the disparity between our statuses!¡± Zhou Yong was gearing up to respond when Su Qiu emerged from the private room, a look of concern etched on her face. ?His eyes bulged at the sight of her. He was taken aback to find this seemingly destitute man dining with such a beauty. Su Qiu had always been strikingly beautiful, and her challenging life had left her slender and frail, giving her a pallidplexion that only entuated her delicate appearance. The sight of such a fragile and lovely woman often sparked a deep protective instinct in men. Zhou Yong was convinced that Su Qiu''s frailty was due to her poor quality of life with Su Ming. ¡°I''ll be the one to rescue her from this,¡± he resolved. ¡°Beauty, allow me to introduce myself. I''m Zhou Yong from the Zhou Group. My wealth isn''t vast, just a few hundred million.¡± ¡°Our meeting must be destiny. Why not get to know each other better? You''re clearly not thriving with this impoverished fellow. How about considering a life with me? With me, you''ll have wealth, a car, and everything else you could desire.¡± Zhou Yong advanced toward Su Qiu with a smile. Su Qiu recoiled in rm. Ye Fenglong had once courted her, but at least Young Master Ye was handsome, whereas Zhou Yong resembled a potato. With a scoff, Su Ming shifted to the left, positioning himself protectively in front of Su Qiu. ¡°If you don''t have anything significant to say, we were just about to dine,¡± Su Ming said with a dismissive smile. ¡°Damn it!¡± Zhou Yong seethed at the response. He fumed internally, ¡°Didn''t you grasp what I''m saying? You might be taller and better looking than me, but I''m wealthier. And I certainly outweigh you.¡± ¡°Today, I''m the one who will dine with this beauty. What are you going to do about it?¡± Zhou Yong sneered, reaching out to grab Su Qiu. Startled, Su Qiu stumbled backward in fright, inadvertently colliding with a nearby shelf. The shelf wobbled and toppled over. Porcin items that had been disyed on the shelf came crashing down, shattering into pieces with a resounding mor. Seeing the chaos unfold, Su Qiu was instantly overwhelmed with panic. ¡°Brother, what do we do?¡± Su Qiu may not have been well-versed in porcin, but she knew that even if these pieces weren''t renowned, they would still be quite costly. ¡°Don''t worry.¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile, ¡°I''m here, so there''s no need to be scared.¡± We were on the third floor, where private rooms were filled to capacity. The clientele here were generally of high status. This was precisely why Zhou Yong felt emboldened to hassle Su Ming and Su Qiu. The sound of the porcin shattering caught the attention of many. Curious guests from other private rooms emerged. Upon closer inspection, they were shocked. ¡°I''ve dined in this room before. The priciest piece here is the Ming Dynasty Blue and White Porcin.¡± ¡°I''ve warned the owner about keeping such valuable items in the private rooms, but he ignored my advice. Now, the porcin is indeed broken.¡± ¡°These items aren''t cheap,¡± murmured the onlookers with a collective sigh. Thebined value of the porcin was astronomical. They assumed Zhou Yong, Su Ming, and Su Qiu, who appeared to be college students, wouldn''t have the means topensate. Amotion of hurried footsteps approached from the staircase. The hotel manager arrived in a frenzy, his face falling at the sight of the shattered porcin. His fingers quivered as he said, ¡°Miss, these pieces are genuine.¡± ¡°The most valuable is the Ming Dynasty official kiln Blue and White Porcin. Our boss acquired it at auction for over half a million.¡± Hearing this, Su Qiu was beside herself with worry. What could she possibly do? ¡°It''s okay.¡± Su Ming gave Su Qiu''s shoulder a reassuring pat and addressed the manager, ¡°How much for the damages? I''ll cover it.¡± ¡°You? Can you really afford it?¡± Zhou Yong jeered from the sidelines. ?Su Ming paid him no mind and continued to face the manager, ¡°I''ll cover the cost.¡± ?¡±Do you really have the means?¡± The manager was skeptical. ¡°Your attire doesn''t scream wealth, and this young man is even wearing a child''s watch. You must be joking.¡± The manager feared a severe reprimand from his boss, possibly even a deduction from his wages. ¡°The totales to about one million dors. Can you truly cover that? Perhaps you should call your family, and I''ll inform the boss. We can discuss the matter ofpensation together.¡± The manager was reasonable. After all, a million yuan was a significant sum. If the police got involved, it wouldn''t be so straightforward. Criminalpensation would mean a record that could tarnish their futures. ¡°Give me your bank ount number.¡± Su Ming pulled out his phone, utterly indifferent to the million. If he withdrew all his money to purchase the Blue and White Porcin, it could fill a football field. And if he decided to sell the unused items in his house, the porcin he could buy might pack Eastsea City to the brim. ¡°Alright,¡± the manager conceded, signaling to a waiter to jot down the bank ount details. Zhou Yong scoffed. ¡°Manager Cao, don''t let them deceive you. Do they even have that kind of money?¡± Zhou Yong challenged. ¡°Better call the police quick, before they jump out the window and you end uppensating them,¡± he added, rolling his eyes. ?He thought to himself, ¡°You should''ve left this private room earlier. If you''d just taken the 500 yuan, you wouldn''t be in this mess now.¡± ¡°What''s happening here?¡± Just then, amanding voice rang out. Manager Cao turned to see the boss had arrived. ¡°Boss, they identally shattered all the porcin in the room.¡± ¡°What?¡± The boss was taken aback. He rushed over, about to survey the damage, when his eyesnded on Su Ming. He seemed vaguely familiar. The boss felt he had seen him somewhere before. Then it clicked. ¡°This is Mr. Su!¡± The boss''s mix of anxiety and anger vanished instantly. He smiled, bowed, and made a beeline for Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, I had no idea you were here. Had I known, I would have personally attended to you.¡± ¡°You recognize me?¡± Su Ming asked, eyeing the boss curiously. Chapter 375 Chapter 375 - Double Standards ¡°Absolutely!¡± Boss Shen said in a rush, ¡°I was there when you sold those antiques at Antiques City.¡± Su Ming had an aha moment and nodded in acknowledgment. He didn''t remember this man, though; the crowd had been toorge at the time. ¡°No worries. How much are these antiques worth? I''ll cover the cost.¡± Su Ming offered with a warm smile. Upon hearing this, Boss Shen vigorously shook his head. ¡°No need forpensation. These are all counterfeits. They were actually fortunate to be smashed by you.¡± His statement was met with silence from the onlookers. They were utterly perplexed. Boss Shen''s sycophancy was nauseating to them. He had always aggressively marketed these antiques. How could they possibly be fakes? Manager Cao was equally stunned. He was the most aware of the authenticity of the antiques, not only as the hotel manager but also as Boss Shen''s personal assistant. Boss Shen had instructed him to purchase these antiques. All eyes turned to Su Ming, curious about his identity and why Boss Shen would lie. Su Ming justughed after hearing this. Boss Shen''s ttery skills were on par with President Chen''s. ¡°Manager Cao, if those are fake antiques, why are you asking Mr. Su topensate us?¡± Boss Shen turned and red at Manager Cao, raising his voice. ?Manager Cao was even more taken aback by Boss Shen''s remarks. He felt it was unfair for Boss Shen to put the me on him. But what could he do after Boss Shen had spoken? Boss Shen revered Mr. Su more than his own father. If Boss Shen couldn''t afford to offend Mr. Su, how could he dare? He certainly didn''t want to lose his job. ¡°My apologies, Mr. Su, I misspoke. All the antiques in our store are fakes. Feel free to break them if you wish.¡± Manager Cao said hastily. Boss Shen, hearing this, nodded frantically, internallymending Manager Cao''s adeptness at ttery. Su Ming blinked. ¡°Are you certain I don''t owe youpensation?¡± ?¡±Absolutely not!¡± Boss Shen emphatically shook his head before adding, ¡°Let it be known, should Mr. Su or thisdy visit our store in the future, we must offer them our finest private rooms, the best ingredients, and waive all fees!¡± ¡°Yes, boss!¡± All the staff snapped to attention, their voices booming in unison, reminiscent of a military drill. ?Su Ming was caught betweenughter and tears. ¡°Mr. Su, what would you like to eat? Manager Cao, please bring the menu. I''d like to personally attend to Mr. Su.¡± Suddenly, a crisp voice rang out. Everyone nced sideways. On the corridor floory a pile of shattered pieces. They were all taken aback. Another antique destroyed? Their gazes quickly shifted to the person responsible. The culprit was the woman apanying Zhou Yong. Her feet were weary from the prolonged wear of high heels. She had intended to rest against the wall, but lost her bnce. As she nearly toppled over, she clutched at an antique vase beside her. It plummeted to the ground, breaking into fragments. Realizing all eyes were on her, she hurried to Zhou Yong''s side, pressing her ample bosom against his arm. ¡°Young Master Zhou, I''m so frightened.¡± ¡°Don''t worry!¡± Zhou Yong immediately responded, ¡°Boss Shen, let me know its value, and I''ll dly cover the cost. Besides, it''s just a fake antique!¡± Though taken aback by Su Ming''s status, he was determined not to be outdone. Su Qiu had just damaged several antiques, and Su Ming had promptly offered topensate Boss Shen. Now that Zhou Yong''spanion had broken an antique, he too was ready to make amends. It was merely a trifle to him. Zhou Yong was confident that once he took over his father''spany, he would surpass Su Ming in prowess! He aspired to make his name resonate throughout Eastsea City and beyond! Boss Shen and Manager Cao exchanged a knowing look. Manager Cao quietly pulled out his phone, located a photo, and held it up for Zhou Yong to see. ?¡±My apologies, sir. This ceramic piece is from the Qing Dynasty, acquired by my boss justst week at an auction. It''s valued at 880,000 yuan!¡± ¡°How much?¡± Zhou Yong nearly copsed in shock. ¡°Manager Cao, but you just imed all these antiques were fakes!¡± he blurted out in haste. ?Manager Cao offered a wry smile. ¡°To Mr. Su, everything here is a facade, including the shop itself. But for you, it''s the real deal.¡± Upon hearing the news, Zhou Yong was immediately filled with rage. Su Qiu had shattered numerous antiques, yet they didn''t demand anypensation from Su Ming; instead, they were busy ttering him. They were applying double standards, treating different people inpletely different ways. It was outrageous! ¡°Why aren''t they required to pay for the antiques they broke? Why do we have to pay when we break something? This is uneptable. I''m going to call the police. I''m going to take legal action against you!¡± Zhou Yong eximed loudly. Truth be told, he wasn''t wealthy. His im of having hundreds of millions of yuan was pure fabrication. His father merely owned a small renovation business. Their family wealth, a few tens of millions of yuan, paled inparison to that of genuinely affluent families. Even though his bank ount held only 200,000 yuan, he felt incredibly powerful, as if he could do anything he pleased. If his father found out about the loss of 880,000 yuan, he would be furious enough to break his legs! Under no circumstances could he afford topensate them! Zhou Yong, feeling indignant, got into a heated argument with Manager Cao. Even after Manager Cao presented the appraisal certificate, Zhou Yong remained defiant. Onlookers gathered around, pulling up stools to form a circle and watch the unfolding drama. ?It was incredibly thrilling, even more so than the New Year''s g! Chapter 376 Chapter 376 - The Annoying Roast Duck Zhou Yong was utterly stunned. He suspected it was all a setup. The crowd that had gathered insisted everything was authentic. As the hotel filled with more people, security guards encircled Zhou Yong, sending him into a frenzy. Beads of cold sweat streamed down his forehead. Then, an idea struck him. ?His father had a close friend, a sworn brother, who happened to be the owner of a Trade Company. This man was extraordinarily wealthy, with assets in the hundreds of billions! It was he who had introduced Zhou Yong''s father to the business world. With this in mind, Zhou Yong clenched his jaw in determination. ¡°Wait here, I''m calling someone right now!¡± He dered, pulling out his phone. ¡°Uncle Wang, I''m being picked on.¡± Zhou Yong''s voice quivered with emotion. ¡°What''s the matter? Calm down, tell me what happened,¡± came the authoritative response. ?¡±They''re trying to extort me. I identally broke a vase at this Sichuan restaurant, and now they''re demanding 880,000 for it.¡± The voice on the line grew stern. ¡°Don''t worry, there''s no need to be scared. I''ve got your back, and no one will dare to mess with you. Has your dad heard about this?¡± ¡°I haven''t told him yet.¡± ¡°Which restaurant is it?¡± ¡°Sichuan Restaurant,¡± Zhou Yong replied. The voice remained even-tempered. ¡°I''m nearby, dining at a hotel. Stay put, I''ll be there shortly.¡± With that, the call ended. Zhou Yong''s confidence surged. ¡°Just wait, my uncle is on his way.¡± He stood with hands on hips, defiant. Manager Cao, upon hearing this, was visibly irritated. Su Ming offered a slight smile. ¡°Let''s have the food first, boss. I''m famished.¡± ?The boss nodded in agreement and quickly directed the waitstaff to prepare the meal. Su Ming approached the waitress Zhou Yong had pped earlier. With a kind smile, he said, ¡°I apologize for the trouble you''ve faced.¡± ?¡±It''s okay,¡± she replied, her face tinged with redness and her eyes brimming with tears. Despite her distress, she shook her head and insisted she was alright. ¡°I''ll give you a week off with a month''s pay. Take some time to rest, and when you return, you''ll be promoted to lobby manager.¡± Boss Shen quickly made his stance known on the matter at hand. The waitress had departed. Su Ming and Su Qiu were seated in the room, enjoying their meal. Boss Shen and Manager Cao bustled about in front of Su Ming and Su Qiu. Zhou Yong, poor guy, had arrived on an empty stomach. The tantalizing aroma made him even hungrier, yet he was immobilized. The five security guards eyed him as if he were a criminal. It took a full half hour before footsteps could be heard from downstairs. Zhou Yong turned his head and nearly burst into tears. His Uncle Wang had finally arrived! ¡°Uncle Wang, you''vee.¡± Zhou Yong''s voice was tinged with a cry. The man nodded in acknowledgment. He couldn''t suppress a belch. The scent wasn''t exactly pleasant, but Zhou Yong recognized it immediately. It was the roast duck from the neighboring restaurant! He had been dining at a ce just a stone''s throw away, yet it had taken him half an hour toe over. But no matter how much Zhou Yong felt aggrieved, he had to keep it to himself. He dared not voice hisints. ¡°Who has been bullying you?¡± Uncle Wang entered the private room with his hands sped behind his back, his demeanor calm and collected. Zhou Yong followed, his posture exuding arrogance. ¡°Uncle Wang, it was them who bullied me!¡± Zhou Yong used, pointing at Su Ming and the others. Uncle Wang gave a nod and rubbed his eyelids. His gaze settled on the young man seated at the head table, who was now looking back at him. He became fully alert. ¡°Mr. Su!¡± The man''s face broke into a warm and enthusiastic smile. ?He made his way swiftly to Su Ming''s side, brushing past Boss Shen and Manager Cao. ¡°You don''t know how to take care of Mr. Su properly. I''ll handle it.¡± ¡°Chairman Wang, I must remind you, this is my hotel. It''s quite inappropriate for you to act this way.¡± Boss Shen was clearly displeased. ¡°Mr. Su is here for a rare visit to our hotel, you shouldn''t be behaving like this,¡± Manager Cao chimed in. ?The man in question was Wang Guohui. He had indeed been enjoying roast duck at the nearby restaurant. The duck had juste out of the oven when he received Zhou Yong''s call. Frankly, Wang Guohui had never been fond of Zhou Yong. But Zhou Yong was his nephew, and he couldn''t just ignore the boy''s plight. So, he had Zhou Yong wait for half an hour as a lesson. He was filled with regret now. Had he known Su Ming was here, he would have hurried over immediately. ¡°Chairman Wang, I may not have your wealth or your status, but this is my hotel, and my word isw here,¡± Boss Shen dered. ?Upon hearing this, Wang Guohui retorted, ¡°Are you challenging me?¡± ¡°Do you think I''m scared of you?¡± ¡°Let''s see then.¡± ¡°Manager Cao, and the rest of you,e here and lend a hand.¡± ¡°Are you trying to gang up on me?¡± ¡°We''re all eager to serve Mr. Su at the moment. Yes, we''re singling you out.¡± Chapter 377 Chapter 377 - A Very Experienced Dishwasher Wang Guohui and Boss Shen were locked in a heated argument, while Zhou Yong stood at the door, his face etched with confusion. What exactly was happening? Zhou Yong was desperate for someone to exin what had transpired. Why had Uncle Wang, who was supposed to be on his side, suddenly switched allegiances to Su Ming? No matter how Zhou Yong pondered the situation, it just didn''t sit right with him. He cautiously inquired, ¡°Uncle Wang, weren''t you here to assist me?¡± ¡°Get lost!¡± Wang Guohui looked up, his eyes bulging as he barked the insult. Zhou Yong was left speechless by the rebuke. ¡°I usually turn a blind eye to your antics, but you''ve gone and offended Mr. Su? You''re bold, I''ll give you that! But you''ve really done it now. Nobody can help you!¡± Wang Guohui dered, his brow furrowed. ?¡±What?¡± Zhou Yong was stunned. ¡°Get your father here to deal with this mess,¡± Wang Guohui said icily before dismissing Zhou Yong. Wang Guohui, Boss Shen, and Manager Cao were all diligently attending to Su Ming and Su Qiu. The onlookers from the nearby private rooms recognized Wang Guohui as Boss Wang of the Trade Company. He was known as the wealthiest man in Eastsea. Even he was deferential in Su Ming''s presence. It was clear to everyone that this young man must be someone of significant influence. With that in mind, they approached Su Ming with beaming smiles, offering toasts and engaging in conversation. The room buzzed with activity. Left alone in the hallway, Zhou Yong had no choice but to call his father. Upon receiving the news, Zhou Jianshan was on the verge of fury. He rushed to the scene in his car. ¡°Look at the mess you''ve made! I refuse to acknowledge an unfilial son like you today!¡± Upon arrival, Zhou Jianshan immediately berated his son. Hearing his father''s harsh words, Zhou Yong was on the brink of tears. He couldn''t fathom the severity of the situation. As his father''s only son, how could his father disown him? After giving Zhou Yong a stern talking-to, Zhou Jianshan quickly approached Su Ming, bowed deeply, and offered his apologies, ¡°Mr. Su, I am deeply sorry. I have failed in my duties as a parent, and I can no longer im him as my son. Please, I beg you not to hold a grudge.¡± ?Zhou Yong was unfamiliar with Su Ming, but Zhou Jianshan knew him well. Wang Guohui had brought up Su Ming several times during their casual conversations and had even shown Zhou Jianshan a photo of Su Ming. Consequently, Zhou Jianshan had been eager to meet this renowned figure. ?Thankfully, he eventually made Su Ming''s acquaintance, although the circumstances were less than ideal. ¡°I''m not upset,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°I''ve had my fill, and it''s time for me to leave. I appreciate the hospitality. Boss, could you tally up the bill, please?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, by saying that, you''re making me look bad. Your patronage alone is an honor for our establishment. I couldn''t possibly take your money,¡± Boss Shen protested, shaking his head emphatically. ?¡±Having enjoyed the meal, it''s only right that I pay for it,¡± Su Ming insisted, still smiling. ¡°Boss Shen, since Mr. Su insists, please ept his payment,¡± Wang Guohui interjected, understanding Su Ming''s character well. Su Ming was not one to seek undue favors, and he certainly wasn''t short on cash. If he wished, he could acquire numerous dining establishments. ?¡±Very well,¡± Boss Shen conceded, reluctantly taking the money. ¡°Mr. Su, you''re truly generous,¡± Boss Shen remarked, tears welling up in his eyes. ¡°The meal was excellent. I''ll be sure to return,¡± Su Ming assured him, giving Boss Shen a reassuring pat on the shoulder. After exchanging farewells with Wang Guohui, he departed with Su Qiu. ¡°Take care, Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we look forward to seeing you again.¡± ¡°Mr. Su is such a kind-hearted individual.¡± ¡°Indeed, he''s not only young and sessful but also highly cultured.¡± ¡°Mr. Su exudes a distinguished air, and his eloquence is remarkable. He''s truly an impressive figure.¡± As Su Ming left the restaurant, a diverse group of influential figures bid him a respectful farewell, creating an atmosphere akin to a grand send-off. Once Su Ming had gone, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Mr. Su''smanding presence had been almost overwhelming. ?At that point, all eyes turned to Zhou Yong, who shuddered with the realization that his situation was dire. ?Wang Guohui fixed Zhou Jianshan with a stern gaze and dered, ¡°Old Zhou, I think our future coborations are no longer necessary.¡± ¡°Guohui, surely it''s not that serious? Aren''t we on good terms?¡± Zhou Jianshan''s voice betrayed his sudden panic. But Wang Guohui was resolute, shaking his head: ¡°Your foolish son has crossed Mr. Su, and I can no longer do business with you. Farewell!¡± With those final words, Wang Guohui departed. Zhou Jianshan felt like he might pass out. His current status was entirely due to Wang Guohui''s support. Now, with Wang Guohui severing their partnership and pulling out his investment, Zhou Jianshan stood to lose everything. ¡°You disgraceful child!¡± Zhou Jianshan turned to his son, shouting furiously. He was so enraged he felt like he might burst. How, he wondered, could he have fathered such a fool? The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, and he began to p Zhou Yong repeatedly. Onlookers observed the scene,menting on Zhou Jianshan''s technique with a mix of amusement and interest. They unanimously concluded that Zhou Jianshan could take the title in a pping contest. Exhausted from the ordeal, Zhou Jianshan turned to Boss Shen and said, ¡°Boss Shen, I deeply apologize. I''m going topensate you right now.¡± He promptly took out his phone and transferred 680,000 yuan to Boss Shen. ?Boss Shen was momentarily taken aback when he saw the transfer. The vase was worth 880,000 yuan; why had Zhou Jianshan sent only 680,000 yuan? But after a moment''s reflection, he realized the missing 200,000 yuan was not a concern. Without Zhou Yong''smotion, he would never have met Mr. Su. In fact, he owed Zhou Yong his gratitude. Zhou Jianshan then rified, ¡°Boss Shen, the 200,000 yuan I didn''t transfer will be covered by Zhou Yong. Starting today, he''ll be washing dishes in your hotel. He''ll be paid 1,000 yuan a month. For every broken bowl, deduct 100 yuan; for each bowl not thoroughly cleaned, deduct 50 yuan. He can stop once he''s earned the full 200,000 yuan.¡± ?Upon hearing this, Zhou Yong broke down in tears. He thought to himself, ¡®It''s bad enough that my father has beaten and scolded me, but how could he let me be a dishwasher? With a sry of only 1,000 yuan a month, I''ll barely make 12,000 yuan in a year. How will I ever save up 200,000 yuan?'' Moreover, Zhou Yong had never worked a day in his life. He was likely to struggle with getting the dishes clean, perhaps even breaking a few in the process. After giving it some serious thought, Zhou Yong feared he might end up spending the rest of his days in that very spot. He was engulfed by a sense of utter hopelessness. Then, a realization struck him: he hadn''t broken the porcin! He remembered that it was the person standing next to him who had caused the breakage. But Zhou Yong didn''t see anyone; all that was left was a pair of high heels on the ground. He surmised that the person responsible for breaking the pottery must have been worried about making noise and attracting his attention, so she slipped off her shoes and fled. Zhou Yong was overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness, feeling as if the entire world was against him. From that point forward, Zhou Yong became the most experienced employee at Sichuan Restaurant. He became a master at dishwashing, even outperforming the aunties. ?Still, he often found himself muttering under his breath as he worked, saying things like, ¡°I didn''t break anything!¡± or ¡°Dad, please let mee home!¡± Chapter 378 Chapter 378 - The Honeydew Melon Is Ripe Su Ming visited the mall and picked out several outfits for Yuvyuv, dressing her up beautifully. After dropping her off at school, he headed home. ?He parked his car in the garage, opened the front door, and stepped inside. Following his routine, he first checked on the farnd. The Excellent Banana trees had grown quite tall. Some bananas were peeking out, albeit short and green. They gave off a subtle scent and a soft blue glow. Level Two crops certainly stood out from the ordinary. What wonders would they yield? Su Ming was filled with anticipation. Next, he inspected the melon patch. ?The melons had grownrge, their oval shapes a vibrant yellow with gray striations. Su Ming picked one up and tapped it; until ripe, it seemed just like any other melon. ?He then made his way to the herding area. He noted that the pasture was grazed clean daily, yet by morning, it would be lush again. ?Su Ming watered the grass and treated the livestock to some fruit and feed. Though they typically grazed, no animal on earth would turn down a treat. After checking on the carp in the aquatic product area and the rabbits, finding all as it should be, he stretched and headed back to the vi. ?Settling on the sofa, he flicked on the TV. Then, a thought struck him. Rubbing his chin, he mused, ¡°What if I wish in thentern for my crops to ripen sooner? Could it work?¡± A spark of excitement in his eyes, Su Ming decided to try his luck. He sprang up and made for the basement. ?Returning with arge bag, he sat back down, took out antern, and ced a bright candle inside. After a moment''s thought, he wrote on a slip of paper, ¡°I wish for the melons to mature quickly.¡± He tucked the note into thentern and set it alight. ¡°Host, your wish has been made. There is a 50% chance of iting true!¡± Su Ming was astounded. A 50% chance of his wishing true was incredibly high! He should''ve done this much sooner! Eager to capitalize on the moment before the System could react, he prepared to make another wish. He immediately pulled out the note and jotted down another wish. Next, he fetched antern, ced the note inside, and set it alight. ¡°Host, you can only make one wish regarding the same crop.¡± Su Ming paused when the notification chimed in his head, then let out a sigh. The System was incredibly thorough. Otherwise, he might have found a way to cheat. Even though he was limited to a single wish, he felt quite content. A 50% chance was remarkably high, after all! ¡°Host, congrattions! Your wish has been granted! The maturation time for your melons has been significantly reduced! They will ripen in just 12 hours!¡± Hearing the notification in his mind, Su Ming was ted. They usually required a full day to mature, but now it would take only half that time! That meant he could harvest them tonight. Fantastic! Su Ming could barely contain his excitement. He took a bath, watched a couple of movies, and then settled down to y some games. ?As the night deepened, fatigue set in. He drifted off to sleep on the couch. Before sumbing to sleep, he had asked Yuvyuv to alert him once the melons were ripe. Buoyed by his excitement, Su Ming quickly fell into a deep slumber. In his dream, the entire Eastsea had transformed into his farm. The breeding zone teemed with mythical creatures from legends. ?The ntation area boasted an array of spaceships straight out of sci-fi tales, their designs sleek and brimming with futuristic appeal. ?The aquatic product area swarmed with dragons, while the herding area was home to a flock of phoenixes. It was an incredibly beautiful dream! Suddenly, Yuvyuv''s voice broke through. ¡°Master, the melons are ripe.¡± Su Ming''s eyes fluttered open, still groggy. ¡°What melon? I was just soaring through the skies on a dragon,¡± he mumbled. ?Blinking away the sleep, he took in his familiar living room and reality dawned on him. It had all been just a dream. But Su Ming held onto the belief that, with the System''s help, his dreams would one day materialize. His first order of business was to check on the melons in the farnd. He sat up quickly and made his way to the fields. The melons were indeed ripe. Upon entering the farnd, Su Ming finally saw them for what they were. He paused, taken aback. What were these things? They resembled enormous, dark dice. Blinking in bewilderment, Su Ming approached the nearest melon to investigate. It turned out to be a briefcase! Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. The briefcase was in a sorry state, its exterior peeling away. He could hardly believe his eyes. Was the System ying a prank on him? Could his wish have somehow caused the melon''s quality to deteriorate? The briefcase was so worn out that if he tossed it onto the street, no one would give it a second nce. Su Ming sighed and shook his head. It seemed that cutting corners wasn''t going to work. Oh well. He decided to face reality. As long as he could gain experience and level up, that''s what mattered. Su Ming felt a deep sense of disappointment. He extended his hand to pick up the briefcase and was shocked. It was incredibly heavy! There definitely had to be something inside! He quickly opened the briefcase to take a closer look. Inside the briefcase was a bright red booklet. He pulled it out and, to his surprise, it was a property deed. There was also a housing purchase contract. Every necessary document was in order. Su Ming hastily opened the property deed to check the address of the house. 101, Building 1, Unit 1, Grand Court Neighborhood, Linbin District, Eastsea City. Linbin District? Why did that sound so familiar? Puzzled, Su Ming quickly pulled out his phone to look up the location. The Linbin District was actually situated within the Second Loop of Eastsea City! While the real estate prices there weren''t as steep as those in the city center, they were still considerable. In the city center, prices could soar to several hundred thousand yuan per square meter. In the Second Loop, prices were upwards of 100,000 yuan per square meter! The name Grand Court Neighborhood rang a bell. After some thought, Su Ming had an epiphany: Grand Court Neighborhood was the new development that had just beenpleted along the Second Loop! He remembered passing by and receiving a flyer from the sales office. Chapter 379 C379 ¨C House He had thought he had made a mistake this time. But to his surprise, his worry had been unfounded. Su Ming let out a heartyugh, feeling great. He quickly grabbed another briefcase. Inside, as expected, was another property deed. Su Ming eagerly opened the deed to check the address. It was 102, Building 1, Unit 1, Grand Court Neighborhood in the Linbin District. A realization suddenly struck Su Ming. Could the entire neighborhood be his? 6 acres ofnd. Three thousand melons. Three thousand houses! A thought suddenly came to Su Ming, and he inquired in his mind, ¡°System, if I¡¯m not mistaken, there¡¯s a purchase restriction in Eastsea City, right? A person can only buy two houses at most.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Host. The System has taken care of it. You can buy an unlimited number of houses!¡± boomed the System¡¯s assertive voice in his mind. ?Su Ming was momentarily taken aback and at a loss for words. He fetched a bag from inside the house and began to harvest like mad. ?Before himy 3,000 briefcases. Su Ming was worn out. He worked tirelessly for three to four hours until the early morning, finally organizing all the briefcases. Su Ming discovered that these were all the houses in five residential areas. That was a sizable neighborhood indeed. And all five neighborhoods were located within the Second Ring Road. Moreover, these neighborhoods had only recently been developed. ¡°You have sessfully harvested crops, earning 90,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 18,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Recycling sessful! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve earned 30,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 6,000!¡± Two notifications sounded in Su Ming¡¯s mind. ¡°Yuvyuv, how many points do I earn for recycling one?¡± Su Ming inquired. ?¡±20 points,¡± came the reply. Su Ming did a quick calction. That was a whopping 60,000 points! He could upgrade several pieces of Level Threend with that. To exchange or not to exchange? Su Ming mulled it over. As long as he could grow something, he would eventually earn points. He couldn¡¯t just give up these houses. Though Su Ming wasn¡¯tcking in funds, Yuvyuv¡¯s earlier words lingered in his mind. He could exchange money for points! He could rent out these houses. Su Ming also noted that seeds cost money when purchased from the store. A Level Three seed costs millions. The higher the seed¡¯s level, the steeper the price. Despite having a worth of ten billion and dividends from 100panies, what good would it do him? Once his level increased, his fortune might only suffice for a handful of seeds! Thus, Su Ming resolved not to sell his house, nor would he trade it for points. ncing at the clock, he saw it was already past four in the morning. He decided against sleeping. First, Su Ming stored his belongings in the vi, then hopped on the tractor to tidy up thend once more. He pondered what to nt next. Su Ming hesitated. Then it struck him¡ªthe store must have updated its inventory. He hastily pulled out his phone andunched the store app. He routinely checked the items in all four sections. They were just the usual goods. He rummaged through the warehouse for seeds. Finally, he settled on pumpkins. With six acres to work with, he spent a solid four hours nting. Pumpkins required even more space than melons. The System informed him that each acre could only amodate 100 pumpkins. This allowed him to nt at a quicker pace. ¡°Pumpkins sessfully sown! Harvest time: 48 hours!¡± Should he make another wish? After a moment¡¯s thought, Su Ming returned to the vi, penned the same wish, and set it ame. ¡°Host has made a wish. Probability of wish fulfillment: 1%!¡± Su Ming paused, puzzled. Why was the probability so low? Was it because the melons were nearly ripe? Or perhaps the yield from the pumpkins was more valuable than the melons? Despite pondering for some time, the reason eluded him. Soon after, he received a notification of the wish¡¯s failure. But Su Ming didn¡¯t dwell on it. The sun had already climbed into the sky. After washing his face, he felt refreshed and invigorated. He grabbed severalrge bags filled with briefcases and property deeds. ?He then drove the car up, loaded the bags, and headed towards the real estate development. Click to visit???? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 380 C380 ¨C I Can Afford This House There were five neighborhoods in close proximity to one another, with three of them nestled tightly together. Previously, this area was a park¡ªa vital green space in the heart of the city that not only provided recreation but also contributed to the urban greenery. However, the park became a source of irritation for the nearby residents due to an overwhelming mosquito poption. Moreover, the park was home to a natural hot spring. Ordinarily, a hot spring would be a delightful amenity, offering residents the opportunity to rx in a hot spring bath, which is beneficial for one¡¯s health. Unfortunately, the hot spring emitted a pungent odor that was particrly offensive during the summer months, permeating the air in the surrounding neighborhoods. ?Experts were called in to investigate the issue. They discovered that adjacent to Eastsea City was a mountain that had once been an active volcano. Now dormant, it no longer posed a threat of eruption. The hot spring, however, flowed along the old volcanic range, infusing the water with high concentrations of sulfur and other minerals, which ounted for the unpleasant smell. Initially, officials were reluctant to alter the park, valuing its contribution to the city¡¯s greenery. At that time, the hot spring¡¯s odor was not as intense, and themunity could endure it. Residents enjoyed evening strolls, practicing Tai Chi, and participating in square dancing in the park. But starting two years ago, the hot spring¡¯s odor intensified to unbearable levels, affecting even the park¡¯s artificialke, where many fish perished and the water turned yellow. Further investigation by experts revealed that long-term erosion of groundwater had caused significant underground corrosion, leading to a surge in water impurities. With no other options, officials had to fill in both the artificialke and the hot spring. The construction of a new real estate development took three years toplete. It was only the day before yesterday that the properties were put on the market. Yet, before they could be widely offered for sale, Su Ming had already purchased them. Su Ming arrived at the nearest sales office in his truck, ready to finalize the acquisition. He found a parking space and had just finished parking his car when he got out. A man in a suit approached, frowning deeply. The man eyed Su Ming with a scowl. ¡°Hey, vegetable seller, who gave you permission to park here? Move your vehicle immediately.¡± ¡°Vegetable seller?¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He wondered, ¡°Who could he be talking about?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this a sales office?¡± ¡°Where would someone be selling vegetables?¡± It dawned on Su Ming that the man in the suit was referring to him. It made sense, given that Su Ming had arrived in a truck. ¡°I¡¯m here to purchase a house,¡± Su Ming exined, smiling. ?Despite the man¡¯s unpleasant demeanor, Su Ming preferred not to get into a dispute. The man¡¯s actions were somewhat justified; after all, the sales office parking was intended for prospective homebuyers, and Su Ming¡¯srge truck was indeed taking up considerable space. Hearing Su Ming¡¯s response, the man scoffed, ¡°Do you even know where you are?¡± ¡°Yes, this is the sales office,¡± Su Ming replied. ?¡±Do you know where these houses are located?¡± the man pressed. ¡°These are the Second Ring Road houses,¡± Su Ming blinked, puzzled. ?Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°What exactly is he getting at?¡± ?¡±So you¡¯re aware, and yet you boast?¡± The man sneered dismissively. ¡°Kid, these are properties in the Second Loop of Eastsea. The least expensive is 120,000 yuan per square meter. The smallest unit I sell here is 80 square meters, valued at nearly ten million yuan. Even with a 30% down payment, you¡¯re looking at almost three million yuan. You, a vegetable seller, think you can afford a house here?¡± Su Ming blinked again and stroked his chin, thinking to himself, ¡°Actually, I can afford it. The key point is, I didn¡¯t even have to spend my own money; the System awarded the houses to me¡­ I had no choice but to ept them.¡± ¡°I can afford it,¡± Su Ming affirmed with a serious nod. The man, taken aback, thought, ¡°Am I giving you too much credit?¡± ¡°If I¡¯m telling you to leave, then you should leave promptly.¡± ¡°You?¡± he continued, scrutinizing Su Ming. ¡°Dressed in clothes that look like they¡¯re from a street stall, wearing a child¡¯s watch. Do you really think you can afford a house here? Are you joking with me?¡± The manager was just about to speak when a ck sedan approached from a distance. The man¡¯s face transformed at the sight, his sneer of contempt quickly reced by a beaming smile. He rushed to wee the upants of the car. ¡°Mr. Du, Ms. Lee, what brings you here so early? If you had called ahead, I would have arranged for someone to pick you up, sparing you the drive,¡± he said, bowing obsequiously. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± Mr. Du replied as he parked the car and stepped out with his wife. ¡°I didn¡¯t have much else to do, so I thought I¡¯d take a leisurely drive.¡± The man nodded eagerly. ¡°Please,e inside.¡± ¡°It¡¯s really no bother. Manager Ma, with your new property development, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re quite busy. We¡¯re just here to have a casual look,¡± Mr. Du said graciously. ?¡±Mr. Du, you are my most esteemed guest. I insist on apanying you today!¡± Manager Ma replied with urgency. Mr. Du was a wealthy man, with assets in the billions. With his wealth, he enjoyed making investments, like purchasing real estate to preserve his fortune. The man thought to himself, ¡°I¡¯ve heard Mr. Du owns quite a few properties.¡± ¡°If Mr. Du takes a liking to these houses and decides to buy, I¡¯ll make a fortune! If he doesn¡¯t, that¡¯s fine, but if he does, he¡¯s sure to buy several, and only the most expensive and best ones at that¡ªpossibly spending tens or even hundreds of millions. As a sales manager, mymission is substantial. If I can make Mr. Du happy, I¡¯ll be wealthy overnight. A few million inmission is guaranteed.¡± At that moment, Manager Ma had eyes only for Mr. Du,pletely disregarding Su Ming. Manager Ma thought to himself, ¡°You¡¯re one lucky vegetable seller today. But then again, I should thank you. If it weren¡¯t for my intention to send you away, I wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to meet Mr. Du directly.¡± Indeed, greeting Mr. Du in the parking lot showed far more enthusiasm than waiting for him toe inside. Su Ming, realizing he was being ignored, was quite content to enjoy his newfound freedom. He entered the sales office. The office was quiet that morning, with only a few people around. The sales staff noticed Su Ming but quickly diverted their attention. ?They thought to themselves, ¡°He¡¯s just here to look around. He can¡¯t afford to buy.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t afford to miss out on a real buyer because of him. That would be a costly mistake.¡± Su Ming was unfazed. He examined the building¡¯s model. Hmm! He thought, ¡°Not bad at all.¡± ¡°The lighting in these buildings is excellent.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll gift these to my parents.¡± ¡°These two homes are conveniently close to the neighboring school.¡± ¡°It¡¯s easy for kids to get to school through the side entrance.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll reserve these two for Su Qiu.¡± ¡°The rest of these units are pretty standard; I¡¯ll rent them out.¡± Su Ming continued his leisurely stroll, hands sped behind his back. Suddenly, he noticed two people standing before him. He looked up. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Mr. Du and his wife?¡± ¡°And where¡¯s the obsequious Manager Ma?¡± As Su Ming pondered, Mr. Du¡¯s phone rang. Mr. Du pulled out his phone and answered. After a brief exchange, Mr. Du¡¯s face fell. ¡°What? They¡¯ve all been bought by someone else? Okay, I¡¯ve got it.¡± Mr. Du ended the call. Meanwhile, Manager Ma approached from afar, carrying a tray with two cups of coffee. ¡°Mr. Du, Ms. Lee. Here¡¯s some imported coffee; it¡¯s excellent.¡± Manager Ma spoke as he walked. He suddenly caught sight of Su Ming. Manager Ma thought to himself, ¡°He actually came inside!¡± ?Before he could finish his thought, Manager Ma tripped, spilling forward. The scalding coffee sshed precisely onto Mr. Du and Ms. Lee, leaving them with grimaces of pain. ?Not a single drop of coffee was spared. Click to visit???? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 381 Chapter 381 - You Asked Me to Leave Mr. Du and Ms. Lee were visibly upset, stamping their feet in frustration. Manager Ma, picking himself up off the floor, witnessed their distress. He waspletely at a loss. ¡°I''m so sorry, I''ll grab some tissues immediately!¡± Manager Ma rushed to offer his apologies. ¡°Mr. Du, Ms. Lee, this was my mistake. Please rest assured, as a gesture of my sincere apologies, I''ll offer you a 10% discount on this asion.¡± Manager Ma was in a state of panic. ¡°There''s no need.¡± Mr. Du, who had just received an upsetting phone call, was already in a foul mood. The coffee spill only exacerbated his irritation. ¡°Manager Ma, I must attend to other matters and will be leaving now.¡± With that, Mr. Du turned and walked away. Manager Ma, hearing this, became even more anxious. Despite his continuous apologies, Mr. Du and Ms. Lee departed without further ado. Watching them leave, Manager Ma was filled with regret. A multimillion-yuan deal had just slipped through his fingers. He turned to see Su Ming examining the housing model. ¡°If it hadn''t been for that damned grocer! None of this would have happened! They might have been signing the contract right now!¡± Manager Ma was irate with Su Ming. But he had unjustly med Su Ming. Mr. Du had onlye to look around today. His real interesty in several other properties nearby; he had never intended to buy here. To make matters worse, he had just received calls informing him that the properties he was interested in had been purchased by others. Mr. Du''s mood took a nosedive. He was ready to leave in his car. But just as he was about to go, Manager Ma identally spilled coffee on him. Mr. Du''s mood soured further, and he was eager to get away. ¡°Zhang, Chen, get over here quickly!¡± Upon entering the sales lobby, Manager Ma bellowed. The room, sparsely popted, echoed with the startle of his voice. Two security guards, who had been scrolling through their phones on the sofa, jumped to their feet and rushed over. ¡±Do you think you''re paid a few thousand yuan a month to sit around and y with your phones?¡± Manager Ma admonished, ¡°Each house here is worth at least tens of millions of yuan. Not just anyone is allowed toe in and browse. Remember this, if anything gets damaged on your watch, you two will bepensating for it at full cost!¡± The two security guards werepletely taken aback. The architectural model they were responsible for was valued at several million yuan¡ªhow on earth could they ever afford topensate for it? Manager Ma left immediately after making his statement. The guards exchanged a knowing nce. Clearly, someone had riled up Manager Ma, which exined his foul mood. They noticed Su Ming standing unassumingly in the room. ¡°Who''s that?¡± ¡°He''s the vegetable vendor who just had a spat with Manager Ma.¡± ¡°So, he''s the reason we''re in this mess!¡± ¡°We need to get him out of here, fast.¡± The guards locked eyes again and strode toward Su Ming with a menacing air. Su Ming noticed the guards approaching him, their faces clouded with anger. He slightly furrowed his brow. The guards reached Su Ming, sizing him up with furrowed brows. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡±I came to look at the houses,¡± Su Ming replied, a calm smile on his face. ¡°You?¡± ¡°Do you think you can afford a house here? You''re just here to stir up trouble.¡± The guards spoke with clear hostility. Su Ming chuckled coldly. ¡°Even if I can''t afford it, can''t I have a look? Or do you check everyone''s bank bnce before theye in?¡± Chen scoffed, ¡°We wee others, but not you.¡± ¡°The people whoe to view these houses are big bosses, driving cars worth millions. How do you even dare topare yourself to them?¡± To Su Ming, a car worth a few million was trivial; he owned several luxury vehicles himself. He couldn''t help but be amused. ¡°Do you really want me to leave?¡± Su Ming asked, still smiling. ¡°Absolutely!¡± Chen replied, his brow creased. ¡°Has your manager approved this?¡± Su Ming continued to smile. ¡±Yes, I have!¡± Manager Ma interjected, walking over. ¡°We don''t wee the likes of you here. Out!¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Su Ming departed. ¡°Manager Ma, please, don''t be upset.¡± ¡°Indeed. With such a prime location, there''s no shortage of wealthy bosses eager to buy.¡± ¡°Don''t fret!¡± The guards were quick to offer obsequious reassurances. Manager Ma''s face softened slightly as he instructed, ¡°Stay vignt at all times!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The guards nodded hastily and took up their posts by the door. Su Ming returned to his truck, unfazed. Their actions couldn''t touch his emotions. They had failed to honor the terms of the contract, and for that, they would have topensate him. Despite being the smallest in the area, this neighborhood has fewer than 300 homes. Yet, a single home here is valued at nearly ten million yuan. Altogether, the 300 homes are worth a staggering three billion yuan. Manager Ma would surely be filled with regret if he were aware of this. And if Manager Ma''s boss were to find out, Manager Ma would likely face termination. Why was Manager Ma unaware that the homes had already been sold? It''s because the System purchased them directly through his boss, bypassing him entirely. This went beyond the scope of Manager Ma''s authority. Manager Ma had ess to the purchase records, but it never crossed his mind that the homes could havepletely sold out. Moreover, his boss was asleep, with numerous callsing in, but his phone was on silent. Chapter 382 Chapter 382 - I Still Need a Few People to Help Me Su Ming drove directly to the second residentialplex, parking his car in the lot before heading to the sales office. ¡°Good day, sir.¡± A security guard approached with a friendly smile. ¡°We don''t mean to prevent you from parking, but your vehicle is quiterge. There are several spots reserved forrger vehicles over there. Would you mind parking in one of those?¡± Su Ming was pleasantly surprised by the security guard''s polite demeanor. ncing to the right, he indeed spotted several spacious parking spots. He nodded in agreement, moved his car, and parked it smoothly. Entering the sales office, he was greeted warmly. ¡°Wee, sir. Are you here to view some properties?¡± A strikingly beautiful woman approached with a weing smile. The customer service here was a stark contrast to the previous sales office he had visited. ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°I''ve purchased a few properties and I''m here to take a look at them today.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The woman was taken aback, not immediately grasping his statement. Initially, she had doubted Su Ming''s ability to afford a house. However, the manager had instructed them to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their appearance or wealth¡ªeven if they were a beggar. She never expected a seemingly unassuming wealthy buyer. He had bought several properties! ¡°Sir, may I see your purchase contract?¡± she asked with impable politeness. ¡±I forgot to bring the contract with me. Could you possibly send someone to fetch it?¡± Su Ming asked, scratching his head. ¡°How many people do you need to retrieve your contract?¡± she asked, puzzled. How heavy could a contract be that he needed several people to carry it? ¡°Sir, you must be joking. I can go get it for you,¡± she said with a chuckle. ¡°Believe me, you won''t be able to lift it,¡± Su Ming insisted earnestly. The woman was taken aback. Despite hermitment to excellent service, she couldn''t help but wonder if he was deliberately trying to trouble her. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± At that moment, Manager Soong stepped forward. Manager Soong was a middle-aged man, quite dapper despite showing signs of balding. ¡°Manager Soong, this gentleman says he needs a few people to assist him in retrieving his purchase contract¡­¡± The woman blinked, uttering a statement she herself couldn''t believe. Manager Soong, upon hearing it, was equally incredulous. ¡°Sir, please don''t jest. We have many customers and truly can''t amodate your request.¡± Manager Soong offered a smile and an apologetic nod to Su Ming. He was skeptical as well. Could Su Ming possibly be a patient from a psychiatric hospital? It wasn''t unreasonable for Manager Soong to harbor such thoughts, given the bizarre nature of the situation. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°They''re not to me.¡± Yet, he feared they wouldn''t ept his exnation. Ultimately, he resolved to have thedy, Manager Soong, and the earlier security guard apany him to retrieve the housing contract. ¡°Just follow me and see for yourselves.¡± Leading the way, Su Ming nced back at thedy and Manager Soong exchanging doubtful looks. Despite their reservations, they trailed behind him. Reaching the truck, Su Ming swung open the trunk to reveal severalrge bags. Manager Soong''s expression turned grim. Su Ming had to be up to no good! Even if those bags were stuffed with cash, Su Ming could afford only one property at most. Besides, the bags didn''t exactly look like they were filled with money. ¡°Sir, please stop ying games with us,¡± Manager Soong said, clearly irritated. With a sigh, Su Ming unfastened one of the bags. Manager Soong paused, wondering if the bag contained some treasure of immense value. But upon closer inspection, he saw that it was packed with briefcases! This was a sales office, not a recycling center! Just as Manager Soong was about to speak out¡­ Su Ming opened one of the briefcases. Insidey a property deed and a purchase contract. Manager Soong examined them closely, astonished to find that both documents were authentic. The woman beside him was equally taken aback. A purchase contract in a briefcase, and so manyrge bags in the trunk¡ªcould they all be filled with real estate contracts? Their eyes met, mirroring each other''s amazement. It made sense now why Su Ming needed extra hands to carry the contracts¡ªhe had purchased an incredible number of properties! Having taken the Body-stretching Pill, Su Ming''s strength was two to three times that of an average person, allowing him to lift arge bag with ease. Ordinary people couldn''t manage it; it would take at least two to lift one of those big bags. Su Ming couldn''t resist unting his hand in front of their eyes. Manager Soong was momentarily taken aback, his face a picture of bewilderment. He reached out and grabbed a briefcase, which indeed contained a purchase contract from hispany. Dipping his hand into the big bag, he randomly pulled out another briefcase and found yet another purchase contract from hispany. Manager Soong did a quick mental tally and estimated there were at least a hundred briefcases in the bag. A hundred briefcases meant a hundred houses! What kind of fortune was that? He had struck it rich! Suddenly, Manager Soong felt dizzy and then cked out. The woman witnessing this was utterly flustered. ¡°Manager Soong, are you okay?¡± Su Ming was no stranger to such reactions. After all, he had seen a group of elderly men in their seventies and eighties faint before him. Manager Soong, at fifty, was rtively healthy. He was sure to be alright. Time passed before Manager Soong gradually came to. He gazed at the woman, still disoriented. ¡°Wang, I just had a dream where a tycoon came to buy houses from us, over a hundred of them!¡± Manager Soong eximed. The woman blinked: ¡°Manager Soong, it wasn''t a dream. It''s real.¡± Manager Soong was instinctively skeptical. As he was about to dismiss the idea, his eyes caught sight of Su Ming''s smiling face, the opened trunk, and those big bags. And with that, he fainted once more. Chapter 383 Chapter 383 - You Can Choose to Believe It or Not Manager Soongy on the ground for quite some time before he groggily opened his eyes. What he saw was a mountain of property certificates belonging to Su Ming. He nearly passed out once more. Thankfully, with two prior experiences under his belt, he managed to stay conscious. Still, he felt quite lightheaded. Today had been an eye-opener for him; his life had not been lived in vain. The more Manager Soong thought about it, the more overwhelmed he became, almost to the point of tears. Standing beside him, Su Ming asked, ¡°Manager Soong, may I proceed with the paperwork now?¡± ¡±Yes!¡± Manager Soong responded promptly. ¡°Wang, keep watch here. I''ll be right back.¡± With that, Manager Soong headed for the sales hall. This residential area was in a better location than thest. It was surrounded by supermarkets, banks, schools, hospitals, and subway stations. The amenities wereprehensive, and the convenience of travel was unmatched. Plus, it was incredibly close to the first ring road. An absolute prime location! As a result, many people were eager to purchase here once the building waspleted. ¡°Attention, everyone!¡± Manager Soong burst into the hall, bellowing at the top of his lungs. The crowd inside jumped in shock. The security guards, thinking there was a disturbance, were ready to spring into action. But when they turned around, they realized the shouter was none other than Manager Soong. ¡°Manager Soong, are you okay?¡± a saleswoman asked as she cautiously approached him. ¡°I''m fine!¡± Manager Soong, his face flushed with excitement, called out, ¡°I need everyone to gather around me!¡± The sales staff were taken aback. They were in the middle of attending to clients, some of whom were on the verge of signing contracts. Was this really the time to gather? ¡°Manager Soong, there are so many customers here, and several are about to sign contracts,¡± the saleswoman whispered to him. ¡±Tell them to leave!¡± Manager Soong blurted out. The customers, upon hearing this, became instantly displeased. They sensed Manager Soong''s disdain, assuming he thought they couldn''t afford the homes. ¡°I''ll take these three houses,¡± one customer stated icily. ¡±I want these three floors.¡± ¡°I''ve just viewed five houses, and I''ll take them all.¡± ¡°I''m buying these eight houses.¡± Those customers who had been indecisive swiftly made their decisions. They were intent on making Manager Soong lose face with their actions. ¡°We''re not selling any of these houses anymore!¡± Ultimately, Manager Soong uttered a statement that left everyone in shock. There was a collective pause of disbelief. ¡°Manager Soong, perhaps you should go upstairs and take a break?¡± The saleswoman edged closer to Manager Soong and took a discreet sniff. There was no scent of alcohol on him, and he didn''t appear to be drunk. After all, Manager Soong was known to seldom drink. What could have prompted him to start spouting such nonsense? Manager Soong announced in a loud voice, ¡°A single customer has bought all the buildings in ourplex.¡± The hall fell into an eerie silence. You could hear a pin drop. ¡°Manager Soong, please don''t make jokes.¡± ¡°It''s not April Fools'' Day.¡± ¡°Soong, you''re usually so by-the-book; I can''t believe you''d make such a joke.¡± Many were skeptical of Manager Soong''s im. How many houses were there? What was their total value? Could someone really be wealthy enough to purchase them all? The joke seemed far too oundish. ¡°Believe it or not, that''s up to you! All female staff at the sales office, line up at the entrance. All male staff,e with me!¡± Manager Soong''s face was stern. His tone matched his serious expression. Though the employees were clueless about what was happening, they knew Manager Soong was in charge and that they should follow his lead. The female employees assembled in two rows at the door. The male employees trailed behind Manager Soong. The customers left in the hall exchanged puzzled nces. ¡°What is Soong up to now?¡± ¡°I refuse to believe someone bought all the houses. Let''s go see for ourselves.¡± ¡°Yes! Let''s find out what Soong is really up to!¡± They promptly made their way outside. At that moment, Manager Soong approached Su Ming with a group in tow. He was exceedingly respectful as he said, ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve brought the staff as you requested.¡± Manager Soong had just reviewed the property deeds, hence he knew Su Ming''s name. ¡°No need for such a crowd.¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile. Upon hearing this, Manager Soong remarked, ¡°Your car has at least 30rge bags.¡± ¡°These six bags hold the property deeds for ourplex; the others are for differentplexes.¡± Su Ming''s smile was serene. Manager Soong was so astounded that he was momentarily breathless. Who in the world was Su Ming? These thirtyrge bags were filled with property certificates for the house he had just purchased! Manager Soong, having been in the real estate industry for quite some time, was aware of the recent property sales. An incredible thought took shape in Manager Soong''s mind. Could it be that Mr. Su had purchased all the new developments in the area? ¡°Quickly, follow Mr. Su''s orders and bring those big bags down!¡± ¡°Get the tea ready immediately.¡± ¡°And you, prepare the handover procedures posthaste!¡± Manager Soong issued hismands in a flurry. The staff members were perplexed. The bags were typically used for storing fertilizer; why was Manager Soong so worked up? Nheless, they didn''t dare to ignore hismands and dutifully carried the bags down. Su Ming led the way, with Manager Soong stooping to follow behind him. Trailing Manager Soong were over a dozen employees, working in pairs to heft the hefty bags. They soon reached the sales office entrance. ¡°Wee, Mr. Su!¡± Upon seeing Su Ming, all the female sales associates called out in chorus with their sweetest voices. Once inside the lobby, Su Ming took a seat on the sofa, guided by Manager Soong. A line of male employees stood behind him, resembling a squad of bodyguards. Beside him, two of the most attractive saleswomen were at the ready, serving him tea and water. The sight left the other customers bewildered. These bags were merely used for fertilizer; what was the meaning of Manager Soong''s charade? Amidst the customers'' confusion, Su Ming instructed, ¡°Dump out the contents and take inventory.¡± ¡°Right away, Mr. Su!¡± One employee opened a bag and emptied its contents. A pile of old briefcases tumbled out. The onlookers grew even more discontented. These were individuals of some renown, and they were being snubbed over some tattered briefcases! Manager Soong unzipped one of the briefcases and pulled out a stack of bright red property certificates. The customers were taken aback. Manager Soong''s ims were true; someone had indeed bought up the entire block! Who could this magnate be? Chapter 384 Chapter 384 - The Explosive News After several minutes of silence, the room suddenly burst into excitement. ¡°Where''s the boss?¡± Manager Soong urgently inquired of a nearby staff member. ¡°The boss is probably still asleep.¡± ¡±Get the boss up, now!¡± Manager Soong demanded, eyes bulging with urgency. ¡±Right away!¡± The staff member didn''t dare to waste a moment. The third floor housed the office area, including the boss''s office and bedroom. Normally, no one was permitted on this floor without the boss''s consent. But the urgency of the situation overrode protocol. The staff member rushed to the boss''s room and began pounding on the door. The boss had been out all night and had only returned around seven or eight in the morning. He had just fallen asleep when he was jolted awake by themotion. Fuming, the boss threw on his pajamas and opened the door, frowning and yelling, ¡°What''s the meaning of this? Who let you up here? Don''t you know the rules around here?¡± ¡°Boss, there''s been a huge problem!¡± the staff member blurted out. ¡±What''s going on?¡± the boss demanded, his frown deepening. ¡±Boss, someone has bought our entire property!¡± The staff member spoke quickly. ¡±What did you say?¡± The boss''s reaction was immediate. He grabbed the staff member by the shirt and pressed for details. ¡°Boss, all of our houses have been bought by a single person.¡± The boss shook his head in disbelief. ¡°That''s impossible! If that were true, wouldn''t I know about it?¡± ¡°Juste downstairs and see for yourself,¡± the staff member urged. The boss was skeptical, but the staff member didn''t appear to be lying. He rushed downstairs. Upon arriving, he saw a crowd gathered around the sofa, where a table was covered with bright red property certificates. The boss, taken aback, hurried over. ¡±Boss, Mr. Su has bought all of our properties,¡± Manager Soong said, barely containing his excitement. Standing before Su Ming, the boss was so agitated he hardly knew what to say. ¡°Why are you serving Mr. Su this tea? Go to my office and bring out the good tea leaves!¡± The properties had only just gone on sale, yet Su Ming already had the ownership certificates in hand. The boss concluded that Su Ming must be an incredibly influential man. While everyone else was a bundle of nerves and excitement, Su Ming remained the picture ofposure, sipping his tea with ease. The customers around only realized what was happening at that moment. ¡°Who is this VIP?¡± ¡°I thought I was impressive for being able to buy two houses here, but I''m nothingpared to this guy.¡± ¡°If I''m not mistaken, didn''t he arrive in a truck?¡± ¡°Yes, I saw him when he parked. I underestimated him, and now I see I''m the fool.¡± In Su Ming''s presence, these wealthy individuals felt as insignificant as beggars. They all aspired to be Su Ming. Several attractive young women fixed their gazes on Su Ming. Had the crowd not been so dense, they would have thrown themselves at him by now. ¡°Despite his simple attire, there''s something about him that''s just so dashing!¡± ¡°For the first time, I feel like a truck can be a status symbol, just like a luxury car.¡± ¡°I''d rather be crying in the back of a truck thanughing in a Ferrari.¡± ¡°He''s incredibly good-looking!¡± The girls nearby were nearly losing their minds. Every move Su Ming made sent them into a frenzy. The news spread like wildfire. Since the crowd wasposed of affluent individuals, they all had extensiveworks. Word got out, and many flocked to the scene. ¡°You''re not joking, right? Someone actually bought all these houses?¡± ¡°With all these deeds, it must be true!¡± ¡°Isn''t there a purchase restriction in Eastsea?¡± ¡°Purchase limits don''t apply to someone of his caliber!¡± Before long, the entrance was lined with a variety of vehicles. Scores of people poured in. Upon witnessing the scene, they were all astounded. ¡°It''s actually true!¡± ¡°I used to think I was a big deal. Starting today, I''m going to be more humble.¡± ¡°Why is that truck at the entrance being guarded by several people?¡± ¡°That''s Mr. Su''s vehicle!¡± The hall was nearly bursting at the seams with people. Yet, there was a clear space around Su Ming. No one dared get too close. Manager Soong and the owner tended to Su Ming with utmost caution, barely daring to breathe too loudly. Several business owners got wind of the situation. ¡°Did someone buy up all of Faang''s properties?¡± ¡°Is this person Su Ming?¡± Someone spected, ¡°Could it be that Su Ming bought all your properties too?¡± ¡°Did he buy your properties as well?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Su bought our developments too!¡± The sensational news continued to spread rapidly. Chapter 385 Chapter 385 - I Don''t Want Your Things Anymore At that moment, Boss Faang''s secretary, who had spent the night with him, descended the stairs. She had already changed into fresh clothes and was clutching a phone that disyed ten thousand missed calls. Approaching Boss Faang, she informed him, ¡°Boss, you have a caller.¡± ¡°I''m busy!¡± Boss Faang didn''t even nce her way. He was preupied with attending to Su Ming and had no interest in taking calls. Su Ming chuckled and reassured him, ¡°Go ahead, Boss Faang. Take the call.¡± ¡°Right away!¡± Boss Faang grabbed the phone, his eyes widening in astonishment. All these missed calls? Were these from the other developers who hadunched their properties today? He dialed back one of the numbers at random. ¡°Faang, you''ve finally picked up. Did a guy named Su Ming buy all your developments?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Boss Faang replied, blinking. He wasn''t surprised; such news traveled fast. ¡°Hold onto Mr. Su, I''m on my way!¡± The voice on the other end wasced with urgency, underscored by the re of a car horn. ¡°Mr. Yang, isn''t your propertyunching today too? Aren''t you swamped?¡± ¡°Mr. Su bought my development as well!¡± ¡°What?¡± Boss Fong was dumbfounded. ¡°Just keep Mr. Su there, I''ming right now!¡± Mr. Yang said before abruptly ending the call. Secondster, another call came through. ¡°Faang, is the person who bought your property named Su Ming?¡± Boss Faang was taken aback. ¡°Let me tell you, Mr. Su is a major yer. Did you know he didn''t just buy your property, but he acquired all the properties within the Second Ring Road?¡± ¡°What?¡± Boss Faang felt as if he were in a dream. His head spun. Su Ming had purchased all the newly opened buildings in the Eastsea Second Ring Road? He had thought Su Ming was just a mysterious tycoon. The fact that he had bought his property was already astonishing! But Su Ming had gone on to buy all the newly opened properties within the Eastsea Second Ring Road! Shortly thereafter, four buses pulled up to the entrance. Four bald men led their teams in a frenzied dash inside. ¡°Where''s Mr. Su?¡± They were shocked to learn that Su Ming had acquired their properties, but without knowing his whereabouts, they had no choice but to wait patiently. News from Boss Faang came quickly. After a round of phone calls, it became clear that Su Ming had purchased all five of the newly opened properties that day. It seemed Su Ming had gone mad! He swiftly gathered his staff and rushed to Boss Faang''s location with all their gear in tow. As a mysterious tycoon, Su Ming naturally had everyone eager to offer their services. ¡°Old Liu, your property is on the other side of the Second Ring Road, at least a twenty-minute drive from here. How on earth did you make it in five minutes?¡± ¡°I flew by rocket!¡± ¡°I thought I was the nearest and would be the first to pay Mr. Su a visit!¡± ¡°That''s impossible!¡± ¡°Old Fong, hold it right there!¡± The four bosses jostled each other as they entered. ¡°Mr. Su, I''m the owner of Sky Dragon International Community. I''ve brought my entire staff, so we can discuss business right here.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I''m the owner of Flourishing Court, and my employees are here as well.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I represent Empire Community.¡± The bosses quickly introduced themselves amidst the chaos. Su Ming found their mor overwhelming and felt a wave of dizziness. ¡°Stop!¡± he eximed, gesturing for silence. The five men immediately fell silent, as quiet and docile as schoolchildren. ¡°The contracts are in my car. Follow me.¡± Su Ming stood and made his way outside, with the crowd parting to let him pass. He approached the truck, leaving the bosses, except for Boss Faang, puzzled as to why Su Ming hade to this location. When Su Ming opened the trunk to reveal arge bag, they were even more perplexed. ¡°What is Mr. Su up to?¡± ¡°Just wait,¡± he said, climbing into the vehicle. He opened arge bag, nced inside, then tossed it onto the ground. ¡°These are for Sky Dragon International Community,¡± Su Ming announced. The boss of Sky Dragon International Community hesitated before opening the bag, only to discover it was full of briefcases. Squeezing one, he felt something inside. Upon opening it, he found a real estate contract and everything clicked. No wonder Su Ming had arrived in a truck¡ªhe had an abundance of contracts! Su Ming was incredibly impressive! After purchasing his house, he stuffed all the real estate contracts into arge bag¡ªa truly astonishing move. Su Ming was rolling in wealth! ¡°Everyone, gather around for the count.¡± Staff from the Sky Dragon International Community hurried over. Two men brought over arge table and several stools. A group of over twenty security guards encircled the area. Some employees opened therge bag and started pulling out property purchase contracts. ¡°These belong to Flourishing Court.¡± Su Ming tossed down another hefty bag. He continued to drop these massive bags one by one. Onlookers'' hearts raced at the sight. Inside this bag were nearly 100 real estate contracts! Their imaginations were limited; they had never envisioned someone buying so many properties! Before long, Su Ming had tossed most of the big bags out of the vehicle. Only the owner of Empire Community remained, inquiring, ¡°Mr. Su, are there any more purchase contracts?¡± He blinked at Su Ming, noting several big bags still inside the car. Why hadn''t Su Ming thrown down the big bag with the Empire Community''s purchase contracts? ¡°I no longer want your property,¡± Su Ming stated icily. The owner of Empire Community was taken aback. What was Su Ming implying? He couldn''t recall having done anything to offend Su Ming, could he? Chapter 386 Chapter 386 - Rent Them All! The owner of Empire Community, Boss Fong, was leftpletely stunned upon hearing Su Ming''s words. What exactly was happening? Just then, someone came running over in a hurry. ¡°Boss Fong, I''ve notified many employees already. We''ll be able to start checking the property deeds shortly.¡± It was Manager Ma, the same person who had earlier ejected Su Ming from the premises. As Manager Ma finished his report, he noticed his boss''splexion had turned ghostly white. ¡°Boss Fong, are you alright?¡± he asked anxiously. ¡°Mr. Su is no longer interested in buying our house,¡± Boss Fong replied. ¡°How can that be? Where is Mr. Su?¡± Manager Ma scanned the area. Then he spotted Su Ming sitting inside a vehicle. What a small world! He couldn''t help but roll his eyes secretly before approaching Su Ming, mistaking him for a truck driver. ¡°What a coincidence to see you again! Do you know where Mr. Su might be?¡± Manager Ma inquired with an air of superiority. Standing to the side, Boss Fong''s face was a picture of terror. He was itching to give Manager Ma a piece of his mind. Mr. Su was clearly dissatisfied with them, and yet Manager Ma had the audacity to address him in such a manner? Boss Fong thought back to Manager Ma''s recent words and it dawned on him that there had been a previous encounter between Manager Ma and Su Ming. Could there have been a confrontation? Boss Fong was well aware of Manager Ma''s overbearing nature. His professional skills were strong, and he had a knack for ttery, which is why Boss Fong had never considered letting him go. But now, he realized that Manager Ma might have caused a serious problem. In a swift motion, Boss Fong delivered a sharp p across Manager Ma''s face. Manager Ma was left reeling from the impact. ¡°Boss Fong, what''s this about?¡± he asked, his voice filled with shock. ¡°You idiot! That man is Mr. Su!¡± Boss Fong bellowed. Other business owners watched the scene with a mix of interest and pity, knowing full well that Boss Fong had been advised to dismiss Manager Ma but had chosen not to. Now, with the trouble Manager Ma had stirred up, they felt powerless to assist. Manager Ma was speechless, his mind racing back to Su Ming''s earlier words. It was only now that he realized the truth in them. Near tears, Manager Mamented his mistake. Su Ming was indeed wealthy, yet he dressed so unassumingly. Had Su Ming been d in luxury and arrived in an expensive car, Manager Ma would have surely treated him with the utmost respect. ¡°Mr. Su, I''m truly sorry. It''s entirely my fault for not managing my team properly. I recognize my mistake. Please, I''m asking for your forgiveness.¡± Boss Fong was on the verge of tears, his anxiety palpable. Without Su Ming''s purchase, Boss Fong knew that a refund would be effortless for someone of Su Ming''s influence. He could sell the houses to someone else. However, the crux of the matter was that all the potential buyers who could afford these houses were aware that he had crossed Mr. Su, and they certainly wouldn''t risk purchasing them. No one wanted to be on Mr. Su''s bad side. The only other option was to sh the prices so much that the average person could afford them. But that would mean a substantial financial hit for him. ¡°Just leave.¡± Su Ming''s voice was icy as he sat in the car. Boss Fong froze in shock. He turned to Manager Ma, his anger ring up as he yelled, ¡°This is all your fault!¡± Boss Fong pped Manager Ma once more. ¡°You''re fired! Leave now!¡± he bellowed. ¡°Don''t think I''m unaware of your actions within thepany.¡± ¡°I know you''ve been misappropriatingpany funds repeatedly! I''m calling the police to have you arrested this instant!¡± ¡°You''re going to prison!¡± Boss Fong''s voice thundered with rage. Manager Ma was ovee with despair. Just a minute before, he was the esteemed Manager Ma; now, he was on the brink of bing a convicted felon. ¡°Take him away!¡± Boss Fong''s irritation with Manager Ma grew by the second. Two security guards stepped in and escorted Manager Ma away. Shortly thereafter, the police arrived and detained him. Boss Fong, standing behind his vehicle, was frantic. Sweat dripped from his brow as he trembled uncontrobly. What was he to do? ¡°Mr. Su!¡± In a shaky voice, Boss Fong proposed, ¡°What if I offer you a 50% discount?¡± ¡°I''m not short on cash.¡± Su Ming''s response nearly caused Boss Fong to copse. After a lengthy contemtion, Boss Fong ventured, ¡°Mr. Su, since you''ve bought so many houses, you''re surely nning to rent them out, right? What if I handle the rentals for you? Rest assured, I''ll take care of everything personally and won''t charge you a penny extra.¡± Su Ming considered the offer, recognizing the logic in Boss Fong''s words. He had indeed nned to rent out the houses and certainly needed someone to oversee the process. He owned three thousand houses, but managing them was beyond his capacity. Regardless, he was unwilling to let it interfere with his farming. Following this ordeal, Boss Fong was sure to proceed with extreme caution. It made sense to entrust him with the management of these properties. ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming pondered briefly and gave a nod of approval. It wasn''t Boss Fong''s fault, after all. ¡°Boss Fong, I''m entrusting this issue to you.¡± ¡°Of course, Mr. Su!¡± Boss Fong breathed a sigh of relief, his knees buckling, nearly copsing to the ground. His clothes were drenched in sweat. Su Ming tossed severalrge bags from the car onto the ground. Boss Fong quickly summoned his staff to tally the property deeds. Inside the car, Su Ming was thoroughly enjoying himself, engrossed in a mobile game. At the car door, four groups were diligently counting the property deeds, surrounded by a throng of onlookers. They captured the moment on their phones, a scene they were unlikely to witness again in their lifetimes! In under thirty minutes, theypleted the inventory of all the property certificates. Su Ming stood up and stretched his back. ¡°Mr. Su, here''s the inventory list for our five developments, along with the keys to each property.¡± Boss Fong had effectively be Su Ming''s personal assistant. Su Ming nodded but didn''t take the list or the keys. ¡°Keep them. It''ll make it easier for you to rent out these houses. And hold off on renting all the units in the Grand Court Neighborhood; reserve the top ten.¡± ¡°Understood, Mr. Su!¡± Boss Fong responded eagerly. ¡°Rent?¡± Su Ming''s announcement rippled through the crowd, causing a stir. ¡°I''ll take five units!¡± ¡°I want ten!¡± ¡°Give me three!¡± The affluent bystanders chimed in one after another. Some genuinely needed to rent several units. Moreover, renting from Mr. Su could imply a connection to him. They weren''t about to miss out on such an opportunity. Chapter 387 Chapter 387 - Draw Lots Is a Good Idea ¡°We need twenty houses.¡± ¡°We''ll take 50!¡± ¡°Out of my way! I''m iming 100 houses!¡± The bosses were in a frenzy. Their excitement was palpable. Just as Su Ming thought he might catch a break, he found himself encircled by a crowd once again. ¡°Enough with the noise.¡± Boss Fong, seeing Su Ming''s resigned look, turned and bellowed. Moments before, Boss Fong was on the verge of tears, but now he had assumed the role of Su Ming''s advocate. He stood tall, beaming with pride. The other bosses, witnessing this, silently seethed with envy. But Old Fong had be Su Ming''s secretary. His word was as good as Su Ming''s. With Boss Fong''smand, a hush fell over the crowd. ¡°Mr. Su, I''d like to make a modest proposal,¡± said Boss Fong, turning to face Su Ming. ¡±Speak,¡± Su Ming encouraged with a nod. ¡°Mr. Su, with so many houses, haphazard renting would lead to chaos. Why not decide by lottery?¡± suggested Boss Fong, standing close to Su Ming. Su Ming''s interest was piqued. ¡°borate, please.¡± ¡°Let''s have those interested in renting write their names on slips of paper and ce them in a box,¡± Boss Fong exined. ¡°You could draw names yourself, and whoever you pickes forward.¡± ¡°Then you can rent the house to them, and I''ll keep track. It''ll be much more efficient!¡± Boss Fong proposed eagerly. Su Ming nodded in agreement. He recognized the brilliance of the idea. It would indeed save him a considerable amount of effort. Su Ming nodded again in affirmation. Without another word, Boss Fong turned to address the crowd. ¡°Pay attention, everyone.¡± ¡°Those of you wanting to rent a house, write your name on a slip of paper and hand it in.¡± ¡°Mr. Su will personally draw lots shortly.¡± ¡°Each of you mustmit to renting at least ten houses for ten years.¡± ¡°Any questions?¡± Boss Fong''s face shone with delight. He was visibly pleased with himself. Below him stood many high-ranking bosses, far more prestigious than he. Yet now, they all listened to him attentively. Of course, Boss Fong was well aware of the reason for theirpliance. It was all thanks to Mr. Su! ¡°None!¡± At Boss Fong''s prompting, all the bosses below responded in chorus. They quickly wrote their names on the slips of paper, eager to participate. Boss Fong''s associates brought over a small cardboard box and carefully ced all the slips of paper inside. Cradling the box in his arms, Boss Fong approached Su Ming with reverence. Su Ming took a leisurely sip of water, his gaze nonchnt. He nonchntly reached into the box and pulled out a slip of paper. The surrounding bosses watched with bated breath. Su Ming unfolded the note and nced at it before asking in an even tone, ¡°Is Liu Xinghe here?¡± ¡±I''m here!¡± Liu Xinghe eximed, leaping up with excitement. He strode forward with pride, hands sped behind his back. Envy was etched on the faces of the others. ¡°Mr. Liu, how many units would you like to rent?¡± ¡°I''ll take 50 units at Grand Court Neighborhood! And I want them for 20 years!¡± Boss Fong gave a nod of approval. ¡°Please proceed to that area to sign the contract and make your payment. Then, join the line to receive your keys.¡± ¡±Alright!¡± Mr. Liu was quick toply. He rushed to sign the documents and pay, then stood dutifully by Su Ming''s truck. ¡°Chen Dake!¡± ¡°Present,¡± came the reply. ¡°What kind of property are you interested in renting?¡± ¡°I''ll take 100 units at Grand Court Neighborhood!¡± Chen Dake was visibly ted. The rest were growing increasingly restless. ¡°When will it be my turn?¡± ¡°They''re so lucky.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, why not impose a rental cap?¡± ¡°That would certainly reduce the number of renters.¡± ¡°Good point!¡± ¡°Hopefully, I''m next.¡± The remaining bosses were on edge, their impatience palpable. In this setting, their usual influence held no sway. In Mr. Su''s presence, their wealth was inconsequential. ¡°Wang Jianguo.¡± ¡±Right here!¡± he responded, his earlierints forgotten as he sprang to his feet, nearly delirious with joy. Wang Jianguo couldn''t contain his glee. ¡°I''ll rent 50 units in Empire Community!¡± The group of bosses simmered with frustration. ¡°I''ll have to get him drunk next time!¡± ¡°It''s infuriating. He was just allying with us, and now look at him, so smug!¡± ¡°Let''s be fair¡ªif Mr. Su had chosen you, you''d be just as thrilled.¡± ¡°You have a point.¡± The crowd buzzed with conversation. Those called out by name basked in their moment of triumph. Those not called watched on, green with envy. Once they had signed, they took their ces by Su Ming''s truck. Meanwhile, the overlooked bosses watched them with a mix of anger and jealousy. ¡°Zhang Dacheng!¡± ¡°Right here!¡± ¡°Wang Yunhai!¡± ¡°Present!¡± ¡°Wai Qingshan!¡± ¡°Here!¡± Many passers-by looked on with curiosity. What was happening? After roughly forty minutes, over forty individuals had their names called. Yet, more than half remained uncalled for. They shook their heads in disappointment and sighed. Chapter 388 Chapter 388 - He Went to Squeeze the Milk Su Ming stepped out of the car. He had sessfully rented out nearly all of his 3,000 properties, with just over 20 misceneous houses remaining. Su Ming had decided not to rent these out, opting instead to reserve them for his own use. He intended to eventually relocate his family and various rtives to Eastsea, so they could live in close proximity and enjoy each other''spany. The tenants, who were the proprietors of the rented houses, straightened up and their eyes went wide as they watched Su Ming exit the vehicle. They were motionless, a mix of respect and surprise evident in their posture. ¡°What''s happening here?¡± ¡°I recognize him; isn''t he the head of that food conglomerate?¡± ¡°That''s my boss''s boss right there!¡± ¡°And over there, isn''t that the coalpany''s top executive?¡± ¡°Are all these high-profile executives participating in some kind of military drill?¡± ¡°I was wondering why that voice sounded so familiar. It turns out they were the ones being called out.¡± Bystanders exchanged puzzled nces, all sharing a sense of bewilderment. None of them could figure out what was going on or why these influential figures were gathered here. ¡°This is yours,¡± Su Ming said as he epted a set of keys and a contract from Boss Fong, handing them over to the first individual. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± The man snapped to attention, delivering an awkward salute with more enthusiasm than precision. His voice boomed with confidence, echoing around the stunned crowd. Wasn''t this man the head of the municipal waterpany? Yet here he was, standing before a young man with the deference of a schoolchild. Who was this young man tomand such respect? ¡±This is yours.¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Yours!¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± One by one, Su Ming distributed the houses. ¡°Boss Fong, I''m entrusting the houses to you,¡± Su Ming said, turning his attention to Boss Fong. ¡°Yes, rest assured,¡± Boss Fong replied, nodding eagerly. ¡±Of course, I wouldn''t expect you to handle this withoutpensation,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°You''ll receive a 5%mission.¡± ¡±What did you say?¡± Boss Fong was taken aback. He was astounded. Su Ming was offering him a 5%mission on properties located within the Second Ring Road, where these executives had secured tenancies at market rates. For a 120-square-meter house costing 20,000 yuan a month, a 5%mission amounted to 1,000 yuan. And with nearly 3,000 properties under Su Ming''s ownership, the figures were staggering, especially considering the decade-long leases. What an enormous amount of money! Boss Fong had been facing some cash flow issues recently. But the System purchased all of his properties. Thisted Boss Fong a significant profit! Simultaneously, Su Ming offered him a very generousmission. Boss Fong was over the moon! The other local business owners, upon hearing the news, were green with envy. ¡°We could do that job too!¡± We can manage properties as well! Old Fong, who usually kept a low profile, had suddenly made a fortune. Their envy was palpable. They had previously taken pleasure in Manager Ma''s misfortune for having offended Su Ming, believing Old Fong would face repercussions. But to their astonishment, Old Fong had be wealthy overnight. ¡°Mr. Su, thismission is excessively high.¡± Despite the thrill Boss Fong felt, his sense of reason overcame his greed. Perhaps this was a test from Mr. Su. So he quickly responded, ¡°Let''s just leave themission as it is.¡± Su Ming yawned and said, ¡°You handle the renovations for those twenty houses. Just let me know when they''re finished, and I''ll settle the bill.¡± Boss Fong shook his head insistently, ¡°No, Mr. Su, I insist on paying.¡± ¡°I''m not short on cash.¡± With that, Su Ming climbed into the truck. A hush fell over the crowd. Boss Fong fell silent too. Mr. Su was absolutely right! He genuinely wasn''tcking money. Even the most extravagant renovations for twenty houses would only amount to tens or even hundreds of millions of yuan. Mr. Su didn''t need that money. ¡°Mr. Su''s wealth is immense; he''s not testing me. He simply doesn''t care about the money.¡± He had overestimated his own importance. He was being too narrow-minded. Just then, Su Ming started the engine. Boss Fong paused for a moment, then quickly dashed in front of the vehicle, bellowing, ¡°Clear the way, Mr. Su is leaving.¡± The other bosses, whether involved or not, all hurried over to disperse the crowd. They then lined the street, smiling as they waved Su Ming off. After Su Ming had departed. The business owners dropped their pretenses. ¡°Chen, given our rapport, could you possibly share half of your house with me?¡± ¡°Old Sun, didn''t I just buy you a drink yesterday?¡± ¡°Zhang, let''s split the house down the middle!¡± ¡°You can''t just seize the house by force!¡± ¡°My keys!¡± ¡°Who bit my thumb? I''m not giving a fingerprint!¡± ¡°The house is mine!¡± The bosses erupted into a brawl over the property. Only Boss Fong was beaming with joy. Manager Ma had been worried about having upset Su Ming, but now Fong emerged as the clear victor. ted, Boss Fong and his entourage strutted away, leaving the others to their squabble. After all, the contract was signed and the house secured. Any transfer of the property was their concern, not his. He wouldn''t interfere. Meanwhile, Su Ming was oblivious to the chaos. He arrived home and parked in the driveway. ¡°Master, the animals in the breeding zone and aquatic product area have reached maturity,¡± Yuvyuv informed him. Stepping out of his car, Su Ming paused, a surge of excitement washing over him. They were finally mature! What could they be? Filled with eager anticipation, Su Ming dashed toward the herding area. The two ck and white cows mooed upon seeing him, their size noticeablyrger than before. Approaching, Su Ming found the cows to be gentle and affectionate, nuzzling up to him as he petted them. They were mature, but how should he go about harvesting them? He activated the scanner, but it only provided a basic overview of the cows, which wasn''t helpful. cing his hand on one of the cows, he awaited a prompt from the System, but none came. He tried different stances, yet still no System alert. Was his posecking ir? After several attempts, there was still no response. What was happening? Could there be an issue with Yuvyuv? That seemed unlikely. ¡°Yuvyuv, how do I harvest them?¡± Su Ming finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity. ¡±Just milk them!¡± came Yuvyuv''s simple reply in his mind. ¡±What did you say?¡± Su Ming eximed, taken aback. He was expected to milk the cows! Sure, he had seen it done countless times on television. But he had never actually tried it himself. The task was indeed going to be a challenge. Chapter 389 Chapter 389 - A Great Harvest Su Ming never imagined that he would have the opportunity to milk cows in his lifetime. He had never done it before. First, Su Ming stopped by the nearby supermarket to pick up two pairs of gloves and a couple of buckets. He also purchased a substantial amount of medical alcohol. Before anything else, he sterilized the gloves and buckets. Then, carrying a small stool, he approached a cow. Su Ming took a seat. The cow was remarkably cooperative. It seemed to sense what Su Ming was up to and stood there calmly. Su Ming cleared his throat. Then, he set about milking the cow. Initially, he was somewhat awkward. Despite several unsessful attempts, the cow remained patient. After several tries, Su Ming finally got it right! He was drenched in sweat from the effort¡­ For a seasoned milker, this task wouldn''t have been so physically demanding. But Su Ming was new to milking. He couldn''t help butugh with joy. He quickly bent down to inspect his work. To his surprise, the milk he had collected was golden. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the Beauty Maintaining Toner. It can smooth the skin, erase wrinkles, diminish under-eye bags, and whiten the skin!¡± Su Ming paused, processing the exnation in his mind. What''s the most expensive thing on the market these days? Aside from raremodities, luxury goods fetch the highest prices. Cosmetics, especially those used by women, are among these luxury items. Wealthy celebrities spend fortunes to fend off the signs of aging. Su Ming blinked in realization. This was indeed a valuable find. But it was of no use to him. He intended to exchange the Beauty Maintaining Toner for points. The cows had been quite productive. He managed to fill fourrge buckets with milk. He converted all the milk into points. Yet, Young Master Su decided to keep one bottle of the Beauty Maintaining Toner. It mighte in handy someday. At the very least, he could offer it to his parents. ¡°Congrattions, you''ve sessfully earned 90 points!¡± Upon hearing the prompt in his mind, Su Ming eagerly checked his phone. He looked over the herding area. As expected, both the fences and the pasture were eligible for upgrades. Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. With the facilities upgraded, he could raise and cultivate higher-tier animals and nts. And certainly, upgrading different pieces of equipment would yield various benefits. In the herding area, there were two facilities that could be upgraded: the quality of the pasture and the fence. The fence wasn''t particrly useful, but the pasture was essential as it served as the cows'' feed. Without hesitation, Su Ming opted to upgrade the pasture. ¡°Host, are you certain you want to upgrade the pasture?¡± came the inquiry. ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°You have been deducted 50 points!¡± ¡°The pasture is now upgrading, which will take 6 hours!¡± Su Ming nodded contentedly. His two hours ofbor had paid off. He paused, pondering a question. ¡°How much milk can these cows produce?¡± He posed the question to Yuvyuv in his thoughts. ¡°Each cow can be milked at least once. The frequency of milking depends on your wishes, Master. You can also choose to recycle the cows now,¡± Yuvyuv exined. With this new understanding, Su Ming realized he could milk the cows multiple times. ¡±Will the harvest interval decrease?¡± he asked. ¡°Indeed, Master. Currently, you can harvest every six hours,¡± Yuvyuv confirmed. Su Ming nodded in agreement. The timing would coincide perfectly with thepletion of the pasture upgrade. However, he didn''t want to recycle the cows just yet, as the pasture was still being upgraded. Recycling them now would mean he couldn''t raise anything new, wasting valuable time. Moreover, Su Ming was curious to see if the cows'' next milk production would again yield Beauty Maintaining Toner. Humming a tune, Su Ming made his way to the aquatic product area. Tworge carp swam back and forth with no noticeable changes, except for the numerous round, yellow objects that now adorned the pond''s bottom, slightlyrger than soybeans. Su Ming paused, realization dawning on him. Had the fish spawned? He rushed over, quickly donning a wetsuit and grabbing a and a bucket before entering the water, which was at a perfect temperature. As he reached the center of the pond, the two carp approached, circling him happily. With a bucket in his left hand and a bowl in his right, Su Ming scooped up all the roe. Underwater, the roe was yellow, but once removed from the water, it transformed entirely. They transformed directly into a vibrant red, each one the size of a ss ball. Su Ming''s curiosity was piqued. He set the bucket on the water''s surface and reached out to carefully pick up a fish egg for closer inspection. Chapter 390 Chapter 390 - Excellent Banana Is Ripe Su Ming donned his professional waterproof suit and stood knee-deep in the water. A bucket bobbed gently on the surface nearby. In his right hand, he held a pole, while his left hand clutched a handful of small beads. He examined them closely. They were ss balls, weren''t they? Many had cherished ying with ss balls in their youth, but those days were long gone. Such trinkets could stir up nostalgia, but they seemed pointless now. Nobody yed with them anymore. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the Top Grade Jingle ss Ball,¡± the System announced. Su Ming paused, taken aback. Top Grade. Jingle. The names had a nice ring to them. But at the end of the day, it was still just a ss ball, no matter how many fancy adjectives were thrown in front. ¡°The Top Grade Jingle ss Ball is a Tang Sect hidden weapon. Once it hits the ground, it turns into powder. If inhaled, the individual''s adrenaline levels will soar for thirty minutes, resulting in extreme excitement, undetectable by any means,¡± the System exined. ¡°Hosts can select a target for its use. Once you''ve chosen your target, the powder will have no effect on anyone else who inhales it.¡± Su Ming nodded, absorbing the information. The Top Grade Jingle ss Ball had an unexpected potency. In the hands of an athlete, it could be a game-changer, undetectable and powerful. Yet, the idea was fleeting. Sportsmanship was about fairness, and Su Ming had no intention of disrupting that. Still, the ss ball could be invaluable. In a dire situation where someone was gravely injured, on the brink of death, this powder could provide a much-needed adrenaline boost, potentially saving a life. That wasn''t too shabby. But what was the deal with this Tang Sect weapon? Was Tang San aware of it? Su Ming should be wary; he wouldn''t want Tang Saning after him with the Great Hammer. Mixing up the details from different stories, Su Ming couldn''t help but see the usefulness of the item. He decided to pocket a few beads, just in case a situation called for them. Conveniently, his waterproof suit had pockets on the outside, perfect for storing such oddities. All the remaining ss balls were collected for recycling. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have sessfully exchanged for points. You have earned 50 points.¡± ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have sessfully exchanged points. You have obtained 40 points.¡± Su Ming had 90 points credited to his ount. After finishing his tasks, Su Ming tidied up. Sitting in the cabin, he pulled out his phone to review the cabin''s upgrade requirements. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. Now with 90 points, Su Ming had options. He could upgrade the cabin to Level Three. Alternatively, He could elevate the cabin to Level Two and enhance the equipment. Which option to choose? After pondering for a while, Su Ming resolved to upgrade both the cabin and the equipment simultaneously. Because even if one was upgraded excellently, without the other meeting the criteria, he couldn''t breed higher-level animals. Su Ming promptly spent 60 points. Upgrading the cabin required 10 points. Upgrading the equipment needed 50 points. ¡°The cabin is currently upgrading. The process will take 6 hours.¡± ¡°The equipment is upgrading. Upgrade time: 6 hours.¡± Su Ming had barely made his decision when a notification chimed in his mind. He stepped out of the cabin, carefully closing the door behind him. The cabin appeared blurry, likely undergoing its upgrade. Su Ming stretched, feeling rxed. He brought the collected milk and ss balls back to the vi. Ascending the stairs, he automatically opened the marketce. The marketce remained unchanged. It was stocked withmon crops, none of which were green. The Special Items section still disyed a question mark, devoid of any trigger conditions. Su Ming shook his head, a tinge of disappointment in his gesture. System, you''re too straightforward. Can''t you throw in a little surprise? Would a screen full of green be too much to ask for? I''m not asking for much else. Feeling somewhat bored, Su Mingunched a game. He roamed freely through Summoner''s Canyon. Time flew, and night fell. After a light meal, Su Ming retired to bed. While he was sleeping soundly, Yuvyuv''s voice echoed gently in his mind. ¡°Master, the bananas are ripe.¡± Su Ming snapped awake. The bananas were ripe, a Level Two crop. Though he had managed to grow a Level Four crop, it had been a stroke of luck. And the quantity of Level Four crops was limited. This time, the bananas were cultivated on a grand scale. Su Ming burst intoughter and leaped out of bed. He headed straight for the field. The banana trees towered above him. They stood at least three to four meters tall. Though the banana trees weren''t as towering as coconut trees, tackling them would still require some effort. Su Ming stood outside, observing. The clusters of bananas appeared quite ordinary. But upon closer inspection¡­ Where bananas should have been, there were scrolls hanging from the trees. They were all green, encased in a thin green film. Su Ming paused, blinking in disbelief. Had he wandered into the wrong ce? He surveyed his surroundings. This was Earth. He was still in slippers, wearing pants and a T-shirt. His phone was still in his hand. Surveince cameras and floodlights adorned the surrounding walls. Many lights in the Guoxing Building were still aze. Why did Su Ming feel as though he had stepped into another world? This didn''t seem like Earth. This was Battle through the Heavens. The scroll gave the impression of having crossed into another realm. Su Ming rubbed his eyes, certain he wasn''t dreaming. He approached a banana tree. The scroll was within reach, and Su Ming stretched out his hand to grasp it, tugging firmly. ¡±Congrattions, Host, you have obtained a skill scroll.¡± Su Ming heard the voice inside his head. He leaped up in excitement. A skill! It was actually a skill. He had somehow cultivated a skill from the soil. Su Ming had read countless novels about cheat codes, with various skills and systems. Now, it was his turn. He could literally harvest skills from the earth. Clearly, he had underestimated thend''s and the System''s capabilities. If one day he could cultivate an entire System from the ground, Su Ming wouldn''t bat an eye. It was perfectly normal. Almost too normal. Su Ming had been somewhat sleepy before, but now he was wide awake. As he prepared to unfurl the scroll, he hesitated, struck by a sudden pause. Hold on a second. There''s a crucial question. ¡°Yuvyuv, what if I''m not satisfied with the skill after I''ve opened it?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡±Master, there''s no need to worry. If you''re not satisfied, you can simply exchange it for points,¡± Yuvyuv assured. ¡°You''re truly impressive.¡± Su Ming was thrilled by Yuvyuv''s response. Without further ado, Su Ming reached out and unfurled the scroll. In that instant, the scroll vanished, transforming into a golden glow. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the invincible ttery skill. With this skill at your disposal, you''ll be adept at handling any situation. The sess rate of this skill is 100%, with a zero percent chance of failure.¡± Chapter 391 Chapter 391 - System Are You Fooling Me?? Su Ming was taken aback by the System''s description of the skill. ttery? Was the System ying tricks on him? After all, he was Mr. Su, a name well-known among the top executives in Eastsea. Did he really need to resort to ttery? The idea seemed preposterous. Yet, as Su Ming stroked his chin, he considered that the skill might be a good fit for President Chen. President Chen''s aptitude for ttery was already exceptional. It was possible that his own ttery skills surpassed the level of this skill. Initially, the skill seemed like a joke, drawing Su Ming''s mockery. But upon deeper reflection, he recognized its potential power. What do people value in modern society? Interpersonal rtionships. Connections start with conversation. If a person knows how to tter, whether they work in government or private sector, even as a janitor, they can thrive. History is filled with those who''ve climbed thedder of sess through ttery, as well as those who''ve met their demise for angering others with insincere praise. At first nce, the skill might seem off-putting. However, Su Ming realized it''s a coveted ability that many yearn for but never attain. Mastering the art of ttery could easily lead to wealth. Nevertheless, the skill held no value for Su Ming. He was an energetic young man with a farming system; he didn''t need to depend on such a skill. With resolve, Su Ming mentallymanded, ¡°Recycle!¡± ¡°Host, congrattions on the sessful point exchange. You''ve earned 400 points!¡± Su Ming reached for the second skill and unfurled the scroll. ¡±Ding! Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the flirting skill! This skill enables you to charm countless women without repercussions or discovery. It''s an essential skill for any gentleman!¡± Hearing the prompt in his mind, Su Ming was momentarily dumbfounded. Was the System intentionally doing this? He wasn''t bothered by the previously acquired ttery skill. But what was the intention behind this new skill for hitting on people? What was the System suggesting he do? He was the refined, erudite, and virtuous Young Master Su. Would he engage in such behavior? Nheless, the skill had its merits. Recently, the entertainment industry had been rocked by scandals involving celebrities caught in affairs. If they possessed that skill, they would certainly be alright. Su Ming had a fleeting thought, which he quickly dismissed. He was an honest man and couldn''t bring himself to engage in such activities. He didn''t desire the skill; he intended to exchange it for points. ¡°Host, congrattions on the sessful point exchange. You''ve earned 200 points!¡± Su Ming reached out and imed the third skill. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the Stinky Appraiser. This skill enables you to discern any foul odor with ease.¡± ¡°Recycle!¡± Su Ming instructed the System to reim the skill before it could finish its exnation. He then unfurled the fourth scroll. ¡°Host, congrattions on gaining the skill that prevents you from getting drunk, no matter how much alcohol you consume.¡± ¡°Recycle!¡± His alcohol tolerance was already exceptionally high. He had amassed several skills in quick session: Divine Level bicycle repair, Divine Level cleaning, and Divine Levelziness. Su Ming had a strong hunch that the System was doing this deliberately. The excitement Su Ming once felt had faded, leaving him somewhat desensitized. He instinctively reached for the next scroll. Upon opening it, he was taken aback. Normally, a scroll would transform into a burst of golden light and vanish, followed by the System detailing the skill''s functionality. But this scroll remained, perfectly intact in his hand, and at its center, arge question mark loomed. What could this be? Su Ming was perplexed. Was this the Wide Knowledge Technique, designed to foster a love for learning and inquiry? That didn''t seem right. If that were the case, his brain would have received some sort of notification. At the very least, the System should offer some rification. What was happening? ¡°Host, congrattions on unlocking a hidden quest.¡± ¡°Mission details: pending!¡± ¡°Mission reward: you can activate special items in the store!¡± Hearing the prompt in his mind, Su Ming was astounded. He had stumbled upon a hidden quest? This was fantastic! Most notably, the reward forpleting the mission was the ability to activate special items in the store. These items had puzzled Su Ming for quite some time. Atst, he had the chance to unlock them! Su Ming burst into heartyughter. Still, the vague nature of the mission left him with a hint of curiosity. What was the mission about? That remained to be seen. But now, he had the opportunity to unlock the special items in the mall. This was a far better situation than passively waiting for those items to be avable. Fantastic! Feeling content, Su Ming realized he had made some progress today. In high spirits, he continued to examine the scrolls. The rest of the skills were quite mundane, so he had the System reim them. He then turned his attention to the final scroll. Having already secured a hidden mission, Su Ming felt he had already reaped substantial rewards. His expectations for thisst scroll weren''t high as he reached out and took it. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the God-level Musical Instrument Mastery. This skill enables you to y any musical instrument. Anything capable of producing sound can be considered an instrument in your hands! You''ll be able to create beautiful music with any instrument!¡± Mastering musical instruments? That was incredible. Su Ming paused, his eyes widening in surprise. Back in his college days, he remembered the cool guys with their long hair and scruffy beards, strumming guitars on the stairways. They yed a song called ¡°In Spring,¡± their mncholic demeanor captivating countless girls. Those guys had an easy time winning over the girls. While Su Ming wasn''t particrly interested in that aspect, he did want to acquire more skills. And this one was undoubtedly useful. Without hesitation, Su Ming clicked the learn button. In the next instant, his mind felt like it was exploding with a powerful surge of energy. It was an intense sensation that, while not painful, left him feeling slightly groggy. But the feeling passed quickly, and when Su Ming opened his eyes once more, he had mastered the art of ying every musical instrument in the world. It was an exhrating achievement. Su Ming couldn''t help butugh heartily. He had indeed learned an impressive skill. ¡°Host, you have sessfully harvested your crops. You''ve earned 100,000 experience points! And you''ve received an extra bonus of 20,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Host, congrattions, you''ve earned 10,000 experience points! And you''ve received an additional bonus of 2,000 experience points!¡± Chapter 392 Chapter 392 - Silken Cabbage Su Ming reflected on the benefits of Level Two crops. With just a small plot nted, he had already earned 100,000 experience points. He promptly essed his data panel: Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV11 Experience: 776,000 Farm: Level Three Breeding: Level Two Ranch: Level One Aquaculture: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 20, Divine Level Instrument Mastery nting Points: 3201 Breeding Points: 300 Points for Free-Range Livestock: 40 Aquaculture Points: 30 Su Ming did the math; he needed just over 200,000 more experience points for the next level-up. What an exciting prospect! Currently, he had amassed over 3,000 nting points. Upgrading an acre to Level Two soil demanded 1,000 points. With his 3,000 points, he could elevate at least three acres to Level Two. However, thend was presently upied by pumpkin crops, so an upgrade would have to wait. To bring an acre from Level Two to Level Three required a hefty 5,000 points. While Su Ming''s points fell short, he was in no rush and decided to bide his time. First things first, Su Ming set to work on two acres ofnd, driving his tractor over the soil for another thorough plowing. Despite thete hour, Su was invigorated, not feeling the least bit fatigued. Drenched in sweat, he was the picture of exhration. Mid-task, a thought struck Su Ming, and he paused hisbor. The stroke of midnight hade and gone, signaling a refresh of goods in the virtual mall. Could Level Two seeds be among the new offerings? It seemed highly probable to Su Ming, so he halted the tractor, cleaned his hands on his clothing, and fetched his phone. With eager anticipation, heunched the System app and navigated to the mall. ¡°There must be Level Two seeds,¡± Su Ming silently hoped, offering a silent prayer before selecting the nting category. In an instant, a sh of green zipped across the screen! Upon closer inspection, Su Ming''s hunch was confirmed: Level Two seeds were indeed avable! Among them weremon varieties like onions and green beans. Adhering to his philosophy of ¡°better to waste than to miss out,¡± Su Ming purchased all the ordinary seeds and safely stored them in his warehouse. Su Ming''s attention was fixed on thest seed, bathed in a green glow. Upon closer inspection, he discovered the seed was named Silken Cabbage. ¡°Nice,¡± Su Ming mused to himself. Silken Cabbage seeds were quite pricey, but without hesitation, Su Ming purchased them. Once the transaction wasplete, he promptly redeemed the Silken Cabbage from the warehouse. Next, Su Ming headed straight for the warehouse. From a distance, he could see a bag of seeds emitting a green radiance in the night. Rushing over and opening the bag, Su Ming couldn''t help but let out a cry of amazement. The cabbage seeds were exceptionally beautiful, as translucent and gleaming as jade. ¡±What a fantastic find!¡± he eximed with augh, thoroughly pleased. Indeed, it was his lucky day. He had not only triggered a special mission and acquired an incredibly powerful skill, but the System had also updated with a Level Two Crop. Without further ado, Su Ming nted the seeds in the soil. Cabbages required a slightly denser nting than bananas, with only ten cabbages fitting per acre. After nting the cabbage seeds, Su Ming pondered. If a farmer could only grow ten cabbages per acre, they would certainly be at a loss. Still, Su Ming kept these thoughts to himself, as he wouldn''t dare challenge the System. With all the cabbage seeds in the ground, dawn was breaking. He stretched, ready to grab a bite to eat and freshen up. Then he made his way to the herding area. Considering that milk matured every six hours, Su Ming was eager to see if this batch would yield Beauty Maintaining Toner. Now adept at milking, he checked and, as expected, found Beauty Maintaining Toner, which he promptly exchanged for points, along with the two dairy cows. In total, Su Ming earned 200 points. He immediately invested 50 points to upgrade the fence to Level Two. With both the fence and pasture at Level Two, he was now able to raise Level Two animals. Su Ming also exchanged two carps from the aquatic product area and all the ss balls for points, amassing another 200 points. Su Ming once again upgraded the wooden house, saving the leftover points for a future equipment upgrade. He introduced two new sheep to the herding area and ten loaches to the aquatic product area. ¡°Ding! Sheep sessfully raised! Harvest time for sheep is 48 hours!¡± ¡°Ding! Loaches sessfully bred! Harvest time for loaches is 52 hours!¡± Content, Su Ming pped his hands. Having worked through the night, he was quite tired, so he headed back to the vi for a well-deserved rest. He slept untilte morning and, after a good stretch, got out of bed. A quick bite to eat and a nce at the thriving crops in the field left him feeling delighted. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted his reverie. Puzzled, Su Ming wondered who could be knocking. He made his way to the door and opened it to find arge group of people. Upon closer inspection, he recognized them as members of the band. ¡°Mr. Su, we''ve arrived,¡± Manager Liu greeted him with a warm smile. Manager Liu''s eyes widened as he took in the expanse of Su Ming''s property, which now seemed even more spacious. Everyone behind him was equally astonished. They had been impressed that Su Ming ownednd in the city center, but the fact that it could be expanded was beyond their expectations. The property was huge, easily spanning a dozen acres or more. It appeared that Mr. Su''snd nearly enveloped the city center¡ªa feat that must have cost a fortune! The band had been away on tour, which is why they hadn''t visited Su Ming''s ce sooner. Now that their performance was over, they had hurried over. ¡±Mr. Su, where will our performance be held this time?¡± Manager Liu inquired cautiously. Su Ming blinked thoughtfully and stroked his chin. ¡°You''ll perform over there,¡± he decided, guiding them toward the breeding zone. He had them take a seat in a wide passageway, then proceeded to the breeding zone to open all the doors and windows. Manager Liu was visibly excited. He had thought owning a few acres in the city center was impressive, but he now realized his perspective had been too limited. After returning from his performance, Su Ming had already purchased two buildings. Su Ming''s intent in buying these buildings wasn''t for investment or business purposes; he bought them for farming! Manager Liu couldn''t help but be impressed by Su Ming. He thought to himself how prestigious it was to y his instrument on thisnd valued at ten billion! Meanwhile, Manager Liu was unaware that a motorcade had slowly made its way past the orchestra''s entrance. The procession was impressive, with several ck jeeps leading the way, followed by a ck sedan, and several more vehicles trailing behind. A throng of journalists brought up the rear. At that moment, the sedan''s door opened, and a middle-aged woman stepped out. She was immediately swarmed by an army of reporters, all moring for her attention. Security personnel quickly intervened, holding back the press. The scene resembled that of a major celebrity on tour. Chapter 393 C393 ¨C Dean Shen This middle-aged woman was far from ordinary. She was a renowned master of musical instruments, well-known throughout the imperial court. In her twenties, she had already been representing her country on international stages. Her list of awards was extensive. She had mastered a wide array of famous instruments, both domestic and international. Furthermore, her artistic prowess was exceptional, cing her in the realm of a national treasure. She also served as the dean of a prestigious art academy, nurturing many lead musicians. Notably, a few years ago, when a famous director remade the Three Kingdoms series, many were skeptical, believing it couldn¡¯t match the original. ?But it wasn¡¯t long before viewers recognized the brilliance of the new series¡¯ soundtrack. ?Particrly memorable was the scene where Zhuge Liang¡¯s zither ying repelled Sima Yi¡¯s forces. ?Many viewers came away praising the music, elevating the new Three Kingdoms to a status rivaling the original. One could only imagine the depth of her musical expertise. On this asion, she was visiting Eastsea on business and decided to stop by the local orchestra. The security guard was leisurely sipping tea at the entrance when he was startled by a suddenmotion of footsteps. ?Blinking in surprise, he was taken aback. ?The person at the center of themotion seemed familiar. ?As someone who recognized a few celebrities in the music world, he knew he was in the presence of a music master from the imperial court. After scrutinizing for a moment, recognition dawned on him. It was the imperial court¡¯s esteemed musical instrument master! ¡°Ms. Shen, there¡¯s an international music conference next month. Will you be attending?¡± ¡°Ms. Shen, we¡¯ve heard about your Grammy nomination. What are your thoughts?¡± Reporters swarmed her, buzzing with questions. Shen Dan, however, paid them no mind. She spotted the bewildered security guard with sses and approached him with a warm smile. ?¡±Hello, is this the Eastsea Orchestra?¡± Shen Dan inquired cheerfully. ¡°Yes!¡± The security guard nodded eagerly in response. He was well aware that Dean Shenmanded an appearance fee in the millions. ¡°Are they inside?¡± Shen Dan continued. She had made a spur-of-the-moment decision toe here. She hadn¡¯t notified the Eastsea Orchestra of her ns. Truthfully, even if she had tried to call, Manager Liu wouldn¡¯t have answered. His phone was currently switched off. In fact, everyone in the orchestra had their phones off at Su Ming¡¯s ce. They were joyfully ying music for sheep and loaches. ¡°Dean Shen, they¡¯ve gone out,¡± the security guard said hastily. ?Shen Dan nodded. ¡°Have they gone out for a performance?¡± The guard seemed taken aback. He was unaware that Su Ming¡¯s property had been converted. Manager Liu himself had only just been informed. ¡°Possibly,¡± the guard said, blinking. ?Shen Dan was taken aback. ?The guard noticed the confusion in her eyes and offered a brief exnation of the situation. Once he finished, Shen Dan¡¯s expression grew stern. Her brow furrowed, and she was visibly upset. ¡°The Eastsea Orchestra is ying for pigs?¡± she asked incredulously. ?¡±Please, don¡¯t be upset, Dean Shen. He paid a substantial amount,¡± the guard replied earnestly. ?If Manager Liu heard this, he would be incensed. He would surely fire the security guard on the spot. Shen Dan was livid. ¡°Music was created by humans.¡± ¡°It¡¯s meant for human understanding.¡± ¡°And yet, the Eastsea Orchestra is performing for pigs.¡± Her anger was palpable. The reporters behind her fell silent. No one dared to utter a word. It was not unusual for orchestras to perform for money. But for the Eastsea Orchestra to y for pigs was unheard of! Now that Dean Shen was aware, the future of their orchestra was in jeopardy. ¡°Where are they? Lead me to them!¡± Shen Dan demanded, her frown deepening. ?Realizing his mistake, the guard quickly tried to mitigate the situation. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, Dean Shen,¡± he said. ¡°This isn¡¯t their first time there; they frequent that ce.¡± GO Visiting???? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 394 C394 ¨C So He Was the Expert! Su Ming had just finished tidying up the courtyard when he took a moment to sit on a small bench and enjoy the orchestra¡¯s performance. As the music yed, he couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brow. The violinist¡¯s skills were mediocre, and the saxophonist wasn¡¯t much better. The cello was out of tune and needed recing. Even Manager Liu¡¯s conducting was subpar. In the past, Su Ming wouldn¡¯t have noticed these details; he was a novice to music. But now, as a connoisseur, he could see right through them. They could no longer pull the wool over his eyes. He sighed deeply, feeling somewhat troubled. When he was less knowledgeable about music, he had thought the orchestra¡¯s performances were impressive. Now, aware of every imperfection, he wondered if this was the burden of those with talent. As Su Ming was lost in thought, the piece came to an end and the musicians took a brief respite. Standing up, he approached Manager Liu. ¡°Mr. Su,¡± Manager Liu greeted him anxiously. ¡°Is there something you need?¡± ¡°Nothing much,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Manager Liu, you¡¯ve never studied conducting, have you?¡± Manager Liu¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. He had indeed never learned to conduct. A skilled conductor was crucial for arge concert, but their orchestra yed familiar tunes, often for the animals they raised, so the conductor¡¯s expertise seemed less critical. What mattered was the significant profits their performances generated. Envious of his employees¡¯ earnings, Manager Liu had decided to take on the role of conductor himself, assuming the average person wouldn¡¯t notice hisck of skill. But Su Ming was no average person. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Su Ming reassured him with a smile. ¡°You should continue as the conductor.¡± Truth be told, Su Ming found the situation rather amusing now that he was aware of it. ?¡±Mr. Su, I¡­¡± Manager Liu began, feeling a wave of guilt. ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Su Ming interrupted, still smiling. ¡°Just focus on conducting well.¡± He then turned to the violinist and remarked, ¡°There¡¯s an issue with your violin ying.¡± ?As Su Ming¡¯s words fell, the surrounding crowd was taken aback. This was their orchestra¡¯s principal violinist, the most skilled performer among them. While he wasn¡¯t considered a top violinist nationally, he was undoubtedly talented. Did Mr. Su even understand violin performance? Was Mr. Su attempting to coach a violinist from an audience member¡¯s perspective? ¡°Mr. Su, could you please tell me what my issue is?¡± the chief violinist asked, rising to his feet in haste. ?Indeed, he was the principal violinist. But Mr. Su had wealth, and his words carried weight as a result. If Mr. Su suggested he y the violin upside down, he would oblige without question. Such is the influence of money. ¡°You¡¯ve clearly dedicated yourself to mastering the violin,¡± Mr. Su observed. ¡°Your posture is exemry.¡± ¡°The height and breadth of your arm movements while bowing the strings are impable.¡± ¡°However, you may not have noticed that your ying hesitates during rests, leading to ack of smooth transitions.¡± ¡°Typically, the audience wouldn¡¯t detect this, so it¡¯s not a serious issue.¡± ¡°Nevertheless, addressing this would enhance your performance,¡± Su Ming remarked calmly. The room fell silent at Su Ming¡¯s critique. Had they misheard? Su Ming¡¯s feedback was unexpectedly professional. They had assumed Mr. Sucked musical knowledge, that he was merely ay listener. It turned out Mr. Su was an expert! The chief violinist was the most astounded. He waspletely bewildered. Mr. Su had pinpointed his exact issue! During practice, he always paused at the rests, which had drawn criticism from his teacher. Gradually, he developed a fear of these pauses. Each time he yed a rest, his shoulder muscles would involuntarily tense up¡ªa subconscious flinch in response to anticipated criticism. ?Not even the music academy professors could spot this subtle imperfection. But Su Ming had noticed! Indeed, Su Ming was an expert! At that moment, Su Ming approached the trumpet yer andmented, ¡°There¡¯s a slight w in your performance as well¡­¡± The trumpet yer was equally dumbfounded. Su Ming then turned to the drummer and noted, ¡°Your performance also has a slight w¡­¡± The drummer was caught off guard. Su Ming offered some advice, and the entire band was taken aback. They had originally pegged Su Ming as a mysterious wealthy man. But it turned out that Su Ming wasn¡¯t just wealthy; he was also well-educated and highly skilled in music. What¡¯s more, he was proficient in multiple instruments. Handsome, wealthy, and talented ¨C what abination! Is this what sets people apart? The principal violinist rose nervously: ¡°Mr. Su, we had no idea that we¡¯ve been parading our talents before an expert like you this whole time. Would you mind ying something for us?¡± His face was alight with a fervent hope. As he finished speaking, his colleagues behind him all looked up expectantly. Their intense stares fixed on Su Ming. They were certain that Su Ming was a professional musician. After all, only a seasoned musician could articte certain professional terms and critiques. Ayperson wouldn¡¯t stand a chance at making sense of them. Su Ming paused, thinking, ¡°I¡¯ve practiced ying for so long and never really showcased it. Now¡¯s the perfect chance.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming nodded. But then he pondered, ¡°Which instrument should I y?¡± The spectators immediately grasped Su Ming¡¯s dilemma and scrambled to offer their own. ¡°Mr. Su, please use my violin!¡± ¡°That violin¡¯s seen better days. Mr. Su, take mine!¡± ¡°Mine would be better.¡± ¡°No!¡± Su Ming¡¯s eyes sparkled with inspiration. He strolled over to the side, grinning, and plucked a leaf from a nearby tree. He twirled the leaf between his fingers and dered, ¡°This will do.¡± GO Visiting???? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 395 Chapter 395 - This Really Is a Good Name! When the members of the symphony orchestra witnessed Su Ming''s actions, they were taken aback. Mr. Su was nning to use leaves as a musical instrument? Could that be true? Was it possible for him to produce a melody using leaves? Deep down, they knew it was feasible. Yet, the challenge of performing with leaves far surpassed that of using traditional instruments. Ordinary instruments produce sound through the vibration of metal. But coaxing a tune from a leaf depended on the yer''s lips and breath control. This was no small feat. And since no two leaves were alike, the task was incredibly daunting for Su Ming. Could Su Ming actually aplish such a feat? Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone''s faces, Su Ming allowed a smile to spread across his own. He then inhaled deeply, ced the leaf to his lips, and gently blew. Instantly, music emerged¡ªresonant and flowing, reminiscent of a sprite in dance. The music carried notes of joy and hints of sorrow, keepingpany with the stars above and the mountains below. Su Ming transformed the cacophony of the city center into a piece that was both enchanting and melodious. The entire orchestra was spellbound by the tune. My goodness! The music was mesmerizing. They had assumed Su Ming would manage only a simple tune. Yet, they hadn''t anticipated that he would infuse the piece with such raw emotion. It was a level of artistry they couldn''t achieve with even the most expensive of instruments. Meanwhile, outside the door, Shen Dan had just stepped out of her car. A throng of reporters quickly gathered behind her. ¡°Dean Shen, why are you so upset?¡± ¡°Dean Shen, what''s happened?¡± They encircled her, bombarding her with questions. Shen Dan looked visibly upset. ¡°Some orchestras do disgraceful things for money,¡± she said with indignation. ¡°They stoop so low as to y music for pigs. It''s a disgrace.¡± Shen Dan was seething with anger. ¡°They''re inside here.¡± ¡°Let''s go in and put an end to this charade.¡± With that, she charged ahead, followed by a cadre of security personnel, a pack of journalists, and onlookers eager to see how the events would unfold. But as they approached the entrance, the sound of music reached their ears. It was harmonious and exceedingly beautiful. Shen Dan, initially furious, found herself instantly transfixed upon hearing the melody. After all, Shen Dan was a consummate musician. She found the melody enchantingly beautiful. The seamless connection of the notes and the exquisite portrayal of the mood were wless. The piece was impable, utterly captivating to the ear. Shen Dan was spellbound. Her anger had long since dissipated. She stood still, eyes closed, simply listening to the music. She felt herself transform into a little bird, soaring freely in the sky, joyfully dancing among the clouds. Then, she imagined herself as a deer, prancing merrily through the forest. Next, she became a droplet of water, bravely navigating the rapids of a stream, merging into the river, and surging towards the ocean. Shen Dan was wholly absorbed in the music. A tear gathered on her quiveringshes and slowly made its way down her cheek. This was a piece of music that touched her soul like none she had ever heard before. The reporters, security personnel, and the crowd behind her were equally transfixed. Though they weren''t experts in music, the emotional resonance was universal. They were all astonished, lost in the music. As the final crisp note faded, the music came to an end. Su Ming removed the leaf from his lips. He nodded in approval. The skill the System had granted him was remarkable. He could turn anything into a musical instrument. Su Ming tossed the leaf to the ground and turned to face the members of the orchestra. To his surprise, he saw arge group of people at the entrance. When had they arrived? What did they want? Where had all these reporterse from? Their silent presence had taken him aback. Shen Dan was the first to snap out of it, rushing towards Su Ming as though she had wings. She seized his hand in hers. Her face was a canvas of ecstatic joy, streaked with tears. ¡°My goodness! Sir, your musical talent is extraordinary. May I know your name? And the name of the piece you just yed?¡± Su Ming stood there, blinking in bewilderment. He had no intention of fleeing. Could she possibly grip his hand with a little less force? His hand ached. The first question she posed was easy for him to answer, but he was at a loss regarding the second. He had simply yed a tune without thinking to name it. What should he call it? Mountain and Flowing Water? That name seemed toomonce. Su n''s March? The namecked originality. So, what should he call the piece? Adhering to the System''s naming conventions, he decided to call theposition the Qidelongdong March. Su Ming chuckled and said, ¡°I''m Su Ming. The piece you just heard is called the Qidelongdong March.¡± Shen Dan''s expression stiffened instantly. The corners of her eyes twitched uncontrobly. The Qidelongdong March sounded awful. Was this what being a master was like? She pondered the abstract art master Picasso, whose paintings were beyond many people''sprehension. Yet, his artwork sold for over a hundred million yuan. Were his paintings subpar? In his youth, Picasso was a master of realistic painting. His works were as lifelike as photographs. It was only in hister years that his style evolved into abstraction. This was seen as a return to the essence of the world. It signified reaching the pinnacle of perfection, a return to simplicity. Only a true master could achieve such a state. Despite the Qidelongdong March''s awkward sound, Mr. Su must have chosen the name with profound intent. ¡°It''s truly a fine name!¡± Shen Dan''s enthusiasm returned in an instant. She grasped Su Ming''s hand and shook it energetically. Was she certain? Su Ming couldn''t help but inwardly grumble. He had simply picked a name at random for the piece. Why did she believe it was a good name? Could there be a deeper meaning to the name that he hadn''t considered? Perhaps he was indeed a genius! As they shook hands and exchanged greetings, Manager Liu and his colleagues finally caught on. They scrutinized Shen Dan and recognized her as a heavyweight in the music world. She was a true leader in the industry. ¡°Dean Shen, what brings you here?¡± Manager Liu rushed forward, bowing to Shen Dan. The group of musicians behind him showed great respect for her. Shen Dan smiled and said, ¡°Mr. Su, I need to attend to something first.¡± She then reluctantly released Su Ming''s hand. The next moment, her warm and enthusiastic face turned stern. Her eyes zed with fury and seriousness. ¡°Are you Manager Liu?¡± Manager Liu quickly responded, ¡°Yes!¡± Shen Dan, hands sped behind her back, spoke with grave seriousness, ¡°Manager Liu, did you really bring an orchestra to perform for pigs? How disgraceful! Who hired you? Bring him to me; I intend to give him a piece of my mind!¡± Upon hearing her words, Manager Liu nced at Shen Dan and then at Su Ming. The individual standing before Dean Shen was precisely the person she had been seeking. She had just taken Su Ming''s hand with great respect. Did she truly want him to reveal the answer? If he were to announce it loudly, the situation could deteriorate significantly. Shen Dan went on to berate him, ¡°Manager Liu, how could you bring such a prodigy from your orchestra to perform for swine without reporting it? You''re squandering talent! How utterly selfish of you!¡± Chapter 396 Chapter 396 - Exin Manager Liu waspletely taken aback. Could it be that Dean Shen was unaware that the very genius she spoke of was their employer? Manager Liu''s expression turned grim. His eyes and mouth twitched uncontrobly. He opened his mouth but was rendered speechless. Shen Dan was livid. ¡°What''s the matter? Have you lost your ability to speak?¡± Hands on her hips, Shen Dan was visibly upset. ¡°As an orchestra manager, you should be dedicated to learning and striving for excellence.¡± ¡°Making money is essential, but remember your core mission. Art transcends everything.¡± ¡°By acting this way, you''re degrading art.¡± ¡°Where is this person?¡± Shen Dan''s anger escted with every word. Manager Liu blinked frantically, ncing repeatedly towards Su Ming. ¡±What''s wrong with your eyes?¡± Shen Dan inquired, noticing his behavior. Manager Liu was at a loss for words. Taking a deep breath, he finally set his gaze on Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su is our employer.¡± The room fell into a hushed silence at Manager Liu''s revtion. Shen Dan was stunned, her previous words now making her feel incredibly awkward. As she pondered her next move, her assistant stepped forward, eyes wide with indignation, and blurted out, ¡°So what if he''s the employer?¡± But before the assistant could finish, Shen Dan let out a shout and enthusiastically gave a thumbs up, her face alight with admiration. The assistant was caught off guard. The reporters and onlookers shared in the confusion. ¡±Dean Shen, you didn''t say that a moment ago,¡± the assistant remarked, unable to contain himself. ¡±What did I say?¡± Shen Dan cut him off sharply. ¡±I now understand Mr. Su''s intentions,¡± she dered confidently. Su Ming was just as surprised by her reaction. All he had wanted was for them to perform and cheer up his nts and animals; he had no ulterior motives. ¡±Manager Liu, you''ve been with Mr. Su for so long and yet you fail to grasp his thoughts,¡± Shen Dan chided. Manager Liu was perplexed. ¡°You allck vision,¡± she continued. ¡°If Mr. Su is as skilled as you say, he could easily perform himself. Why would he invite you?¡± ¡°Is Mr. Su simply trying to avoid exhaustion?¡± ¡°Of course not. Someone who has mastered an instrument to such a degree would never fear fatigue!¡± ¡°He must have spotted your shorings and wanted to offer some guidance. He aimed for you to immerse yourselves in nature, to truly understand the world, and to elevate your artistic sensibility and skill,¡± Shen Dan dered emphatically. Upon hearing this, Su Ming couldn''t resist giving a thumbs up, though he felt a twinge of embarrassment. Just yesterday, he had been clueless. It was only after the Excellent Banana ripened that he mastered the skill. Manager Liu, listening in, found himself nodding in agreement with Dean Shen''s insightfulments. Without Dean Shen''s wisdom, they might never have grasped such a profound truth in their lifetimes. He was deeply moved. ¡±Thank you, Mr. Su, for enlightening us! We were so naive,¡± Manager Liu eximed with urgency. His colleagues, too, rose to their feet and bowed deeply. They were deeply grateful for Su Ming''s personal instruction, correcting their errors without asking for payment. Su Ming, rubbing his nose and clearing his throat, casually ced his hands behind his back. ¡°Really, it''s no big deal,¡± he remarked. At his words, tears welled up in the eyes of Manager Liu and his team. ¡°Thank you, Dean Shen. Without your visit today, we would have remained in the dark,¡± they said. ¡°We never imagined Mr. Su could be so magnanimous. We are truly honored,¡± they added, their voices filled with admiration. ¡°Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Su. I''m going to practice diligently and certainly won''t let you down,¡± they vowed with conviction. ¡±Let''s wrap up for today. You all can head back now. Take a few days to rest; there''s no need toe in,¡± Su Ming said with a smile, signaling the end of the session. Chapter 397 Chapter 397 - Mr. Su Thank You for Your Guidance! ¡°Yes!¡± Manager Liu snapped to attention and responded with conviction. He turned to his team and said, ¡°Did you all grasp what Mr. Su said? Mr. Su is giving us a few days off to fully understand the new knowledge he imparted today.¡± ¡°Once we return, we must diligently study and tackle every challenge we can.¡± ¡°We cannot let Mr. Su down!¡± Manager Liu eximed loudly. ¡°Understood! Thank you, Mr. Su!¡± the rest of the band members shouted with fervor. Leading by example, Manager Liu marched out the door with pride. Being guided by Mr. Su was a privilege for them! They were more thrilled than if they had won the lottery! Indeed, masters don''t often show their full capabilities. Consider Mr. Su: young, attractive, wealthy, and not only that, he''s immensely talented and skilled with musical instruments. He is the true master! Watching Manager Liu depart, Shen Dan broke into a smile. Su Ming, catching her grin, felt a shiver. It reminded him of the smiles President Chen and his associates would often wear. ¡±Mr. Su, could you y that piece again?¡± ¡°Please, don''t be upset, Mr. Su. I mean no offense.¡± ¡°The piece is just so captivating, I want to go back and learn it properly. Of course, you must be exhausted today. When might you have some free time? I''d like to visit you.¡± ¡°Do you farm right in the middle of the city?¡± ¡°I''d be d to lend a hand.¡± ¡°I grew up in the countryside, helping my parents with the farmwork since I was little. Wheat farming is my specialty.¡± ¡°Are you in need of help here? I could assist with the farming.¡± ¡°See, there are weeds in this field.¡± With Su Ming and the others looking on in astonishment, Shen Dan slipped off her high heels and stepped into the field. She crouched down and began weeding. An immediate hush fell over the onlookers. Shen Dan''s assistant and several of her students, seeing her weeding, joined in to help. The media reporters exchanged puzzled nces, unsure of how to cover this story. Dean Shen pulling weeds for a mysterious tycoon in the heart of Eastsea City? Who would believe such a tale? ¡°What are you all still doing here?¡± Shen Dan''s assistant was the first to notice the issue. He nced at the reporters, his brow furrowed, and announced, ¡°Let''s clear out, everyone.¡± ¡±Yes!¡± came the immediate response. The reporters didn''t dare to protest. Shen Dan was a prominent figure and a renowned musician, wielding significant influence in the media world. Here, even the head of the TV station had to heed her words. With that in mind, they saw no reason to stay and promptly dispersed. The bystanders, aware that Mr. Su was involved, weren''t surprised and followed suit, leaving the scene. The assistant made a point to secure the gate on his way out. As everyone else busied themselves with their tasks, Su Ming was left standing alone. With nothing else to upy him and knowing the crowd''s appreciation for his music, he decided to perform another piece. After a moment''s thought, Su Ming strolled to the roadside and casually plucked a leaf from the ground. He then settled into the rocking chair and poured himself a ss of iced tea. The refreshing beverage soothed him as he rxed under the gentle midday sun, which filtered through the leaves above. Lying back, Su Ming closed his eyes slightly, ced the leaf to his lips, inhaled deeply, and began to y. The workers, including Shen Dan, stopped in their tracks, captivated by the sound. The previous tune had been crisp and spirited, but now it carried a somber, lingering quality, soft and soothing. It evoked the image of a joyful fawn or an exuberant child, whereas the current melody conjured the vision of an elder reminiscing in the sunset of life. Shen Dan herself, now past fifty, had spent her lifetime in music''s embrace. She had foregone aplete childhood and youth, her parents having steered her towards musical study from a tender age. Her innate talent had emerged early, bringing her acim. Music had shaped her life and her legacy, but it had also led her to miss out on many of life''s simple joys, including the precious moments of her younger years. She had missed her youth. She had missed the joy of being there for her child''s growth. Lost in Su Ming''s music, she wept. Behind Shen Dan, the assistants and students sat on the ground, reflecting on memories long buried in their hearts. They thought of their elderly parents, whom they hadn''t visited in a long time. They remembered their family''s thatched hut¡ªold and worn, yet a refuge from the elements. The song carried the most heartfelt emotions in the world. Minutester, the melody ceased. Shen Dan remained in a trance. Was this the pinnacle of music? Was this the very thing she had dedicated her life to pursuing? She had believed herself close to mastering music. But now, she realized she was not only far from being a distinguished musician, she hadn''t even truly begun. Shen Dan dried her tears, stood up, and approached Su Ming, bowing deeply. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Su.¡± With those words, Shen Dan walked away. Years of des had led Shen Dan astray; she hade to equate music with sophistication. But Su Ming''s mentorship had been a revtion. Music, she now understood, had always been with the people, rooted in the earth, wandering through the woods and valleys. Every de of grass, every tree, every bloom was a vessel for music. She had been confined to concert halls, having forgotten her initial purpose. Determined to start anew, she resolved to seek out the diverse sounds of life to refine her craft. Over a decadeter, Shen Dan had be a true musician. Her music,uded by many, had achieved sublime beauty. Yet, in every interview, with tears in her eyes, she would say, ¡°Without Mr. Su, I would not have reached these heights. My music pales inparison to his.¡± Chapter 398 Chapter 398 - Poor Teacher John Shen Dan and her group had departed. Su Ming took a brief rest on the lounge chair before getting back to his tasks. He surveyed thend, noting that the pumpkins would likely be ripe by tomorrow. Tonight, he anticipated harvesting rabbits. He hoped not to collect any more stinky tofu; its odor was overwhelming. As Su Ming tidied up the field, his phone rang. ncing at the caller ID, he chuckled¡ªit was Su Qiu calling. He answered with a smile. ¡°Brother!¡± Su Qiu''s voice rang out cheerfully. Her life had improved significantly thanks to Su Ming''s assistance. She now resided in a studio apartment, free from others'' harassment and roommate conflicts. The support and care from the school administration had positively impacted her mindset, restoring her youthful vivacity and charm. ¡°What''s up?¡± Su Ming asked, setting the bucket aside and wiping his hands on his clothes before sitting down amidst the crops. He removed his sun hat, shading his eyes as he spoke. ¡°Brother, I have some time off in a few days. Can Ie over to visit?¡± Su Qiu inquired with a hint of caution. ¡±Absolutely,¡± Su Ming replied with a warm smile. ¡°Brother, then please open the door now.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Su Qiu was right outside his house when she made the call. True to the Su family''s signature style, their approach to things was remarkably simr. Su Ming approached the door and swung it open. As expected, Su Qiu stood there waiting. ¡°Brother!¡± She had received his address from him previously, with an open invitation to visit if she ever needed anything. This was Su Qiu''s first visit to his home. Her eyes widened in awe at the sight of the wheat field and the vi nestled in the center of Su Ming''s yard. ¡°Brother! You''re incredible, farming right in the heart of the city!¡± She strolled along the path, taking in the surroundings with curiosity. ¡°Are these sheep?¡± Su Qiu asked as she reached the herding area, tilting her head to examine the animals. The sheep were robust, their wool gleaming white. The upgraded pasture was a vibrant green, a stark contrast to what it once was. ¡°And these¡ªare they loaches? Brother, can I catch a couple and fry them up?¡± Su Ming found himself at a loss for words. It was as if he had been transported back to their childhood¡ªSu Qiu hadn''t changed a bit. She was a bundle of energy, always curious and frequently getting into mischief. Due to Su Qiu, the persimmons on Aunt Liu''s tree at the vige entrance seldom ripened. As a child, she was quite the little troublemaker. But during her high school and college years, her family''s poverty and the surrounding controversy led her to be more reserved. Thankfully, with Su Ming''s support, she regained her spirited nature. ¡°What a cute rabbit! Brother, why do you keep these rabbits? Are they for eating? Brother, that''s so cruel. Can we have spicy fried rabbit heads for dinner tonight?¡± Su Ming thought Su Qiu''s thoughts shifted rapidly. He was at his wit''s end. He grabbed Su Qiu''s wrist and said, ¡°It''s sweltering outside. Come inside and cool off with the air conditioning.¡± ¡°The rabbits and loaches are still too young. We''ll talk about it once they''re grown!¡± ¡°Just make sure to let me know when that happens.¡± ¡°Get inside!¡± They entered the vi. Su Qiu sat on the couch, taking in her surroundings. Her attention was suddenly drawn to a pile ofnterns in the corner. ¡°Brother, what are these?¡± She inquired with curiosity. Su Ming replied, ¡°These are wishingnterns, just a little prop I found online. You write your wish on a piece of paper, toss it into thentern, and it''s supposed toe true.¡± He said it with a yful tone. He couldn''t divulge the real story. His exaggerated manner was a way to mask the truth. ¡°Really?¡± As expected, Su Qiu was skeptical. She picked up antern with interest. To Su Ming, the candle inside thentern was an eternal me that would never extinguish. Most importantly, no matter how the candle was positioned, it would never ignite the surroundingnterns. It waspletely safe, free from any risk. But to Su Qiu, it appeared to be just a regrntern with a snuffed-out candle. After some thought, Su Qiu grabbed a pen and paper from the table and wrote down a sentence. ¡°I hope Mr. John sprains his ankle and cancels ss tomorrow.¡± She then lit the candle with a lighter and tossed the note inside. With a burst of light, the slip of paper was reduced to ashes. ¡°Your wish has been made. There is a 99% chance of iting true!¡± Su Ming was in the kitchen preparing fruit for Su Qiu when a sudden alert echoed in his mind, leaving him momentarily frozen. ¡°Yuvyuv, what wish did she make?¡± Su Ming urgently inquired within his thoughts. ¡±Master, your sister wishes for her teacher to sprain an ankle and cancel tomorrow''s ss,¡± Yuvyuv informed him. Su Ming was at a loss for words. A 99% sess rate might as well be 100%. At that very moment, poor Teacher John was lying in bed, taking a nap. Feeling parched, he sat up to reach for his water ss. He had been sleeping on the edge of the bed, and now he tumbled to the floor. Initially groggy, Teacher John was jolted awake by a sharp pain in his ankle. Secondster, a scream tore through the silence of the staff dormitory. The nearby teachers, startled from their rest, rushed to his aid. Seeing Teacher John''s swollen ankle, they immediately grasped the situation. Two teachers with some medical knowledge quickly fetched red flower oil and ice from the refrigerator in the next room. Chapter 399 Chapter 399 - Don''t Make Any More Wishes! ¡°Teacher John, there''s no need for concern.¡± ¡°It''s just a typical ankle sprain. Get plenty of rest and be careful when you''re walking for the next few days, and you''ll be just fine.¡± ¡°As long as there''s no swelling around the wound, there shouldn''t be any issues.¡± The nearby teachers quickly offered their reassurances. Teacher John had been at the imperial court for a considerable time and was well-acquainted with the local customs. His panic was merely the result of being startled awake from a sound sleep. Su Qiu had hoped for a day off from sses tomorrow, but Teacher John''s injury wasn''t serious enough to warrant a cancetion. ¡°Teacher John, make sure to rest up. We''ll leave you be now.¡± With that, the teachers took their leave. Teacher John wasn''t overly concerned about his sprained ankle. The pain had already subsided. He decided to spend some time reading. Reaching for a novel beside him, he shifted slightly, and the bed gave way beneath him. Teacher John''s other foot was caught in the copse. He let out another cry of pain. The teachers who had just settled down were jolted awake by an even louder noise. They rose from their beds and made their way to Teacher John''s room. Despite their internal grumblings, they were determined to check on their international colleague. Upon entering the room, they were taken aback. Exchanging nces, they quickly lifted Teacher John from the wreckage. The injury to his other foot was more severe than the first. There was a risk it might be fractured. One teacher called Teacher John''s wife, who was also a foreigner and a fellow teacher at the school. She arrived, and upon seeing the situation, she burst intoughter. They escorted Teacher John to the hospital. The diagnosis confirmed that his leg was indeed fractured. The hospital staff, upon hearing about Teacher John''s ordeal, couldn''t suppress theirughter. Unable to teach, Teacher John phoned the school to request a week of sick leave. The school would arrange for a substitute to cover his sses. Meanwhile, Su Qiu was lounging on the couch, enjoying some fruit and scrolling through her phone. Out of the blue, she received a text message. ¡°Attention, college students: Due to Teacher John''s injury and subsequent hospitalization, tomorrow afternoon''s two public lectures are canceled. Mr. Soong from the financial statistics department will conduct the sses instead. Please inform one another and prepare ordingly.¡± Su Qiu eximed, ¡°Bro, the prop you bought is incredibly powerful. Our teacher really got hurt!¡± She was visibly ted. ¡±Yes,¡± Su Ming replied, the corner of his mouth twitching involuntarily. As Su Ming mentally apologized to Mr. Soong, Su Qiu scribbled another wish on a piece of paper. Su Ming nced at it. ¡°Hold on!¡± He quickly tried to intervene. Su Qiu looked up, puzzled, then casually tossed the slip of paper into thentern. mes red up, consuming the notepletely. Had Su Ming made the wish, thentern would have vanished too. But with Su Qiu there, thentern remained undamaged, though the candle had been snuffed out. ¡°Your wish has been made. There is a 90% chance of iting true!¡± ¡°Yuvyuv, what did she wish for?¡± ¡°Master, your sister wished to have no sses tomorrow.¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. Today, Eastsea University was experiencing a bizarre series of events, with teachers suddenly unable to teach their sses tomorrow. The school administration, noting the odd circumstances, decided it wasn''t feasible to hold sses. In a flurry, they arranged for the students to take a break. So, within ten minutes, Su Qiu got another message. ¡°Attention students, the school holiday schedule has been adjusted. Starting tomorrow, you will have a seven-day vacation. Enjoy your break!¡± The students at Eastsea University were overjoyed. Their three-day break had unexpectedly turned into a week. Little did they know they had Su Qiu to thank. ¡°Brother, this prop is fantastic. Our school is actually going on break!¡± Su Qiu said, astonished. ¡±I''m going to make another wish!¡± ¡°Stop right there!¡± Su Ming quickly cut her off. ¡±What''s the matter?¡± she asked, tilting her head in confusion. ¡°The prop can only be used twice per day, max.¡± Su Qiu nodded in understanding. ¡°Then I''ll just have toe back every day!¡± Su Ming felt utterly defeated. He decided to cate Su Qiu for the moment, with ns toter distract her and help her forget all about it. Chapter 400 Chapter 400 - Hotpot Su Ming was typically the sole upant of the vi. The housekeeper visited twice a week, and her interactions with Su Ming were minimal. However, once Su Qiu arrived, the vi seemed toe alive with energy. That afternoon, Su Ming and Su Qiu enjoyed a movie together, indulging in an array of snacks. Despite the rabbit being ready for harvest, Su Ming felt no rush to do so. As evening approached, he took Su Qiu out for a shopping spree, treating her to numerous outfits and pairs of shoes. They didn''t make it back to the vi until around eight or nine in the evening. Exhausted, Su Qiu was ready to rest. Su Ming suggested she stay over at the vi, given the abundance of avable rooms. Tired, Su Qiuy down on the bed and swiftly drifted off to sleep. With a smile, Su Ming adjusted the air conditioning to the night setting, selecting a cozy temperature before softly closing the door behind him. He then made his way to the breeding zone. The rabbit had reached maturity! The breeding zone was currently the most advanced area in the vi. Both the control panel and the house had been upgraded to Level Two. Another upgrade, and Su Ming would have the capability to nurture the progeny of the Three-legged Golden Toad. The offspring of the Three-legged Golden Toad paled inparison to the genuine creature. The System had rified that their lineage was diluted by a factor of ten thousand. Yet, even a trace of divine beast bloodline was immensely potent. Su Ming was lost in a sea of dreams and possibilities as he entered the breeding zone. Upon entry, a potent aroma hit him. The scent of Sichuan peppercorns was intense. Curious, Su Ming quickly nced over to find that the once snow-white rabbits had transformed into walking hotpots. He rushed over for a closer inspection. The hotpots contained rabbit heads, legs, and meat. Lifting one, it morphed into a copper hotpot,plete with charcoal in the center and steaming broth around the edges. Thanks to the System''s safeguard, the heat was no threat to Su Ming''s hands. Su Qiu had been craving hotpot, but since the quality outside was disappointing, they had decided against it. The System''s hotpot must be delicious. Su Ming picked up a hotpot and suddenly noticed something unusual about a rabbit. It was a ck box, moving at a high speed. Su Ming ced the hotpot on the nearby control panel. He took out the box and opened it to find it packed with hotpot ingredients, neatly divided into severalpartments. Onepartment contained beef. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming recognized it as beef shoulder, known for its smooth and tender texture. The top cut of the cow''s head featured tender meat with evenly distributed fat and a distinct marbling, offering a delicate taste. The beef brisket was also there, known for its excellent texture. He noted the most tender part of the beef, the tenderloin. Additionally, there were duck intestines, pig brains, tripe, and shrimp paste. Arge bag of beef bone broth and a hefty pack of hotpot base were also included. The beef bone broth was meant to replenish the pot as the water level decreased. Su Ming mused to himself, ¡°The System seems intent on fattening me up.¡± In total, there were 38 hotpots. This box was aplimentary gift from the System, which had provided him with five boxes in all. Thirty-eight hotpots seemed excessive. He could store them safely; with the System''s protection, they wouldn''t spoil. He decided to keep just one hotpot, converting the rest into points. ¡°Congrattions on your sessful point exchange. You have earned 740 points!¡± Each hotpot was worth 20 points. Su Ming nced at his data panel. His breeding points had now surpassed one thousand. He was ready to upgrade his breeding zone. He could also start raising another group of animals. With just one more harvest, he could upgrade the control panel to Level Three. Then, he would have the opportunity to raise a Three-legged Golden Toad. But for now, Su Ming was focused on enjoying his hotpot. He carried the hotpot straight to the vi. He illuminated the entire living room by turning on all the lights. He then went to the breeding zone and brought back all five boxes. He took out the ingredients from one of the boxes. From the remaining four, he removed all the pig brains, a favorite of Su Qiu''s. With the tableden with ingredients, Su Ming concluded there was plenty to enjoy. Then, holding a ss of milk, he added a Body-stretching Pill to fortify Su Qiu''s body and alleviate her fatigue. He added another drop of the hangover remedy to the milk. In today''s society, which still isn''t very weing to women, it could be quite dangerous for Su Qiu to drink too much. Fortunately, with her ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, Su Qiu was much safer. Hearing footsteps at the door, Su Qiu opened her eyes, unafraid, for it was Su Ming, her brother. They had grown up together. ¡°Brother?¡± she asked upon seeing him. ¡°What''s up?¡± ¡°I''ve just been in touch with some friends. They''ve brought us an authentic Sichuan hotpot,¡± Su Ming said, his smile beaming. ¡°Really?¡± Su Qiu''s eyes sparkled with excitement. She quickly became alert. ¡°Where''s the hotpot?¡± ¡°Hold on a second. I tried the hotpot and it''s quite spicy. Drink this ss of milk first,¡± he said, handing her the ss. Su Ming had chosen not to turn on the light because the milk had taken on a strange color. Su Qiu, unsuspecting, took the milk and drank it down inrge gulps. After finishing, she touched her lips thoughtfully. ¡±Brother, where did you get this milk? It smells amazing.¡± ¡±The milk was a gift from a friend. Now, let''s go have some hotpot,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, leading Su Qiu to the living room. Su Qiu was delighted. A butter hotpot awaited her, along with a tableden with premium ingredients and a variety of dipping sauces. Perhaps the Body-stretching Pill she had consumed was responsible, but Su Qiu found her appetite had grown. She ate for hours, savoring the food while watching a movie. Chapter 401 Chapter 401 - You Haven''t Even Eaten a Hotpot Before! The dinner stretched on until the early hours of the morning. It was only then that Su Qiu managed to drift off to sleep. While tidying up the living room, Su Ming noticed dawn had broken. Feeling it was toote to turn in, he decided to skip sleeping altogether. The breeding zone was still vacant, so he headed there. He checked the warehouse briefly, then browsed through the marketce. Su Ming purchased somemon animals from the shop. With the warehouse offering unlimited space, he figured the more he acquired, the better. He pondered over which animals he might want to raise next. The control panel had received an upgrade. It now resembled thergeputers of the older generation. At the very least, it bore a resemnce to aputer. Additionally, it featured a new automatic watering function. After some careful consideration, Su Ming opted to raise bamboo rats. Since bamboo rats feed on bamboo, they were quite easy to maintain. He went ahead and started raising some. Utilizing 24 individual rooms, he bred the bamboo rats, housing four in each room, totaling 96. Su Ming activated his phone, essed the marketce, and exchanged for some bamboo specifically for the bamboo rats. He hauled the bamboo out of the warehouse and split the stalks in half with a knife. The bamboo was thick and substantial, appearing quite appetizing. Su Ming couldn''t help but think that there was good reason pandas were so fond of bamboo; he even felt tempted to try a piece himself. He ced four bamboo stalks in each room to avoid any fights among the bamboo rats over their meals. ¡°Bamboo rats sessfully bred! Harvest time: 50 hours!¡± A prompt echoed in Su Ming''s head. The bamboo rats would be ready for harvest in two days, and Su Ming felt the wait wouldn''t be too long. He was content to wait patiently without any rush. ncing at the breeding zone''s points once more, he saw they had surpassed one thousand. This meant he could afford another upgrade for the house. With resolve, Su Ming ceased his hesitation. He invested 1000 points to upgrade the breeding zone from Level Two to Level Three. ¡°Breeding zone is upgrading. Upgrade willplete in: 12 hours!¡± Su Ming then visited the aquatic product area, where he scattered some feed into the water. The loaches were lively and healthy, darting joyfully through the water. The sheep appeared to be thriving. They bleated affectionately upon spotting Su Ming. They had a close bond with him. Su Ming had finished attending to the tasks in the three designated areas. He started by sweeping the courtyard. Afterward, he reced the water in the swimming pool, cleaned the farm truck, and organized the fertilizer in the warehouse. Though these tasks were varied, Su Ming dedicated his morning topleting them. Before he knew it, noon had arrived. Dressed in simple cloth attire, with cloth shoes and a straw hat, Su Ming was squatting in the field, weeding. A towel was draped over his shoulder. Just then, the vi''s door swung open. Su Qiu emerged, still d in her pajamas, looking as though she had just woken up. Upon seeing Su Ming, she rubbed her eyes and said, ¡°Brother, I''m hungry.¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but feel a bit exasperated. He remembered how much Su Qiu had eaten the night before and was surprised she could be hungry again so soon. Yet, he also realized that her hearty appetite wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, ¡°go freshen up first.¡± Su Qiu nodded and headed off to shower. Su Ming''s home was stocked with women''s clothing. These garments weren''t purchased by Su Ming, but by the manager who had overseen the vi''s construction. Believing Su Ming to be a wealthy and handsome man, the manager assumed that there would be many women in his life, so having extra women''s clothing on hand seemed sensible. However, Su Ming wasn''t the type the manager had imagined. Only a few women resided in Su Ming''s vi. One was Little Streamer, whom Su Ming had previously met. Another was his sister, Su Qiu, who was part of his family. Su Ming approached the tap and rinsed his hands and feet. He hung the straw hat on a hook in the warehouse, washed the towel, andid it out to dry on the clothes rack. Removing his sweat-drenched shirt, he tossed it into a nearby bucket, nning to wash itter in the afternoon. After cleaning his mud-caked feet, he slipped into a fresh pair of slippers and a clean set of clothes, then made his way back to the vi. Su Ming entered the kitchen. The charcoal in the hot pot was still glowing. The water in the pot continued to bubble. However, thanks to the System, there were no safety hazards in the kitchen. The evaporation rate of the water was significantly slower than normal, ensuring the pot still contained water. But the water level had indeed dropped by more than half. Su Ming moved the hot pot to the center of the living room. He opened the refrigerator and retrieved all of yesterday''s ingredients. Then he sliced some fresh fruits and vegetables. A knock sounded at the door. Su Ming nced at the clock. He murmured to himself, ¡°Who could that be knocking? A band member?¡± That seemed unlikely since Su Ming had informed them that today was a day off. So, who could it be? With a hint of curiosity, Su Ming approached the door and opened it. Xiao Chen stood there with a grin, greeting, ¡°Brother-inw!¡± Su Ming returned the smile, ¡°It''s hot out there. Come on in.¡± ¡°Sure, brother-inw.¡± Xiao Chen entered, beaming and trailing behind Su Ming like a faithful follower. Puzzled, Su Ming inquired, ¡°What brings you here?¡± Xiao Chen replied, ¡°Today''s my dad''s birthday, and he''d like you to join us for dinner at our ce.¡± Su Ming paused, then asked, ¡°His birthday? Why didn''t you let me know sooner?¡± ¡°Brother-inw, we didn''t mean to keep it from you. He specifically instructed us not to tell you too early.¡± Xiao Chen quickly rified, ¡°His birthday mornings are always hectic with friends dropping by. Knowing you''re not fond of socializing, he asked me to inform you at noon. We''ll all have dinner together tonight.¡± Realization dawned on Su Ming, and he asked, ¡°Have you eaten lunch yet?¡± Xiao Chen chuckled, ¡°Brother-inw, it''s almost one in the afternoon. I''ve already had lunch.¡± ¡°Well, even if you''ve had lunch, join us for a bite.¡± ¡°No, brother-inw, my family is quite strict about eating only at meal times. What''s that smell, though? It''s delightful.¡± Xiao Chen paused, suddenly intrigued by the aroma. He stood still, taking in his surroundings with a deep breath. The air was thick with the enticing aroma of hotpot. The scent was simply irresistible! With a teasing smile, Su Ming asked, ¡°Do you want to try it?¡± Xiao Chen nodded vigorously, eximing, ¡°Yes!¡± He quickly followed Su Ming inside the house. His eyes grew wide at the sight of the bubbling hotpot and the array of ingredients spread out on the table. ¡°Is this the famous hotpot?¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback by Xiao Chen''s question. ¡°You''ve never had hotpot before?¡± Su Ming asked, puzzled. At the question, Xiao Chen looked like he was on the verge of tears. ¡°Brother-inw, my family has very strict rules. Thest time I went out to eat with you and my sister was one of the rare asions I''ve been allowed to dine out.¡± Xiao Chen felt deeply aggrieved. To outsiders, he might appear to be from a privileged family, living in thep of luxury. But the reality was that within his prestigious family, there were numerous rules, and the expectations ced on a future heir like Xiao Chen were particrly high. He had been under strict guidance all his life, expected to excel in every aspect, from his capabilities to his health. Chapter 402 Chapter 402 - Brotheriw Save Me! Su Qiu emerged from the bathroom just then. Xiao Chen was thoroughly enjoying his meal, so he merely nodded in acknowledgment upon seeing Su Qiu. It wasn''t that Xiao Chen was impolite; his mouth was simply too full of food to carry on a conversation. The trio lounged on the couch, chatting away as they ate. Su Ming had put on a movie, and they were all quite pleased to watch it together. Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already mid-afternoon. Just then, Xiao Chen''s phone rang. He paused, a look of confusion crossing his face as he pulled out his phone. ¡°Oh no!¡± Xiao Chen''s face turned ashen as he saw the caller ID. His hand ckened, and his chopsticks ttered to the floor. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Su Ming inquired, looking puzzled. ¡°It''s my sister calling. She told me to hurry back before I came here, and Ipletely forgot,¡± Xiao Chen said, his face ghostly pale with dread. In a sudden panic, he tossed his phone aside and clutched Su Ming''s hand. Su Ming jumped, startled by the gesture. Internally, Su Ming mused, ¡°I''m certainly not into this. You''ve been calling me ¡®brother-inw'' every day, and I''ve humored you because your sister is both attractive and talented. But honestly, I have no interest in her.¡± ¡°Brother-inw, please help me,¡± Xiao Chen pleaded with a tearful voice, ¡°or my dad''s birthday will turn into the day of my demise!¡± It''s often said that one must steer clear of temptation to lead a better life. Xiao Chen had initially intended to notify them and then dash home. The morning guests were acquaintances they barely knew. Nevertheless, each of these guests was of no ordinary standing. The afternoon visitors would be fewer but more significant, including friends and rtives. As the prospective patriarch and heir to the Xiao family, it was crucial for Xiao Chen to make his presence felt. It was an opportunity to hone his skills and to broaden hiswork. But in the joy of the moment, Xiao Chen had forgotten this vitalmitment. Should he return now, a stern reprimand from his family was all but guaranteed. With tears brimming in his eyes, Xiao Chen recounted his predicament. Hearing the tale, Su Ming was torn betweenughter and sympathy. ¡°It''s okay, you can just say I wouldn''t let you leave,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°Brother-inw, thank you. You''re the beacon on my future path!¡± Xiao Chen eximed with emotion. Su Ming changed into a different outfit, as his loungewear was far too casual for the asion. He was off to attend the patriarch''s birthday banquet and needed to look his best. In the basement, Su Ming picked up a handful of bracelets and stamps. Covered in dust, they weren''t of much use to him anymore, but he couldn''t bring himself to sell them. Instead, he decided to have President Chen assist him in disposing of these items. He also selected two bottles of fine red wine and packed everything into arge ck stic bag. ¡°Aren''t you scared to be home alone?¡± he asked. ¡°Don''t worry, bro, I''m not scared,¡± Su Qiu replied with a smile. ¡±Don''t worry, Master, I will ensure your sister''s safety,¡± Yuvyuv assured him telepathically. Su Ming nodded,forted by the presence of the System. He grabbed the gifts and chose a car from the garage at random, then he and Xiao Chen headed straight for the countryside estate. As they neared the estate, Xiao Chen was sweating profusely, a mix of fear and guilt written all over his face. Seeing this, Su Ming asked with a chuckle, ¡°Are youing home or walking to the gallows?¡± Xiao Chen nced at Su Ming, his eyes brimming with dread. ¡°Brother-inw, heading home feels just like going to the gallows!¡± Xiao Chen confessed. Su Mingughed at his response. Xiao Chen''s standing in the family must have been quite low. Parking the car, Su Ming led the way with the gifts in hand, while Xiao Chen followed, his body tensed and sticking close to Su Ming''s shadow. ¡±Xiao Chen!¡± A sharp voice called out, causing Xiao Chen to shudder. The door swung open, revealing a beautiful girl with a furrowed brow, looking at Xiao Chen with irritation. It was Xiao Ke''er, whom Su Ming hadn''t seen in days. ¡±Mr. Su?¡± Xiao Ke''er''s frown turned to surprise and joy upon seeing Su Ming. She quickly approached Su Ming, greeting him with a warm smile. She hadmitted to a one-year stint as a consultant director for thepany. Recently, she had been busy working in the capital for a few days. Today was her father''s birthday, so she took special leave to return home. Su Ming greeted her with a smile, ¡°Wee back!¡± Xiao Ke''er returned the smile, ¡°The work in the capital is wrapped up, so I''m back to rx for a few days.¡± Just then, an aged voice called out, ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Su Ming turned to the source of the voice and saw Old Master Tang. Old Master Tang gave Su Ming a look of admiration and said warmly, ¡°Mr. Su, it''s been too long since ourst meeting.¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, ¡°Old Master Tang, you''re as healthy as ever, I see.¡± Old Master Tang got straight to the point, ¡°I''m looking forward to seeing you two get married and start a family.¡± Su Ming was puzzled by the sudden turn in conversation. Why was Old Master Tang bringing this up now? Xiao Ke''er''s cheeks flushed at the mention, and she said shyly, ¡°Grandpa Tang!¡± ¡°I''ll say no more. Xiao is inside waiting for you. Let''s go join him,¡± Old Master Tang suggested, and he and Su Ming exchanged a polite gesture before proceeding inside. It was now well past three in the afternoon, and the remaining guests were all close to the Xiao family. Su Ming surveyed the room, recognizing all the prominent figures from Eastsea. ¡±Good afternoon, Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, have a seat.¡± Upon seeing Su Ming, everyone rose to their feet, offering him their utmost respect. Then, a robustugh filled the room. Old Master Xiao emerged, chuckling, ¡°Mr. Su, I''m supposed to be the guest of honor today, but your arrival has stolen the spotlight. It seems Xiao Chen was right to invite you a bitter.¡± Su Ming, clutching a ck stic bag, quickly approached Old Master Xiao and said, ¡°Old Master Xiao, enough with the jokes. Happy birthday. Here''s my gift to you.¡± As he finished, all eyes were drawn to the ck stic bag. Were they judging the modesty of the bag? Did they find Su Ming''s choice embarrassing? Certainly not! Among them circted a legend concerning a ck stic bag. While others might use ck stic bags for trash or to conceal personal items, Su Ming would use them to hold precious treasures! All eyes were fixed on that ck stic bag, brimming with longing. What could be inside the stic bag? They were all eager for Old Master Xiao to reveal its contents. If he didn''t open it today, they felt they would toss and turn all night. Curiosity, after all, is a trait we all share! Chapter 403 Chapter 403 - Lee Zhanmu As anticipation filled the air, a series of footsteps approached the doorway. A young man, dressed sharply in a suit and tie with leather shoes and a watch, strode in with confidence, his head held high. His hair was slicked back, and upon his entrance, he greeted everyone in fluent English, leaving the room in a state of shock. Who was this stranger? Why had the elder invited a foreigner to his birthday celebration? They weren''t aware of any foreign rtives in the old man''s family. And what was with his shy attire? It was a good thing the lights were off; otherwise, his outfit would have been blindingly bright, making it difficult for them to even keep their eyes open. If he hade to boast, he was sorely mistaken. It was akin to a beggar finding a dor and iming wealth at a bank. The room buzzed with confusion and murmurs. Xiao Ke''er''s brow furrowed in slight annoyance at the sight of him, her face etched with distaste. ¡°Why are you here?¡± she asked, her tone edged. ¡±I heard your grandfather is celebrating his birthday today, so I decided toe and pay my respects,¡± he replied, standing tall with his hands sped behind his back. Despite being a foreigner, his Mandarin was impressively good. He seemed to think he was the epitome of cool, drawing all eyes to him as soon as he made his entrance. ¡°Who is he?¡± the old man asked, his brow creased with curiosity. With a hint of resignation, Xiao Ke''er exined, ¡°Grandpa, he''s a colleague of mine.¡± Recently, Xiao Ke''er''s employer had brought in a consultant from overseas. The consultant was of mixed heritage, with a name too long for Xiao Ke''er to remember, but he went by the Chinese name Lee Zhanmu. His good looks and wealth had made him quite popr among the youngdies at thepany. However, he had set his sights on Xiao Ke''er, persistently pursuing her despite herck of interest. Xiao Ke''er had taken leave to escape Lee Zhanmu''s advances, never imagining he would boldly show up at her family''s doorstep. The old man nodded in understanding. ¡°Ah, so you''re Kemeng''s friend. Please,e in and sit down.¡± ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Lee Zhanmu responded, nodding in return. With the eyes of the room upon him, he entered with an air of superiority, convinced he was the most impressive person there. As Lee Zhanmu was basking in his own glory, the elder''s attention shifted to Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, please take a seat,¡± he said. At the mention of this title, Lee Zhanmu''s brow furrowed slightly, and he turned his attention to Su Ming. Who was this man? Why did the elder refer to him as Mr. Su? Was he trying to usurp the spotlight from him today? Meanwhile, Xiao Chen stealthily approached Su Ming, hoping to coax some favorable words from him. ¡°Brother-inw, I¡­¡± Xiao Chen was cut off mid-sentence as Xiao Ke''er intervened sharply, ¡°Go back to the study and stay there!¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Xiao Chen, visibly shaken, quickly scurried back to the study. The term ¡°brother-inw¡± only deepened Lee Zhanmu''s frown. Xiao Ke''er had a boyfriend! That was something Lee Zhanmu found hard to swallow. But he wasn''t about to give up. He believed that if he proved himself exceptional, he could win Xiao Ke''er over. Besides, Su Ming''s attire was nothing special, and the gifts he brought were even carried in stic bags. In Lee Zhanmu''s eyes, aside from being more attractive, Su Ming had no edge over him. He was determined to outshine Su Ming with his own merits. The reason the elder addressed Su Ming as Mr. Su was probably because Su Ming was a teacher. Having read about the imperial court, Lee Zhanmu understood that teachers there were often called ¡®sir.'' He assumed that Su Ming must have been tutoring Xiao Ke''er, which led to a romantic connection between them. The more he pondered, the more usible it seemed¡ªjust like the storylines in TV dramas. Truth be told, despite his imperial court heritage and being of mixed descent, he was raised abroad and wasn''t well-versed in the nuances of the imperial court. He failed to grasp that ¡®sir'' was not exclusively used for teachers or husbands; the word had broader connotations. Above all, thenguage of the imperial court was intricate and profound. He mistakenly believed that speaking a few phrases meant he had a deep understanding of the imperial court, which was far from the truth. Actually, the issue was his own, not someone else''s fault. Lee Zhanmu''spetitive spirit was instantly aroused. He was ready to demonstrate his power and capabilities. No sooner had Lee Zhanmu taken his seat than he pulled a box from his pocket. Inside was a vibrant green bracelet. ¡°Grandpa, this is my birthday gift to you. I had a friend help me purchase this bracelet for five million yuan,¡± Lee Zhanmu stated with feigned nonchnce. He gave the impression that five million yuan was a trifle to him, yet his smug expression betrayed his true feelings. His words captured the attention of those around him. They could all afford the bracelet, but they were curious to see what it looked like. Everyone turned to look. Upon seeing the bracelet, they were taken aback. They all thought the bracelet was not worth five million yuan. But Lee Zhanmu believed he had done something remarkable. The bracelet was indeed meant to be a jade piece, but it was clearly made from counterfeit jade. The market had seen the rise of a new forgery technique. Unscrupulous merchants would grind jade into powder, mix it with a special adhesive, and pour it into a mold. Once the adhesive set, it formed what appeared to be a solid piece of jade. This kind of fake jade could fool only the uninitiated. Anyone with a modicum of experience could spot the fake immediately. Even an average person, with a bit of online research on how to identify genuine versus counterfeit jade, could easily recognize the sham. After all, buyers are always cautious when purchasing jade, wary of being duped. Lee Zhanmu, however, didn''t know how to tell the difference. When he saw the bracelet''s excellent color and purity, he assumed it was highly valuable. Thus, he promptly spent five million yuan on the bracelet, intending to unt his financial clout. He believed that the jade bracelet, which cost him five million yuan, would surely impress many. Ultimately, everyone was indeed impressed. But the reason for their astonishment was quite different. Lee Zhanmu thought it was his wealth and aesthetic discernment that had wowed the crowd. In reality, they were astounded by his foolishness. When Lee Zhanmu caught the shocked expressions on the faces of those around him, he couldn''t help but let a smug smile spread across his own. Old Master Xiao, upon ncing at the jade bracelet, involuntarily twitched at the corner of his mouth. He exchanged a look with Old Master Tang, both uncertain of how to proceed. Informing Lee Zhanmu that the bracelet was a counterfeit woulde across as impolite. Yet, saying nothing left them feeling ufortable. It was at this juncture that Su Ming chimed in, ¡°What a fantastic gift. You''re incredibly generous¡ªa true hallmark of the wealthy!¡± Lee Zhanmu, basking in Su Ming''spliment, felt his vanity swell. He believed he had triumphed over Su Ming through his financial prowess. He thought Su Ming had started to butter him up. But the onlookers nearly burst intoughter at his disy. They were connoisseurs in distinguishing genuine jade from the counterfeit and could easily spot the fake in the bracelet. They were well aware that Su Ming''sments were a sly dig at Lee Zhanmu''s foolishness. Chapter 404 Chapter 404 - Trap! Although the merchant selling the jade was somewhat unscrupulous, the stone itself was invaluable. If someone falls in love with a stone, even if it''s riddled with ws and impurities, to them, it''s a treasure beyond price. Conversely, if someone dislikes a stone, it could be the finest jade and still hold no value to them. Lee Zhanmu observed this and thought himself quite impressive. His actions immediately intimidated everyone around him. He straightened his clothes with pride, surveyed the room, and then announced loudly, ¡°All of you are prominent figures in Eastsea. I have news to share. I''m nning to start apany here, and we may have many opportunities to coborate in the future.¡± ¡°Once mypany goes public, I''ll host a dinner for all of you.¡± ¡°Rest assured. Though Eastsea''s environment and amenities may seem modestpared to International Street, as long as you partner with me, I guarantee we''ll make it onto the global stage.¡± Lee Zhanmu smiled, his expression one of sheer arrogance. He carried himself with an air of superiority, as if his presence was a blessing to Eastsea. His words caused the brows of those around him to furrow. What was he implying? Was he belittling Eastsea? If he disdained Eastsea, he had no business staying there. Eastsea was a top-tier city in the nation, with a highly developed economy and politics, certainly on par with International Street. If he preferred International Street, he should go back to his own country. He shouldn''t assume he belonged to the imperial court simply because he had its bloodline. Su Ming''s brow also creased as he listened. Eastsea was Li Ming''s hometown. How dare this foreigner speak ill of it? His pursuit of Xiao Ke''er had already irked Su Ming, and now he had the audacity to insult Su Ming''s hometown. This foreigner was crossing the line. Su Ming felt the urge to set him straight. Despite his inner thoughts, Su Ming''s face betrayed a look of pleasant surprise. He said, ¡°Mr. Lee, you''re truly formidable. We look forward to your assistance in the future.¡± ¡°It''s nothing,¡± Lee Zhanmu replied, basking in Su Ming''s adtion. He believed himself to be the most luminous star of the day. Back home, he often kept up with news from the imperial court. The reports depicted its people as unable to get enough food,cking warm clothing, and holding foreign countries in high esteem. He hade to realize that it was indeed true. As a foreigner and a wealthy individual, he believed himself to be quite formidable. Lee Zhanmu was swelling with pride, yet the bosses around him, Old Master Tang, Old Master Xiao, and Xiao Ke''er, were all struggling to keep their expressions neutral. They were all too familiar with Su Ming''s character. Given Su Ming''s standing, it was out of the question for him to fawn over a foreigner. Su Ming''sments were surely a sign that he hadid a trap for the unsuspecting foreigner. The crowd was brimming with anticipation and curiosity, eager to witness how Su Ming would outwit the foreigner. With a sly grin, Su Ming inquired, ¡°Starting apany must cost a pretty penny, doesn''t it?¡± Lee Zhanmu boasted, ¡°I spent only a few tens of millions of yuan.¡± Su Ming prodded further, ¡°The process of converting foreign currency to local currency is quite cumbersome, isn''t it?¡± ¡°No problem. I secured a loan from President Chen,¡± Lee Zhanmu responded. ¡°Aha,¡± Su Ming feigned a moment of rity. The onlookers perked up at this revtion. The self-satisfied Lee Zhanmu spilled the beans. The funds for hispany hade from a loan. Had he sought a loan from any other bank, his situation wouldn''t be so dire. But to borrow from Tianhua Bank¡ªwas he unaware that President Chen was Mr. Su''s underling? ¡°That''s a hefty sum. It must have been quite the challenge to secure that loan from the bank, right?¡± Su Ming asked, still smiling as he pulled out his phone. ¡°For you, perhaps, but for me, it was a walk in the park. The moment I arrived, the bank staff rushed to process my loan. Even President Chen didn''t dare utter an extra word,¡± Lee Zhanmu dered with an air of superiority. Lee Zhanmu''s arrogance knew no bounds; he disdained everyone. Su Ming nodded, unlocked his phone, and sent a message to President Chen: ¡°Cancel Lee Zhanmu''s loan.¡± With feigned admiration, Su Ming praised, ¡°You are truly impressive. For us mere mortals, obtaining a loan is quite the ordeal.¡± Upon hearing Su Ming''s words, Lee Zhanmu was overjoyed. He believed his power and cunning to be unmatched by anyone from the imperial court. President Chen was in his office, sipping tea, when his phone suddenly vibrated with an iing text message. He furrowed his brow, puzzled, as text messaging had be almost obsolete in this age of rapid technological advancement. Could it be a scam? With a nonchnt expression, President Chen picked up his phone and examined the message closely. To his surprise, it was from Mr. Su! He quickly opened the message, scrutinizing each word to ensure he didn''t misinterpret anything. Having read the message, President Chen didn''t hesitate to act on Su Ming''s request, harboring not a shred of doubt. For him, Mr. Su''smands were to be executed without dy. There was no need to question Mr. Su''s motives; following his directives was always the right move. Without wasting a moment, President Chen pulled out his phone and called Lee Zhanmu. Meanwhile, Lee Zhanmu was boasting, ¡°Mypany is formidable and will soon lead the industry.¡± Just then, his phone rang. Lee Zhanmu saw the caller ID and smirked with conceit. Receiving a call from President Chen, the head of Eastsea''srgest bank, was an opportunity to unt his status, especially since he was in higher standing than many others there. Lee Zhanmu believed that President Chen, following the approval of a substantial loan, was reaching out to propose an investment in hispany. He anticipated deference from President Chen, who would surely seek to ingratiate himself if Lee Zhanmu yed hard to get, thereby elevating his own status even further. Thrilled by this prospect, Lee Zhanmu cleared his throat and announced, ¡°I''m swamped every day. See, President Chen is calling me. Excuse me, I need to take this call.¡± He set his phone on the table for all to see, tapped the answer button with a smug look, and switched on the speakerphone. He would soone to regret this decision. Yet, oblivious to the impending oue, Lee Zhanmu remained smug. He coughed, straightened his posture, and answered, ¡°President Chen, what can I do for you?¡± Chapter 405 Chapter 405 - Disgrace Lee Zhanmu was brimming with pride. He was convinced that President Chen would treat him with the utmost respect over the phone. But as Lee Zhanmu reveled in his self-assurance, he was taken aback by President Chen''s voice on the line. ¡°Lee Zhanmu, there''s something I need to discuss with you.¡± President Chen sounded quite nonchnt. He addressed Lee Zhanmu by name, his tone tinged with a hint of indifference. Lee Zhanmu was momentarily stunned, sensing that something was amiss. How could this be happening? He then rationalized that perhaps this was just how people from the imperial court conducted phone calls. ¡°President Chen, what seems to be the issue?¡± Lee Zhanmu maintained his confidence. ¡°Lee Zhanmu, we''ve canceled your loan.¡± With an air of self-importance, Lee Zhanmu responded, ¡°You''re saying you want to buy in? I''ll need to think it over.¡± The onlookers were taken aback. A hush fell over the room; no one uttered a word. Was there a problem with Lee Zhanmu''s hearing? He seemed to be in a world of his own. He hadn''t paid any attention to President Chen''s words. His arrogance had gotten the better of him. ¡°What are you talking about? I told you, your loan has been canceled. Goodbye.¡± President Chen, clearly irritated, ended the call abruptly. ¡°Why are people from the imperial court so impolite? He was just pleading with me to cancel the loan, and yet he¡­¡± Lee Zhanmu''s brow furrowed. Mid-sentence, he was struck by the realization that something was terribly off. He was in disbelief that his loan had been canceled. What was going on? He had intended to boast in front of everyone, but instead, he had made a fool of himself. Could anyone exin what had just happened? In a panic, Lee Zhanmu grabbed his phone and redialed President Chen''s number. ¡°Hello, the number you are trying to reach is currently unavable.¡± President Chen had blocked him! Lee Zhanmu then frantically called other bank employees, only to receive the same response. Noticing the stares from those around him, his face contorted with embarrassment. He had imed that President Chen was desperate for him to take out a loan, but now President Chen had called to terminate their deal. Lee Zhanmu forced an awkward smile. ¡°No matter. It''s just a minor setback.¡± ¡°I think the issue must be that my loan amount was toorge for the bank''s capacity.¡± ¡°I had intended to open my business quickly, which is why I opted for a loan.¡± ¡°If President Chen doesn''t have the funds to loan me, I''ll just dy the opening by a few days. It''s not a big deal.¡± Lee Zhanmu concocted a wless excuse for himself. He was pleased with his quick thinking. Those around him couldn''t help but notice his knack for making excuses. But was he really convinced that President Chen pulled out of the deal because the loan was too hefty? Tianhua Bank is the premier bank in Eastsea City. They could easily issue loans in the billions without batting an eye. And if they reached out to their headquarters, securing loans in the tens of billions wouldn''t be out of the question. What kind of enterprise was Lee Zhanmu nning that required such a massive amount of capital? It seemed he was merely trying to save face. Su Ming added, ¡°Indeed. This setback is trivial for Mr. Lee.¡± The crowd remained silent, observing the unfolding drama. Mr. Su was personally handling Lee Zhanmu, and everyone was eager to see Lee Zhanmu hold his ground a bit longer instead of making an early exit, which would spoil the fun. ¡°Absolutely.¡± Lee Zhanmu, misreading Su Ming''s expression, believed his self-assurance had effectively masked the situation, and a look of delight spread across his face. Su Ming then inquired with a grin, ¡°By the way, Mr. Lee, where is yourpany located?¡± ¡°The standards in Eastsea are subpar, and the architectural environment leaves much to be desired.¡± ¡°Finding a suitable location for mypany''s headquarters has been quite the challenge.¡± ¡°I came across a new development with two decent storefronts avable, so I decided to rent them.¡± Lee Zhanmu stroked his chin, ¡°The ce is called Empire Community, if I''m not mistaken.¡± The individuals behind him nearly burst intoughter upon hearing this. Lee Zhanmu was on the verge of embarrassing himself once more. They were familiar with Su Ming and knew that he owned the Empire Community development. Even the shops adjacent to theplex were Su Ming''s property. They thought to themselves that Lee Zhanmu was out of his element in the imperial court. He consistently stirred up trouble in Su Ming''s presence, who could effortlessly turn the tables on him. Not only had he sought a loan from President Chen, but he had also rented property from Boss Fong, which, unbeknownst to him, was owned by Su Ming. Lee Zhanmu''s luck was downright terrible. They even suggested that since Lee Zhanmu had managed to anger Su Ming, he might as well make a quick exit and drive back to his home country. If there were no direct routes to M Country, perhaps he should purchase an intable boat and paddle his way back. ¡°That''s a great ce.¡± This time, Su Ming nodded with genuine approval. His entourage echoed his sentiment. They figured that if it was Mr. Su''s domain, it certainly had to be top-notch. ¡°Indeed, I have a knack for picking out the best spots!¡± Lee Zhanmu''s enthusiasm surged once more. He hadpletely put the incident with President Chen behind him. His demeanor had be exceedingly arrogant. Su Ming pulled out his smartphone and shot a text to Boss Fong. ¡°Don''t rent the house to Lee Zhanmu.¡± After sending the message, Su Ming set his phone aside. The other bosses witnessing the scene realized that Su Ming was about to y his usual tricks on Lee Zhanmu. Poor Lee Zhanmu was about to be humiliated once again. Just as Lee Zhanmu''s arrogance returned, his phone began to ring. Seeing that it was Boss Fong calling, he sensed another chance to shine. He had just suffered a blow to his pride because of President Chen. He was determined to restore his reputation through Boss Fong. Lee Zhanmu cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the crowd. He intended to use this call to demonstrate his significant influence to the onlookers. To unt his power, he waited a good twenty seconds beforezily answering the call. Lee Zhanmu inquired with a drawn-out tone, ¡°Boss Fong, what can I do for you?¡± ¡°Why are you just picking up now? What have you been up to?¡± Boss Fong''s voice crackled through the line, dripping with impatience. Lee Zhanmu sensed that something was amiss with Boss Fong''s response¡ªit wasn''t aligning with his expectations. Despite cultural differences in phone etiquette, Lee Zhanmu could discern the underlying message in Boss Fong''s tone. Far from respectful, Boss Fong sounded downright annoyed. Lee Zhanmu was taken aback. Boss Fong spoke with irritation, ¡°You''ve rented three of my properties. When do you n to pay the rent? Today is the final deadline!¡± ¡°Could I have just a few more days?¡± A muscle in the corner of Lee Zhanmu''s eye gave a slight twitch. Chapter 406 Chapter 406 - Everything Was too Much of a Coincidence!! He was supposed to secure a loan from President Chen today, which would have covered his rent. It all could have been so simple. But now, the loan was off the table. And Lee Zhanmu hadpletely forgotten about the rent. He assumed Boss Fong was calling about something else, so he answered the phone with a smug grin. But Lee Zhanmu was instantly mortified. What on earth was happening? ¡°I''m telling you, there are plenty of people waiting to rent my property. If you don''t have the money today, I''ll rent it to someone else!¡± Boss Fong''s voice came through. With that, Boss Fong ended the call. Lee Zhanmu''s face turned a shade of steel gray as he thought, ¡°Damn it! Something feels off. Are they picking on me?¡± Lee Zhanmu had hoped to impress everyone, but his attempts had backfired spectacrly. Not only did he not seed, but he also repeatedly faced embarrassment in front of a crowd. Meanwhile, Su Ming was somewhat baffled. How did Boss Fong find out Lee Zhanmu was broke? Turning around, Su Ming instantly grasped the situation. He noticed several bosses behind him sneakily pulling out their phones, streaming the whole scene live. Boss Fong wasfortably ensconced in his office, sipping tea and snacking while enjoying the live feed. ¡°You tried to strut in front of Mr. Su. Not so easy now, is it?¡± Boss Fong mused. Lee Zhanmu sat on the couch, his eye twitching, his face the picture of difort. The other bosses watched Lee Zhanmu eagerly, thinking, ¡°Lee Zhanmu, your moment of truth has arrived. We''re all eyes on you, waiting to see how you''ll wriggle out of this one.¡± Lee Zhanmu''s mind raced as he thought, ¡°Good heavens! Can someone please give me some on-the-spot advice? How should I exin this?¡± Then, an idea struck him. His eyes sparkled, he let out a sly chuckle, and his confidence surged. ¡°Ah, to be honest, I wasn''t really keen on Boss Fong''s properties.¡± ¡°I was just trying to spare Boss Fong some embarrassment.¡± ¡°After all, I''ll need to coborate with Boss Fong in Eastsea down the line.¡± Lee Zhanmu said, sporting a self-satisfied smile. He believed he had crafted the perfect excuse, even considering awarding himself 99 points instead of a full 100, just to keep his ego in check. ¡°Mr. Lee, is yourpany still going to open?¡± Su Ming inquired from the side. ¡°Absolutely! I must open mypany.¡± Lee Zhanmu responded immediately, feeling the weight of his earlier boasts. To back down now would be too humiliating. ¡°But without the money or a location, how do you n to open yourpany?¡± Su Ming pressed on. The other executives listening in couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Lee Zhanmu. They were all aware that Su Ming was toying with Lee Zhanmu once again. ¡°No worries at all.¡± ¡°There''s a trading group in Eastsea, the Wang Group. You''ve heard of them, haven''t you?¡± ¡°I''m acquainted with the owner, Wang Guohui.¡± ¡°We''ve done some trading in the past.¡± Lee Zhanmu said with aposed smile, ¡°This time, I''m coborating with Boss Wang. If I seek his assistance, he''s sure to provide me with a space.¡± The others struggled to contain theirughter, shaking their heads and covering their faces. Even the two elderly gentlemen shook their heads in disbelief. Xiao Ke''er also had to stifle a chuckle. She thought to herself, ¡°Lee Zhanmu, maybe I should buy you a ne ticket. You''d better catch the next flight home. You''re practically handing your dignity to Mr. Su on a silver tter, begging him to take a swing at you.¡± The rest pondered, ¡°Initially, we understood why you approached President Chen for a loan, given that Tianhua Bank is the biggest in the region. And your request to Boss Fong for renting property made sense, considering it''s a prime new development with top-notch facilities. But why on earth would you turn to Wang Guohui for help? You''re just asking for trouble,ying your neck on Mr. Su''s chopping block. Even if Mr. Su has no intention of targeting you, you''re going out of your way to provoke him. You should head home. This isn''t the ce for you. You''re no match for Mr. Su; you''re simply not in the same league.¡± Su Ming''s mouth twitched involuntarily at the thought. President Chen, Boss Fong, and Wang Guohui were all well-known to him. He knew these people all too well. Everyone around was watching Su Ming closely. With practiced ease, Su Ming pulled out his phone. He located Wang Guohui''s contact details and sent off a text message. Su Ming dispatched three texts, yet Lee Zhanmu remained oblivious. Lee Zhanmu was busy unting himself, trying to catch Xiao Ke''er''s eye. Moreover, Lee Zhanmu was quite haughty. Proud to be from M Country, Lee Zhanmu would never stoop before anyone. But people as conceited as Lee Zhanmu often find themselves in hot water. While Lee Zhanmu was bragging, his phone rang once more. This time, Lee Zhanmu paused, nervously rubbing his nose. His Adam''s apple bobbed as he involuntarily swallowed. A sense of foreboding washed over him. He thought, ¡°There''s no way such coincidences happen. It just can''t be.¡± Lee Zhanmu said with a smile, ¡°We were just talking about Boss Wang. Now he''s calling me.¡± The onlookers couldn''t help but facepalm in silence. Truth be told, they were starting to feel a bit sorry for Lee Zhanmu. He was in a pitiful and embarrassing situation. Yet, he insisted on antagonizing Mr. Su. He was really courting disaster. Lee Zhanmu picked up the call and said, ¡°Boss Wang, what can I do for you?¡± Lee Zhanmu tried to appearposed, but anxiety was gnawing at him inside. This was, after all, the second time such an incident had urred. ¡°Lee Zhanmu, I apologize. Ourpany has decided to terminate our partnership with you,¡± Boss Wang stated bluntly before hanging up. This time, Lee Zhanmu was utterly bbergasted. What in the world was happening? Could life really be filled with such coincidences? Though Lee Zhanmu sensed that something was amiss, he couldn''t pinpoint the issue. Lee Zhanmu thought, ¡°I can''t stay here any longer. In the words of the imperial court, this ce is cursed. I need to get out of here fast. If I linger, I might end up bankrupt.¡± Unable to remain seated, Lee Zhanmu stood up hastily. He had lost the desire to impress and pursue Xiao Ke''er. It was shockingly unbelievable. It was an uncanny coincidence. Lee Zhanmu said, ¡°I''ve just remembered there''s some business I need to take care of at thepany, so I must excuse myself. Farewell, everyone.¡± Lee Zhanmu was on edge, ready to make his exit. But as he turned to leave, a strong hand firmly grasped his arm. Turning back, Lee Zhanmu saw Su Ming with a smile, saying, ¡°Don''t rush off. Let''s chat a bit more. I''m eager to learn how you manage the affairs of such argepany.¡± Chapter 407 Chapter 407 - Shocking News! ¡°No!¡± Lee Zhanmu sprang up like a startled rabbit. He had no intention of staying. After suffering a heavy blow here, he was ready to leave the imperial court and head back to his home country. Su Ming, smiling, said, ¡°Don''t leave just yet. You''ve only just arrived, and you haven''t even had a meal.¡± ¡°I''m not eating. I''m not hungry!¡± Lee Zhanmu dered, eager to leave without wasting another second. He turned on his heel and strode toward the door. But as he reached the entrance, he noticed several ck sedans pulling up. The doors swung open, and a few individuals stepped out. Lee Zhanmu froze. Several middle-aged men emerged from the cars, dressed in sharp suits and ties, looking very polished. Their faces were flushed with health, and they carried themselves with confidence. They were none other than President Chen, Wang Guohui, and Boss Fong. There was no need to introduce President Chen and Wang Guohui; they had long been acquainted. Boss Fong had borrowed money from President Chen for a previous construction project, so naturally, they knew each other as well. They had all watched today''s live broadcast and, after a brief exchange, were aware of the situation. Seeing these men, Lee Zhanmu''s anger red. ¡°President Chen, we were having a good talk. Why won''t you extend me the loan?¡± ¡°Boss Fong, I asked for just two more days to repay you. It''s not like I''m refusing to pay.¡± ¡°Boss Wang, we''re old friends. You''ve shown me great disrespect.¡± Lee Zhanmu stood with his hands on his hips, his posture broadcasting his fury and discontent. The three men gave him a cool nce and greeted him with detached civility. Lee Zhanmu then realized something. Today was the birthday of the Xiao family''s patriarch, and all of Eastsea''s notables were in attendance. As prominent figures in Eastsea, they were expected to be there, but why had they only just arrived? The answer was simple: Su Ming had not yet arrived. They all knew Su Ming would certainly attend, given his well-known connection to the Xiao family. Thus, they had decided to wait for Mr. Su to make his appearance before they themselves would arrive. Now that Su Ming had arrived, they hade together. While Lee Zhanmu was lost in thought, the three men made their way to Su Ming in perfect sync. ¡°Mr. Su, as per your instructions, I''ve canceled Lee Zhanmu''s loan.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, following your orders, I''ve terminated the lease for the house rented to Lee Zhanmu.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, as you directed, I''ve ended our partnership with Lee Zhanmu.¡± They spoke to Su Ming with utmost respect. ¡°You''ve all worked hard. Please, have a seat.¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Once Su Ming had finished, the three men stood neatly behind him. Others in the vicinity watched the scene with envy, wishing they too could stand behind Mr. Su as his bodyguards. How did these three get so lucky? Especially that Old Fong. Old Fong had clearly crossed Mr. Su before, so how was he still receiving such favorable treatment? Lee Zhanmu''s eyes bulged and his mouth hung open. Were they all in league together? Was it all a setup? Was Su Ming actually the leader of these three? It turned out he was the one who had embarrassed himself. It made sense now why his endeavors had consistently failed. They were taking advantage of him, a neer to the imperial court. Just then, Lee Zhanmu''s phone rang, catching him off guard. He pulled out his phone and nced at it. This was his chance to change his fortunes! It was a call from his father. Lee Zhanmu thought, his family''s business was a multinational corporation. Surely his father was calling to inform him that they had secured the billion yuan in funding. With that money, he wouldn''t have to rely on these people anymore. He was determined to reim the respect he had lost! With this in mind, Lee Zhanmu stayed put, gleefully answering the call at the doorway. ¡°Dad, what''s up? Have you managed to secure the billion yuan?¡± ¡°Son, your father''spany has been used of tax evasion and is now bankrupt!¡± A woman''s crying echoed from the other end. ¡°What?¡± Lee Zhanmu was shocked and eximed, ¡°Mom, please, this isn''t a time for jokes. It''s not April Fools'' Day!¡± The voice on the phone replied, ¡°I''m not joking. Your bank cards have all been frozen, and you don''t even have enough money for a ne ticket home. If you can''t make ends meet, you might have to beg on the streets. The people at the imperial court are quite generous. And don''t bother calling us again; we''re not going to use this phone card anymore.¡± Lee Zhanmu was in a state of panic and blurted out, ¡°No, Mom, don''t we have that bank card at home with a lot of money on it?¡± ¡°Quit fixating on that bank card; it''s where your father and I have saved our retirement funds! And to be honest with you, you''re not our biological child. We adopted you from the imperial court.¡± ¡°We knew thepany was going under before you left for the imperial court. The reason we sent you away was to get you out of the picture.¡± With that, the voice on the other end of the line went dead. Lee Zhanmu was utterly stunned. When he tried calling his mother back, her phone was already switched off. The room fell into an eerie silence. What a spectacle this was. Their visit today had certainly not been a waste. Lee Zhanmu felt an overwhelming urge to cry. He had intended to boast about his father''s wealth, only to discover his father''spany was bankrupt and he was left without a family. Poor Lee Zhanmu. Had he known this would happen, he would never havee here. Even if his family was bankrupt, if he had managed to secure a loan and start apany, he could have at least pursued a career here and harbored hopes of earning money. But now, it was all over. It took a while for Lee Zhanmu to snap out of his daze. Seeing the looks on the faces of those around him, he couldn''t bear it any longer. He turned on his heel and walked out. ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Su Ming suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°I feel for you, I really do. Here, take this bracelet back with you.¡± No sooner had Su Ming spoken than a shadow darted by. The bracelet vanished from Su Ming''s hand, swiftly snatched by Lee Zhanmu. Lee Zhanmu was quick on his feet. He had purchased the bracelet for five million yuan, thinking he could sell it for three to four million yuan. With that money, he wouldn''t have to worry about going hungry. However, when Lee Zhanmu went to sell the bracelet, full of hope, he was informed it was a counterfeit, not even worth three to four hundred yuan. Lee Zhanmu saw red, rage boiling over to the point of making him physically ill. From that day on, the world had one more heartbroken soul. Go visiting??NovelDragon site & Next chapters waiting for you?? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 408 Chapter 408 - The Pumpkin Is Ripe Lee Zhanmu''s incident was merely a minor episode for those in the house. The remainder of the time was spent in light-hearted conversation andughter. Later, everyone shared a meal together before heading their separate ways. Before departing, they each bid farewell to Mr. Su. Their gestures left the old man torn betweenughter and tears, as he mused, ¡°Whose birthday is it really, Su Ming''s or mine? Next time I won''t invite Su Ming to my birthday. He''s stolen the show.¡± Naturally, he was only jesting. By the time Su Ming got home, night had fallen. He parked his car in the garage and quickly made his way to the fields. The pumpkins were ready for harvest. What would he find this time? He adeptly opened the gate and stepped into the yard. After closing the gate behind him, he eagerly headed for the fields. He had cultivated six acres of pumpkins¡ªthere had to be something worthwhile. As Su Ming entered, he said a silent prayer and took a closer look. The pumpkins were quite peculiar. It''smon knowledge that there are numerous varieties of pumpkins. Typically, they''re round and yellow, resembling arge pie or a sphere. But in Su Ming''s plot, the vines were a vibrant green, and instead of pumpkins, there were bubbles. These were the kind of bubbles that children love to blow in parks on weekends. The bubbles weren''trge, roughly the size of an apple, and they shimmered with a rainbow of colors in the light. A faint red glow on the bubble''s surface obscured the contents. What could this be? Filled with curiosity, Su Ming approached. He crouched down and gently prodded the bubble with his finger. The bubbles were soft and surprisingly warm. Su Ming could even see wisps of steam rising from them. The deep autumn nights had grown chilly, necessitating warm clothing. Yet these bubbles were radiating heat, indicating something warm inside. Su Ming grinned to himself, thinking, ¡°This is the first time I''ve ever harvested such a thing. Whatever''s inside must be incredibly useful.¡± He carefully tugged at a bubble, and it remained intact. Su Ming examined it in his hand; it was slightly heavy. He gave it a gentle shake, but it remained still. Su Ming squeezed it gently with his hand. It remained intact, a testament to its impressive sticity. Next, Su Ming jabbed it with his fingertip. The bubble emitted a faint pop. A dazzling red light red. Su Ming quickly shut his eyes. After a moment, he cautiously opened them again. Floating above his palm was a tiny red bead. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the Cold-dispelling Bead. When worn, it will shield you from the cold. Regardless of the temperature, the Cold-dispelling Bead will provide the warmest and mostfortable experience. You could even run naked in freezing weather and still feel as cozy as if it were spring, without feeling the slightest chill.¡± Su Ming mused, ¡°This is a great item. With this, I won''t fear the cold in winter. No need for bulky cotton clothes; I could get by with just shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops.¡± Indeed. ¡°But, System, can you be a bit more professional? What''s this about running naked? Why would I do that in winter? Given my good looks and dashing appearance, not to mention my perfectly sculpted muscles, it would be a total waste to go unclothed and let others gawk for free. You should at least charge admission. Say, one point for a nce.¡± ¡°The System has noted the Host''s desire and will consider it when deciding whether to initiate a mission.¡± While Su Ming pondered, a prompt sounded in his mind. He quickly interjected to stop the System. He protested, ¡°System, you''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you? I''m always hoping to level up quickly and cultivate excellent items, but you ignore those requests. Why do you jump at the chance to issue a mission the moment I think of something like this?¡± ¡°If you actually issue this mission, are you saying I should ept it? Of course, I might consider it if the points are right.¡± Hearing the System''s familiar tone, Su Ming immediately cut it off. In a rush, he extracted another bead, another Cold-dispelling Bead. Su Ming noted that the bubble only floated and glowed red during the first minute after being revealed. After that minute, it transformed into a normal red bead, indistinguishable from an actual ruby, with no apparent abnormalities. Six acres ofnd could yield six hundred pumpkins. This also meant that Su Ming could collect six hundred beads. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°Not too shabby.¡± He grabbed a bag from the vi and started to gather the pumpkins. He soon noticed something unusual about the bubbles. The previous bubbles had a reddish glow. But this bubble looked as if it had ripples of water flowing across its surface. It was even dripping water. The droplets vanished upon hitting the ground. Could this bead be different from the others? Su Ming quickly reached out, took a bead into his hand, and examined it closely. Holding this bubble felt like grasping a sphere of water: an extraordinary sensation. He poked the bubble with his finger, and inside was a drop of water. But it swiftly transformed into a bead andnded in Su Ming''s palm. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a water droplet pattern at the center of the bead. The System announced, ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the Water Repellent Bead. When worn, it creates a thin protective film over your body. In the event of drowning, this film will keep water away from your body, preventing you from drowning! However, be cautious. The Water Repellent Bead can only separate you from water, not resist the force of its flow!¡± Hearing this, Su Ming mused, ¡°A Water Repellent Bead? Quite impressive.¡± Even though it couldn''t counteract the force of moving water, it would significantly improve his odds of surviving a drowning incident, which often ur in calm waters where people are likely to swim and potentially drown. Yet, in the face of a sudden flood or if someone with suicidal intent deliberately jumps into turbulent waters, the Water Repellent Bead might not be very effective. Regardless, the Water Repellent Bead was a formidable item. Something then urred to Su Ming. He picked up the Cold-dispelling Bead and scrutinized it under the light. Indeed, at its center was the image of a tiny me. Su Ming pondered, ¡°So this is a second type of bead. I wonder if there are more varieties out there?¡± Su Ming''s interest was piqued. He wasted no time and hastened his collection of the beads. Before long, the third type of bead made its appearance. This bead was encased in ayer of frost, with snowkes tumbling from within. It was the Heat-dispelling Bead, designed to counteract the effects of the Cold-dispelling Bead. In sweltering climates, anyone wearing the Heat-dispelling Bead would feel a refreshing coolness, as if standing in the breeze of an air conditioner. A curious thought struck Su Ming: ¡°What would happen if I took this bead to the surface of the sun?¡± He chuckled and shook his head, dismissing the fanciful idea. He resumed his diligent gathering of the beads. Ultimately, he amassed six different types of beads. Each acre yielded a unique variety of bead. The collectionprised the Cold-dispelling Bead, Water Repellent Bead, Heat-dispelling Bead, Fire Repellent Bead, Mosquito Repellent Bead, and Fragrant Bead. The Fire Repellent Bead could create a protective film between fire and flesh, shielding one from the heat and burns. However, it couldn''t protect against injuries caused by falling debris in a fire. Nheless, the Fire Repellent Bead was impressive. With the Mosquito Repellent Bead on his person, he could fend off mosquito bites, and even cockroaches, centipedes, and snakes would give him a wide berth. Su Ming already possessed this ability. The Fragrant Bead, crafted from a unique material, emitted a subtle scent. It was gentle and not overpowering, perfect for alleviating fatigue during work. Moreover, the Fragrant Bead had the added benefit of inducing a quick and restful sleep. Go visiting??NovelDragon site & Next chapters waiting for you?? OR download the app then search the book name directly?? Chapter 409 Chapter 409 - All of Them Upgraded to Level Two Land! ¡°You''ve sessfully harvested the crops and received 120,000 experience points! Plus, an additional reward of 24,000!¡± ¡°Item recycled. Congrattions, you''ve earned 6,000 experience points! Additional reward: 1,200!¡± Su Ming was holding several bags in his hands. Though these items seemed unremarkable, he couldn''t deny their practicality. After pondering for a moment, Su Ming made a decision. He intended to keep half of the pearls for his family and friends and exchange the remainder for points. ¡°Yuvyuv, how many points do I get for each pearl?¡± ¡°Master, each pearl is worth 10 points,¡± Yuvyuv replied. Pleased with the exchange rate, Su Ming calcted that with the 300 pearls he had left, he could get 3,000 points. Adding that to the 3,201 points already in the ntation area, he had a total of 6,000 points. That meant he could upgrade the remaining six acres to Level Two. Su Ming walked into the living room with the pearls. He kept half and converted the rest into points. A thought suddenly struck him, and he inquired mentally, ¡°Yuvyuv, can these pearls be drilled?¡± ¡°Absolutely, drilling the pearls won''t affect their use,¡± Yuvyuv assured him. Reassured by Yuvyuv''s response, Su Ming nodded contentedly. He nned to craft a bracelet from these pearls for his sister tomorrow. He wouldn''t give them to anyone but her. It wasn''t that Su Ming was miserly; it was just that the pearls'' effects were extraordinarily potent. Old Master Tang and his peers were worldly and wise, and they might deduce something about the pearls. Should they question himter, it could lead toplications. His sister, however, was in a different situation. As a student with few friends, she spent most of her time at school, where she was unlikely to face danger. Even if she did encounter peril and discovered the bracelet''s miraculous properties, her nature was such that she wouldn''t broadcast it. Su Ming was aware that the existence of his farm would eventually be public knowledge, as he couldn''t keep it hidden indefinitely. Yet, the time to disclose the secrets of his farm had note; he was not yet powerful enough. Su Ming paused for a moment before gathering the remaining pearls. He left a few on the table and then headed upstairs. Upon booting up hisputer, he instinctively checked the online shop. It offered nothing out of the ordinary, yet Su Ming made a few purchases nheless. Among the items were familiar ones he had cultivated before, like chilies and cucumbers. There was something Su Ming had been curious about: if he were to rent the crops he had previously grown, would the yield be identical to the original? He navigated to a mysterious item in the shop, its description still a mere question mark. He recalled obtaining a mission scroll while harvesting bananas. The System would trigger a specific mission at a certain time, which would then unlock this enigmatic item. Su Ming was convinced it was something valuable. After perusing the shop, Su Ming opened the upgrade page. He had amassed over 6,000 nting points. Faced with a choice, he could either upgrade all six acres of hisnd to Level Two, which cost just 1,000 points per acre, or he could invest 5,000 points to elevate a single acre from Level Two to Level Three. After some contemtion, Su Ming opted to upgrade all six acres to Level Two. The ntation area was extensive, and it was the sole source of his experience points. By upgrading, the quality of his crops would improve, leading to a higher yield and more points. His decision was final. With resolve, Su Ming wasted no time and upgraded all six acres to Level Two. ¡°Land is upgrading. Upgrade time: 24 hours!¡± announced the System as soon as he clicked the mouse. The process would take a full day, but Su Ming was patient. Descending the stairs to grab a bite, Su Ming suddenly wondered, ¡°Where did Yuvyuv go?¡± Earlier that day, he had visited Old Master Tang, and upon leaving, he had seen Su Qiu enjoying a hotpot. In his rush to harvest his crops, he hadpletely forgotten about her. It was only the lingering scent of hotpot that jogged his memory. Quick to act, Su Ming headed to the adjacent room. Gently pushing the ajar door open, he peered inside and found Su Qiu, wrapped cozily in a nket, fast asleep. Su Ming chuckled and shook his head, thinking to himself, ¡°She''s truly without a care in the world.¡± He softly closed the door behind him and nced at the kitchen. It was spotless; any leftover food had been neatly stored in the refrigerator. Stretching with a smile, Su Ming reflected on his day. He had been up all night and his day was packed with activities. He had celebrated his grandfather''s birthday and harvested crops in the ntation area. Despite possessing the Stamina Talent, which kept his body from feeling fatigued, he was mentally exhausted. After a refreshing shower, Su Ming retreated to his bedroom and turned in early. The next day, he awoke as the sun was well up in the sky. Following his morning routine of washing up and brushing his teeth, he headed downstairs to make breakfast. Su Qiu was still deep in slumber. It wasn''t until breakfast was ready that she stumbled out of her bedroom, bleary-eyed. ¡°Bro, you''re back,¡± Su Qiu mumbled upon seeing Su Ming. She then made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. Soon, they were sitting in the living room, enjoying their meal, when Su Qiu''s phone rang. Checking her phone, her expression turned sour. ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°I have a ss this morning,¡± she replied. Su Ming was taken aback. Wasn''t Su Qiu on break? She had been off for several days already. Why did she have a ss? Su Qiu''s frustration grew as she noticed Su Ming''s bewildered look. ¡°Brother, Principal Ye secured a research project. Seniors can base their thesis on it,¡± she exined. ¡°It''s a prestigious project. I''ve heard only a select few across the nation are chosen to work on it. If I join the research team, make significant findings, and publish some papers, I could virtually guarantee my spot in a graduate program, maybe even a doctoral one.¡± ¡°But I''m just a freshman! Principal Ye invited me to the project team. I just wanted to enjoy my holiday,¡± Su Qiumented. Su Ming just smiled and shook his head again. Principal Ye might show him deference, but as the head of Eastsea University, he was a titan of economic research. His research in economics was outstanding. The students he has taught have all be significant figures within the field of economics. Should Principal Ye''s students join apany, their starting annual sry would be in the tens of millions. Truthfully, it would take a great deal of effort for others to secure a spot in Principal Ye''s research group. Yet, Principal Ye personally invited Su Qiu to join his team. Undoubtedly, many must be envious of her. Chapter 410 Chapter 410 - Could It be That There Was a Problem with the Air Conditioner? Su Ming chuckled and urged, ¡°Hurry up and eat. Once you''re done, I''ll drive you to school.¡± Su Qiu nodded with a sense of resignation. Diligent and eager to learn, Su Qiu understood the rarity of the opportunity before her. Delving into her research topics, she often encountered concepts that were beyond her grasp. Being a freshman, she was tackling material meant for seniors. Yet, having the chance to attend Principal Ye''s lectures and coborate with her upperssmen on research projects had significantly expanded her knowledge base. She was learning things that textbooks simply didn''t cover. Notably, Su Qiu had mastered the use of a sophisticated instrument that the school had acquired for tens of millions of yuan. Everyone needs a break now and then, and Su Qiu was no exception; she had been looking forward to resting during the holiday. Learning that she had to attend ss left her feeling somewhat disheartened. Despite her reluctance, she dutifully went to ss, finishing her meal with a sullen face. Afterward, she changed clothes, hung her head low, and trudged to the car where Su Ming was waiting. As Su Ming drove, he nced at Su Qiu''s sullen expression and shook his head with a smile. But instead of heading straight to school, Su Ming took a detour to a shop specializing in bead bracelets. He had pre-selected some beads, so it took the shopkeeper less than ten minutes to craft two bracelets. Back in the car, Su Ming handed one of the bracelets to Su Qiu. She looked at it curiously and asked, ¡°Brother, what''s this?¡± sping the bracelet, she inhaled its subtle scent, which lifted her spirits. Su Ming replied with a hint of intrigue, ¡°I had a friend pick out these beads for you. They''re meant to keep you safe.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Su Qiu''s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Absolutely. When have I ever deceived you? Wear this bracelet. The cord is very durable, but remember to rece it once a year. Don''t lose it, and make sure to keep it on at all times.¡± Su Qiu nodded, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. Buoyed by Su Ming''s thoughtful gift, her gloominess vanished. She perked up considerably, chattering away like a cheerful sparrow in the car seat. Su Ming was quite pleased. Even though Su Qiu''s chatter was somewhat of a headache, he much preferred it to her being silent and withdrawn as if she were struggling with depression, unwilling to engage with others. Before long, Su Ming pulled into the school. As Su Qiu prepared to hop out, Su Ming beamed and said, ¡°Alright, off you go to ss.¡± Just then, Su Qiu sped Su Ming''s arm and eximed, ¡°Brother!¡± Herrge, luminous eyes seemed to be searching for the right words. Su Ming froze, a sense of foreboding washing over him. Su Qiu blinked earnestly and pleaded, ¡°Brother, this is your alma mater. Since you''re here, why not sit in on a ss with me before you go?¡± Su Ming massaged his forehead at the request. ¡°No!¡± he dered, shaking his head resolutely. Back in his college days, Su Ming had little love for attending sses, preferring to y video games or catch up on sleep in his dorm instead. He was notorious for skipping sses to hang out at inte cafes, though he buckled down when finals approached. He scraped by in his courses, just enough to secure his degree and diploma. The thought crossed his mind, ¡°I finally graduated. I don''t want to sit through sses. No way! I''m not going to ss with her.¡± Confronted with Su Ming''s unwavering stance, Su Qiu''s lips jutted out in a pout. Tears brimmed in her big eyes, making her look exceedingly pitiful. Onlookers might have thought her grievances surpassed those of Dou''e. Su Ming, faced with her disy, was at a loss. Su Qiu was all grown up, but she still resorted to the same stubborn tactics she used as a child. ¡°Fine,¡± Su Ming eventually conceded with a reluctant nod. ¡°Thank you, brother!¡± she beamed. The girl''s mood flipped in an instant, her excitement palpable. Her acting was impable. She truly lived up to the Su family name. With her backpack slung over her shoulder, Su Qiu strode ahead while Su Ming trailed behind, his stepsnguid. Despite the autumn season, the daytime heat lingered. During the holiday, the campus was sparsely popted. Only those with an aversion to studying would leave school during the holidays, like Young Master Su. Yet, many students remained on campus. Some freshmen and sophomores were reviewing lessons, while juniors and seniors were busy preparing for graduate entrance exams. Others were engaged in activities like ying basketball, dining in the cafeteria, picking up packages, or showering in the dorms. But everyone was either shielding themselves with umbres or rushing about. The reason was the day''s scorching heat. Su Ming, however, didn''t seem affected by the heat as he walked; he actually felt quite refreshed. Su Qiu felt the same. ¡°Brother, the weather feels so pleasant today, and the sunlight isn''t harsh at all,¡± Su Qiu remarked, ncing at Su Ming. Herment left the other students on the street dumbfounded. They turned to look at her in disbelief, their experience of the weather starkly contrasting with hers. They observed the siblings'' contented expressions and their effortless stride. On such a sweltering day, most people would be drenched in sweat quickly. Yet, the siblings'' clothes were dry, their foreheads sweat-free. Where could they havee from? Perhaps the equator? But no, the equator enjoys a perpetual spring, and it was even hotter here. Maybe they were from Mercury? A man was trudging along, moving swiftly. Overwhelmed by the heat, he felt a tightness in his chest and was sweating profusely. He just happened to cross paths with Su Ming. He stopped in his tracks when he reached Su Ming''s side. ¡°How did it suddenly be so cool?¡± he wondered, blinking and scanning his surroundings. The bystanders heard him but were skeptical. The brother and sister looked so at ease, seemingly impervious to the heat. But this man was drenched in sweat; how could he feel cool? While the man was still perplexed, Su Ming had already moved on. The moment Su Ming left, the man was hit by a st of hot air. Shocked, he quickly moved forward a few steps. Drawing near to Su Ming once again, he instantly felt the coolness return. The man was baffled. Could Su Ming be an Air Conditioner Monster? He found it hard to believe. Regardless, he hurried to keep up with Su Ming! Whenever he was by Su Ming''s side, the heat seemed to dissipate. Thus, a devoted sidekick materialized in Su Ming''s shadow. Chapter 411 Chapter 411 - What Happened?? ¡°Third Brother, why the rush? You''re always the first to dig in when we eat.¡± Just then, a group of young guys dashed past Su Ming, heading straight for the muscr fellow trailing him. ¡°Why are you tailing him?¡± One of the young men approached, brow furrowed in confusion, and suggested, ¡°Let''s head for the shade of that tree. Although, it''s surprisingly cool right here!¡± Everyone within earshot was puzzled. It would be one thing if only one person made such ament, but with three echoing the same sentiment, it sparked confusion among the crowd. Were they trying to y a prank on everyone? Their skepticism was palpable. On this scorcher of a day, with the sun zing and ground temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius, it felt like it was over 40. And yet they imed it was cool behind this guy? Was he some kind of son of the sun? The onlookers were incredulous, and even the young men''s roommates were skeptical. Other guys chimed in, ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting?¡± They walked forward a few steps, only to stop dead in their tracks, astonished. ¡±It''s incredibly cool here.¡± ¡°See? I told you I wasn''t lying.¡± The group was amazed, sticking close to Su Ming as if they were his personal bodyguards. They were convinced that Su Ming was the reason for the unexpected chill. The surrounding crowd, overhearing these ims, paused, their skepticism giving way to curiosity. Some tentatively edged closer to Su Ming and to their amazement, it was indeed cooler. They eximed, ¡°It really is cooler here!¡± Hearing this, the rest of the crowd couldn''t resist and surged towards Su Ming. Su Ming watched the unfolding scene in astonishment. He had overheard the initial remarks, but had kept quiet, knowing the coolness was thanks to the bead. A refreshing bubble of cool air enveloped the space within a meter or two of him. A few people enjoying the relief was one thing, but now a throng was descending upon him. As Su Ming caught the eager gazes of those around him, a chill ran down his spine. He turned to address the crowd, only to jump in surprise as he found himself suddenly surrounded. Su Ming asked urgently, ¡°How much longer until we reach your ssroom?¡± ¡°It''s in Building One.¡± ¡°Run!¡± Grabbing Su Qiu''s hand, Su Ming sprinted off. Su Qiu was momentarily frozen in confusion. Why were they running? ncing back, she was astonished to see a crowd trailing them. She and Su Ming picked up the pace. The followers, realizing Su Ming had bolted, hastened their pursuit. Despite the sweltering heat, Su Ming and Su Qiu, having consumed the Body-stretching Pill, felt invigorated. Running was as effortless as drinking water, and the beads they wore shielded them from the heat. The others weren''t so fortunate. Many had neglected physical exercise since starting college, and their fitness had sharply declined, leaving them no match for Su Ming and Su Qiu''s stamina. A weary, overheated throng trailed Su Ming and Su Qiu, some doubled over, gasping for air. When they looked up again, Su Ming and Su Qiu had vanished into Building One. This incident gave rise to a new tale at Eastsea University about an air conditioner turning into a monster. An author even penned a book titled ¡°The Story Between Me and the Air Conditioner Monster.¡± Relieved to have lost the crowd, Su Ming took a deep breath. Years had passed since his graduation, but Building One seemed unchanged. He entered Su Qiu''s ssroom and found it sparsely popted, with only a few dozen students. Ye Guang, the principal, led several research teams. Though the teams operated independently and were strangers to one another, they sometimes convened for lectures, sharing amon interest in economics. The students appeared lethargic, fanning themselves incessantly, sweat beading on their foreheads. The electric fans offered a meager respite from the heat that still pervaded the ssroom. Su Qiu selected a row of seats and settled in, with Su Ming taking the seat beside her. As soon as they took their seats, those seated in front and behind them could immediately feel a drop in temperature. It was refreshingly cool. The others were somewhat bewildered. A flurry of footsteps approached the ssroom door, snapping everyone inside to attention. Checking the time, they realized ss would start in just over ten minutes. Chances were, Principal Ye was on his way. While everyone was eagerly anticipating, a figure entered through the ssroom door. The man appeared to be in his seventies, sporting sses and a whiteb coat, his walk marked by a slight shake. In his right hand, he carried a basket filled with various bottles and jars, and in his left, a book. But what truly stood out was his hair:rge, curly, and voluminous, resembling a sphere. He had even applied ck eyeshadow. This teacher had quite the sense of style. Despite his age, his attire was remarkably entric. Who could he be? Su Ming had met Principal Ye and knew this elderly gentleman wasn''t him. As Su Ming pondered the situation, a ssmate behind him uttered with a quiver, ¡°Oh no.¡± Su Ming paused, turning to see that the entire room was in shock. Wow! Their faces weren''t just stunned; they were ashen, their eyes vacant. Several students were even hastily packing their bags, ready to bolt. At that moment, the entrically dressed teacher set his belongings on the lectern, smiling at the students and announced, ¡°ss, let''s get ready to begin.¡± ¡°Today, I''ll be sharing insights into the chemical industry, focusing on the principles and production of explosives.¡± No sooner had the teacher spoken than two students toppled from their seats. Su Ming was baffled. What was going on? Aren''t they all economics students? Why were they suddenly in a chemical engineering lecture? Su Qiu was equally perplexed. She had never experienced anything like this before. ¡±Bro, what''s happening?¡± Su Ming whispered to a male student behind him. ¡°You don''t recognize him?¡± The student''s eyes bulged. ¡°It''s difficult to sum up in just a few words. Check the school forum, and you''ll understand.¡± Chapter 412 Chapter 412 - Professor Huang After the young man behind him finished speaking, he silently packed his belongings and took a seat in the back row, concealing himself behind the table. Su Ming pulled out his smartphone and logged into the school''s forum. As an alumnus of the school, he used to frequent the forum, but had ceased to do so since graduating. To his surprise, upon essing the forum, he noticed a pinned post at the top. ¡±Students, be alert. Avoid pornography, gambling, and drugs. Steer clear of Professor Huang!¡± Professor Huang? Su Ming paused, perplexed. He had never heard of Professor Huang before. Why did the students need to be so wary of him? With the multitude of colleges and departments within the university, students typically only recognized the faculty within their own majors. It was unrealistic for them to know every professor. Even Principal Ye couldn''t possibly know all the faculty members. Su Ming began to read the post. Emzoned on the cover were threerge exmation points: ¡°Warning to all, steer clear of Professor Huang!¡± Apanying the text was a photograph of Professor Huang. Professor Huang was the elderly man in the ssroom. Su Ming''s interest was piqued. What had Professor Huang done to instill such fear in the students? Su Ming discovered that the post wasn''t made by a student, but by the school itself! Su Qiu leaned in closer to Su Ming''s phone, scrutinizing the screen''s content. She quickly grasped the situation. Professor Huang was a venerable professor who had been specially recruited by the schoolst year. He enjoyed considerable renown domestically, with students scattered across the globe. Previously, he had been a professor at a university in the capital city. Due to health issues, he had returned to his hometown of Eastsea to recuperate. Last year, once his health had marginally improved, he decided to resume his research. Not wanting to work too far from home, he sought employment at Eastsea University. Principal Ye believed that having such a distinguished professor on staff was beneficial for the school. For one, it would enable the university to apply for more financially demanding projects, thereby securing additional funding. Furthermore, Professor Huang''s fame could potentially attract more applicants to Eastsea, increasing the pool of students from which the school could select, ultimately enhancing the caliber of its student body. It was undoubtedly a positive development. Subsequently, he gave his consent. When Principal Ye was in the process of transferring Professor Huang''s personal file to the university, he received a call from the staff at the university in Beijing. Their words were cryptic and loaded with significance. They were subtly suggesting that he reconsider allowing Professor Huang to join his school. Initially, Principal Ye assumed they were trying to retain Professor Huang and naturally, he was disinclined to agree. After Professor Huang joined the university, Principal Ye recognized his profound knowledge and dedication to learning. Despite being in his eighties, Professor Huang was relentlessly pursuing his research, but he was afflicted with Alzheimer''s disease. In essence, the condition had led to a decline in Professor Huang''s memory, impaired hismunication skills, reduced his mobility, and weakened his judgment. Truthfully, Alzheimer''s is umon in the scientificmunity due to the mental rigor maintained by many senior professors. Yet, this esteemed professor was an exception. As Professor Huang aged, he also became somewhat obstinate. Principal Ye suggested that Professor Huang take a break and stay at home instead of working, but Professor Huang refused. An expert in the field of chemical engineering, particrly in bomb-making, Professor Huang''s experiments frequently went awry due to the effects of Alzheimer''s, resulting in twoboratory explosions. His sses were also marred by numerous idental explosions. Principal Ye came to realize that the university staff in Beijing were not upset about losing Professor Huang, but were earnestly advising him. Thankfully, the explosives used in the experiments were of a very low quantity and not highly potent. Su Ming quickly grasped why the students in the room looked so pale and frightened, and why the student who had just spoken had taken refuge at the back of the ssroom. That student had no other option but to seek cover. Professor Huang was indeed a daunting figure. At the moment Su Ming looked up, he saw Professor Huang, with shaky hands, retrieve two test tubes. Professor Huang added some powder to one test tube and then a few drops of liquid to the other. ¡°Bombs y a significant role in our everyday lives,¡± Professor Huang continued, engrossed in his experiment. Holding one test tube, he was about tobine its contents with the other when suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached the door. Ye Guang entered, surveying the roomful of people with a look of contentment. ¡°You all arrived quite early,¡± he began, but his words were cut short when he caught sight of Professor Huang standing at the podium. ¡°No! Professor Huang!¡± he eximed, his eyes wide with rm. He tried to intervene, but as soon as he spoke, a loud explosion rang out. The room filled with dust, obscuring everyone''s vision. The students erupted into a fit of coughing. However, Su Ming and Su Qiu were unaffected, shielded by the Fire Repellent Beads they carried. Once the dust settled, they all saw Professor Huang clutching a test tube, his face a picture of confusion. His hair was caked with dust, and his face was ckened from the st. It dawned on Su Ming in that moment¡ªProfessor Huang''s peculiar appearance wasn''t intentional. His hairdo and the ck around his eyes were the result of the explosion! ¡°Professor Huang, didn''t I tell you to take a break?¡± Principal Ye burst in, his eyes bulging as he raised his voice. ¡°I''m not teaching today?¡± Professor Huang responded, clearly bewildered. ¡°Today''s a holiday! The entire school is on break!¡± Principal Ye was nearly at his wit''s end. He was looking at his students, whom he had painstakingly nurtured. The thought of them being injured by Professor Huang''s mishap was too much to bear¡ªnot only would their parents be up in arms, but their safety was his primary concern. They were the future of the nation, after all. ¡±Why are they here for ss on a holiday?¡± Professor Huang asked, blinking in confusion. Principal Ye had no answer to that. Indeed, why were the students there if the school was on break? ¡°They came for self-study, not for sses, right?¡± Principal Ye finally said, turning to address the students with a loud voice. ¡°Yes!¡± came the immediate response from the students below. ¡°Professor Huang, please, we''re begging you, just leave,¡± the students silently pleaded. Acknowledging their sentiment, Professor Huang nodded and apologized, ¡°Sorry, students. I''ll head to theb now.¡± ¡°Professor Huang, don''t go to theboratory,¡± Principal Ye implored, panic rising in his voice. Theboratory at Eastsea University was a national-level facility, and it had only recently been repaired after Professor Huang''sst ident. Principal Ye couldn''t bear the thought of it being destroyed once more. Principal Ye deeply regretted hiring Professor Huang. The explosions resulting from Professor Huang''s experiments were varied and numerous. Chapter 413 Chapter 413 - He Had Paid a Huge Price Principal Ye urged, ¡°Professor Huang, you really should head home and get some rest.¡± But Professor Huang was resolute in his refusal, ¡°No! I cannot rest. As a scientist, rest is not an option for me!¡± He was unwavering in his determination, unwilling to leave under any circumstances. At a loss for what to do next, Principal Ye wondered, ¡°Does he intend to level Eastsea before he''s satisfied?¡± Then, an idea struck Principal Ye, and he quickly suggested, ¡°Professor Huang, J City Polytechnic University has recently acquired a new set of equipment specifically for bomb research. Perhaps you could go there and check it out.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Professor Huang perked up at the news, ¡°Excellent! I''ll head over to J City Polytechnic University immediately!¡± With his explosive hairstyle and experimental apparatus in tow, Professor Huang hurried off like a gust of wind. Principal Ye finally breathed a sigh of relief. J City Polytechnic University was where Professor Huang had previously worked. Principal Ye thought to himself, ¡°My apologies to my colleagues at J City Polytechnic University, but I''m leaving Professor Huang in your capable hands. He''s your former colleague, so you''re likely more adept at handling him than I am.¡± Besides, Eastsea University was quite a distance from J City Polytechnic University. Professor Huang would need to fly to J City, a trip that would surely take him at least half a month round trip. With Professor Huang gone, Principal Ye felt an immense sense of relief wash over him. He approached the podium, smiling warmly at the students below, despite the dust-filled room and the charred tables. But Principal Ye wasn''t bothered; these were his students, after all. Addressing the students, he announced, ¡°Today, I have two matters to discuss with you. First, I will spend an hour introducing our next project topic, after which we''ll select the project team members. Then, you''ll have some free time. Secondly, I''d like to introduce a new student to you today.¡± With that, Ye Guang turned toward the door and beckoned, ¡°Please,e in.¡± As he finished his sentence, a young man strode into the room from outside. Tall and strikingly handsome, he carried an air of arrogance. With a frown, he dismissively waved away the dust floating before him, a look of displeasure on his face. Heined, ¡°Are domestic schools always this shabby? This ssroom is filthy. It doesn''t hold a candle to the ssrooms in B Country¡ªthey''re spotless and well-maintained. And why is it so hot in here? ssrooms in B Country are all air-conditioned.¡± The students seated below all subtly furrowed their brows upon hearing his remarks. Ye Guang, overhearing thements, gave a slight cough, his expression darkening, though a sense of resignation was evident. The young man was the son of Ye Guang''s old friend, who also happened to be one of the school''s benefactors. His friend was a wealthy businessman in the provincial city, and Ye Guang couldn''t risk offending him. The son had been studying in B Country but was expelled for hiszy habits. Leveraging his connections, Ye Guang''s friend managed to ce his son at Eastsea University, entrusting Ye Guang to look after him. Ye Guang had intended to introduce the young man to his students today, but instead, the neer had started off by unting his status. He seemed quite pleased with himself, boasting about his international studies and exuding an air of superiority. ¡°This is Ma Haoran. He was just making a few jokes. From now on, he will be joining us in our research,¡± Ye Guang announced, then turned to Ma Haoran, ¡°Please, go ahead and find a seat.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Ma Haoran responded nonchntly, his eyes arrogantly scanning over everyone. Then, his gaze brightened upon spotting Su Qiu. ¡°Such a beautiful girl,¡± he thought to himself. Ma Haoran straightened his attire and confidently approached, taking the seat beside Su Qiu. ¡°It''s much cooler here,¡± he said, beaming. ¡°Hello, my name is Ma Haoran. My family is quite wealthy. My father runs a multi-billion dor business in the provincial city. May I have the pleasure of your friendship?¡± He casually unted his wrist, adorned with a dazzling watch worth millions, and adjusted his clothes to showcase the designerbel. He was dressed in a limited edition Louis Vuitton outfit, an item of considerable value. By now, much of the dust in the room had settled. Ye Guang''s brow creased slightly as he watched Ma Haoran making advances towards Su Qiu. After all, he was the principal of the school. While he was delivering a speech at the podium, Ma Haoran had the audacity to chat up someone else. Ma Haoran had crossed the line. Just as Ye Guang was about to speak, he took a closer look at Su Qiu and realized she was Su Ming''s sister. Could Su Ming be here too? Ye Guang nced next to Su Qiu and there he was, Su Ming, lookingpletely unfazed. Principal Ye was astounded. Mr. Su was in attendance! Was Ma Haoran really trying to flirt with his sister right in front of Mr. Su? Ye Guang stepped forward, intending to descend from the podium, but then he caught Su Ming''s gaze. They exchanged looks, and Su Ming shook his head. Ye Guang froze. Did Su Ming not want him to disclose his identity? Ye Guang figured Ma Haoran was about to have a bad time. Su Qiu, feigning naivety, said, ¡°But I don''t know you.¡± Seeing that Su Qiu hadn''t outright rejected him, Ma Haoran became visibly excited. ¡°No worries, we''ll get to know each other in time. Are you free tonight? How about we go out for dinner? Don''t worry, you can pick any restaurant in Eastsea.¡± Ma Haoran believed money could win over any girl. Su Qiu nced at Su Ming, looking somewhat troubled, ¡°But I already have a boyfriend.¡± Upon hearing this, Ma Haoran''s brow furrowed as he turned to Su Ming. ¡°Kid, I''ll give you 500,000! Stay away from her from now on, got it?¡± Ma Haoran''s tone wasced with a threat. Principal Ye, overhearing this, couldn''t help but feel puzzled. What were Su Ming and his sister up to? Though Principal Ye couldn''t quite figure out their n, he was certain they intended to secretly deal with Ma Haoran. Principal Ye couldn''t help but rub his forehead, letting out a weary sigh. He silently apologized to Ma Haoran''s father, as he might not be able to protect Ma Haoran after all. Ma Haoran had managed to offend Su Ming, a man highly regarded by the influential families of the capital. He was not someone to be trifled with. Upon hearing Ma Haoran''s offer, Su Ming mmed his hand on the table and stood up. ¡°You think 500,000 yuan is enough to buy me off? Do you take me for a beggar? Let me tell you, I''ve got money too. I''ll give you 510,000 yuan to leave right now!¡± Upon hearing the challenge, Ma Haoran mmed his hand on the table and stood up. ¡°I''ll give you 1 million! Now get out of here!¡± ¡°I''ll give you 1.01 million yuan, and you''ll vanish from my sight immediately!¡± ¡°I''ll give you 2 million!¡± ¡°I''ll give you 2.01 million yuan!¡± The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes were fixed on Su Ming and Ma Haoran. The two wealthy individuals were on the verge ofing to blows over a woman. Yet, their curiosity was piqued about the identity of Su Ming. Members of the research team recognized each other, but Su Ming was a stranger to them. Principal Ye, standing at the podium, felt his anxiety intensify. He sensed that Ma Haoran was prepared to part with a hefty sum of money. Chapter 414 Chapter 414 - Acting ¡°I''ll pay three million!¡± ¡°I bid three million and ten thousand!¡± ¡°I bid five million!¡± ¡°I bid five million and ten thousand!¡± The two stood their ground, fiercely outbidding each other. Neither was willing to back down. The students around them were delighted by the spectacle. Many whipped out their phones to capture the moment, intending to share it online. Yet, Ye Guang was baffled. He had encountered Su Ming a few times. Despite Su Ming''s wealth and status, he was known for hisid-back demeanor, often appearing unbothered by most things. This side of Su Ming was new to Ye Guang. Furthermore, Su Qiu was Su Ming''s sister, not his girlfriend. Ye Guang pondered, ¡°What''s gotten into Mr. Su? He''s acting so out of character. Is he plotting something? He must beying a trap for Ma Haoran. This isn''t going to end well. Ma Haoran has really stepped in it now.¡± Ma Haoran scoffed, ¡°The clothes you''re wearing can''t be worth more than three hundred. Do you even have five million?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± replied Su Ming. ¡°Do you?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Ma Haoran boasted, thumping his chest. ¡°Our family''s assets are worth billions. I can easilye up with five million. But do you really have that much?¡± Su Ming chuckled, ¡°You doubt my word?¡± ¡°I most certainly do!¡± Ma Haoran was convinced Su Ming was all talk. ¡°But there''s a way to prove whether you have five million or not. Uncle Ye, do you know the school''s bank ount number?¡± Ma Haoran''s eyes locked onto Ye Guang. Ye Guang was momentarily taken aback, thinking, ¡°How did I get dragged into this? My luck is the worst.¡± He was, of course, aware of the school''s bank ount details. It was the repository for annual donations from alumni and phnthropic organizations. But Ye Guang hesitated to disclose the school''s bank ount to Ma Haoran, mainly because he was in the dark about Su Ming''s intentions and feared messing up his ns. Mulling it over, Ye Guang looked to Su Ming for guidance. Su Ming gave a reassuring smile and a subtle nod. Getting the signal, Ye Guang responded, ¡°Alright!¡± With a sense of urgency and utmost respect, Ye Guang approached. Ma Haoran watched the exchange, his demeanor growing even more smug. He thought proudly, ¡°Even the school principal shows me such deference. I''m truly incredible! Money really does make the world go round!¡± He was unaware that Ye Guang showed great respect to Su Ming, not to him. While Ma Haoran was still basking in his own arrogance, Ye Guang borrowed a pen and paper from a nearby student and jotted down the school''s ount number. ¡°You''ve got money, right? Transfer it to this ount,¡± Ma Haoran challenged, looking at Su Ming. Su Ming simply smiled. Five million yuan was nothing to him; he could easily produce a billion if needed. He took out his phone and dialed President Chen. President Chen answered immediately, eximing with delight, ¡°Mr. Su?¡± ¡°I need to make a transfer.¡± ¡°Of course! Just give me the ount number, and I''ll take care of it immediately!¡± Su Ming provided his ount details to President Chen. President Chen wasted no time, swiftly navigating the bank''s system to facilitate Su Ming''s request. Before Su Ming could even finish, President Chen had already input his ount number into the system. ¡°Mr. Su, how much are we transferring?¡± ¡°Five million yuan.¡± ¡°Done! Mr. Su, the funds have been transferred.¡± ¡°Great. Thank you.¡± With that, Su Ming ended the call. Moments after hanging up, Ye Guang received a text notification for the deposit of five million yuan. Ma Haoran, taken aback, thought, ¡°He actually has five million yuan.¡± Still, he didn''t see Su Ming as a threat. To him, Su Ming''s five million was trivial. His family''s wealth was in the billions. Despite a spending cap on his card, he could withdraw tens of millions. He scoffed to himself, ¡°How could this guy ever outmatch my wealth?¡± Ma Haoran let out a derisiveugh and upped the ante, ¡°I bid six million yuan!¡± ¡°I bid 6,010,000 yuan. Plus, I''m going to install an air conditioner in my girlfriend''s dorm room,¡± Su Ming countered. Su Qiu was overjoyed and said to Su Ming, ¡°I always knew you were the best to me!¡± Seeing Su Qiu''s jubnt reaction, Ma Haoran grew even more infuriated. He thought, ¡°All he did was put an air conditioner in your room, and you''re this thrilled? What''s so exciting about that? He''s no match for me! I''ll show you what real wealth looks like today!¡± Ma Haoran puffed out his chest, ¡°I''ll pay seven million yuan! And I''ll cover the cost of air conditioning for every girl''s dorm room!¡± As Ma Haoran''s words hung in the air, Su Qiu swiftly turned her head to look at him. Ma Haoran wasn''t bothered by Su Qiu''sck of cheering. He thought it was perfectly normal for Su Qiu not to cheer. After all, they had only just met, and Su Qiu, being a girl, was somewhat reserved. Yet, her eyes brimmed with admiration for him. Ma Haoran swelled with pride. He believed that his wealth had earned Su Qiu''s admiration. Perhaps, he mused, they might even make love tonight. ¡°I''ll give you 7.01 million yuan, and I''ll fit air conditioners in all the dormitories!¡± Su Ming wasn''t ready to concede, though his face betrayed a hint of nervousness. His expression seemed forced, his jaw clenched. To onlookers, it appeared he was pushing his limits. Seeing Su Ming''s strained face, Ma Haoran reveled in a sense of triumph. He was convinced Su Ming was on the verge of giving up. Inparison to him, Su Ming was insignificant. Hmph! ¡°I will donate ten million yuan to the school. I''ll ensure air conditioning is installed not only in every dormitory but in every ssroom of the teaching buildings as well!¡± Ma Haoran stood with his hands sped behind him, exuding arrogance. The students in the ssroom were taken aback by the windfall their school was receiving. They wished for such disputes to ur more often. At that moment, Su Ming''s face was pale, his teeth gritted, hands gripping the table tightly as he gasped for breath. If President Chen and the others were present, they would surely be apuding and giving him a thumbs-up for his impable performance! Su Ming appeared to be in a tight spot, his gaze darting around before he bit down hard and stamped his foot. ¡°I''ll offer 12 million yuan, and I''ll equip every room in the school with new air conditioners. I''ll also refurbish the school''s stadium and sports field!¡± To the others, it seemed Su Ming was at his breaking point, ying hisst card. ¡°Run out of money, have you? I''ll give 20 million RMB to the school. I will not only outfit every room with new air conditioners but also renovate the stadium and sports field. Moreover, I''ll assist in reconstructing the school za!¡± Ma Haoran was ted. Upon hearing this, Su Ming''s face flushed with a mix of emotion, as if he was on the verge of speaking but couldn''t find the words. Biting back his frustration, Su Ming challenged, ¡°I don''t believe you! There''s no way you have that much money! And what if you change your mind after making such a promise?¡± ¡°Change my mind? I never renege on a promise. Uncle Ye, I''m transferring twenty million yuan to your ount this instant! Installing air conditioning in all the school''s rooms, refurbishing the sports facilities, and reconstructing the za should be well covered with ten million yuan, right? That brings us to a grand total of thirty million RMB. I''m transferring the funds to you right now.¡± While he was talking, Ma Haoran pulled out his smartphone,unched the banking app, and proceeded to transfer thirty million yuan to the school''s bank ount. Chapter 415 Chapter 415 - Ma Haoran Had Suffered a Loss Ye Guang was astounded. Goodness, the school received 30 million yuan just like that? The school''s annual subsidy was barely over 10 million yuan. He was well aware of the scorching heat, both in the student dormitories and the ssrooms of the teaching buildings. Yet, with the school''s limited budget, he couldn''t afford to install air conditioning in every room. But now, he finally had the funds to equip both the school''s ssrooms and the student dormitories with air conditioning. The stadium''s stic track was in dire need of recement. He had been eager to rebuild it, but constructing a new sports field would cost millions of yuan. Now, he had the necessary funds to make it happen. The school''s za was expansive but had fallen into disrepair. He had long wished to renovate it, but previously, the funds were simply not avable. Now, that issue was resolved. The pressing concerns that weighed on his mind were suddenly taken care of. He hade to realize that this was Su Ming''s way of teaching Ma Haoran a lesson. Su Ming had cleverly provoked Ma Haoran''spetitive nature, coaxing him into parting with his money time and again. And Su Ming wasn''t alone; he had an aplice, Su Qiu. Her appearance was one of pure innocence. Her adoring gaze towards Ma Haoran had him utterly captivated. Su Ming and Su Qiu truly lived up to the Su family''s reputation. Their acting was impable. Upon seeing Ma Haoran transfer the money, Su Ming immediately regained hisposure: ¡°You win.¡± Ma Haoran, brimming with pride, burst intoughter. ¡°How about that? You concede defeat? You''re no match for me.¡± While speaking, Ma Haoran nced over at Su Qiu. Su Qiu, however, ignored him and instead addressed Su Ming, ¡°Brother, I''m a bit hungry. Let''s go grab something to eat.¡± Su Ming nodded with a smile and turned to Ye Guang, ¡°Principal Ye, may we take our leave?¡± Ye Guang nodded eagerly, ¡°Absolutely!¡± Su Ming inquired, ¡°We''re not causing any dys, are we?¡± Ye Guang assured him quickly, ¡°No, today''s lecture was mainly about the thesis topics for the seniors. Your sister is just a freshman; it''s not relevant to her. Later, I''ll upload some key papers to the discussion group, and she can download them from there.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°Then we''ll be on our way.¡± Ye Guang said in a rush, ¡°Mr. Su, please wait a moment. I''ll transfer your money back to you immediately.¡± ¡°There''s no need. Consider that money a donation. This school is my alma mater,¡± Su Ming replied, and began to head out with Su Qiu. Just then, Ma Haoran blurted out, ¡°Wait!¡± He was perplexed. He had won thepetition; he should have been the one to leave with Su Qiu. Why had things gone so awry? And if he hadn''t misheard, he thought Su Qiu had called Su Ming ¡®brother.'' They weren''t lovers; they were siblings. He suddenly realized he''d been duped by Su Qiu and Su Ming. He had spent 30 million yuan for nothing? He also picked up on the respectful tone Ye Guang used with Su Ming, indicating they knew each other well. So Ye Guang knew he was being yed and said nothing! Ma Haoran, mouth agape, pointed at Su Ming and Su Qiu. Su Ming looked at him, confused, and asked, ¡°What''s the matter?¡± Ma Haoran felt a rage burning inside him, but he was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, Ma Haoran managed to say, ¡°Didn''t you just say that if I won, you''d be my girlfriend?¡± Su Qiu looked bewildered. ¡°When did I say that?¡± She turned to the others in the room. ¡°Did I ever say that?¡± ¡°No!¡± came the unanimous response from the senior students. Ma Haoran''s frustration grew. He realized that from the beginning to the end, it had all been his own wishful thinking. Now it dawned on him that Su Ming and Su Qiu''s performance was all an act. Su Qiu''s admiration and distress were all pretense, designed to make him bid higher. It was all a trap set just for him. And Ma Haoran had beenpletely oblivious, arrogantly walking right into their snare. Ma Haoran was on the verge of tears. ¡°I just went abroad to study for a few years,¡± he thought to himself. ¡°I never imagined that my own countrymen could be so sly, setting a trap for me. So I''ve just thrown away thirty million yuan?¡± Looking dejected, Ma Haoran turned to Ye Guang and asked, ¡°Uncle Ye, is there no way to get my money back?¡± One should never act on impulse. Under normal circumstances, Ma Haoran would never dream of spending a fortune on a woman. But today, driven by the need to save face and unt his wealth, he had been seduced step by step into Su Ming''s snare. Reflecting on it now, he was filled with regret. If his father were to find out, a severe scolding would be the least of his worries. ¡°Ma Haoran is certainly loaded. He''s generously donated a hefty sum for the school''s development. I can''t hold a candle to him. But then again, his family''s business is worth billions. Dropping a mere thirty million yuan is just a drop in the bucket for him,¡± Su Ming remarked with a sly grin. Hearing this, Ma Haoran seethed with anger. He thought, ¡°Su Ming has crossed the line! What''s his endgame? Is he trying to trap me again? I won''t be duped this time.¡± In a rush, Ma Haoran blurted out, ¡°Uncle Ye, this amount is excessive. I can''t justify this to my father when I return home.¡± ¡°You should have mentioned that sooner. I''ve already transferred the funds to the logistics staff, instructing them to purchase air conditioners and hire contractors for the sports field and za. They''ve even finalized contracts with the vendors and paid out the money. Let''s see¡­ there''s still 300,000 yuan remaining. How about I transfer that amount to you?¡± Ye Guang suggested, his smile unwavering. Ma Haoran was dumbfounded. Ye Guang had moved too quickly. His money had been spent in the blink of an eye! He had just transferred the funds to the school''s ount a minute ago. Now, wanting to retrieve it, Ye Guang imed it was toote. How could this be? He had parted with 30 million yuan. Now, even if Ye Guang returned 300,000 yuan, it wouldn''t make a difference. Ma Haoran felt yed. It dawned on him that Ye Guang and Su Ming had conspired to ensnare him. He had been the butt of their joke all along, and only now did he realize he''d been swindled. He was on the verge of tears. Chapter 416 Chapter 416 - Top Grade Orchid Seeds Later on, word got out that after learning of the situation, Ma Haoran''s father insisted that he study at home. Indeed, Ma Haoran no longer needed to attend college, but his father had hired twelve tutors for him and also cut off his allowance. Now, Ma Haoran had only ten hours to rest each day, dedicating the remaining fourteen to his studies. He didn''t even get a break during the New Year. Ma Haoran endured a particrly bleak holiday. Meanwhile, Eastsea University underwent aplete renovation that year. The stic track was refurbished, and every dormitory and ssroom was outfitted with air conditioning. Furthermore, the university wasn''t concerned about the cost of electricity. As a prominent institution in Eastsea, a portion of its electricity bill was subsidized by the government. Besides, Young Master Ma had donated 30 million yuan, Su Ming had contributed 5 million yuan, the university had only spent 20 million yuan, leaving a surplus of 15 million yuan. This substantial amount was more than sufficient to cover the electricity expenses. Additionally, after the renovation of the university''s za, many local residents started enjoying evening strolls there. At the center of the za stood a stone monument engraved with the names of the donors. Su Ming topped the list of donors with a contribution of 35 million RMB. This wasn''t a case of Principal Ye deliberately ingratiating himself with Su Ming, nor was it Su Ming using underhanded tactics to garner unwarranted praise. It was at the request of Ma Haoran''s father, who didn''t want the Ma family to lose their dignity. The video recorded by Su Qiu''s upperssmen in the ssroom went viral online. Su Ming and Su Qiu''s scheme wasbeled as a masterss in deception. As a result, Su Ming''s reputation soared. Many were thankful to Su Ming, respectfully referring to him as Mr. Su. After leaving the ssroom, Su Ming and Su Qiu weren''t particrly hungry, having had breakfast earlier. However, Su Qiu was eager to leave, fearing she might burst intoughter if she stayed any longer, which would be inappropriate given the solemnity of the asion. They meandered around the campus until noon, when they finally headed to the cafeteria for lunch. Su Qiu received a phone call, bid farewell to Su Ming, and rushed off to theb. Meanwhile, Su Ming drove home by himself. After parking his car, Su Ming headed back to the yard. He washed his face at the sink before going inside to change into more practical work clothes. He then made his way to the warehouse, a sizable space with a central aisle nked by stacks of seeds and fertilizer. With a bucket in his right hand and a rag in his left, Su Ming was ready to give the warehouse a thorough cleaning. The warehouse corner was cluttered with misceneous items. He set the bucket down, tossed the rag into it, and grabbed a broom to start sweeping away the dust. Out of the blue, Su Ming stumbled upon a swollen stic bag. He paused, opened it, and found it contained seeds. It dawned on him that these were the seeds President Chen had given him, some of which were even glowing. Su Ming smacked his forehead in disbelief; he hadpletely forgotten about these valuable seeds and had carelessly left them in the warehouse. He retrieved the seeds and, upon scanning them, discovered two vibrant green ones. They were Top Grade orchid seeds. Su Ming recalled Yuvyuv''s advice to not rush and to wait for the System to upgrade before doing anything with the seeds. Now he understood the reason. The Top Grade orchid seeds were Level Two seeds, a truly fine find! While not numerous, they were exceedingly valuable. After the lengthy System upgrade, Su Ming had only managed to acquire two Level Two crops: Excellent Bananas and Silken Cabbage. Though these crops yielded high-quality produce, the quantities were limited. Su Ming decided to wait until his six-acre plot was upgraded before nting the two Top Grade orchid seeds. He was curious about what they would eventually grow into. He ced the rest of the orchid seeds in a nearby bag of fertilizer. The two Top Grade seeds, however, he wrapped with care and gently slipped into his pocket. Su Ming resumed his work, cleaning the warehouse from top to bottom. He tidied up the yard as well, ensuring that the weeds along the pathway werepletely removed. Before he knew it, the sky had begun to darken. Su Ming stretchednguidly. After rinsing his hands and feet at the tap, he made his way cheerfully toward the herding area. The sheep were likely ready for harvest. He was eager to see what treasures this round would yield. The herding area had undergone an upgrade to Level Two, enhancing both the fence and the pasture. Gone was the old, rickety wooden fence, reced by sturdy, fresh timber. The verdant grass shimmered with a vibrancy that surpassed its former state. Su Ming pushed open the gate and entered. The two sheep, upon spotting him, trotted over excitedly, nuzzling him with their heads. Su Ming blinked in amusement. Thest time, he had to milk the cows; was he expected to milk again? He nced down discreetly and breathed a sigh of relief¡ªboth sheep were rams. In his mind, Su Ming inquired, ¡°Yuvyuv, how do I go about harvesting these sheep?¡± Yuvyuv responded telepathically, ¡°Master, you need to collect their wool.¡± Su Ming had an epiphany, chiding himself for not realizing the obvious. After all, what else would one harvest from sheep but their wool? Yet, he had never sheared sheep before, only having witnessed the process on television. The sheepypliantly on a designated workbench, where a worker with deft hands and electric shears could shear a sheep in mere minutes. Although Su Mingcked the experience and the electric shears¡ªand had no desire to purchase them¡ªhe figured that regr scissors should suffice for shearing. With that thought, Su Ming dashed to his bedroom and grabbed a gleaming pair of scissors. Approaching one of the sheep, he gently stroked its head. ¡°I''m a novice at this,¡± he told the sheep, ¡°so you''ll need to be patient with me. And if I identally cause you any difort, please forgive me.¡± As if understanding his plea, the sheep stood still, perfectly behaved. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Su Ming reached for the sheep''s fleece. It was soft and plush, a delight to the touch. He carefully lifted a clump of wool and snipped it with the scissors. With a crisp sound, the wool was severed. The moment itnded in Su Ming''s hands, it began to squirm, transforming into a scrumptious-looking pink cotton candy. ¡±Ding! Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the Silent Marshmallow. Consuming this marshmallow will ensure that you won''t make a single sound, no matter what actions you take, for one full hour. It''s an essential item for anyone nning a burry or a stealthy roadside theft!¡± Su Ming nearly choked on his own disbelief upon hearing the System''s announcement. He was no stranger to the System''s oundish statements. However, Su Ming couldn''t deny the marshmallow''s appeal. But what was the System implying with suggestions of breaking and entering ormitting roadside robbery? Su Ming mused to himself, ¡°I''m aw-abiding citizen of the 21st century, aren''t I? I can recite the values of patriotism, dedication, integrity, and kindness like the back of my hand. Plus, with the amount of money I have in my bank ount, I have no need for such sordid activities. What a ludicrous thought!¡± Chapter 417 Chapter 417 - You Really Are a Fool Su Ming rubbed his nose and tossed the marshmallows into the pocket he had prepared earlier. As Su Ming sheared the wool, he noticed that cutting more wool resulted in arger marshmallow, while cutting less produced a smaller one. Furthermore, he could split the marshmallow to adjust its duration of effect based on its size. The Silent marshmallow''s effectsted a minimum of one minute. Holding anotherrge clump of cotton candy, Su Ming pondered for a moment. He then gently tore off a small piece and popped it into his mouth. Delicious! Unlike ordinary cotton candy, which is made from refined sugar and can make one feel sick if eaten in excess, this marshmallow was not only sweet but also refreshingly cool. It was sweet without being greasy. Su Ming nodded in approval. Aside from its unique function, this cotton candy made a great snack for idle moments. Having already indulged, Su Ming decided to test its capabilities. He wondered how he should proceed when suddenly, his phone rang. Checking the caller ID, he saw it was a spam call. The moment Su Ming touched the phone, it muted itself, leaving him quite astonished. Answering the call, a menacing voice on the other end demanded, ¡°You''re Su Ming, right?¡± Su Ming was taken aback¡ªhow did this person know his name? Then it dawned on him; it wasn''t umon for telpanies topromise their customers'' privacy. ¡°Yes, that''s me,¡± Su Ming responded. But it seemed the caller hadn''t heard him and repeated the threat. ¡°Listen, don''t think your silence will stop me. My son¡ªno, your son has been kidnapped! Prepare 1 million RMB for his ransom immediately, or I''ll kill him.¡± Son? Su Ming paused, perplexed. He wasn''t even aware he had a son; after all, he was still a virgin. Were people still using such antiquated scams? Su Ming replied, ¡°I don''t have a son.¡± The person on the other end of the line continued to bellow, ¡°Are you giving us the silent treatment? Can''t you hear me talking? Don''t act like you didn''t hear me. If you don''t cough up a million yuan, I''ll kill your son.¡± Su Ming responded with resignation, ¡°I did speak to you; it''s just that you couldn''t hear me.¡± Suddenly, Su Ming felt as though he was in a single-yer video game, conversing with a non-yer character. ¡°I get it. The amount I''m asking for is too much for you to handle, isn''t it?¡± ¡°Fine, I can lower the price.¡± ¡°A final offer! 500,000 is the absolute minimum!¡± The voice on the other end softened noticeably. Su Ming was taken aback by the other party''s willingness to negotiate. Then it dawned on him: since the person on the other end couldn''t hear him, he could say whatever he wanted, right? Cautiously, Su Ming tested the waters, ¡°Son?¡± No sooner had he spoken than the person on the other end responded promptly, ¡°Yes.¡± How did the person on the other end hear his voice? And he even confirmed that he was his son. That was utterly absurd. ¡°I''ve already shown you my good faith. Fine, I won''t take 500,000 yuan, but surely you can afford to give me 100,000 yuan, can''t you?¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. This scammercked any semnce of professionalism. The voice on the phone prattled on, ¡°Bro, don''t tell me you don''t even have 100,000 RMB? How about 20,000 RMB then? Life isn''t easy for me out here.¡± Su Ming stroked his chin and then dered, ¡°You''re a scoundrel!¡± The person on the other end kept babbling away. They still couldn''t hear Su Ming. Su Ming wasn''t one to curse others. But these con artists deserved a good tongueshing! Since the scammer couldn''t hear him, Su Ming decided to sharpen his verbal skills. He unleashed a torrent of expletives. The price had even dropped to 200 RMB. ¡°Brother, surely you have 200 RMB, right?¡± ¡°Why not consider this money aspensation for the time you''ve spent on the phone with me?¡± ¡°Why don''t you just give me 100 yuan? I could use that money to grab some barbecue and a few beers, sound good?¡± ¡°Huh? Are you still cursing at me?!¡± Su Ming was taken aback; he hadn''t expected the scammer on the other end of the line to hear his words. He had only consumed a bit of the Silent Marshmallow. But its effectssted a mere minute. He had forgotten that detail. Clearing his throat, Su Ming said, ¡°Look, I know it''s tough for you too. Send me your ount details, and I''ll wire you some cash.¡± ¡°Really?¡± A voice brimming with surprise echoed from the phone. ¡°Really.¡± ¡°Great! Hold on, I''ll send you the ount number right away.¡± And with that, the call ended. Soon after, Su Ming received a bank ount number. He noted it down and immediately called President Chen to help him investigate. Despite having finished his workday, President Chen didn''t hesitate to head straight to the bank after Su Ming''s call. To his surprise, he made a discovery! Typically, fraud rings use virtual ounts for their schemes, making it impossible for their victims to track them down. But this individual had used their actual personal information to try to defraud Su Ming. Su Ming couldn''t help but smile at the scammer''s foolishness. Next, he briefed Captain Wu on the situation. Captain Wu was equally astonished; he too hadn''t anticipated the scammer''s blunder of using real personal details. Captain Wu was confident that he could easily wrap up the task Su Ming had handed him. Without dy, he contacted the police department local to the bank card. The foolish scammer, ted after the call, thought telmunication fraud was a breeze. He believed he had nailed it on his first attempt. Then, he received a bank notification. To his astonishment, he had only received a single cent! While he was still confused, his door was abruptly kicked in. The police rushed in and swiftly apprehended the scammer. He was dumbfounded. ¡°My God! Are the police always this fast? How are they so efficient? I barely started my first deal, and they''ve caught me. I thought everything was perfect,¡± he thought remorsefully, vowing never to engage in illegal activities again. Moreover, while marveling at the might of the imperial court''s police, he was desperate to understand why he was caught. After all, he had spent ages talking to Su Ming, even enduring a scolding, only to end up with a single cent, shiny handcuffs, and a five-year sentence. He had seen others make millions from online scams. It was all lies! All of it! Those damned deceivers, deceiving even their own kind! In the end, the fool remained clueless about his capture, even after his release from prison. Chapter 418 Chapter 418 - The Mature Loach Su Ming hung up the phone and continued his work in the field. Initially, his shearing was clumsy, but he quickly became adept at it. Before long, he had filled two bags with cotton candy. This cotton candy, a product of the System, was unlike the usual kind¡ªit wasn''t sticky or prone to melting. It was as fluffy as actual cotton. In under two hours, Su Ming had sheared the wool from two sheep, amassing a total of four bags of cotton candy. He decided to keep one bag of cotton candy and exchange the other three for points. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on sessfully exchanging for points. You have earned 300 points!¡± Su Ming used these 300 points to upgrade the Level Two pasture to a Level Three pasture. ¡°Pasture is upgrading. Time required for upgrade: 24 hours!¡± Su Ming also reimed the two sheep, earning an additional 200 points. To upgrade to a Level Three fence, he needed 300 points, but Su Ming only had 240 herding points, leaving him 60 points short. After some thought, Su Ming decided there was no rush. He would consider upgrading the fence after the next harvest. Since the pasture was in the process of upgrading from Level Two to Level Three, he couldn''t nt new grass for the time being. Su Ming stored a bag of cotton candy in the hallway and then headed directly to the aquatic product area. Ten mature loaches swam back and forth in the water. Dressed in his water gear and armed with a fishing, Su Ming dove into the water. He carefully scooped up a loach. It was an ordinary, long, and slippery creature, but as Su Ming lifted it out of the water, it transformed into a Crackled Electronic Cigarette, and the System''s notification chimed in. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on obtaining the Crackled Electronic Cigarette! This electronic cigarette offers supreme enjoyment and features an electric shock function. It can render a person unconscious instantly, without pain or side effects. This electronic cigarette is for the Host''s use only!¡± At first, Su Ming was curious about what made this electronic cigarette special. But upon hearing the full exnation, he realized its value. In the face of danger, this electronic cigarette could be his ticket to a swift and safe escape. Su Ming pondered for a moment and decided to keep five Crackled Electronic Cigarettes: one for his mother, one for his sister, one for his future wife, one for his future mother-inw, and one for his future daughter. Suddenly, he wondered what he would do if he had a son in the future. His solution was simple: he would find two more wives, confident that at least one of them would bear him a daughter. Su Ming scooped up some loaches and exchanged five of them for points. ¡°Congrattions, Host, you have sessfully exchanged for points. You have earned 500 points!¡± Su Ming was pleasantly surprised; he hadn''t anticipated receiving so many points. The wooden house in the aquatic product area had been upgraded to Level Three, making it incredibly sturdy. Iron windows and doors had been installed, and an iron fence now surrounded the area. The pond itself had undergone a transformation, bing much more refined. Furthermore, the equipment had been upgraded to Level Two. Perhaps this was the reason why five loaches could be exchanged for 500 points. After checking the points in the aquatic product area, Su Ming immediately upgraded the wooden house to Level Four and the equipment to Level Three. ¡°The wooden house is currently upgrading. Time required for upgrade: 24 hours!¡± ¡°Equipment is currently upgrading. Time required for upgrade: 36 hours!¡± Su Ming noted that the higher the equipment level, the longer the upgrade time required. Upgrading the ntation area was challenging and demanded a significant number of points, but the output was of high quality and quantity. On the other hand, the other three areas were easier to upgrade, though the quality of their yield was more average. Su Ming spected that this might be connected to the animals he was raising, as he had only been farming ordinary species so far. Moreover, the System had yet to introduce any high-level items. Nevertheless, Su Ming was not worried; his expertisey in cultivation. He ced a greater emphasis on the produce from the ntation area. After leaving the aquatic product area, he set the five electronic cigarettes beside the marshmallows and then made his way to the breeding zone. Upon inspection, he saw that the bamboo rats were not yet mature. Carrying his items, Su Ming returned to the vi, carefully storing the electronic cigarettes and marshmallows. He then fetched a hotpot meal from the kitchen, savoring it along with a refreshing beverage. Satisfied and content, he settled down to immerse himself in video games. At midnight, Su Ming logged onto the online mall, and was greeted by a burst of dazzling green. A Level Two crop had just been listed! Upon closer inspection, Su Ming realized it was the Dangerous Sweet Potato from the ntation area. He paused, finding the name of the nt oddly peculiar. Could the Dangerous Sweet Potato actually be a bomb once it matured? Nevertheless, Su Ming didn''t dwell on it too much. He trusted that the System would protect him. Regardless of the potential dangers of his crops, they would cause him no harm. There were only ten Dangerous Sweet Potatoes avable. Each one was priced at 200,000 points. Without hesitation, Su Ming purchased all ten seeds. He browsed the other sections of the mall, noting that the rest of the items were quite mundane. He picked up a few things at random. After shopping, Su Ming turned in for the night. He slept in until the sun was high in the sky. Groggily, he opened his eyes and made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. Settling onto the sofa, he checked his phone and realized it was already noon. He stretched leisurely. Something then jogged his memory. If he wasn''t mistaken, hisnd should have finished upgrading. In a rush, Su Ming dashed to his fields and, as expected, found that his six acres had been upgraded. It was perfect timing, as he had just acquired the Dangerous Sweet Potato the night before. Su Ming headed straight for the farm equipment and began plowing with determination. He meticulously cleared the weeds from the ntation area, then got down to the business of nting. He nted two Top Grade orchids and the ten Dangerous Sweet Potatoes, adhering to the rule of two crops per acre, which meant even lower nting density this time. Would these crops yield something extraordinary? Su Ming was hopeful. He watered the soil and scattered Blessing Potion over it, a practice he had always followed. Whether this ritual would enhance the chances of yielding Top Grade crops, Su Ming couldn''t be certain. But he couldn''t deny that his recent harvests had been quite rewarding. Once the watering and fertilizing wereplete, Su Ming dusted off his hands with a sense of aplishment. ¡°The Dangerous Sweet Potato has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± ¡°The Top Grade Orchid has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± The System''s alert echoed in his mind. Three days to maturity? Moreover, he noted that after watering and fertilizing, there was no indication that the maturation time for the crops had been reduced. Perhaps these crops are truly something special! Su Ming wasn''t in any rush. Once his work was done and he found himself with nothing left to tackle, he sped his hands behind his back, ready to take a leisurely stroll. It was, after all, a rare slice of free time for him. Chapter 419 Chapter 419 - You Stepped on My Feet The area around the Guoxing Building was bustling as usual. People scurried by with stern faces, some engrossed in phone calls, others sipping coffee. The crowd was sizable. As Su Ming meandered about, a sedan sped toward him from a distance. Startled, Su Ming thought about the wide street and how the car was barreling straight for him. Perhaps the driver was the same person who had called him the day before. In a panic, Su Ming darted behind a tree, fearing an impending collision and hoping the tree would shield him. He was young, unmarried, and certainly not ready to die. Lost in these thoughts, the car came to an abrupt halt right before him. The door swung open, and an elderly face emerged. A figure hurried toward Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve missed you terribly!¡± the man eximed. Su Ming was taken aback. He did not recognize the man and was puzzled about his identity. ¡°Mr. Su, I am the principal of the J City Music Academy. My name is Cui Pingzhang,¡± the man said, his eyes brimming with excitement. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he gripped Su Ming''s hands firmly. Su Ming paused, unsure of how to react. ¡°Mr. Su, forgive me. It''s just that Shen recently showed me a video of you making music with leaves. Your performance was wless. You truly captured the essence of music''s beauty!¡± Su Ming blinked in surprise. ¡°This isn''t ttery; it''s heartfelt praise. You''ve attained the musical pinnacle I''ve sought my entire life. It''s unbelievable!¡± Su Ming tried to interject. ¡°I know what you''re about to say. I promise not to take up too much of your time. I just have a few longstanding questions, and I''m hoping you can provide the answers.¡± ¡°Stop!¡± Su Ming had reached his limit. ¡°These are minor issues. Could you please step back? You''re standing on my foot. I''m wearing cloth shoes, and it''s quite painful.¡± Su Ming said, his eye twitching in difort. Despite Cui Pingzhang''s age and slight build, his weight was significant, and Su Ming''s foot throbbed under the pressure. Hearing this, Cui Pingzhang nced down at his feet. Cui Pingzhang identally stepped on Su Ming''s foot with hisrge foot. At first, Cui Pingzhang was puzzled by the unusual softness of the floor tile, only to realize he had actually stepped on Su Ming''s foot. ¡°Mr. Su, I am truly sorry!¡± Cui Pingzhang hastily apologized. ¡°There''s no need for an apology; I''m not upset. But could you please move your foot?¡± Su Ming responded. Regaining hisposure, Cui Pingzhang quickly moved his foot away. ¡°Mr. Su, do you have a moment?¡± inquired Cui Pingzhang. Su Ming nodded, ¡°Yes, I''m free now.¡± He hadpleted all his tasks and had no pressing matters at hand. ¡°Mr. Su, could you possibly answer a few questions for me?¡± ¡°Certainly.¡± Su Ming recognized that Director Cui held a prestigious position as the dean of the finest music academy in the imperial court. His domestic standing was likely on par with Dean Shen''s, yet he remained a humble schr. He was fullymitted to his studies and the quest for superior music. He deserved admiration. ¡°Mr. Su, would you apany me somewhere?¡± Su Ming gave a nod of agreement. They both entered the car and drove off. During the ride, Cui Pingzhang gazed at Su Ming with a simple, yet broad smile on his face. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°Director Cui, can''t you contain yourughter?¡± He had even noticed chives stuck in Director Cui''s mrs. Still smiling, Cui Pingzhang gingerly pulled an object from his pocket. Su Ming saw it was a leaf. He immediately grasped Cui Pingzhang''s intention: he wanted Su Ming to y a tune on the leaf. ¡°Mr. Su, could you y another piece? I''ll make sure topensate you.¡± ¡°I have a small gift for you that I hope you''ll ept,¡± Cui Pingzhang said as he retrieved a card from his pocket. He ced the card into Su Ming''s hand. Upon inspection, Su Ming noticed it was a card adorned with a musical note in the top right corner. It read Supreme Membership Card of Music Association. ¡°Mr. Su, this is the imperial court''s Music Association''s supreme membership card.¡± ¡°Currently, only six individuals in the entire imperial court possess this card.¡± ¡°As long as the grand theater or music theater buildings have musical note icons, you, your family, and friends can freelye and go with this membership card.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, to speak frankly, in the imperial court, any grand theater or music theater with a bit of renown is a member of the Music Association.¡± ¡°With this card, you can use the VIP entrance to enter the Grand Theater or Music Theater at no cost, and once inside, you can enjoy top-tier VIP services, including the best box seats andplimentary beverages.¡± Worried that Su Ming might not be pleased, Cui Pingzhang quickly rified. Su Ming was taken aback. Though the Supreme Membership Card seemed of little use to him, it would be beneficial for his family. His father was an avid fan of opera, particrly passionate about Peking Opera and local drama. With this card, his father could attend any opera performance he wished. Yet, Su Ming''s father was still rtively young and had no desire to leave his hometown. Having worked hard his entire life, Su Ming''s father found it difficult to retire. Therefore, the Supreme Membership Card wasn''t immediately necessary for Su Ming''s father, but that didn''t mean it wouldn''t be valuable in the future. When Su Ming''s father grew older, he could use the Supreme Membership Card to enjoy opera every day. Su Ming found the idea quite appealing. ¡°Thank you, Director Cui. I gratefully ept your gift,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°It''s my pleasure; it''s the least I could do,¡± Director Cui replied. He was overjoyed to see Su Ming ept his gift. Director Cui also breathed a sigh of relief. He recognized that Mr. Su was no ordinary man. If it had been amon gift, Su Ming would not have given it a second thought. But Director Cui was known for his integrity. With a modest sry, part of which he donated to support students, he couldn''t affordvish gifts. Truthfully, even if Director Cui had purchased expensive items, they wouldn''t have caught Mr. Su''s eye. After much deliberation, Director Cui realized the only suitable gift he could offer was the Supreme Membership Card. He had been anxious that Su Ming might refuse his present, but thankfully, Mr. Su had graciously epted it. Director Cui finally felt at ease, his shirt sticking to his back with sweat. If Su Ming were to refuse the gift, Director Cui would find it too awkward to even ask for Su Ming''s assistance. ¡°Could you do me a favor, then?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Su Ming picked up the leaf, inhaled deeply, and was just about to blow. ¡°Hold on a second!¡± Cui Pingzhang suddenly recalled something. Cui Pingzhang quickly extended his hand and pressed a nearby button. There was a mechanical noise. The passageway between the back seat and the trunk unexpectedly opened. Chapter 420 Chapter 420 - Are You Going to Take Off?? Su Ming turned around to find himself staring at a recording device, and not just any device¡ªit was top-of-the-line. This setup must have cost at least a million yuan, and it even had the capability to eliminate background noise. Cui Pingzhang reached under the car hood and pulled down a curtain. To Su Ming''s surprise, the curtain was thick, clearly designed for excellent soundproofing. ¡°Not bad,¡± Su Ming mused. ¡°This is practically a recording studio.¡± ¡±Mr. Su, please, this way,¡± Cui Pingzhang invited. With everything in ce, Cui Pingzhang breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow as he looked at Su Ming with anticipation. Picking up a leaf, Su Ming knew that ying a tune with it would be a breeze for him. The real question was, what tune should he choose? After a moment of contemtion, inspiration struck. He recalled a piece of music he had heard and particrly enjoyed while watching a video the day before¡ªthe Dawn Dreamtale. Closing his eyes, he could almost see an epic battle unfolding as the music yed. Without hesitation, Su Ming decided to perform this very piece. He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and gently ced the leaf to his lips. With a soft exhale, the music began to flow. The Dawn Dreamtale, the theme song from Warcraft 3, left asting impression on anyone who heard it. It told the story of the Undead Race¡ªtheir dark faith, their thirst for power, their devotion to evil, and their aspiration to dominate the world. Members of the Undead Race carried noble blood, seeing their fall from grace as a badge of honor, immortal in their glory. The song was grand and stirring, capable of igniting a fiery passion within the listener. Cui Pingzhang waspletely transfixed. As a seasoned academic, he wasn''t one to engage in games like Warcraft, but the music spoke to him, conveying emotions that transcended the game itself. His eyes began to glisten with emotion, a testament to the power of music. The song was a vessel of countless emotions, inviting its audience to lose themselves in its narrative, as if they were part of a grand and atmospheric battle. Cui Pingzhang felt as though he was in the midst of an epic conflict, visualizing two races locked in fiercebat amidst a vast battlefield shrouded in smoke. He could also picture a tranquil scene after a storm, where vigers rxed on the grasnds under a clear sky¡ªthe men hunting, the women weaving, and the children at y, all exuding an air of peace and serenity. Cui Pingzhang was utterly captivated by the music. Suddenly, a loud bang erupted. The car jolted violently, and the music came to an abrupt halt. ¡°What''s going on?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Su Ming''s body had been enhanced, so any collision wouldn''t cause him significant harm. But it was a different story for Cui Pingzhang. Already lost in the music and being of advanced age with frail health, the jolt nearly caused him injury! Cui Pingzhang clutched his head and stumbled out of the car. Su Ming exited the vehicle to inspect the damage. They were both utterly shocked. Their car had collided with a police cruiser. Su Ming wondered, ¡°What in the world happened?¡± A policeman emerged from the cruiser, his face clouded with anger. He berated them, ¡°Were you trying to take flight? Driving at 150 kilometers per hour in the city center! What were you thinking? Thank goodness it''s not rush hour. Had there been an ident, could you have handled the consequences?¡± As a veteran traffic officer, he had apprehended drunk drivers, those who obscured their license tes, unlicensed drivers, and speeders. Yet, he had never encountered someone driving at such an extreme speed. Had the driver been speeding on the highway, he wouldn''t have been as infuriated. He would have simply applied the trafficws and penalized the driver. But to speed like that in the city center was outrageous! It was fortunate he managed to intercept the driver in time; otherwise, a serious ident could have urred. Suddenly, several motorcycles sped up from behind, encircling Su Ming''s car. ¡°How could you possibly drive this car at 150 kilometers per hour?¡± ¡°Man, what''s the rush driving so fast?¡± ¡°Why are you speeding like this?¡± The traffic officers were visibly upset. They had chased the car at top speed on their motorcycles but couldn''t keep up. If not for their high-quality government-issued vehicles, they wouldn''t have been able to intercept the car at all. The driver was mortified. He stuttered and struggled to articte aplete sentence. ¡°What''s going on?¡± Cui Pingzhang was also fuming. He had been in the midst of recording music for Mr. Su, fully immersed in the experience, only to be rudely interrupted by the driver''s antics. Cui Pingzhang was puzzled. His driver had been with him for many years, consistently demonstrating excellent driving skills. An incident like this was unprecedented; the driver had a spotless record, never once having run a red light. What could have possibly happened? Under the intense scrutiny of the traffic police and Cui Pingzhang''s pressing questions, the driver''s gaze shifted slowly to Su Ming. Su Ming was taken aback, thinking to himself, ¡°Why is he looking at me? I have nothing to do with this.¡± ¡°Officer, I apologize. I''ve been driving for over two decades and have never once vited a trafficw,¡± the driver exined. ¡°But the music that Mr. Su was ying in the car was so captivating that it sent my pulse racing and my adrenaline surging.¡± ¡°Without realizing it, I pressed harder on the elerator, which ultimately led to speeding,¡± he admitted, bowing his head in shame. Su Ming was surprised to learn that the driver had sped up for such a reason. Cui Pingzhang, equally astonished, thought to himself, ¡°I forgive you. I would have done the same. It''s like the volunteer soldiers of the past who, upon hearing the charge, would fight with doubled strength and vanquish their enemies with valor. That''s the power of music.¡± The traffic officers found the excuse quite unusual. In their years of service, they had encountered speeders who feigned ignorance or reveled in racing, but never someone who imed to have been moved by music. Despite the driver''s imusible excuse, Cui Pingzhang noticed the officers'' skepticism and quickly interjected, ¡°Officers, please hold on a moment.¡± He then produced a recording device and yed the music right there. Even though the recording couldn''t capture the full essence of the live performance, the music still left the officers profoundly moved. Their spirits ignited, they eximed, ¡°We believe you!¡± ¡°I feel like catching some criminals right now!¡± ¡°However, even though we believe you, we must still issue a penalty for your speeding, as required byw.¡± The officers, while sympathetic to the driver''s unique excuse, knew they had to follow protocol and address the speeding vition. The driver, epting the situation, remained silent, his head bowed. He had vited thew, so it was only right that he faced the consequences. Yet, Su Ming felt somewhat sheepish. He reflected, ¡°Even though I didn''t intend for this to happen, the driver was indeed affected by my music.¡± Su Ming approached and said, ¡°My apologies, officer. We''ve inconvenienced you. I''m partly responsible for this incident. I''ll donate a few cars to the police station to help make your job of catching criminals easier.¡± Su Ming genuinely felt a bit remorseful. One of the officers responded, ¡°There''s no need. We''re just doing our job.¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, ¡°No worries. Supporting your efforts is a duty of every taxpayer.¡± ¡°Hmm? You look so familiar. Ah, it''s you, Mr. Su! Colleagues, this is the Mr. Su I always talk about.¡± ¡°So you''re Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr. Su.¡± Several other officers came over to warmly greet Su Ming. ¡°If Mr. Su is offering to donate vehicles, we''ll dly ept.¡± A traffic officer, who appeared to be a captain, scratched his head with a bashful grin and said. ¡°It''s no trouble at all; it''s the least I can do.¡± Su Ming added. Chapter 421 Chapter 421 - There Were a Lot of Onlookers Su Ming promptly called the owner of the 4S store, instructing him to select several cars for the traffic police without worrying about the cost. The 4S store owner agreed enthusiastically, and the deal was settled in under ten minutes. The driver, having been caught speeding, had 12 points deducted from his license on the spot. Luckily, it wasn''t a more serious issue, or he would have faced detention. He stayed put, awaiting the arrival of the insurance agent. Su Ming and Cui Pingzhang hailed a cab and headed straight to the hotel where Cui Pingzhang was staying. Despite being the dean of an academy, Cui Pingzhang was remarkably frugal. He opted not to stay in a luxurious five-star hotel, but rather in a very modest one. As they exited the taxi, Su Ming and Cui Pingzhang chatted while entering the hotel, just in time to see a young man and woman descending the stairs. The pair appeared to be in their twenties. The woman was quite attractive with a good figure, standing out in a crowd. However, she paled inparison to Xiao Ke''er, who was of noble lineage and possessed an innate elegance that money simply couldn''t buy. Few women in the entire imperial court could match her grace. The man was quite average-looking, somewhat short and slightly overweight, with his hair thinning prematurely. ¡°Hubby, with all your wealth, why stay in this hotel?¡± the woman clung to the man. ¡±Darling, you just don''t understand,¡± he replied. ¡°Even with my billion-dor business, it''s important not to be extravagant. We should live modestly.¡± He had clearly prepared his rationale. He was reluctant to spend on a fancy hotel and sought a usible excuse. ¡±You''re absolutely right!¡± the woman said with admiration. ¡°Hubby, which hotel should we book for our wedding?¡± ¡°Don''t worry. With my family and connections in Eastsea, I''ll ensure we book a fantastic hotel,¡± the man boasted confidently. The woman nodded, her mood instantly brightening. Su Ming observed the scene and couldn''t suppress a chuckle. Clearly, she was yet another young woman taken in by deception. The man was far from as wealthy as he imed, his fortune likely just scraping a billion, and he was evidently quite miserly. But to Su Ming, this was none of his concern; the man and woman were willing participants in their own narrative. Young women often fell prey to the wiles of unscrupulous men. Su Ming and Cui Pingzhang continued upstairs, where the equipment was even moreprehensive. Clearly, Cui Pingzhang hade thoroughly prepared this time. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± ¡±I''m terribly sorry,¡± Cui Pingzhang said as he quickly poured a ss of water for Su Ming. Su Ming just smiled, unfazed by the situation. He held a deep respect for such genuine schrs. If he could use his abilities to help such schrs ovee challenges or rify their doubts, it would benefit the music scene of the imperial court greatly. Cui Pingzhang handed Su Ming a piece of sheet music and began to pose some questions. With his mastery of a divine-level instrument, Su Ming found even the mostplex and daunting questions to be quite straightforward. Cui Pingzhang grew increasingly astounded and amazed as he listened. He was so impressed that he briefly entertained the notion of whisking Su Ming away to the capital and confining him to the Music Academy. To him, Su Ming was an authentic genius! Simultaneously, he felt a profound sense of remorse for his past arrogance. He had believed that he was in pursuit of ¡°higher music¡± and only interacted with ¡°higher musicians.¡± Now, he realized that true genius could be found among themon folk. He questioned Su Ming the entire afternoon until Su Ming was practically parched. Eventually, Cui Pingzhang closed the music score, his mind still reeling from the encounter. He even believed that if Su Ming were to perform at the music hall, he would undoubtedly gain international acim. However, he understood that Mr. Su was a modest man who preferred not to seek the limelight. ¡°This is what a truly great person is like¡ªso humble. I have much to learn from Mr. Su,¡± he reflected. ¡°Mr. Su.¡± ¡°I have yet another bold request.¡± ¡°Our school has an anthem, but I''ve never been satisfied with the arrangement. Could I possibly trouble Mr. Su¡­¡± Cui Pingzhang felt embarrassed by his own audacity. After an entire afternoon of inquiries, he was now asking for another favor. But Su Ming was not bothered. With practiced ease, he pulled a green leaf from his pocket and gently blew across it. The music swelled once more, filling the room with its lilting melody. Cui Pingzhang, in a flurry, switched on the recording device before sitting down, utterly captivated by the sound. Five minutester, the piece drew to a close. Su Ming set aside the leaf he''d been using as an instrument, and Cui Pingzhang quickly shut off the recorder. ¡°Mr. Su, you''ve been so gracious with your time today. You must be starving. How about we go out for a meal? My treat this time!¡± Cui Pingzhang offered. Hearing the suggestion, Su Ming nodded in agreement, his hunger evident. Leading the way, Cui Pingzhang opened the door only to be startled by a sea of faces crowding the entrance. The corridor was packed with people, yet eerily silent. ¡°What''s going on here?¡± Cui Pingzhang asked, instinctively stepping back. ¡°Who was ying thatst piece? It was incredible!¡± a young man clutching a guitar asked, his expression one of awe. Cui Pingzhang breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Haha! That was Mr. Su''s performance!¡± he said, gesturing towards Su Ming with a proud smile. It seemed Su Ming''s music had drawn the crowd. And rightly so; such wless music was bound to captivate anyone within earshot. ¡±Do you have a passion for music?¡± Cui Pingzhang inquired, looking at the guitar-wielding youth. ¡°Yes, I love music deeply. I''ve been practicing the guitar since I was a child. But with my family''s tight budget, I''ve never had a teacher. I''ve missed out on formal training and taken many wrong turns. However, listening to that piece just now, it''s as if the clouds parted, and I understood things that had eluded me before,¡± the young man shared. ¡±Excellent!¡± Cui Pingzhang was overjoyed by the young man''s response. The number of young people passionate about music was dwindling, as the industry often couldn''t guarantee a stable job or ie. Consequently, many abandoned their musical aspirations for practicality''s sake. But here was a young man, fervent about music, and Cui Pingzhang wouldn''t let such talent slip away. ¡°Young man, I''m the dean of the J City Music Academy,¡± he said, handing over his business card. ¡°Bring this card ande to see me. I''ll take you on as my student. Don''t worry about the costs; I''ll cover your tuition and fees, and you''ll receive a monthly stipend.¡± ¡°Really!¡± The young man''s face lit up with sheer delight. Those around him cast envious nces his way. Even though they wouldn''t dream of pursuing a career in music, deeming it a dead-end path, they couldn''t deny the allure of an exception. After all, that academy was renowned! The students who graduated from there were practically all musical prodigies! It just goes to show, this lucky guy really hit the jackpot. Chapter 422 Chapter 422 - He Fell into an Awkward Situation Several yearster, the imperial court was taken by storm with the emergence of a guitar virtuoso whose talent stunned the globe. Yet, wherever he went, he humbly referred to himself as a student. This masterful guitarist recounted how, in a nondescript inn at Eastsea, he encountered the two most pivotal figures in his life. Mr. Su, in particr, was instrumental in his enlightenment, paving the way for the guitarist''s subsequent sess. Consequently, the music world became abuzz with legends about Mr. Su. ¡°Alright, let''s call it a day,¡± Cui Pingzhang gestured to the dispersing crowd. ¡°We''re heading out for a meal.¡± With the music over, the audience began to leave. Just then, footsteps echoed from the stairwell, followed by an unmistakably haughty voice. ¡°I overheard some music being yed upstairs that wasn''t half bad. As it happens, I''m in need of a musician for my wedding. If you perform at my wedding, I''ll pay you 500 yuan. What do you say?¡± At these words, everyone turned to look. A couple approached from the hallway. Su Ming recognized them as the same pair he had noticed upon his arrival. The man carried himself with an air of conceit, approaching with a leisurely stride. The woman, small and charming, gazed at the man with eyes full of admiration. They stopped beside Su Ming and Cui Pingzhang, sizing them up. The man inquired coolly, ¡°Who was ying the music earlier?¡± Su Ming responded with a smile, ¡°That was me.¡± ¡°You''re quite skilled,¡± the man remarked. ¡°You caught all that I said, right? It''s tough to earn a living with music these days. y at my wedding and I''ll give you 500 yuan¡ªa generous offer. What do you think? Will you do it?¡± His arrogance was palpable, as if Su Ming should be grateful for such a ¡®generous'' sum. The onlookers wondered where this deluded individual hade from. Of the two, Cui Pingzhang was the esteemed principal of the J City Music Academy. Given Cui Pingzhang''s reputation,manding an appearance fee in the hundreds of thousands was no issue at all. Standing next to Cui Pingzhang was Su Ming, whom even Cui Pingzhang respectfully addressed as Mr. Su. It was clear that Su Ming''s musical expertise far surpassed that of Cui Pingzhang. Consequently, Su Ming''s performance fee should have been considerably higher. This man was dreaming if he thought he could secure Su Ming''s talents for his wedding for a mere 500 yuan. The young man who had recently benefited from Su Ming''s assistance furrowed his brow, stepping forward, ready to chastise the man. Catching the young man''s eye, Su Ming subtly shook his head, prompting him to halt. The onlookers took note of Su Ming''s gesture, anticipating that an amusing situation was about to unfold. Misinterpreting the shake of Su Ming''s head, the man assumed Su Ming was disagreeing. ¡°I''m willing to offer you 500 yuan. Isn''t that enough? For the sake of my wedding, I''ll raise it to 600 yuan. I''m giving you an opportunity here. Don''t be foolish and turn it down,¡± the man said with overwhelming arrogance. Su Ming smiled and replied, ¡°Alright, but I''m not sure at which hotel you''re nning to hold your wedding.¡± The man scoffed, ¡°Rest assured, the hotel where I''ll be getting married is certainly one you''ve never set foot in before. With my wealth, Shangguan Shui, booking a five-star hotel for my wedding is a breeze.¡± ¡±East Sea International Hotel, Longfu Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel¡ªonly such five-star establishments are suitable for my wedding,¡± Shangguan Shui boasted, exuding an air of wealth and superiority that suggested he was beyondparison with ordinary people. ¡±Darling, you''re so impressive!¡± eximed Shangguan Shui''s girlfriend, looking at him with adoration. ¡°Indeed, only a five-star hotel can bear witness to our love,¡± Shangguan Shui dered. The couple disyed their affection openly, while the crowd around them fell silent. Their ostentatious disy was enough to make onlookers feel queasy in thete hours of the evening. ¡°Your billions are beyond our reach,¡± someonemented. ¡°However, with your fortune, booking a mere five-star hotel for your wedding seems somewhat modest. Eastsea recently weed the seven-star Antis Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, adjacent to Olympic Park and just a stone''s throw from Downtown Square and Guoxing Building, it''s the epitome of luxury. I once worked there as a waiter. To truly match your status, you should consider having your wedding at the Antis Hotel,¡± another person suggested. Su Ming was all smiles. Upon hearing this, Shangguan Shui swelled with pride once again. He thought to himself, ¡°This guy seemed unhappy before, but the moment he found out I was wealthy, he began to cave. I''m just too incredible!¡± The woman perked up at Su Ming''s words. It was, after all, a seven-star hotel. There weren''t many of those around the world, and even fewer domestically. The Antis Hotel was brand new. If she could have her wedding there, her girlfriends would surely be green with envy. With this in mind, the girl clung to Shangguan Shui''s arm and cooed, ¡°Hubby, can we have our wedding at the Antis Hotel, please?¡± At her words, Shangguan Shui''s eye twitched involuntarily. A seven-star hotel was no small affair. He could just about manage the expense of a night''s stay on asion, but the thought of the cost to host a wedding there was unimaginable. He gazed at the girl, thinking, ¡°Does she really believe I have billions to spare? That''sughable. I was only boasting. At most, I have a little over a hundred million, and most of that is tied up in fixed assets that I can''t readily liquidate.¡± Yet Shangguan Shui didn''t want to be embarrassed. In this setting, he was eager to unt his wealth. ¡±Sweetheart, you''ve had your heart set on that hotel for our wedding? Why didn''t you mention it sooner? Rest assured, I''ll make a call and book the hotel immediately!¡± Shangguan Shui said with an air of arrogance. Basking in the admiration, he was thoroughly pleased with himself. ¡°Thank you, dear. But isn''t it quite expensive to have a wedding at a seven-star hotel?¡± she asked. ¡°It''s merely a trifle,¡± Shangguan Shui responded, feigning indifference. He appeared magnanimous as he dered, ¡°My love, as long as it makes you happy, the cost is nothing to me!¡± Those around them couldn''t help but think Shangguan Shui was putting on airs. Moreover, watching him and the girl unt their affection was quite nauseating to them. Meanwhile, some in the crowd had recognized Su Ming. In Eastsea, his name was well-known to many. Su Ming had graced the covers of newspapers and news outlets. Anyone who pulled out their smartphone could quickly discover that Su Ming was a young man shrouded in mystery. He farmed on a plot ofnd in the city center worth billions, and he was also a musical prodigy! His worth was at least in the tens of billions! Once Su Ming''s identity was revealed, the onlookers struggled to contain theirughter. They thought to themselves, ¡°Shangguan Shui is going to have a rough time. He''s far too ostentatious. We can''t wait to see him embarrass himself.¡± Despite being aware of Su Ming''s status, not a single person tipped off Shangguan Shui. After all, Shangguan Shui not only scorned the less fortunate but also loved to unt his supposed superiority. Mr. Su, with his immense wealth and status, remained unassuming. So what gave Shangguan Shui the right to be so haughty? The spectators eagerly anticipated witnessing Shangguan Shui''s impending humiliation. Chapter 423 Chapter 423 - This Time He Was Dumbfounded ¡°Darling, I''ve been dreaming of our wedding at the Antis Hotel! Let''s book it right away!¡± the girl said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Shangguan Shui gave his chest a reassuring pat and said, ¡°Don''t worry, love. But you know this is peak wedding season. We might not be able to secure the Antis Hotel, but I''ll give it my all!¡± Deep down, Shangguan Shui had no intention of splurging on a wedding at a seven-star hotel. He nned to concoct a story about the Antis Hotel being fully booked and then gently steer his girlfriend towards choosing a more modest venue. He would feign deep regret and guilt for not meeting her wishes, thus deftly navigating the situation. He was all too familiar with such tactics. Unfortunately, his girlfriend was blissfully unaware of his true intentions. She looked up to Shangguan Shui as if he could do no wrong and said, ¡°Thank you, darling. You''re so wonderful to me!¡± She nestled tenderly against him, and Shangguan Shui couldn''t help but think how wlessly he''d yed his part. Noticing the stunned silence of the onlookers, Shangguan Shui swelled with pride. He was convinced they were green with envy, thinking they''d never experience such adoration from a woman in their lifetimes. Yet, contrary to his belief, nobody envied him. They actually found him rather pitiable. ¡°Just don''t end up crying,¡± they thought to themselves. Shangguan Shui turned to Su Ming and boasted, ¡°A seven-star hotel isn''t too shabby. 600 yuan is quite generous. You can have lunch there and enjoy whatever you fancy!¡± His tone was patronizing, as if he were bestowing charity upon Su Ming. ¡°No problem!¡± Su Ming replied confidently. ¡°You and your fianc¨¦e make a great couple! And with your billions in assets, it would be such a shame not to celebrate at a seven-star hotel. Luckily, I know the owner. I''ll give him a call right this moment. Rest assured, I''ll do everything in my power to ensure you can have your wedding at the Antis Hotel!¡± With that, Su Ming pulled out his phone, ready to make good on his promise. When Shangguan Shui first heard what Su Ming had to say, he couldn''t help but feel smug. But that feeling of self-satisfaction quickly gave way to suspicion. Suddenly, he froze, thinking incredulously, ¡°What the hell? Can this guy actually know the boss of Antis?¡± The crowd around them buzzed with excitement, thinking to themselves, ¡°Looks like Mr. Su is pulling out the big guns!¡± ¡°Kid, you''reying it on thick. You''re acquainted with the boss of Antis? And what next, you''re the ruler of the Milky Way? Come on, don''t exaggerate. If you can''t back it upter, you''ll be theughingstock. Drop the act; you''re no match for me,¡± Shangguan Shui said, scoffing as he regained hisposure. He thought to himself, ¡°As if this nobody could rub shoulders with the boss of Antis. Ridiculous! I''m not even in that league. He''s way out of his depth.¡± Su Ming, however, paid no mind to Shangguan Shui''s taunts. He pulled out his phone and began scrolling through his contacts. Su Ming certainly did know the boss of Antis. The System had uploaded the contact details of 100pany bosses into his phone. But it was taking Su Ming a bit of time to locate the boss of Antis''s contact information. Seeing Su Ming silent and engrossed in his phone, Shangguan Shui felt even more convinced of his own assumptions. ¡°This guy''s definitely full of it. He''s made a fool of himself and now he''s got no idea how to get out of this mess,¡± Shangguan Shui thought with a sense of superiority. ¡°Kid, if you can''t deliver, you shouldn''t boast. Failing to keep a promise you''ve made just makes you look bad. You could stand to learn a thing or two from me. Be humble, be steady, and don''t let impulse get the better of you. Empty boasts will get you nowhere,¡± Shangguan Shui said, clearly enjoying himself. He wasn''t about to miss an opportunity to show off. He was also, in his own way, advising Su Ming not to bite off more than he could chew. Overdoing the pretense was a surefire way to embarrass oneself. ¡°Got it!¡± Su Ming finally located the name and phone number of the Antis boss. But then, Su Ming paused, a realization hitting him. He had done something foolish. He could have simply started searching by the first letter of the contact''s name. He mused, if he hung around fools, he''d start acting like one too. It would be wise for him to keep his distance from individuals like Shangguan Shui in the future. Shangguan Shui chuckled, ¡°Stop pretending you''re acquainted with the owner of the Antis Hotel. Whose number have you dug up? Is it customer service by any chance?¡± Su Ming paid him no mind and dialed a number instead. The call was answered after just a few rings, and a voice brimming with respect came through, ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°A friend of mine recently got married and he''s interested in hosting his wedding at the Antis Hotel. Is your hotel fully booked?¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Su, we are fully booked.¡± ¡°Is there any way you could assist me?¡± The person on the line responded, ¡°Mr. Su, one moment, please. I''m currently in my car. Once I get back to the hotel, I''ll check immediately. Where might you be, Mr. Su? Perhaps I coulde directly to you? I will have my secretary bring the necessary documents for a moreprehensive discussion.¡± ¡°Sure, I''m at the Warm and Easy Hotel.¡± ¡°Perfect, Mr. Su. I''m actually nearby. I''ll be there shortly!¡± With that, the call ended. The hallway was so quiet that Shangguan Shui could distinctly hear their entire conversation. He scoffed, ¡°So you''ve got an actor in on your little charade! Kid, the day wille when your lies are exposed, and I''ll be curious to see how you handle it then.¡± Su Ming simply offered a serene smile, choosing not to respond. Momentster, footsteps echoed from the stairwell. A middle-aged woman with a strikingly professional demeanor approached briskly. Shangguan Shui was taken aback to see her; she was indeed the owner of the Antis! Damn it! He had never met her, but he had seen her photograph in the newspapers and on the news. He rushed forward to wee her, ¡°Boss Miao Tianfang, what brings you here?¡± ¡°Step aside!¡± Miao Tianfang paid no heed to Shangguan Shui and positioned herself next to Su Ming. Her entourage of bodyguards and her secretary also took their ces beside Su Ming. Together, they all bowed and eximed in unison, ¡°Boss!¡± Su Ming nodded, ¡°I appreciate you making the trip. My friend is interested in hosting their wedding at the Antis Hotel. Could you help us out with that?¡± Miao Tianfang quickly responded, ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su. If they''re a friend of yours, then there''s absolutely no issue.¡± Shangguan Shui was utterly astonished. Su Ming was actually telling the truth. He had only been boasting earlier; he never really intended to have his wedding at the Antis Hotel. After all, hosting a wedding there would cost a fortune. Miao Tianfang turned to Shangguan Shui and spoke calmly, ¡°Sir, we offer three tiers for wedding banquets at the Antis Hotel. The prices are two million RMB, five million RMB, and ten million RMB, respectively. We provideprehensive services including transportation, catering, and amodation. All you need to do is share your vision for the wedding with us.¡± Chapter 424 Chapter 424 - My Heart Was in Pain Shangguan Shui waspletely taken aback. Su Ming chuckled and said, ¡°Manager Miao, my friend here has assets worth several billion. He''s certainly not going to be interested in venues priced at two or five million yuan. Please arrange a ten million yuan venue for him.¡± Hearing this, an already anxious Shangguan Shui froze in ce, unable to move. His total assets amounted to only one hundred million. Was he now expected to shell out ten million yuan? Onlookers began to gather around to see what was happening. Shangguan Shui was filled with regret. If he had been just five minuteste to his meal, he wouldn''t have encountered Su Ming''s musical performance, and none of this would have happened. But it was toote for regrets now. After all, Miao Tianfang was the owner of Antis. She had made a special trip from afar just for this asion. Shangguan Shui was concerned that expressing regret now might provoke Miao Tianfang''s retaliation. His assets were insignificantpared to the Antis Hotel. To make matters worse, several people around him were recording the scene on their phones. If this footage got out, Shangguan Shui would be unable to make a name for himself in Eastsea ever again, and no one would want to do business with him. ¡°Brother Shangguan, with your family''s billions in assets, ten million yuan should be no issue, right? Or are you saying you don''t have the money?¡± Su Ming teased with a smile. ¡±It''s nothing!¡± Shangguan Shui replied, his chest swelling with feigned confidence. Yet, his posturecked its earlier assurance, betraying hisck of confidence in producing such a sum on the spot. ¡°You''re amazing. Now we can have our wedding banquet at the Antis Hotel! I''m over the moon!¡± The girl beside Shangguan Shui eximed, oblivious to the real situation. Before Shangguan Shui could interject, Su Ming quickly added, ¡°I''m so envious that you''ve snagged such an impressive boyfriend! He''s sure to agree!¡± Internally, Shangguan Shui was in turmoil, but he dared not let it show. If he backed out now, he risked losing his girlfriend and potentially damaging hispany''s operations. Yet, the truth was, he simply didn''t have that kind of money at his disposal. ¡±Excuse me, sir, when is your wedding scheduled?¡± Miao Tianfang quickly grasped the situation at hand. She noticed Shangguan Shui''s reluctance, his hesitation apparent. Without dy, she posed the question, leaving Shangguan Shui no room for second thoughts. ¡°Our wedding is set for half a month from now, on October 18th!¡± Before Shangguan Shui could respond, his girlfriend eagerly chimed in. ¡°Not a problem, sir. We can proceed with the contract immediately. We''ll arrange an exceptionallyvish wedding for you, ensuring an unforgettable experience,¡± Miao Tianfang assured him. ¡°However, per ourpany policy, a 20% deposit is required, amounting to two million yuan. But since you''re a friend of Mr. Su''s, we''re happy to offer a 20% discount. The total cost for the wedding will be eight million yuan, so you''ll only need to pay one million six hundred thousand yuan today,¡± Miao Tianfang borated. Shangguan Shui was desperate to escape, yet he was past the point of regret. He was shaking all over, his legs felt like jelly, and his back was soaked with sweat. ¡°Darling, what''s the matter? Oh, I get it¡ªare you thrilled that we can host our grand wedding at the Antis Hotel? I''m thrilled too!¡± Shangguan Shui''s girlfriend, sensing his trembling, spoke with excitement. He nced around; his girlfriend''s eager eyes were on him, and he was surrounded by onlookers with knowing looks. Shangguan Shui felt the stares were mocking him, especially Su Ming''s amused gaze. At that moment, Shangguan Shui was filled with regret. He was ustomed to boasting, but now he found himself in a true predicament. ¡°I''ll book it!¡± Shangguan Shui, through clenched teeth, reluctantly agreed. With shaking hands, he pulled out his bank card. The card had a bnce of just over two million yuan, and now he was about to spend a significant chunk of it. Shangguan Shui was pained by the thought. Finally, his girlfriend swiftly took the bank card from him. ¡°Honey, you''re so overwhelmed with excitement you can''t even hold onto your card. Let me do that for you.¡± The girl swiftly handed her bank card to Manager Miao. Shangguan Shui was mortified. With a heavy heart, Shangguan Shui watched as 1.6 million yuan was spent. He realized that upon his return, he would need to liquidate several assets toe up with the remaining 6.4 million yuan. The mere thought made it hard for him to breathe. His gaze shifted to Su Ming. He had never expected to cross paths with someone of Su Ming''s stature that day and was filled with regret. Shangguan Shui was deeply upset, yet he couldn''t let it show. After making the down payment, he quickly ushered his girlfriend into the room and shut the door behind them without a backward nce. One by one, the onlookers dispersed. They were aware of Su Ming''s esteemed status and influential background. But they were also aware of their ce, recognizing that they weren''t in a position to befriend someone like Su Ming. Despite Mr. Su''s affable nature, they knew better than to overstep their bounds. And with that, the incident drew to a close. Manager Miao took her leave as well. Cui Pingzhang harbored no doubts at that moment. Su Ming''s musical prowess at such a young age was remarkable. He must have invested heavily in both money and effort to be mentored by a top-tier teacher. This wasn''t something the average wealthy individual could achieve. Cui Pingzhang, astute as he was, understood the importance of respecting others'' privacy. ¡°Let''s head out, Director Cui. I''m starting to feel hungry,¡± Su Ming remarked. ¡°Of course, Mr. Su. And don''t forget to visit me at the J City Music Academy,¡± Cui Pingzhang replied, nodding as he offered a reminder to the eager young man. ¡°Got it, Director Cui!¡± The young man responded promptly, nodding in agreement. Chapter 425 Chapter 425 - Silken Cabbage Matured Su Ming was aware of Director Cui''s modesty. He proactively proposed they grab a meal at the noodle shop next door. They each ordered a bowl of noodles and selected a few side dishes. After a lengthy conversation, night had fallen. Director Cui retired for the evening, and Su Ming headed home. Upon arriving, Su Ming beelined for the courtyard. It was time to harvest the Silken Cabbage, which should have reached maturity. He rushed to the two-acre plot. Indeed, the Silken Cabbage was ripe. Once resembling jade, the cabbages had transformed into numerous orbs emitting a greenish glow. They struck Su Ming as oddly familiar. He approached and inspected them more closely. Scrolls floated within the orbs. Su Ming pondered if this was yet another skill. He reached into an orb, withdrew a scroll, and unfurled it. To his surprise, it wasn''t a skill. The scroll was nk, with nothing inscribed on it, leaving Su Ming bewildered. ¡°Congrattions, Host. You''ve acquired the Thunder Rattles Fortune Scroll. Write the name of a person and a question about them on the scroll, and it will reveal their fate for theing period. Use it to sidestep danger, seize opportunities, and ensure sess in both marriage and business!¡± ¡°Each scroll is good for 10 uses!¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. His interest piqued, he dashed to the vi for a pen and inscribed his own name on the scroll. After some thought, he wrote down a query: What are the special items in the mall? Patiently, Su Ming awaited the oue. The nk area on the scroll began to ripple slowly. A sentence soon materialized: The Host''s fate is unpredictable! Su Ming''s eye twitched involuntarily. He mused that the System should have warned him about the unpredictability of his fate earlier, to avoid wasting a use of the scroll. Considering he had already used it once, leaving nine uses remaining, Su Ming decided to save them forter. He returned to the field to collect more scrolls from the orbs. All were Thunder Rattles Fortune Scrolls. Su Ming unfurled the final scroll. It wasn''t empty. The moment he opened it, it transformed into a dazzling array of lights. Su Ming recognized the scene; it was likely a skill scroll. ¡°Congrattions, Host. You''ve acquired the Proficient Combat Skill! By learning this skill, your body will undergo another enhancement. You won''t have to fear street thugs anymore. Thisbat skill will ensure your safety!¡± Su Ming didn''t hesitate to choose to learn it. A surge of powerful information exploded in his mind. A warm current rushed to his limbs. Su Ming stood rooted to the spot. After a minute, he slowly opened his eyes. Looking down, he noticed his limbs had gained more defined muscr strength. His body had been enhanced previously. Now, his strength had increased once more. Su Ming could now lift a 200-pound weight with one hand, surpassing the average person. Typically, an ordinary man who doesn''t engage in manualbor can lift about 90 pounds. Those ustomed to physical work might lift just over 100 pounds. Ordinary women might manage to lift between 50 and 60 pounds. Su Ming''s strength had exceeded all of them. Yet, Su Ming didn''t consider his strength to be extraordinarily fearsome. But among ordinary people, his strength was quite impressive. If he could lift 200 pounds with one hand, his punch would pack even more power. Of course, he was nowhere near the world''s fighting elites. Take the former boxing champion, Tyson, whose right punch delivered 800 kilograms of force and his left, 500 kilograms. Su Ming stroked his chin, pondering. If he were to face Tyson in his prime, he doubted he''dst even a second. But for self-defense in the city, Su Ming''s capabilities were more than sufficient. And strength was just one facet of his abilities. Su Ming had mastered martial arts. Overall, his achievements were significant. ¡°Sessful crop harvest. Earned 100,000 experience points! Extra reward: 20,000!¡± ¡°The System has reimed the crop. Congrattions, Host, on earning 10,000 experience points! Extra reward: 2,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Congrattions on leveling up!¡± ¡°Congrattions on receiving your level-up reward: A Special Item Card!¡± ¡°Note: Upon using this card, the special item will immediately be visible and will no longer be concealed! This card is a consumable and can only be used once!¡± When Su Ming heard the notification in his mind, he paused in surprise. With the upgrade reward, he could directly see what the special item was before deciding whether to purchase it. Su Ming considered the special item he had pinpointed in the Special Mall, debating whether to use the Special Item Card at this moment. After some thought, Su Ming decided against it. He recalled that thest time he acquired a skill, he also received a mission scroll. Bypleting the mission set by the System, he would be rewarded with another special item. Su Ming resolved to finish this mission first and then wait for the next refresh of special items before using his reward. This strategy would allow him to secure two special items. Next, Su Ming reviewed his status on the data panel. Farmer: Su Ming Level: LV12 Experience: 1,059,200 / 5,000,000 Farm: Level Three Breeding: Level Two Ranch: Level One Aquatic Breeding: Level One Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 20, Proficient Combat, and Divine Level Instrument nting Points: 201 Breeding Points: 40 Grazing Points: 240 Aquaculture Points: 80 Su Ming was astonished to see that the next level-up required nearly four million experience points! However, he wasn''t concerned, knowing that as hisnd improved, he would umte experience at an increasing rate. This time, Su Ming had harvested ten Silken Cabbages. He had used one and turned another into a skill scroll. He exchanged the remaining eight Silken Cabbages for points. ¡°Congrattions, Host, on sessfully exchanging for points. You have earned 4,000 points!¡± Exchanging a scroll for 500 points pleased Su Ming. However, to upgrade hisnd to Level Three, he would need 5,000 points per acre. Su Ming''s current points were insufficient for the upgrade, but he was in no rush. With all hisnd now at Level Two, he was growing Dangerous Sweet Potatoes and Top Grade orchids. The sparser the nting, the greater the points yield. Su Ming relished the sensation of gradually leveling up. If he were to level up all at once, it wouldck excitement. Regardless, he had reaped substantial rewards today. After plowing the field, Su Ming didn''t rush to nt any crops. He nned to wait until midnight to check if the System might offer any new Level Two items. Meanwhile, Su Ming''s attention was drawn to a patch of whitend in the corner. It was Level Fournd, but with an area of only one square meter, it was too small to cultivate any crops. Su Ming let out a sigh. It was truly regrettable that such a plot ofnd couldn''t be used for farming. Chapter 426 Chapter 426 - Level Two Product Su Ming finished packing his belongings and exchanged them for the items he needed. He stored the remaining items in an empty bedroom next door. After pouring himself a cup of hot water in the kitchen, he was about to head upstairs for a rest when he noticed the wishingntern in the living room. His sister had previously wished to skip ss, which inadvertently resulted in several teachers getting injured and hospitalized. Su Ming had intended to use the wishingntern to wish for their speedy recovery but had identally forgotten to do so. Quickly sitting down on the sofa, Su Ming grabbed a wishingntern. He wrote on a piece of paper, ¡°I hope the teachers injured because of my sister recover quickly.¡± He tossed the paper into thentern, which transformed into twinkling starlight and vanished. ¡°Host, your wish has been sessfully made. Probability of wish fulfillment: 100%!¡± A voice announced in his mind, prompting Su Ming to release a deep sigh of relief. He felt a strong sense of guilt toward the teachers; his sister had always been mischievous, and her actions had led to their injuries. He nned to have his sister bring some fruit as a gesture of goodwill during their recovery. Miraculously, the injured teachers were all better the next day, particrly the one with the broken ankle who was now able to walk freely. The doctors were astounded by the rapid recoveries, which defied exnation even after thorough examinations. They chalked it up to a medical marvel. After some thought, Su Ming picked up another wishingntern. He wrote, ¡°I hope tonight''s mall has some Level Two products.¡± He then threw the note into thentern. ¡±Host, your wish has been sessfully made. Probability of wish fulfillment: 80%!¡± The notification caught Su Ming off guard. The likelihood of his wishing true was impressively high. Yet, on reflection, it made sense. The ntation area and the other zones had all advanced to at least Level Two, so it was only fitting that the mall''s merchandise would predominantly be Level Two. A mall still dominated by Level One goods would indeed be uninteresting. With his spirits lifted, Su Ming went upstairs to browse through a selection of movies to pass the time. As midnight approached, he paused the film and logged into the mall. As soon as Su Ming opened the mall, he was greeted by a dazzling green light. It seemed his wish had been granted. In the ntation area, three Level Two crops had appeared: crystal onions, emerald soybeans, and sweet luffas. However, he could only purchase ten of each. Without hesitation, Su Ming bought them all. Why pass up such an incredible opportunity? He quickly checked the malls in the other three areas and discovered they too offered Level Two products. In the herding area''s mall, there were Tangram Horses. Su Ming paused, the name ringing a bell. He recalled harvesting Tangram Ducks before. Could the Tangram Horse also be made from seven tangram pieces? He reminded himself to stay calm; after all, he had encountered plenty of oddities before. He purchased all the Tangram Horses. Next, the aquatic product area''s mall was selling Eight Treasures Crabs. Was this crab somehow rted to the Eight Treasures Porridge? Su Ming chuckled and shook his head at the thought. Then, he opened the mall in the breeding zone, which also featured a Level Two product: the Transparent Pigeon. Su Ming found the System''s naming conventions quite peculiar. What exactly was a Transparent Pigeon? Was it invisible because it was transparent? How was he supposed to breed such a creature? Deciding not to ponder further, he resolved to go with the flow. Su Ming went ahead and bought all the Transparent Pigeons. Next, he essed a special area. Before, this area was just a gray box with a question mark, blending seamlessly with the background. But now, it had a noticeable raised appearance. The question mark on the screen shimmered, clearly indicating it was clickable. Yet, he suspected that clicking it might require using the card. After careful consideration, Su Ming resisted the urge and withdrew his hand. He decided to wait for the mission to trigger naturally. Still, he found it odd. Up to this point, he had no clue about the conditions needed to initiate a mission. Su Ming mused, ¡°Well, there''s no rush. These things take time.¡± After shopping extensively in the mall, Su Ming was too exhrated to fall asleep. Su Ming descended the stairs, ready to begin his work on the farm. After harvesting the Silken Cabbage, he took to the fields with his tractor, thoroughly tilling the soil. With a hoe in hand, he broke up all therger clumps of earth. What to nt next was the question on his mind. He had three types of Level Two seeds at his disposal. After some consideration, Su Ming decided to start anew. He exchanged for the crystal onion, which, to his amazement, looked as transparent as actual crystal in his hand. Crystal onions didn''t require dense nting; he could nt three per acre. In the past, he could nt hundreds or even thousands of crops on the same amount ofnd, which would take him a full day just to sow the seeds. Now, his life was remarkably rxed. Su Ming selected the perfect spot and nted the crystal onions. ¡°Ding! The crystal onion has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 56 hours!¡± Next, Su Ming headed to the herding area. He retrieved two Tangram Horses from the warehouse, the maximum he could exchange. He had hoped that his increased level would allow for more, but that wasn''t the case. He pondered, ¡°Is it because the ntation area is too small? Should I buy more buildings? No, I already own over ten acres in the city center, and it''s already drawing attention. Buying more would only make me more conspicuous.¡± The current high-rises surrounding hisnd provided some cover, but acquiring more would surely expose him to the localmunity. At present, Su Mingcked even the basic means to defend himself. While life in Eastsea wasfortable, any leak of his activities could leave him vulnerable and without recourse. For now, Su Ming preferred to grow his operations covertly, waiting until he had sufficient power before consideringnd expansion. Contrary to what Su Ming had initially thought, the Tangram Horse wasn''tposed of tangrams. It boasted a coat of seven different colors, making it quite the sight to behold. ¡±Ding! The Tangram Horse has been sessfully herded by you! Harvest time: 56 hours!¡± Su Ming then made his way to the aquatic product area, where he exchanged for Eight Treasures Crabs. This time, he could raise eight of them. The Eight Treasures Crab wasn''t the porridge-based dish Su Ming had in mind. It was the same size as a regr crab, but its makeup was quite unique. The crab legs were crafted from green beans, the top shell from peanuts, and the bottom shell from sticky rice. Su Ming was certain that cracking open the shell would reveal even more ingredients. He was aware that Eight Treasures Porridge was merely a collective name, not limited to just eight ingredients. Green beans, azuki beans, lentils, jujubes, peach kernels, peanuts¡ªany favored ingredient could be included. ¡°[Ding! The Eight Treasures Crab has been sessfully cultivated! Harvest time: 56 hours!]¡± Afterpleting his task, Su Ming dusted off his hands, pleased with his work. All in all, it had taken him less than an hour. Had he not spent over 40 minutes tending to the fields, he might already be asleep. Postbor, Su Ming stretchednguidly and returned upstairs. This was the good life. He made himself a bowl of noodles. With his belly full and the movie over, Su Ming retired to his bedroom to rest. Now, he would wait patiently for the harvest. Chapter 427 Chapter 427 - Su Ming Went to Buy a Cake for His Mother The night passed quietly, and the sun rose early the next morning. At nine o''clock, Su Ming woke up, stretched contentedly, and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Afterward, he took a careful look at his phone. Oh my! He had three missed calls and a slew of messages. Su Ming quickly checked them, finding a message from his dad. ¡±You little rascal, it''s sote already. Why aren''t you awake? Your mom''s birthday is in three days. Don''t you dare forget!¡± ¡°Order a cake for her in Eastsea, ande back to celebrate on her birthday.¡± ¡°Also, it''s high time you found yourself a wife.¡± ¡°Wu Laoer''s grandson from next door is already in elementary school.¡± ¡°Wu Laoer parades his grandson in front of our house every day!¡± ¡°It infuriates me just to think about it. You''re getting married this year, no excuses!¡± Su Ming couldn''t help feeling resigned after reading his dad''s messages. He agreed with the idea of ordering a cake and returning home for his mom''s birthday celebration¡ªit was his duty as a son. But thest thing he expected was his dad pressuring him to marry. Su Ming believed that love should take its natural course. He couldn''t just marry someone as if he was meeting a corporate performance target. He shook his head, anticipating the marriage talk he''d likely face at his mom''s birthday party. The thought alone was enough to give him a headache. Maybe he should bring Xiao Ke''er to his mother''s birthday party? But inviting Xiao Ke''er might be too abrupt for her. She probably wouldn''t want toe. In today''s society, views on marriage are more liberal, and there''s less need to adhere to the old-fashioned customs. Yet, Xiao Ke''er was ady of high standing. If they were to marry, he''d have to properly propose to her at her home. With that realization, Su Ming smacked his forehead and mumbled, ¡°Where has my mind wandered off to? I should focus on ordering the cake for mom first.¡± Indeed, Su Ming had nned to order his mother''s cake today. Typically, most people would reserve a cake worth a few dozen dors from a bakery a couple of days in advance for a birthday. But this time, Su Ming intended to splurge on a more extravagant cake for his mother. In Eastsea, there was a renowned cake shop known for its custom-made cakes, though they came at a steep price. The pastry chefs at this establishment needed to design the cake''s appearance and prepare the ingredients two to three days in advance, with the final creation taking ce on the eve of the customer''s birthday. Su Ming decided to ce his cake order now, as he was currently free. Once dressed, he stepped out to a street vendor and purchased a pancake. He checked his phone''s GPS and noted that the cake shop was a moderate distance away. Driving there would cover five kilometers, but walking would only be one kilometer. Driving meant a longer route, while walking meant navigating through a few small alleys. Opting for thetter, Su Ming set off on foot. Near the city centery an old district, replete with historic architecture reminiscent of the quadrangle courtyards found within the capital''s second ring. This district, once home to ancient nobility, was preserved due to its significant historical value, featuring abyrinth of alleys. Su Ming, having conducted business in this old district before, was well-acquainted with the area. Holding his pancake, he meandered into an alley, taking the opportunity to appreciate the ancient structures he had previously overlooked. Inside the alley, freshly painted white courtyard walls nked him, and his steps echoed over the time-worn square bricks, their surfaces marred and interspersed with tufts of grass. The ambiance was more reminiscent of a quaint southern town than the heart of a bustling city. As he strolled, a sudden flurry of footsteps caught his attention. Su Ming turned to see a statuesque, beautiful woman approaching, her elegance entuated by a smartly tailored ck dress. She was a stunning woman, her delicate features enhanced by light, refined makeup. Her skirt fell to her knees, showcasing her slender, smooth calves. Her skin appeared porcin in the sunlight, and she was perched on a pair of high heels. While she might have been just a touch less striking than Xiao Ke''er, her beauty was undeniable. Yet, her face was marred by anger. Her brows were knitted tightly, her teeth clenched, as she moved briskly along. Su Ming, upon noticing her, quickly stepped aside to give her room. The corridor was narrow, barely wide enough for one person to pass by him. It would have been rude to block her path, so he pressed himself against the wall to let her through. Oblivious to Su Ming''s considerate gesture, the woman hurried past him, leaving a trail of her light scent and a ripple of air in her wake. Clearly, she was intent on addressing some urgent matter. Once she had passed, Su Ming resumed his usual pace. Despite her allure, she was a stranger to him. He wasn''t the type to be swayed by looks alone. Perhaps his recent rise in status had something to do with it, granting him easy ess to luxuries that once seemed out of reach, making him more indifferent to such distractions. At a crossroads, Su Ming pulled out his phone to prevent getting lost, checked his location, and turned left. A few stepster, he noticed an alley to his right. The high walls on either side cast shadows, giving the alley a dim appearance. Weeds sprouted from the unkempt ground, adding to the sense of neglect. It was clear that few ventured down this path. Su Ming gave the alley a cursory nce and saw that it was upied. He didn''t think much of it and was about to continue on his way when a girl''s voice echoed from within. ¡±Are you the ones who bullied my ssmate?¡± she demanded. Su Ming paused, his curiosity piqued by the confrontation. He stopped and peered into the alley, where he saw a group of six people, five of whom were men. Three sported afros and were dressed in garish attire, the telltale signs of street thugs, amon sight in any city. The other two were bald, muscr men. Standing opposite them was a stunning woman. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming recognized her as the beauty who had just walked by him. Several thugs had encircled the woman. One of the ruffians, with his back to Su Ming, taunted, ¡°So you''ve got the guts to confront us yourself? Yep, we''re the ones who messed with your friend. What are you gonna do about it?¡± Su Ming didn''t have x-ray vision to see through the thug to the beauty beyond. It was just that the thug, despite sporting a wild afro, was quite short. As a result, Su Ming had a clear view of the woman''s face. ¡°Give me back my friend''s phone right now!¡± she demanded, visibly upset. ¡°Oh, you want the phone back? Sure, but I''ve got one little condition,¡± the thug facing away from Su Ming said with a coldugh. ¡°Look, gorgeous, I feel like we''ve got a connection. How about you join us for a drink, and then we''ll give you the phone back. What do you say?¡± While he spoke, the thug stepped closer to the woman. Su Ming couldn''t see his face, but he could easily imagine the repulsive smirk that must be there. Furious, the woman retorted, ¡°Return my friend''s phone at once, or I''m calling the cops!¡± Chapter 428 Chapter 428 - I Have Ascended! ¡°Is she going to call the cops? What do we do now? I''m terrified! Should we make a run for it?¡± Third Brother feigned fear, his face twisted into a mocking sneer. The other thugs burst into raucousughter. ¡°Let''s be real, after snatching your ssmate''s junky phone, we barely made any cash. That thing''s worth maybe a thousand yuan. At best, we could sell it for two hundred. That''s hardly enough to warrant a police case,¡± Third Brother scoffed. ¡°We''re students from Eastsea University. The police won''t let you off the hook!¡± The woman''s expression turned stern. ¡°Oh, so you''re a student. I''ve got a thing for young girls! How about you join us for a drink?¡± With his back to Su Ming, Third Brother reached out toward the woman''s shoulder. In an instant, she grabbed Third Brother''s wrist with a swift hand, twisting it sharply. Third Brother yelped in agony. Su Ming was taken aback. He hadn''t expected the woman to be skilled in martial arts. She then unleashed a powerful kick from her long legs,nding it squarely on Third Brother''s stomach. He staggered back several steps, clutching his belly, his face ashen and beaded with sweat from the pain. ¡°Give back my ssmate''s phone now, or you''ll regret it!¡± The woman demanded, her brow furrowed in a fierce disy. She was intentionally projecting an intimidating presence. Despite her martial arts training from a young age, she was still up against five grown men. Her physical strength was significantly less than theirs. Most of her efforts were dedicated to her studies, with martial arts practice being only an asional activity. The movie scenes where one girl takes down dozens of guys were clearly exaggerated. Her intention was to simply shock these thugs into returning her ssmate''s phone without a fight. But clearly, her n hadn''t worked. As the woman made her move, the thugs didn''t get angry; instead, theyughed even louder. ¡°Third Brother, look at you¡ªall beaten up!¡± ¡°I can''t stopughing. You got pushed around by a girl!¡± ¡°My sides are splitting fromughing so hard.¡± Embarrassed by his friends'' jeers, Third Brother''s face flushed with humiliation. In a sudden rage, he pulled out a small dagger from his pocket. He brandished his knife at the beautiful woman with a menacing air. While the beauty might not be able to take on five guys, handling one seemed manageable. Especially since this thug didn''t appear to be as physically fit as the woman. She remained utterlyposed. Once again, she seized Third Brother''s wrist and gave it a sharp twist. Pain shot through Third Brother, causing him to drop the dagger. He was promptly kicked away once more. ¡°Enough!¡± Just then, the tallest and most muscr of the group sneered, ¡°You''re quite the spitfire, littledy. Try your luck with me.¡± Su Ming, observing from a short distance, furrowed his brow. He could tell that this muscr man was likely skilled in martial arts, given his calloused, thick palms. Simultaneously, Su Ming grasped the situation''s backstory. Clearly, these loafers had snatched the cell phone of the woman''s ssmate. She hade to retrieve it, demonstrating her strong sense of justice. Su Ming approached slowly. He wasn''t one to simply stand by. His decision to assist the young woman stemmed not only from their shared Eastsea University connection but also from his disdain for bullies. The woman''s courage in confronting the thugs on behalf of her ssmate earned Su Ming''s respect. Su Ming might not be the most merciful person, but he was a young man with a heart for justice. Whenever he saw someone in trouble, Su Ming was always ready to lend a hand. ¡°Boss! Grab this wench! You''ve got to avenge me!¡± Third Brother eximed. Having regained his senses, Third Brother was still nursing his sore hand. The woman faced the towering man with a grave expression. Even if hecked martial arts training, his muscr physique posed a formidable challenge. She had trained in martial arts from a young age, but she was aware that she couldn''t overpower him. Her technical prowess was no match for his brute strength. Yet, having resolved to defend her ssmate, she was not about to retreat. She stood her ground. In this era ofw and order, evildoers couldn''t evade justice. She stood firmly on the side of justice, unafraid of those who opposed her. Just then, Third Brother suddenly felt an odd sensation, as if his body had be as light as air. ncing down, he was astonished to see his body floating off the ground. Was he actually flying away? Could it be that he was ascending to the fabled Immortal Realm to be a legendary deity? ¡°Look at me¡ªI''m on the verge of bing an immortal!¡± he eximed. ¡°This girl must have unblocked my meridians. You all doubted my cultivation practices, but now you see the truth. I''m on my way to bing the most powerful being in the world!¡± Third Brother was ted. After boasting for quite a while, he noticed hispanions were eerily quiet. Confused, Third Brother saw their gazes; they looked at him as though he were a fool. He suspected they were green with envy. In their group, he was the one always picked on, tasked with ordering takeout and running errands. Now was his chance to prove his worth! But then Third Brother felt something was off. Why was there a choking sensation around his neck, making it impossible to breathe? Surely, it was because he was ascending, and the air was getting thinner. He was convinced his reasoning was spot on. However, hispanions saw the clear truth: behind Third Brother stood a man who had effortlessly hoisted him up with one hand¡ªnone other than Su Ming. With Third Brother''s slight build, standing at just 1.6 meters and weighing 45 kilograms, anyone with a bit of martial arts training could lift him with ease, especially Su Ming, who had undergone physical enhancements twice. ¡°Why can''t I move? Did my flight to the heavens fail?¡± Third Brother wondered, his face a portrait of bewilderment. He looked around, and as he was about to turn back, everything went dark, and he passed out. Su Ming released his grip, and Third Brother slumped to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Su Ming sniffed dismissively, thinking Third Brother was quite the simpleton. Tucking the Crackled Electronic Cigarette into his pocket, Su Ming found it to be a handy tool. The leader, who had been conversing with the beautiful woman, furrowed his brow at Su Ming. ¡°Kid, do you fancy sticking your nose where it doesn''t belong?¡± Su Ming nodded affirmatively. ¡°Who wouldn''t want to y the hero and rescue a damsel in distress?¡± The boss let out a derisive snort. ¡°Well, that''ll depend on whether you''ve got the chops for it!¡± Su Ming admitted, ¡°I had a bit of confidence before, but seeing you has made me doubt myself. Have you trained in martial arts as well?¡± Hearing this, the boss swelled with pride. ¡°Of course.¡± He nted his hands on his hips and proimed loudly, ¡°I started martial arts training at three, mastering the Golden Bell Shield and the Iron Head Technique. You''re no match for me. Today, I''m in a good mood and don''t have the time to entertain you. Scram!¡± Indeed, the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique exist in the real world. But they''re not as mystical or formidable as they''re portrayed in novels; they''re simply skills for withstanding blows. Chapter 429 Chapter 429 - Didn''t You Say That This Is Not Allowed? In essence, these two skills enable a martial artist to strengthen their skin and muscles to better withstand beatings. Su Ming nced at the beautiful woman. ¡°But I still want to give it a try.¡± A look of astonishment spread across the beauty''s face. She was assisting her ssmate because the girl came from an impoverished family and life was quite challenging for her. The ssmate had a strong sense of pride and was reluctant to ept help from others. She managed to get by on schrships and part-time jobs, asionally sending money home to support her family. The smartphone, which appeared unremarkable to most, was actually the result of six months of her hard work and frugality. Facing several men, it was natural for the beauty to feel fear. She wished for someone toe to her aid, though she knew the chances were slim. To her surprise, someone did step forward to help. The beauty clenched her teeth and insisted, ¡°You should really get going, I can handle this!¡± She didn''t want Su Ming to get entangled in her troubles, as it was not his concern. Hearing her words, the gang leader burst intoughter. With brazen confidence, he taunted, ¡°Kid, it''s toote to walk away now. I''ve changed my mind: I''m going to teach you a lesson today. But don''t worry, we won''t gang up on you. I''ll stand right here and let you hit me three times. If you knock me down, I''ll let you both leave. But if you don''t, you''ll be leaving here without your clothes.¡± He was supremely confident in his abilities. Having practiced the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique from a young age, he was convinced he could take a hit from an iron rod without injury. He didn''t see Su Ming as a threat. Su Ming blinked, at a loss for words. He couldn''t believe the foolishness of these people. This was the 21st century; did they really think the world was filled with such fantastical elements? Nevertheless, with the gang leader issuing such a challenge, he had no choice but to ept. Su Ming asked, ¡°Are you certain you want me to strike you three times first?¡± The gang leader stepped forward, thumping his chest confidently, ¡°Absolutely!¡± Now was his moment to disy his manhood. There was a stunning beauty among the onlookers. He had never had the opportunity to interact with such a beauty before. He had heard that women were attracted to courageous men. Maybe his valiant disy this time would capture the beauty''s affections. Su Ming sighed and shook his head. ¡°If I had known something like this would happen, I wouldn''t havee to the beauty''s aid. After all, he''s mastered the Golden Bell Shield and the Iron Head Technique. I stand no chance against him.¡± Su Ming feigned deep regret. ¡°Kid, you''ll pay for your tall tales!¡± ¡°Exactly, don''t think you can pretend to be cool for free.¡± ¡°You''re nothingpared to our boss.¡± The three thugs stood by, rooting for their leader. The beauty, however, tilted her head slightly and blinked, looking puzzled. The gang''s boss had a simple mind, incapable of grappling withplex matters. But she was sharp. She saw no trace of fear or regret on Su Ming''s face and sensed that he was toying with them. Su Ming faced the gang leader and asked, ¡°Shall I begin my attack?¡± They were of simr stature. The gang leader boasted confidently, ¡°Bring it on!¡± Su Ming nodded. As the boss braced himself to take Su Ming''s punch, Su Ming abruptly lifted his hand. Then, he delivered a resounding p to the gang leader''s face. The crisp sound reverberated through the alley. Everyone was dumbfounded. What was happening? This didn''t seem right. Common sense would dictate that Su Ming should have punched the gang leader in the chest. But Su Ming had pped him instead, catching everyone off guard. The leader was equally shocked. His face stung, his head ringing. Su Ming''s p packed a punch, leaving the boss with a throbbing cheek. It took the boss a while toe to his senses. ¡°You dare to p my face?¡± The boss was livid. He thought Su Ming had crossed a line, especially since he had allowed him to attack first. ¡°You never said I couldn''t p your face,¡± Su Ming responded, feigning confusion. The boss was left speechless. Though he appeared brawny and muscr, he wasn''t the brightest. Hearing Su Ming''s retort, he even began to think there was some truth to it. He couldn''te up with a single reason to counter Su Ming''s argument. Indeed, he had never explicitly stated that Su Ming wasn''t allowed to p him in the face! He pondered, ¡°How is this different from martial arts fiction? In those stories, characters always strike at the enemy''s chest. Yet, this guy doesn''t seem to be wrong.¡± ¡°What''s the matter? Can''t handle my p?¡± Su Ming, scratching his head, questioned, ¡°Didn''t you train in the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique? Can''t you take even one p from me?¡± ¡°I am skilled in the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique! But my face isn''t made of iron!¡± The boss was fuming. He had honed the power of his limbs, chest, back muscles, and the toughness of his skull with the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique. However, his face remained flesh and blood. ¡°Aren''t you supposed to strengthen your entire body with the Golden Bell Shield and Iron Head Technique?¡± Su Ming asked, looking puzzled. The boss was at a loss for words. His eyes bulged, and he was at a loss for a response. He simply couldn''t address Su Ming''s point. ¡°Regardless, you just can''t hit my face!¡± the boss blurted out in desperation. ¡°Fine,¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. ¡°Get ready then. I''m about to begin.¡± With that, Su Ming inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. His clenched right fist rose slightly. He then closed one eye, focusing on the boss''s chest with the precision of a sniper zeroing in on a target. The boss saw this and thought, ¡°He''s finally making his move. Bring it on! I won''t even flinch.¡± As the boss braced himself to withstand Su Ming''s punch, Su Ming''s right leg shot out, targeting the space between the boss''s legs. His foot connected squarely with the boss''s groin. The boss emitted an odd yelp. Gasping sharply, he let out a cry of agony, hands clutching his groin. The pain was intense; it was, after all, a man''s most delicate area. ¡°Damn it. Even if I were made of rebar, I couldn''t endure that hit,¡± the boss inwardly swore. His henchmen, witnessing the scene, contorted their faces, mouths agape and brows furrowed. They stepped back, as though they too felt a twinge of pain in their own groins, empathizing with their boss''s anguish. Even the beautiful woman was slightly furrowing her brow. A touch ofpassion graced her features as she observed their leader, who appeared rather pitiable. Chapter 430 Chapter 430 - My Name Is Hsu Chenyue The Boss squeezed his thighs together tightly. His calves were syed out as he clutched the critical areas of his body, his entire frame convulsing. Sweat drenched his forehead, and the pain left his mind utterly nk. It took a considerable amount of time before he began to feel slightly better. Gasping for air, he lifted his head to look at Su Ming. ¡°Weren''t you about to throw a punch just now?¡± Su Ming had certainly looked like he was gearing up to punch. Instead, he delivered a kick to the Boss. Su Ming first struck his boss in the face, then aimed a kick at his sensitive areas. Such an assault could bring even the toughest individual to their knees. Su Ming appeared bewildered and naively asked, ¡°What''s the matter? Am I not allowed to kick there?¡± The Boss was at a loss for words. He reflected on his past misdeeds, how he had bullied countless people and spent more time in detention than at home. Yet, he had never encountered someone like Su Ming. He had intended to let Su Ming go, considering him to be his bane. But now, he felt he couldn''t let Su Ming leave! He had hoped to impress a beautiful woman with his strength, but instead, Su Ming had thoroughly thrashed him. His reputation was already tarnished. If he let Su Ming walk away now, he would forfeit any chance to redeem himself in front of the woman. The Boss was desperate to salvage his dignity! ¡°This time, hit me in the chest with your fist!¡± he demanded, clenching his teeth. The pain had subsided slightly, and he managed to stand upright. He was determined that after withstanding Su Ming''s punch, he would make Su Ming experience real agony! But the pain from Su Ming''s previous kick to his groin lingered, and he nned to seek medical attentionter. Su Ming nodded in agreement and said, ¡°Okay.¡± He then took a deep breath, positioned his legs apart, and slightly lifted his right fist, tilting his body to the right. The Boss, noticing Su Ming''s stance, also inhaled sharply and concentrated. Su Ming''s posture clearly indicated his martial arts training. Su Ming mused that with the System''s assistance, he had masteredbat skills in mere minutes¡ªa feat that would take ordinary people years of grueling practice. Bracing his legs, Su Ming channeled all his power into a punch thatnded squarely on the Boss''s chest. It felt as though his chest had been struck by a sledgehammer. He was ovee by a surge of intense pain. Staggering backward, he lost his footing and copsed to the ground, rolling several times. Su Ming quickly withdrew his fist, apologizing, ¡°I''m sorry! It''s my first time fighting, and I didn''t control my punch properly. Are you alright? Let me help you up.¡± He advanced a few steps. ¡°No! I''m fine!¡± the boss eximed, scrambling to his feet. ¡±Don''te any closer!¡± He was clearly terrified of Su Ming. Before encountering Su Ming, the boss had never been bested in a fight. Even a beer bottle to the head hadn''t fazed him much. But now, every part of him ached from Su Ming''s beating. The woman nearby was visibly stunned. Having trained in martial arts from a young age, she could immediately recognize that Su Ming''s strength was extraordinary. It wasn''t just raw power; some people possess great strength butck the skill to use it effectively. Su Ming, however, had harnessed every ounce of muscle power, channeling it from his calves to his arms. This technique wasplex and challenging to master. From Su Ming''s assault, she could see that his capabilities were certainly impressive. Relieved, her eyes conveyed deep gratitude towards Su Ming. Without his intervention, she had no idea how she would have handled the situation. With a grin, Su Ming asked, ¡°Could you hand over that phone now?¡± The boss nced at one of his henchmen andmanded, ¡°Give him back the phone!¡± The subordinate, shaking, approached Su Ming and ced the phone in his hand. Immediately after, the boss retreated several meters. Scratching his head, Su Ming mused, ¡°Am I really that intimidating? I thought I looked pretty handsome.¡± Yet to the thugs, Su Ming was a figure of terror. Only someone as burly as their boss could endure a kick from Su Ming. Had they been on the receiving end of such a blow to the groin, a hospital visit would have been inevitable. Su Ming chuckled, examining the phone they had passed to him. The screen was shattered, clearly rendering the device unusable. He stepped forward. The boss, shivering, stepped back and inquired, ¡°What are you going to do?¡± The movement exacerbated the pain in his already sore groin, prompting a pained scream, a forehead slick with sweat, and a sharp intake of cold air. ¡°This phone is broken. Shouldn''t youpensate me with a new one?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± the boss hastily replied, frantically pulling out cash from his pocket. ¡°Come on, everyone, get your money out!¡± However, the thugs were short on cash. Together, they scraped up only 1,500 yuan. Su Ming extended his hand to take the money. It was nearly soaked through with the thugs'' sweaty palms. They were all intimidated by Su Ming. ¡°You guys have been up to no good, haven''t you?¡± ¡°We won''t dare again,¡± they pledged. The gangsters were terrified. They believed Su Ming to be a martial arts master. ¡°Later, head to the police station and confess all your misdeeds. ept the punishment of thew. Afterwards, find yourselves some honest work. You''re skilled fighters; you could work as security guards. Don''t you want to lead a stable life? If I catch youmitting crimes again, I''ll ensure you regret it,¡± Su Ming said with a coldugh. ¡°Understood!¡± The thugs nodded eagerly. They then helped each other up and sprinted off. Minutester, the delinquents burst into the police station, loudly dering their intent to confess. During their interrogation, they spilled everything, even admitting to stealing neighbors'' underwear in their youth. Su Ming handed the broken phone and the money to the beautiful woman, saying, ¡°The screen is shattered, but the internalponents might fetch some cash. Give this 1,500 yuan to your ssmate; she can get a slightly better phone with it.¡± The woman epted the phone, expressing her gratitude. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°It''s no big deal. We''re alumni, after all. Plus, it''s a privilege to assist someone as beautiful as you,¡± Su Ming quipped. She gazed into Su Ming''s eyes. His eyes were captivating, a deep ck that seemed pure and devoid of any ulterior motives. The woman felt a twinge of curiosity. Renowned for her beauty in Eastsea, men usually showed some interest, but Su Ming did not. This left her with a faint sense of disappointment. She couldn''t help wondering, ¡°Is it because I''m not attractive or charming enough that he seems soposed?¡± ¡°Are you a student at Eastsea University too? You''ve been such a great help, and I haven''t even introduced myself. My name is Hsu Chenyue.¡± Hsu Chenyue extended her hand with a warm smile. Su Ming returned the smile and gently shook Hsu Chenyue''s soft fingertips before promptly releasing them. ¡°I''m Su Ming. I graduated from Eastsea University a few years back.¡± Chapter 431 Chapter 431 - Su Ming Met Xiao Chen by Chance Su Ming''s chivalrous actions had won Hsu Chenyue''s favor and piqued her curiosity. Throughout her life, many boys had vied for her attention with their earnest affections. Yet, Su Ming was the first true gentleman she had encountered. ¡°Alright, I have to go now,¡± he said. ¡°If something like this happens again in the future, you should call the police. They''ll handle it.¡± ¡°It''s quite dangerous for a young woman to handle such matters,¡± Su Ming remarked with a smile before turning and walking away with an air of nonchnce. Hsu Chenyue stood there, momentarily stunned. ¡®He just left? Normally, wouldn''t he at least leave some contact information?'' she wondered. By the time she snapped out of her reverie, Su Ming had already exited the alley, turning the corner and vanishing from her view. ''He''s quite the enigma,'' Hsu Chenyue mused before heading back to school. Su Ming made his way through the alley and soon arrived at a sizable cake shop, boasting three floors, each spanning over 300 square meters. The ground floor was dedicated to selling cakes and an assortment of delicate pastries. On the second floor, customers could order custom cakes, working with designers who usedputers to bring their visions to life. Once the design was approved, and the materials selected, a production document was created. The top floor housed the production area, where cakes were crafted upon receipt of the orders from below. The cake-making process took ce at the back of the third floor, while the handcrafting section was situated near the windows. Theserge, immacte windows were regrly cleaned by professionals, allowing customers to observe the meticulous cake-making process and enjoy their purchases with confidence. Upon entering, Su Ming found the interior spotlessly clean. A waiter approached him promptly. ¡±Good day, sir. How may I assist you?¡± the waiter inquired with a weing smile. ¡°I''d like to order a cake,¡± Su Ming replied. ¡°Certainly, sir. Pleasee this way,¡± the waiter responded, leading Su Ming upstairs to the second floor. The waiter escorted Su Ming to a seating area where a small circr table awaited, adorned with a vase and a vibrant, blooming rose. Two blue sofa chairs nked the table, offering a sense offort and rxation. ¡±Hello, sir. Are you here to order a cake?¡± inquired a young woman dressed in professional attire, seated in one of the chairs. Upon noticing Su Ming, she stood and greeted him. ¡°Yes,¡± replied Su Ming with a smile. ¡°Please, have a seat, sir,¡± the young woman invited. Once Su Ming settled into the sofa chair, the young woman sat back down and opened herptop. ¡°Sir, these are some images of our sample cakes,¡± she began. ¡°Feel free to see if any of these designs catch your eye.¡± ¡±Or if they''re close to what you''re looking for, we can tweak any details to your liking,¡± she added, smiling warmly. Su Ming nodded and began perusing the images on theptop. Despite his current wealth and the ability to afford a diamond-studded cake, he knew it wouldn''t suit his mother''s lifelong frugality. The cake had to be modest in size and luxury, as his mother would consider it wasteful if it couldn''t be finished before spoiling. After much deliberation, Su Ming settled on an eight-inch cake and discussed the finer details and ingredients with the young woman. It was then that they were interrupted by a voice expressing surprise. ¡±Brother-inw?¡± Su Ming looked up to find Xiao Chen approaching with a joyful expression. ¡±Brother-inw, what a coincidence! What brings you here?¡± Xiao Chen said, pulling up a chair to sit next to Su Ming. ¡°I''m ordering a cake for my mother''s uing birthday,¡± Su Ming exined, smiling. ¡°Auntie''s birthday is soon? I''ll let my family know to prepare some gifts,¡± Xiao Chen said eagerly. ¡°That won''t be necessary,¡± Su Ming responded, still smiling. ¡°Okay,¡± Xiao Chen acquiesced, dropping the subject. ¡°What about you? Didn''t your dad just celebrate his birthday? Is there another family birthdaying up?¡± Su Ming asked, curious. ¡±No, this cake shop is owned by a friend of mine. I had hoped to discuss something with him today, but he''s not around at the moment,¡± Xiao Chen said with a smile. ¡°Brother-inw, I was actually looking for you. My sister, Hsu Chenyue, is heading back to the capital tomorrow. She might be there for quite a while this time, so she''d like to have dinner with you tonight.¡± Su Ming looked surprised and responded, ¡°Didn''t we just have dinner together recently?¡± Xiao Chen couldn''t help but feel frustrated, thinking to himself, ¡°Brother-inw, surely you''re not oblivious to romance, right? How could you ask such a silly question?¡± ¡°Brother-inw, if you recall, yourst dinner with my sister was interrupted, and I was there as well. But this time, she wants to have dinner just with you,¡± Xiao Chen rified. Su Ming chuckled. It was exactly as he had suspected. How could he be clueless about romance? He was simply curious to see what Xiao Chen had in mind. ¡°Okay. But let your sister know that I''m from Eastsea. She isn''t as familiar with it as I am, so tonight, I''ll introduce her to some local delicacies,¡± Su Ming offered. ¡°Great!¡± Xiao Chen readily epted on his sister''s behalf. To him, they were already family, so it didn''t matter who was picking up the tab. ¡°Alright then, brother-inw. I''ll head out now,¡± Xiao Chen said, and then he was gone. Once Xiao Chen had left, the staff member standing next to Su Ming was visibly taken aback. She recognized Xiao Chen as her boss''s close friend. Her boss hailed from a renowned family in the capital, a scion of a wealthy dynasty she had seen on television. Her boss had opened the cake shop in Eastsea as a form of self-improvement, unconcerned with the shop''s profitability. Both Xiao Chen and her boss were from affluent families. Yet, here was Xiao Chen, referring to Su Ming as his brother-inw, which piqued her curiosity about Su Ming''s background. As an employee, she was expected to maintain a professional demeanor with customers, always wearing a standard smile, regardless of her mood. But now, her smile was genuine and heartfelt. After Xiao Chen''s departure, Su Ming resumed discussing the cake with the staff member. Her warm and enthusiastic attitude, however, took Su Ming by surprise. Su Ming couldn''t help but wonder, ¡°What''s gotten into you? I''m not inviting you out for dinner tonight. Why are you so worked up?¡± ¡°Keep your distance. I have good hearing. I''m not deaf!¡± Su Ming remarked. After conversing for a bit, Su Ming added, ¡°You don''t need to be so overzealous with me. How many times are you going to ask if I''m thirsty¡ªfive or six?¡± ¡°You don''t need to offer such a steep discount. What''s this, you''re practically giving it to me for free?¡± Su Ming''s voice echoed. Even as Su Ming stepped out of the store, his face was rife with confusion. ¡°Can anyone exin what just happened?¡± Su Ming shook his head but didn''t dwell on it. He headed straight back home. On his way, he didn''t encounter any thugs harassing beautiful girls. Once home, Su Ming made a beeline for the breeding zone. Having just checked with Yuvyuv, he was confident the bamboo rat was ready. He flung open the door to the breeding zone and hurried into the nearest enclosure. Peering over the concrete barrier, he froze and murmured to himself, ¡°What on earth is this?¡± Chapter 432 Chapter 432 - Keyboard Warrior Su Ming had previously raised bamboo rats. Typically, these bamboo rats were roughly the size of rabbits and quite plump. Su Ming had once tried the meat from the bamboo rats he raised at home, finding it exceptionally tasty. But now, the contents of the single room were not bamboo rats, but a collection of syringes! Su Ming was incredulous. What on earth was this? These were just ordinary syringes, not particrlyrge, filled with a yellow liquid. Oddly enough, the syringes had sprouted four tiny legs and were scuttling about the room. Thankfully, each syringe was encased in a clear stic cover, which was the only reason Su Ming could even contemte remaining in the room. ¡°What in the world is this?¡± Su Ming wondered, concerned about the potential for idental harm. He stood frozen at the entrance of the room for quite some time, blinking in astonishment. Deciding that it was best to take action, he knew he couldn''t just let these syringes roam around indefinitely. It never crossed Su Ming''s mind that he would end up raising a batch of syringes. Taking a deep breath, Su Ming stepped into the room. The syringes moved slowly, allowing Su Ming to reach out and grab one. As soon as he did, its four little legs vanished instantly. The syringe nowy still in Su Ming''s hand. That''s when the voice of the System chimed in, ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the Keyboard Warrior Syringe. Once injected into a person, they will instantly be a Keyboard Warrior. Their typing speed will soar to 100 words per minute, they''ll master 1000 curse words, and their verbal sparring skills will improve by 100%. With these syringes, you can create an army of Keyboard Warriors!¡± ¡°Note: The injection is painless and will go unnoticed by others. Please use with confidence, Host!¡± ¡°Note: The Host is unable to use this on themselves.¡± Hearing the System''s announcement in his head, Su Ming was at a loss for words. He was utterly dumbfounded. The System had gone mad, it seemed, by suggesting he create Keyboard Warriors. Furthermore, the painless, instant injection was something of a marvel. If such a technique could be developed for medical use, pediatric hospitals would be serene ces, devoid of the wails and cries of distressed children. However, the Keyboard Warrior Syringe now seemed utterly useless. The inte was already teeming with Keyboard Warriors. Adding even more Keyboard Warriors might just drive otherizens insane. The name Keyboard Warrior Syringe aptly described its purpose. Su Ming held the syringe in his hand, a wry smile on his face. He intended to exchange these Keyboard Warrior Syringes for points. He grabbed a bag and began to collect them. Before long, he had filled the bag with Keyboard Warrior Syringes. He had gathered 96 syringes in total. If he used all these syringes, Earth would gain 96 more Keyboard Warriors, each one unmatched in their ability to hurl insults. The thought made Su Ming involuntarily shudder. He was determined to exchange the syringes for points without dy. The System''s voice chimed in, ¡°Host, congrattions on the sessful point exchange. You have earned 2880 points!¡± Each Keyboard Warrior Syringe could be exchanged for 30 points. With nearly 3000 points in hand, Su Ming was ted. He quickly checked his phone for the building upgrade requirements. The breeding zone was currently at Level Two. Upgrading to Level Three required 1000 points. The control panel was also at Level Two, needing another 1000 points for the upgrade to Level Three. Su Ming had more than enough points. Moreover, once the breeding zone and control panel were at Level Three, he could raise a Three-legged Golden Toad! In high spirits, Su Ming immediately hit the upgrade button. The System announced, ¡°Equipment is upgrading. Upgrade time: 36 hours!¡± ¡°House is upgrading. Upgrade time: 36 hours!¡± After that, Su Ming stepped outside. The moment he left, the house took on a misty appearance, signaling the start of the upgrade. In just a day and a half, he would be able to raise the Three-legged Golden Toad! Humming happily, Su Ming made his way to the warehouse. He filled a bucket with water and added some fertilizer to it, careful not to make it too concentrated since thend had already been fertilized once. He then poured Blessing Potion into the soil and began watering. After finishing up the work in the fields, Su Ming headed over to the herding area. While these animals could subsist on grass, humans enjoy snacks, and animals are no different. Su Ming gave them the special feed he had purchased, which was akin to treats for them. The two horses munched away contentedly, swishing their tails nonstop. Su Ming tossed a couple of M12 beef chunks to the crabs. Being carnivores, he knew they would relish the meal. Once everything was in order, Su Ming stretched outzily. He settled into the recliner, eyes half-closed. Despite it being autumn, the midday heat was intense. But thanks to the bead he wore, Su Ming wasn''t bothered by the heat. He basked in the cool breeze and the distant sound of car horns, eventually dozing off. After what seemed like ages, Yuvyuv gently roused him in his mind. ¡°Master, you have a date tonight, and it''s getting dark. Don''t miss it.¡± The prompt jolted Su Ming awake. He hadpletely forgotten, and he was thankful for Yuvyuv''s reminder. It seemed Yuvyuv was bing more personable by the day. Without her, he might have woken up toote and missed the date entirely. Checking the time, he saw it was only 4:30 PM. There was still time to make it. Su Ming pulled out his phone, opened Wechat, and messaged Xiao Ke''er. ¡°See you at 7 PM, don''t bete.¡± He also sent her his current location. Xiao Ke''er responded immediately. Su Ming felt a twinge of guilt for notifying her sote. She must have been eagerly waiting, phone in hand, to avoid missing his message. ¡°Got it! I''ll be there on time, see you then!¡± her message read, apanied by a smiling emoji. With a smile of his own, Su Ming hurried back to the vi. Having been in the breeding zone, he thought it best to shower first. After a refreshing bath and a ss of water, he settled into the living room to watch some TV for a while. Before long, it was six in the evening. Su Ming turned off the TV, opened the door, and headed to the garage, where he casually chose a car. He set off for the rendezvous point. It was the peak of rush hour, and the roads were somewhat congested, but luckily, his destination wasn''t too far off. He reached the spot in less than thirty minutes. This was a barbecue street recently developed by Eastsea. Though many of the shops had only just opened, they were established eateries known for their delicious food and strong reputations. Even though BBQ Street was a new locale, the chefs'' skills were well-honed. The high rent here was a testament to that. For barbecue joints, regrs were key. Customers could tell quality, and if the barbecue wasn''t up to par, they certainly wouldn''t return. Su Ming parked his car along the curb. Stepping out, he was immediately greeted by the tantalizing scent of barbecue wafting through the street. Initially not hungry, the aroma quickly whetted his appetite. Su Ming made his way to his intended spot. It was a particrly popr barbecue shop known for its affordable prices, fresh ingredients, and exceptional vors. Though the sky had barely begun to darken, the shop was already bustling with patrons. Most of the outdoor tables were upied. Su Ming chose a table at random and took a seat. The Lady Boss, donning an apron, approached with a warm smile and a menu in hand. ¡°What would you like to eat? How many are in your party?¡± Su Ming responded with a smile, ¡°Just the two of us. My friend will join me shortly. I''ll take a look at the menu for now. Please, go ahead with your tasks, and I''ll order once my friend arrives.¡± The Lady Boss returned the smile, ced the menu in front of Su Ming, and went back to her bustling business. Chapter 433 Chapter 433 - Trimetric ssic As Su Ming perused the menu, a rumble of an engine echoed from a short distance away. Several patrons nearby, mid-sip, craned their necks. ¡°Just by the sound of that engine, you can tell that car didn''te cheap.¡± ¡°It''s got to be at least a V8.¡± ¡°Man, if I could drive a car like that even once in my life, it''d give it all the meaning it needs.¡± ¡°Dream on.¡± Su Ming chuckled to himself as he overheard their banter. The engine''s purr was indeed enticing; the car must be quite the machine. But for someone like Su Ming, who had lost the thrill of car shopping, it failed to pique his interest. He returned his attention to the menu, but something felt off. The engine''s growl seemed to be drawing nearer. Looking up, Su Ming spotted a sleek red Ferrari racing down the road towards them. The street was bustling with barbecue-goers. The sight of the shy sports car sent a ripple of astonishment through the crowd. Who could the owner be? The car was downright impressive. As onlookers gaped at the sports car, it pulled up right in front of the shop where Su Ming was seated. The Ferrari came to a smooth halt, the door swung open, and out stepped a pair of white feet d in ck high heels, followed by smooth, slender legs. A stunning beauty emerged from the vehicle. With her long hair cascading over her shoulders,plemented by a red dress, her striking looks brought an instant hush over the lively barbecue stand. All eyes were on her. The clinking of bottles and sses dropping filled the air intermittently. A gorgeous woman stepping out of a luxury sports car¡ªit was like a scene straight out of a movie. It took a moment for the crowd to snap out of their daze. ¡°She''s gorgeous, like a goddess.¡± ¡°What are the odds she''d give me her number if I asked?¡± ¡°You''ll never get her number.¡± ¡°Hey, don''t knock my confidence.¡± ¡°You''re not in her league.¡± Their words had barely faded when another voice chimed in. ¡°Stop ogling thedy; our drinks are getting warm!¡± ¡°Quit staring and turn those skewers; they''re burning!¡± ¡°You''re stepping on my foot!¡± Chaos ensued. Su Ming realized the stunning woman was none other than Xiao Ke''er. Xiao Ke''er stood in front of the Ferrari, her eyes catching sight of Su Ming. With a slight smile, she made her way over to Su Ming''s side. She smoothed out her skirt before taking a seat on the chair. The surrounding men let out a collective groan of envy. They were all there to enjoy some kebabs, so how did this lucky guy manage to have such a stunning woman by his side? And they scoffed at the idea of him taking a beauty like her out for mere kebabs. If they were in his shoes, they''d treat a woman like that to avish dinner. Su Ming paid no mind to the onlookers'' stares, instead, he warmly regarded Xiao Ke''er with a smile. ¡°You seem a bit tired,¡± Su Ming observed with a grin. ¡°Yes, a bit. I usually take a nap in the afternoon, but I skipped it today since we had ns for dinner,¡± she admitted. ¡°Xiao Chen reminded me every half hour, and just as I''d start to doze off, his voice would wake me. That''s why I didn''t get a good rest. As punishment, I had him stay home and write out the Trimetric ssic,¡± Xiao Ke''er recounted cheerfully. Su Ming couldn''t help but feel a sense of helplessness upon hearing this. It''s often said that an elder sister is like a mother, and her authority is not to be challenged. Xiao Chen reacted to Xiao Ke''er much like a mouse to a cat, more terrified of her than even his father, Xiao Luomu. Su Ming felt a quiet pang of sympathy for Xiao Chen. After all, Xiao Chen''s reminders were meant to be helpful to Xiao Ke''er. ¡°But writing the Trimetric ssic is beneficial. Xiao Chen, it won''t hurt to write it a few more times. I''ll take you out for some fun next time to make up for it,¡± Su Ming mused to himself. Meanwhile, Xiao Chen sat in the study, grimacing as he copied the Trimetric ssic, sneezing several times in session. He rubbed his nose and flexed his aching wrist. Unable to resist, Xiao Chen muttered under his breath, ¡°Xiao Ke''er, I was just looking out for your best interests! And this is how you repay me? I won''t bother reminding you again!¡± Su Ming presented the menu to Xiao Ke''er, suggesting, ¡°Have a look, what would you like to eat?¡± Xiao Ke''er picked up the menu and perused it before suggesting, ¡°Why don''t you choose?¡± ¡±Due to strict rules at home, I''ve hardly had the chance to enjoy barbecue, so I''m not very familiar with it,¡± she admitted. Handing the menu back to Su Ming, Xiao Ke''er watched as he gave it a thoughtful look. ¡°Lady Boss,¡± Su Ming called out, beckoning her over with a wave. The Lady Boss approached briskly and inquired, ¡°What will it be, young man? And is this your girlfriend? She''s stunning¡ªlike a figure straight out of a painting!¡± ¡°Yes, she is. Thank you,¡± Su Ming replied, grinning. Unbeknownst to Su Ming, Xiao Ke''er''s cheeks flushed with color, and her heart rate picked up at his words. She quickly regained herposure, yet a flutter of excitement stirred within her. ¡±Do you have any dietary restrictions?¡± Su Ming asked, turning to Xiao Ke''er. ¡°I''m good with anything, but I can''t handle too much spice,¡± she responded. Su Ming nodded and ced their order. ¡°Let''s get twenty mutton skewers, twenty beef skewers, tenrge oysters, and spicy crayfish¡ªmake sure the crayfish are fresh.¡± While Xiao Ke''er was new to the barbecue experience, Su Ming was a seasoned aficionado, choosing items that were known for their tastiness. Barbecue is a beloved dining option among the masses, offering both affordability and vor. Considering the amount of food, Su Ming decided, ¡°This should be enough for us. Let''s keep the barbecue seasoning mild. And we''ll take a room-temperature c and a cup of warm water, please.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± The Lady Boss confirmed with a nod before bustling off to fulfill the order. Soon after, the mutton and beef skewers Su Ming had requested were served. ¡°Give these a try,¡± Su Ming said, as he picked up a napkin, wrapped it around the end of a skewer, and offered it to Xiao Ke''er. Chapter 434 Chapter 434 - The Person Who Put on Airs Has Come! Kemeng reached out and epted the mutton skewer, bringing it close to her delicate nose for a sniff. It smelled wonderful! The skewer, fresh from the grill, was still sizzling, and the aroma of the spices filled the air. Her appetite was instantly piqued. Kemeng took a small bite of the mutton skewer. ¡°This is really tasty,¡± she said, her eyes sparkling. As a daughter of a prominent family, she never had to worry about food or clothing due to her family''s wealth. Yet, in some respects, she faced her own challenges. Being the eldest sister, Kemeng had to be a role model for Xiao Chen, which meant she had to be extremely mindful of her behavior and lifestyle. Previously, it was unthinkable for her to dine alone with a boy. But now, Xiao Luomu was overjoyed to learn that his daughter would be dining with Su Ming. His joy left Kemeng feeling somewhat resigned. Su Ming, struck by a sudden thought, asked, ¡°I heard your grandfather came to Eastsea with an unfulfilled wish. What is it?¡± Kemeng shook her head. ¡°I''m not sure, but my grandfather has been going out much moretely, and he''s been in great spirits,ughing every day. I think he might be close to fulfilling that wish.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Kemeng then shifted the conversation, looking at Su Ming with a hint of mystery. ¡°However, I have a feeling this wish is tied to something from my grandfather''s youth.¡± ¡±Really?¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. After a moment''s thought, he agreed that Kemeng''s spection was usible. Many people carry regrets from their youth. ¡°Could it be a romantic debt your grandfather left unresolved?¡± Su Ming ventured with a blink. ¡°I believe that''s a possibility,¡± Kemeng replied earnestly. Su Ming was momentarily speechless. The patriarch of a distinguished family in the capital, Old Master Xiao, revered andposed, might have an unfulfilled wish rted to a youthful romance. It''s not surprising, really. Everyone has been young once, and it''s perfectly normal for young people to fall in love. Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er were deep in conversation, discussing the desires of Old Master Xiao. Just then, a group approached them. Leading the pack was a middle-aged woman. She was short and plump, with a face covered in e. Trailing her was a young man dressed in a suit and tie, sporting a gleaming watch on his wrist. He strolled with his hands sped behind his back, exuding an air of arrogance. Yet his face was marred by a scowl, as if everything on the street deeply repulsed him. Several imposing figures nked him. Tall and muscr, they donned sunsses, looking effortlessly cool. ¡°Young Master Jin, right this way, please!¡± one called out. ¡°Careful, Young Master Jin, there''s a puddle ahead,¡± another cautioned. ¡°What do you think of this ce, Young Master Jin?¡± inquired a third. The middle-aged woman, smiling obsequiously, led the way. A waiter hurried by, skewers in hand, but she shoved him aside. ¡°Are you blind? How dare you obstruct Young Master Jin''s path? Move along!¡± As she turned back, her expression transformed. Moments ago, she had the air of a subservient maid; now she resembled a snarling dog. The waiter, visibly shaken, quickly stepped aside. This group clearly came from influential backgrounds. He was just a waiter; he couldn''t afford to cross them. Young Master Jin gave a leisurely nod and, with a nasal tone, dered, ¡°We''ll sit here.¡± He spoke deliberately, signaling his authority. ¡±Young Master Jin, your seat is ready,¡± someone said. ¡°This stool is a bit dirty, Young Master Jin. I''ll clean it for you,¡± the middle-aged woman offered, rushing to wipe it with her sleeve. She thenid out tissues on the stool for added cleanliness. Young Master Jin made his way over and settled into his seat with slow precision. ¡°The streets of the imperial court are filthy. In our H Country, they''re immacte. I wouldn''t have set foot in this squalor if your boss hadn''t begged me,¡± he stated with disdain. Hearing this, the onlookers furrowed their brows and shot angry res at Young Master Jin. It turns out that Young Master Jin hails from H Country. H Country isn''t veryrge. Historically, its soldiers were repeatedly defeated by the warriors of the imperial court. Yet, Young Master Jin had the audacity to speak ill of the imperial court. If he finds the imperial court so disagreeable, what brings him here? And if he deems this ce unclean, why doesn''t he dine at a high-end restaurant? ¡°Young Master Jin is correct. The imperial court is indeed dirty. Please bear with us. I''ll inform Manager Lee and arrange a better ce for you,¡± the middle-aged woman said with a sycophantic smile. ¡°Damn it. Are you even loyal to the imperial court? Why do you grovel before foreigners?¡± ¡°Your fawning over foreigners is truly nauseating!¡± ¡°If you find the imperial court so distasteful, then go back to your own country!¡± The crowd, unable to contain their anger upon hearing this, loudly rebuked the middle-aged woman. ¡°I am no longer a citizen of the imperial court! Just yesterday, I officially became a national of H Country!¡± This is Young Master Jin from H Country, a man of noble standing. Are you really consideringying a hand on him? That''s quite audacious. Such actions could damage the amicable rtions between our two nations. Keep yourselves in check, or I''ll call the police and have you all arrested!¡± the middle-aged woman dered loudly. The crowd was momentarily taken aback by the woman''s words. Despite their disdain for Young Master Jin, they were powerless to act. They were meremoners, unable to shoulder the consequences of any incident. Seeing the crowd fall silent, the middle-aged woman looked smug. She quickly turned, bowed, and said with a grin, ¡°Young Master Jin, please don''t be upset with them. Historically, the people of the imperial court learned how to make chopsticks and sauerkraut from our country, yet they''ve never owned up to it. The people of the imperial court have never been known for their quality.¡± Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er frowned upon hearing her words. H Country is but a speck of a nation. In ancient times, it was always a minor vassal state under the imperial court. Its cultural system was a direct copy of the imperial court''s. But now, the people of H Country are iming that the imperial court has giarized their culture. The imperial court boasts a vast territory and teems with arge poption. It''s only natural that among so many, a few traitors would emerge. The middle-aged woman''s decision to join H Country was within her rights. Yet, despite her ancestors hailing from the imperial court, she chose to nder the very nation that nurtured her. Her actions were truly despicable! Just then, the voice of the System echoed. ¡°A mission has been triggered. Host, you are tasked with finding a way to exact a harsh retribution from the people of H Country and this middle-aged woman. Mission Reward: You will gain ess to unlock special items!¡± Chapter 435 Chapter 435 - The Show Has Begun! To expedite the mission, the System will grant you an Obedient Consent Pill. Once you select a target and use it on them, they will willinglyply with any request you make, no matter what it is. The effectsts for two hours. Su Ming was momentarily taken aback by the notification that echoed in his mind. The special mission he had unlocked while harvesting the Excellent Banana was now activated! The most impressive part was the Obedient Consent Pill provided by the System. With this pill, any target he chose would acquiesce to his demands. The potential of this feature was immense. Su Ming had already intended to give the individual from H Country and the middle-aged woman a piece of his mind. Now, with the System''s mission in y, he could not only give them a well-deserved lesson but also secure the mission rewards and unlock the special item he had coveted for so long. It was a win-win situation. With a slight smile, Su Ming rose to his feet and made his way toward Young Master Jin. Xiao Ke''er blinked in surprise, then let out a chuckle. She seemed to have a hunch about Su Ming''s intentions. Those around them were taken aback. Was this young man about to confront Young Master Jin? They certainly yearned for someone to put that man in his ce, to alleviate the frustration simmering within them. Despite Young Master Jin''s reprehensible behavior, he was, after all, a foreigner. Should the situation spiral out of control, the one who reprimanded Young Master Jin might not fare well. At that moment, a diner furrowed his brow and murmured to hispanion, ¡°Brother, doesn''t this guy look somewhat familiar?¡± ¡°I was thinking the same thing. He looks familiar.¡± ¡°Remember that video that went viral online a few days ago?¡± ¡°That''s the guy who''s adept at duping people, right?¡± ¡°We''re in for quite the spectacle soon!¡± The crowd quickly realized that the unfolding events were bound to be entertaining. As Su Ming approached, the middle-aged woman''s expression soured. Eyeing Su Ming cautiously, she demanded, ¡°Who are you? What do you want?¡± With a beaming smile, Su Ming replied, ¡°I''ve always held H Country in high regard and wanted to befriend its people. Unfortunately, I''vecked the funds to do so. Observing Young Master Jin''s luxurious attire, it''s clear he''s no ordinary individual. I''d like to befriend him.¡± The middle-aged woman gave Su Ming a scornful look and said with a sneer, ¡°And who do you think you are? You don''t have the credentials to associate with our Young Master Jin.¡± But before she could finish, Young Master Jin gestured dismissively and said, ¡°It''s fine.¡± Hearing this, the woman immediately turned, bowed deeply, and took on the demeanor of a servant once more, saying, ¡°Yes, sir!¡± She then faced Su Ming and remarked, ¡°Kid, you''re in luck today. Chatting with Young Master Jin is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you.¡± Su Ming just smiled and took a seat across from Young Master Jin. The onlookers quickly caught on to Su Ming''s strategy. With a beaming smile, Su Ming inquired, ¡°Young Master Jin, with your striking looks and exceptional presence, I''ve never encountered anyone as impressive as you. You must be in big business, am I right?¡± Young Master Jin, clearly ttered, replied eagerly, ¡°That''s right.¡± He thought that the people from the imperial court were overly deferential to foreigners, as if they were subservient to them. Su Ming continued his ttery: ¡°Young Master Jin, you''re truly remarkable. What line of business are you in?¡± With a scoff, Young Master Jin gave Su Ming a mocking nce and said, ¡°Even if I exined it to you, you wouldn''t grasp it. Our family''s corporation is vast and the intricacies are beyond your understanding.¡± Undeterred, Su Ming pressed on, ¡°I''m simply curious, Young Master Jin. I admit my ignorance. Please, enlighten me about yourpany; I''d love to learn more.¡± Convinced of his own grandeur, Young Master Jin nodded in agreement. He had been pondering how to boast about his status, and here was his chance! ¡°Fantastic!¡± ¡°I must make amanding entrance and awe all of you from the imperial court. I''ll show you the might of H Country!¡± ¡°It''s nothing extraordinary. My family merely manages a conglomerate in H Country valued at 100 billion.¡± ¡°We just conduct business with a few presidents from Western countries, that''s all.¡± ¡°It''s hardly worth mentioning,¡± Young Master Jin said, feigning humility, but his face betrayed an unmistakable air of superiority. He believed himself to be the most formidable person around. No one could hold a candle to him! ¡°You''re that impressive? Good heavens! A conglomerate worth hundreds of billions! And here I am, barely making a few hundred dors a month,¡± Su Ming eximed, feigning astonishment. Upon witnessing the scene, Xiao Ke''er couldn''t resist covering her mouth with her hand, concealing the smirk that was forming. The bystanders near Su Ming all looked away. They weren''t under the impression that Su Ming wasplimenting Young Master Jin, nor did they believe Su Ming was undermining the national pride of the imperial court. Their gazes shifted because they didn''t want Young Master Jin to catch themughing. Su Ming was making a mockery of Young Master Jin, who, oblivious, had no clue. ¡°You''re aware, that''s good. Those figures will always be beyond your reach,¡± Young Master Jin dered haughtily. Su Ming, with a smile, responded, ¡°Indeed! I can''t even fathom possessing such a vast amount of money.¡± ¡°It never ceases to amaze me how well you people from the imperial court understand your own limitations,¡± Young Master Jin remarked with disdain. At that moment, Su Ming slipped his hand into his pocket. Inside, he clutched a spherical object tightly. ¡°Host, please select your target,¡± the System instructed in Su Ming''s mind. ¡°I choose Young Master Jin,¡± Su Ming thought back. ¡°The Consent Pill has been deployed, targeting Jin Shengcan! The Consent Pill is valid for two hours.¡± ¡°The countdown begins,¡± Su Ming heard the voice in his mind announce. A slight grin yed on Su Ming''s lips. His scheme was about to unfold. ¡°Young Master Jin, I have a rather bold request.¡± ¡°I''m just a regr guy from the imperial court. My wallet''s thin, and today, I''m out dining with my girlfriend, hesitant to order too much.¡± ¡°Young Master Jin, could you lend a hand?¡± Su Ming asked, his smile unwavering. ¡°What are you implying? You expect Young Master Jin to foot the bill for you? Who do you think you are?¡± The middle-aged woman beside Young Master Jin retorted, hands on her hips, pointing usingly at Su Ming. But before she could continue, Young Master Jin confidently pped his chest and dered, ¡°No problem at all. Order whatever you like, it''s on me!¡± Chapter 436 Chapter 436 - Su Ming''s n When Young Master Jin spoke, the middle-aged woman was immediately bewildered. Could it be that Young Master Jin had actually agreed? Having been with Young Master Jin for so long, she was well aware of his personality. He was notoriously frugal. While Young Master Jin''s family was indeed wealthy, they didn''t possess assets worth 100 billion, but rather 10 billion. Despite his wealth, he ate nothing but rice and sauerkraut every day. For him to dine out on barbeque was an extraordinary urrence. He had decided to indulge in barbeque today to celebrate the sessful negotiation of a business deal. His choice to eat BBQ was simple: it was both affordable and tasty. Furthermore, at the barbeque stall that day, he was the only one from his team who was eating; the middle-aged woman and the bodyguards following him were not permitted to partake. It was hard to imagine such a penny-pinching individual offering to buy someone else a meal. The middle-aged woman''s face was a picture of awkwardness. She opened her mouth, nced around, and ended up saying nothing at all. She turned to Su Ming and cautioned him, ¡°Today, you''re in luck because Young Master Jin is in a good mood. But I''m telling you, when you''re ordering, you need to be mindful of what to choose and what to avoid.¡± No sooner had the middle-aged woman finished her warning than Young Master Jin stood up straight, patted his chest, and dered, ¡°Feel free to order whatever you''d like, don''t hold back!¡± Su Ming asked with a beaming smile, ¡°Young Master Jin, you''re wealthy and generous. Today, I''ve certainly reaped some benefits from you, but there are many people on this barbeque street who are friends of mine, and they can''t afford to eat barbeque. Would you consider treating them as well?¡± Those nearby overheard and shook their heads in disbelief. They were convinced Su Ming''s request was doomed to fail. Despite their own grievances with Young Master Jin, they believed Su Ming''s suggestion was utterly imusible. With so many people on BBQ Street, it was already a stretch for Young Master Jin to offer him a meal, let alone extend the invitation to others. Upon hearing this, the middle-aged woman''s eyes bulged in astonishment. ¡°Young Master Jin has already shown you considerable respect by treating you to barbeque. And now you want him to treat your friends as well? You''re dreaming! Perhaps you''d like Young Master Jin to treat the entire street next? Don''t overstep your bounds!¡± The middle-aged woman ced her hands on her hips and fixed Su Ming with a fierce re as she spoke. No sooner had she finished her tirade than Young Master Jin brought his hand down hard on the table. The resounding m echoed loudly, causing a startle among the onlookers. Uh-oh, Young Master Jin was livid! Many shook their heads in sympathy, murmuring apologies for their inability to assist Su Ming, given the intimidating presence of Young Master Jin''s bodyguards. They averted their gazes, not wanting to witness the impending scene. The woman, however, puffed up with arrogance. Young Master Jin was incensed, and it appeared her words had struck a chord with him. She had once again demonstrated her prowess before Young Master Jin. But then, in a grandiose gesture, Young Master Jin dered, ¡°No problem, I''ll treat the whole street to a barbecue!¡± His promation left everyone around him dumbfounded. What? Young Master Jin was going to treat the entire street to a barbecue? Had they misheard? This street was teeming with people. The cost of such a generous offer was surely no small sum. When Young Master Jin had first arrived, he seemed to disdain the ce. How had he suddenly turned so benevolent? Was this his way of unting his wealth? He was known to be extravagant when showcasing his own status, yet notoriously tightfisted with others. The middle-aged woman was equally shocked. Having worked for Young Master Jin for quite some time, she had never witnessed such generosity from him. This was entirely out of character for Young Master Jin. Had he lost his mind? Something was definitely off. Meanwhile, Xiao Ke''er was quietly chuckling to herself. While the others might be clueless, she was well aware of Su Ming''s cunning n. He had already duped several individuals. She felt a pang of pity for those ensnared by Su Ming''s machinations. And now, another hapless victim had fallen prey. Amidst the collective astonishment, Su Mingughed heartily and eximed, ¡°That''s our Young Master Jin for you! Always full of surprises!¡± ¡°Folks, you all heard him. Today, the feast is on Young Master Jin.¡± ¡±Dig in, everyone. And once you''ve had your fill, just send the bill Young Master Jin''s way for reimbursement.¡± ¡°Right, Young Master Jin?¡± Su Ming asked, his eyes twinkling with mirth. ¡°Yes! Eat as much as you like, it''s on me!¡± Young Master Jin dered with a delighted grin. ¡°Wow! This guy is incredible!¡± ¡°How did he pull it off?¡± ¡°I doubted him just a moment ago. My apologies for being so narrow-minded.¡± ¡°Did you get that on video?¡± ¡°I did.¡± ¡°We''ll have to review itter. I need to see how he managed that. I could learn a thing or two from him. If I can pick up even a little, I''m set for life.¡± ¡°He''s truly impressive.¡± ¡°He got Young Master Jin from H Country to fall into his trap with just a few words.¡± ¡°Keep it down! Don''t let the folks from H Country overhear!¡± ¡°Fantastic! Today''s not a waste. Someone''s footing the bill! Hey, boss, I''ll take 20 skewers of kidneys!¡± ¡°Boss, I''ll have crayfish worth 70 to 80 bucks!¡± ¡°Boss, bring out two bottles of Maotai Liquor.¡± The entire street was agog. Now, everyone was aware that Young Master Jin from H Country was treating them to a feast. They eagerly ordered lobsters, pricey white wine, and skewers of kidneys that cost a pretty penny. Today, they were determined to indulge to the fullest! And it didn''t stop there; many were calling their friends and family to join in the barbecue feast. Soon enough, the whole barbecue strip was teeming with people. Tables and chairs spilled outside, creating a lively atmosphere. The barbecue chefs were working up a sweat but were thrilled at the same time! They were in for a hefty payday! Young Master Jin''s spirits soared as the crowd grew. But the bodyguards and the middle-aged woman following him were dumbfounded. This kid must have done something to Young Master Jin. They had been with Young Master Jin long enough to know him well: he was not one to treat others to a meal! Yet, they couldn''t pinpoint any issue. What in the world was happening? ¡°Young Master Jin, you''re something else.¡± ¡°See how grateful everyone is?¡± ¡°Still, I feel like we could do more.¡± ¡°I have a little proposal. Young Master Jin, would you consider it?¡± Su Ming asked, smiling slyly. Chapter 437 Chapter 437 - This Is a Trap Upon hearing this, the middle-aged woman realized that Su Ming wasying a trap for Young Master Jin. She quickly stood up to intervene, ¡°Young Master Jin, what''s gotten into you today? You''re usually so frugal that you only drink mineral water to avoid spending too much. Why are you offering to buy a meal for everyone now? It''s going to cost a fortune.¡± She blurted out the truth in her attempt to deter Young Master Jin. Young Master Jin was known for his penny-pinching ways, yet today he was surprisingly generous, which the middle-aged woman found odd. Young Master Jin was visibly upset and retorted, ¡°I''m having a conversation with my brother. How is that any of your concern?¡± ¡°Brother, name your terms. If it''s within my power, I''ll certainly fulfill them,¡± dered Young Master Jin, thumping his chest emphatically. Su Ming chuckled, ¡°Great. However, the ingredients on this street are too mundane. I''d like to procure some premium ingredients for everyone to enjoy. What do you say, Young Master Jin?¡± Without hesitation, Young Master Jin consented, ¡°No problem. If the street''s offerings are subpar, then let''s go for the good stuff. No matter the cost, I''ll cover it today.¡± His promation left the bystanders in utter disbelief. Truth be told, if Young Master Jin were to foot the bill for everyone''s meal, he would indeed be spending money, but dining on mutton and beef skewers on this street would only set him back a few hundred thousand at most for the evening. The street was known for its basic fare, with few upscale ingredients on hand. But Su Ming''s suggestion changed everything. If Su Ming were to source ingredients from elsewhere, the sky was the limit on the price. They had assumed that Su Ming''s trap for Young Master Jin was simply to have him host a meal for everyone and that would be the end of it. Little did they know, Su Ming had another snare in store for Young Master Jin. Su Ming grinned andplimented, ¡°Young Master Jin, you are without a doubt the most generous person I''ve ever met.¡± He then stood up, borrowed a loudspeaker from the vendor, climbed onto a table, and switched it on. ¡±Ladies and gentlemen, today Young Master Jin from H Country is treating us to a feast. He''s dered that the street''s fare isn''t upscale enough. We''re free to purchase the finest ingredients and prepare them, and Young Master Jin has generously offered to reimburse us for all expenses.¡± As soon as Su Ming finished speaking, the onlookers in the distance were visibly taken aback. Su Ming had outsmarted Young Master Jin from H Country once again. Though they wouldn''t dare confront Young Master Jin directly, they certainly had no qualms about spending his money. Su Ming announced, ¡°I have a small suggestion. Let''s skip the beef skewers and other low-end fare. All the barbecue shop owners, let''s line up our stalls together. We''ll go out and buy some abalone, lobsters, and other delicacies to grill. And let''s not forget to pick up some red and white wine to enjoy with our meal.¡± The entire street erupted in cheers, everyone raising their hands in jubtion. They were in awe of Su Ming, who had managed to turn the previously arrogant man from H Country into a willing host for their feast. Immediately after Su Ming''s deration, the barbecue stall owners sprang into action, clearing out the left side of the street. Xiao Ke''er moved her car to the roadside. The barbecue stalls were arranged in a neat row, and the patrons formed a line that stretched from one end of the street to the other. It didn''t matter whether they knew each other or not; everyone squeezed in together, filling every avable seat. Some brought tables from their homes, and a few even hauled in the long tables from cafeterias. At one table sat Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er, just the two of them. It wasn''t that the others were afraid to join Su Ming for a meal; rather, they felt it would be inappropriate. The situation was akin to how no one in ancient times would dare share a table with the emperor¡ªan exaggeration, perhaps, but it underscored the deep respect they all had for Su Ming. Suddenly, someone pushed through the crowd, calling out, ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, it is indeed you!¡± came another voice, filled with surprise. Su Ming looked over and recognized them as President Chen and Wang Guohui. ¡°Why are you two here?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Mr. Su, haven''t you heard? The story of you duping that kid from H Country has spread all over Eastsea. We came to see if you needed any assistance,¡± President Chen exined eagerly. ¡°Yes, exactly,¡± Wang Guohui added, smiling in agreement. As President Chen and Wang Guohui conversed, their attention shifted to the side. They caught sight of Young Master Jin seated in a chair,ughing joyously. They paused, momentarily taken aback. ¡°Mr. Su, is he the young man from H Country you managed to outwit?¡± President Chen inquired quietly. ¡°Do you know him?¡± Su Ming probed. ¡°Well, I wouldn''t say I''m well-acquainted with him. Our paths have crossed a few times, strictly for business purposes. His family owns a massive corporation in H Country, employing tens of thousands. They''ve partnered with the Four Stars Group. It''s an incredibly well-known and wealthypany, valued at no less than ten billion yuan. Young Master Jin is known for being frugal, yet you convinced him to treat an entire street to a meal. That''s something only you could pull off,¡± President Chen remarked with genuine admiration. ¡°That''s a given! In Mr. Su''s presence, no one holds a candle to him,¡± Wang Guohui chimed in promptly. Su Ming smiled and responded, ¡°Your timing is perfect. I have a task for you both.¡± ¡°Not to worry, Mr. Su. You can count on us! We guarantee your satisfaction,¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui assured, standing tall and ready. Su Ming leaned in to share a few words with President Chen and Wang Guohui. Upon hearing Su Ming''s n, they were impressed and eager to proceed. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, we will fulfill the mission,¡± they affirmed. With that, they departed in opposite directions, ready to execute their tasks. The bystanders had overheard the exchange between Su Ming, President Chen, and Wang Guohui. The crowd was a mix of everyday folks and those of wealth and influence. ¡°Isn''t that President Chen from Tianhua Bank?¡± one onlooker noted. ¡°And there''s Wang Guohui, the chairman of Wang Group. These two are prominent figures in Eastsea. To see them showing such deference to this man, who is he?¡± another mused. ¡°Wait a second! Did I just hear President Chen address him as Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Mr. Su! Are you referring to the Mr. Su who took Antiques City by storm? The very same Mr. Su who uncovered a hidden national treasure, produced dozens of top-grade diamonds, and ownsnd in the city center valued at ten billion!¡± ¡°That''s the legendary Mr. Su!¡± ¡°At first, we were concerned for him, but now, there''s really nothing to worry about.¡± ¡°Exactly! He is Mr. Su, after all! Mr. Su is incredible!¡± ¡°Mr. Su is invincible!¡± everyone cheered. The whole street was abuzz with the news that Su Ming was the legendary Mr. Su. People started to cheer, raising their arms high, their chants resonating powerfully and in perfect unison. Young Master Jin wasn''t the least bit angry, thanks to the Consent Pill. In fact, he was somewhat pleased. Chapter 438 Chapter 438 - That Person Is Mr Su President Chen was swiftly driving to the seafood market. After parking, he straightened his attire and entered the bustling scene. ¡±Load up the King crabs first,¡± he directed the workers. ¡°Handle that bluefin tuna with care; it cost me over two million. Get it into the freezer quickly and make sure the ice doesn''t melt off its surface.¡± ¡°Easy does it with those Veron Oysters!¡± ¡°And don''t forget to pump extra oxygen into the Australian abalones.¡± A man who appeared to be the boss stood at the entrance of a vast wholesale seafood market, overseeing theborers. The seafood, all imported, were destined for upscale restaurants. Their value was astronomical; losing even one would be a significant financial blow. That''s why the boss made it a point to be present for every delivery. As he scrutinized the workers with a critical eye, footsteps approached from behind, and a handnded on his shoulder. The boss, slightly annoyed, spun around. ¡°Who''s there?¡± Recognizing the visitor, his expression softened. ¡°President Chen, what brings you here? Which seafood are you craving today? You should''ve called me; I would''ve delivered it to you. This market isn''t the cleanest ce for someone like you to visit,¡± the boss said with urgency. In Eastsea, every prominent businessperson sought to curry favor with President Chen. Securing loans often depended on his goodwill. Although President Chen was fond of seafood, he had been cautious due to his age and health concerns, particrly the risk of gout. However, since taking Su Ming''s Body-stretching Pill, his health had improved, and he had resumed indulging in his favorite delicacies. Lately, President Chen had been frequently requesting seafood from this boss, who had consistently refused to ept payment. Previously, Boss Chen might have taken advantage of such generosity, but his interactions with Su Ming had changed his perspective. He now knew that even the most influential individuals, like Su Ming, paid their way, and so he too insisted on doing the same. ¡°Soong, I''m not here to buy seafood this time,¡± President Chen said with a chuckle. ¡°There''s no need for the workers to continue unloading. Have them reload the goods and take them over to the barbecue street.¡± Upon hearing President Chen''s directive, the boss didn''t hesitate for a moment. He spun around and bellowed, ¡°Load the goods we just unloaded back onto the truck and take them to Barbeque Street.¡± The employees were dumbfounded. They wondered, is President Chen nning to grill these luxurious seafood items? The tuna alone cost over two million yuan. There weren''t many in Eastsea City who could afford such delicacies. But they had no choice but to obey their boss''smand. They followed orders, albeit with a sense of bewilderment. Boss Soong was equally puzzled. President Chen had ordered the seafood to be delivered to Barbeque Street, yet there were no upscale restaurants there. And even if there were, Boss Soong''s supply could easily stock several Eastsea restaurants for a fortnight. The seafood was typically fetched as needed by the restaurants, whichcked the proper facilities to keep it fresh. ¡°President Chen, what''s this all about?¡± Boss Soong inquired cautiously. President Chen, hands sped behind his back, shook his head with a hint of intrigue and said, ¡°Today, someone has extended a dinner invitation to everyone.¡± Boss Soong was perplexed by this unconventional invitation. Seeing Boss Soong''s baffled look, President Chen chuckled. He added, ¡°A Young Master Jin from H Country has arrived in Eastsea, have you heard?¡± Boss Soong paused, then replied, ¡°Young Master Jin? Yes, I''m aware of him¡ªhe''s quite the miser!¡± President Chen confirmed, ¡°That''s right, it''s him. He''s been convinced to host a meal for everyone, and he''s agreed. He''s offering aplimentary feast to all on Barbeque Street. He evenined that the street''s fare wasn''t fancy enough, which is why I''vee to procure some premium seafood.¡± Boss Soong was bbergasted. He found it hard to believe President Chen''s words. Why would President Chen spout such nonsense at this hour? Could the frugal Young Master Jin really be treating the whole street to a meal? It seemed utterly imusible! He was more inclined to believe in an imminent apocalypse than in this tale! Moreover, President Chen''s standing was every bit as distinguished as Young Master Jin''s. And by traditional standards, President Chen was even Young Master Jin''s elder. How could he possibly take orders from Young Master Jin? President Chen smiled and asked, ¡°What''s the matter? Don''t you trust me?¡± Boss Soong vigorously shook his head, replying, ¡°I can''t believe it. How could this be possible? President Chen, Young Master Jin''s reputation for penny-pinching is well-known. Who could possibly get him to foot the bill for a meal?¡± President Chen''s gaze was filled with admiration as he responded, ¡°While others may not be able to, there is one person who can.¡± Upon hearing this, Boss Soong''s curiosity was piqued about who could be so influential. From what he knew, there was only one person in Eastsea whom President Chen would hold in such high esteem and eagerly assist. With caution, Boss Soong inquired, ¡°Could the person you''re referring to be Mr. Su?¡± ¡°You''re sharp. Do you believe me now?¡± Boss Soong was ecstatic, ¡°I believe you!¡± It was indeed the legendary Mr. Su! Who else in all of Eastsea could achieve such a feat besides Mr. Su? President Chen gave Boss Soong''s shoulder a reassuring pat: ¡°Rest assured, Young Master Jin is picking up the tab tonight. Make sure to prepare the bill and mark up the prices by 10%. That way, you''ll earn a bit extra.¡± Overwhelmed with excitement, Boss Soong eximed, ¡°Got it!¡± He quickly pulled out his phone and started dialing numbers. ¡°Get the goods over to BBQ Street immediately. What? You''ve already reached and started unloading? Stop selling the goods to them.¡± ¡°Any empty trucks in the warehouse? What''s that? The trucks are loaded with mackerel? Dump those worthless fish in the sewer. No, I''m not drunk. Get all the empty trucks to the wholesale market, now!¡± ¡°CEO Liu, do you have any trucks avable? I''ll pay double the rate. Send your fleet to the wholesale market immediately!¡± Boss Soong was nearly delirious with joy. This time, he would be able to clear out his inventory. Before long, a fleet of trucks arrived from afar, all equipped for transporting seafood,plete with refrigerated storage. Boss Soong announced that the workers'' pay for the day would be quintupled, then directed them to transfer all the seafood from the warehouse onto the trucks. The workers, thrilled by the news, worked both swiftly and efficiently. In no time at all, the goods were fully loaded. Then, the entire convoy headed straight for BBQ Street. Chapter 439 Chapter 439 - A Person Who Loved Eating Food Wang Guohui visited a luxury food Trade Company. As someone involved in international trade himself, hispany had a partnership with this one. The owner greeted him personally upon his arrival. Learning of Wang Guohui''s intentions, the owner''s reaction mirrored that of Boss Soong''s¡ªoverjoyed, he quickly summoned a fleet of vehicles and loaded them with premium red wine, top-notch foie gras, and caviar more valuable than gold. With their cargo, they headed straight for BBQ Street. By the time they arrived, the locals were eagerly awaiting them, foregoing the grilling of ordinary fare. The charcoal was aze, and numerous steamers and ovens, borrowed from a nearby hotel along with its chefs, lined the street. The sight was nothing short of impressive. From a bird''s-eye view, the right side of the nearly 200-meter-long and 30-meter-wide BBQ Street was bustling with grills and culinary equipment. Close to two hundred chefs stood at the ready. Across the street, a 25-meter-wide expanse was packed with tables, buzzing with a lively crowd. All eyes were on Su Ming, whose presencemanded great admiration. Without Mr. Su, such a feast would have been unimaginable. Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er sat together, engaging in casual conversation, their demeanors rxed. Any aspirations to woo Xiao Ke''er had been abandoned by her other suitors, who dared notpete with Mr. Su for her attention. Meanwhile, Young Master Jin reveled in the moment, waving to the crowd with a smug grin. The onlookers snickered among themselves¡ªhad Young Master Jin lost his wits from an excess of sauerkraut? His waving now would soon turn to tears. A middle-aged woman stood by, utterly bewildered, silently pleading for someone to make sense of the situation. Something was off with Young Master Jin. She had attempted to intervene several times, only to be rebuked each time. She considered calling his family but was at a loss for the number; after all, she was merely an attendant. In Young Master Jin''s eyes, she mattered less than the family dog. His bodyguards stood ramrod straight behind him, solely focused on his safety, indifferent to anything else. Suddenly, a voice thundered, ¡°They''re here!¡± Down the street, two lengthy convoys approached. In unison, everyone rose, swiftly stowing away tables and chairs to clear a path for the vehicles. The cars halted, and President Chen and Wang Guohui swelled with pride. They had sessfullypleted a task for Mr. Su to perfection. Megaphone in hand, President Chen watched as the dockworkers disembarked. The crowd was poised and ready. At President Chen''smand, ¡°Unload the goods!¡± the car doors swung open, revealing a bounty of luxury seafood and fine wines. The adage proved true: many hands make light work. The voracious energy of the food enthusiasts ensured the swift unloading of the goods. Wang Guohui, the chairman of a Trade Company with international dealings, found managing the barbecue stand a breeze. The convoys departed swiftly, parking just off the road. The crowd promptly reset the tables and chairs. The dockworkers, invited by the warm-hearted locals, stayed to partake in the feast, a reward for their hardbor. With the setup nearingpletion, President Chen and Wang Guohui joined Su Ming. President Chen inquired with deference, ¡°Mr. Su, we''re all set.¡± ¡°Let''s get started.¡± ¡±Absolutely!¡± President Chen responded, then, megaphone in hand, announced, ¡°Folks, let''s begin!¡± The barbecue street buzzed with excitement. Australian lobsters, usually reserved for upscale dining, sizzled on the grills like everyday fare. Bluefin tuna, a rare sight for many, was expertly sliced into bite-sized pieces by a skilled chef. Everyone present was included in the feast! Cases of red wine, valued at tens of thousands of yuan per bottle,y on the ground. Eschewing sses, people joyously hoisted bottles to their lips and drank. Abalones, sea cucumbers, caviar, foie gras, snails, and truffles adorned the table. ¡°Who else but Mr. Su could invite us to enjoy such exquisite fare outdoors?¡± ¡°Indeed. We owe it to Mr. Su for the opportunity to savor these gourmet treats.¡± ¡°I''m going to share this on my social media and brag a little.¡± ¡°I heard a box of caviar costs over two thousand RMB. I''ve just indulged in several boxes, which is like eating the value of a smartphone.¡± ¡°We''re drinking a renowned international wine today, Romanee-Conti. Let''s aim to get tipsy and drink freely!¡± ¡°To our health!¡± The entire barbecue street was alight with energy, bustling with activity. Most of the patrons were ordinary folks who seldom had the chance to enjoy such luxurious food, so they were eager to make the most of this asion. However, Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er were not like the others. Neither of them was short on cash. Su Ming had never cared for such delicacies. Xiao Ke''er, having been exposed to fine dining from a young age, had grown weary of it. Taking a sip of warm water, Xiao Ke''er quietly asked, ¡°How did you manage it?¡± ¡±It''s a secret,¡± Su Ming replied with a yful smile. Xiao Ke''er raised an eyebrow in concern. ¡°Aren''t you worried he won''t have enough to cover the bill?¡± With a calm smile, Su Ming reassured her, ¡°Don''t worry. I know what I''m doing. His funds are safe in President Chen''s bank.¡± Hearing this, Xiao Ke''er allowed herself a relieved smile, realizing her concern was unnecessary. Yet, she couldn''t help feeling a bit sorry for the unfortunate Young Master Jin. He had been there for quite some time without even a drink of water, blissfully unaware of what awaited him, still full of self-satisfaction. Before long, President Chen approached. He and Wang Guohui had been preupied with tallying the bill, but for these seasoned professionals, the task was a breeze. President Chen presented the documents, saying, ¡°Mr. Su, here is the total bill and the itemized one.¡± Su Ming nodded, reviewing the bill. One billion yuan! Su Ming was momentarily surprised, but then he considered it and concluded it made perfect sense. The dining experience here was quite the extravagant affair, with a multitude of guests indulging in high-priced gourmet dishes. The selection of red wines alonemanded prices upwards of tens of thousands of RMB per bottle, while a single bluefin tuna boasted a value exceeding two million RMB. Tucked away in the warehouse was an evenrger bluefin tuna, a prized asset of Boss Soong, valued at over six million RMB. While the other food items might not have been as costly individually, their sheer quantity added up. Factoring in thebor costs, it was entirely usible that the meal''s value reached a staggering one hundred million yuan. President Chen let out a sly chuckle before remarking, ¡°Mr. Su, his bank ount holds a bnce exceeding 110 million RMB. I''ve heard he liquidated a considerable amount of stock to amass that sum. It appears he''s gearing up to channel those funds into business ventures in Eastsea. However, it looks like his business ns have hit a snag.¡± Chapter 440 Chapter 440 - Young Master Jin Woke up Su Ming scrutinized the bill with care. Everything seemed to be in order. ¡°However, thebor cost seems a bit on the low side. These chefs have been working so hard, they''re drenched in sweat. Young Master Jin isn''tcking in funds. Isn''t that right, Young Master Jin?¡± Su Ming''s voice rose with his final question. ¡°Yes! Money is no object for me!¡± Young Master Jin responded loudly to Su Ming. President Chen and Wang Guohui exchanged nces, each feeling somewhat perplexed. Though they weren''t close to Young Master Jin, they had encountered him on several asions. Both President Chen and Wang Guohui sensed that Young Master Jin was off his game today. Indeed, something was amiss with Young Master Jin. Known for his frugality, it was out of character for him to host a meal, let alone splurge on premium ingredients. Something was definitely up. But upon further reflection, President Chen and Wang Guohui realized that in Mr. Su''s presence, anything could be considered normal. Perhaps Mr. Su was versed in hypnosis. It wouldn''t be surprising if he had hypnotized Young Master Jin. Yes, that seemed quite usible! After all, Mr. Su had ess to extraordinary items like the Body-stretching Pill and fennel. The idea of Mr. Su being skilled in hypnosis wasn''t far-fetched at all. They would even believe it if someone imed Mr. Su was a celestial being; such was their faith in him. Young Master Jin had iting! He had disrespected the imperial court. It was only fair that he should pay a price. And if Young Master Jin ever truly enraged Mr. Su, his life might well be at stake. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, I''ve got the message. Every penny on Young Master Jin''s card will be spent,¡± President Chen assured him with a beaming smile. ¡°Very well, let''s do that. Now, please, join me. Let''s all sit down and eat together,¡± Su Ming invited, smiling warmly. ¡°No, Mr. Su, we''re quitefortable standing!¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui protested, shaking their heads vigorously. They took their ce behind Su Ming, standing ramrod straight. They resembled two devoted sentinels guarding Mr. Su. Su Ming was at a loss for words upon witnessing the actions of President Chen and Wang Guohui. He thought to himself that they should either join him at the table or find somewhere else to sit and dine with others. Their awkward standing was simply getting in the way of his date. Su Ming remained silent, having long grown ustomed to President Chen and Wang Guohui''s behavior. He and Xiao Ke''er were deep in conversation while those around them dined with gusto. Time passed unnoticed until a reminder echoed in Su Ming''s mind, ¡°The effects of the Consent Pill are nearing their end. Ten minutes remaining!¡± The short-lived nature of the pill''s effects caught Su Ming off guard. Indeed, joyful moments seemed to fly by all too quickly. Rising to his feet, Su Ming approached Young Master Jin, who had been sitting for two hours without food or drink, looking rather forlorn. ¡°Young Master Jin, it looks like everyone''s had their fill. It''s about time we wrapped things up. Could you take care of the check?¡± Su Ming asked, wearing a friendly grin. ¡°Absolutely!¡± Young Master Jin replied, pulling out his phone. President Chen hurried over, having stood by for an hour and a half, yet still spry. President Chen exined his agility was due to the excitement of seeing Su Ming after such a long time. It wasn''t that President Chen and Wang Guohui were reluctant to continue helping Su Ming with his farming. Both President Chen and Wang Guohui were astute individuals who recognized that Su Ming had secrets. They believed that their constant presence might impose on Su Ming''s privacy. After discussing it between themselves, they decided not to intrude on Su Ming any longer, assuring him they would be there to assist whenever he needed. Today, it was a rare pleasure for President Chen and Wang Guohui to spend so much time with Mr. Su, and they were delighted, not feeling the least bit weary. Young Master Jin promptly wired 110 million to President Chen''s ount. This left Young Master Jin with just over 20,000 yuan to his name. The remaining funds were sufficient for a few more barbecues, though hosting one on the scale of today''s feast would be challenging. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su, I''m on it,¡± President Chen assured Su Ming upon confirming the transaction. He and Wang Guohui then quickly departed to settle the bill. Su Ming returned to his seat, picking up the conversation with Xiao Ke''er right where they had left off. In the blink of an eye, ten minutes had flown by. Just a moment earlier, Young Master Jin was beaming with joy, but abruptly, his smile solidified on his face. Although Su Ming had administered the Consent Pill to Young Master Jin, which made him agreeable to anything Su Ming proposed, it didn''t erase Young Master Jin''s memory. Two hours ticked by, and the effects of the Consent Pill had worn off. Young Master Jin snapped out of the pill''s influence in an instant. Recalling the recent events, he was shell-shocked. He hade here today simply to enjoy some barbecue, yet he ended up spending over a hundred million without even having a bite to eat. Young Master Jin stood motionless, lost in thought for a solid five minutes. He was engulfed in a wave of intense self-doubt. Even though Su Ming had footed the bill for everyone''s meal, it was under his consent. It seemed there was no issue at face value. However, he was baffled as to why he would have agreed in the first ce. Young Master Jin was convinced that this incident couldn''t just be left unresolved. The Jin Group might appear to be thriving, but in reality, his family was grappling with a financial crisis. The group was under siege, facing a coordinated assault from numerous major corporations, leaving them in a precarious position. The Jin Family had managed to scrape together some funds by liquidating their stocks. His trip to Eastsea was a quest for solutions, an investment opportunity. But before he could even begin, the money was gone. The thought of his father discovering this made Young Master Jin''s blood run cold, and sweat beaded on his forehead. If the investment failed, he could have coped, but not if the money was squandered on a meal. The fear escted within Young Master Jin, and in a sudden outburst, he mmed his hand on the table and stood up. He delivered a fierce p to the middle-aged woman, nearly knocking her unconscious. ¡°Young Master Jin, what are you doing?¡± she eximed. ¡°Why didn''t you stop me earlier?¡± Young Master Jin bellowed. The middle-aged woman felt unjustly used. She had attempted to intervene numerous times, but Young Master Jin had ignored her pleas. ¡°I did try to stop you, several times,¡± she protested. Young Master Jin struck her another blow. ¡°Silence! Disappear from my sight this instant!¡± hemanded. With a swift kick, Young Master Jin sent the middle-aged woman tumbling. Her plump figure rolled across the floor like a ball. ¡±Young Master Jin, what are you doing?¡± The middle-aged woman winced in pain as she picked herself up off the ground, her face etched with disbelief. ¡°What is this all about?¡± ¡°Effective immediately, you are no longer associated with the Jin Group. I will see to it that you are terminated from thepany at once,¡± Young Master Jin dered icily. ¡°No! Young Master Jin, you can''t treat me this way. I''ve always been nothing but loyal to you!¡± ¡°I even changed my nationality for you. I''ve just taken out a loan to buy a house. If you fire me now, I''ll be ruined!¡± Desperate, the middle-aged woman rushed forward and clung to Young Master Jin''s legs, sobbing uncontrobly. Chapter 441 Chapter 441 - Young Master Jin ¡°Damn it! Get lost!¡± ¡°You''vepletely screwed me over!¡± Young Master Jin was seething with anger. He remembered the incident very clearly. It was all because that cursed woman had challenged him on why he didn''t invite the whole street for a barbecue, and he had carelessly agreed. Just like that, he had walked right into a trap. If it hadn''t been for her, he wouldn''t be in such a mess! The middle-aged woman clung to his leg, pleading loudly, ¡°Young Master Jin, you can''t treat me this way. I''ve been nothing but loyal to you. After all, I''ve never told a soul about your impotence! I''ve always discreetly picked up your medication from the hospital.¡± The bystanders were taken aback upon hearing this. Young Master Jin was impotent? They all felt a wave of pity for him. ¡°You!¡± Hisplexion turned stormy at her words. Everyone thought Young Master Jin had no interest in women, but they were unaware of the secret he harbored¡ªa secret that the middle-aged woman had just exposed for all to hear. Hisck of interest wasn''t by choice; it was due to his impotence. ¡°Hit her!¡± Young Master Jin was livid, his face ashen with fury. So many people were around him, and more than half were recording with their phones. Now, he was utterly ruined. His secret was out in the open! Several bodyguards advanced on the woman, beating her until her cries filled the air and she could no longer speak. The onlookers thought she got what she deserved for being a foreigner''sckey. Did she enjoy the beating from her master? Would she end up kneeling down to thank him for his ¡®generosity''? Obviously, that was out of the question now since the beating had left her unable to utter a word. In the end, the bodyguards dragged her out and tossed her into a dumpster like a piece of trash. Young Master Jin''s eyes zed with fury. He knew that Su Ming was the real instigator. He hadshed out at the middle-aged woman simply to release his pent-up rage. A cold smile yed on his lips. He strode over to Su Ming with his bodyguards in tow and mmed his hand down on the table. Young Master Jin fixed a menacing stare on Su Ming and hissed, ¡°Regardless of what you''ve done to me today, you''re going to give me back my money right now. Otherwise, I swear you''ll regret it.¡± Su Ming cracked a smile, but before he could utter a word, one of his buddies shot up, clutching a bottle. ¡°How dare you bully Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Do you think we''re invisible?¡± ¡°Damn it! I''ve had it in for him for a while!¡± ¡°Let''s give him a thrashing!¡± ¡°With so many of us here, let''s each give him a kick.¡± ¡°Rx, everyone. I''ve taken care of the surveince cameras.¡± ¡°Let''s get him!¡± Spurred by this deration, the crowd rose to their feet. They advanced towards Young Master Jin, their eyes burning with indignation. Did he really think the people of the imperial court were pushovers? The imperial court folk might not look for trouble, but they never shied away from it. He had the audacity to bully Mr. Su right in front of them. They were determined to give him a beating he wouldn''t forget, one that would leave him unrecognizable even to his own mother! This group had already taken a strong dislike to Young Master Jin. Fueled by alcohol and standing before Mr. Su, they felt a surge of bravery. Above all, as citizens of the imperial court, they wouldn''t stand for this H Country man''s arrogance on their turf. Young Master Jin, sensing the mood, was instantly petrified. His countrymen were known for preying on the weak and cowering before the strong. Retreating several steps, Young Master Jin''s voice quivered, ¡°What are you nning to do? I warn you, I am a distinguished foreigner!¡± No sooner had he spoken than a loud noise pierced the air. A spherical object sailed from a distance and struck Young Master Jin squarely in the face. He hopped about in agony. Upon closer inspection, the crowd identified the projectile as an egg. Incredibly, someone had managed to hit Young Master Jin with an egg from such a distance. With the crowd sorge and the cameras disabled, it was impossible to pinpoint the culprit. Fuming, Young Master Jin demanded, ¡°Damn it! Who did that?¡± Hardly had he spoken when another dark object hurtled through the air and sttered against his face. The onlookers couldn''t resist covering their noses. Clearly, the thrower was skilled. The dark mass was a stic bag filled with a can of herring. Upon impact with Young Master Jin''s face, the bag burst open. The foul odor spread instantly, prompting those nearby to give him a wide berth. Young Master Jin was in so much pain that he saw stars. The stench burrowed straight into his nostrils. ¡°You guys are way out of line!¡± In a frenzy, Young Master Jin stripped off his jacket and frantically wiped his face. The crowd around him stepped back once more, clearing a significant space. The smell was unbearable! The bodyguards retreated several steps in perfect sync. Despite the hefty sum Young Master Jin had paid for their services, they had families to consider and wouldn''t risk their lives for him. They were usually willing to intimidate the little guys on his behalf, but with such arge crowd present, they weren''t about to make enemies of them. Young Master Jin, in a fit of rage, bellowed, ¡°Damn it! You lowly and filthy people of the imperial court! You only know how to use such vile tactics to bully others. I am a distinguished citizen of H Country. You use our chopsticks, our clothes, and even steal our cultural heritage! The imperial court is a contemptible nation! A cursed nation! I will take you to court! I''ll see to it that every one of you ends up behind bars!¡± ¡°Damn it! I can''t stand this anymore! Let''s beat him up!¡± ¡°Yeah! I''m going to knock his teeth out today!¡± ¡°It''s clear that you''re the ones stealing from us! And you have the audacity to spread lies! You have no shame!¡± ¡°Your country is so tiny, even your court system and official attire are direct copies of ours. And you have the nerve to use us of giarism?¡± ¡°We of the imperial court boast a civilization with a history of five thousand years, while you can im at most two or three thousand. We were inventing writing and paper while you were still d in animal skins!¡± Unable to contain themselves, the people around him began to challenge Young Master Jin''s assertions. Just then, Su Ming interjected, ¡°Hold on a moment.¡± Seeing Mr. Su speak, everyone promptly quieted down and stepped aside. With a slight smile, Su Ming approached Young Master Jin, picked up a pair of chopsticks from a nearby table, and asked, ¡°You just imed that your country invented chopsticks?¡± Young Master Jin dered loudly, ¡°Exactly! Chopsticks were invented by H Country. You''re all a bunch of thieves!¡± Chapter 442 Chapter 442 - Where Did You Guys Come From? Su Ming asked with a smile, ¡°Alright, Young Master Jin, I have a few questions for you. Why is one end of the chopsticks round and the other square?¡± Caught off guard, Young Master Jin''s eyes darted about before he replied, ¡°The round end makes it easier to pick things up, that''s why one end is round and the other square!¡± Su Ming pressed on, ¡°I see. Young Master Jin, you''re quite impressive. Now, another question: why do people use their thumb and index finger on top, ring and little finger below, with the middle finger in between when holding chopsticks?¡± Young Master Jin was taken aback once more. He didn''t fully grasp Su Ming''s point, but feltpelled to answer since he had been asked. Furrowing his brow, Young Master Jin responded, ¡°What kind of question is that? Isn''t that how everyone holds chopsticks?¡± ¡°You''ve answered well, Young Master Jin. You''re truly remarkable.¡± Su Ming then inquired slowly, ¡°Now, why are there two chopsticks?¡± ¡°Who could possibly use just one chopstick? A single chopstick can''t pick anything up!¡± Young Master Jin retorted, his brow creased in confusion. He was puzzled by Su Ming''s line of questioning. Weren''t the answers obvious? Su Ming burst intoughter at this, startling Young Master Jin. With a cold chuckle, Su Ming slowly stated, ¡°Your country copies others'' creations and even ims them as your national cultural heritage. That''sughable. Chopsticks first appeared during our Zhou Dynasty, and they have a history spanning three to four thousand years. Back then, H Country didn''t even exist. Furthermore, the square and round ends of the chopsticks reflect the ancient civilization of the imperial court. When people hold chopsticks, the cement of their fingers¡ªthumb and index on top, ring and little below, middle in between¡ªrepresents heaven, earth, and humanity. This symbolizes the crystallization of the imperial court''s ancient philosophical thought and the ancient understanding of people and the world. Additionally, the use of two chopsticks adheres to the imperial court''s adherence to the principle of Taiji, with the two chopsticks embodying the Yin and Yang central to the ancient literary thought of the imperial court.¡± ¡°You''re merely imitating the superficial aspects of our nation.¡± ¡°The imperial court is an ancient civilization with a history spanning five thousand years, one of the only four great ancient civilizations still existing in the world.¡± ¡°Your country isn''t fit to giarize the imperial court''s heritage.¡± Su Ming spoke with conviction. ¡°Right on!¡± ¡°Mr. Su is formidable!¡± ¡°Mr. Su is correct. You''ve only scratched the surface of the imperial court. You have no grasp of the deeper significance behind these things!¡± Upon hearing Su Ming''s words, the crowd erupted in apuse and cheers. Su Ming himself was somewhat moved. This was the solidarity and patriotism of the imperial court''s people, something foreigners could never fullyprehend. Young Master Jin stood there, dumbfounded, his eyes wide with shock. He wanted to offer a rebuttal, but found himself speechless. It was akin to someone illiterate trying to discuss education with a schr. Young Master Jin was so infuriated he was on the verge of passing out. ¡°You have to pay me back today, or else I will make you regret it.¡± Young Master Jin racked his brain but ultimately resorted to abruptly changing the subject. Deep down, he was aware that many aspects of his country were imitations of the imperial court. Indeed, the imitators often know better than anyone what they have copied. ¡°You dare to be smug?¡± ¡°Brothers, let''s teach him a lesson!¡± ¡°Today, we''ll show him the consequences of disrespecting the people of the imperial court.¡± The crowd advanced, rallying behind Su Ming. Confronted by their fervor, Young Master Jin involuntarily stepped back. In a panic, Young Master Jin turned and yelled, ¡°Come and protect me!¡± But when he looked back, he realized his bodyguards were nowhere to be found. He noticed even the car that had been parked roadside was missing. What was he to do now that they had left? He didn''t even know his way around! With the bodyguards gone, his only option was to flee. Against such a multitude, not even a martial arts expert could prevail. His rtionship with the bodyguards was purely transactional. Unlike the middle-aged woman, who was a devoted follower of Young Master Jin, they were not. For them, self-preservation was the priority, so they had simply taken off. Young Master Jin was utterly terrified this time. As he was encircled by the crowd, he couldn''t help but shake. Truth be told, if these people charged at him in a fit of impulse, he would be ttened. With a quivering voice, Young Master Jin protested, ¡°This is unfair, you''re ganging up on me! If you''re so tough, take me on one-on-one!¡± Just then, a man stepped forward from the crowd and said, ¡°Fine by me.¡± The onlookers took a closer look at him and gasped. He was incredibly muscr, with a waist as wide as a barrel and muscles that stood out like rugged boulders. The epitome of masculinity! The man thumped his chest and dered, ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve got this. I''m on the provincial weightlifting team!¡± ¡°Not so fast.¡± Another man emerged from the throng. His physique was bnced, his upper body bare. His well-defined muscles clearly indicated formidable explosive power. With a look of thrill, he boasted, ¡°Weightlifters may have strength, but theyck fighting skills. I''m your man. With twenty years of Muay Thai under my belt, I can assure you he''ll get more than he bargained for!¡± Yet another man stepped forward, objecting, ¡°That won''t do. Muay Thai is from abroad. Don''t get me wrong, there''s nothing bad about learning it. But I believe we should use our own martial arts to take him down. I''ve been training since childhood and have mastered the Form-Intention Fist, Eight-trigram Stick Art, and Wing Chun Fist Art. This chance should be mine.¡± Before he could finish, a woman cut in, ¡°Hold on! Women first. I''ll handle this.¡± She appeared robust and adept atbat. ¡°I hail from the grasnds, where I''ve wrestled since childhood. I can take down a bull, so this skinny guy from H Country will be no issue.¡± She extended herrge hands, assuming a wrestler''s stance. Witnessing this, Young Master Jin was on the verge of tears. He thought they were being excessively harsh. He had never anticipated encountering several individuals proficient in weightlifting, wrestling, and Muay Thai all at once. He couldn''t fathom why they were all so antagonistic toward him. He had heard tales of everyone at the imperial court being skilled in martial arts, but he never imagined that such a collection of masters would be found on this barbecue street. He had assumed that hiring those bodyguards would suffice. It turns out he was far too naive. This single woman from the grasnds alone was capable of taking down all of those bodyguards! Chapter 443 Chapter 443 - Do You Know Who You Have Offended? Su Ming offered a faint smile and said, ¡°You''ve all just had a meal, and it''s not good for your health to engage in strenuous exercise right after eating. Let me handle this.¡± He took a step forward. The people around Mr. Su quickly interjected, ¡°Mr. Su, please allow us to take care of it. We''re well-suited for this kind of heavy lifting.¡± Despite Mr. Su''s formidable background and resources, he might not excel in a brawl. Young Master Jin chimed in, ¡°Absolutely not! People from the imperial court pride themselves on keeping their promises, don''t they? No backing out now!¡± Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°As a scion of a prominent family, I''ve been rigorously trained in taekwondo since childhood. I''ve been looking for a chance to teach you a lesson, and now you''ve delivered yourself to my doorstep! I''m going to give you the thrashing you deserve!¡± ¡°Are you sure you can handle this?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked, standing next to Su Ming with a tone of concern. She couldn''t help but worry, ¡°Everything else aside, you could get hurt in a fight.¡± Patting Xiao Ke''er on the shoulder, Su Ming confidently stepped out, ¡°Don''t worry, I''ve got this.¡± Xiao Ke''er was aware that Su Ming wouldn''t undertake something unless he was certain of sess. Still, she couldn''t shake her concern. Kemeng bit her lip and stood there, watching anxiously. Su Ming spoke withposure, ¡°You wanted a one-on-one duel, right? I''m here to honor that challenge. And if you beat me, dinner''s on me.¡± Hearing this, Young Master Jin burst intoughter, ¡°Just you? Do you even have a hundred million?¡± President Chen scoffed from the sidelines, ¡°Show some respect for Mr. Su! He''s a VIP at our bank. And just for your information, there''s no less than ten billion in Mr. Su''s ount.¡± ¡°What?¡± Young Master Jin was bbergasted. He thought incredulously, ¡°Su Ming has that much money? Impossible! They must be bluffing.¡± President Chen, with a knowing smile, said, ¡°Don''t believe me? You should recognize me; I''m Chen Guosheng, President of Tianhua Bank.¡± He then pulled out his smartphone, logged into the bank System, and checked Su Ming''s ount bnce. ¡°Feast your eyes on this!¡± President Chen taunted. He then showed the phone screen to Young Master Jin. Young Master Jin scrutinized the details before him and eximed in awe, ¡°You''re telling the truth!¡± He was certain that President Chen wouldn''t deceive him. The Jin family was affluent, and Young Master Jin was intimately acquainted with the bank''s system. Thus, he was confident that the ount bnce President Chen revealed was urate. Frozen in ce, Young Master Jin rued provoking such a wealthy tycoon. This individual''s assets were on par with the entire Jin family''s share value! Moreover, this person was even more formidable than the Jin family. Su Ming''s card was flush with cash, while the Jin family''s wealth was tied up in fixed assets and stocks. How could Su Ming be so influential? He was too young to have amassed such a fortune on his own. Clearly, Su Ming was backed by a vast family empire, which exined the substantial cash in his ount. The enigmatic nature of the imperial court''s citizens left Young Master Jin feeling deeply unsettled, the pressure threatening to overwhelm him like a deluge. ¡°My goodness, Mr. Su is incredibly wealthy!¡± ¡°And that''s just the tip of the iceberg. Mr. Su owns several acres in the city center worth over 10 billion.¡± ¡°It''s only natural for Mr. Su to have such wealth.¡± ¡°Absolutely! If anyone else had that kind of money, I''d be green with envy, jealousy, and resentment. But with Mr. Su, I feel envy and jealousy, yet not a hint of resentment.¡± The bystanders buzzed with conversation upon hearing President Chen''s remarks. They were all aware of Mr. Su''s affluence, but the extent of his wealth was beyond their expectations. Mr. Su was truly extraordinary! Had they known about Su Ming''s five real estate developments, over four hundred luxury cars, shares in a hundredpanies, his collection of valuable antique bracelets, and countless ancient gold coins, their reactions would have been far fromposed. Young Master Jin was filled with remorse. He wished he could give himself a good p. Typically, he subsisted on rice and pickles, but today''s indulgence in barbecue had cost him over a hundred million yuan and the ire of a magnate. Despite the disdain from H Country often directed at the imperial court, he understood it stemmed from envy. Confronted with the imperial court''s formidable individuals, they would surely capitte. Young Master Jin was drenched in sweat, his limbs icy, his whole body shivering uncontrobly. He was done for. He had squandered his family''s most crucial funds and made an enemy of someone formidable. He couldn''t bear the thought of going home. He even considered buying a plot ofnd at his doorstep to dig a grave for himself. Su Ming offered a slight smile and reassured, ¡°Young Master Jin, there''s no need to be anxious. Everyone here can vouch for my word. If you defeat me, I''ll cover today''s meal and present you with ten million yuan as a gesture of goodwill. However, if you lose, you must proim loudly before everyone that chopsticks, Hanfu, hotpot, Chinese characters, gunpowder, and the printing press all originated from the imperial court, and that H Country has done nothing but imitate us. Alternatively, you''re free to walk away right now.¡± Upon hearing this, Young Master Jin''s eyes sparkled with hope. He saw this as his chance for redemption. Su Ming might be wealthy, but Young Master Jin had been practicing Taekwondo since childhood and was confident in his skills. He was eager to show Su Ming the prowess of a true master. ¡°So be it, I''ll hold nothing back.¡± With those words, Young Master Jin inhaled deeply and assumed a Taekwondo stance. With a thunderous yell, he lunged forward, his leg shooting out in a powerful kick towards Su Ming. ¡°Take this¡ªGale Leg Art!¡± he bellowed. Seeing Su Ming unmoved, his excitement surged. He mistook Su Ming''s stillness for slow reflexes and grew haughty, thinking his moment of triumph had arrived. But just as Young Master Jin''s foot was inches from Su Ming, Su Ming let out a yawn. With an effortless motion, he grasped Young Master Jin''s leg. Blinking, he inquired with earnest curiosity, ¡°Are you just getting warmed up?¡± Young Master Jin was dumbfounded. A warm-up? He had put his full force into the attack. What was happening? He was utterly astounded that Su Ming had caught his ankle with a single hand. Chapter 444 Chapter 444 - This Matter Can''t be Hidden Anymore Young Master Jin stood frozen, his eyes brimming with incredulity. He simply couldn''t fathom that this was reality. At home, he could send his coach flying with a single kick, yet Su Ming had effortlessly blocked his attack. The Muay Thai expert scratched his head and remarked, ¡°Mr. Su, judging by his expression, he doesn''t appear to be just warming up.¡± ¡°I agree. It seems like he''s put everything he''s got into it.¡± ¡°Lucky for me, I didn''t step into the ring. If I had, I''d have gone all out. At that rate, his arms and legs would probably be broken in no time,¡± the wrestling enthusiast added. ¡°Absolutely. I''d be on the offensive too. With my Form-Intention Fist, I could have him bedridden for six months,¡± the martial arts aficionado chimed in. Young Master Jin''s confusion deepened. Why couldn''t they remain silent? Why did they feel the need to speak? He was already scared, and their words only heightened his fear. Truth be told, Young Master Jin''s situation was rather pitiful. Despite having a slight edge in Taekwondo, his strength wasrgely a factor of his innate talent, which was, unfortunately, quite average. Each time he took a strength test, he managed to kick his teacher away. But the truth was, his strength was minimal; it was all an act by the teacher. It wasn''t due to ack of responsibility or poor teaching on the teacher''s part; rather, it was because Young Master Jin''s secretion of male hormones was low, resulting in inadequate muscle strength. Furthermore, this contributed to a less masculine demeanor. To boost his confidence, his family and teachers had collectively indulged in this deception. Coming from a wealthy background, with bodyguards always at his side, he never had the opportunity to engage in a real fight. This is why he had always believed himself to be strong, when in reality, he was anything but. Despite his inner turmoil, Young Master Jin, concerned about maintaining his dignity, withdrew his leg. The onlookers could see right through him, recognizing his act. Taking a deep breath, Young Master Jin convinced himself that he must have simply applied his force incorrectly. It was all an illusion! Undeterred, Young Master Jin charged at Su Ming once more, spinning around to deliver a kick. The intention was good. A back kick should be quick and forceful, yet his was neithercking in speed and strength. Su Ming blinked, smacked his lips, and scratched his head before casually stepping back. Even then, Young Master Jin had only just reached him. ¡°Your kickcks power, it''s too slow, and the form is all wrong. I can only give you two points for that effort.¡± ¡°Two points? That''s overly generous. I''d give him just one.¡± ¡°Come on, give the guy some credit. It''s not easy for him. I say three points.¡± The spectators started to critique Young Master Jin''s back kick. His kick missed Su Ming entirely, and he couldn''t control his momentum. He ended up spinning in a circle and crashing to the ground. The onlookers winced at the sight. ¡°You''re right. One point, tops.¡± ¡°Indeed. At this point, he doesn''t need encouragement. Let''s leave it at that.¡± Young Master Jin had not only missed Su Ming but had also taken a tumble. Hearing the crowd''sments, Young Master Jin was beside himself with fury. ¡°You dare to mock me!¡± ¡°You must give me the money, or else¡­¡± His eyes darting around, Young Master Jin spotted the pliers gripping hot charcoal. He seized the pliers, and the sizzling sound of meat being seared filled the air. As white smoke billowed, Young Master Jin''s cries of pain echoed. The bystanders shook their heads, hands covering their foreheads. Young Master Jin had foolishly grabbed the pliers by the metal end instead of the handle. It was a painful mistake of his own making. He had lost a fortune and now suffered a burn. Humiliated and seething, Young Master Jin''s judgment was clouded by rage. He snatched up a nearby wine bottle and hurled it viciously at Su Ming''s head. ¡°Mr. Su, watch out!¡± the people next to Su Ming called out in rm. Xiao Ke''er sped her hand over her mouth, her expression a mix of concern and fear. Su Ming''s brow furrowed slightly as he sidestepped Young Master Jin''s attempted bottle attack with ease. He then delivered a palm strike to Young Master Jin''s chest. Stunned, Young Master Jin staggered backward and copsed to the ground. The man behind Su Ming inquired, ¡°Mr. Su, what do you call that technique? Pushing-window-to-see-the-Moon Palm?¡± Su Ming scratched his head. Though he was a master ofbat, he had never bothered to name his moves formally. The System had a very straightforward way of naming these techniques, albeit a bit outdated. After a moment''s thought, Su Ming replied, ¡°That would be the Third Basic Palm.¡± The man behind him paused, then said, ¡°Mr. Su, that name is spot on. I''m not a fan of those over-the-top names.¡± ¡°Right, we feel the same way.¡± ¡°It''s such a straightforward name.¡± The others chimed in, echoing their approval in a chorus of voices. Su Ming could only respond with a silent shrug. Meanwhile, Young Master Jin was struggling with soreness all over his body,boriously picking himself up from the floor. Enraged, Young Master Jin grabbed a nearby chair and charged at Su Ming. But Su Ming stood his ground this time, unfazed. No one around him called out a warning, not even Xiao Ke''er seemed concerned. That''s because two figures swiftly intervened. One seized the chair with his left hand and mped down on Young Master Jin''s neck with his right, while the other bent down to hoist Young Master Jin''s legs, mming him hard against the floor. Young Master Jin''s forehead thudded against the ground with a wince-inducing crack. Onlookers winced and covered their ears at the sound, the impact resonating with a painful echo. Then, another figure emerged, swiftly securing Young Master Jin''s hands behind his back. With a swift motion, he produced a pair of gleaming handcuffs and snapped them around Young Master Jin''s wrists. These three were police officers. They had been on patrol when they spotted Young Master Jin wielding a bottle as a weapon against Su Ming and had quickly intervened. By the time Young Master Jin had grabbed the chair, they were already on the scene, ready to take him down with little effort. Chapter 445 Chapter 445 - You Guys Are ying with Me? One of the officers bellowed, ¡°How dare you brawl on my beat!¡± Young Master Jin had been full of bluster moments before, his face twisted into a ferocious snarl as he wielded the beer bottle. He had been certain ofnding a blow on Su Ming, but instead, he found himself pinned to the ground, his face pressed intimately against the pavement. Young Master Jin was dazed for a few seconds before he let out a wail of pain. Hauled to his feet by the police, his nose and chin were askew, his face nearly unrecognizable. The onlookers quickly deduced he had had stic surgery. Yet, even post-surgery, he was hideous: he must have been as ugly as a pig before. Young Master Jin fought desperately and yelled, ¡°What are you doing? I am a distinguished citizen of H Country. You dare arrest a foreigner under the imperial court''s jurisdiction?¡± The arresting officer''s eyes sparkled. ¡°A foreigner! This is my first time arresting someone from abroad.¡± Despite Eastsea being a bustling international city, they had never detained a foreigner before. A bystander eager to witness the drama suggested, ¡°Let me snap a picture of you two.¡± The officer shook his head. ¡°No! He''s too hideous.¡± ¡°But officer, his ugliness only serves to highlight your good looks,¡± the young man countered. ¡°Exactly!¡± ¡°To the gentleman from H Country, at which hospital did you get your stic surgery? You should demand a refund when you get back home. Their work is atrocious: you look horrendous!¡± The crowd chimed in with theirments. The officer pondered their words, finding some truth in them. Among the crowd was a photography enthusiast with a DSLR camera. ¡°Form a line. After I take your picture, leave me your number. I''ll send you the photoster.¡± ¡°Squat down.¡± ¡°You two, move closer together.¡± ¡°Where did you find that pig''s head? That''s just cruel!¡± Young Master Jin, initially in a daze, was beginning to regain his senses. He looked around, bewildered. What were these people doing? Why were they lining up for a photo with him as if he were an exhibit in a zoo? Young Master Jin was seething with rage, but his twisted mouth and the pain made it impossible to articte his fury. He could no longer control his facial expressions, and despite his anger, the corner of his mouth was curiously upturned. ¡°Look, he''s thrilled!¡± ¡°If people were lining up to take pictures with me, I''d be ecstatic too. Besides giant pandas, only celebrities get that kind of attention.¡± ¡°Sir from H Country, how does it feel to be a star?¡± The crowd erupted inughter. Young Master Jin was so infuriated by thement that he felt like he could spit blood. How could they tell he was happy? He was clearly enraged! Young Master Jin was not pleased at all. It took him considerable effort to say, ¡°Why are you detaining me? He obviously hit me just now!¡± As he spoke, Young Master Jin nced over at Su Ming. Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er were off to the side, joyfully munching on skewers. Su Ming looked slightly startled when he noticed Young Master Jin''s gaze. With a puzzled expression, Su Ming asked, ¡°Did I hit someone?¡± The crowd responded in perfect harmony, ¡°No!¡± With an air of pure innocence, Su Ming added, ¡°Haven''t I just been sitting here eating?¡± Again, the crowd confirmed in unison, ¡°Yes!¡± Young Master Jin was on the verge of tears. It was clear they were picking on him! ¡°They just took a video! The video on their phones can prove it!¡± After Young Master Jin''s outburst, the others chimed in one by one. ¡°My phone''s dead, I can''t power it on!¡± ¡°I lost my phone. Who has seen my phone?¡± ¡°I didn''t catch it on video. My camera''s broken!¡± ¡°I wasn''t recording. I was taking selfies!¡± Young Master Jin was so livid he felt like he could spit blood. It was impossible for all their phones to malfunction simultaneously! Not only did Young Master Jin not buy their excuses, but the police officers were also skeptical. They had witnessed the confrontation between Young Master Jin and Su Ming when they arrived. However, it was Young Master Jin who had been the aggressor, with Su Ming merely defending himself. One of the officers spoke up firmly, ¡°Sir, this is the imperial court. You must abide by thews here. We clearly saw that you initiated the attack on this gentleman, who was simply defending himself. Under ourws, that''s considered self-defense. Therefore, you need toe with us to the police station.¡± Young Master Jin wanted to argue, but he was at a loss for words. Seeing himself outnumbered and bullied by so many, his anger peaked, and he passed out. The officers swiftly loaded him into the patrol car. ¡°Come on, have a bite to eat.¡± ¡°We''ve got lobster and abalone here. We can indulge to our heart''s content.¡± ¡°And look, there''s a bottle of 1982 vintage red wine.¡± A group of people stopped the police officers. One officer remarked, ¡°Folks, we''re on duty right now and can''t engage in activities unrted to work. Hold on! Has the barbecue street be this upscale?¡± The officers nced down and were astounded. In this ce, lobster and abalone were considered low-tier fare. They had Top Grade foie gras and Romanee-Conti! Noticing the enormous fish bones on the table, they realized they were in the presence of the legendary bluefin tuna! It appeared that the standard of living for themon folk at the imperial court was on the rise. The officers couldn''t help butment that they might soon be priced out of even a simple barbecue meal. ¡°Gentlemen of the force, Young Master Jin is picking up the tab.¡± A man approached the officers, grinning as he rified the situation. The officers were torn betweenughter and tears upon hearing this. That exined Young Master Jin''s contorted expression. It was all because of this incident. Chapter 446 Chapter 446 - We also Know How to Cut Hair and Press the Feet ¡°Wait a moment.¡± A policeman beside Su Ming scratched his head, ncing at him with a sense of recognition. Why did this man look so familiar? He was sure he had seen Su Ming somewhere before, but he just couldn''t ce him. Then it hit him: he was standing in front of the pioneer of chat interrogation! Su Ming, Mr. Su himself! ¡°Mr. Su!¡± he eximed, rushing forward. ¡°Mr. Su?¡± The other two officers were momentarily taken aback but quickly regained theirposure. ¡°Oh my God! You''re Mr. Su!¡± They all made their way over to him. Without going into details, considering the rtionship between Captain Wu and Su Ming, they feltpelled to greet him. ¡°Do you recognize me?¡± Su Ming asked, standing up with a smile. ¡°Absolutely.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, each one of us knows who you are.¡± ¡°I can''t believe I didn''t recognize you earlier. How foolish of me!¡± They all shared augh. ¡°You all work so hard. Would you like to sit down and join me for a drink and a bite to eat?¡± Su Ming offered warmly. ¡°No, no, that''s alright!¡± one of the lead officers chuckled. ¡°We still need to bring this fellow into our station. He''s a foreigner, and we might even need to contact the embassy about it. Mr. Su, we should be going now.¡± After a round of handshakes, the officers hopped into their police car and drove off. Su Ming and Xiao Ke''er, having finished their meal, were also preparing to depart. ¡°Mr. Su is leaving!¡± ¡°What''s the rush, Mr. Su?¡± ¡°Stay a bit longer, Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Mr. Su surely has important matters to attend to. He''s not like you lot, just drinking and idling away the day.¡± ¡°Ouch! That stings a bit!¡± ¡°I really don''t want to see Mr. Su go.¡± As Su Ming got ready to leave, everyone rose to their feet. ¡°Goodness. They all have a knack for acting: they''re actually tearing up.¡± Su Ming found their reactions amusing, as all he wanted was to head home. It wasn''t as if it were his funeral! ¡°Alright, folks, enjoy your meal. I''ve got to get going,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡±Mr. Su, before you go, let''s take a picture together.¡± ¡°Back off! You''re not worthy of a photo op with Mr. Su! Mr. Su, are you interested in a haircut membership? Our salon offers a steep discount, and we''re ready to meet any request you have, just name it.¡± ¡°And you, step aside! How could Mr. Su possibly sign up with you? Mr. Su, are you fond of swimming? We can offer you swimming lessons.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, are you in the market for a rental property? I have several avable in the Empire Community, and they''re in a prime location. Thendlord''s name is Su Ming. Oh, wait, you''re the owner? My mistake, I''ll leave you be.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, how about a foot soak? Our technicians at the White Cloud Club are top-notch.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, do you enjoy ying League of Legends? I''m quite the pro gamer; we could team up.¡± ¡°Do you have children? Our kindergarten offers special enrollment discounts for your little ones.¡± Hearing this, Su Ming stood there, taken aback, blinking in disbelief. Weren''t you trying to get rid of me? How did the atmosphere shift so abruptly? Clearly, something was off. He could overlook those offering him haircut or swimming memberships, but the invitation to the White Cloud Club was too much, especially with a stunning beauty by his side. It was obvious what their rtionship was. To brazenly invite him to the White Cloud Club, even boasting about the attractiveness of their technicians, was downright ludicrous! He thought to himself, ¡°I, Young Master Su, am the epitome of integrity! How could I frequent such a ce? White Cloud Club, huh? You''re on my radar now.¡± ¡°Okay, okay, okay,¡± interjected President Chen and Wang Guohui, stepping forward. They mused, ¡°You want to cut Mr. Su''s hair, pamper his feet¡ªdoes he need you for that? We can handle these tasks ourselves. Even if we''re novices, we''re quick learners, for human potential knows no bounds! You think you canpete with us for Mr. Su''s favor? You''re delusional; you don''t stand a chance!¡± ¡°Everyone, just go back to your meals, or else you''ll be footing the bill yourselves.¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui stood before Su Ming like two imposing Door Guardians. Upon hearing their words, the crowdpsed into silence. Everyone took their seats once more. ¡°Come on, let''s have a drink.¡± ¡°This roasted lobster is absolutely delicious!¡± ¡°The foie gras really needs pineapple to bring out its vor.¡± ¡°I''ve been sitting too long; I need to stretch my legs.¡± ¡°Same here. I''ve been seated the whole time.¡± Their sudden flurry of activity left Wang Guohui and the rest dumbfounded. They moved with such haste. As soon as it was clear they had to foot the bill, they scattered faster than rabbits. They were only interested in a free ride. ¡°Mr. Su, Miss Xiao, take your time,¡± President Chen and Wang Guohui called out, turning to them in haste. Su Ming instructed, ¡°Kemeng, hand them the car keys and have them drive it back. You ride with me.¡± Xiao Ke''er nodded in agreement, her cheeks flushing with color. She was only ever called Kemeng by her family; even the butler referred to her as Miss. Su Ming''s use of the name signified a newfound closeness, causing her blush to deepen. She bit her lip and silently made her way to Su Ming''s car. Just then, Wang Guohui cautiously approached Su Ming, rubbing his hands together, ¡°You know, I''ve actually trained in hairstyling.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. President Chen chimed in, ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve learned how to give foot massages.¡± ¡°No, thank you!¡± Su Ming was taken aback by their eager expressions. He thought to himself, ¡°Others have lovely young women to pamper them, and here I am being offered services by two older gentlemen? No, thank you.¡± With that, Su Ming turned on his heel and departed. Once in his car, he pressed the gas pedal and zoomed off. Feeling the breeze through the window, Su Ming let out a deep sigh of relief. ¡°Is something bothering you?¡± Xiao Ke''er inquired with curiosity. ¡°I''m alright,¡± Su Ming quickly reassured her, shaking his head. ¡°How long will you be in the capital this time?¡± At his question, Xiao Ke''er''s cheeks grew even warmer. Was he expressing concern, or would he miss her in her absence? Despite Xiao Ke''er''s poised and graceful demeanor, when it came to matters of the heart, she was just like any other girl: perhaps even more so. At a minimum, many girls Xiao Ke''er''s age have gone through at least one or a few romantic rtionships, yet Xiao Ke''er herself has never experienced any. In reality, Su Ming''s question was his way of signaling her to swiftly move on from the previous topic. Whenever Su Ming thought about President Chen and Wang Guohui, he couldn''t help feeling a bit nauseated. Chapter 447 Chapter 447 - Why Am I the Unlucky One? Kemeng pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°I might be away for about a month this time.¡± Su Ming nodded, adding, ¡°The capital is quite cold at the moment. Make sure to dress warmly.¡± Hearing Su Ming''s concern, Kemeng''s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, making her look even more charming. She hadn''t expected Su Ming to be so attentive to the weather in the capital on her ount. A girl with no romantic experience can often be deeply moved by even the slightest show of care from a man. The BBQ Street wasn''t far from the Xiao family vi. Upon Su Ming''s arrival, he noticed a fiery red sports car parked out front. He scanned the area but didn''t spot President Chen. It dawned on him that President Chen must have already left. Before getting out of the car, Kemeng unexpectedly said, ¡°Thank you.¡± Su Ming paused, puzzled by her gratitude. Before he could gather his thoughts, Kemeng suddenly leaned in and nted a soft kiss on Su Ming''s cheek. Her face instantly heated up following the kiss. Su Ming, already bewildered, was left even more speechless by Kemeng''s gesture. He could still feel the warmth of her lips on his cheek. Neither Kemeng nor Su Ming had any romantic history. Although he had watched his share of adult films, Su Ming had no actual sexual experience. ¡°I''m going to get out now,¡± Kemeng announced, then flung the car door open as if to escape. The moment she did, she jumped in surprise and let out a scream. Su Ming was startled too. Xiao Chen was gaping at them from outside the car, and behind him stood Kemeng''s parents, Xiao Luomu and Yueqiu, equally astonished. Despite the tinted windows of Su Ming''s car, they were rolled down. It was already dark, and in her nervousness, Kemeng had failed to notice them. Consequently, the trio had seen everything. The air turned tense in an instant. Out of nowhere, Xiao Chen blurted out, ¡°Dad, Mom! My sister just kissed my brother-inw!¡± Su Ming was taken aback. He had the urge to punch Xiao Chen right then and there. Inside the car, Kemeng sat frozen, unsure of her next move. She turned to her parents, biting her lip, and said apprehensively, ¡°Dad, Mom.¡± As soon as Kemeng finished speaking, Luomu immediately gave her a thumbs up and eximed, ¡°Daughter, that was impressive! You''ve managed to captivate Mr. Su so quickly! That''s exactly how I fell for your mother! Honey, please stop pinching my waist!¡± Mid-sentence, Yueqiu''s hand had already found its way to his waist and gave it a firm twist! Kemeng was taken aback. She had braced herself for her parents'' anger, but instead, they appeared overjoyed. Yueqiu said, ¡°Daughter, you''re not getting any younger. It''s time to think about marriage. Your father and I have been concerned about it. But now, we can put our worries to rest. Being with Mr. Su is wonderful. Honestly, there''s no one in the capital who holds a candle to him.¡± Yueqiu''s grip only tightened as she spoke, causing Luomu to wince in pain. Despite this, he looked at Kemeng with a warm, affectionate smile. His eyes brimmed with happiness when he turned to Su Ming. ¡°Thank you, Mom!¡± Kemeng said, breathing a sigh of relief. She rushed to her mother''s side and wrapped her arms around her. Sitting in the car, Su Ming sensed that something was amiss. The pace of events seemed to be elerating too quickly. He hadn''t even spoken yet, and they were already discussing marriage. He couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being ensnared. Kemeng was not only beautiful and well-educated but also came from a distinguished family. He genuinely liked her, but something still felt off. Considering how modest she usually was, her boldness in kissing him meant he couldn''t just brush this off. ¡°Mr. Su, would you like toe in and sit for a while?¡± Luomu asked, massaging his waist and forcing a smile. It wasn''t that he was reluctant to invite Su Ming inside; the pain had simply been too much, making his smile somewhat strained. ¡±Uncle Xiao, please don''t call me Mr. Su anymore,¡± Su Ming responded. ¡°You''re my elder, and I''m the younger one here. Just call me Su from now on.¡± With that, Su Ming stepped out of the car. Su Ming had mentioned this several times already. Whether it was Old Master Tang or Old Master Qin, both esteemed elders seemed to disregard his words. Xiao Luomu chuckled and said, ¡°No worries. Once you and Kemeng tie the knot, you can call me Dad, and I''ll address you as Sir. No conflict there.¡± Su Ming blinked, sensing a strange familiarity with the phrase. ¡°Mr. Su, are you pressed for time? If not,e inside for a cup of tea before you leave,¡± Yueqiu invited. Su Ming nodded, ¡°Sure.¡± Xiao Luomu, Yueqiu, Su Ming, and Xiao Ke''er made their way toward the vi. Xiao Chen stood frozen, watching their retreating figures. He was still there! Was he truly that inconspicuous? Unable to contain himself, Xiao Chen blurted out, ¡°Sis, brother-inw, I¡­¡± ¡±I forgot about you. Come on over,¡± Xiao Ke''er called out, turning around with a smile. ¡°I always knew my sister cared about me the most!¡± Xiao Chen eximed joyfully as he ran to Xiao Ke''er. With a grin, Xiao Ke''er instructed, ¡°Later, head to the study and copy the Trimetric ssic five more times!¡± Xiao Chen was bewildered. Why did he suddenly have to write out the Trimetric ssic five times? He had spent the afternoon copying it as a punishment. No sooner had he finished than a new punishment was assigned. Why was it always him facing misfortune? ¡°Why?¡± Xiao Chen asked, his face a picture of confusion. ¡±Because you startled me just now,¡± Xiao Ke''er exined. ¡°Dad, Mom, my sister is picking on me,¡± Xiao Chen appealed to his parents. ¡±Just do as your sister says,¡± they advised in unison. ¡±Brother-inw!¡± Xiao Chen turned to Su Ming as hisst resort. ¡°I''m merely a visitor here,¡± Su Ming replied with a blink. Then, all four of them turned in unison and continued on their way to the vi. Chapter 448 Chapter 448 - The Two Old Men Were Tricked Xiao Chen stood still, feeling deeply aggrieved. They had actually bullied him to this extent! Had he known beforehand, he would have kept silent. He shouldn''t have spoken at all. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be facing the punishment of copying the Trimetric ssic five times. Now, even though his earlier words had made him feel noticed, his hands ached terribly from the repetitive writing. His standing in the family was already low. He had thought he could push around his brother-inw, but looking at how things stood, he was fortunate that his brother-inw hadn''t turned the tables on him. Resigned to his fate, he decided to go back and dutifully copy the Trimetric ssic. With his head hung low, Xiao Chen trailed behind them, the picture of despondency. He was filled with a sense of injustice, but he chose to remain silent and bear it. Su Ming entered the house with the family of three, settled down, and began to drink tea and chat. Meanwhile, Xiao Chen, head bowed, made his way to the study to dutifully transcribe the Trimetric ssic. In the midst of their conversation, footsteps echoed from the entrance. Everyone turned and then rose to their feet in unison. Old Master Tang and Old Master Xiao had arrived, their faces ashen and brows furrowed with concern. ¡±Mr. Su, you''re here as well,¡± they noted. Seeing Su Ming, the two elders didn''t show any surprise. They offered him a slight smile and a greeting. Su Ming, with a furrowed brow, inquired, ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± ¡±Perhaps it''s best left undiscussed,¡± they replied, exchanging a look and a weary smile. Su Ming was taken aback by this response. Xiao Ke''er and her parents were equally perplexed, exchanging puzzled nces. The two elders were men of high status and esteemed reputation,manding immense respect. Yet today, they appeared to have been wronged. Who would dare to offend such venerable figures? Xiao Luomu, with a concerned frown, pressed, ¡°Dad, Uncle Tang, what exactly has happened?¡± The two elders, having just taken their seats, sighed deeply. ¡°We hadn''t intended to involve you in this matter.¡± ¡°I thought I had concealed it well, but I didn''t expect you to notice something was amiss as soon as I returned,¡± Old Master Tang said, shaking his head gravely. ¡°Truthfully, the fault lies with me today.¡± ¡±Old friend, this matter isn''t your responsibility.¡± ¡°We can only me ourselves for trusting him too much.¡± ¡°It''s one thing for him to deceive others, but the fact that he dared to deceive us is unbelievable.¡± Old Master Xiao was livid, yet there was a sense of helplessness in his frustration. ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Xiao Ke''er was unable to contain her curiosity any longer, seeing that the two elderly gentlemen were withholding the details. It was at this point that the two old masters began to elucidate. As people age, they often develop a fondness for collecting items. Both old masters were connoisseurs of antiques and took pleasure in amassing such treasures. Not long ago, a friend from the south reached out to them, iming to have stumbled upon some valuable finds in a rural area. One of these was a Duan inkstone, purported to be an exceptionally rare artifact. The Duan inkstone is far more valuable than even the finest Imperial Green Jade. While Imperial Green Jade is still discovered asionally, Duan inkstones have either beenpletely mined or have been submerged underwater for ages. The Duan inkstone was exclusively used by the ancient royal families. A mere six-inch Duan inkstone could fetch hundreds of thousands. This time, they hade across a twelve-inch Duan inkstone. It was not just a tool for grinding ink; it also featured intricate carvings ofndscapes, demonstrating remarkable craftsmanship, making it an invaluable piece. Upon hearing about it, the two old masters were immediately intent on acquiring the Duan inkstone and promptly got in touch with the seller. The item arrived that afternoon. Normally, they would have called in a team of experts to verify the authenticity of such goods. However, the seller was a trusted friend of many years, leading them to forego a meticulous inspection. Moreover, the exchange took ce in a dimly lit warehouse, which did not favor the elderly gentlemen''s failing eyesight. Even Old Master Tang, despite his expertise in antiques, could err in judgment. He failed to recognize the item as a counterfeit and proceeded to sign the contract andplete the payment. ted, the two old men eagerly brought their find to the Antique Association. Initially, no one detected any issues. However, an ident involving a young man spilling water on the inkstone led to an unexpected discovery. While a genuine inkstone should be water-resistant and even require moisture, this one''s color altered upon contact with water. Upon closer examination, everyone realized the inkstone was a fake, yet they had to concede that the craftsmanship of the forgery was indeed masterful. First, the workers constructed a scaled-down model, then pulverized a genuine Duan inkstone into powder and meticulously coated the model, leaving no visible gaps. However, when the model was exposed to water, cracks emerged, revealing the discrepancies under the light. Typically, such seasoned gentlemen wouldn''t fall for a scam. Despite the inkstone''s exquisite craftsmanship, this type of deceit was all too familiar. Their downfall was twofold: a strong rapport with the seller and an overwhelming sense of joy at the time,pounded by the setting, led to their being swindled out of thirty million. Upon hearing this, everyone''s brows furrowed in concern. ¡°Grandpa, Grandpa Tang, you must confront them and demandpensation!¡± Xiao Ke''er urged with concern. ¡°My dear, it''s not that simple. Antique transactions are always conducted in person. Once you''ve signed the contract, it indicates your approval of the item. Even if it''ster revealed to be a counterfeit, the seller bears no responsibility,¡± Old Master Tang exined with a sigh of resignation. ¡±How could they be so audacious?¡± Yueqiu interjected. ¡°If the fraud had been detected during the transaction, they''d face no repercussions. They just continue selling the item until someone else falls for it, just like we did,¡± Old Master Xiao added, his voice tinged with regret. ¡±The man in question is notorious in our industry for his skill in producing convincing forgeries, though he does possess some genuine pieces.¡± ¡±I''ve dealt with him before and he''s never sold me a fake,¡± Old Master Tang admitted, burdened with guilt. If not for him, Old Master Xiao wouldn''t have suffered such a significant loss. While thirty million might not be a substantial figure for their family, being conned out of such an amount was still a bitter pill to swallow. ¡°Is there really nothing we can do but chalk it up to bad luck?¡± Xiao Luomu inquired. ¡°It seems that''s all we can do,¡± the two elders responded with a wry smile. Su Ming remained silent, but his deep frown spoke volumes. The seller had shamelessly deceived his friends. Chapter 449 Chapter 449 - The Complexity of the Antique Industry ¡°Gentlemen, how has this man been selling fakes for so long without getting caught?¡± Su Ming inquired. Old Master Tang shook his head. ¡°There are some things you''re not quite familiar with.¡± After Old Master Tang''s exnation, Su Ming began to understand. The antique business is incrediblyplex, with over 90% of items on the market being counterfeit. Even though this individual sold a fake to Old Master Xiao and Old Master Tang, he technically didn''t break thew. Creating fake antiques isn''t illegal. Mostly, antique shop owners buy these fakes and then sell them to unsuspecting buyers. These counterfeit antiques don''t have a set market value; their prices are arbitrarily determined. If someone spends a fortune on a fake, they''re either unaware of its illegitimacy or have no choice but toe to terms with their purchase. Currently, there''s no legition governing the antique trade. So, if someone ends up with a fake, they can only chalk it up to bad luck. Even individuals like the two esteemed gentlemen, despite their influential backgrounds, are powerless once they''ve signed a contract andter discover they''ve purchased a counterfeit. The two gentlemen were extremely frustrated, having spent 30 million yuan on a worthless stone. Old Master Tang, clenching his jaw, said, ¡°Ordinarily, that fellow wouldn''t dare deceive us. Imand a certain respect in the antique world, and with a word from me, no one would patronize his business.¡± He continued, ¡°He''s likely done with the industry and wanted to cash in onest time before exiting. That''s probably why he sold us a fake.¡± Old Master Xiao, equally incensed, added, ¡°Indeed, that''s what I believe as well.¡± Upon seeing the two gentlemen''s furrowed brows, everyone in the room exchanged helpless nces. To all present, thirty million RMB wasn''t a substantial sum. Yet, giving that money to beggars would at least earn them gratitude. Being swindled out of it, however, was utterly maddening. The two elderly gentlemen were advanced in years, particrly Old Master Xiao, who had only recently recovered from a severe illness. The incident with the counterfeit antiques had left Old Master Xiao feeling deeply dejected and dissatisfied, a state of mind that was detrimental to his health. ¡°Are we truly powerless in this situation?¡± Su Ming inquired once more. ¡°That man has been peddling fake antiques for years; can it be that he''s never slipped up?¡± ¡°There''s definitely something amiss with his operations,¡± Old Master Tang replied, ¡°but the fellow is exceedingly cautious and hasn''t left any incriminating evidence behind. However, he once confided in me about an ount book while he was inebriated during a drinking session. That ount book contains crucial details of his transactions. Regrettably, I have no idea where he keeps it.¡± Su Ming paused, struck by a sudden realization. In every film or television show, the viins always seemed to have an ount book. He wondered, why did they bother to maintain such records? If the viin were apprehended by the police, wouldn''t that ount book serve as damning evidence? Noticing Su Ming''s perplexed look, Xiao Luomu offered an exnation: ¡°Individuals in this line of work keep a personal ount book to meticulously log each transaction.¡± ¡°Why would they go to such lengths?¡± Xiao Ke''er asked, her curiosity piqued. Old Master Tang borated, ¡°After so many years in business, it''s impossible for him to remember every single transaction by heart, hence the need for an ount book. He avoids usingputers because digital records aren''t secure. He meticulously documents each transaction because some of his ie is illicit, and he needs tounder the money to appear legitimate. By keeping detailed records, he aims to prevent any futureplications.¡± ¡°Old Master Tang, are you referring to moneyundering?¡± Su Ming asked, a hint of realization in his voice. ¡±More or less,¡± Old Master Tang said with a chuckle. ¡°In fact, there are numerous ways to legitimize such funds. Take, for example, when I had my son auction an item that was secretly mine. I then purchased it for 30 million. That amount was legally transferred into my son''s ount through the auction process. Afterward, my son transferred the money back to me, thereby converting it into legitimate ie.¡± Xiao Ke''er spoke up, ¡°Grandpa Tang, have you managed to get hold of the ount book?¡± ¡°Silly girl, it''s not that simple,¡± the two old gentlemen chuckled wryly, shaking their heads. Such a crucial item would only be known by that old man, where he''s hidden it. And the ount book would definitely be in a very concealed and secure location. They could search every nook and cranny of the old man''s house and still struggle to find the ount book. The room fell into a heavy silence. But Su Ming''s mind was racing with a sudden spark of inspiration. He quickly asked, ¡°Gentlemen, could you tell me where this old friend of yours lives?¡± ¡°He''s over in Eastsea,¡± Old Master Tang answered reflexively, ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Just curious. But Old Master Tang, didn''t you just mention he was a friend from the south?¡± Su Ming pressed. ¡°He imed he was from the south, but that''s just a smokescreen. His n was to transport the ount book to the south and then back here. It might deceive others, but not us,¡± Old Master Tang said with a knowing smile. After a moment''s thought, Su Ming stroked his chin and requested, ¡°Old Master Tang, could you provide me with his exact address?¡± The room was taken aback, and Old Master Tang quickly interjected, ¡°Mr. Su, we understand what you''re intending to do. But Mr. Su, please reconsider. The risk is too high, and it''s simply not feasible for you.¡± ¡°Elders, have faith in me, I have a n,¡± Su Ming assured them with a confident smile. ¡°This old man has swindled so many. We can''t let him off scot-free. I refuse to stand by. I''m determined to ensure he spends his twilight years behind bars.¡± The two old men paused, exchanging nces before inquiring, ¡°Mr. Su, do you perhaps have another strategy?¡± ¡°I must keep the details confidential for now. Elders, rest assured, I wouldn''t embark on anything reckless.¡± The room pondered in silence. The two old men, despite Su Ming''s youth, recognized that he was no ordinary individual. He surely had his reasons for being so assured. Yet, after some contemtion, they still felt the endeavor was fraught with too much risk. Despite their close rtionship with Mr. Su, they couldn''t possibly impose on him to handle such a delicate matter. After pondering for a moment, Old Master Tang spoke up, ¡°Mr. Su, let''s drop the issue. There''s no need for you to take any risks on our behalf.¡± Chapter 450 Chapter 450 - Xiao Chen''s Old Scores Su Ming chuckled upon hearing their concerns. He was well aware of the old gentlemen''s worries. Yet, Su Ming had aplete n in mind and was brimming with confidence. ¡°Rest easy, gentlemen. I am fully confident that I can handle this,¡± Su Ming said with a serene smile. ¡°Is that so?¡± the two elders blinked in surprise. Su Ming nodded in affirmation. ¡°Very well, Mr. Su, he resides at 301 in Building 5 of the Tangyuan Vi District. But be cautious, Mr. Su,¡± Old Master Tang advised after a moment''s thought. Before Old Master Tang could offer further counsel, Su Ming rose to his feet and interjected, ¡°Gentlemen, please have a bite to eat and get some rest. Tune into the news channel tomorrow morning; you''re bound to see something that will delight you. However, I am in need of an assistant.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Xiao Ke''er inquired. ¡°Xiao Chen,¡± Su Ming replied slowly. Xiao Chen, who had been secretly listening from the second floor, was taken aback. He realized he had been eavesdropping without being directly involved. Su Ming was already enlisting his help even though he hadn''t married his sister yet. ¡°Agreed,¡± Xiao Luomu responded sinctly. Xiao Chen was dumbfounded once more. He was Xiao Luomu''s own son and the heir apparent of the Xiao family, yet Xiao Luomu had unhesitatingly consented to Su Ming''s request. There was nothing for it but toply. ¡°Xiao Chen,e here,¡± Xiao Luomu called out loudly. Trembling, Xiao Chen slowly emerged from the corner of the railing. ¡°Your brother-inw requires your assistance tonight.¡± Xiao Chen cautiously approached Su Ming and greeted him. He wondered, ¡°What is Su Ming up to now? He wouldn''t be setting me up to take the fall again, would he?¡± ¡°We''re off to close a significant deal,¡± Su Ming announced, striding towards the door. Xiao Chen blinked, clenched his teeth, and nced back at his family. Seeing their eager faces, he felt a wave of discouragement. With his head bowed, Xiao Chen trailed behind Su Ming. They got into the car, Su Ming hit the elerator, and they sped off. In the car, Xiao Chen was a bundle of nerves. After a long pause, he ventured cautiously, ¡°Brother-inw, where exactly are we headed?¡± ¡°The police station,¡± Su Ming said with a slight smile. Xiao Chen was taken aback. He couldn''t understand why they needed to go to the police station. He wondered, ¡°Is Su Ming nning to file a report? But Old Master Tang is so shrewd. I doubt the police could uncover anything. Su Ming isn''t foolish.¡± Then another thought struck him: ¡°Could it be that Su Ming is turning himself in? But he''s always beenw-abiding. That can''t be it. Is Su Ming nning to take me to the police station? But I haven''t done anything wrong.¡± Suddenly, Xiao Chen had an epiphany and blurted out, ¡°Brother-inw, I was wrong. Please don''t take me to the police station.¡± ¡°I confess, it was me who broke the teapot at Old Master Tang''s house, but it was an ident.¡± ¡°I''m the one who got my grandfather''s ancient book wet, but that was unintentional too.¡± ¡°As a kid, I was a bit mischievous¡ªI burst my second uncle''s car tire.¡± ¡°I identally damaged andscape painting my grandfather had purchased.¡± ¡°I released the mynah bird Old Master Tang had kept for years.¡± ¡°I stole a pack of spicy strips from a convenience store.¡± ¡°I even secretly ate the cake for Old Master Tang''s 80th birthday, but nobody found out.¡± ¡°Despite all this, you wouldn''t send me to the police station for these things, would you?¡± Xiao Chen''s voice shook as he spoke. Hearing Xiao Chen''s confessions, Su Ming realized why Xiao Chen''s family kept such a close watch on him; he had been quite the handful as a child. ¡°Is that the extent of your mischief?¡± Su Ming teased, arching an eyebrow to intimidate him. Xiao Chen was visibly flustered. He scratched his head in distress and continued, ¡°I secretly sold Grandfather''s two Night-Luminescent Pearls for some marbles.¡± ¡°I tore up my sister''s homework in secret and once poured croton beans into our teacher''s water bottle.¡± Xiao Chen hung his head, ready to reveal more. ¡±Stop!¡± Su Ming cut him off sharply. He couldn''t believe Xiao Chen had traded two invaluable Night-Luminescent Pearls for mere ss balls worth pennies! Only he could do something like that. He had even put croton beans in the teacher''s water bottle. Such a troublemaker. He mustn''t say another word! Surely, there were plenty of his misdeeds that remained unknown to others. If Su Ming were to identally divulge these matters to someone, Xiao Chen would find himself in hot water. Thus, for the sake of safety, it would be wise for Xiao Chen to be more reticent. Su Ming''s intentions were in Xiao Chen''s best interest. ¡°Brother-inw.¡± Upon hearing Su Ming''s words, Xiao Chen paused, momentarily taken aback. ¡°What''s on your mind? I was just trying to rattle you. I have legitimate business at the police station this time.¡± ¡°I''m going to take you to steal something.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. ¡°Steal something?¡± Xiao Chen was utterly astonished. ¡°Brother-inw, have you lost your mind? You''re nning to steal from the police station?¡± ¡°Mom, I want to get out. This isn''t the bus to kindergarten!¡± ¡°We''re going too fast!¡± Xiao Chen clung to the car window, yelling, ¡°Help! I''m still young. I haven''t even gotten married yet!¡± Annoyed, Su Ming retorted, ¡°Be quiet. If you don''t, I''ll have you copy the Trimetric ssic ten times as punishment.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± In a sh, Xiao Chen became exceedinglypliant and agreed promptly. He sat down properly in his seat and smiled. A shadow crossed Su Ming''s face. It turned out that having Xiao Chen copy the Trimetric ssic was the most effective disciplinary measure. He must have copied it numerous times; otherwise, he wouldn''t be so daunted by the Trimetric ssic. For Xiao Chen, copying the text was unnecessary; he could recite it from memory. He had been copying the Trimetric ssic since childhood, after all. ¡°Don''t overthink it. I''m certainly not heading to the police station to steal. I''m going there to meet someone.¡± ¡°Burry is a crime, after all. We''rew-abiding young men; we can''t engage in illegal activities.¡± ¡°If you wish to enter, you must have legal authorization.¡± With a serene smile, Su Ming drove to the police station. They quickly reached their destination. Upon exiting the car, Su Ming led Xiao Chen straight inside. The duty officer immediately stood up upon seeing Su Ming and approached, asking, ¡°Mr. Su, how can I assist you?¡± Su Ming inquired, ¡°Is Captain Wu in?¡± The officer promptly replied, ¡°Captain Wu is on shift today. He''s upstairs.¡± Su Ming said, ¡°Alright. Could you guide me, please? I need to find him.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± The officer led the way, with Su Ming trailing behind him to the second floor. Chapter 451 Chapter 451 - Xiao Chen Was Excited Captain Wu was sitting in his office, deeply engrossed in a case file with a furrowed brow. On his desk sat an old, well-used cup of tea. Upon noticing Su Ming, he quickly rose and approached with a warm greeting, ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you here?¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but observe that Captain Wu appeared much leaner than before. His face was drawn, underscored by dark circles, and he seemed unsteady on his feet. ¡°Captain Wu, have you run into any trouble recently?¡± Su Ming inquired. With a heavy sigh, Captain Wu invited, ¡°Please, take a seat, Mr. Su.¡± After pouring a ss of water for both Su Ming and Xiao Chen, they each settled into their chairs. Captain Wu began, ¡°I''ve been wrestling with a particrly challenging case.¡± ¡°What kind of case?¡± Su Ming asked, his curiosity piqued. Without hesitation, Captain Wu divulged, ¡°It involves fraud and moneyundering.¡± Su Ming exchanged a knowing nce with Xiao Chen. ¡°That old scoundrel is too shrewd. Despite knowing he''smitted numerous offenses, we can''t seem to gather enough evidence to apprehend him. It''s quite the predicament.¡± A veteran officer, Captain Wu was a man of unwavering integrity and had little tolerance forwbreakers. But this case was proving to be especially thorny. ¡±Captain Wu, are you referring to Wai Chengguo?¡± Su Ming ventured, his eyes narrowing. Caught off guard, Captain Wu responded, ¡°Mr. Su, how did youe to that conclusion?¡± Internally, Su Ming confirmed his suspicions. It made sense now; the old rogue was even willing to deceive a friend, knowing the police were on to him. Wai Chengguo must have sensed the danger, prompting him to defraud his longtime acquaintances. In doing so, he could amass more wealth and thenunder it into seemingly legitimate earnings. It was a clever scheme indeed. With a chuckle, Su Ming shared the details of Old Master Tang''s situation with Captain Wu. Understanding the dilemma, Captain Wu acknowledged, ¡°Mr. Su, my hands are tied in this matter. While the man has produced numerous counterfeit antiques, creating fakes isn''t illegal. Moreover, he''s entered into contracts with the two elderly gentlemen. Ourws don''t provide a means to penalize him for these actions. Regrettably, there''s nothing I can do.¡± Captain Wu shook his head. With a hint of mystery in his smile, Su Ming said, ¡°Captain Wu, I have a strategy that could help you catch him. However, I''m going to need a small favor from you in return.¡± Upon hearing this, Captain Wu''s eyes sparkled with interest. ¡°Mr. Su, can you truly assist me? What''s your n?¡± Su Ming replied with a single word: ¡°Steal.¡± Captain Wu paused, taken aback. Su Ming borated, ¡°Captain Wu, Wai Chengguo possesses an ount book that details all his dealings over the years, including the sums he''s defrauded andundered. If we can get our hands on that ount book, we''ll have the evidence we need to prove his crimes.¡± A lightbulb went off in Captain Wu''s head. He nodded thoughtfully and responded, ¡°Mr. Su, I''ve heard rumors about this ount book. Despite searching his house twice, the police haven''t been able to locate it. He must have hidden it somewhere else.¡± ¡°That''s unlikely,¡± Su Ming said with a confident smile. ¡°He would surely keep something so crucial on his person. You just haven''t figured out his hiding spot yet.¡± ¡°If I can get inside their house, I''m certain I can unearth his ount book. My intent is to do so without raising any suspicion, hence my n to sneak in. But let''s face it, I would still be stealing, which is illegal. That''s where I need your assistance.¡± Captain Wu immediately grasped the situation. He replied, ¡°Mr. Su, that''s hardly an issue. My superiors ce great importance on this case, and I''ve been at my wit''s end trying to crack it. In these extraordinary circumstances, we''re justified in employing unconventional methods. Plus, I have a search warrant at my disposal. I can apany you to his house, which makes our actions legal. Are you confident you can locate the ount book?¡± Captain Wu gave Su Ming a scrutinizing look. Wai Chengguo was a formidable adversary. If he discovered their n to visit his house, he might blow the situation out of proportion with the media''s help. Should the matter escte, both Su Ming and Captain Wu would find themselves in hot water. ¡°Rest assured, I''ve got this covered. I do, however, need to return home to gather a few things,¡± Su Ming assured him. ¡°Captain Wu, be ready. We''ll head out together shortly.¡± Su Ming smiled with confidence. With Mr. Su having spoken, Captain Wu had no objections. If Mr. Su imed to have a solution, then he surely did. Su Ming, with Xiao Chen in tow, drove straight home. His belongings were finally going to serve their purpose. He grabbed the Crackled Electronic Cigarette from his bedside and headed to the warehouse to fill a bag with cotton candy. Then, he picked up his well-worn, faded denim travel bag. He opened the bag, loaded it with an assortment of tools, and stepped outside. Xiao Chen didn''t go inside; he waited at the front door for Su Ming. Seeing Su Ming emerge with so many items, Xiao Chen''s eyes sparkled with intrigue. His brother-inw was fully prepared. Were they actually about to steal something? He wasn''t scared; in fact, he was thrilled. If Old Master Tang were here, he''d surely twist Xiao Chen''s ear and scold him for stealing from their warehouse since childhood. Xiao Chen rubbed his hands together and asked with excitement, ¡°Brother-inw, what''s in the bag?¡± Su Ming nced at Xiao Chen, who seemed to him like a seasoned criminal. ¡°Stop asking. You''ll find out soon enough.¡± Su Ming chuckled and climbed into the car. He made a call to Captain Wu. Eventually, the trio set off directly for the vi. Upon reaching the vi''s entrance, Captain Wu presented his police credentials. The security guard said nothing, and they entered without any hindrance. ¡°Mr. Su, just ahead is the monitored area of Wai Chengguo''s house. I''ve heard he installed an rm system that triggers when someone gets too close to his ce.¡± Captain Wu added, ¡°I''ve requested the Electricity Administration to cut the power here. In five minutes, we''ll have a ckout. Mr. Su, since this is an affluent area, we''ll have only thirty minutes.¡± Su Ming offered a slight smile and replied, ¡°Okay.¡± Thirty minutes was more than enough for him. Five minutester, the power was indeed cut, yet the streetlights remained lit, powered by sr energy. ¡±Captain Wu, wait here. I''ll go in with Xiao Chen.¡± Su Ming didn''t wait for Captain Wu to respond and confidently strode toward Wai Chengguo''s vi with Xiao Chen in tow. They then approached a window. Xiao Chen was bursting with excitement. He found the thrill irresistible. Previously, his only experience with theft was sneaking into Old Master Tang''s warehouse to pilfer items. After all, he was only taking from his own family. If he ever got caught, the worst he''d face was a spanking. But this time was different; he was about to steal from someone else''s home, and he even had a search warrant tucked away in his pocket. This was his first foray into such a daring endeavor. Chapter 452 Chapter 452 - You Are Going to Tear down the House? Xiao Chen rubbed his hands together and nced at Su Ming before asking with palpable excitement, ¡°Brother-inw, what''s our next move?¡± Su Ming just smiled and reached into his pocket. Xiao Chen''s eyes widened in anticipation, nearly glowing like twin bulbs. He wondered, ¡°What kind of secret gear does my brother-inw have?¡± Su Ming had a history of producing rare medicinal herbs with ease, so Xiao Chen''s expectations were high for another impressive reveal. But when Su Ming produced a marshmallow, Xiao Chen was dumbfounded. ¡°A marshmallow? What''s this about? Oh, I get it now. All those masters on TV have their quirks. Some chew gum, others listen to music before springing into action. Brother-inw must have a thing for marshmallows.¡± Previously, Su Ming had tried this particr marshmallow. He pinched off a small piece and popped it into his mouth. A prompt from the System echoed in his mind, ¡°Host has sessfully used marshmallow. Its effect willst for 35 minutes!¡± Su Ming was pleased with the oue. He then offered the marshmallow to Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen hesitated, thinking, ¡°Do I need to eat it too? Well, if brother-inw suggests it, I might as well.¡± Without further ado, Xiao Chen grabbed a hefty chunk of marshmallow and shoved it into his mouth. In a panic, Su Ming reached out to stop him, wanting to warn Xiao Chen not to overindulge. But with the marshmallow in his mouth, Su Ming was mute. To Xiao Chen, Su Ming''s frantic gestures seemed not to deter him but to urge him on. Without a second thought, Xiao Chenpressed the marshmallow into a ball and stuffed it into his mouth. The System announced, ¡°Xiao Chen has used the marshmallow. The marshmallow''s effect willst for 2 hours and 45 minutes!¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. He sighed internally, ¡°Poor Xiao Chen. It''s my fault for not exining the marshmallow''s potency beforehand. Oh well, no harm done.¡± Then came the System''s prompt: ¡°System Notification: Individuals who have consumed marshmallow canmunicate with each other.¡± Hearing this, Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. Xiao Chen was brimming with anticipation as he asked, ¡°Brother-inw, what''s our next move? How do we get inside?¡± He had seen in movies how experts would use sophisticated gadgets to create a hole in the ss with just a twist. He was convinced Su Ming must possess such advanced tools. Amid Xiao Chen''s eager gaze, Su Ming casually pulled a hammer from his denim bag. Xiao Chen was taken aback. The hammer was indeed practical. But wouldn''t smashing the ss with it make too much noise? ¡°Brother-inw, are you nning to use a hammer?¡± Xiao Chen felt an impulse to bolt. If Su Ming struck the ss with the hammer, surely the neighbors would hear. Su Ming blinked and inquired, ¡°What''s the matter?¡± ¡°Brother-inw, are you really going to smash it with a hammer? It''s going to be loud. Don''t you have any of those high-tech devices? I''ve seen experts use them to open doors just by spinning them on the ss.¡± With a puzzled expression, Xiao Chen remarked, ¡°That''s way tooplicated. Hammers are more reliable.¡± Seeing Su Ming''s reassuring smile, Xiao Chen gave a nod. He thought, ¡°An axe might break the window quickly, but we''d be discovered just as fast. Captain Wu was supposed to be helping us, but with this hammer blow, he might end up escorting us to the police station. If my family hears about this, I''m done for.¡± As Xiao Chen was about to intervene, Su Ming had already swung the hammer at the window. The window emitted a dull thud, audible only to Su Ming and Xiao Chen. The ss was now cracked. Again, only the two of them could hear the noise. Witnessing the scene, Xiao Chen panicked and took off running. He hadn''t gotten far when he heard the ss shatter. Su Ming delivered another hammer blow, and the ss broke apart instantly. Su Ming unlocked the door and agilely entered the old man''s home. Xiao Chen looked back, realizing that the loud noise from Su Ming breaking the ss seemed to have gone unnoticed by everyone else. This neighborhood was exceptionally quiet and affluent. The sound of that hammer strike was like a firecracker exploding in the night sky, incredibly loud. Xiao Chen expected the homeowners to burst out in anger and the neighbors toe out and chastise Su Ming. Yet, the silence was perplexing. Captain Wu seemed oblivious to the noise, continuing to sit in the car with his eyes closed, meditating. ¡°What''s happening here? Is everyone in the area hard of hearing? That can''t be right,¡± Xiao Chen wondered. ¡°Why are you just standing there? Come on in!¡± Su Ming called out to Xiao Chen. ¡°Uh?¡± Xiao Chen was rooted to the spot, his mind racing. ¡°I''ve got a bit of a headache. Can someone exin what''s going on? No, better not to overthink it. If my brother-inw is behind this, he must have his reasons. He''s always been clever, beyond what I can fathom.¡± Despite his trepidation, Xiao Chen cautiously made his way into the house. He entered a spacious living room devoid of a television or sofa, only lined with numerous shelvesden with antiques and jade pieces. Xiao Chen''s curiosity was piqued as he surveyed the room, noting the absence of any reaction. Even if the homeowner lived on the third floor, the noise should have been enough to wake him and draw him downstairs. Meanwhile, Su Ming paid no attention to Xiao Chen, instead posing a question in his thoughts. ¡°Yuvyuv, can you help me locate the ount book?¡± ¡±Certainly, Master. Just give me a moment,¡± came Yuvyuv''s response within Su Ming''s mind. A spark of excitement shone in Su Ming''s eyes: he hadn''t actually expected Yuvyuv to be capable of this task. It was a casual inquiry; the room was small enough for a quick scan to find the ledger. However, Su Ming was feelingzy, and having Yuvyuv''s assistance would be much more convenient. He silentlymended Yuvyuv''s impressive abilities. At that moment, Xiao Chen, who was inspecting the items on the shelves, identally stepped on something slick and cried out. ¡°Ouch!¡± He crashed to the floor with a thud. In the chaos of falling, one''s instinct is often to grasp at anything within reach. At that moment, Xiao Chen grabbed hold of the shelf. These shelves were already somewhat unstable, and his grip caused them to tilt even more. Then, with a series of thunderous crashes, the shelves toppled over like a row of dominoes. It was a dramatic sight as every bottle and jar shattered upon impact. Xiao Chen stood up,pletely shocked, feeling as if his blood had turned to ice. He was utterly bewildered. ¡°Oh no! Even if the house''s owner is deaf, I bet they could hear that racket,¡± Xiao Chen thought to himself. Su Ming, hearing the noise, turned to witness the disarray and was at a loss for words. ¡°Great! I haven''t even started, and Xiao Chen''s already wrecking the ce,¡± he thought with a sense of resignation. ¡°Brother-inw, I''m sorry. This is all my fault. Don''t worry, I''ll take full responsibility. I won''t let this affect you,¡± Xiao Chen said, his voice tinged with despair, feeling like the most unfortunate person alive. Su Ming gave Xiao Chen a reassuring pat on the head and said, ¡°Snap out of it. Let''s head up to the second floor.¡± Chapter 453 Chapter 453 - On a Dog''s Body Upon hearing Su Ming''s words, Xiao Chen was baffled. He couldn''t help but wonder, ¡°Shouldn''t we be making a run for it? Why are we heading to the second floor? Could Wai Chengguo actually be deaf? No way. I''ve met him before; the man is in excellent shape and enjoys his food. Could it be that there''s no one in the house? That seems unlikely. From the first floor, I can hear snoring on the third floor. What on earth is happening here? Can anyone exin this to me?¡± Frozen in ce, Xiao Chen''s mind raced with endless thoughts. Watching Su Ming ascend to the second floor with ease, Xiao Chen shook his head to clear it and followed suit. Despite not understanding what was happening or why Wai Chengguo hadn''t heard them, Xiao Chen trusted that following his brother-inw''s lead was the right move. The second floor was more cluttered than the first, filled with shelves stacked with half-finished products. Next to the shelves was a room, likely a workshop for making forgeries. ¡°He''s actually got a counterfeiting studio in his own house,¡± Su Ming mused internally. ¡°Master, Yuvyuv has located the ount book,¡± came Yuvyuv''s voice in Su Ming''s mind. ¡°Where?¡± Su Ming inquired eagerly. ¡°The ount book is with a dog in the master bedroom on the third floor.¡± ¡±What?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. ¡°With a dog? Good heavens! How did the old man manage that? It''s no wonder the police couldn''t find the ount book; nobody would think to search a dog. All Wai Chengguo had to do was casually walk the dog out during a police search, and he could easily conceal the ount book without raising any suspicion. This old fellow is quite crafty. But how did he hide it on the dog?¡± Filled with curiosity, Su Ming made his way to the third floor. He discovered that the third floor was immactely tidy, resembling a vi,plete with a furnished living room. It appeared that Wai Chengguo lived on the third floor and only went downstairs for work. The master bedroom door was ajar, and Su Ming could see Wai Chengguo sleeping soundly. Beside him, a stunning woman was also asleep. Reflecting on Wai Chengguo''s depravity, Su Ming nced beside him and spotted arge dog. If he wasn''t mistaken, it was a Rough Collie. At first nce, it bore a resemnce to a Border Collie, yet it was significantlyrger and covered in long, flowing fur. The Rough Collie''s chest fur could easily rival that of a male lion. Upon scanning, Su Ming discovered an ount book nestled beneath the Rough Collie''s fur. The ount book was quite slim, barely over twenty pages. Upon closer inspection, he uncovered some clues. The old man had shaved the hair off the dog''s neck and fashioned a faux fur piece for the Rough Collie. This faux fur, akin to a human wig, was affixed to the dog''s neck, with the ount book concealed within itsyers. The old man''s heart was cold; he had likely shaved the dog''s neck bare, preventing the hair from regrowing. The attached fur was stubbornly in ce, making it difficult to remove. When necessary, he would simply unzip the small, hidden zipper on the dog''s neck and tuck the ount book inside the fur. Normally, the thick fur around the dog''s neck hid everything from view. Wai Chengguo was indeed formidable, a master of deception. Su Ming remained unfazed. Xiao Chen, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves. The empty first floor hadn''t bothered him, but the sight of two men and a dog filled him with dread. He stood there shivering, too scared to leave or even turn around, his pleading eyes turning to Su Ming for support. ¡°Brother-inw, shouldn''t we get out of here? This ce is freaking me out. I can''t handle it,¡± he implored with a look that spoke volumes. In the midst of Xiao Chen''s panic, Su Ming coolly pulled out two e-cigarettes from his pocket. Xiao Chen was taken aback, not expecting his brother-inw to even think about smoking at such a moment. ¡°I''m scared stiff here. Be careful, okay? Let''s make a move before it''s toote,¡± he thought anxiously. Su Ming walked straight into the room, and Xiao Chen was absolutely terrified. He thought to himself, ¡°Why not just smoke outside? Are you really going to smoke in there? Are you nning to wake up Wai Chengguo, offer him a cigarette, and then ask where the ount book is? Doing that would surely make Wai Chengguo call the cops.¡± As Xiao Chen watched in disbelief, Su Ming pressed two buttons on his electronic cigarette and then kicked the soles of the two people on the bed. Following the buzz of electricity, the pair on the bed convulsed and then slipped into an even deeper slumber. Clearly, they had passed out. At that moment, the Rough Collie''s eyes snapped open. Though deaf to the noise, its keen sense of smell was on high alert. Upon spotting Su Ming, the dog bared its teeth, ready to growl. But then, the air was filled once more with that familiar electric sound. The dog''s eyes rolled back as it too sumbed to unconsciousness. Su Ming reached out and retrieved the ount book. Xiao Chen was dumbfounded, thinking, ¡°Brother-inw, how did you pull that off? What just happened? What was that electric sound? Is that e-cigarette actually a stun gun? Brother-inw, you''re incredible! So you have high-tech gadgets up your sleeve. Rest assured, brother-inw, whatever you do from now on, I''m your most devoted supporter. You''re just too cool.¡± Su Ming examined the ount book only to find it was filled with a series of codes. What in the world was this? Xiao Chen quickly joined him and said, ¡°Brother-inw, this ount book must be encrypted. I''ve seen this kind of thing in movies. There''s probably a code book hidden somewhere.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement with Xiao Chen''s deduction. They had the ount book, but without the code book, they couldn''t crack it. The location of the code book was likely known only to Wai Chengguo. After a moment''s thought, Su Ming headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and grabbed two chilled beers. He then found a basin and poured the frosty beverages into it. Xiao Chen watched on, clueless about Su Ming''s intentions. As Xiao Chen puzzled over it, Su Ming strode into the bedroom with a basin and doused Wai Chengguo''s face with beer. Xiao Chen was utterly petrified. With Xiao Chen looking on in horror, Su Ming produced a small bottle from his chest and administered two drops into Wai Chengguo''s mouth. Gradually, Wai Chengguo''s eyes fluttered open. Having been stunned into unconsciousness earlier, Wai Chengguo was now abruptly roused, his mind foggy and his vision unclear. He waspletely disoriented, caught in a daze. Su Ming inquired coolly, ¡°Where''s the ount book?¡± Wai Chengguo replied forthrightly, ¡°It''s in the safe.¡± The substance Su Ming had just dispensed was the Truth Serum,pelling Wai Chengguo to speak honestly. Chapter 454 Chapter 454 - I Want to See the Doctor As Wai Chengguo''s words hung in the air, another surge of electric current crackled. He then lost consciousness once more. Xiao Chen watched on, his heart pounding with apprehension. Despite Wai Chengguo''s unsavory character, Xiao Chen found himself feeling a twinge of pity for the man. He was clueless about the tactics Su Ming had employed to coax the truth out of Wai Chengguo so effortlessly. He made a mental note to avoid crossing Su Ming in the future, even if it meant upsetting his sister; Su Ming was just too formidable. Su Ming allowed himself a slight smile. He activated the scanner, sweeping the room until his eyes settled on a safe tucked away in the study''s corner. Xiao Chen trailed behind Su Ming into the study. ¡°Holy smokes! Brother-inw, this is an imported safe. It only opens when it recognizes Wai Chengguo''s iris and fingerprints. We''ve got a problem. Should we haul the safe out and enlist the police''s help?¡± Xiao Chen suggested, his brow furrowed in concern. Su Ming chuckled, then challenged him, ¡°Can you even lift it?¡± The safe was bulky, designed to withstand explosions and shocks, tipping the scales at several hundred kilograms. Even for someone as strong as Su Ming, lifting a safe of that heft was a daunting task. ¡°Brother-inw, how are we going to crack it open?¡± Xiao Chen asked, his eyes wide with curiosity. Su Ming''s smile lingered as he opened his bag. Xiao Chen peered inside, wondering, ¡°Is my brother-inw about to reveal some new gadget? What''s he going to pull out this time?¡± However, Xiao Chen''s astonishment was palpable when Su Ming produced an electric drill. ¡°Brother-inw, are you seriously going to use an electric drill?¡± Xiao Chen gasped. The approach seemed excessively forceful. The safe, a high-quality import with a special steel exterior, was no match for the drill, which could bore right through it. Though handy, the electric drill was seldom the tool of choice for burrs due to the considerable noise it generated. The racket could be heard throughout the neighborhood, often resulting in the police arriving on the scene before the safe could be breached. With a nonchnt smile, Su Ming affirmed, ¡°Indeed.¡± He then flicked the switch on the electric drill. Its shrill, thunderous roar filled the air. Xiao Chen''s anxiety was palpable as sweat drenched his back. He kept ncing anxiously toward the bedroom, worried that Wai Chengguo might wake up or that they would be discovered by someone else. But even after Su Ming had cracked the safe and retrieved the password book, they remained undetected. Xiao Chen waspletely baffled. What was happening here? The neighbors should have heard the noise by now. After all, Su Ming was drilling into a safe with an electric drill, not into a wall. The noise was quite loud. Su Ming pulled a book from the safe and examined it. It was a thick volumebeled: Mathematics College Entrance Exam Collection. Su Ming was at a loss for words. Who would have guessed that this Mathematics College Entrance Exam Collection was actually a code book? But it did make sense. The old man''s ount book was filled with numbers, so it was fitting for the code book to be disguised as a math collection. ¡°Let''s go,¡± he said. Su Ming tucked the book under his arm and turned to leave. ¡°Okay!¡± Xiao Chen breathed a sigh of relief. In his rush to get to the second floor, Xiao Chen was too hasty and tumbled down the stairs. Panicking, he grabbed at some bottles on the second floor, which then rolled down and shattered. Su Ming, after witnessing the scene, was dumbfounded. He thought to himself, ¡°Wai Chengguo, you can''t me me for this. I had no intention of wrecking your house. You can only fault your misfortune for encountering Xiao Chen.¡± Su Ming remained silent. He helped Xiao Chen to his feet, and together they confidently strode out the front door and made their way to the car. Captain Wu''s eyes brightened, and he quickly got out of the car. ¡°Mr. Su, how did it go?¡± Su Ming smiled and presented the ount book and password book. ¡°Mr. Su, you''re truly remarkable. Fantastic. Let''s get out of here quickly.¡± Su Ming nodded but remained silent. He knew that even if he spoke, Captain Wu wouldn''t be able to hear him. Xiao Chen, unaware of this, said, ¡°Captain Wu, that was terrifying. My brother-inw smashed a window with a hammer to get in. Did you hear it? And he used an electric drill on the safe.¡± When Captain Wu didn''t respond, Xiao Chen persisted, ¡°Captain Wu, why aren''t you responding to me? Captain Wu, I''m speaking to you.¡± Captain Wu was perplexed. ¡°Young Master Xiao, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?¡± Captain Wu inquired. ¡°Why would I need to go to the hospital? Captain Wu, it''s you who should be going. Can''t you hear me?¡± Xiao Chen persisted. But his attempts to speak were still silent. Su Ming gave Xiao Chen''s shoulder a reassuring pat and ushered him into the car. The trio departed. Five minutester, Su Ming found his voice again. ¡°Mr. Su, you''ve reallye through for me this time,¡± Captain Wu said gratefully. ¡°It''s nothing. I was just doing my duty,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Mr. Su, where exactly did he hide the ount book? We''ve searched his house multiple times and found nothing,¡± Captain Wu asked, voicing the question that had long troubled him. Xiao Chen tried to blurt out, ¡°I know! He hid the ount book on his dog!¡± Yet again, no sound came from his lips. Su Ming spoke with an air of mystery, ¡°He ced it somewhere you''d never think to look.¡± ¡°Now you''ve got me even more intrigued,¡± Captain Wu responded. ¡°He hid it on his dog,¡± Su Ming said, the hint of a smile ying on his lips. Captain Wu was taken aback. Su Ming went over the details once more. Finally, Captain Wu had an epiphany. ¡°Now I remember, every time we searched his house, he would take the dog outside. I never imagined he''d hide the ount book on the dog,¡± Captain Wu said, shaking his head in amazement. Xiao Chen stood by, eyes wide with astonishment. He realized that Captain Wu couldn''t hear him. He had already mentioned the ount book being hidden on the dog, yet Captain Wu had asked again. Xiao Chen felt utterly bewildered. He was ignored at home, and now it seemed no one was listening to him outside either. Xiao Chen turned to Su Ming and said, ¡°Brother-inw, it seems like Captain Wu can''t hear me.¡± But Su Ming paid him no heed. Though Su Ming''s ¡®cotton candy'' had expired, he could still hear Xiao Chen. However, Su Ming was intentionally acting as if he couldn''t hear Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen was baffled and a bit frightened. Desperately, he thought, ¡°What''s happening here? Brother-inw, you could hear me just a moment ago, why can''t you hear me now? Could something be wrong with my vocal cords? That can''t be; I can hear myself just fine. Brother-inw, please don''t frighten me.¡± Xiao Chen was on the verge of tears. With a puzzled look, Su Ming inquired, ¡°What''s the matter with you? Why aren''t you speaking? Could your throat be inmed? Should we head to the hospital?¡± This time, Xiao Chen remained silent, simply nodding in response. Indeed, he needed to go to the hospital. But it wasn''t his throat he was concerned about¡ªit was his brain he intended to have examined. He had a nagging suspicion that something was wrong with his brain! Chapter 455 Chapter 455 - Unlocking Special Items Captain Wu drove Su Ming and Xiao Chen back to the police station, ted by the significant progress in the case. Without dy, he called for all personnel involved in the case to convene at the station. Su Ming informed Captain Wu that Wai Chengguo likely wouldn''t wake up until at least the following noon. This provided a window to decrypt the ount book and uncover the evidence of Wai Chengguo''s criminal activities. Observing Captain Wu''s hustle, Su Ming took his leave, weary from the day''s work and mindful of thete hour. He also nned to drop Xiao Chen off at home. In the backseat, Xiao Chen was still processing Su Ming''s earlier prank. He yed a recording of himself reciting a poem on his phone, reassured to hear his own voice. However, a slight jolt from the car sent his phone tumbling down, and the sound cut out. Xiao Chen was initially perplexed, hearing the phone when holding it but not when ity on the seat. Fearful, he suspected a bizarre illness and hastily searched online for answers, only to be met with dire predictions that chilled him to the core. Meanwhile, Su Ming nced at Xiao Chen through the rearview mirror, a slight smile on his lips, choosing to remain silent. They soon reached the vi''s entrance. Xiao Chen, intending to bid farewell, hesitated, remembering his voice wouldn''t carry. Instead, he simply waved to Su Ming and trudged into the vi, his spirits low. Amused by the situation yet discreet, Su Ming kept the secret to himself. It had been over two hours since Xiao Chen''s exposure to the prank, and his normal hearing would soon be restored. Su Ming turned his car around and headed straight home. Upon entering the vi, Xiao Chen was met by a crowd of people waiting for him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Yueqiu asked anxiously, concerned about Xiao Chen''s condition. Xiao Chen shook his head. ¡°How did it go? Did Mr. Su actually secure the ount book?¡± inquired Old Master Tang. Xiao Chen nodded. ¡°Really?¡± Old Master Tang was taken aback. ¡°Come, sit down and tell us everything. How did Mr. Su manage to get the ount book?¡± Hearing this, Xiao Chen felt like crying. He desperately wanted to share the details, but when he opened his mouth, no words came out. The room fell silent as Xiao Chen gestured wildly, unable to speak. ¡°Xiao Chen, this is no time for jokes. Sit down and tell us what happened,¡± Xiao Ke''er urged, her brow furrowed. Despite her insistence, Xiao Chen continued to gesture helplessly. ¡°If you don''t speak up, you''ll recite the Trimetric ssic five times as punishment!¡± Xiao Ke''er dered. Xiao Chen was close to despair; he truly wanted tomunicate. Believing he was unheard, he cried out, ¡°Oh my God! Can anyone tell me what''s happening? Why can''t anyone hear me speak? And to have such a fierce sister!¡± In the midst of his frustration, Xiao Ke''er suddenly stood up and demanded, ¡°What did you just say?¡± Xiao Chen was bewildered, not expecting Xiao Ke''er to have heard him. ¡±A fierce sister, huh?¡± Xiao Ke''er approached Xiao Chen with a smile. ¡°No, no, sister! You''ve got it all wrong! It''s all a big misunderstanding!¡± Xiao Chen pleaded, gesticting wildly. ¡°Enough with the excuses. Go exin yourself to the Trimetric ssic,¡± she retorted. ¡°Sister!¡± Xiao Chen protested. A line from a popr Chinese song shed through his mind: ¡°It''s not a crime for a man to cry; it''s all just a misunderstanding.¡± ¡±Enough, both of you,¡± Old Master Xiao interjected. ¡°Xiao Chen, sit down and tell us exactly what happened.¡± Finally, Xiao Chen took a seat and recounted the whole ordeal from start to finish. After listening to Xiao Chen''s remarks, a hush fell over the crowd, with a singr thought upying their minds. Su Ming arrived home at that moment. He unlocked the door and inhaled deeply, savoring the earthy scent that greeted him. His first order of business was to check on the fields. The crystal onions, Dangerous Sweet Potatoes, and Top Grade orchids were thriving. Su Ming fetched a bucket of water and began watering each nt in turn. Afterward, he made his way to the aquatic product area and the herding area. The Tangram Horses and Eight Treasures Crabs had grown significantlyrger. Su Ming figured he could probably harvest them the next day. Next on his list was the breeding zone, which was still in the process of upgrading. He anticipated that the upgrade would bepleted by tomorrow, allowing him to start raising the Three-legged Golden Toad. After a quick tidy-up of the yard, Su Ming nced at the clock and realized it was already the wee hours of the morning. Despite possessing the Stamina Talent, he felt mentally drained. He entered the house, grabbed some food to satiate his hunger, and then headed upstairs. As was his routine, he powered up hisputer to browse the online mall. Today, however, his luck seemed average; no exceptional items caught his eye. Suddenly, a prompt echoed in Su Ming''s mind, ¡°Host, congrattions onpleting your mission. You are now eligible to unlock a special item!¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He hadpletely forgotten about this. After embarrassing Young Master Jinst time, he was due for a mission reward. Quickly essing the System, he indeed found a unique item awaiting him. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming realized the item looked vaguely familiar. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the Beginner Smart Robot Fragment (12/8),¡± the System announced. ¡°The Beginner Smart Robot can assist you with nting, watering, and fertilizing. It operates around the clock, powered by sr energy, and possessesbat capabilities for basic interactions.¡± ¡°Should you acquire the Heart of Wisdom, you can integrate it with the smart robot, enhancing its performance andbat abilities. It will develop rudimentary human emotions and the capacity for self-reflection, enabling seamlessmunication with you.¡± Typically, a System''s robot would exhibit unwavering loyalty to the Host. Furthermore, it would be inherently immune to any System attacks. Since Su Mingst acquired a Beginner Smart Robot Fragment, he hadn''te across any more in the mall. To his surprise, he managed to get his hands on another Beginner Smart Robot Fragment this time. Su Ming was ecstatic. He nced at the price tags of these Beginner Smart Robot Fragments. They were priced at a whopping fifty million yuan! That was far from cheap. But for Su Ming, such an amount was trivial. Without hesitation, he purchased them on the spot. Suddenly, Su Ming recalled that he had a reward for unlocking special items. However, Su Ming thought it best not to rush. Since he had already purchased the avable special items, and there were none left, unlocking more now could mean missing out if none appeared, resulting in a significant loss. He decided to wait until the special area''s items were refreshed the next day before using his reward. Today had been a day of great gains for Su Ming! Content and satisfied, he went to bed with a smile. Chapter 456 Chapter 456 - Wai Chengguo''s Troubles The next day at noon, Wai Chengguo groggily opened his eyes. He sat up, staring vacantly ahead, his mind aplete nk. It took a while before he slowly blinked. Why was his body aching so much? It seemed he had a dreamst night. In the dream, someone had doused him in cold beer. Then, it appeared that person had asked him a question, but he couldn''t remember if he had responded. Afterward, it felt like something had struck his foot, and then he passed out. Wai Chengguo found this odd. Dreams usually seemed tost a long time. But he could only recall this dream being brief. He let out a sigh. Suddenly, he noticed his hair was sticky. And his feet ached. Wai Chengguo shifted with difficulty and touched his face. ¡°What''s this? Why is my hair sticky?¡± he wondered. By now, Wai Chengguo was bing more alert. He turned his head and noticed a multitude of stains on his bed. What had happened? Had he not been dreamingst night? Wai Chengguo quickly lifted his right foot. As he suspected, there was a round mark on the sole. It was slightly discolored, and there was a bit of pain and itchiness. ¡°Damn it,¡± Wai Chengguo thought. ¡°Could a thief have entered my housest night? Was I not actually dreaming? Impossible. I have an rm system, and I own a dog. There''s no way a thief could go undetected. Plus, I''m a light sleeper; the slightest noise would wake me.¡± Wai Chengguo got up and headed to the living room. He scanned the area and saw nothing amiss. ncing out the window, he saw the bright sun and realized something was off. He checked the wall clock and saw it was already 11:30. Older folks typically rise early. Wai Chengguo normally went to bed at 11 PM and woke up at 6 AM. Yet today, he had overslept. That exined why the house seemed unusually bright upon waking. Wai Chengguo waspletely bewildered. He gazed around with a vacant expression. The study''s door was ajar. A sense of foreboding washed over Wai Chengguo as he swallowed hard. He made his way to the study for a thorough inspection. ¡°Damn it! A thief did break into my housest night! The safe has been tampered with!¡± he eximed. Wai Chengguo quickly approached for a closer examination. His cash and gold were untouched, and his valuable watches and jewelry were all ounted for. Had the thief left empty-handed? But Wai Chengguo quickly sensed that something was amiss. He had the nagging feeling that he was missing something. Wai Chengguo furrowed his brow, wracking his brain. Under normal circumstances, he would have immediately realized what was missing. Butst night, Wai Chengguo had been incapacitated twice by electric shocks. With his advancing age, his memory wasn''t what it used to be. The electric shocks had only dulled his reflexes further. After much thought, Wai Chengguo faintly recalled a square, somewhat thick item of some importance to him. ¡±My ashtray? No, that can''t be it. A brick of mine? Impossible,¡± he pondered. While Wai Chengguo was deep in thought, his dog approached. The dog wasrge, with a thick coat and a robust build, and it had already awakened. Seeing Wai Chengguo, it came over to him. Wai Chengguo affectionately patted the dog''s head. Then it hit him: his ount book was missing, and what was absent from the safe was a collection of Mathematics from the College Entrance Examination! Who in the world could have done this?! He frantically searched the dog for the ount book. Indeed, his ount book was nowhere to be found! What in the world was happening? He was the only one who knew the ount book was stashed on the dog, and he hadn''t shared this with anyone. Despite his prolonged contemtion, Wai Chengguo came up empty-handed. In frustration, he kicked the safe''s door. ¡°Damn it! This worthless safe! It''s an import, supposedly impervious to bombs.¡± Wai Chengguo ranted. Then, suddenly, something caught his eye. He looked down and noticed the hole in the safe. It appeared to be the kind of hole that only an electric drill could make. Wai Chengguo swore under his breath, ¡°Damn it!¡± Someone had managed to drill open the safe in the study, mere meters from his bedroom, and he hadn''t had a clue. Wai Chengguo dashed downstairs to review the surveince footage, eager to discover how the intruders had entered. His ount book was crucial. If it ended up in the hands of the police, he would be doomed. The surveince room was on the ground floor. As Wai Chengguo reached the second floor and saw the debris scattered everywhere, he was on the verge of losing his mind with fury. Had the thievese to rob his house or dismantle itst night? Their audacity was astounding. Quickly making his way to the ground floor, Wai Chengguo couldn''t help but swear again. Fuming, he thought, ¡°These thieves have gone too far! They''ve actually cut a huge hole in the window. What is happening?¡± Wai Chengguo pinched his thigh, unable to shake the feeling that he was trapped in a bizarre dream. Thieves had invaded his home the previous night. They had shattered his windows, toppled shelves on both floors, and even drilled open his safe. Yet, he hadn''t heard a sound from the intruders. He rushed to the adjacent surveince room and fired up the monitors. To his dismay, the surveince had captured nothing from the previous night. Wai Chengguo could only see that the house was in disarray half an hour after he had gone to sleep. Amidst his confusion, police sirens wailed outside his home, and officers stormed in. Captain Wu, holding an arrest warrant, announced, ¡°Mr. Wei, you are under suspicion for moneyundering and fraud. Pleasee with us.¡± Captain Wu gave a slight, satisfied smile. Despite the dark circles under his eyes, he was clearly pleased. After all, he had cracked a significant case. ¡°Captain Wu, can you exin what''s happening?¡± ¡°Was it your team that entered my housest night?¡± ¡°Why didn''t themotion wake me up?¡± ¡°How did you pull it off? How did you know where my ount book was hidden?¡± Even as the police officers handcuffed him, Wai Chengguo continued to barrage them with questions. Despite facing the prospect of imprisonment, Wai Chengguo was desperate to understand the situation. Captain Wu, grinning, said, ¡°I''m sorry, Mr. Wai. I can''t disclose that information to you.¡± He purposefully kept Wai Chengguo in the dark. Since Wai Chengguo had caused him several sleepless nights, Captain Wu intended to return the favor by leaving him restless and unable to sleep. ¡°Captain Wu, I''m begging you, please tell me!¡± ¡°How did they manage to enter my house? Why am Ipletely in the dark?¡± ¡°What is that small circr mark under my feet?¡± ¡°How did they figure out where my belongings were hidden? How did they know that the College Entrance Exam Mathematics Comption was a cipher?¡± ¡°Captain Wu, I''m willing to confess all my actions. I''ll even donate all my money. Just tell me, please!¡± After that, Wai Chengguo found it even harder to fall asleep at night. At the slightest rustle of leaves or whisper of the wind, he would snap awake. One must never engage in illegal activities; otherwise, a peaceful night''s sleep bes a luxury. Chapter 457 Chapter 457 - The Crystal Onions Have Matured Su Ming woke upter than usual. He stretched leisurely, feeling thefort spread through his body. The previous day had been packed with activities, which is why it took him half the night to finally drift off to sleep. But this restful slumber had rejuvenated himpletely. He felt utterly refreshed. ncing at the clock, Su Ming had a sudden realization¡ªif his memory served him right, the crystal onion should be ripe by now. It was time to harvest the crystal onion! In a rush, Su Ming scrambled out of bed and headed straight for the plot where the crystal onion was nted. He noticed that the Dangerous Sweet Potato and the Top Grade orchids were still growing and would be ready to harvest the next day. But the crystal onion was ripe for the picking. Typically, onions have a purple-red skin. Half of them grow beneath the soil, while the other half sprout green leaves that poke through to the air. However, Su Ming''s onion was crystalline. It wasn''t supposed to sprout leaves. Su Ming walked over to the plot and crouched down for a closer inspection, only to find that the crystal onion had somehow produced a small, square paper box. This box, roughly the size of a standard router, was mostly buried, with only one side visible above the soil. It waspletely unmarked. What could it be? Su Ming was curious. He gently cleared the dirt around the box and gave it a firm tug, sessfully extracting the crystal onion. Upon closer examination, he realized that the small box was actually a radio! The crystal onion''s nting density was quite low, with only three per acre. Clearly, Su Ming hadn''t anticipated that a radio would emerge from the crystal onion. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you''ve acquired a noise-proof radio. Don''t be fooled by its small size; it''s packed with immense energy. Just press y, and it can emit a massive 200-decibel sound, targeted at specific individuals or groups, while remaining inaudible to others. This is the perfect tool to manage disruptive square dancing seniors!¡± Hearing this description, Su Ming''s eyebrows lifted in intrigue. He found the radio quite fascinating. In the past, square dancing was a beneficial activity for one''s health. But nowadays, many dancers were inconsiderate of the time and ce, focusing solely on their own enjoyment. Take, for instance, students preparing for crucial exams, forced to endure the relentless din of square dancing beneath their windows at night. The elderly dancers, brimming with joy, seemed utterly oblivious to anyone else''s difort. If you tried to reason with them, they''d argue that it was a public space and they were entitled to dance if they wished, iming that no one had the right to disrupt their leisure. To them, any attempt to stop their dancing was akin to age discrimination. Some elderly folks have taken things to an extreme. There was a news report about a group of seniors who took to dancing in a hotel lobby, leaving the manager no choice but to crank up the heat in an attempt to drive them out. The seniors were forced to beat a hasty retreat. With the radio, Su Ming could pinpoint the crowd and unleash a sonic assault. It was a ssic case of fighting fire with fire! Yet, the results weren''t quite as extraordinary as one might think. A single acre could only yield three crystal onions, each producing a radio. Su Ming couldn''t help but feel a sense of loss. He shook his head. ¡°Let it go. It''s pretty good as it is. The System can''t always hand out incredible items, right?¡± Su Ming mused before bending down to gather his harvest. In total, two acres yielded just six crystal onions. Truth be told, the walk took longer than the harvest itself. With three crystal onions in his pocket and two more tucked under his arm, Su Ming approached the final radio. As he prepared to harvest thest crystal onion, he noticed that this box was different from the others. While the rest were wrapped in ck, this one was encased in gold! ¡°Could it be a golden box? It''s likely! Very likely!¡± Su Ming whispered excitedly. He was beyond thrilled. Forgetting the other five radios, he quickly grabbed thest one and examined it. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you''ve obtained a Prophetical Radio. This radio will broadcast news every Monday at midnight, specific to your city, detailing events that will unfold over theing week. You may choose to intervene and alter these events, or simply ignore them.¡± ¡°Note: If you miss the broadcast on Monday night, you can open the radio at any time before the following Monday to hear a repeat of the news!¡± ¡°Note: The events foretold by the Prophetical Radio will ur. It simply offers you a choice. Your participation, orck thereof, will not be problematic.¡± Upon hearing the mental prompt, Su Ming paused, momentarily taken aback. Incredible! The Prophetical Radio! It was truly remarkable! Though the System''s instructions were somewhatplex, Su Ming got the gist of it. At midnight on Monday, the Prophetical Radio would air a news segment predicting an event that would ur on one of the following seven days. The event might be significant or trivial. Su Ming had the option to get involved or not. Su Ming marveled at the Prophetical Radio''s capabilities, musing, ¡°Perhaps the duty of transforming the world and rescuing humanity rests on my shoulders!¡± While he was lost in his daydreams about the future, he suddenly remembered the System had informed him that the Prophetical Radio only broadcast news from Eastsea. It seemed unlikely that this would have anything to do with altering the fate of the world or saving humanity. It made sense why the previous radios seemed so mundane; the most extraordinary one had been revealed to Su Ming atst. Su Ming chuckled heartily. He nced at the other five radios and decided to recycle them, as they served no purpose for him. While square dancing might be a nuisance to some, it didn''t bother Su Ming in the least, given that his location was in the city center, far from any such activity. ¡°Ding! You have sessfully harvested crops, earning 200,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 40,000!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on sessfully exchanging points. You have earned 5,000 credit points!¡± ¡°Ding! Recycled. Congrattions, Host, you have gained 50,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 10,000!¡± After disposing of the radios, a session of notifications echoed in Su Ming''s mind. He checked his experience panel; he needed another five million experience points to advance to the next level. Currently, he had approximately 1.36 million experience points, but he wasn''t worried. He nned to progress gradually. Moreover, his nting points now totaled 9,201. He reviewed the upgrade requirements. Upgrading one acre of Level Twond to Level Three required 5,000 points. Su Ming scratched his head, pondering whether to upgrade one acre ofnd to Level Three first. He also contemted whether to nt additional Level Two crops before upgrading all the Level Twond to Level Three in one go. After careful consideration, Su Ming decided there was no need to rush and opted for thetter strategy. Su Ming pulled out his phone and essed the phone warehouse. After searching, he spotted a Level Two seed. Su Ming tapped his phone screen and discovered that the Level Two seed was a sweet luffa. He immediately redeemed a few seeds. Walking over to the warehouse beside the thatched hut, he took a look and, as expected, found several small boxes. These boxes were neatly square, roughly the size of a Rubik''s cube, each containing a bean seed. The bean was strikingly attractive, resembling something crafted from chocte. Cream adorned the seed''s surface. Su Ming took a careful whiff and noticed the seed exuded a delicate fragrance. Chapter 458 Chapter 458 - You''re Wrong to Scold People Su Ming didn''t hesitate. He took the seeds straight to the field, ready to nt them. The nting density for sweet luffas needed to be a bit higher. Still, there was a limit. On an acre ofnd, Su Ming could nt a maximum of five sweet luffas. ¡°Ding! Sweet luffa sessfully nted! Harvest time: 48 hours!¡± The notification in his mind took Su Ming by surprise, especially since the sweet luffas matured sooner than the crystal onions. Perhaps it was due to the higher nting density of the sweet luffas. Su Ming didn''t dwell on it. He grabbed a bucket of water, moistened the newly nted seeds, and sprinkled some fertilizer around them. ¡°Hmm, do sweet luffas even use fertilizer? Oh well, it doesn''t matter. If I''m happy, that''s all that counts,¡± Su Ming mused. With the Prophetical Radio in hand, Su Ming leisurely made his way back to the vi. ncing at the clock, he noted it was 10:35 a.m. on Wednesday¡ªnot Monday. Any news today? Su Ming wondered. Realizing a quick listen would give him his answer, he turned on the Prophetical Radio without hesitation. ¡°Breaking news: At noon this Wednesday, Grandma Wang from Apartment 503 in Garden District will misce her dentures. She will locate them five minutester.¡± Hearing the broadcast, Su Ming was at a loss for words. ¡°System, are you messing with me on purpose? What is this nonsense?¡± he thought. The first time he used the Prophetical Radio, and this was the news he got? He was far from pleased. Su Ming promptly shut off the radio. ¡°So she loses her dentures, and then she finds them? Why are you telling me this? Is this even news?¡± Su Mingined to himself, feeling utterly exasperated with the System. After switching off the radio, Su Ming headed to the breeding zone. He discovered that the breeding zone had indeed been upgraded. With a chuckle, Su Ming eagerly entered. The previous breeding zone was a brick building. The red bricks were solid, but the structure was rudimentary at best. The room had undergone a transformation, now coated in white paint that gave it a fresh, clean appearance. The original cement walls had been upgraded with ceramic tiles, and the corridor had been elegantly paved with marble bs. Even the animals'' feeding troughs had been reced with automated versions connected to a control panel, which itself had evolved from an old bulkyputer to a sleek tablet. The disy resolution and functionality had seen significant enhancements. Above the breeding zone, the system could now not only feed the animals automatically but also open windows and ventte the space on its own. Impressed, Su Ming wasted no time in essing the warehouse option. With a few swift clicks, he redeemed the item he had coveted for so long: the Three-legged Golden Toad. As the room filled with blinding shes of blue light, the Three-legged Golden Toad materialized before him. The facility boasted 24 individual rooms, each housing two of these mystical creatures. Su Ming rushed over to admire the golden toads, each one sporting three legs and adorned with multiple golden coins and ingots on their backs. They swayed rhythmically with every leap. After a moment of contemtion, Su Ming realized he could remove the coins and ingots. Without a second thought, he lifted one of the toads and sessfully detached a golden coin. He appraised its heft, confirming it was genuine gold. His triumph was short-lived, however, as he noticed the toad''s vitality diminish, its lustrous glow fading. With haste, he returned the coin to its rightful ce, restoring the toad''s energy. ¡°My apologies, truly,¡± Su Ming said, offering a quick apology. He then replenished the feed and water in the breeding zone''s equipment before departing. The morning''s fieldwork was nearlyplete. Checking the time, Su Ming realized it was already midday. Just then, his phone rang. It was a call from his father, Su Tao. He answered promptly, ¡°What''s up, Dad?¡± Su Ming pondered for a moment. ¡°You''ve been in the city for quite a while, and we haven''te to visit you yet.¡± ¡°Your mom''s birthday is in two days. Why don''t you drive over and pick us up, and we can celebrate her birthday in the city? It''ll be a nice surprise for her,¡± Su Tao suggested cheerfully. Su Ming felt this was a great idea. He had previously called home several times, hoping his parents woulde and stay with him, but they always declined. This time, he had managed to get Boss Fong to reserve ten houses. He could offer these to his parents to stay for a while and get a taste of city life. ¡°Dad, I''m free today. I cane and get you both right now. What do you think?¡± Su Ming offered, phone in hand. After a brief pause, Su Tao replied, ¡°That works. Let me talk it over with your mom. We''ll get our things ready. Head on back now.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Su Ming agreed. He hung up and quickly went to the garage, selecting a spacious seven-seater van. He removed the middle row of seats to create even more room. The rear seats of the van could recline, ensuring his parents would befortable during the ride. Su Ming grabbed a quick bite to eat at a local spot. Then, he set off for his hometown, enjoying the breeze through the open window. The day was pleasant, with the sun casting a warm glow over him. As Su Ming drove, listening to music, a sudden st of deafening music from a nearby car interrupted his tranquility. He frowned slightly and nced in the rearview mirror. The music was ring from a red convertible sports car. Inside were two brash young men, wildly grooving to the heavy metal ring from their speakers. Their speed was increasing rapidly; the car was clearly modified. ¡°How do you like it? I did a good job with the modifications, huh?¡± ¡°Yeah, it''s awesome!¡± The two, dressed in alternative fashion with spiked hair, boasted loudly. ¡°I''ll have you know, this car now has a V8 engine. No other car on the freeway can outpace it,¡± one bragged. The driverughed maniacally, then floored the elerator, and the sports car''s speed surged forward. The individual in the passenger seat, despite his arrogance, possessed a sense of rationality and harbored fears of potential idents. ¡°Bro, we''re pushing 150 kilometers per hour. Push it any harder and this car''s going to fall to pieces.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± the red-haired man acquiesced with a nod. He refrained from elerating further and instead swiftly overtook Su Ming''s vehicle. unting a defiant middle finger, he taunted Su Ming, ¡°Your car is a piece of junk.¡± Su Ming''s brow furrowed slightly upon hearing the insult. He resolved that the red-haired man''s mockery of his car warranted a proper lesson. Chapter 459 Chapter 459 - Give Him a Lesson ¡°Do you really think the dashcam in my car is just for decoration? Modifying your car without permission and speeding is considered reckless driving. And you had the nerve to insult me? I could easily report you to the police, and you might end up spending two years in jail.¡± As Su Ming pondered this, he suddenly noticed a group of people and two cars stopped on the emergencyne in the distance. It looked like there was a problem. From afar, he could see it was a car ident. The vehicles had collided in what was clearly a rear-end crash. The first car wasn''t too badly damaged, but the front of the second car waspletely wrecked. Debris was scattered everywhere, along with pools of blood. Under a tree beyond the guardraily a young man, his head covered in blood. He was unconscious, and his family members stood by, their faces etched with worry. Several others, likely from the first car, were on their phones. One seemed to be calling for an ambnce, while another was speaking to their insurancepany. ¡°Driving carefully is so important. Speeding can easily lead to rear-end collisions and injuries,¡± Su Ming reflected. He decelerated. He decided to go over and see if he could offer any assistance. But as he approached, he recognized two familiar figures. Clearly, they were the same individuals Su Ming had encountered earlier. One had red hair, the other yellow. The red-haired man was the driver he had seen before. His car was at the front, blocked from view by the vehicles involved in the ident. ¡°Hey, this is a remote stretch of highway, and this guy looks pretty badly hurt. If we wait any longer, his condition could worsen. Come on, get in my car, and I''ll drive you to the hospital,¡± the red-haired man offered. Upon hearing this, they immediately felt they had encountered a Good Samaritan. Despite the young men''s unconventional appearance, they seemed genuinely kind-hearted. The family members were just about to express their gratitude when the yellow-haired man stepped forward and added, ¡°But before we go, let''s get one thing straight.¡± ¡°My car runs on gas, not goodwill. I can''t help you for free. Let''s make it fair¡ªI won''t ask for much. How does three thousand bucks sound?¡± The man with yellow hair extended his hand. Initially, the rtives were quite happy, but they were taken aback when they heard what the man had to say. They had assumed they had encountered a good Samaritan, only to realize they were dealing with robbers. ¡°Three thousand yuan? Are you serious? Why don''t you just rob someone?¡± Theymented internally. ¡°My apologies.¡± One of the rtives spoke up sternly, ¡°My son is merely unconscious. It appears severe, but it''s not as bad as it looks. We should wait for an ambnce.¡± ¡°An ambnce?¡± The man with red hair let out a mockingugh. ¡°You''re mistaken then, because the nearest ambnce will take over 40 minutes to arrive here. Three thousand yuan isn''t much. Isn''t it a fair trade to spend that amount to save a life?¡± He continued, clearly not ready to back down. The rtives began to waver after hearing the red-haired man''s argument. Three thousand yuan wasn''t a significant sum, but the idea of being extorted left a bitter taste in their mouths. Yet, the value of a life far outweighed the three thousand yuan. The injured could wait a few minutes, but after 40, he might bleed out. Reluctantly, the rtives bit their lips and nodded in agreement. The red-haired and yellow-haired men couldn''t contain their glee, feeling fortunate to have stumbled upon an easy way to make a quick buck to squander. Just then, Su Ming pulled up and announced, ¡°I''ll drive you to the hospital.¡± Stepping out of the car, Su Ming approached them. ¡°Damn it! Kid, are you trying to undercut us? This gig is ours already!¡± the yellow-haired man protested, stepping forward to confront Su Ming. ¡±I''m not asking for money. I''ll take you to the hospital for free, and I know people there who can get you into surgery right away,¡± Su Ming exined, smiling at the rtives. The rtives, initially stunned, were soon overjoyed. ¡°Thank you! We can''t thank you enough!¡± they eximed. A middle-aged woman expressed her concern, ¡°My son is badly hurt. What if he bleeds all over your car?¡± ¡°When it''s a life-or-death situation, these little things don''t matter. Let''s get your son into my car first.¡± Su Ming spoke urgently. The rtives were just getting ready to lift the injured. The two men immediately took offense, stepping in to block the victim''s family. ¡°We''ve closed the deal. We were about to pocket three thousand RMB, and youe meddling in our business!¡± The red-haired man scoffed, ¡°In this world, keeping your word is paramount. We already epted this job. You''re breaking the rules.¡± Su Ming retorted, ¡°Idiot.¡± Several onlookers couldn''t suppress theirughter. Yet, they felt guilty forughing, given that it was the scene of a car ident and someone was hurt. The two young men became furious. The red-haired man jabbed a finger at Su Ming''s nose and dered, ¡°Second brother, this guy dares to mock us. We need to show him what''s what!¡± The yellow-haired young man agreed, hands on hips, but hepletely misunderstood the red-haired man''s point. Chapter 460 Chapter 460 - Do You Have Brains?? Just then, the ambnce arrived. Typically, each stretch of the highway is monitored by a designated hospital, so their response to idents is swift. Ambnces can often reach the scene within ten minutes. Once they parked, the medical team quickly disembarked and loaded the injured onto the vehicle. ¡°Oh, thank you so much!¡± The family members grasped Su Ming''s hand, expressing their deep gratitude. ¡°It''s nothing. You all should head to the hospital now.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± The family members climbed into the car in a rush, leaving one person behind to handle the ident scene. As the ambnce drove away, the family members breathed a sigh of relief. However, the red-haired and yellow-haired men were far from pleased. Missing out on the three thousand yuan had soured their mood. They exchanged a look and fixed a menacing re on Su Ming. ¡°Kid, you''re going to pay for this. I''ll get back at you next time!¡± With that, they hopped into their car. The roar of their modified sports car filled the air as they sped off after the ambnce. Su Ming''s brow furrowed; he sensed they were up to no good. Without hesitation, he got into his car and tailed them. Catching up, he was shocked to see them intentionallypeting with the ambnce for the road. While road rage wasmon, Su Ming had never seen anyone intentionally obstruct an ambnce before. They had lost their minds! All for three thousand yuan, they were willing to stoop to such lows. The ambnce red its horn frantically, trying to pass, but the red-haired man''s car crawled along, deliberately blocking its path. ¡±You''re not paying me, huh? Well, get anxious! You think you can hit my car? Go on, try it! This is a sports car. If your ambnce dares to hit me, you''ll owe me over a hundred thousand dors, and I won''t let it slide,¡± the red-haired man boasted arrogantly as the yellow-haired man drove. He continued to taunt, ¡°If you''d just paid up earlier, you might already be at the hospital. But since you didn''t, don''t me us for not showing mercy. We''re in no hurry. If you want us to move, cough up thirty thousand. Otherwise, we can drag this out all day.¡± The words of the man with the red hair infuriated the family members in the vehicle. Su Ming trailed behind, his expression growing grim. It seemed the world was full of all sorts. They had not only intentionally blocked the ambnce''s path but had also tried to extort money from others. Their shamelessness knew no bounds! Su Ming''s brow furrowed slightly as he pressed down on the gas pedal, intent on handling these two scoundrels. He sped past the car of the man with the yellow hair and positioned himself in front of it. With a sudden brake from Su Ming, the yellow-haired man, in his panic, crashed into Su Ming''s car. They had been in high spirits, never anticipating someone would overtake and block them. Luckily, Su Ming''s car was exceptionally sturdy, and the other driver wasn''t going fast. Su Ming felt only a minor jolt, but it was a different story for the two troublemakers. They had modified their car, stripping it of airbags and other safety features. Moreover, they were so arrogant that they hadn''t even bothered with seat belts. Despite their slow speed, they still collided with Su Ming''s car. ¡°Ow!¡± ¡°My teeth!¡± Their cries of pain filled the air. ¡°Who the hell is that?!¡± ¡°Get out and teach him a lesson¡ªstop with the pants already!¡± They spewed curses as they exited their vehicle. Upon seeing Su Ming, they were nearly beside themselves with rage. ¡°Come out! I''m gonna duel with you!¡± bellowed the yellow-haired man, seething with anger. Su Ming, with Yuvyuv, exited his car leisurely. He allowed the ambnce to pass before confronting them. ¡°Rear-end collision, full liability, time to pay up,¡± Su Ming stated calmly. ¡±That''s absurd. We shouldn''t bear all the responsibility!¡± ¡°And how much could your clunker possibly be worth?¡± ¡°My car is a luxury vehicle. Ever seen one? It''s worth over 800,000 yuan.¡± ¡°Your junky van? What''s it worth, a few thousand?¡± They scoffed with disdain. Su Ming blinked, giving them a once-over. ¡°How should I describe you? Naive? Foolish? Is your brain on loan? Maybe you should ask the dealership how much my car is worth,¡± Su Ming suggested. Surely, anyone who''s been to kindergarten wouldn''t utter such foolishness, right? At that moment, two police cars arrived behind them. The ambnce crew had alerted the police right from the start. Patrolling nearby on the highway, the two police cars reached the scene swiftly. Upon assessing the ident, the traffic officers quickly confiscated the young men''s driving licenses. Examining the licenses, one officer frowned and dered, ¡°These licenses are fake!¡± The red-haired man shook his head in disbelief, ¡°That''s impossible. The seller assured me our licenses were genuine, and I even verified them online!¡± The blond young man chimed in, ¡°Officer, I can vouch for their authenticity. They''re definitely real!¡± After their statements, the officer sighed deeply and massaged his forehead. Su Ming nced at the licenses and felt a wave of embarrassment; it was obvious to him that they were forgeries. The licenses were handwritten,plete with spelling errors. Su Ming''s anger dissipated. There was no point in getting upset with such foolish individuals. He was genuinely curious about how they had managed to survive to adulthood. He also wondered where they had confirmed the authenticity of their licenses. The traffic officer, equally baffled, inquired, ¡°On which website did you verify this information?¡± ¡±Officer, take a look at this,¡± the blond man said, pulling out his smartphone and opening a webpage. Su Ming scrutinized the site, named the Imperial Court Driver''s License Information Network. Yet, its primary purpose was to check for traffic vitions and to register for driving tests. He had never heard of anyone verifying a driver''s license on this site. The blond man clicked through the site. Su Ming and the officer saw that the page contained just one link,beled ¡®Driver''s License Information.'' The link disyed the supposed license details for both the blond and red-haired individuals. It was clear that this was not the legitimate Imperial Court Driver''s License Information Network. The site was a tant fake, poorly designed by a scammer. Su Ming spected that not even the con artists themselves could believe that anyone would actually fall for these counterfeit driver''s licenses as genuine. The world is vast, and within it, all manner of bizarre events unfold. Chapter 461 Chapter 461 - The Vige Chief Is Sick The two fools had counterfeit driver''s licenses, their cars were illegally modified, they were speeding, and they crashed into Su Ming''s vehicle. It was clear that they would have topensate and face administrative detention. Once the insurancepany assessed the damage and estimated the repair costs for Su Ming''s car, he provided his contact information and headed home. Arriving at his house, Su Ming discovered the door was locked, and his parents were nowhere to be found. While he pondered their absence, an elderly man approached, leaning on a cane but looking quite spry. He greeted Su with a warm smile: ¡°Su, you''ve returned.¡± Recognizing the man, Su Ming quickly exited his car and greeted him, ¡°Third Grandpa, you''re still the picture of health.¡± ¡±I''m old,¡± Third Grandpa replied, shaking his head with a chuckle. ¡°Your parents probably went to the hospital. The vige chief has fallen ill and has been admitted.¡± ¡±The vige chief is ill?¡± Su Ming was taken aback and immediately inquired, ¡°What''s wrong with him? Is it serious?¡± The vige chief was well-regarded in themunity for his numerous contributions, including helping many impoverished families prosper. When Su Ming''s family faced financial difficulties, the vige chief had helped Su Tao secure several jobs, greatly aiding their situation. Su Ming remembered the vige chief appearing quite robust during hisst visit; it was surprising to hear of his sudden illness. ¡±I''m not sure what''s wrong with him. He was helping Third Brother sell piglets this morning, and after lunch at home, he couldn''t move,¡± Third Grandpa exined. ¡°The ambnce has just left, and your parents, along with many from the vige, have gone to the hospital.¡± Third Grandpa sighed deeply. Su Ming, concerned, quickly said, ¡°Third Grandpa, please take care of yourself. I need to go check on the vige chief at the hospital.¡± ¡°Alright, but drive safely and take it slow,¡± Third Grandpa advised. ¡°I will, Third Grandpa,¡± Su Ming assured him before getting back into his car and heading straight for the hospital. Upon reaching the No.1 People''s Hospital, Su Ming found the parking lot overflowing with vehicles, ranging from cars and tractors to even horse-drawn carriages. But at that moment, his mind was solely focused on the well-being of the vige chief. He quickly scanned the parking lot, found a spot across from the hospital, and made a beeline for the entrance. On his way there, Su Ming had already called his parents to get the ward''s location. Upon arrival, he confirmed the directions with a nurse and hurried off. Reaching the third floor, he found the corridor bustling with vigers, all wearing looks of concern. It was clear that the vige chief''s condition was serious. Outside the ward, a few people stood vigil. Among them were the vige chief''s wife, Lee Xiuhua, and his son and daughter-inw, peers of Su Ming''s parents. Their deeply furrowed brows spoke volumes of their distress. Also present was a young woman in her twenties, strikingly familiar to Su Ming. After a moment''s reflection, he recognized her as the vige chief''s granddaughter. In his younger days, Su Ming was often shadowed by twopanions, Su Qiu and this girl. They would y together incessantly until high school, when their paths diverged. He was taken aback by how much she had blossomed over the years. Standing at 1.72 meters with a slender waist and long, straight legs, she was a stark contrast to the sun-kissed tomboy he remembered. Her skin was now fair and delicate. Yet, amidst her beauty, she was quietly weeping. Her eyes, swollen and red, betrayed her anguish. Her grandfather had been fine in the morning, but after an afternoon nap, he was suddenly immobile. The family had rushed him to the hospital, and while they awaited test results, the doctor had cautioned them to brace for the worst. Standing slightly apart from the grieving family was an out-of-ce figure¡ªa man in his twenties, exuding affluence. In stark contrast to the somber faces around him, he wore a faint smile and seemed out of ce among the vigers. Who was he? His gaze lingered on Zhang Qianqian, never straying from her, his intentions as clear as his unabashed stare. Just then, a door in the adjacent department swung open, and an elderly doctor in a white coat and sses emerged, a furrowed brow apanying theb report in his hand. As the doctor emerged, everyone in the corridor fixed their gaze on him. Lee Xiuhua quickly approached and inquired, ¡°Dr. Liu, what''s wrong with Zhang? Can you treat him?¡± The tension among the vigers was palpable; they scarcely dared to breathe too loudly. Dr. Liu let out a sigh, shaking his head. ¡°Zhang''s condition is not easily treatable.¡± ¡°Dr. Liu, please, you have to save him!¡± Lee Xiuhua pleaded, nearly falling to her knees. ¡°There''s still hope for his recovery,¡± Dr. Liu reassured her, ¡°but it won''t be cheap.¡± He exined, ¡°Zhang has a brain tumor. Thankfully, it''s benign and can be removed surgically. However, the tumor is located near his cerebellum, surrounded by numerous blood vessels and nerves. A single misstep in surgery could leave Zhang paralyzed or worse. Unfortunately, our hospital isn''t equipped to perform such an operation.¡± ¡°Then we''ll transfer my father to a hospital in the capital. I''ll pay whatever it takes to get him the treatment he needs,¡± Zhang Tao interjected anxiously, revealing his identity as the son of Vige Chief Zhang. ¡°Zhang, I get where you''reing from, but I don''t want to dampen your spirits,¡± Dr. Liu cautioned. ¡°There are few surgeons in the country qualified for this procedure. A craniotomy is expensive, costing at least four to five hundred thousand yuan, and with postoperative care, you''re looking at a total of one million yuan.¡± Zhang Tao realized the gravity of the situation. Despite his father''s role as vige chief, the family hadn''t amassed much wealth, often giving money to help others. Gathering one million yuan seemed daunting; two to three hundred thousand was already pushing his limits. ¡°Don''t lose hope, Zhang. The vigers will help raise the funds,¡± someone assured him. ¡°Absolutely. Vige Chief Zhang has done so much for us; it''s time we returned the favor,¡± another added. ¡°Chen, you''re familiar with everyone here. Go count how many can contribute. We''ll organize a fundraiser,¡± the vigers suggested, rallying together. ¡±Thank you all so much,¡± Zhang Tao expressed his gratitude, though he was acutely aware of the vigers'' financial struggles, with their own burdens like funding their children''s education or weddings. Dr. Liu gestured for silence, indicating that everyone should hold theirments. ¡°Let''s all settle down,¡± he said. ¡°We can certainly figure out a solution to the fundraising issue, but the real challenge is the scarcity of surgeons in the country qualified to perform this procedure. The few who can are already booked solid. Zhang''s condition is critical, and he needs surgery immediately.¡± Chapter 462 Chapter 462 - This Is a Robbery!! Everyone was stunned. Many sighed and shook their heads in resignation. Raising the funds for the surgery seemed possible, given the hundreds of households in the vige. With enough people contributing, they could surely pool together sufficient funds to lend a hand. However, they were at a loss when it came to finding a doctor. They were simple vigers, ustomed to seeking medical care at the county hospital. A city hospital was already a challenge for them to navigate, much less a prestigious institution in the capital. ¡°Ouch!¡± In the midst of their worry, a jarring voice cut through the silence. The young man who had been watching Zhang Qianqian closely spoke up, ¡°Coincidentally, I have some friends in the capital who could get in touch with a surgeon.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Upon hearing this, Lee Xiuhua''s spirits lifted. ¡°Mr. Ning, please, we need your assistance. We''re prepared to offer generous gifts to both you and the doctor.¡± ¡°Aunt Lee, there''s no need for such formalities! We''re old acquaintances, after all. Why talk of money? Besides, to be frank, they might not even be interested in the amount you''re offering.¡± He offered a slight smile. ¡°How can you speak like that? Show some respect!¡± Zhang Tao bristled at thement. What did he mean by that? Was he belittling themon folk? ¡°Quiet!¡± Lee Xiuhua shot her son a stern look, then quickly turned back to Ning Zhiyuan with a cating smile. ¡°Mr. Ning, my son is just concerned for his father''s life. Please, don''t take offense.¡± ¡°Aunt Lee, rest assured, I''m not upset. But you understand that seeking someone''s helpes with a cost, right?¡± Ning Zhiyuan hinted at an underlying condition. ¡°Yes, of course! Mr. Ning, you''re absolutely right. I understand. What is it that you require?¡± Lee Xiuhua asked anxiously. To her, any price was worth paying if it meant saving her husband''s life. ¡°Aunt Lee, since you''re so forting, I''ll be straightforward. I''m interested in the plot ofnd at the vige entrance.¡± Ning Zhiyuan stated calmly. Upon hearing this, Lee Xiuhua''s face fell, and she was visibly distressed. Thend at the vige entrance was a sizable vacant lot owned by Vige Chief Zhang. Vige Chief Zhang had purchased thend when he was younger, intending to build greenhouses and grow crops. But after bing the vige chief, he found no time to realize his ns, and thend remained undeveloped and unused. Certainly, he hadn''t let that plot ofnd go to waste. Vige Chief Zhang had leased out those several dozen acres. Come autumn, when the harvest was gathered, thatnd transformed into the vige''s granary, with vigers spreading their crops to dry in the sun. A year prior, Ning Zhiyuan arrived in the vige expressing his desire to purchase thend to construct a fertilizer factory. Initially, Vige Chief Zhang was quite pleased with the idea. He figured that building a factory would create jobs, and the vigers could certainly find employment there. This would allow the vigers to both tend to their farms and hold down a part-time job, surely boosting their ie. Additionally, the establishment of a factory would undoubtedly stimte local economic growth. It seemed like a win-win situation. But upon closer investigation, Vige Chief Zhang discovered that Ning Zhiyuan had boughtnd for fertilizer factories in other viges as well. Far from benefiting thosemunities, he had actually caused them considerable distress. This was because Ning Zhiyuan hired his workers from the city, leaving the vigers out of the equation. The most significant issue was the severe water pollution he brought to the viges. He hadn''t invested in any pollution control equipment, allowing untreated wastewater to flow directly into the nearby rivers. The contract was nearly finalized when Vige Chief Zhang promptly refused to sign. Ning Zhiyuan, incensed, quarreled with him and stormed off. Over the past two or three years, he periodically returned, employing various tactics to persuade Vige Chief Zhang. Yet, the vige chief remained steadfast in his refusal to sign. Now, Vige Chief Zhangy bedridden, his life hanging by a thread. Seizing the moment, Ning Zhiyuan brought up the contract once more, leaving Lee Xiuhua torn and uncertain about the right course of action. ¡°Aunt Lee, Vige Chief Zhang''s condition is quite serious. Even if he were to go to the capital and the surgery were sessful, he would need several years to recuperate and regain his strength. If he can''t undergo the operation, I fear he won''t survive much longer,¡± Ning Zhiyuan pressed. ¡°Once he passes, thend will revert to the state. I can simply purchase it from the town government. If I build my factory there, none of you can stop me. But by then, Vige Chief Zhang will have passed away. You''ll end up with nothing, and you won''t have saved Vige Chief Zhang''s life either.¡± ¡°Why not sell thend to me now? I''ll offer you more money, which will cover your surgery costs. Plus, I can reach out to the doctors in the capital, and we could save Vige Chief Zhang''s life. It''s a win-win situation,¡± Ning Zhiyuan said with a confident smile. Lee Xiuhua was torn. She had spent a lifetime with Vige Chief Zhang and knew her husband''s temperament well. If she sold thend, once Vige Chief Zhang recovered from surgery and learned of the sale, the shock might be too much for him. Zhang Tao stood by, teeth clenched, facing a dire choice. He could lose everything¡ªhis father, the money, and thend¡ªor he could sell thend, scrape together some funds, and get a doctor from the capital. Maybe that would save his father''s life, but at the risk of his father''s wrath once he awoke. What was the right move? ¡°Sell!¡± After much hesitation, Lee Xiuhua finally mustered the resolve and forced out the word. ¡°Haha! Aunt Lee, you certainly know how to make things happen. I''ve got the contract right here. Just sign it, and I''ll transfer the money immediately and get you in touch with the doctor,¡± Ning Zhiyuan said, pulling out the contract. Lee Xiuhua and her son exchanged a look, and with no other options, prepared to sign. ¡±Hold on!¡± Just then, Su Ming stepped forward. Lee Sumei was taken aback upon seeing him, thinking, ¡°When did this kid show up? I didn''t even notice him.¡± ¡°Do you have a solution?¡± Su Tao asked, hope in his voice. They all knew their son hade into money and had shown himself to be resourceful. Su Ming had demonstrated his capabilities when his uncle was in the hospital, an event the couple remembered vividly. ¡±Don''t worry, Mom and Dad. I''ve got this,¡± Su Ming reassured them. Approaching Lee Xiuhua, he continued, ¡°Grandma Lee, rest assured, I have a way to treat Vige Chief Zhang''s illness. Here''s what we''ll do: I''ll cover the medical expenses and arrange for the surgery with the top doctors in the capital.¡± Lee Xiuhua paused for a moment, lifting her tear-filled eyes to look at Su Ming. ¡°Are you the son of the Su family?¡± ¡°Yes, it''s me, Grandma Lee,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡±Oh my! How you''ve grown!¡± In a disy of affection typical between elders and the younger generation, Zhang Tao yfully punched Su Ming on the arm, careful not to use too much force. ¡°Brother Ming!¡± Zhang Qianqian, momentarily taken aback, suddenly brightened and impulsively hugged Su Ming. Despite the years apart, their childhood bond remained as innocent and strong as ever. Their friendship hadn''t faded in the slightest over the years. ¡°Qianqian!¡± Zhang Tao, feeling a bit awkward, fidgeted and rubbed his nose. His daughter was no longer a child, and there she was, embracing Su Ming in front of everyone. It seemed somewhat inappropriate. Chapter 463 Chapter 463 - Humiliation Lee Xiuhua asked in a rush, ¡°Su, do you really have a way to cure my husband''s illness?¡± Su Ming quickly reassured her, ¡°Grandma Lee, please don''t worry. Our family used to struggle, and Grandpa Zhang helped us immensely. Now, I''ve established a business in the city and have earned some money. You shouldn''t stress about the surgery costs; I''ll cover them. Moreover, through my business dealings, I''ve made a few connections in Beijing. I''m confident we can handle this.¡± Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lee Xiuhua struggled to find the right words to thank Su Ming. Su Ming added, ¡°Grandma Lee, we''re all from the same vige. It''s our duty to support each other.¡± While they were enjoying their conversation, Ning Zhiyuan was visibly upset. Contract in his left hand and pen in his right, he watched as the deal he was about to close was thwarted by an unexpected intervention. Curiosity piqued, Ning Zhiyuan wondered about Su Ming''s identity. Judging from their conversation, Su Ming seemed to be a fellow viger, yet Ning Zhiyuan had never encountered him before. He didn''t consider Su Ming to be a particrly influential figure. His own family business was substantial, and he was acquainted with many influential people, but Su Ming''s name had nevere up. To Ning Zhiyuan, Su Ming might just be a minor yer who had made a few million yuan. In his eyes, such individuals were insignificant. He had invested two to three years in pursuing thisnd deal, and he couldn''t afford to let this rare opportunity slip away. Thend in question was crucial. Other viges had limited avablend, typically plots of just over a dozen acres. But Vige Chief Zhang had a sizable parcel of dozens of acres, and Ning Zhiyuan nned to build arge-scale factory there. With a furrowed brow, Ning Zhiyuan coldly addressed Su Ming, ¡°Brother, what you''re doing isn''t right. It''s one thing to boast casually, but this involves Vige Chief Zhang''s life. Why are you exaggerating your influence? Doctors in the capital aren''t so easily essible. Don''t jeopardize Vige Chief Zhang''s health.¡± Zhang Tao, with a stern face, demanded, ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡± Ning Zhiyuan feigned omniscience, confidently asserting, ¡°What? You still don''t get it? He simply doesn''t want you selling thend to me, then finding some random doctors from the capital to perform surgery on Vige Chief Zhang. The surgeryes with risks, and failure wouldn''t be unusual. Once he''s covered the surgery costs, you''ll owe him, and if he decides he wants to buy thendter, how could you refuse? Don''t kid yourself into thinking you can deceive others just because you''ve made a little money. You might fool some, but not me. Grandma Lee, rest assured, with me here, this youngster won''t pull the wool over your eyes.¡± Zhang Qianqian was quick to counter Ning Zhiyuan''s usations, ¡°That''s absurd! Brother Ming would never stoop to such levels!¡± Lee Xiuhua and Zhang Tao were skeptical of Ning Zhiyuan''s ims. Having watched Su Ming grow up, they knew him to be honest from a young age. Could he really harbor such malevolent intentions? It was clear to everyone that Ning Zhiyuan was maligning Su Ming just to get his hands on thatnd. ¡±I know you''re doubtful of me, but Vige Chief Zhang''s condition is critical, and we can''t postpone his surgery any longer,¡± Ning Zhiyuan continued with assurance. ¡°Grandma Lee, let me propose something. I''ll cover the surgery costs, and I''ll call the doctor right now to schedule Uncle Zhang''s operation. If I manage to arrange it, then you agree to sell thend to me, deal?¡± Lee Xiuhua wavered upon hearing this. Given Vige Chief Zhang''s grave health, prompt surgery could mean a quicker recovery. Su Ming noticed Lee Xiuhua''s indecision and offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Grandma Lee, don''t worry. Regardless, our priority should be to arrange for Grandpa Zhang''s surgery as soon as possible.¡± ¡±Okay,¡± Lee Xiuhua agreed with a nod. Ning Zhiyuan smirked inwardly, thinking, ¡°I''m far more capable than Su Ming. I can assure Lee Xiuhua right now that I can get a doctor on the line, something Su Ming can''t do. I''ll show them what a true big shot looks like. Once I''ve made the call to my contacts, thend will be mine. The Zhang family will be indebted to me, boosting my chances with Qianqian. Then, I''ll be able to start my factory and be with Zhang Qianqian. What a perfect n!¡± Ning Zhiyuan immediately began calling a friend in J City. To demonstrate his capabilities, he activated the speakerphone on his mobile device. The voice of a middle-aged man emerged from the other end, ¡°Boss Ning, what brings you to call me today?¡± Ning Zhiyuan sinctly ryed the situation. ¡°Dr. Zhang, here''s the deal: I have a patient urgently needing surgery. They have a brain tumor, and our local medical facilities can''t handle the operation. Could you reach out to your mentor and see if he''s able to perform the surgery? Rest assured, I''ll be sure to express my gratitude afterward.¡± Dr. Zhang paused briefly before responding, ¡°Okay! Boss Ning, since you''ve asked, I''ll do my best.¡± With that, Dr. Zhang ended the call. Ning Zhiyuan, phone in hand, boasted confidently, ¡°Grandma Lee, rest easy. Dr. Zhang isn''t just any doctor; he''s an attending physician at J City Medical University, and his mentor is among the few in the imperial court capable of conducting this surgery. His mentor is Dr. Hwa, a name synonymous with excellence in medicine. You must have heard of him. With Dr. Zhang''s assistance, I''m certain Dr. Hwa will ept.¡± Those around Ning Zhiyuan internally marveled at his words. ¡°Dr. Hwa is a distinguished figure, a celebrated surgeon nationwide. While this surgery poses a challenge for most, it''s well within Dr. Hwa''s expertise. If Ning Zhiyuan can indeed secure Dr. Hwa''s help, the surgery is sure to be a sess.¡± Less than two minutester, Ning Zhiyuan''s phone rang again. He looked at the caller ID with a smile. ¡±See? It''s been just two minutes, and Dr. Zhang has already returned my call. This is a sure sign of sess. Grandma Lee, once the hospital is set, I''ll personally drive Vige Chief Zhang there and get everything ready for the operation.¡± Ning Zhiyuan didn''t pick up the call immediately; instead, he turned his triumphant gaze to Su Ming. Seeing that Su Ming remained silent, his pride swelled even more. Ning Zhiyuan thought to himself, ¡°Su Ming ought to recognize our disparity after this.¡± Remaining calm, Ning Zhiyuan answered the phone. Dr. Zhang''s voice came through, sinct and to the point, ¡°Boss Ning, I''ve spoken with my mentor. He says he''s unable to perform the surgery.¡± Ning Zhiyuan gasped, ¡°What?¡± Readt??st chapters at f?eewebnove?.co? Only. He had just been basking in his own glory, but the words from the other end of the line left himpletely bewildered. ¡°This¡­ Dr. Zhang¡­¡± Moments before, Ning Zhiyuan had been quite pleased with himself, but now he found himself in an awkward predicament. Chapter 464 Chapter 464 - The Matter Has Seeded ¡°Mr. Ning, I''ve done all I can,¡± Dr. Zhang cut off Ning Zhiyuan mid-sentence. ¡°My mentor has nine surgeries lined up this month; his schedule ispletely booked. I''m at a loss here. You''ll have to seek assistance elsewhere.¡± With that, Dr. Zhang ended the call. Ning Zhiyuan couldn''t help feeling awkward. He had just boasted about how easily he could secure a surgeon for Vige Chief Zhang, yet he hade up short. Ning Zhiyuan scratched his head and looked around. ¡°Dr. Hwa is rather tied up at the moment.¡± Upon hearing this, Lee Xiuhua became frantic. ¡°Does that mean there''s no hope for my husband?¡± Ning Zhiyuan sighed and shook his head. ¡°Grandma Lee, Dr. Zhang is Dr. Hwa''s prot¨¦g¨¦, and it''s rare for anyone to get through to him. Now that even Dr. Zhang can''t assist, I fear there''s no one in the imperial court capable of handling this.¡± Even in his reassurance, he was still singing his own praises. Lee Xiuhua''s hands fell to her sides, her heart sinking. It seemed her husband''s fate was sealed. Zhang Qianqian''s face was etched with sorrow. ¡°Grandpa!¡± It was then that Su Ming spoke up, ¡°Let me give it a try.¡± Ning Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow at this, sizing up Su Ming with a scoff. ¡°Don''t make empty promises. If Dr. Zhang can''t manage it, what can you possibly do? Vige Chief Zhang''s situation is critical; this is no time for baseless boasts!¡± Su Ming merely gave him a brief look and remained silent. Now was not the moment for debate. Without another word, Su Ming pulled out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°Mr. Su, what brings you to call me today?¡± The voice on the other end was aged and familiar¡ªit was Old Master Qin. ¡°Mr. Qin, I need a favor,¡± Su Ming requested. Old Master Qin responded cheerfully, ¡°Mr. Su, we''re friends. Just say the word, and if it''s within my power, I''ll make it happen.¡± ¡°There''s someone I know with a benign tumor in their brain, located in the cerebellum. They need surgery. Mr. Qin, could you help me get in touch with a few doctors?¡± Su Ming exined. Upon hearing the request, Old Master Qin responded, ¡°It does present some difficulty. I might hesitate if someone else asked for my help, but for you, I''ll definitely assist. Rest assured, I''ll make arrangements right away.¡± ¡°Great, I appreciate your help,¡± Su Ming said before ending the call. Those nearby found the conversation curious, as they had never heard of Mr. Qin and wondered who he might be. Ning Zhiyuan was particrly puzzled. fr§×ewebno?el.?o? Who was this Mr. Qin? He pondered deeply, then suddenly a name came to mind. Could it be that Mr. Qin? No, that seemed impossible! He suspected that Su Ming was merely boasting and that eventually, his lies would catch up to him. After a moment of contemtion, Dr. Liu inquired, ¡°Comrade, the Mr. Qin you just mentioned, is he the renowned doctor from the capital?¡± With a smile, Su Ming confirmed, ¡°Yes, that''s him.¡± Dr. Liu paused, visibly excited, then asked, ¡°I''ve never sought help for anything in my life, but may I ask a favor of you?¡± ¡±What is it?¡± Su Ming asked, blinking in anticipation. ¡°I''d like to request a signed photograph of Mr. Qin. He''s an inspiration to all of us in the medical field.¡± Dr. Liu, who appeared to be in his fifties, spoke of Old Master Qin with a face full of reverence. Mr. Qin was indeed a leading figure in their profession. Su Ming responded cheerfully, ¡°No problem at all.¡± ¡°Fantastic! Thank you. With that autographed photo, I promise to go above and beyond for any of your friends, family, or fellow vigers whoe to my hospital. I''ll ensure they receive the best care without unnecessary expense.¡± The vigers listening in were overjoyed at the news. In these times, securing quality medical care was a significant challenge. Thanks to Su Ming''s assistance, they looked forward to saving both time and money in the future. Lee Xiuhua clutched Su Ming''s hand, expressing her gratitude, ¡°Su, I can''t thank you enough for this.¡± Zhang Tao was equally ted, ¡°You little rascal, I owe you one. Next time you''re at my ce, expect the red-carpet treatment.¡± Zhang Qianqian wrapped her arms around Su Ming''s, eximing, ¡°Brother Ming, you''re simply the best!¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei watched the unfolding scene, nodding in agreement. They thought Zhang Qianqian and Su Ming made an excellent couple. Ning Zhiyuan, however, was not pleased as he observed Su Ming receiving everyone''s gratitude. ¡°Don''t celebrate too soon. Anyone can talk big, right? Dr. Zhang already said that Dr. Hwa''s surgical schedule is fully booked for the month. Old Master Qin is a nationally renowned doctor. What makes you think he knows Old Master Qin?¡± Ning Zhiyuan was skeptical that Su Ming could pull this off. But just as he finished speaking, Su Ming''s phone rang. On the other end of the line, Old Master Qin''s voice came through: ¡°Young man, I''ve taken care of everything. There''s no need for the patient toe to us. I will fly out with the doctors, and we will perform the surgery tomorrow afternoon. However, we need to prepare beforehand, so please get a phone number from the hospital. I''ll have them call to check what''s needed. That way, we can bring any missing items with us. Also, have the hospital send over the patient''s records for us to review.¡± Follow curr??nt nov??ls on . ¡°Don''t worry, Old Master Qin. I''ll send you the hospital''s number right away.¡± After ending the call, Su Ming got the number from Dr. Liu and sent it to Old Master Qin. Everyone around was astounded. Su Ming had indeed made it happen, with the doctoring in person to perform surgery on Vige Chief Zhang. The Su family''s son was truly impressive. While everyone else was overjoyed, Ning Zhiyuan was far from happy. He raised his voice in disbelief, ¡°Impossible! I''m sure that call was a sham. There''s no way he could convince the capital''s top doctors toe here just for Vige Chief Zhang''s surgery. Can you really believe such an obvious lie?¡± Chapter 465 Chapter 465 - Your Progress Is a Bit too Fast Ning Zhiyuan had barely finished speaking when a man came running over from the stairwell, drenched in sweat and in a hurry. As he ran, he bellowed, ¡°Who is Zhang Defu''s rtive?¡± Startled by themotion, Lee Xiuhua quickly responded, unsure of what was unfolding. ¡°Dr. Liu, are you responsible for Zhang Defu''s care?¡± The man halted, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. ¡±Yes, it''s me, Dean Shen. What''s happened?¡± Dr. Liu asked urgently. The revtion that the man was the hospital''s dean sent a ripple of surprise through the onlookers. Dean Shen, still catching his breath, managed to convey his message, ¡°The Capital Hospital just called me. They''re sending several doctors tomorrow to perform surgery on Zhang Defu.¡± ¡°You''ve received theb results, haven''t you? You need to go upstairs immediately; the doctors from the capital are waiting for your video call.¡± His excitement was palpable, and he was practically shaking with the intensity of his emotions. Dean Shen felt dwarfed by the eminent doctors from the capital, having rarely had the chance to meet them. Now, they wereing to his hospital to operate on his patient, which filled him with a mix of joy, excitement, and apprehension. ¡±What!¡± Dr. Liu was momentarily dumbfounded, his words tripping over themselves. ¡°Wait¡­ they''re waiting for my video call? I-I-I''m¡­ I''m quite nervous¡­¡± ¡°Idiot! If you don''t take the call, I will!¡± Dean Shen shot him a stern look. ¡°I''m on it! I''m going right now!¡± Dr. Liu''s excitement surged; he would not let this opportunity slip through his fingers. To him, it was like being an ordinary basketball yer suddenly graced with the presence of the legendary Kobe and Jordan in their prime. How could he contain his exhration? Turning to Lee Xiuhua, Dean Shen reassured her, ¡°Are you the patient''s wife? Rest assured, your husband''s condition is under control. The surgeonsing to treat him are among the best in the country. Any one of them would be more than capable of performing the surgery on their own, let alone seven. Please, continue your conversation. I must be off.¡± With that, Dean Shen hurried off, following Dr. Liu''s eager pace toward the conference room. The vigers, upon hearing the news, were filled with happiness. Su Tao and Lee Sumei were beaming with pride, but there was one person who couldn''t share in the joy. That person was Ning Zhiyuan, who felt utterly humiliated. It was as though he had been metaphorically pped in the face by Su Ming multiple times. He had initially boasted about how easy it would be to find a doctor, only toe up short. He had even doubted Su Ming''s honesty, only to find out that Su Ming had been telling the truth all along. Later, he questioned whether Su Ming was just boasting, but Su Ming proved him wrong again by actually helping Zhang Defu find a doctor. Each time, just as he finished speaking, it was as if Su Ming pped him in front of everyone. He couldn''t stand it any longer. Now, Ning Zhiyuan found himself in a quandary. He couldn''t bear the thought of returning empty-handed, yet he couldn''t bear to stay and face the scornful looks from those around him. ¡°Su, I owe you a great deal for this. How can I ever thank you?¡± Lee Xiuhua grasped Su Ming''s hand, her eyes brimming with tears. Zhang Tao stood by, surreptitiously dabbing at his eyes. ¡±Brother Ming, you''re incredible,¡± Zhang Qianqian said, gazing at Su Ming with admiration. ¡°Brother Ming, I''ve made up my mind. I''m going to apply for graduate studies at Eastsea University and then settle down in Eastsea.¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words upon hearing this. He thought to himself, ¡°What are you up to? Are you and Su Qiu nning to never let me off the hook? Su Qiu is manageable; she''s my cousin, and although she''s a bit of a prankster, she surely doesn''t harbor romantic feelings for me. But you, Zhang Qianqian, your intentions are written all over your face.¡± With no other recourse, Su Ming sought assistance from Zhang Tao, who was, after all, Zhang Qianqian''s father. There''s a well-known adage that a daughter is a father''s precious gem. In Su Ming''s view, it seemed as though Zhang Tao was about to let his daughter be whisked away by Su Ming without a word. But upon closer inspection, Su Ming noticed something amiss. ¡°Uncle Zhang, what''s with that satisfied expression? Shouldn''t you be upset and eager to pull your daughter away from my side? Something''s not adding up here,¡± Su Ming mused. Finding himself in a bind, Su Ming had no choice but to turn to his own parents for support. However, he noticed his parents were also wearing expressions of relief. ¡°Mom, Dad, I''m still young; there''s no rush. Are you really that eager for me to tie the knot?¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but inwardly groan. Feeling the need to escape, Su Ming coughed and excused himself, ¡°Uh, I need to use the restroom.¡± With that, he promptly left without another word. But Su Ming didn''t head for the bathroom; instead, he made his way upstairs to seek out Dr. Liu. At that moment, Dr. Liu had just finished a video call and was conversing with Dean Shen. Spotting Su Ming, he quickly stood up, recognizing the importance of the man before him. Without Su Ming, he wouldn''t have had the fortune of meeting such esteemed doctors. ¡°Dr. Liu, Dean Shen, how much will the surgery cost?¡± Su Ming inquired. The two exchanged nces. Dean Shen stroked his chin thoughtfully before responding, ¡°It''s difficult to give an exact figure. I''ve inquired, and the doctors are offering their services for free, but we''ll still need to cover the cost of their medications and equipment. I''d estimate you''ll need to contribute at least a million.¡± Su Ming nodded; the surgery wasn''t outrageously expensive. Even though the doctors weren''t charging him, the cost of shipping their supplies would certainly incur expenses. Old Master Qin would never expect Su Ming to foot the bill, but Su Ming was not one to shirk his responsibilities. He was prepared to contribute financially to the surgery. Moreover, to someone like Su Ming, such an amount was merely a drop in the bucket. ¡°Dean Shen, I''ll deposit two millionter. I''ll leave you my contact information. If the funds fall short, give me a call and let me know what''s needed,¡± Su Ming offered after a moment''s thought. ¡°Of course, rest assured,¡± Dean Shen quickly agreed, nodding. ¡°Mr. Su, I understand your concerns. Rest assured, our hospital will spare no effort in ensuring Vige Chief Zhang receives the best post-operative care.¡± ¡±That''s reassuring to hear,¡± Su Ming said with a nod, then took his leave from Dean Shen and Dr. Liu and headed downstairs. Descending the stairs, he noticed that most of the vigers had already dispersed. Vige Chief Zhang had essentially been dered out of danger. Once he underwent the surgery, everything was expected to improve. The doctors in charge were some of the best from the capital, and they were sure to handle the operation with ease. Ning Zhiyuan had left as well, overwhelmed by the judgmental stares from the vigers. Their nces seemed to use him, ¡°All you do is boast all day. Why are you still here?¡± Despite his thick skin, he couldn''t bear to stay any longer. Lee Sumei, Su Tao, and Vige Chief Zhang''s family were still around, engaging in conversation. ¡±Brother, you''re Su Ming''s dad, right? Su Ming and my daughter, Qianqian, are about to tie the knot. How about we celebrate with a drink after my dad gets out of the hospital?¡± Zhang Tao suggested, draping an arm around Su Tao''s neck. ¡°Absolutely, count me in!¡± Su Tao responded, pping his chest in agreement. ¡°Sister, that''s a gorgeous dress. Where did you find it?¡± Wang Faang, Zhang Tao''s wife and Zhang Qianqian''s mother,plimented Lee Sumei with a smile. Su Ming, overhearing the conversation, was taken aback. He was puzzled about the marriage talk involving him and Qianqian. When had this been decided? And how was it that he had no clue about it? Chapter 466 Chapter 466 - They Encouraged Zhang Qianqian to Pursue Su Ming Wang Faang said with a warm smile, ¡°Mother-inw, we need to pick an auspicious day for their wedding.¡± Lee Sumei nodded in agreement. ¡°The vige chief always chose the auspicious days around here. But there''s no hurry. Once the vige chief is feeling better, we''ll consult with him. Then, we''ll truly be one big family.¡± Zhang Tao nodded along. Su Ming''s head was spinning with all this talk. Why were they already discussing his marriage to Zhang Qianqian? Feeling the urgency, Su Ming coughed and approached the group. If he didn''t intervene soon, who knows? The elders might even start picking out names for his future children. Upon seeing Su Ming, Zhang Tao burst intoughter and pped him on the shoulder, eximing, ¡°Herees my son-inw!¡± Su Ming quickly interjected, ¡°Uncle Zhang, please, you''re kidding, right? I graduated two years ago, and Qianqian is just a freshman. She''s much younger than I am; we''re not a good match.¡± Zhang Tao chuckled and replied, ¡°You''re mistaken. It''s perfectly normal for a man to be older than a woman. Being a few years older than Qianqian is no big deal.¡± ¡±But I already have a girlfriend,¡± Su Ming insisted, hoping to quell their matchmaking. ¡°You have a girlfriend?¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei were taken aback. ¡°Howe we didn''t know about this? Is it true, or are you just making it up?¡± A look of disappointment crossed Zhang Qianqian''s face. ¡°You''re not just making up excuses to deceive us, are you?¡± Zhang Tao''s mood soured. His daughter was attractive and sweet, with good grades and a kind heart. She was more than qualified to be Su Ming''s girlfriend. ¡°It''s true, I''m not lying,¡± Su Ming affirmed. He pulled out his phone and showed them a photo of himself with Xiao Ke''er, taken during a particrly affectionate moment. ¡±She''s quite the beauty,¡± Lee Sumei remarked, her eyes lighting up along with Su Tao''s. They were clearly impressed with the potential daughter-inw. Zhang Tao''s displeasure returned. They had beenplimenting his daughter, and now they were admiring another girl. Upon seeing his parents and Zhang Tao''s reactions, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, they had dropped the idea of Zhang Qianqian bing his wife. However, in that instant, Zhang Tao pped his thigh and eximed, ¡°No worries, Qianqian can be your lover.¡± Su Ming was dumbfounded. ¡°What I mean is, you could have two girlfriends. This girl is gorgeous and talented, but my daughter is no slouch either. She''s got looks and a great figure.¡± ¡°Listen, daughter, never get discouraged, no matter what. We must have the courage to conquer any challenge. You''ll definitely win Su Ming''s heart,¡± Zhang Tao encouraged Zhang Qianqian right then and there. Zhang Qianqian clenched her fists and nodded vigorously. Su Ming was bbergasted. He couldn''t fathom why Zhang Tao was pushing for Zhang Qianqian to be his lover. Zhang Tao had his reasons. The pool of exceptional young men suitable for his daughter was disappointingly small. He considered Su Ming to be a fine young man. His daughter and Su Ming had gotten along well in the past, but they had lost touch for several years. Now that they had reconnected, he was determined to support her bold pursuit of Su Ming. Xiao Ke''er was indeed beautiful and talented, but his daughter shared over a decade of friendship with Su Ming, having grown up together as childhood sweethearts. Thus, his daughter stood a chance at winning Su Ming''s affections. Besides, it wouldn''t be the end of the world if Su Ming had two or three girlfriends. Su Ming nced at Zhang Tao, then at the reinvigorated and eager Zhang Qianqian, and involuntarily massaged his temples. He couldn''t bear it any longer. Turning to his parents, he said, ¡°Mom, Dad, let''s head home. Pack up ande with me to the city. If we wait too long, driving at night will be a hassle.¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei had been observing with amused smiles. They nodded in agreement with Su Ming''s suggestion. As the family was about to depart, Zhang Tao suddenly interjected, ¡°Hold on a second!¡± Su Ming tensed up, wondering what Uncle Zhang was up to. With a warm smile, Zhang Tao offered, ¡°My daughter''s school is closed for a few days due to renovations. Su Ming, it''s been ages since you two caught up. Why not take her with you to the city for a visit? Su Qiu''s at university in Eastsea, right? Qianqian and Su Qiu haven''t seen each other in a long time. If she joins you on your trip to Eastsea, they can have a reunion.¡± Upon seeing Zhang Tao''s expression, Su Ming was suddenly filled with regret. Had he known about this situation beforehand, he wouldn''t have rushed to summon doctors from the capital to attend to Vige Chief Zhang. While Su Ming was fretting, Lee Sumei cheerfully said, ¡°No problem, Qianqian will join us.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Before he could even speak, his mother had agreed to the arrangement without consulting him. Then, Zhang Qianqian came bounding over, wrapping her arms around Su Ming''s arm just as she did when she was little. ¡°Let''s go, Brother Ming.¡± Su Ming felt a headache brewing. He let out a resigned sigh. Amidst the pleased looks from Wang Faang and Zhang Tao, Su Ming, with rigid movements, escorted Zhang Qianqian and his parents downstairs. Zhang Tao stroked his stubble with great satisfaction, remarking, ¡°They make quite the matched pair.¡± Wang Faang was absolutely delighted. Chapter 467 Chapter 467 - It Was Normal for a Young Man to be Impulsive Su Ming drove Zhang Qianqian, Su Tao, and Lee Sumei back to their vige. Upon exiting the vehicle, Zhang Qianqian headed straight for her house. Su Ming understood she was off to pack her luggage and refrained frommenting. Su Tao and Lee Sumei had already packed, bringing only a couple of changes of clothes and some toiletries. Half an hourter, Zhang Qianqian emerged, struggling with two exceptionally heavy suitcases, arge backpack, and an additional bag in hand. Seeing her burdened, Su Ming hurried over to assist. He lifted one suitcase and was instantly taken aback by its weight. ¡°What in the world is in here?¡± Su Ming asked, his brow furrowed. ¡°The first suitcase has my sunny day clothes. The other has my cloudy day clothes on the left side, and on the right side, my toiletries, face masks, a few pairs of shoes, skincare products, and more. The backpack is particrly important¡ªit has a doll inside that I need to cuddle every night to sleep.¡± Su Ming was perplexed. As a guy, he couldn''t fathom the need for separate sunny and cloudy day wardrobes. The only notable difference was the chill on overcast days, which a single jacket could easily remedy. Not wanting to listen to Zhang Qianqian''s exnations any longer, Su Ming gently covered her mouth and ushered her into the car, where she blinked with an air of innocence. Efficiently, Su Ming opened the car''s trunk, stowed all her luggage, then climbed into the driver''s seat, hit the elerator, and sped off. Zhang Qianqian settled into the front passenger seat, her eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the luxury of the high-end business vehicle¡ªher first experience of its kind. Su Tao and Lee Sumei, not wishing to intrude on Su Ming and Zhang Qianqian''s space, raised the partition between the business-ss seats. The partition was thick, providing excellent soundproofing. ¡°They''re young; a bit of impulsiveness is to be expected. We''ll leave them be,¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei mused to themselves. Zhang Qianqian pointed to a nearby button and inquired, ¡°Brother Ming, what does this button do?¡± ¡°That''s the button for the music yer,¡± he exined. ¡°What''s this one?¡± ¡°That''s for Rain Mode.¡± ¡°And this?¡± ¡°The seat heater button.¡± ¡°What about this?¡± Su Ming felt a surge of blood rushing to his head, as if it were about to burst any second. Then, an idea struck him, and he said with a grin, ¡°This is the ejector seat for the front passenger. Just press it, and whoever''s sitting there will be catapulted into the air. And if that person won''t stop talking, they''ll beunched as well.¡± He was sure Zhang Qianqian would be scared enough by his words to quit her incessant chatter. It seemed to work; Zhang Qianqian pulled back her hand and quietly studied the button. Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. But then, Zhang Qianqian cautiously asked, ¡°Brother Ming, will I really be ejected if I talk too much?¡± ¡°Yes! And even if it doesn''t work, I''ll find a way to send you flying myself!¡± Su Ming was at his wit''s end. Zhang Qianqian shrank back and nodded. After that, she kept sneaking peeks at Su Ming every few seconds, her face betraying her desire to speak. Eventually, she cautiously opened her mouth. ¡°Zip it! Go to sleep!¡± Su Ming cut her off. Zhang Qianqian nodded again. Once the car fell silent, Su Ming let out another sigh of relief. He was thankful Xiao Ke''er was the quiet type. If she were as talkative as Zhang Qianqian, he''d lose his mind. Luckily, they weren''t far from his home. They were on the expressway, just three hours away. The drive was smooth sailing. Three hourster, he could see the highway exit. Su Ming breezed through the ETCne and eased onto the adjacent road. Soon, he merged onto the city center''s main artery. Zhang Qianqian fidgeted ufortably, biting her lip as if she had something to say but was holding back. ¡±What is it?¡± Su Ming inquired, turning to her. ¡°I can''t hold it anymore. I need to use the restroom,¡± Zhang Qianqian confessed in a hushed, embarrassed tone. ¡±Why didn''t you mention it when we passed the service area?¡± ¡°You told me not to talk!¡± Zhang Qianqian felt aggrieved. Su Ming was at a loss for words. ncing at the time, he realized it was already the afternoon. That morning, Su Ming had dealt with numerous matters at the hospital. In the afternoon, he had driven for three to four hours. Having barely eaten all day, he was starting to feel hungry and suspected his parents must be hungry as well. Looking around, Su Ming chose a restaurant. After parking, he lowered the partition in the business-ss seating of the car and found his parents, Lee Sumei and Su Tao, fast asleep. ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± he called out gently. ¡±Hmm?¡± Startled, Lee Sumei and Su Tao looked around in bewilderment. ¡°What''s the matter? Are we there yet?¡± ¡°Not quite. Let''s grab a bite to eat.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The elderly couple nodded and stepped out of the car, followed by Zhang Qianqian, who hurried toward the restaurant. In keeping with Chinese tradition, one eats dumplings before a journey and noodles upon arrival, as a way to bring good fortune. With this in mind, Su Ming took Zhang Qianqian and his parents to this particr noodle shop. It was no ordinary establishment; their flour was milled from top-quality wheat. Moreover, their noodles underwent multiple rounds of pressing and kneading before being shaped, ensuring an exceptional texture. Yet, the true highlight of this noodle shop was the additional ingredients in the noodle soup. Their crab roe noodles, priced at over 300 RMB, were rich yet not overly heavy. The shark fin broth noodles, costing over 500 yuan, were tender and offered a lingering, satisfying taste. The noodles could be paired with a variety of premium ingredients. Su Ming ordered a bowl for each of them, along with some appetizers. Even though they were just noodles, when prepared to perfection, they became an exquisite culinary experience. All four of them enjoyed their meal immensely. Once they had finished, Su Ming settled the bill and drove Zhang Qianqian to Eastsea University. It was more appropriate, considering the inconvenience of her staying with his parents. It wasn''t that Lee Sumei and Su Tao disliked Zhang Qianqian; it was simply a matter of practicality. While Lee Sumei and Su Tao might consider Zhang Qianqian as their own child, she couldn''t help feeling somewhat uneasy about it. Moreover, as a young woman, Zhang Qianqian''s lifestyle was vastly different from that of the older generation, like Lee Sumei and Su Tao, who followed the traditional schedule of rising with the sun and winding down at dusk. Chapter 468 Chapter 468 - Tangram Horse Zhang Qianqian and Su Qiu shared a close bond. Since he started high school, he hadn''t seen or been in touch with Zhang Qianqian much, but Su Qiu was a different story. They frequently got together. They even went out for fun recently. Having been apart for nearly a month or two, Su Qiu was likely thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with Zhang Qianqian. Plus, Su Qiu lived in a studio apartment, making it easy for Zhang Qianqian to move in. The two young women were of a simr age and sharedparable lifestyles, so living together would be more practical for them. Indeed, Su Qiu was overjoyed upon hearing the news, nearly leaping with excitement. It had been a while since theirst meeting. Once Su Ming had brought their bags up to the apartment, the two girls were so engrossed in catching up that they paid him no mind. Su Ming just smiled and kept to himself. He discreetly sent Su Qiu some money, encouraging her to treat Zhang Qianqian to a good time. After bidding farewell, he departed. Shortly thereafter, Su Ming arrived at theplex with his parents. Boss Fong was already there, waiting eagerly. He quickly stepped up to wee them, about to address Mr. Su, but catching Su Ming''s gaze, he instantly grasped the situation. After a moment''s hesitation and a grit of his teeth, he cautiously inquired, ¡°Su Ming, have your parents arrived?¡± ¡±Yes,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. At that moment, Su Tao and Lee Sumei also stepped out of the car. Su Ming popped the trunk and retrieved two suitcases. ¡±I''ve got this,¡± Boss Fong offered, stepping up briskly. Su Tao, upon seeing Boss Fong, looked puzzled. He furrowed his brow and asked, ¡°Who''s this?¡± With a cheerful grin, Su Ming introduced Boss Fong to his parents: ¡°Dad, Mom, this is my boss. You can call him Boss Fong. He''s a great guy.¡± ¡±Absolutely,¡± Boss Fong chimed in quickly, though inside he was in a panic. He stealthily wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking to himself, ¡°How could I possibly be Mr. Su''s boss?¡± From the side, Lee Sumei chimed in, ¡°Is my son doing well at thepany?¡± Boss Fong said cheerfully, ¡°He''s done an excellent job. Let me tell you, your son managed a project that was a resounding sess, bringing in hundreds of millions for ourpany. The bonus alone was in the tens of millions. The house you''ll be staying in is a reward from thepany to Su Ming.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming gave a slight nod. Boss Fong''s statement certainly spared him a lot of exnations about his wealth and home ownership. Su Tao chuckled, ¡°Ah, I see. Boss Fong, I appreciate how you''ve mentored my son.¡± Boss Fong responded with ttery, ¡°You''re too kind. Your son is incredibly talented. Within just a few months at ourpany, he''s made significant contributions. I''m nning to invest in him, to have him start his ownpany, with us as partners. It''s simply a waste to have someone of your son''s caliber working under me.¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei were, of course, delighted to hear this. They couldn''t help but feel proud of their son''s exceptional achievements. They soon went upstairs with their luggage. The house was already beautifully furnished with the finest decor. The couple had never experienced such luxury before. Even though they lived in a vi back home, their lifestyle remained modest. Their diet and attire had not changed from before. They were astonished by the opulence before them. ¡°Please rest assured, both of you. Everything here has been provided by thepany, including the utilities,¡± Boss Fong assured them. ¡°It''s gettingte, and I don''t want to keep you from resting. I''ll take my leave now.¡± As Boss Fong turned to leave, Su Ming interjected, ¡°Wait a moment. Isn''t there still some unfinished business at thepany? I should head over and put in some overtime.¡± Boss Fong paused, then quickly understood, ¡°Su Ming, your parents have just arrived¡­¡± Su Tao and Lee Sumei quickly gestured, ¡°No worries, thepany''s business takes precedence.¡± ¡±Very well,¡± Boss Fong agreed with a reluctant nod. Su Ming reassured them with a smile, ¡°Mom and Dad, don''t worry about me. I have a ce right next to thepany. Boss Fong has even set me up with a bachelor apartment, which makes it more convenient for me to get to work.¡± ¡±That''s a relief,¡± the elderly couple said, nodding in agreement. It wasforting to know that Su Ming had a ce to rest. It''s amon thing for young people these days to burn the midnight oil and work overtime. Descending the stairs with Boss Fong trailing behind, the man''s posture shrank as he followed Su Ming with great deference. ¡°Mr. Su, I hope I didn''t make any errors today?¡± he inquired. ¡±You''ve done quite well,¡± Su Ming responded, nodding with a smile. ¡°Would you like me to arrange a personal driver for your parents?¡± Boss Fong offered. After a moment''s consideration, Su Ming shook his head. ¡°No, let''s not. They enjoy their independence. Having a driver would just make them ufortable. If they need to travel far, I can take them myself.¡± ¡±Understood!¡± Boss Fong agreed with a nod. As Su Ming approached the door to leave, he bid farewell to Boss Fong and drove straight back to his property. Night had fallen, and darkness enveloped everything. ncing at the clock, he noted it was past seven. Parking in the garage, Su Ming strolled to his yard''s gate and opened it, immediately greeted by the fragrance of the soil. Back in the vi, he shed his clothes and donned a set of work attire. After a quick face wash at the tap, he grabbed his hoe and headed to his garden. Despite the low density of the crops, he knew he couldn''t afford to ck off. Confronting some particrly robust weeds, Su Ming wasted no time in pulling them out by the roots. As he toiled away, something caught his eye. He looked down and jumped at the sight of the Dangerous Sweet Potato. It appeared rather menacing, having grown into the shape of a bomb. Round and ck, half-buried in the earth with a skull painted on the exposed side. Most strikingly, a fuse sprouted from the top, crackling with sparks. Though the fuse wasn''t short, the sight was still unnerving. Checking the time again, Su Ming estimated that it wouldn''t be long before he could harvest the Dangerous Sweet Potato. Then it struck him¡ªif his calctions were right, the Tangram Horse should be ripe by now! Su Ming tossed his hoe to the ground and hurried off toward the herding area. Upon arrival, he was taken aback and couldn''t help but let out a long, heartfelt sigh. Chapter 469 Chapter 469 - Invincible Brick Previously, there were two majestic horses in the herding area. Despite being painted in seven different colors, they were quite a sight to behold. Su Ming stood gaping at the scene before him, rooted to the spot in shock. It took him a full five minutes to finally close his mouth. Since the horses were a creation of the System, he figured he might as well go ahead and harvest them. Now, there were still two horses in the herding area, but they were assembled entirely from a certain material. This material was quitemon and served as an effective weapon in brawls. It was none other than the humble brick. Both of therge horses wereposed of bricks. After several days of diligent care, Su Ming ended up with nothing but bricks. What good were these things? The number of bricks was insufficient to build a house. Moreover, bricks were dirt cheap. He had spent hundreds of thousands of yuan on a horse at the marketce. With that kind of money, he could have bought a mountain of bricks. Feeling utterly helpless, Su Ming resigned himself to the task and went to harvest. Approaching the two tall horses, he scratched his head, puzzled about how to proceed. After a moment''s thought, Su Ming ced his hand on one of the horses. Instantly, the horse began to disassemble like a set of blocks, transforming into individual bricks. But something was off. Why were the bricks floating down? Ordinarily, a brick would plummet straight down, sumbing to gravity, yet these bricks were drifting down gently, like feathers, particrly the ones that had formed the horse''s head. Su Ming''s eyes bulged as he stood there, dumbfounded. He picked up a brick from the ground, only to discover it was soft. With a simple squeeze, he easily deformed it. Su Ming''s mouth twitched involuntarily. Could this brick be a fake? It wasn''t a red brick at all, but a sponge brick. What use could this possibly have? It might work for scrubbing in the bath, but it was far toorge for dishwashing. After all, it''s not every day you find a dishrger than a brick. While Su Ming was lost in thought, a notification chimed in his mind. ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the Mini Brick. Made of sponge, it''s lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for both toddlers and nonagenarians. This Mini Brick is the ultimate weapon for pping. Whether your adversary is a martial arts master or a boxing champion, a single brick can knock them out cold. It''s so powerful, even an elephant couldn''t withstand it!¡± ¡°Note: To avoid any hassle and enhance your user experience, you have the ability to control its size. When not in use, it can transform into a sleek pendant for easy portability. Plus, it''s reusable!¡± Upon hearing the notification in his mind, Su Ming paused for a moment. He realized he had misunderstood the System. With that in mind, the item actually seemed quite useful. Even when facing martial arts masters, he could use this brick to knock them out cold. Su Ming chuckled to himself. He had initially thought histest find wasn''t great, but it turned out to be another pleasant surprise. Considering the item''s ability to shrink, Su Ming blinked and held it in his hand. In his mind, hemanded, ¡°Shrink.¡± And the brick did shrink. It became incredibly small, roughly the size of a key. Moreover, a new hole appeared on the brick. A small chain threaded through this hole and attached to a ring. Su Ming nced at the two majestic horses and made a quick estimate. Each horse seemed to beposed of about 50 bricks. Keeping all of them seemed pointless, so he decided to retain just ten bricks for now. Since he was the only one who could use these bricks, there was no point in holding onto too many. He then promptly exchanged the remaining 90 bricks for points. ¡°Host, you have sessfully exchanged for points. You have earned 900 points!¡± Su Ming''s eyes sparkled at the sound in his mind. He now had a substantial amount of points! Eagerly, Su Ming checked the points panel on his phone. At present, the herding area had 1,140 area points. The fence had reached Level Two and required 300 points to upgrade to Level Three. The pasture was at Level Three, needing 1,000 points to advance to Level Four. After careful consideration, Su Ming opted to upgrade the fence to Level Three first. This would allow him to keep Level Three animals. He spent 300 points and upgraded the fence to Level Three. ¡°The fence is currently upgrading. The upgrade will take 18 hours!¡± Hearing the notification, Su Ming nodded in approval. This was indeed a fruitful oue. He resized the remaining ten bricks to match a key''s dimensions and hung them on his keychain. From now on, these bricks would serve as his personal defensive weapons. Reusable multiple times, these bricks were nothing short of perfect weapons! Su Ming was itching to hit the streets with his sponge bricks to give a few hooligans a taste of their own medicine and test their effectiveness. But after a moment''s consideration, he decided against it, opting instead for an early night''s rest. His mother''s birthday was the day after next, and he needed to take his parents out shopping for clothes first thing in the morning. With that in mind, Su Ming quickly tidied up the fields and returned to the vi to sleep. The next morning, he awoke early, checking the time to find it was five o''clock. His parents were likely up by this time. After a quick wash, he drove over to pick them up. Sure enough, the lights in his parents'' ce were on as he reached downstairs. Taking the elevator up, Su Ming tapped gently on the door. It swung open shortly after to reveal Su Tao, his face showing signs of fatigue and dark circles under his eyes. He managed a smile upon seeing his son. ¡°Son, you''re up early.¡± Su Ming''s brow creased in concern. He turned his attention to Lee Sumei, who was also showing signs of weariness, yawning continuously on the sofa. This was unusual for his parents, who were known for their sound sleep, even in unfamiliar environments. And considering he had left them at just past seven the previous evening, they should not have been this exhausted if they had slept well. ¡°Dad, Mom, why do you both look so tired? Has something happened?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°We''re fine,¡± Su Tao replied, avoiding Su Ming''s gaze while giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Why don''t you show me how to use this blender? I still haven''t figured it out.¡± Su Ming''s suspicion deepened. Clearly, something was amiss, but his parents were keeping it from him to prevent him from worrying. Just as he was about to probe further, a loud banging noise erupted from upstairs. The sound, irritating and persistent, made Su Ming''s irritation palpable. His expression turned grim as realization dawned on him; the noise, unmistakably that of a basketball thumping against the floor, was likely the culprit behind his parents'' restless night. Chapter 470 Chapter 470 - A Noisy Neighbor Living in an apartment building certainly has its conveniences, but a significant downside is the poor sound instion. Many have experienced the frustration of hearing every argument or scolding session from their neighbors. In extreme cases, the constant noise has even led to some suffering from neurasthenia and heart conditions. Su Ming once encountered a particrly loud family while renting in the suburbs. He was baffled by their ability to create such a racket all day long, to the point where he wondered if they ever slept. Back then, the noise was incessant. There was even a night when he was jolted awake by the grating sound of the upstairs neighbors dragging a table. Thankfully, he could just put on headphones and listen to music to drift back to sleep. Su Ming had hoped that in his own building, his parents would be able to enjoy peaceful nights, but they too had run into noisy neighbors. ying basketball upstairs is incredibly inconsiderate, especially at five or six in the morning when most people are still asleep. The bouncing ball sounded like drumbeats, rattling nerves. If the family only made noise in the morning, it might be tolerable, but they seemed to be restless all day. Seeing Su Ming''s annoyed look, Su Tao chuckled, ¡°Don''t get upset. It''s normal for kids to enjoy being active.¡± With a furrowed brow, Su Ming asked, ¡°Dad, how do you know they have kids?¡± Su Tao paused, realizing his slip-up. It all clicked for Su Ming. The previous night, Su Tao must have confronted the noisy neighbors to plead for quiet, only to be met with hostility and sent away. Perhaps their early morning basketball was even deliberate. ¡°Dad, Mom, you rest for a bit. I''ll go have a word with them,¡± Su Ming said, heading for the door. Su Tao quickly grabbed his son, insisting, ¡°There''s no need!¡± He exined that during his encounter with the family upstairs, he found them to be quite aggressive, particrly the middle-aged woman. Aware that he and his wife wouldn''t be staying there long, and not wanting Su Ming to be mistreated, Su Tao resolved to tolerate the disturbance. If Su Ming got into a fight with the neighbor upstairs, he might end up getting fired by his boss. ¡°Dad, Mom, don''t worry. I know what I''m doing,¡± Su Ming reassured, giving Su Tao''s shoulder aforting pat and a smile. Su Tao and Lee Sumei exchanged a nce, biting their lips in concern before nodding in agreement. Still, they couldn''t help but caution Su Ming: ¡°Son, please don''t get into a fight. It''s illegal to brawl.¡± Nowadays, those who engage in fights face hefty fines. ¡°Rx, I''m not going to fight with them,¡± Su Ming assured them before heading upstairs. At that moment, the upstairs neighbor was still bouncing a basketball. Upon reaching the top floor, Su Ming noticed an open door. A man with bleary eyes and a furrowed brow stood there, his face etched with worry. He sighed, shook his head, and then closed the door behind him as he went inside. Su Ming understood the situation immediately. This family was notoriously aggressive, causing so much noise that the neighbors couldn''t sleep. Yet, the neighbors didn''t dare to ask them to quiet down; they just suffered in silence. A slight smile crossed Su Ming''s face; the situation had suddenly be intriguing. He found himself regretting having given away that radio: it would have been useful right now! Still, there were plenty of ways to deal with such people, and Su Ming had already begun to formte a n. It would be best if the family changed their attitude and corrected their behavior voluntarily. Otherwise, Su Ming was prepared to take matters into his own hands. Approaching the family''s door, Su Ming knocked gently. No sooner had he knocked than a very irritable and loud voice bellowed from inside, ¡°Who''s there?¡± Frowning, Su Ming stood at the door and said, ¡°You''re being too loud. You shouldn''t be ying basketball inside your apartment.¡± Before he could finish, the door swung open. A middle-aged woman in her forties or fifties stood before him. She was quite overweight, her face round and marked with pimples. Despite her short stature, her demeanor was intimidating. She scrutinized Su Ming and scoffed, ¡°This is my home, and we''ll do as we please. It''s none of your business!¡± Undeterred, Su Ming persisted, ¡°You can y basketball, but you should do it outside. It''s very early, and you need to be considerate of your neighbors.¡± The middle-aged woman ced her hands on her hips and stepped forward, raising her voice, ¡°Mind your own business! My son is ying basketball indoors to lose weight! And if he doesn''t slim down, are you going to take responsibility?¡± Su Ming replied, ¡°He could go to the park downstairs to exercise.¡± Undeterred, the woman yelled, ¡°Outside? It''s too dangerous, and there are kidnappers. What if something happens to my son? He''s just a kid. Why are you picking on a child?¡± Su Ming couldn''t help but chuckle. It was amon excuse among parents to justify coddling their children. If her son had been under five, Su Ming wouldn''t have made an issue of it, but the boy was fifteen¡ªhardly a child! As Su Ming was about to respond, he caught sight of a sturdy silhouette through the crack in the door. He took a closer look and his brow furrowed. There stood a teenager, roughly the same height as the woman but much heavier. After a couple of bounces of the basketball, he was already gasping for air as he made his way to the table, devoured several bites of cake, and washed it down with a gulp of soda. Great! Su Ming''s smile was tinged with irony. He was astonished by the boy''s approach to weight loss. If the teen continued like this, he''d be overweight for life. With conviction, Su Ming stated, ¡°While you have the freedom to do as you please in your home, creating noise that disturbs the neighbors is against thew.¡± Chapter 471 Chapter 471 - Then Don''t me Me ¡°Really?¡± Upon hearing Su Ming''s words, the middle-aged woman scoffed. ¡°So, you''re resorting to thew now, huh? Go ahead, call the cops. Let''s see theme and arrest me!¡± Honestly, dealing with people like her was a headache. Su Ming found it incredibly frustrating. Truth be told, a little noise wasn''t a major offense. She hadn''tmitted murder or any other grave crime. Even if the police did show up, they''d probably just give a stern talk and nothing more. Once they left, Su Ming would surely face an even wilder bacsh from the woman. People with no sense of decency often have a scant regard for thew. ¡°What''s the problem here?¡± Just then, a middle-aged man''s voice boomed from inside, his temper sounding even more vtile than the woman''s. He barged through the door with a kick. Su Ming was at a loss for words, seeing how aptly this family of three fit together. And there was the man, as round as a beach ball. Su Ming mused that in an earthquake, this family wouldn''t even need to run; they could simply roll down from the upper floors. ¡°What''s with all the bbering?¡± ¡°Are you going to take responsibility for dying my son''s weight loss?¡± ¡°And why do you look so familiar?¡± The middle-aged man''s first two sentences were harsh, but hisst remark was apanied by a puzzled frown. Su Ming shared the confusion; the family did seem strangely familiar. Oh no! It hit Su Ming all at once¡ªthey were the same family from the apartment above his old rental. The elderly couple was nowhere to be seen, but this trio was unmistakably the same. ¡°Wait a minute! Aren''t you that broke college kid who used to live below us? And now you dare to rent a ce here?¡± ¡°Kid, you better watch it. I''m telling you, I''m the one making noise. What are you going to do about it?¡± Recognizing Su Ming, the middle-aged man became even bolder, his frown deepening as he taunted him. In his eyes, a poor college student was powerless. Even if Su Ming had managed to scrape together enough money for a nicer ce, he posed no threat. To the man, bullying someone like Su Ming was a source of perverse pride. ¡°Alright then.¡± Su Ming cracked a smile. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± ¡°Get out of here!¡± The middle-aged man bellowed, mming the door shut. He continued to yell inside the house, ¡°Son, keep on filming; Dad''s right here with you! Honey, start chopping the meat; we''re having dumplings tonight! They say we''re too loud? Well, let''s drown them out with our noise!¡± Su Ming shook his head slightly upon hearing the man''s voice. He had initially thought that as neighbors, there was no need for retribution. ¡°The old saying goes, ¡®Better a nearby friend than a distant cousin.'' But since you''ve shown no kindness, don''t expect any from me,¡± Su Ming mused. He pulled out his phone and called Boss Fong, who was groggily waking up. The ringtone startled Boss Fong into consciousness, and he grumbled irritably, ¡°Who in the world is calling this early? Have they lost their mind? Oh, wait¡ªit''s Mr. Su!¡± Boss Fong''s nerves jolted him fully awake. He quickly got to his feet, his hands shaking as he took the phone to the living room and answered the call, feeling remorseful for his earlier outburst. ¡±Mr. Su!¡± Boss Fong greeted him with utmost respect. ¡°Have all my properties been rented out yet?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡±Not all of them, Mr. Su. Most of the houses have been taken by various business owners, but there are a few individual rooms still avable. The locations of your properties are prime, so the rent is on the higher side, which makes them unaffordable for many. But rest assured, I''m doing everything I can to expedite the process¡­¡± Boss Fong exined hastily, worried that he had disappointed Su Ming. ¡±Boss Fong, rx. I''m not calling to rush you into renting out all the properties immediately,¡± Su Ming reassured him with a smile. ¡°Then what can I do for you?¡± Boss Fong asked, still puzzled. ¡°I need you to find another ce for my parents to live,¡± Su Ming requested. ¡±Is there an issue with my previous arrangement, Mr. Su?¡± Boss Fong asked, clearly rmed. ¡±No, your arrangement was fine. The ce itself is quite nice, but the upstairs neighbors are incredibly loud. My parents couldn''t get any sleepst night,¡± Su Ming exined, still smiling. Upon hearing the news, Boss Fong was livid. He had gone to great lengths to find a location with a pleasant environment that was also conveniently close to the city center. Moreover, from there, Su Ming could even see his workce. However, the upstairs neighbors were causing an intolerable racket. ¡°I apologize, Mr. Su. I should have checked the ce more thoroughly beforehand. Rest assured, I''ll take care of the people upstairs right away!¡± Boss Fong eximed, his voiceden with urgency and a promise. He was genuinely rmed this time. ¡°Boss Fong, there''s no need for panic. Just follow my instructions and find a new ce for my parents to stay. After that,e to see me. I have other ns in mind,¡± Su Ming directed calmly. ¡°Understood, Mr. Su,¡± Boss Fong replied. After ending the call, Boss Fong quickly dressed and rushed to Su Ming''s location. Meanwhile, Su Ming descended the stairs, opened the door, and entered his home. Inside, Lee Sumei and Su Tao were waiting with concern. Upon seeing their son, they approached him eagerly, ¡°Son, are you okay?¡± ¡°It''s fine. The upstairs neighbors are indeed being quite unreasonable, but I''ve informed my boss about the situation. Coincidentally, ourpany has a few vacant houses that haven''t been allocated yet. We''ll move into one of those for now,¡± Su Ming exined cheerfully. ¡°Mom, Dad, please start packing your things. We''re preparing to move.¡± Lee Sumei and Su Tao exchanged nces before voicing their concerns, ¡°We''ve already troubled your boss this morning, and now we''re imposing on him again. It feels like we''re causing him too much inconvenience. This doesn''t sit right with us.¡± ¡°Don''t worry about it. Yes, he''s my boss, but he''s also like a brother to me. We have a partnership. This is a minor issue, so there''s no need for concern. I''m always there to lend a hand when he needs assistance,¡± Su Ming reassured them. Hearing this, Lee Sumei and Su Tao nodded in agreement. Truth be told, they were indeed feeling quite unsettled living there. The couple didn''t have much to pack, so they were ready to go in no time. Just then, Boss Fong arrived. ¡°I deeply apologize for the oversight in my previous arrangements, which led to your difort. Please be assured, this time I''ve secured a much better house for you,¡± Boss Fong said with sincerity. This time, Boss Fong went out of his way to secure a very pleasant living arrangement for Su Ming''s parents. The neighborhood was exclusively inhabited by thepany''s senior executives, all of whom were highly cultured individuals, making it highly unlikely for any disturbances or noise to ur. Furthermore, given that these executives were regrly working overtime, they simplycked the energy to cause anymotion. For these busy professionals, they probably wished they could fall asleep without even the need to brush their teeth. Chapter 472 Chapter 472 - Counterattack Lee Sumei and Su Tao had a rough night and didn''t sleep well, so Su Ming decided to scrap their shopping ns for the day. There was no rush; they had plenty of time. Since there wasn''t any urgent farm work back home, Su Ming thought it would be a good idea for his parents to extend their city stay. Who knows, they might even grow to love the urban lifestyle and settle down here. After treating them to a meal, he suggested they rest upstairs. They were bound to be exhausted during the day, especially since they were older and hadn''t slept much the night before. Later, as Su Ming descended the stairs, Boss Fong followed, shaking like a leaf, terrified of Su Ming''s reaction to his failure to handle a simple task. Noticing Boss Fong''s distress, Su Ming reassured him, ¡°Boss Fong, there''s no need for such anxiety.¡± Stammering, Boss Fong replied, ¡°Mr. Su, I''m to me.¡± ¡°Boss Fong, I''m not looking to point fingers,¡± Su Ming said, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°There''s something I need you to do. If you handle it well, I''ll let today''s issue slide.¡± Boss Fong perked up immediately, straightening his posture and confidently assuring, ¡°Mr. Su, just tell me what it is. I guarantee I''ll get it done!¡± ¡°How many people were staying in our previous building?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Not too many,¡± Boss Fong answered, ¡°I reserved ten units for you and relocated the smaller tenants there. There are some renters, but the number is quite low.¡± Boss Fong was well-versed in these details. Su Ming pondered for a moment before instructing, ¡°I need you to do two things. First, have all the residents, except for the family upstairs, move to a different building in theplex. To make up for the inconvenience, they''ll get a three-month rent break.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Boss Fong replied, quickly grasping that Su Ming was nning to deal with that particr family. Su Ming smiled and added, ¡°There''s something else. I need you to find me some people.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, what kind of people are you looking for?¡± asked Boss Fong. ¡°People who are experts at creating a racket.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± Boss Fong instantly realized that Su Ming was gearing up for retaliation. He couldn''t help but feel sorry for the family that had crossed Mr. Su. After all, in all of Eastsea, there were few brave enough to provoke Mr. Su. Did they really think they could get away with anything just by being unreasonable? With full confidence, Boss Fong dered, ¡°Mr. Su, consider it done.¡± Su Ming gave a nod of approval and instructed, ¡°Boss Fong, I''m entrusting this to you. If you run into any issues, give me a call.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su!¡± After their conversation, Su Ming departed. He was eager to check on the cake at the bakery, as his mother''s birthday was just around the corner. Rubbing his hands together with excitement, Boss Fong was on a mission from Mr. Su himself! This was a task he was determined to aplish with flying colors. After mulling it over, a sly grin spread across Boss Fong''s face. He then drove directly to a local clubhouse. The clubhouse was managed by Boss Tang, who had just wrapped up for the day. Upon seeing Boss Fong, Boss Tang was momentarily taken aback. He quickly approached, saying, ¡°Old Fong, it''s been a while! What brings you here?¡± With a chuckle, Boss Fong replied, ¡°Boss Tang, I could use your help with a little favor.¡± Boss Tang perked up, ¡°What do you need? Just tell me. I''ll certainly lend a hand if I can.¡± Boss Fong''s smile held a hint of intrigue as he said, ¡°Actually, I''m handling this for Mr. Su.¡± Boss Tang''s response was immediate, ¡°Boss Fong,y it on me! Whatever it is, I''m sure I can assist!¡± He had long sought a connection with Mr. Su but never found the opportunity. Now, it had presented itself. Boss Fong inquired, ¡°Are those bands still around?¡± ¡°They are.¡± Boss Tang was puzzled. What exactly was Boss Fong up to? With a grin, Boss Fong exined, ¡°Find me a band. I''ll provide them with a ce to rehearse for free.¡± ¡°That''s easy enough. But what does Mr. Su need a band for? Any specific requests?¡± Scratching his head in bewilderment, Boss Tang awaited an answer. ¡°The louder, the better,¡± Boss Fong revealed. Boss Tang was dumbfounded. Just what were they plotting? Could Mr. Su actually be a fan of disco and looking to set the mood? Boss Fong noticed Boss Tang''s bewildered expression and filled him in on the situation. Boss Tang caught on immediately. ¡°Got it. I''m on it. You can count on me. I''ll have everything sorted out in ten minutes. Boss Fong, please,e with me.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Boss Fong nodded and followed Boss Tang inside. The clubhouse was in disarray. The cleaners were tidying up. Upon seeing Boss Tang, they greeted him, and he acknowledged them with a slight nod. Shortly thereafter, they made their way to the backstage rest area, where the weary band members were packing up their gear. ¡°These guys are my aces. They''re the ones who set the vibe at night. When ites to making noise, they''re unmatched.¡± Boss Tang beamed as he introduced them. Then, turning to the band members, he said, ¡°Folks, this is the renowned Boss Fong. He''s here with a job opportunity for you.¡± The band members perked up at the news. Boss Fong spoke with a smile, ¡°I''m offering you a ce to rehearse for free. You can practice there anytime. Plus, I''ll cover your food and amodation.¡± ¡°My one request is that you make noise. The louder, the better. Can you handle that?¡± ¡°Absolutely, and I''ll pay each of you a daily wage of 1000 yuan.¡± The band members were taken aback. They had never taken on such a gig. He was providing them with a ce to train, not to perform publicly, but to generate noise. And for such generous pay. It seemed legitimate, especially with Boss Tang standing right there. ¡°Also, Tang, the sound quality of these speakers isn''t cutting it. Buy some better ones. We need as much amplification as possible.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Boss Tang nodded. The band''s situation was handled. Boss Fong had left them an address to head to and also left a key. While Boss Fong was recruiting, his team was busy too. Boss Fong''s crew had the man''s neighbors relocate, sorted out their new living arrangements, waived three months of rent for them, and even personally arranged for the movers. Chapter 473 Chapter 473 - The Show Has Begun Boss Fong''s efficiency was truly remarkable. By the afternoon, he had already wrapped up the job, and the family in question was none the wiser. The individuals Boss Fong had recruited were extremelypetent. There was a renovation team upstairs, equipped with everything needed for the job. The apartment upstairs had been finished. Though the room was somewhat rough around the edges, there was no need for an electric drill. To address this issue, they nned to haul a few more bluestone bs upstairs to carve on. They even practiced their carving skills by drilling into the bluestone with an electric drill. A band upied another floor, and they had purchased several booming sound systems. Beneath them, numerous vibration motors were affixed to the ceiling. If all were activated, they would create a significant amount of noise. Dusk fell as the family of three made it home. It was quite a squeeze for all three to fit through the door. ¡°Don''t listen to your teacher''s nonsense.¡± ¡°If she dares to expel you, I''ll give her a piece of my mind!¡± ¡°You were just horsing around with your ssmates at school. What''s the big deal? Doesn''t every kid do that?¡± A middle-aged woman stormed into the house,unching into a tirade. Her son had gotten into a fight at school that day. He had identally pushed another child from the second floor, resulting in the child''s right arm being broken. The teacher had urgently summoned her to discuss her son''s misbehavior and the school''s intention to expel him. But the woman immediately resorted to swearing. She spewed profanities and even threw a tantrum on the floor. The police were powerless to intervene. Ultimately, to maintain the school''s order, the administration reluctantly decided not to expel her son for the time being. She also refused topensate for the injured child''s medical bills. The middle-aged man also raised his voice in agreement, ¡°Your mom''s right. That kid looks like he''s asking for trouble. Next time you see him, give him what for!¡± He patted his son on the shoulder, beaming with approval. The children''s mischievous behavior was likely a reflection of their parents'' attitudes. The man bellowed, ¡°Come on, y basketball with me a bit longer. The neighbors downstairs think we''re too loud, right? Let''s keep them from having a moment''s peace!¡± They started shooting hoops. Alternating between basketball, dragging stools, and skipping rope, they created quite a racket. Before long, the family of three grew weary. As night fell, they turned in for the night. Just then, the door across from them swung open. The band members, well-rested and energized, powered up their speakers. The lead singer checked the time, then stepped up to the microphone. ¡°Let''s go!¡± At hismand, music sted from the massive speakers. The lead singer''s voice, with its powerful resonance, filled the room. The family, who had been sleeping soundly, were now wide awake. Who could be so inconsiderate? Who would be up at this hour, ring music instead of sleeping? They could disturb others, but apparently, others weren''t allowed to disturb them. ¡°Damn it! Why aren''t they sleeping? Why are they ying music now?¡± the middle-aged man fumed. He stood up, seething, and dered, ¡°You all go back to sleep. I''m going to give them a piece of my mind!¡± With that, he marched to the kitchen, grabbed a kitchen knife, flung open the door, and charged into the room across the hall. ¡°Why aren''t you sleeping at this hour?¡± The middle-aged man brandished the knife, thinking he looked menacing, but immediately regretted his actions. He hadn''t gotten a good look at the music yers before, but now he saw them clearly. These guys looked intimidating, especially the drummer. The drummer was nearly two meters tall, heavyset, with tattoos all over his body and a fierce look on his face. Men like him tended to be bullies who were actually cowards at heart. ¡°What''s up? Got a problem?¡± The music stopped, and they all moved toward the door. They were band members, known for their edgy style. Moreover, they were all quite burly, which sent shivers down the middle-aged man''s spine. ¡°Uh¡­ well¡­ it''s just that you''re being really loud, and I can''t get any sleep¡­¡± he stammered. ¡°Isn''t that ironic? Don''t you enjoy disturbing others?¡± one of the band members chuckled. ¡°We''ve heard all about how you love to make noise. You like to y ball and jump rope, right? We''re just doing what you enjoy. Isn''t that the case? Maybe you''d like to join us?¡± The middle-aged man was on the verge of tears, thinking to himself, ¡°What the heck? I have to go to work tomorrow morning. I can tolerate making noise for others, but they can''t do this to me.¡± ¡°It''s one thing to train during the day, but at night¡­¡± He said through clenched teeth. ¡°Big brother, that''s a nice kitchen knife you''ve got there. We''re in need of one to chop up some dumpling filling. Come on, brothers, let''s make some dumplings!¡± With that, he grabbed the kitchen knife. The middle-aged man was perplexed and wanted to say something more. But after a long hesitation, he ultimately swallowed his words and returned home with his head down. ¡°What is happening? Why are they still making noise? You''re not young anymore, but you can''t get anything done! You''re such a pushover!¡± the middle-aged woman yelled furiously. Seeing her husband return without resolving the issue, she was livid. She stormed out with a rolling pin from the kitchen in hand. ¡°Hey, hey, hey! Are you out of your minds? What''s with all the noise in the middle of the night?¡± She brandished the rolling pin at them and bellowed. ¡°Oh? Herees another one,¡± the young men remarked upon seeing the middle-aged woman. ¡°Shut your mouths, got it? Or else I''ll show you what''s what!¡± The middle-aged woman was prepared to resort to her old tactics of ying the rascal to intimidate the young men. But before she could finish her sentence, one of the young men punched her squarely in the eye. The punch was swift and precise. ¡°Bang!¡± ¡°Ow! You hit me! Is there now anymore? Oh, I''m in so much pain. I can''t walk or move. You''re going to pay for this!¡± The middle-aged woman threw a tantrum on the ground, secretly thrilled. She thought she had encountered a bunch of fools from whom she could easily extort a hefty sum of money¡ªenough to buy the house outright! However, the young men remained unfazed. Honestly, after working in a bar for so long and dealing with countless drunks, they found her antics childish and knew they could handle her with ease. One of them nonchntly made his way to the adjacent kitchen. Chapter 474 Chapter 474 - An Unreasonable Middleaged Woman The middle-aged woman was on the ground, rolling and sobbing uncontrobly. ¡°I''m in so much pain, I can''t move. I need to get to a hospital! You''re all doomed! Treating my injuries will cost at least hundreds of thousands of yuan!¡± Despite appearing to be in agonizing pain, the woman was secretly thrilled. In these times, those who refrained from retaliating in a fight could win substantialpensation. If she could pocket hundreds of thousands of yuan just for taking a beating, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. Yet, the band members nearby remained utterly unfazed. Ordinary folks might have been intimidated, but these musicians were no strangers to the nightlife and the troublesome characters that came with it. They were well-equipped to handle her antics. Just then, the man who had gone into the kitchen emerged, clutching two thermoses. ¡°My rheumatism is ring up. My legs are killing me! Help me out, I need to soak my feet.¡± The others readily agreed, nodding in unison, ¡°No problem.¡± One of them grabbed the thermoses, feigning a burn, and with a yell of ¡°It''s scalding!¡± he hurled them into the air. The thermoses traced an elegant arc before shattering next to the woman, their contents spilling out. Filled with boiling water, the thermoses were a deterrent; the woman was after money, but not at the cost of lying in scalding liquid. She leaped to her feet, seething with rage, and pointed usingly at them. ¡°Still feel like lying down? I''ve got plenty more thermoses where that came from.¡± The man retorted, brandishing several more. The woman tilted her head, peeking inside the room, and froze. Through the crack in the door, she saw the kitchen floor littered with thermoses, and tworge pots brimming with boiling water. ¡°We''ll see about this!¡± she fumed. Clutching a rolling pin, she threatened them, preparing to storm off. But as she turned to leave, she felt a sudden emptiness in her grip. Looking down, she realized the rolling pin had vanished. ¡°We''re just about to make dumplings. We were short on kitchen knives, and now rolling pins too. But it looks like we''re all set now.¡± ¡°Time to wrap some dumplings.¡± Frustrated yet powerless, the middle-aged woman could only stomp her foot in vexation and retreat. The middle-aged man approached cautiously and inquired, ¡°Honey, are you alright?¡± The middle-aged woman yelled back, ¡°Get out of here!¡± Her voice was so powerful it seemed to shake the very walls. No sooner had she spoken than a st of music erupted from the house across the hall. The entire family was gued with dark circles under their eyes, looking utterly exhausted. Sleep had eluded thempletely. Earlier, they had glimpsed several boxes of coffee through the peephole in the door of the opposite house. It appeared those neighbors had no intention of sleeping. ¡°I''ll go down and get some earplugs,¡± he dered. At his wit''s end, the middle-aged man clenched his jaw, rose to his feet, and descended the stairs to purchase earplugs. They had a history of disturbing others, but now they were getting a taste of their own medicine. The family of three retreated to the furthest room, stuffed their ears, and braced themselves for sleep. They were simply too exhausted. To their surprise, they found the ring music somewhat lulling. But just as they were drifting off, an even louder disturbance shattered the peace. A sudden pounding resonated through the space. ¡°What on earth are they doing?¡± ¡°Do they have any regard for our lives?¡± The trio sat bolt upright, the dark circles under their eyes even more pronounced. Every Vibrating Motor in the building below was activated, filling the air with incessant rumbling. Upstairs, the electric drill joined the cacophony. They could have tolerated the music''s sedative quality, but these two new intrusions were intolerable due to their sheer volume. Eventually, the family could stand no more. They grabbed their IDs and sought refuge in a nearby hotel. Only there did they finally find sleep. Unbeknownst to them, Su Ming was oblivious to their plight. He intended for them to learn a lesson and face the consequences of their inconsiderate behavior. Meanwhile, Su Ming was out in the fields, working hard in just a tank top. Despite the chill of thete autumn evening and the low temperature, many people had bundled up in warm clothing. But Su Ming, with his enhanced physique and improved health, felt no cold. After mopping the sweat from his brow with a towel, Su Ming opened his takeout. The lid lifted, releasing a wave of spicy aroma. Ravenous from the day''sbor, he eagerly dug into the rice and meat, devouring it hungrily. The rice was deliciously fragrant, spicy, and utterly scrumptious. Su Ming was thoroughly enjoying his meal when, out of the blue, a sh of light caught his attention. He paused, momentarily taken aback. As Su Ming turned his head, the several Dangerous Sweet Potatoes beside him emitted a blinding glow. Su Ming jumped, his mind racing. Were they about to explode? Instinctively, he thought to duck for cover, but then, reconsidering, he quickly safeguarded the boiled beef he was savoring. Thankfully, no disaster ensued. The light vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and everything was back to normal. Su Ming blinked, peering down to investigate. The bomb that was once there had vanished, leaving a hole in its stead. He stood there, momentarily lost in thought. His appetite had waned, so he gingerly set the boiled beef down on his makeshift stone table and rushed out to the fields. What could it be this time? Curiosity swelled in Su Ming''s chest. Upon arriving at the field, he bent down for a closer look. What was this curious object? It was a small, round thing, somewhat endearing in appearance. Su Ming reached into the hole and retrieved it. Norger than a chestnut, it was adorably fuzzy. Su Ming blinked, racking his brain for any relevant information. If he wasn''t mistaken, this creature bore a renowned name. It was none other than the legendary social icon, Peppa Pig. Chapter 475 Chapter 475 - Western Cowboy Alpaca Su Ming managed to suppress the overwhelming urge to mock the situation. Peppa Pig growing in the field? That was truly unexpected. He was at a loss for words. But as Su Ming was rendered speechless, a notification chimed in his mind: ¡°Host, congrattions on acquiring the super invincible eavesdropping device, Peppa Pig. As the saying goes, people don''t reveal their true thoughts to your face. But with this, you can hear anyone''s thoughts! Its listening range is 50 meters around you. Once you select a target, their thoughts will be broadcast in your mind.¡± Su Ming paused, taken aback. He had assumed Peppa Pig would be of no use, yet it turned out to be incredibly valuable. Su Ming wasn''t one to eavesdrop, but having this device meant he could be ready for anything. It mighte in handy at any moment. He chuckled with delight at the thought. Su Ming had nted ten Dangerous Sweet Potatoes, and upon inspection, each had yielded a Peppa Pig. Keeping too many Peppa Pigs seemed pointless, so he decided to reim nine. ¡°Host, you have sessfully harvested your crops. Congrattions, you''ve earned 500,000 experience points! Plus an additional reward: 100,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Recycled. Host, congrattions, you''ve earned 100,000 experience points! Plus an additional reward: 20,000 experience points!¡± ¡°Host, congrattions on sessfully exchanging points. You''ve earned 9,000 credit points!¡± His mind was flooded with a cascade of notifications. He had amassed a wealth of experience and points. Yet, to upgrade an acre from Level Two to Level Three required 5,000 credit points. Although he had umted 18,000 points in the ntation area, it was only sufficient to upgrade three acres. The journey of cultivation was indeed long and challenging! Su Ming dusted off his hands and settled back at the small table to resume his meal. Before long, it was midnight. He instinctively reached for his phone andunched the marketce app. A sudden burst of brilliant green light caught his eye! Another Level Two crop seed! Su Ming set his chopsticks aside and examined it closely. This Level Two crop resembled a lotus root but was exceptionally attractive. Named Water-sshing Lotus Root, its surface shimmered with verdant waves, as though crafted from water itself. Su Ming spotted fifty Water-sshing Lotus Root seeds for sale and immediately purchased the entire lot. Even though a single Water-sshing Lotus Root seed was valued at 200,000 RMB, and buying fifty would cost 10 million RMB, such a sum was a mere trifle for Su Ming. Coincidentally, he had five acres lying fallow, which he intended to devote entirely to cultivating Water-sshing Lotus Roots. Su Ming then turned his attention to the other three areas. In the herding area, a Level Three animal shone with a brilliant blue glow! Su Ming nearly leapt with excitement. Encountering a Level Three animal was exceedingly rare. Thest one he hade across was the Three-legged Golden Toad. Incredible! He hadn''t expected to actuallye across another Level Three creature! Su Ming quickly focused his gaze and was taken aback. Before him stood an alpaca. The alpaca was undeniably adorable. However, the one on his phone screen seemed odd, as did its name: Western Cowboy Alpaca. Su Ming stood there, blinking in disbelief. What made this Level Three alpaca so peculiar? The alpaca''s attire was bizarre, yet it looked incredibly dashing. Adorned with a cowboy hat, sunsses, and a cigar mped in its mouth, it was a sight to behold. Each of its hooves was encased in cowboy boots, and it sported jeans on its long legs. A pistol was strapped to its side, but it was clearly a toy since it was a water gun. The alpaca also donned a denim jacket, and a rope was tied to its tail, which was lit at the end, sending off sparks. Its fur was not the typical white but a rebellious ck. Even through the sunsses, its eyes radiated disdain. It exuded an air of undeniable coolness. Su Ming cradled his phone in his hands. If he were to mention on the street that he owned an alpaca, people would give him a curious nce. Alpaca owners were a rarity, but not unheard of. In today''s society, it''s not unusual for people to have any kind of pet. But if he were to im he had a Western Cowboy Alpaca that wore a hat and sunsses and smoked cigars, he''d likely be escorted to a psychiatric ward. There, he''d have no way to convince anyone he wasn''t out of his mind. Su Ming gazed at the alpaca photo in his hand and chose to remain silent. This had be routine for him. There were five alpacas in total. Thanks to his upgrade, he was able to care for an increasing number of creatures. With each alpaca valued at one million, Su Ming didn''t hesitate to purchase five. He then rushed to the herding area and redeemed the five alpacas from the warehouse. ¡°You have begun feeding the alpacas! In 42 hours, you can harvest them.¡± The alpacas wasted no time and started to wander about as soon as they were released. Their boots clicked with each step they took. One alpaca approached Su Ming, gave him a once-over, and strutted away with an air of contempt. As Su Ming stood there, puzzled, he suddenly realized something. He distinctly heard a snort. The alpaca didn''t just look down on him; it had snorted at him too. Eventually, Su Ming figured out he was reading too much into it. The five alpacas were incapable of speech. They could only emit sounds resembling a disdainful snort. This left Su Ming at a loss for words. If that snort were to be synonymous with alpacas, it would be quite unfortunate. Ultimately, he resolved to make a change. Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it was a minor issue. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Su Ming returned to his meal, scrolling through his phone as he ate. No new developments had emerged in the aquatic product area or the breeding zone. Su Ming then essed a special section. He remembered that he still had the privilege to purchase one special item. OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 476 Chapter 476 - Noise The details surrounding this unique item were still shrouded in mystery. Su Ming mulled it over¡ªshould he purchase it or not? He made up his mind to buy it. The mall''s sale of Level Three animals was a clear sign of his good fortune today. Without further ado, Su Ming clicked on the special item. ¡°Host, you have exercised your privilege to unlock a special item!¡± ¡°Congrattions, you have received a Beginner Smart Robot Fragment!¡± ¡°The Beginner Smart Robot can assist you with nting or harvesting crops, watering, and fertilizing. It operates 24/7 and can recharge automatically using sr power! It possessesbat capabilities and can engage in basicmunication with you. Should you acquire the Heart of Wisdom, you can integrate it with the smart robot, enhancing its performance andbat abilities. It will also start to exhibit human emotions and independent thought, enabling barrier-freemunication with you! Moreover, it will never betray you and is automatically immune to any attacks from the System.¡± Su Ming was astounded. He had actually secured a Beginner Smart Robot Fragment. Initially, he thought obtaining the Beginner Smart Robot was a distant dream, but in recent days, he had gathered two additional fragments. Now, he was only five fragments short. It seemed he might soon be able to assemble a Beginner Smart Robot. With this Beginner Smart Robot at his side, it could aid him in tilling the soil, as well as watering and fertilizing thend. Su Ming chuckled heartily; his gains for the day were substantial indeed. Selecting a movie at random, Su Ming settled in to watch, eating heartily as the film yed. Once satiated, he disposed of the trash in the bin. ncing at the clock, he noted it was well past two in the morning. Yet, he didn''t feel the least bit tired. He was ready to get to work. First, he headed to the warehouse and drove out two farm vehicles. Amidst the hum of the engines, Su Ming took his seat and swayed to the rhythm of the vehicles. He thoroughly plowed the several acres ofnd from end to end. Next, Su Ming set about nting, taking out all of the Water-sshing Lotus Roots and carefully cing them in the ground. The System provided guidance on the optimal spacing for nting. He was able to fit precisely ten Water-sshing Lotus Roots on each acre. Holding the Water-sshing Lotus Root, it felt as if it wereposed of water, leaving a moist sensation in his hands. He could slip his finger into the Water-sshing Lotus Root, but upon withdrawing it, his finger remainedpletely dry. Su Ming nted the Water-sshing Lotus Root, diligently watering and fertilizing it. Watering seemed straightforward, but fertilizing felt oddly unnecessary. Did the Water-sshing Lotus Root actually require fertilizer? After a moment''s thought, Su Ming chuckled and shook his head. ¡°Water-sshing Lotus Root sessfully nted! Harvest time: 42 hours!¡± It was only after nting that Su Ming realized something. Shouldn''t the lotus root be in a pond? The aquatic product area appeared to be a more appropriate ce for cultivating Water-sshing Lotus Root. Yet, the Water-sshing Lotus Root was purchased from a store in the ntation area. Dismissing the thought, Su Ming drove out, giving his car a quick wash as dawn broke. Despite working through the night, he felt remarkably energized. He showered and changed into fresh clothes. He grabbed two electronic guns and a pair of bracelets from inside the house. Without dy, Su Ming headed straight for the cake shop. Meanwhile, the family was just waking up to the shrill sound of their rm clock. With less than four hours of sleep, they were now facing a day of work and school, struggling to keep their eyes open. ¡±Boss Fong, we won''t be renting your house any longer. The downstairs neighbors are just too loud,¡± the middle-aged man informed Boss Fong over the phone. ¡°Okay,¡± Boss Fong replied. The man continued in a hushed tone, ¡°Boss Fong, our rental period didn''t match the contract, but we had no choice. Could you refund our rental payment?¡± He wouldn''t dare be impolite to Boss Fong, who was a far more formidable figure than himself. ¡°Of course, no problem. I''ll refund the rent and the deposit for the house,¡± Boss Fong assured him. ¡°That''s wonderful! Thank you so much, Boss Fong!¡± The middle-aged man was ecstatic. Sharing the news with the middle-aged woman, she too was delighted. ¡°Then you don''t need to go to work today. Son, I''ll call your teacher and get you a day off. We need to focus on moving today,¡± the middle-aged woman decided. ¡°Okay.¡± The family of three pondered for a moment and agreed that moving sooner rather thanter was best. Luckily, they didn''t have much to pack. After gathering their belongings, they found a new ce to live and arranged for a movingpany to help them relocate. The movers boxed up their possessions and delivered everything to their new residence. Exhausted, famished, and weary, the family copsed onto the sofa in their new home, panting heavily. Despite the ordeal, they looked forward to restingfortably in their fresh surroundings. ¡°I''ll order some takeout. Let''s grab a bite to eat and then get some sleep,¡± the middle-aged man suggested after a moment''s thought. ¡°Okay,¡± the middle-aged woman agreed with a nod. Soon after, the food arrived. They ate and then sprawled out on the bed and sofa, quickly falling into a deep sleep. But just as they dozed off, they were jolted awake by a sound that was both familiar and grating. The trio was shocked. For an instant, they wondered if they were dreaming, but the sight of the unopened boxes reminded them this was no dream. They really did hear an incredibly loud noise, which left them utterly baffled. They had just moved; how could they still be hearing suchmotion? With a look of weary frustration, the middle-aged man opened the front door. Upon seeing several familiar faces, he nearly burst into tears. ¡°Why is it you guys again? We don''t want to be bothered by you anymore!¡± he thought furiously. One of the youths grinned and said, ¡°Uncle, what a coincidence! We just moved and ran into you.¡± He then inquired, ¡°Why didn''t you bring any luggage with you? My friend and I are about to cook, but we''re out of gas. Do you have a gas canister, Uncle? Could we borrow it?¡± ¡°We don''t have one!¡± the middle-aged man eximed, his voice tinged with irritation. Not only had these people taken his knife and rolling pin, but now they were after his gas canister. They were utterly out of touch with reality! OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 477 Chapter 477 - Friends The middle-aged man was on the brink of tears. He never imagined that after moving, he would once again encounter that band. To make matters worse, the relentless sound of an electric drill echoed from above, while the hum of an electric motor persisted from below. What in the world was happening? Without a word, the middle-aged man hung his head and returned home. His wife, upon hearing his ount, was utterly shocked. She contemted another move to escape these people. In a single day, the family moved three times. Yet, each time before they could even settle in for a rest, music would re from across the way, and the cacophony from above and below would resume. Their spirits sank. During their moves, the neighbors'' doors remained shut, but as soon as they finished, the neighbor directly across would fling open their door and burst into song. It seemed their neighbors were moving even faster than they were. Boss Fong owned several housing rental agencies. Whenever this family rented through an agency, Boss Fong was informed. In their rush to find a rental, how could they avoid seeking an agency''s assistance? After all, who else had such an abundance of resources besides these rental agencies? Boss Fong had instructed all the real estate agents to dy the family''s move into their new home. Thus, whenever the family inquired about moving with a rental agent, they were told the house needed cleaning, postponing their move-in date. In the meantime, new neighbors would swiftly upy the units above, below, and directly opposite their intended home. Exhausted and deprived of rest, the family had dark circles under their eyes and staggered as they walked. Meanwhile, Su Ming drove to visit his parents. The house''syout and the arrangement of the furniture were identical to their previous residence, as all these properties were renovated by the samepanymissioned by Boss Fong. Upon seeing Su Ming, Su Tao chuckled and greeted him, ¡°You''re quite early, you rascal.¡± They enjoyed a peaceful night''s sleep. Their neighbors were all well-mannered corporate executives. A few were ordinary citizens with a solid educational background. Carrying a cake, Su Ming walked in with a grin and announced, ¡°Mom! Happy Birthday!¡± Lee Sumei epted the cake, her brow furrowed in gentle reproach, ¡°Why did you waste money on a cake?¡± She was only feigning reproach towards Su Ming. He had remembered her birthday and celebrated it with her, which made her very happy. Su Ming, beaming, unwrapped the cake and suggested, ¡°Let''s eat the cake together.¡± Indeed, the cake was quite delicious. He serenaded Lee Sumei with the ¡®Happy Birthday'' song and then she blew out the candle. They were filled with joy. While they were enjoying the cake, a sudden knock came from the door. ¡±I''ll get it,¡± Su Tao said cheerfully as he rose to his feet. Upon opening the door, he was taken aback. ¡°My goodness!¡± Su Tao gasped in shock. Su Ming quickly got up, worried that something was wrong, and joined his father at the door. Upon closer inspection, he too was shocked. Lee Sumei approached and asked in astonishment, ¡°What happened to you all?¡± Their former upstairs neighbors were standing at the doorway. The family had deep dark circles under their eyes and were shaking as they walked, noticeably thinner than before. Upon seeing Su Ming, the trio couldn''t contain themselves any longer. They burst into tears, knelt down, and begged, ¡°We truly apologize. We won''t do it again! Please forgive us. We still have to work and attend school.¡± They had tried to sleep in the park, but someone was there drumming and singing. When they attempted to rest in a hotel, the neighboring shop was undergoing loud renovations. Wherever they went, noise followed, disturbing them. They were at a loss as to why this was happening. So, they reached out to Boss Fong to see if he knew the reason. What they learned from Boss Fong was astonishing. Su Ming was the owner of the entireplex. They were dumbfounded. They had unwittingly crossed a very influential person. Therefore, they came to apologize to Su Ming. But Boss Fong had cautioned them: admit your mistakes, but don''t reveal everything. Su Ming blinked. Truthfully, he hadn''t intended for things to go this far. How had Boss Fong driven this family to such desperation? Su Ming cleared his throat, ready to speak. ¡°Please, forgive us.¡± ¡°We were wrong. We assure you, there will be no more disturbances.¡± ¡°Absolutely. We''ll invest in carpets to ensure we don''t make a sound.¡± ¡°We''re going to toss out the cutting board and knife. From now on, it''s all takeout for us¡ªno more cooking or chopping vegetables!¡± The couple knelt on the floor as if delivering aedic routine. The chubby boy behind them had dozed off, his head lolling to one side. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Ming pondered for quite some time, at a loss for words. In the end, he could only forgive them. ¡°Could you please not punish us then?¡± The couple gazed at Su Ming with hopeful eyes. ¡°I''ll call Boss Fong right away,¡± Su Ming, understanding their concerns, assured them. ¡°Thank you so much.¡± The couple was on the verge of tears. Su Ming had finally forgiven them, and atst, they could get some sleep! ¡°Farewell, we won''t bother you any longer.¡± The couple, relieved, escorted their child down the stairs. Su Ming chuckled and shook his head in amusement. Lee Sumei and Su Tao were certain that Su Ming had orchestrated the whole thing. Truth be told, they were fed up with such antics as well. Hence, they refrained from probing further. After calling Boss Fong, Su Ming settled back to watch TV and enjoy some cake with his parents. Suddenly, Su Tao remembered something. He exchanged a knowing nce with Lee Sumei, who gave a subtle nod. Catching this exchange, Su Ming was struck by an ominous premonition. What was the meaning behind his parents'' looks? The air was charged with an odd tension. ¡°Your mom has set up a blind date for you tonight,¡± Su Tao revealed. Taken aback, Su Ming nearly leaped out of his seat. OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 478 Chapter 478 - The Top Grade Orchid Has Matured He couldn''t have misheard, could he? His parents had actually arranged a blind date for him? Su Ming blurted out, ¡°No, Dad, I already have a girlfriend.¡± Lee Sumei responded, ¡°Then you should introduce her to us.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. As luck would have it, Xiao Ke''er was in the capital city. ¡°I can prove it; she''s working in the capital, and we even have a photo together,¡± Su Ming dered. Su Tao challenged him, ¡°I knew you''de up with some excuse. Don''t underestimate our knowledge. That photo could easily be doctored with technology.¡± Desperate to convince them, Su Ming insisted, ¡°I''m not deceiving you. If you don''t believe me, I can call her right now.¡± Lee Sumei countered, ¡°I''ve read online about people hiring girls to pose as their girlfriends to trick their parents. That trick won''t work on me.¡± Su Ming was mortified; his parents were more informed than he''d given them credit for. Lee Sumei added, ¡°Unless you two get married and have a child, you won''t fool us.¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. He couldn''t resist saying, ¡°Mom, Dad, even if you don''t believe Kemeng is my girlfriend, wouldn''t you prefer Zhang Qianqian?¡± Su Tao exined, ¡°While Qianqian is indeed a nice girl, we want you to find an even better match. There''s a girl living right downstairs. She''s around your age, currently in university, and quite attractive. I''ve set up a blind date for you two at six o''clock this evening. You have to go.¡± Su Ming was dumbfounded. If his memory served him right, his parents had been in this building for no more than 36 hours. How had they managed to meet the neighbors downstairs and learn about their college-aged daughter, let alone arrange a blind date, all in such a short time? Something didn''t quite add up. Why would a girl still in college be so eager to go on a blind date with him? He never imagined he''d be pushed into a blind date. Su Ming felt a headache brewing, but he couldn''t defy his parents, especially since today was his mother''s birthday. ncing at the clock, Lee Sumei urged, ¡°Time is slipping away. Get ready quickly and don''t forget to buy a gift for the girl.¡± Su Ming eximed in surprise, ¡°Mom, it''s only 8 AM! There are still ten hours until 6 PM!¡± Upon hearing this, Lee Sumei stood up and retorted, ¡°You have only ten hours left before the appointed time. Can''t you be a bit more anxious? Get going now!¡± At a loss for words, Su Ming took out a bracelet and an e-cigarette, instructing them, ¡°Wear this bracelet; it should bring you good luck. And this object that resembles an e-cigarette is actually a stun gun. Press here, and it will emit a high-voltage current.¡± ¡°I''ve got it!¡± But before Su Ming could finish, Su Tao pushed him out the door. Feeling dejected, Su Ming also couldn''t help but think that if he ever got married and had kids, he would undoubtedly be at the bottom of the family hierarchy. He sighed, shook his head, and descended the stairs. Stepping out of the building, he encountered the noisy family from the apartment above, now sound asleep on the chairs at the entrance of theplex. With a smile and a shake of his head, Su Ming got into his car and drove away. Back at the vi, Su Ming didn''t rush. Instead, he started to check on the nts in the garden. ncing at the time, he noticed that the Top Grade Orchids had ripened¡ªgifts from President Chen. Rubbing his hands in anticipation, Su Ming wondered what these mature Top Grade Orchids would turn into. He stepped closer for a better look. On the outside, they were still the same beautiful orchids. But as Su Ming got closer, he noticed a dramatic transformation. The orchid leaves remained, yet the blossoms that had been at the center were now balloons, each with a chair pattern on its surface and made of an unusual material. Su Ming paused, taken aback. He was certain these weren''t just balloons. With his knowledge of the System, he suspected there was something inside them. Eagerly, Su Ming rubbed his hands again and carefully plucked one of the balloons. It was incredibly light, seemingly empty. Su Ming was bewildered. Could his nting endeavor have failed this time? That was utterly inconceivable. After pondering for a moment, Su Ming pulled a key from his pocket. He whipped out an earpick and mmed it against the balloon with force. The balloon burst. In the next instant, Su Ming couldn''t contain himself and leapt up, eximing, ¡°Damn!¡± Unlike a typical balloon that would have burst into countless fragments, this one transformed into tiny points of light that converged on the balloon''s pattern. The pattern grew increasingly radiant. Then, in a sudden sh, Su Ming instinctively shielded his eyes. When he looked again after a moment, he was astonished to see a chair before him! The pattern had actually materialized into a chair! He ran his hand over the chair, noting its icy chill. Lifting it slightly, he was amazed to discover the chair weighed over a hundred pounds! Su Ming mused, ¡°Could it be made of steel? No, that''s not possible.¡± The material seemed vaguely familiar to him. The chair appeared to be wooden, yet it was different. Its surface was dark and glossy, exuding an air of regal sophistication. Su Ming was confident it wasn''t crafted from jade. He had sold plenty of jade before, and if this chair were jade, it wouldn''t be nearly as heavy. ¡°Host, congrattions! You have acquired a chair made from the Top Grade Gloomy Wood of Agarwood!¡± the voice in his head announced. Su Ming nearly sprang up again, taken aback by the revtion. It was indeed the Top Grade Gloomy Wood from Agarwood. Lately, the System had been churning out various functional gadgets, and it had been quite some time since an item as valuable as this had emerged. The sight of the chair crafted from Top Grade Gloomy Wood filled Su Ming with a pleasant surprise. OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 479 Chapter 479 - He nned to Sell the Gloomy Wood Chairs Agarwood is a name familiar to many. This unique wood emits a particrly strong fragrance. When the heartwood of a tree is damaged, the tree secretes oils to heal the wound, and it''s these oils that produce the delightful scent. The wood is so dense that it can sink in water, hence the name Agarwood. It''s used in medicine and for crafting decorative ornaments. In modern cultivation, growers intentionally damage the Agarwood tree''s exterior. It takes over a decade for the tree to slowly produce the resin. A piece of top-quality Agarwood can take many decades, or even centuries, to form, which exins its exorbitant price. A gram of Agarwood can fetch anywhere from 1,000 to tens of thousands of RMB at auction. With a global annual yield of just 18 kilograms, Agarwood is exceedingly rare. Yet, even more exceptional is Gloomy Wood, the top grade of Agarwood. This wood sinks underwater and, due to significant geological changes, bes buried deep underground. Over millennia, the wood transforms, taking on a jade-like quality. Gloomy Wood is robust with a ck surface that resists decay, earning it the title of Eastern Divine Wood. While Agarwood is costly, Gloomy Wood is truly beyond price. Su Ming gazed at the chair before him, quietly collecting his thoughts. He moved aside, took another balloon, and popped it. With a familiar sh of light, he acquired another chair made of Gloomy Wood. It felt cool and extremely heavy. The chair''s ck surface was adorned with golden, iridescent patterns: a sight to behold. In his mind, Su Ming inquired, ¡°Yuvyuv, how many points can I get for these two chairs?¡± His previous finds were functional items meant for his use alone, rendering them unseble. These chairs, however, were different; they could be sold for a profit. Even though his bank ount already contained over 20 billion yuan, he knew the importance of securing more funds for the future. Su Ming remembered clearly: a Level Three Three-legged Golden Toad was priced at one million yuan. Could a Level Four Three-legged Golden Toad possiblymand ten million yuan? Could a Level Five Three-legged Golden Toad fetch a hundred million RMB? He fretted that with higher seed levels, his bank ount might only stretch to one or two premium seeds. Ordinary items weren''t worth the hassle to sell, but these chairs were crafted from Gloomy Wood, guaranteeing a hefty price tag. Selling them wouldn''t be a loss for him. ¡°Master, a chair costs 1000 points,¡± Yuvyuv informed him. Su Ming paused, taken aback. Checking the time, he noted it was still morning, hours away from his six o''clock blind date. Should he hold onto the chairs or sell them? After a moment''s contemtion, Su Ming sat down on one of the chairs. He immediately sprang up¡ªthe chair was ufortably cold. Keeping them seemed pointless; selling them was the better option. Nonchntly, Su Ming dragged the chairs into the hallway. ¡°You''ve sessfully harvested your crops, earning 200,000 experience points! Plus, an additional reward of 40,000!¡± ¡°Item recycled. Congrattions, you''ve earned 10,000 experience points! Plus, an additional reward of 2,000!¡± He had cleared all the crops from the field. It had been ages since hest drove the truck. Opening the trunk, he was greeted by a cloud of dust. After a quick clean, he loaded the two chairs into the trunk. Su Ming got behind the wheel and pulled out his phone. Where to? Antiques City or Jade City? After a brief ponder, he opted for Antiques City. The chairs were, after all, antiques. Plus, he was acquainted with quite a few people there. Decision made, Su Ming headed for Antiques City. With the window down and a tune on his lips, he reached his destination. Stepping out, he opened the trunk. Dragging two Gloomy Wood chairs through the streets would surely invite trouble. A single piece of Agarwood could incite a frenzy; these chairs would attract even more attention. He decided to scout for a buyer inside Antiques City first. If no one was interested, he''d simply take the chairs home. It would be ideal if someone wanted to purchase them on the spot. Su Ming snapped a photo of the two chairs, secured the car door, and scanned his surroundings. He had arrived at Antiques City early in the day when it was still quiet and unnoticed by the sparse crowd. Feeling at ease, Su Ming strolled into Antiques City, phone in hand. He had visited once before but had been too rushed to really explore the ce. This visit, however, he was alone and could leisurely peruse the offerings of Antiques City. The broad street was lined with numerous small shops. The shopkeepers and staff mostly seemed indifferent, showing little enthusiasm even when customers browsed their wares. Most visitors were there simply for the experience, with no real intention of making a purchase. Su Ming was aware that the smaller antique shops likely didn''t have the funds to buy his two Gloomy Wood chairs. Eastsea was no backwater; it was home to many affluent and influential individuals. And surely, those who appreciated antiques wouldn''t becking in funds, right? Even if an antique shop owner couldn''t afford his chairs, perhaps a friend of theirs could. While walking, Su Ming''s attention was drawn to a sizable shop beside him. It was a prominent establishment, stretching twenty to thirty meters along the main street, with a spacious ground floor and numerous, strikingly attractive female attendants. As Su Ming was about to step inside, a voice filled with surprise called out, ¡°Mr. Su?¡± A portly man with the air of a proprietor approached him briskly. The man''s face lit up with joy upon seeing Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, it''s been ages! What brings you here?¡± He extended his hand for a warm handshake. Taken aback, Su Ming responded with a hint of bewilderment, ¡°I''m sorry, but who might you be?¡± He did not recognize the man. ¡°It''s quite understandable that you don''t remember me, Mr. Su. Last time you were here at Antiques City, I got squeezed out by the crowd,¡± the man exined with a beaming smile. ¡°I''m Qian Rushan, the owner of this establishment. Tell me, Mr. Su, have youe to buy or to sell today?¡± Chapter 480 Chapter 480 - My Name Is Very Easy to Remember ¡°I''m here to sell something,¡± Su Ming said, smiling. ¡°What are you selling, Mr. Su? Come on, let''s have a look,¡± Qian Rushan said, his interest piqued. He thought to himself, ¡°Mr. Su''s items are surely extraordinary.¡± Yet, Qian Rushan noticed Su Ming''s hands were empty. He surmised that Su Ming intended to sell a small item, perhaps a tiny gourd pendant or something simr. Naturally, if the small item was of high quality, it would fetch a high price. Still, given its small size, it wouldn''t be overly expensive. Qian Rushan was confident he could afford Mr. Su''s trinket. ¡°They''re in the car,¡± Su Ming said with a twinkle in his eye. Qian Rushan was taken aback, then shuddered involuntarily. ¡°Mr. Su, you don''t happen to have a whole truckload to sell, do you?¡± He recalled the overwhelming crowd from that day and the memory of being trampled underfoot, which made him shudder again, the pain still fresh in his mind. ¡°No, I''ve just brought two chairs,¡± Su Ming replied, still smiling. Qian Rushan had an epiphany. ¡°Ah, two chairs! Mr. Su, may I see them?¡± ¡°Certainly,¡± Su Ming responded, pulling out his phone from his pocket. ¡°I have a picture of them right here.¡± Eagerly, Qian Rushan nodded and took Su Ming''s phone with great reverence, examining the photo closely. He felt a surge of excitement, his blood racing to his brain. ¡±Is this the fabled Gloomy Wood?¡± he wondered. In his haste, Qian Rushan shook his head so vigorously that Su Ming was startled. ¡°Take it easy,¡± Su Ming thought. ¡°You might just shake off all the fat from your face.¡± Qian Rushan continued to tremble as he stared at Su Ming. ¡±What''s gotten into Qian Rushan?¡± Su Ming pondered, blinking in bewilderment. ¡°Take your time, Boss Qian. There''s no rush,¡± Su Ming said, smiling reassuringly. ¡°These chairs, they''re made of Gloomy Wood, aren''t they?¡± Qian Rushan asked, his eyes wide with anticipation. ¡°You really know your stuff, Boss Qian,¡± Su Mingplimented, his smile broadening. Boss Qian was brimming with excitement. Despite the coolness of thete autumn air, he couldn''t resist shedding his coat, his body drenched in sweat. His face flushed and his head seemed to emit steam as he locked eyes with Su Ming. Startled, Su Ming stepped back, wondering, ¡°What''s happening?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you''re surely aware of the value of Agarwood; it''s pricier than gold,¡± Boss Qian said. ¡°A gram can cost thousands, even tens of thousands. Top Grade Agarwood fetches tens of thousands more.¡± ¡±But these two chairs are crafted from Gloomy Wood, which is far more valuable than Agarwood.¡± ¡°The price per gram could be in the hundreds of thousands.¡± ¡°Your chairs are certainly not inexpensive.¡± Qian Rushan was particrly thrilled. He never imagined he''d encounter the fabled Gloomy Wood, let alone fashioned into two chairs. Had anyone else presented these chairs, he would have suspected a deception. But this was Su Ming standing before him, and he trusted that Su Ming wouldn''t deceive him. Mr. Su wouldn''t present a counterfeit. ¡±Mr. Su, these chairs are too precious. I can''t afford them,¡± Boss Qian admitted. ¡°However, don''t worry. I know a wealthy merchant who might be interested in purchasing them.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°I''d appreciate it if you could put me in touch with him.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Boss Qian replied eagerly. ¡°Mr. Su, if you have a moment, please feel free to rx upstairs.¡± With a nod, Su Ming followed him up. ¡°Attend to Mr. Su,¡± Boss Qian instructed his staff. ¡°Fetch the finest tea I bought yesterday from my office and turn up the air conditioning.¡± After ensuring Su Ming wasfortable, he said with a smile, ¡°Please, take a seat and wait here, Mr. Su. I''ll just make a quick call.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Su Ming responded, smiling in return. Rushing out, Qian Rushan fumbled with his phone, struggling to unlock it. After taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he finally essed the contact he needed. ¡°Boss Qian, what is it now? I''ve told you, the goods you offer are too mundane for my taste. They don''t interest me.¡± ¡°I have to catch a flight back this afternoon. ¡°I still need to pack my things. I''ll talk to youter.¡± The moment the call connected, I was greeted with a voice that was bothzy and arrogant, tinged with a hint of impatience. Qian Rushan spoke quickly, ¡°Mr. Lyu, I''ve got two exceptional items this time. You really shoulde and see them.¡± Lyu Jintao, clearly annoyed, responded, ¡°Qian Rushan, are you trying to bluff me?¡± ¡°Please trust me, Mr. Lyu. I truly have two top-grade items,¡± Qian Rushan insisted. Lyu Jintao was about to decline, but Qian Rushan cut in urgently, ¡°Mr. Lyu, if you''re not satisfied with the items this time, you can take any item from our store for free.¡± Without a second thought, Lyu Jintao epted the offer. After all, he had nothing to lose and could potentially gain a treasure at no cost. Truth be told, Lyu Jintao was skeptical about finding anything worthwhile in Qian Rushan''s shop, except for the one treasure he coveted but which had not been sold to him despite lengthy discussions. Yet today, Qian Rushan had made an unexpected promise. Lyu Jintao intended to im dissatisfaction with whatever curiosities Qian Rushan presented, just to walk away with that one coveted item from the shop. ¡°No problem. Boss Qian, I''m on my way to your shop now. But remember, I have a flight in four hours. It''ll take me an hour to get to the airport, and another two hours for check-in, so I can only spare an hour at your shop. Boss Qian, please don''t waste my time,¡± Lyu Jintao stated. ¡±Boss Lyu, rest assured, I wouldn''t deceive you,¡± Qian Rushan replied hastily. ¡°Great. See you in ten minutes.¡± With that, Lyu Jintao ended the call. Qian Rushan approached Mr. Su, ¡°Mr. Su, a gentleman will be arriving in ten minutes. He''s a prominent figure from the port area and cane across as quite arrogant. If he says anything out of line, please don''t take offense.¡± Chapter 481 Chapter 481 - I Think You Should Lower Your Voice Shortly thereafter, Boss Qian received a phone call. With urgency in his voice, Boss Qian announced, ¡°He has arrived.¡± Su Ming suggested, ¡°Let''s head out then. It''s perfect timing; he and I can conduct our transaction in the parking lot, sparing him the need toe inside.¡± Boss Qian pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. Together, they made a beeline for the parking lot. Upon their arrival, they spotted a ck sedan. Boss Qian approached the vehicle, and as the driver''s door swung open, out stepped a man d in a ck suit, tie, white gloves, and sunsses. He briskly moved to the rear seat, opening the door to reveal another individual. This man was on the shorter side, standing around 5''7¡å, sporting a mustache and dressed neatly. As Lyu Jintao exited the car, he furrowed his brow and said, ¡°Boss Qian, my time is precious. Where''s the merchandise you mentioned? And you''re seriously expecting me to make a deal with you here in the parking lot?¡± Boss Qian quickly nced at Su Ming for assistance, ¡°Mr. Su?¡± Su Ming gave a nod, walked over to the truck, and swung the door open. Truth be told, Lyu Jintao''s visit was motivated by the prospect of getting the better of Boss Qian. He recalled how Boss Qian had offered on the phone to give him something from his shop for free if he wasn''t impressed with the merchandise. Lyu Jintao gave Su Ming another once-over. Judging by Su Ming''s in attire and the dpidated truck he drove, Lyu Jintao doubted there was anything of value to be had. Lyu Jintao paid little attention to Su Ming, his expression one of disinterest as he gazed towards Boss Qian''s shop. With the truck door now open, Boss Qian realized Lyu Jintao''sck of response and feltpelled to prompt him, ¡°Boss Lyu?¡± Lacking patience, Lyu Jintao bluntly stated, ¡°Let''s be frank, I''m here today to im the most prized possession from your store. Whatever treasures this truck may hold, even if they''re of national significance, they won''t pique my interest. Naturally, I won''t exploit you¡ªI''ll purchase the most valuable item in your store at the price we previously discussed. I''ve got the money ready. So, where is it?¡± Upon hearing this, Boss Qian blinked and said, ¡°Honestly, if you''re looking to buy the most valuable item in my store, I have no objections.¡± Lyu Jintao was ecstatic. He hadn''t anticipated Boss Qian''s sudden change of heart. Just yesterday, Boss Qian had been adamantly opposed to the idea, no matter how much Lyu Jintao pressed. ¡°Great, let''s head to your store then!¡± Lyu Jintao announced, making moves to depart. Boss Qian quickly interjected, ¡°Boss Lyu, please, patience. Remember our prior arrangement? If you''re not interested in the item, I promised to offer you something else from my store. But you haven''t even looked at it yet. It''s not right to act this way.¡± ¡°Today, it doesn''t matter what you show me; I''m certain I won''t be interested. I''m only here for the most precious thing in your store,¡± Lyu Jintao dered, casting a disdainful nce at the truck''s trunk. Suddenly, he froze in disbelief. ¡°This is Gloomy Wood!¡± His voice boomed. The two chairs before him were indeed crafted from Gloomy Wood. Unquestionably, they were both carved from the same massive piece of Gloomy Wood. The wood must be incredibly thick. Lyu Jintao''s mouth hung open, so shocked that he found himself at a loss for words. ¡°Mr. Lyu, please lower your voice; there are many people around,¡± Boss Qian urged in a hushed tone. ¡°If they overhear you, it could spell trouble.¡± ¡±It''s actually Gloomy Wood!¡± Lyu Jintao eximed again, unable to contain his amazement. ¡°Boss Qian, you actually possess such a treasure!¡± ¡°Good heavens, everyone, look at this! It''s Gloomy Wood!¡± After Boss Qian''s cautionary words, Lyu Jintao sprang up as if propelled by springs, shouting at the top of his lungs. Su Ming watched the scene unfold, his brow furrowed in confusion. What had gotten into Lyu Jintao? Why was he so agitated? ¡°What''s that? Did I just hear someone mention Gloomy Wood?¡± ¡°I heard it as well.¡± ¡°There''s no way there''s Gloomy Wood here, right?¡± ¡°I agree, it seems improbable that we''d find Gloomy Wood here.¡± Several of the nearby workers paused, taken aback by Lyu Jintao''s outburst, despite the din of their ongoing work. They faintly heard someone mention Gloomy Wood. But when they paused, the voices ceased. The group of freight handlers shook their heads in disbelief. The idea of finding Gloomy Wood seemed ludicrous to them. Gloomy Wood was far too pricey. How could they possibly havee across it? Many had never even heard of it. ¡°Maybe I had one too manyst night and I''m hearing things,¡± one of the handlers suggested. ¡°Liar! You''re just weak! I''ll have to beef up your diet!¡± retorted another. ¡°Haha! You talk as if you''re some kind of strongman,¡± a third chimed in. The four handlers bantered andughed amongst themselves. As they were gearing up to resume their heavy lifting, Lyu Jintao''s voice, filled with astonishment, rang out. ¡°My goodness! This is actually Gloomy Wood!¡± ¡°Young man, is this Gloomy Wood yours?¡± ¡°What''s the price? I want to buy it!¡± eximed Lyu Jintao. The words left the freight handlers dumbfounded. The Gloomy Wood they had dismissed was authentic. Turning around, their astonishment grew. Good heavens! They recognized that man! When he had visited Antiques City a few days prior, he was a big-shot boss who spent money like it was going out of style. Any treasure that caught his eye, he purchased on the spot. In just three days, he had acquired all the prized possessions in Antiques City. But now, that same boss stood there, his face flushed, hands outstretched, mouth agape, staring in disbelief at the trunk of the vegetable cart. Could the Gloomy Wood be genuine? The four exchanged nces. They approached the Gloomy Wood in silence, inspecting it closely. ¡°Good lord! This is indeed Gloomy Wood!¡± one of them eximed. ¡°I want to feel it!¡± another dered. ¡°Back off, who do you think you are?¡± a third snapped. ¡°If you damage it, you couldn''t possibly afford the damages!¡± a fourth warned. ¡°Isn''t that Mr. Su?¡± ¡°My god! It is Mr. Su. Are these two chairs also Mr. Su''s?¡± Chapter 482 Chapter 482 - Gloomy Wood Upon seeing the four individuals, Su Ming instinctively reached up to pat his forehead in disbelief. He had hoped to take advantage of the sparse crowd to discreetly sell the two chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood. However, Lyu Jintao unexpectedly stirred up a fuss. After maintaining a slow and steady tone, his demeanor shifted dramatically at the sight of the Gloomy Wood. Lyu Jintao had imed his interesty solely in the most valuable items at Boss Qian''s shop, yet now he was utterly captivated by the two chairs. He hadn''t anticipated the arrival of such a treasure. They could have conducted the transaction quietly, but now others were aware of the Gloomy Wood chairs. Boss Qian quickly stepped in, urging, ¡°Boss Lyu, please, take a moment topose yourself.¡± Lyu Jintao managed to regain someposure, swallowing hard before nodding in agreement. With newfound respect for Su Ming, Lyu Jintao inquired, ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± Who else could possess two chairs made of Gloomy Wood? Boss Qian introduced him, saying, ¡°This is Mr. Su, the gentleman I''ve mentioned to you before.¡± Lyu Jintao eagerly shook hands with Su Ming, eximing, ¡°So you''re Mr. Su! Truly, you are quite remarkable! Handsome, elegant, and undeniably distinguished. How old are you, if I may ask? Surely you''re not over 25. I notice you''re not wearing a wedding ring¡ªare you unmarried? I have a daughter who is just 35 this year. She''s slightly older than you, but I see that as an advantage. She''s quite beautiful. Would you consider meeting her?¡± Su Ming paused, sensing that Lyu Jintao had veered off-topic. He also realized thattely, many seemed eager to set him up with a girlfriend. Besides, he wasn''t inclined to entertain the idea of a 35-year-old woman as his partner. Su Ming responded, ¡°Boss Lyu, I''m already in a rtionship. Let''s focus on the matter of the chairs for now.¡± ¡°That''s too bad. But are you certain you don''t want to meet my daughter?¡± As Lyu Jintao appeared ready to persist in talking about his daughter, Boss Qian interjected, ¡°Boss Lyu, our primary reason for being here is to examine the merchandise. Mr. Su has othermitments shortly, so perhaps you could take a closer look at these two chairs first.¡± Lyu Jintao reluctantly withdrew his eager gaze, epted a pair of gloves from the side, and cautiously climbed into the carriage. He extended his hand, about to touch the two chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood. ¡°Don''t touch!¡± Just then, a booming voice erupted. Lyu Jintao jumped in surprise. Who was yelling so loudly? He turned to look and was astounded. A crowd had gathered outside the carriage. When had they arrived? How did they get there? The denizens of Antiques City had created a dedicated WeChat group for sharing news. The crowd around the truck had learned about the Gloomy Wood from the group and rushed over. Everyone had prioritized this chat group. Its name was quite straightforward. It was simply called Mr. Su! Normally, no one was permitted to post in this chat group. The only messages they could share were about Mr. Su arriving at Antiques City with his treasures. When Su Ming first came to this ce, he went unnoticed. As Su Ming wandered through Antiques City, a few individuals spotted him and broadcast the news in the chat group. But no one dared to approach him. They weren''t sure if Mr. Su was there to shop. Yet, everyone kept a vignt eye on Su Ming. So, when the four workers transporting the goods mentioned in the group that Su Ming was there to sell, the well-prepared crowd descended en masse. This was, after all, Antiques City. Only Su Ming couldmand such attention. ¡°Boss Lyu, you might not get a chance to buy these chairs. You can''t touch them.¡± ¡°Exactly. We''re interested in purchasing them.¡± ¡°If you dare touch them, you''ll have me to answer to!¡± The encircling crowd red at Lyu Jintao. Lyu Jintao was taken aback. He recognized the faces of those speaking. He had shopped at their stores just yesterday. Back then, they had been all smiles and respect. But today, their demeanor toward him had shifted dramatically. Lyu Jintao protested, ¡°I was the first to spot these chairs.¡± ¡°And what of it? Just because you saw them first, does that mean Mr. Su is obliged to sell them only to you?¡± ¡°Indeed. The chairs are Mr. Su''s property. He decides who he sells them to!¡± ¡°Nobody but Mr. Su can touch them!¡± the crowd proimed with fervor. Su Ming developed a headache upon witnessing the scene. He was encircled once more! His intention had been to discreetly sell the two chairs, yet his n hade to naught. He mused, ¡°Boss Lyu, I urged you to keep it down. You ignored my advice, and your shouting has whipped up a frenzy. Now everyone''s moring to purchase them.¡± ¡°Has Mr. Su arrived?¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°Mr. Su, atst, you''re here!¡± Just then, several aged voices emerged from nearby. Su Ming nced over and was utterly taken aback. The throng around him had grown. Some were hobbling, supported by others as they made their way here. Others hobbled over on canes, while some approached in wheelchairs. There were even individuals in hospital gowns, hooked up to IV drips. Su Ming was overwhelmed by the sight. Incredibly, there was someone being carried in on a hospital bed. He watched as six young men, drenched in sweat, transported an elderly man whoy on the bed, his head wrapped in a bandage that was seeping blood. Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°Old man, you''re in such poor health, you should be resting. This is quite rming. If the sight of these chairs excites you to the point that your wounds reopen or you pass out, I''ll be in deep trouble. And if your rtivese after me, I won''t be able to handle the consequences.¡± Chapter 483 Chapter 483 - They Are All Good Actors ¡°Let me go. I''m not old yet.¡± An elderly man with a faltering gait shoved aside the two people who were trying to support him. He was brimming with excitement. His waist and legs were pain-free, and he had regained the strength to walk. ¡°This cane, which has served me for 82 years, can finally be discarded.¡± Tossing his cane aside, the old man looked rejuvenated. The man in the wheelchair also sat up straight, exuding a sense of determination. Su Ming paused, puzzled. What was the gentleman in the wheelchair attempting to do? His legs had been amputated. Could he possibly stand up like the man who had just discarded his cane? The man in the wheelchair turned red in the face. After a long hesitation, he said, ¡°I want to stand, but I can''t. Just push me forward!¡± Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the man in the wheelchair was realistic about his situation. At that moment, the man lying in the hospital bed stretched out a shaky hand. ¡°I have to purchase these two chairs.¡± His eyes were fixed intently on the chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood. Suddenly, a young man burst through the crowd. He knelt at the bedside and pleaded, ¡°Dad, you''ve just had brain surgery! You can''t just move around. Please, listen to me and return to the hospital to recuperate.¡± The young man sobbed loudly. ¡°No. Just seeing a chair made of Gloomy Wood is a stroke of luck in my life.¡± ¡°If I could just touch it, I would die without any regrets.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, my time is short. Please, let me touch this Gloomy Wood chair.¡± The man in the bed blinked pitifully, tears streaming down his face. Hearing this, Su Ming could only respond, ¡°Alright.¡± However, the old man who walked with a limp was not pleased, eximing, ¡°Damn! Old fellow, you''re quite the actor! How could you have just undergone brain surgery? I know for a fact you''re as sturdy as an ox!¡± The man in the bed grew upset and retorted, ¡°We had an agreement not to call each other out. How dare you expose me first. Mr. Su, don''t let him deceive you. He ran a marathon justst week! He doesn''t need that cane at all. And tonight, he''s even dancing with his wife!¡± Upon hearing the usation, the old man with the crutch thought to himself, ¡°I haven''t called you out. How dare you try to expose me first?¡± His mood soured instantly, and he said, ¡°Mr. Su, don''t let them deceive you.¡± ¡°They''re just trying to get their hands on your Gloomy Wood chair. It''s all an act.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, the nearest hospital is over a 40-minute drive away! He couldn''t have gotten here so quickly, not even if he were on a rocket!¡± ¡°Hee, do you have a problem with me?¡± ¡°Soong, are you looking to square off with me?¡± ¡°Old Wang, what are you staring at? Are you itching for a fight?¡± The three elders exchanged furious nces. Su Ming, observing from the sidelines, was utterly dumbfounded. It turned out that these three old timers were putting on a show. They were quite the actors. One feigned a limp, another acted as if he needed crutches to walk, and the third pretended to be a bedridden patient. Su Ming was unaware that these three had gone to such lengths to prepare for his arrival. Thest time Su Ming visited Antiques City to sell items, only these three had been away in the capital purchasing goods. Upon their return and learning of his visit, they were so full of regret that they were beside themselves with frustration. They then got their hands on these props, rehearsed daily, and agreed not to reveal each other''s ruse. However, when they realized that the one feigning illness was about to fulfill his wish to touch the chair, the other two became visibly anxious. Su Ming was somewhat at a loss. Then, something dawned on Su Ming. His attention shifted to the old man in the wheelchair. The man looked utterly bewildered and was on the verge of tears when Su Ming''s gaze met his. ¡°Mr. Su, they may have been tricking you, but I''m genuine!¡± ¡°I truly have no legs!¡± he said, his voice tinged with a cry. The four had grown up and aged together. A few years back, he had been in a car ident that resulted in the amputation of his legs, leaving him in a state of mncholy, particrly as he watched the other three enjoy their lives. But recently, seeing them all feigning disabilities, he had felt a perverse sense of joy. To his dismay, he discovered they were all just pretending to be crippled! It was all a sham! They were just trying to cheer him up. Justst week, one of them ran a half marathon, yet he lied, iming he was in the hospital receiving shots and medication. ¡°Mr. Su, I hold a position of respect here in Antiques City, so I have a keen eye for antiques. Rest assured, I''ve encountered plenty of Gloomy Wood. Let me just feel this piece to assess its quality,¡± the wobbly old man said with a grin, reaching out his hand. ¡°Get lost! Mr. Su, he''s deceiving you. He just wants to feel the Gloomy Wood. I know what''s tucked away in every nook and cranny of your home better than you do! Do you even know where your wife stashed the money?¡± Old Wang, leaning on his cane, immediately called out the deception. Hearing this, the first old man became furious. ¡°How do you know where my wife hid the money? You old coot, you dare to conspire with my wife against me!¡± ¡°It was your wife who told my wife!¡± ¡°Nonsense, your wife has been dead for eight years!¡± The two old men started scuffling. Onlookers snapped photos and apuded. Remarkably spry for their age, they were actually brawling. The old man in the hospital bed saw his opportunity as the fight broke out. He scrambled out of bed, yanked off his bandages, tossed them aside, and bolted for Su Ming''s car. ¡°Not so fast!¡± But as he approached the car, the old man in the wheelchair couldn''t contain himself any longer. With a forceful push of his hands, he lunged from his wheelchair, grabbing hold of the other old man''s pants. The hospital gown, already loose, was no match for the old man''s strength. With a firm tug, it came right down. The room fell into stunned silence. Especially a few olddies nearby, their eyes sparkled at the sight. They hadn''t expected such an impressive physique. Chapter 484 Chapter 484 - I Have a Way ¡°Third Brother, what''s wrong with you?¡± ¡°Third Brother, please wake up!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, my third brother is on his deathbed. Hisst wish is to touch this chair made from Gloomy Wood!¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I''m begging you, let him.¡± At that moment, a young man approached, sobbing loudly. Su Ming blinked in disbelief. He was at a loss for words when he saw the young man refer to a turtle no bigger than his palm as his third brother. The turtle, however, was sticking its head out and seemed quite lively. Su Ming guessed it was probably older than the young man himself. ¡°Mr. Su, my father has had Alzheimer''s for a long time. He can''t remember anyone.¡± ¡°But he suddenly remembered my name just now, which thrilled me.¡± ¡°Then, just as suddenly, he forgot me again. I''m convinced it''s these two Gloomy Wood chairs that jogged his memory.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, please, let my father touch the Gloomy Wood chairs.¡± Another young man emerged, helping an elderly man. But the elderly man lookedpletely confused. He didn''t recognize the young man at all. He had been a bystander until the young man pulled him forward, iming he suffered from Alzheimer''s. This infuriated the old man. He was lucid and agile, yet the young manbeled him as someone with Alzheimer''s. The old man demonstrated a martial arts move, startling the nearby young man. The quick-thinking young man eximed, ¡°Mr. Su, my father''s condition is acting up again! Mr. Su, I implore you to grant his wish!¡± ¡°This man is spouting nonsense. Mr. Su, don''t listen to him.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, I have cancer and my time is running out.¡± ¡°I''m scheduled for surgery tomorrow. I might not survive.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, all I ask is to touch this chair.¡± Yet another spirited young man appeared. Su Ming blinked, then activated his scanner to examine the young man thoroughly. The young man did have some issues with his neck and shoulders, and his heavy smoking had taken a toll on his lungs, which showed signs of darkening. He certainly had health problems, but he didn''t seem to be on death''s door. Just then, someone nearby yelled, ¡°Mr. Su, someone has passed out!¡± Upon hearing this, the bystanders couldn''t help but roll their eyes. They suspected someone was feigning a fainting spell to elicit sympathy from Su Ming. When the onlookers seemed indifferent, someone yelled out, ¡°Damn! This man has actually fainted.¡± Their voice boomed loudly. The crowd turned to see an elderly man foaming at the mouth, convulsing and rolling his eyes back. They were all taken aback. Su Ming felt an impending headache. Lyu Jintao waspletely bewildered. He stayed hidden in the corner of the carriage, too afraid to move. Watching the crowd''s fervor, Lyu Jintao thought that if he so much as touched the two chairs, the mob would unhesitatingly toss him off the train. Boss Qian maintained hisposure. Having been through many significant events, he remained cool-headed. A medical team from Antiques City swiftly arrived on the scene. The paramedics quickly administered saline to the copsed old man. After a moment, the elderly man took a deep breath, then sat up abruptly. He frantically looked around and eximed, ¡°Who stole my chairs? I had just bought two chairs from Mr. Su. Who took them?¡± The people around were at a loss for words. The young man next to the old man quickly interjected, ¡°Grandpa, you just passed out. It was all a dream.¡± The old man, looking bewildered, asked, ¡°Is that true?¡± Then, all of a sudden, he stood up and dered, ¡°Mr. Su, my life''s greatest desire has been to touch these two chairs made of Gloomy Wood!¡± He bellowed, ¡°Mr. Su, please grant me this wish!¡± The crowd was rendered speechless. Moments ago, the old man was on the brink of fainting; now, he was bursting with vigor. Su Ming felt his headache intensify, unsure of how to resolve the situation. Noticing Su Ming''s distress, Boss Qian offered, ¡°Mr. Su, I have a solution.¡± Su Ming was intrigued, ¡°What''s your idea?¡± ¡°You could auction off the two chairs,¡± suggested Boss Qian. Su Ming stroked his chin, considering Boss Qian''s proposal to be quite sound. An auction would indeed allow him to maximize his profits. Boss Qian eagerly added, ¡°Mr. Su, if you trust me, I can handle this for you.¡± ¡°That''s fine by me.¡± At that moment, Su Ming was encircled by a throng of people, all he wished for was to leave the area promptly. At that moment, Boss Qian produced a megaphone and bellowed, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm!¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He had no clue where Boss Qian had procured such arge megaphone from. Once Boss Qian had spoken, the crowd fell silent. ¡°I am here to speak on behalf of Mr. Su,¡± he announced. ¡°All of you are connoisseurs, and you understand the high value of these two chairs crafted from Gloomy Wood.¡± ¡°Yet, with so many of you gathered here, what would happen if one of you identally bumped into the chairs?¡± ¡°It would be such a shame to damage these fine pieces.¡± ¡°Mr. Su has informed me that he intends to sell these two chairs.¡± ¡°However, he ns not to price them here, but rather to auction them off in my shop.¡± ¡°I will set a starting bid. Those interested in purchasing these chairs are wee to ce their bids.¡± ¡°You will have 15 days to do so.¡± ¡°The highest bidder at the end of this period will be the new owner of the chairs.¡± ¡°Of course, within these 15 days, you are wee to examine the chairs.¡± ¡°However, you must undergo a thorough sterilization process and sign an agreement before touching them. Should any damage ur due to your handling, you will be required to purchase the chairs at the highest market price.¡± ¡°How does that sound?¡± After Boss Qian finished his proposal, the crowd was momentarily speechless. After mulling it over, they began to nod in agreement. Most were there simply for the excitement. Only a few had the means to actually purchase the chairs, and they agreed that the auction was a practical solution. This approach would prevent the throng of people from congesting the area. Thus, consensus was reached. Boss Qian immediately phoned his security team to secure the premises. The staff brought out tworge wooden crates filled with shredded paper and foam padding. They gingerly ced the chairs inside the crates and transported them straight to Boss Qian''s shop. Boss Qian then instructed his team to clear out the entire second floor to amodate the two chairs. Chapter 485 Chapter 485 - Friends On the second floor of Boss Qian''s shop stood an enormous ss cab, akin to a ss house in size. The ss itself was specially designed to be explosion-proof. The cab was sealed on all sides except for a side door, and its base was firmly screwed into the floor. Inside, there was a screen that had once been a treasure of an ancient Empress, truly invaluable. Boss Lyu had previously expressed interest in purchasing this screen. However, Boss Qian had now instructed two individuals to remove the screen and set it aside, covered with a cloth. Despite its considerable value, the screen paled inparison to the Gloomy Wood. Boss Qian, with the help of his workers, personally carried two chairs into the cab. After ensuring everything was in ce, he cautiously exited, locking the door behind him. Approaching Su Ming, he inquired, ¡°Mr. Su, how do you find the setup here?¡± Su Ming surveyed the surroundings and nodded in approval. ¡°It''s quite impressive,¡± he acknowledged. No sooner had Su Ming spoken than an elderly man darted forward, seizing a pen and paper to jot down an offer. Another individual, clearly displeased, remarked, ¡°That offer is far too low,¡± and proceeded to rip up the paper, writing down a new figure instead. ¡°Your offer is still too low!¡± ¡°I''ll take a turn!¡± ¡°Everyone must queue up!¡± ¡°Are you looking for a fight?¡± The situation quickly descended into disarray. Boss Qian raised his voice,manding attention, ¡°Stop this at once. You must all adhere to the rules, or face being cklisted.¡± The crowd eventually formed a queue, albeit a curved one due to space constraints. Standing at the forefront, Boss Qian asked, ¡°What''s your intention?¡± The first in line responded cheerfully, ¡°I''m here to write down my bid.¡± Boss Qian responded coolly, ¡°Go ahead.¡± The individual stepped forward and penned their offer. Turning to the next person, Boss Qian inquired, ¡°And what would you like?¡± The man, visibly shaking, replied, ¡°I''d like to touch the Gloomy Wood.¡± With a shrewd look, Boss Qian announced, ¡°The entry fee is 500 yuan.¡± The individual promptly paid 500 RMB without a second thought. Boss Qian expressed his satisfaction and gestured to the side, ¡°Go disinfect over there!¡± ¡°Got it!¡± The person quicklyplied. Su Ming thought to himself that Boss Qian really knew how to run a business. He even charged an admission fee. Catching Su Ming''s look, Boss Qian quickly added, ¡°Mr. Su, I''ll pass on all the ticket revenue to youter on.¡± ¡°There''s no need for that,¡± Su Ming said with a smile, shaking his head. ¡°Boss Qian, you''ve already helped me avoid a lot of hassle. Keep the ticket earnings as your fee. And once these two chairs are sold, I''ll make sure you get amission.¡± Boss Qian insisted, ¡°No, Mr. Su, I feel guilty enough taking the ticket money as it is.¡± Su Ming didn''t press the issue. He knew it would be quite beneficial for Boss Qian. He could envision the surge of customers the shop would see over the next couple of weeks. If Boss Qian spruced up the ground floor and disyed a few more antiques, it would surely draw in more buyers. The shop''s sales were bound to skyrocket. Just as Boss Qian was about to speak, he caught sight of Lyu Jintao and eximed, ¡°Boss Lyu!¡± Lyu Jintao greeted them humbly, ¡°Boss Qian, Mr. Su.¡± ¡°Boss Lyu, weren''t you in a rush to get home? Can you still catch your flight?¡± Boss Qian asked with a chuckle. ¡°Don''t tease me, Boss Qian. I''ve canceled my flight ticket,¡± Lyu Jintao replied cheerfully. ¡±What''s on your mind?¡± Boss Qian inquired. ¡°I''ll set a price and then feel the Gloomy Wood. Rest assured, I''m familiar with the protocol,¡± Lyu Jintao exined. He then dutifully wrote down his name and bid before obediently heading to another room for disinfection and inspection. Boss Qian quickly turned to Su Ming, ¡°Mr. Su, if you''re busy with other matters, please go ahead. I''ve got everything under control here.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Ming nodded, ¡°I appreciate it, Boss Qian. I''ll leave it in your capable hands.¡± Su Ming departed after finishing his business. ¡°Take care, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Make way, everyone! Mr. Su is on his way down!¡± ¡°Please don''t obstruct Mr. Su''s path!¡± ¡°Good morning, Mr. Su.¡± A throng of people continuously greeted him. Su Ming responded with a smile to each one. By the time he left Antiques City, his smile had frozen into a stiff expression. He massaged his facial muscles before getting into his car and heading home. He had sessfully acquired some Top Grade orchids. There was an acre ofnd lying fallow. Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. The points in the ntation area had soared to 18,000. To upgrade an acre of Level Twond to Level Three would cost him 5,000 points. He was uncertain what to nt on this particr acre andcked seeds. Perhaps it was best to upgrade thend first? After pondering for a moment, Su Ming clicked the upgrade button. ¡°Land upgrade in progress. Time remaining: 24 hours!¡± A day was not too long to wait. He was hopeful that the store would offer some appealing items tonight, like Level Three seeds. Exiting the ntation area, he found the sky had turned a dull gray. He tidied up the yard and grabbed some lunch. Next, he tended to the other areas, watering, fertilizing, and feeding the animals. He checked on the Eight Treasure Crab, ready for harvest that evening. The Three-legged Golden Toad would require almost two more days to be ready. He admired the Western Cowboy Alpaca; it was indeed quite striking. As the afternoon wore on, Su Ming decided to catch up on some sleep. Having gone without rest the previous night, he wasn''t physically weary, but he felt mentally drained. After waking up around 4 p.m., he freshened up with a shower, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and drove straight to the meeting ce. He arrived at 5:30 p.m. Su Ming ordered two sses of water and sat in quiet anticipation. Soon, the clip-clop of high heels approached. He nced up to see a pair of slender, wless legs. Looking further, he took in the sight of a stunning woman with a delicate waist, ample bosom, and a graceful neck as she approached him. Could she be his blind date? Why does she look so familiar to him? Chapter 486 Chapter 486 - He''s in Trouble Hsu Chenyue was taken aback, looking at Su Ming with disbelief. She realized the handsome man before her was the same one who had helped retrieve her ssmate''s phone. Could the world really be this small? They had run into each other again. Both Su Ming and Hsu Chenyue eximed in unison, ¡°It''s you?¡± Laughter followed their surprise. Though they had met only once before, they shared amon experience. They were hardly strangers. Relieved, Hsu Chenyue admitted, ¡°I never imagined my blind date would be you.¡± She eased into the chair, cautiously ensuring her underwear remained hidden. ¡°What''s the matter? Are you feeling okay?¡± Su Ming inquired. Hsu Chenyue, with a furrowed brow, replied, ¡°No, it''s just that my parents insisted on this blind date. I had no choice but to ept. I don''t usually wear dresses, but my mom believes girls should dress up elegantly and made me wear one. I''m notfortable in it.¡± Su Ming offered a knowing smile. He stood, removed his coat, and draped it over Hsu Chenyue''s legs. She looked up at him, her clear, bright eyes reflecting a mix of disbelief and warmth. The chill of thete autumn air was reced by the warmth from Su Ming''s coat around her legs. With a smile, Su Ming suggested, ¡°It''s chilly out. You should dress warmly. There''s a mall nearby; let''s go buy some clothes.¡± ¡°No, thanks.¡± Hsu Chenyue nced at the mall and hesitated, ultimately shaking her head, though she seemed to be holding back some reservations. Su Ming chose not to probe further. Everyone has their secrets, and the wise do not pry. With a puzzled look, Hsu Chenyue blinked and asked, ¡°I''ve been wondering, how did you end up being my blind date?¡± Su Ming, slightly embarrassed, exined, ¡°I invited my parents to stay in the city. I had recently bought an apartment in aplex.¡± ¡°And within 36 hours of moving in, they met your parents. They got along famously and decided to set us up on this blind date.¡± Su Ming felt utterly at a loss. His parents had a knack for befriending people. Despite having barely slept the night before and needing rest during the day, which limited their time outside, they somehow managed to befriend the downstairs neighbors and even arranged a blind date. Hsu Chenyue let out a chuckle, ¡°So that''s the story.¡± ¡°Let''s grab a bite to eat. Then, we can catch a movie and do some shopping. That way, we''ll have sessfullypleted our mission.¡± Su Ming smiled in agreement. Hsu Chenyue nodded, ¡°Got it.¡± Su Ming gestured to summon a waiter. As he was about to ce their order, the restaurant door swung open. A group of intimidating figures entered, looking every bit the part of thugs. d in leather and sporting hefty gold chains, they exuded menace. The gang''s leader, braving the chill in just a tank top that showcased his tattoos, had an air of danger about him. His entourage, a band of young men, mirrored his style with leather jackets adorning their torsos. ¡°Where''s your boss?¡± the leader barked, furrowing his brow as they stepped inside. The manager rushed forward, asking, ¡°Can I help you with something?¡± ¡°Scram. I''ve got no words for you. Where''s your boss? Get him out here to see me!¡± the gang leader demanded, clearly impatient. The manager responded with a regretful tone, ¡°I''m terribly sorry, our boss isn''t here. Can I offer you something to eat on the house?¡± He dared not provoke these notorious local gangsters known for their gambling, brawling, and soliciting. The police had detained them multiple times, but due to the minor nature of their offenses, they were often released within days. At worst, if they were caught stealing something of value, they''d face a short prison sentence of two or three years before being set free. But today, they were looking for trouble. Big Brother was visibly annoyed by the manager''s offer, ¡°Do you take me for a beggar who can''t afford his own meal? I''m here on serious business with your boss. Get him out here to meet me.¡± He was cut off mid-sentence by a reminder from one of his underlings. ¡°What''s going on?¡± Big Brother asked, his face contorting with displeasure. He had already struck a formidable pose, ready to teach someone a lesson, and in his mind, he looked exceptionally cool. Why was this person gesturing to him? ¡°Big brother, doesn''t that woman over there look familiar to you?¡± Behind him, his subordinate''s eyes were fixed on Hsu Chenyue. Big Brother nced back and after a careful look, his frown deepened as recognition dawned on him. ¡°I never expected to run into you here today!¡± Without further concern for the manager, Big Brother and his crew made a beeline for Hsu Chenyue. Su Ming''s brow furrowed slightly. He wouldn''t stand by if these men intended to harass Hsu Chenyue. Yet, it appeared they were acquainted. But something had shifted in Hsu Chenyue''s demeanor. What had transpired? ¡°We''ve been searching high and low for you. Your brother racked up a hefty debt ying games at my ce recently, and he put you up as coteral. Naturally, in a civilized society, we can''t ept people as coteral. But surely, having a drink with us wouldn''t hurt, right?¡± Big Brother let out a coldugh and extended his hand to seize Hsu Chenyue''s wrist. ¡°Back off!¡± Hsu Chenyue demanded, her brow knitted in disapproval. She swiftly stood up and deftly pushed Big Brother''s hand away. ¡°So, you are trained in martial arts!¡± Big Brother said with a slight smile. He was a solid man, easily tipping the scales at over 100 kilograms. Hsu Chenyue had some martial arts training, but truth be told, she was no match for Big Brother. ¡°Listen, girl, your brother owes us over half a million yuan. Your family has to settle this debt, or else I''ll make sure you don''t have a moment''s peace. I''ve done my homework; you''re a student at Eastsea University, living in Room 304 of the Boya Building, correct? If you y nice today and join us for a drink, we''ll consider the matter closed. From here on out, we''ll only take up issues with your brother and leave you out of it. But if you refuse, we''ll be visiting your school every day until youply.¡± It was clear from just one look that Big Brother was a seasoned thug with a penchant for ruthless tactics. Chapter 487 Chapter 487 - Are You a Repeater?? Hsu Chenyue clenched her jaw and said, ¡°That''s his problem, not mine.¡± The thug leader snarled, ¡°Stop lying. He''s your brother. Hang out and drink with us, and I''ll knock off 100,000. Plus, I won''t ever trouble you or your parents again. Otherwise, your whole family will suffer.¡± Hsu Chenyue was seething with anger, yet she felt utterly powerless. The diners around her chose to ignore the confrontation. It was terrifying. In these times, no one would risk their neck to help a stranger, as standing up to criminals was fraught with danger. Just then, Su Ming coughed and interjected, ¡°Hold on.¡± The gang leader nced at Su Ming and warned, ¡°This doesn''t concern you. Don''t stick your nose where it doesn''t belong, or you''ll regret it.¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Didn''t catch what I said, did you?¡± the leader pressed. Su Ming opened his mouth to respond. ¡°Looks like I''ve found someone with a death wish,¡± the leader mused, intrigued. Su Ming felt awkward. Was it really that hard to let him speak? Before Su Ming could get a word out, the gang leader seemed ready to speak again. ¡°Shut it!¡± Su Ming blurted out, raising his voice, ¡°Let me finish.¡± The leader paused, taken aback, and asked, ¡°What is it you want to say?¡± ¡°How much does his brother owe you?¡± Su Ming inquired. With a frown, the gang leader replied, ¡°550,000 yuan.¡± Su Ming nodded as if it all made sense, then took a seat. Silence fell over the crowd. Was that it? The gang leader was baffled. He had never encountered someone like Su Ming before. Hsu Chenyue was equally shocked. She had expected Su Ming to say or do something. But on reflection, she realized how foolish that was. They had only just met; they weren''t even friends. With the gangsters outnumbering them, why would Su Ming get involved? His self-preservation wasn''t a fault. The gang leader opened his mouth, stuttering, ¡°Well, uh¡­¡± He had a feeling that something was off. Su Ming hadn''t done a thing, yet he feltpelled to speak up. His confidence was shaken by Su Ming''s interjection. He tried to speak, but his mind went nk. The gang leader, a man in his thirties, had already forgotten his earlier words. The ringleader''s eyes darted around as he searched for a new topic. ¡°Listen here, youngdy, your brother owes us over 500,000 RMB. Your family must repay this debt, or I''ll make sure you never have peace. I''ve done my homework; I know you''re a student at Eastsea University.¡± After a pause, the gang leader continued. Silence fell over his entourage. Why did these words sound so eerily familiar? One of his underlings could no longer bear it. ¡°Big Brother!¡± he said, nudging his leader. The gang leader snapped, ¡°What is it you want?¡± Would they ever let him finish? His underling shivered with fear and stammered, ¡°Big Brother, you''ve already said that, word for word.¡± The leader blinked, puzzled. ¡°Really? I''ve said it before?¡± His followers nodded in agreement. ¡°Never mind, it''s not important.¡± ¡°Look, we''ve been looking for you for a while. Your brother gambled at our ce and lost a hefty sum. He offered you as coteral. Of course, we live in a civilized society; such things are out of the question. But surely you can join us for a drink?¡± Those around him were dumbfounded, thinking, ¡°Is this guy stuck on repeat? He ims he forgot what he said earlier, yet he can recite it verbatim. That''s quite a feat.¡± Hsu Chenyue looked on with confusion. She couldn''t help but think this viin''s intelligence wascking. The antagonists she''d seen on TV were always cunning, but this man seemed rather foolish. Hsu Chenyue furrowed her brow and dered, ¡°I''m not going anywhere. His problems are not my concern.¡± ¡°My apologies, but I must be blunt. Brothers, take her away.¡± Big Brother''s face darkened as he reached out to seize Hsu Chenyue. Just then, Su Ming rose to his feet once more. ¡°What are you up to now?¡± Big Brother was on the verge of losing his mind. He thought to himself that if Su Ming spouted any more nonsense, he would definitely bite him. Su Ming blinked and then said apologetically, ¡°Sorry. She''s my friend. I''m not going to let you take her away today.¡± Su Ming wasn''t one to meddle in others'' affairs. But he couldn''t just stand by when a beautiful woman was in distress. Especially since Hsu Chenyue was quite stunning. Upon hearing this, Big Brother arched an eyebrow and challenged, ¡°You really want to stick your nose into this?¡± Su Ming replied, ¡°This mess was her brother''s doing. What''s it got to do with her? By your logic, if her parentsmitted a crime, would you lock her up too?¡± Big Brother found himself at a loss for words against Su Ming''s argument. ¡°You''ve got a point. We really shouldn''t take her today. Fes, we''re pulling out.¡± With that, Big Brother turned to leave. His henchmen were dumbfounded. They thought, ¡°Boss, what are you doing? Are you joking? Have you turned into a stand-upic?¡± One of Big Brother''s men quickly piped up, ¡°Boss, we don''t need to argue with them. We''re the bad guys. Bad guys don''t need to make sense.¡± Hearing this, Big Brother instantly realized his subordinate had a point. Chapter 488 Chapter 488 - A Brick Big Brother mmed his hand down on the table and dered, ¡°My brother''s not wrong. We don''t y by the rules in our line of work. We act on our moods. Why should I listen to you?¡± ¡°Because of this!¡± Su Ming announced, reaching into his pocket with his right hand. He then pped an object onto the table. Everyone leaned in for a closer look. It was a brick. Big Brother looked perplexed. He nced at Su Ming''s waist, wondering, ¡°How can your pocket be deep enough to fit a brick?¡± ¡°Are you performing magic?¡± ¡°Why can your pocket fit a brick?¡± ¡°Do it again! Show us,¡± Big Brother urged, clearly intrigued. Silence enveloped the onlookers once more. The bystanders who had feigned indifference now turned their attention to the scene. They thought to themselves, ¡°Have the standards for being a thug dropped this low? His intelligence isughable!¡± ¡°Big brother!¡± one of his henchmen couldn''t resist prompting him. Big Brother snapped to attention. ¡°You dare to threaten us with a brick!¡± ¡°You''ve got just one brick, and we''ve got numbers. You could only hit one of us at most!¡± Big Brother said, his brow furrowed. His henchmen behind him felt a twinge of fear. If it came down to a fight with Su Ming, that brick would surely find their heads. No matter how foolish their leader was, he wouldn''t allow himself to be the target. He had his smarts about him in that respect. ¡°I can take you on one by one. Bricks aren''t disposable,¡± Su Ming stated earnestly. ¡°You''ve got a point.¡± ¡°Exactly. One brick can take down a lot of people.¡± Big Brother was taken aback. One of his men couldn''t watch any longer. ¡°Big Brother, maybe you''re just worn out fromst night. Get some rest, and let me handle this.¡± ¡°We have to take this woman with us today.¡± ¡°If not, don''t me us for not being nice!¡± This henchman wasn''t too dim-witted. ¡°And what if I refuse?¡± Su Ming asked, setting the brick back on the table. The henchmen froze. A brick to the head would undoubtedly hurt. They were used to intimidating others with their numbers. But the thought of actual pain made them hesitant. While they wavered, a breeze swept through. The brick on the table gentlynded on the floor. Everyone was left speechless. The room fell silent. Big Brother was taken aback, Hsu Chenyue was equally shocked, and the few onlookers who had a clear view of the scene were just as bewildered. They wondered, ¡°What kind of brick is this? The wind actually picked it up. Is it made of cotton or sponge? Even if it were stic, it couldn''t be this light, could it? No wonder you pulled it out of your pocket. We thought you were performing magic. You could have pulled an aircraft carrier from your pocket and we wouldn''t have batted an eye!¡± Big Brother thought to himself, ¡°He almost had me fooled.¡± He was the first to break the silence, ¡°I thought you were something special. Is that it?¡± ¡°This brick is terrifying. The wind can move it? Could it actually kill me?¡± ¡°I''d watch your back if I were you.¡± His subordinates burst intoughter. A waiter who had opened a window was momentarily frozen. He thought, ¡°Sorry. I just thought the room was a bit stuffy, so I opened the window to freshen the air. If they kill you, don''t me me. It wasn''t intentional.¡± ¡°You tried to intimidate us with this thing? Do you take us for fools?¡± One of Big Brother''s men stepped forward with a scoff. He stooped to pick up the brick and, upon squeezing it, found it was made of sponge. ¡°Do you really think a sponge brick could kill someone?¡± ¡°A real brick might scare me, but you could hit me with this fake one a hundred times and I wouldn''t feel a thing.¡± The young man finished speaking and yfully pped himself on the head with the sponge. Suddenly, he gasped, his eyes rolled back, and he copsed to the ground. ¡°Third Brother''s acting is more convincing by the day!¡± ¡°Third Brother has been watching a ton of gangster films. His performances are increasingly lifelike!¡± ¡°Boss, maybe we should chip in and send Third Brother to acting school. It''d be a shame to waste such talent!¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± ¡°Come on, Third Brother, cut the act. Get up, the floor''s cold.¡± ¡°Third Brother?¡± Initially, they were allughing heartily, but their amusement quickly turned to concern as they sensed something was amiss. Third Brother''s performance was rmingly convincing. He was not only convulsing but also foaming at the mouth. Something seemed off, so they went to check on Third Brother. That''s when they discovered that Third Brother had genuinely passed out! Everyone was dumbfounded. What in the world was happening? Could the sponge brick have actually knocked Third Brother unconscious? They were incredulous. It had to be a fluke. They refused to believe that a sponge brick could pack such a punch. Third Brother had been unwell since childhood, prone to asional seizures. They figured it was just bad timing on his part. Then, another young man stepped forward and said, ¡°Brothers, don''t be scared. Third Brother has had epilepsy since he was a kid. I can vouch for that.¡± He picked up the brick from the ground and smacked it against his head, proiming, ¡°Look, brothers, there''s no way this brick could knock me out.¡± But before he could finish, his eyes rolled back, and he copsed. He was twitching and foaming at the mouth, just like Third Brother. Everyone was in shock. They knew Third Brother had a long history of health issues, including epilepsy. But this brother was the picture of health. Why was he convulsing and foaming at the mouth? Big Brother sensed that something was amiss. How could this be happening? Was the sponge brick really that dangerous? Big Brother was skeptical. He picked up the brick, saying, ¡°This is just a sponge brick, right? It can''t possibly knock someone out. I simply don''t buy it.¡± He continued to talk to himself as he brought the brick down on his head. ¡°Big Brother, no!¡± The others tried desperately to intervene, but it was toote. Big Brother''s eyes rolled back, and he too copsed to the ground. Chapter 489 Chapter 489 - He''s an Expert The crowd that had been watching was initially terrified, but now, they couldn''t help but feel a mix of relief and a burgeoning urge tough. It seemed to everyone that these three individuals had only seeded in making a spectacle of themselves. Onlookers gazed at the trio sprawled on the ground, convulsing, eyes rolling back, and mouths frothing. The henchmen were dumbfounded. One of the thugs scratched his head and muttered, ¡°Sorry, I''ve got some urgent business at home.¡± ¡°Oh, Ipletely forgot, my third aunt is getting married today. I need to be at her wedding!¡± another thug announced, pulling out his phone. ¡°Did you say your sow just had nine piglets? Congrattions!¡± ¡°What? They demolished our house? Fantastic. No more hustling for me!¡± ¡°Is that right? Got it, I''m heading to tutoring ss right away!¡± After a brief, awkward silence, all the remaining thugs simultaneously whipped out their phones and began to feign phone calls, slowly retreating as they did so. The whole scene was bizarre. Who would have thought a sponge brick could knock someone out? Regardless of the sponge brick''s mysterious effectiveness, these ruffians wanted nothing more to do with this ce. They were eager to get home, away from the dangers of the outside world and its inexplicable weapons. ¡°Hold it right there,¡± Su Ming interjected suddenly. The gangsters acted as if they hadn''t heard Su Ming''smand, continuing their phone charade. ¡°Cut the act,¡± Su Ming insisted. ¡°You were clearly on the line with imperial court mobile! Unless I''m mistaken, customer service mentioned you have an outstanding bill! How did you even hear about your family''s house being demolished?¡± ¡°And you! You''re holding your phone upside down! The screen hasn''t even lit up. Is your phone dead or what? And how did you find out about your friend''s piglets? Are you using some kind of psychic powers?¡± ¡°I might let the others slide, but you''ve crossed the line. You don''t even have a phone. Are you pretending your fingers are a phone?¡± Su Ming said, his brow furrowed in disapproval. The gangsters were taken aback, their embarrassment palpable. They had thought their performance was convincing, perhaps not Oscar-worthy like their counterparts on the ground, but certainly not far off. Yet, in the end, Su Ming had effortlessly seen through their ruse. The group of thugs looked at Su Ming with ingratiating smiles stered on their faces. Su Ming eyed two of them. ¡°What did you two do before?¡± The pair stuttered, ¡°We¡­ we used to work on the assembly line in a factory.¡± ¡°Get back to work, pronto. You need to save money to get married and honor your parents! If you don''t, I''ll have to teach you a lesson,¡± Su Ming warned, his eyes narrowing. He then picked up a knife and fork from the dining table and, with a simple squeeze, bent them out of shape. This disy terrified the two men. Su Ming was clearly a master! Could Su Ming be like those martial arts experts from the TV shows? The sponge brick must be Su Ming''s way of concealing his true power. The three men sprawled on the ground were probably injured by Su Ming''s internal force. His underlings realized they had tangled with someone as formidable as Su Ming and were eager to escape. ¡°Alright, we''ll go find jobs immediately,¡± the two said, frightened into action by Su Ming, and they took off running. They nned to hurry back and find a factory job. Su Ming made a mental note of these two. If they didn''t go straight to job hunting, they could end up in a worse state than the three on the ground. ¡°What about you three?¡± Su Ming asked, frowning at the next trio. Dressed in gaudy attire, they looked quite young. ¡°We''re high school students,¡± one mumbled, clenching his teeth and bowing his head. Su Ming''s frown deepened. ¡°You''re students and you''re not focusing on your studies? Get back to school and hit the books. And listen up¡ªif you don''t make it into the top five on your final exams, I''lle to your homes and smack you with a brick every single day!¡± The students were dumbfounded by Su Ming''s ultimatum. These three were ustomed to ranking at the bottom of their ss. The thought of achieving top five seemed nearly impossible. ¡°Did you get that?¡± Su Ming pressed, his hand inching towards the sponge brick. At the sight of the brick, the three students were petrified. Reflecting on their situation, they realized, ¡°Sure, studying is tough, but it''s nothingpared to being smacked with a sponge brick! We better get home and hit the books!¡± With that, the trio spun on their heels and dashed off, discarding their bizarre outfits along the way. They shaved their heads and tossed every odd item from their homes into the garbage bin. Afterward, they settled into their chairs, ready to dive into the freshman curriculum. Upon one child''s parent''s return, she instinctively pushed open her son''s door. She let out a shriek: her son''s room was spotless. He had gotten rid of all those peculiar clothes. But what truly shocked her was that her son was memorizing vocabry! She wondered, ¡°What''s going on? Is it the apocalypse? Are pandas suddenly technicolor? Did the high-speed train take flight? Has the imperial court''s ser team clinched the World Cup?¡± The concerned parent rushed over, gently touched her son''s head, and asked, ¡°Honey, are you okay? What''s happened to you?¡± Doubting her own eyes, she thought, ¡°Am I mistaken? Have I lost my mind? Am I seeing things? My son is actually studying!¡± ¡°Mom, please don''t interrupt. I''m determined to study hard and rank in the top five of my ss!¡± ¡°I want to make a meaningful contribution to society!¡± he dered with fervor. ¡°Alright,¡± his mother said, utterly bewildered. As she stepped out, her confusion lingered. She had long since written off her son''s academic prospects, yet here he was, studying diligently. She mused, ¡°This is just too bizarre!¡± In the restaurant, only two individuals remained, eyeing Su Ming nervously. ¡°You two, escort those three out,¡± he instructed. ¡°Make sure they''re taken care of, and don''t follow in his footsteps as thugs. Choose a better path,¡± Su Ming advised them. Clearly, these two didn''t aspire to be thugs; they had likely been coerced by Big Brother. They had entered in his shadow, visibly uneasy. Everyone faces tough times. Su Ming had no desire to make their situation worse. He had tasked them with handling the three. ¡°Okay!¡± they agreed promptly. The pair then dragged the trio by the legs into a nearby alley. Once alone, they exchanged nces. One spoke up cautiously, ¡°That gentleman asked us to take care of them. What should we do now?¡± One person had a rather odd thought and remarked, ¡°I''m not sure. Should we strip them of their clothes?¡± ¡°That''s a sensible suggestion! Let''s get to it!¡± And with that, the two of them proceeded to remove the clothing from the three individuals. Chapter 490 Chapter 490 - Hsu Chenyang With the departure of those individuals, tranquility returned to the restaurant. Many eyes were drawn to Su Ming. They couldn''t help but regard him as a true master. The brick was clearly soft, likely made of sponge, yet he had used it to knock someone out with a single blow. It defied all logic. They suspected Su Ming was concealing his true abilities and that he possessed additional skills. It was a ssic case of an expert hiding in in sight. Little did they know, the brick was a creation of the System. It was so potent that it could knock out not just a person, but even an elephant. Su Ming noticed Hsu Chenyue biting her lip and apologizing. ¡°Why?¡± he asked, caught off guard. ¡±I''ve brought trouble upon you because of my brother,¡± she said, herplexion ashen. Hsu Chenyue''s father had been a martial artist from a young age, known for his extreme strictness¡ªa father of traditional, imposing stature. Hsu Chenyue''s brother, as his son, had been subjected to rigorous discipline from an early age. His childhood had been rtively carefree, but as he grew older, the tensions escted. Hsu Chenyue''s brother became increasingly defiant. Eventually, he fell in with the wrong crowd, indulging in gambling and developing some nasty habits. He had racked up significant gambling debts. Previously, Hsu Chenyue''s father had bailed him out with 300,000 yuan, settling all his debts, warning him it was his final chance. Yet, he quickly spiraled down again, losing over 500,000 yuan. ¡±Don''t worry about it,¡± Su Ming said with a reassuring smile. ¡°You''re not to me for these things.¡± Hsu Chenyue heaved a deep sigh. Though Su Ming had helped her fend them off today, she knew those men wouldn''t just walk away. Sooner orter, they woulde after her again. They had even discovered where her school dormitory was located. She might not be concerned for herself, but her ssmates were innocent bystanders. ¡°All this time has made me quite hungry,¡± she remarked. ¡°Waiter!¡± Su Ming stretched out his hand and gged down a waiter, casually ordering a few items. Their blind date came to an abrupt end due to the incident. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant. Hsu Chenyue''s spirits were noticeably low, and it was clear she had lost any enthusiasm for the movie. After a moment of thought, Hsu Chenyue said, ¡°I want to go home.¡± ¡±Okay,¡± Su Ming agreed, nodding before heading to his car. ¡°Is this your car?¡± Hsu Chenyue paused in surprise upon seeing Su Ming''s car, circling it twice. Admiring its sleek design, she recognized it as the Hennessy Venom GT, a car she had only seen in pictures. The Hennessy Venom GT, an unparalleled sports car, could be worth tens or even hundreds of millions. Even Hsu Chenyue couldn''t contain her astonishment. ¡°Is this really your car?¡± she asked, incredulous. ¡±Yes,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile, pulling the car keys from his pocket. ¡°Are you the legendary tycoon everyone talks about in whispers?¡± Hsu Chenyue asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Truth be told, Hsu Chenyue came from a well-off family. Her father owned arge martial arts dojo in the city center with many disciples. Numerous locals attended his dojo to learn martial arts and improve their fitness, bringing in a few million a year. Honestly, Hsu Chenyue''s family could easily afford to pay off her brother''s debts, but doing so would only embolden his reckless gambling. Her brother never dared to cause trouble at the dojo. It was a ce of discipline, not a bar. If he caused a scene there, he''d be soundly disciplined. While an ordinary person getting beaten at the dojo might lead to usations of assault, if Hsu Chenyue''s brother got what wasing to him, no one would sympathize. It was a father''s way of teaching his son a lesson. For Hsu Chenyue''s brother, a scolding from their father was considered getting off lightly. Even the police would turn a blind eye to such family matters. Hsu Chenyue had always assumed Su Ming came from a modest background, but she wasn''t the type to be swayed by wealth, so she never unted any sense of superiority. However, witnessing the scene before her, she came to the startling realization of Su Ming''s affluence. Even if Hsu Chenyue drained every penny from her family''s savings, she couldn''t cover a quarter of the cost of this car. She had thought herself to be unassuming, yet it turned out Su Ming was the true embodiment of understatement. A flicker of excitement reced the gloom in Hsu Chenyue''s heart as she eximed, ¡°Oh my god! I''ve never been in a sports car my whole life. My dad''s Santana was bought 20 years ago!¡± Su Ming, grinning, opened the car door and invited, ¡°Get in.¡± As Hsu Chenyue was about to step into the car, a man suddenly darted from the side and seized her hand. Startled, Hsu Chenyue''s instinct was to kick him, but she froze upon recognizing him. Her expression soured as she realized it was her brother, Hsu Chenyang. ¡°Sister, do you have any money? I need some. I haven''t eaten in days.¡± Hsu Chenyang''s clothes were tattered, and he reeked of decay. His hair was a mess, his left eye swollen, and his face bore scratches. His worn sneakers revealed his toes, and he was smeared with mud and weeds, as if he had spent the night in a thicket. ¡°I don''t have any money!¡± Hsu Chenyue forcefully shook off her brother''s grasp. ¡±Sister, you can''t ignore me. I''m your own brother. Dad may not care, but you should! Is this a Hennessy Venom GT? Sister, is he your boyfriend? Hello, brother-inw! I''m Hsu Chenyue''s brother! Since you can afford such an impressive car, you must be loaded, right? Spare me a few million yuan!¡± Hsu Chenyang swiftly redirected his plea to Su Ming, babbling incessantly. ¡°Stop right there!¡± Su Ming recoiled from Hsu Chenyang''s odor and stepped back. Hsu Chenyang''s audacity to brazenly ask for money was utterly shameless. ¡°I''m not moving.¡± Hsu Chenyang froze instantly. He scanned the surroundings with an alertness akin to a startled rabbit, ready to bolt at any moment. Su Ming couldn''t help but be at a loss for words. With Hsu Chenyang''s family wealth, he was destined for a bright future. Yet, he chose to engage in such foolishness, bing as unwee as a rat crossing the street. With a wry smile, Su Ming asked, ¡°Are you after money?¡± In a rush, Hsu Chenyang replied, ¡°Yes. If you think a few million yuan is too much, even tens of thousands will do.¡± Chapter 491 Chapter 491 - I''ll Take You to a Good ce Hsu Chenyue quickly approached Hsu Chenyang and said, ¡°Zip it, don''t spout nonsense! He''s not my boyfriend; he''s just a friend. Now get out of here! Do you have any idea how much trouble you''ve caused our family? I''m warning you, I have their number. If you don''t leave this instant, I''m calling them!¡± ¡°No, please!¡± Hsu Chenyang, terrified at the prospect, frantically waved his hands, his forehead beading with sweat. He nced around nervously, fearing those people might find him. ¡°I''m leaving now! Are you sure you don''t have any money?¡± Hsu Chenyang was reluctant to leave, yet he felt he had no choice. Biting her lip in frustration, Hsu Chenyue replied sharply, ¡°No, I don''t! Just go!¡± As Hsu Chenyue reached for her phone, seemingly ready to make a call, Hsu Chenyang instinctively thought of running away. It was then that Su Ming stepped forward and said, ¡°Hold on a second.¡± Hsu Chenyang''s eyes sparkled with hope. ¡°Brother-inw, I knew you''de through for me!¡± But Su Ming''s response was blunt. ¡°I don''t have any money.¡± Hsu Chenyang was dumbfounded. If Su Ming had no money, why did he stop him? With a grin, Su Ming exined, ¡°I have a friend who shares your interests and happens to be quite wealthy. He''s been looking for a kindred spirit. I''m sure he''d be eager to befriend you. He could cover your debts and even provide you with funds to continue your pursuits.¡± Hsu Chenyang''s eyes grew wide with astonishment. Could such good fortune really exist? This was an unexpected windfall. Hsu Chenyue listened to Su Ming with growing bewilderment. Overjoyed, Hsu Chenyang eximed, ¡°Is that true?¡± Su Ming''s smile widened. ¡°Absolutely. Just wait, I''ll arrange for him to meet you.¡± ¡°Great!¡± Hsu Chenyang was trembling with excitement, his hands fidgeting with anticipation. He felt fortunate that Su Ming was about to be part of his family. Hsu Chenyue''s confusion deepened, yet she remained silent. Even though she hadn''t known Su Ming for very long, she sensed there had to be a reason behind his actions. After finishing his sentence, Su Ming stepped aside, pulled out his cellphone, and dialed a number. An excited voice answered: ¡°Mr. Su, we owe you big time for your helpst time. We''ve sessfully convicted Wai Chengguo. Rest assured, Mr. Su, we''ve returned the money he swindled from the two elderly gentlemen!¡± It was Captain Wu on the line. Assuming Su Ming was inquiring about the previous incident, heunched into an update. Su Ming had no choice but to exin the situation in full. After listening, Captain Wu mused for a few seconds before responding, ¡°Indeed, we''ve had reports of an underground casino in the city. We''ve already sent a team to investigate. But the ce is heavily guarded, and our officers haven''t been able to infiltrate it or gather sufficient evidence. Mr. Su, you''re helping us out once again. I get your drift. I''m on my way.¡± ¡°Great,¡± Su Ming replied. With the call ended, Su Ming walked back to where Hsu Chenyang was standing. Eagerly, Hsu Chenyang asked, ¡°How did it go?¡± With a reassuring smile, Su Ming said, ¡°All is taken care of. My friend will be here shortly. He''s agreed to help you settle your debts, on the condition that you show him a good time. He''s got money to burn.¡± Hsu Chenyang was ecstatic, nearly beside himself with joy. Could there really be such generous people in the world? He felt his luck was finally turning around! As he waited in anticipation, a ck jeep pulled up nearby. Captain Wu stepped out, followed by two young men dressed in an oundish fashion. Approaching Su Ming with a smile, Captain Wu pointed at Hsu Chenyang and asked, ¡°Brother Su, is this the man you mentioned?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Su Ming confirmed with a nod. Hsu Chenyang gave Captain Wu a sly grin. ¡°Brother Su, anyone you rmend is bound to be solid. He looks decent enough, though his style could use some work!¡± Captain Wu said, eyeing Hsu Chenyang. ¡°Come over to my ce, get cleaned up, and change into something more suitable. Then, you''re going to take me gambling. That alright with you?¡± Captain Wu gave Hsu Chenyang a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°Don''t worry, I''ve got this. I''m very familiar with the situation!¡± Hsu Chenyang instantly stood taller, his chest swelled with pride. He hadn''t anticipated being of such use! With great enthusiasm, Hsu Chenyang followed Captain Wu to the car. Before climbing in, he grasped Su Ming''s hand, his eyes brimming with tears, ¡°Brother-inw, thank you! Once I strike it rich, I''ll definitely bring you along to wealth!¡± Su Ming gave a nod of acknowledgment. With a tearful voice, Hsu Chenyang implored, ¡°Brother-inw, I have only one sister. You must treat her well.¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. Seeing that Hsu Chenyang had more to say, Su Ming gently nudged him into the car and shut the door behind him. His hands now bore the grime from Hsu Chenyang''s clothes, prompting him to head to the dining room to wash up. He wasn''t one to judge others or a clean freak, but Hsu Chenyang was exceptionally dirty. Seated in the car, Hsu Chenyang''s excitement was palpable as he eagerly looked all around. As the car sped toward the city center, his excitement soared. He knew that the city center was home to the affluent, so Su Ming couldn''t have been deceiving him. The magnitude of change in his circumstances was beyond his wildest dreams. Hsu Chenyang inquired, ¡°Brother Wu, whichplex do you live in? I''m parched. Is there beer at your ce? What about food?¡± Captain Wu responded with a heartyugh, ¡°Absolutely! You''ll have more than just food and drinks. You''ll receive a golden bracelet, your own personal butler, and a bachelor pad. You''re in for a life of luxury!¡± Upon hearing this, Hsu Chenyang was ecstatic, feeling as though he was living a dream in broad daylight! Chapter 492 Chapter 492 - I''m Not That Kind of Person They soon arrived at their destination. Upon exiting the car, Hsu Chenyang remarked, ¡°Brother Wu, you live across from the police station? That seems a bit risky. But it''s actually a smart move. The most dangerous ce is often the safest. Brother Wu, you''re really something.¡± Unable to resist, Hsu Chenyang gave Captain Wu a thumbs-up. Captain Wu blinked. He recalled the girl he had seen earlier seemed quite sharp; she wouldn''t be on good terms with Mr. Su otherwise. Why then was her brother, Hsu Chenyang, acting so foolishly? It suddenly clicked for him why Hsu Chenyang had lost over 500,000 yuan. Captain Wu gestured towards the police station and said, ¡°Here we are. This is our destination.¡± Hsu Chenyang quickly responded, ¡°Brother Wu, this isn''t a good joke! We should keep our distance from the police station.¡± No sooner had Hsu Chenyang finished his sentence than the two young men following Captain Wu pulled out handcuffs and secured them around his wrists. It dawned on Hsu Chenyang then. ¡°You''re cops?¡± Reflecting on the perks Captain Wu had promised him, Hsu Chenyang sighed. Captain Wu hadn''t lied; he would indeed receive such treatment in jail. Hsu Chenyang was bewildered, but powerless. With Captain Wu having escorted him to the police station''s doorstep, there was no chance of escape. Captain Wu efficiently escorted Hsu Chenyang into the police station. Before long, Hsu Chenyang had spilled all the details. Captain Wu hardly had to press him; Hsu Chenyang volunteered everything without being asked. That very night, Captain Wu led his team to dismantle the underground gambling den. Meanwhile, Hsu Chenyue stood beside Su Ming, utterly baffled by his behavior. Unable to contain her curiosity, she inquired, ¡°Who is Brother Wu?¡± ¡°He''s a police officer,¡± Su Ming replied, then pped his hands and added, ¡°Come on, get in the car. I''ll take you home.¡± Hsu Chenyue was taken aback. ¡°A cop? Is he going to take my brother to the station?¡± Ultimately, Hsu Chenyue found it hard to stomach the thought of her brother behind bars. Despite his failures, his debts, and the trouble he''d caused the family, he was still her flesh and blood. He had always been protective of her when she was little. Su Ming sat in the driver''s seat and said, ¡°You didn''t want things to end up like this, did you? Do you realize what will happen to your brother if he keeps on this path?¡± Hsu Chenyue shook her head. ¡°He''ll start stealing. And if the money he steals isn''t enough, he''ll resort to robbery, or worse, murder for cash!¡± Su Ming''s message was crystal clear. Hsu Chenyue''s face showed a flicker of change upon hearing this, and ultimately, she let out a resigned sigh. She walked over to Su Ming and climbed into the car. ¡°You''re right. My brother has brought this on himself. He can''t me anyone else. If you hadn''t called the police, he would''ve ended up in even bigger trouble. How did things get to this point?¡± Hsu Chenyue sighed deeply. ¡°Stop sighing. Everyone chooses their own path in life.¡± ¡°You focus on your studies, work hard after you graduate. By that time, your brother will likely be released from prison. I''m confident he''ll have changed for the better.¡± With that, Su Ming hit the gas and sped off. The ride back was silent. Upon arrival, Hsu Chenyue was visibly downcast. After bidding Su Ming farewell, she headed straight home. Su Ming decided to drop by and check on his parents. ¡°What''s going on? Why are you back so early?¡± Su Tao was surprised to see Su Ming. He approached and nced at the clock. It was barely past seven in the evening. Su Ming had returned after just an hour. Su Ming shook his head, sat down next to Lee Sumei, grabbed an apple from the coffee table, and took a bite. ¡°Ran into some trouble,¡± he exined. Before Su Ming could borate, Lee Sumei gave him a yful p on the shoulder. ¡°What''s the rush? Couldn''t you have waited until your rtionship was more established before making a move?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. What was she implying? He thought to himself, ¡°Is that the kind of person I am? I''m a decent guy, still a virgin.¡± Though he found the topic somewhat embarrassing, he remained optimistic and principled. ¡°Your mom''s got a point. Young women today can be quite shy.¡± Su Tao joined in, speaking earnestly, ¡°You can''t rush these things. Take it slow. Go on a few dates, start holding hands, and then you can think about moving forward. You''re usually so sharp. Why do I need to spell this out for you?¡± Su Ming was at a loss for words. What on earth were they saying? They were overthinking it. Did hee across as someone without patience? ¡°Dad, Mom, you''re overthinking it.¡± ¡°Things aren''t as you imagine.¡± With a sense of resignation, Su Ming exined the situation once more. Upon hearing his exnation, Lee Sumei and Su Tao had an epiphany. ¡°No wonder Hsu looked so troubled, furrowing his brow and smoking while we talked.¡± ¡°If I had a son like that, I''d be pretty frustrated too.¡± ¡°You know, you really shouldn''t¡­¡± Lee Sumei interjected with a sigh. Su Ming felt okay after the first remark, but the second one set off rm bells. By the third, he was hastily raising his hand in assurance. ¡°Mom, I swear to you, I would never engage in such activities.¡± ¡°I wouldn''t dream of stealing or robbing money, let alone gambling.¡± Su Ming''s voice was firm, his demeanor earnest. Su Tao showed his approval with a satisfied nod and a pat on his son''s shoulder. ¡°You''re truly my son,¡± Su Tao dered. ¡°Alright then. No need to stick around here. Go on and get some rest.¡± Lee Sumei nced at the clock. ¡°Dad, Mom, it''s still early,¡± Su Ming protested, surprised. ¡±Don''t assume we''re out of touch. You young folks work so hard. Go on, head back and either rest or y some games to unwind.¡± With that, he found himself unceremoniously ushered out by his parents. Chapter 493 Chapter 493 - Eight Treasure Crab Su Ming was genuinely moved, to tell the truth. But that sentiment wouldn''tst. He walked over to a nearby parking lot, intentionally leaving his car two blocks away, necessitating a 100-meter walk. Afterward, he drove toward the city center, passing his parents'' neighborhood along the way. To his surprise, he saw his parents, hand in hand, smiling and walking purposefully in one direction. Su Ming was taken aback. He quickly realized they were off to see a movie. They had only been in Eastsea for a couple of days and had already gotten to know their way around impressively well. Shaking his head with a smile, Su Ming pressed the elerator and zoomed off, turning heads as he went. Before long, he was back at his ce. He parked, entered his home, and changed into shorts, a T-shirt, and canvas shoes. Then, he made a beeline for the aquatic product area, eager to check on the Eight Treasures Crab. Arriving at the small cabin next to the area, he changed into a raincoat, grabbed a bucket in his left hand and a in his right, and waded into the water. The chill of thete autumn water made him shiver immediately. He was thankful for his clothing; direct contact with the water would have been unbearable. The Eight Treasures Crab seemed to recognize Su Ming, approaching him with an unexpected friendliness rather than fleeing. They had grown significantlyrger. Onceposed of various beans, the crabs now appeared somewhat odd, assembled entirely from grapes. Su Ming blinked in astonishment, set the aside, and gently picked up a crab. He examined it closely; the crab was entirely grape-made, from its body and legs to its pincers, withrger grapes forming the body and smaller ones for the legs. He wondered if such a creation was edible and, if so, how it would taste. As he pondered, the crab unexpectedly fell apart in his hands. Countless grapes scattered in an instant, floating on the water''s surface. Su Ming reached out and picked up a grape. He examined it under the moonlight and found it surprisingly attractive. Su Ming pondered, ¡°Should I taste it? It''s been a long time since I''ve had grapes.¡± Just as Su Ming was about to pop a grape into his mouth, he heard a voice in his head. ¡°Congrattions on acquiring the Extraordinary Fart Pill. Would you like a silent, odorless fart? Perhaps a stinky yet silent one? Or are you in the mood for a fart that''s both loud and smelly? With the Extraordinary Fart Pill, you have a variety of farts to choose from, one of which is sure to meet your needs.¡± ¡°Please be aware that after consumption, you will experience 12 hours of continuous farting. This effect is exclusive to you. If someone else gets their hands on it, the pill will lose its potency.¡± Hearing the internal prompt, Su Ming froze. He cautiously removed the item from his mouth. Upon closer inspection, he realized these were not ordinary grapes. They were encased in a soft stic film with a crystal-clear liquid inside. Su Ming mused, ¡°This could be somewhat useful.¡± ¡°Yuvyuv, do I need to consume the whole thing for it to work, or will just a bit suffice?¡± Su Ming inquired mentally. ¡°Just a drop will do the trick,¡± Yuvyuv responded. Su Ming mulled it over. He decided to save some, thinking it might prove usefulter. Su Ming examined the Extraordinary Fart Pill closely. There were three sizes avable. He picked up thergest one and scrutinized it, noticing an ¡®S'' marked on it. Su Ming blinked, a realization dawning on him. Next, he picked up another and saw ¡®SS'' inscribed on it. His hunch seemed correct. Picking up yet another, he found ¡®SSS'' written on it. Gamers knew that SSS represented the highest tier. Meaning, this one had the most potent effect. Su Ming set aside the smallest grape and exchanged the rest for points. In total, there were eight Eight Treasures Crabs, each with 20 tiny grapes. In the end, he had amassed over 300 grapes. Su Ming kept just ten small grapes for himself and converted the rest into points. ¡°Host, congrattions on the sessful point exchange. You''ve earned 780 points!¡± He felt that the number of points he received was quite substantial. After emerging from the water, Su Ming checked his phone. If his memory served him right, the equipment in the aquatic product area could be upgraded to Level Four. With such an upgrade, the aquatic product area would be the first to reach Level Four for both huts and equipment. However, Su Ming noticed that the upgrade button was grayed out. ¡°Master, the total level of each area cannot exceed the level of the farm.¡± It took a moment for Su Ming to grasp the situation. The farm was at Level Three, meaning thebined levels of the three areas, including the ntation area, couldn''t surpass Level Three. Su Ming wasn''t in any rush, so he decided to take his time and use the pointster. He stretchedzily and took in the changes to the aquatic product area. Several upgrades had transformed it significantly. What was once a long, muddy pool fringed with weeds had be a refined rectangr pool. Stepping in the mud used to be ufortable and strenuous, but now the pool had a cement base. It resembled less of a fishery and more of a swimming pool. The weeds were gone, and there were steps leading into the water. The once rickety wooden hut had been transformed into a chic dwelling. The wood was now robust, coated with a thickyer of varnish. Furthermore, the oxygen supply equipment had been upgraded. The control panel had been reced with a standaloneputer, akin to the one in the breeding zone. Inside the hut, there was a bed, a television, an air conditioner, a stove, and a full set of kitchen appliances. He could easily make a home in this little wooden hut. The System had not deceived him; the environment had indeed improved significantly. Su Ming nodded in approval. He gathered his belongings and headed back to the vi with his bag. Upon reaching the second floor, he opened the online mall. It was still a while before midnight, so the selection in the mall was limited. Su Mingunched a game and settled in to wait patiently. Chapter 494 Chapter 494 - Tortoise Can y Rock Music Before Su Ming knew it, the clock struck twelve. He wrapped up his gaming session and immediately opened the virtual mall. Out of nowhere, a burst of blue and green light shed, revealing Level Three items! Su Ming''s attention snapped to the screen, where he noticed several seeds had sprouted in the ntation area. Among them were two Level Two seeds and one Level Three seed. There were twenty Glistening Lemon seeds avable, each priced at 200,000 yuan, and an equal number of Burning Chili seeds, also at 200,000 yuan each. With a chuckle at the bargain prices, Su Ming didn''t hesitate to purchase the seeds. His focus then shifted to the third seed, which radiated a soft blue glow. It was a Level Three Celestial Peach seed! The name alone nearly made Su Ming leap from his seat. Could this be the same type of peach that Sun Wukong feasted on? Frozen in ce for a moment, Su Ming quickly regained hisposure. It was unlikely that such a treasure would be a mere Level Three seed. He clicked on the description eagerly. Celestial Peach, 100th Generation: The progeny of a hundred generations of Celestial Peaches! A wave of relief washed over Su Ming. The Celestial Peach offered by the System was indeed a descendant of the genuine article. But the description hinted at something even more intriguing: the Celestial Peach truly existed. This meant that if he upgraded hisnd sufficiently, the System would surely reward him with a Celestial Peach. The thought filled Su Ming with anticipation. He nced at the price tag next. Each Celestial Peach seed was listed at five million yuan. While five million yuan might not be a significant amount for Su Ming at the moment, he realized that hisnd would need to reach a considerably high level before he could acquire a Celestial Peach from the store. By then, an authentic Celestial Peach could very well cost fifty billion yuan apiece. Su Ming had thought his wealth was substantial, but it seemed he still had a ways to go. He needed to start earning more money, and fast. If push came to shove, he could always sell his properties andpany shares, but there was no rush for that just yet. With a contented smile, Su Ming purchased all five seeds. Spending 25 million yuan might seem steep, but the satisfaction it brought him was priceless. Su Ming opened the aquatic product area, and as a blue light shed, a Level Three crop materialized. He marveled at his fortune today. Reflecting on recent events, Su Ming realized that since the levels of his areas had increased, he was encountering Level Two and Level Three crops with increasing frequency. This time, however, what appeared was beyond words. It was peculiar, a creature called the Rock-and-roll Turtle. The System had previously offered a Western Cowboy Alpaca, which he had epted. But a Rock-and-roll Turtle? Could a turtle actually y rock music? Without hesitation, Su Ming purchased all five Rock-and-roll Turtles and headed to the vacant aquatic product area. Blinking, he positioned his phone in front of him and tapped the exchange button. Instantly, five turtles sporting sunsses appeared in the cabin, crawling around and subtly grooving to the music''s beat, each with a stereo strapped to its back. The quintet of turtles continued to st rock tunes. On closer inspection, Su Ming noticed each stereo was adorned with a turtle model, each distinct from the next¡ªsome with drums, others with guitars or basses, and one as the lead singer. Could they genuinely perform rock music? They seemed capable of ying an array of instruments. But they were incredibly loud. Without a word, Su Ming flung open the wooden house''s partition and discarded all five turtles into the water. What happened next left Su Ming astounded. The turtles stood upright underwater, and their stereos detached, revealing a small stage. Guitars, basses, and a variety of rock instruments, along with a spotlight, materialized on the tform. The turtles were thoroughly enjoying themselves! Su Ming stood by the water''s edge, ck-jawed. He watched for a long while before rubbing his nose. By now, nothing the System conjured up could surprise him. After observing the turtles for a moment more, Su Ming retreated to his house. He yed a game, had a bite to eat, and then drifted off to sleep. Early the next morning, in an alley, a man slowly opened his eyes to a biting chill. He sneezed immediately upon waking. ¡°Why is it so cold here?¡± he wondered, looking around in shock. There were so many people¡ªeasily thirty or forty¡ªall gathered around him. ¡°Why are you all staring at me? Have you been captivated by my good looks?¡± he joked, stroking his chin. The crowd''s expressions shifted awkwardly, many of them seemingly on the verge of speaking but holding back. Finally, one person blurted out, ¡°No offense, but I just wanted to give you a heads-up. Aren''t you feeling a bit cold?¡± ¡°Of course, I''m cold. It''s October, and the weather''s freezing,¡± the man retorted, sneezing once more. He mused to himself, ¡°This fall is exceptionally chilly. I fear this winter will be even harsher. Despite my thick clothes, I''m still so cold.¡± It was then that he had a startling revtion¡ªhis clothes were missing. That''s when it all clicked; the reason for the crowd''s attention was clear. He was standing there without a stitch on! Chapter 495 Chapter 495 - Shame on You Big Brother couldn''t stand it any longer. He quickly covered his privates and bellowed, ¡°Everyone, close your eyes and turn around!¡± Those surrounding him exchanged bewildered nces. The men didn''t see the big deal, but the women were slightly embarrassed. They seemed reluctant to divert their gaze, asionally stealing nces at his anatomy. Their eyes brimmed with a longing, particrly the olderdies. They were well into their fifties or sixties, staring intently at him. Big Brother was close to tears. He figured the men wouldn''t care much since they shared the same anatomy. He wouldn''t mind if women looked, provided they were young and attractive. But instead, he was surrounded by a group of middle-aged women. His intimidating appearance was due to his status as a thug. He was known to get into fights, so he hoped they wouldn''t overstep. Suddenly, Big Brother reflected on his long-standing reputation in the area. Why was he lying here without a stitch of clothing? What on earth had happened the day before? His memory had been wiped clean, and while he couldn''t recall a thing, perhaps that was for the best. ¡°Big Brother, it''s too loud. It''s still early. Let''s catch some more sleep,¡± came another voice. Big Brother turned to see twopletely naked men. They had managed to fall asleep there without any clothes on. ¡°Get up!¡± hemanded. Big Brother got to his feet and kicked his two underlings awake. ¡°Big Brother, what''s going on? You exhausted usst night.¡± ¡°Yeah, let us sleep a bit more,¡± the two mumbled groggily. The onlookers fell silent, stunned by the revtion. Despite his tough exterior, Big Brother apparently had a preference for men. Why couldn''t they keep their activities private at home? Why expose themselves on the street? Was this the thrill-seeking behavior of the younger generation? Initially, Big Brother didn''t give it much thought, but upon reflection, he realized his subordinate''sment could be misconstrued. Feeling the weight of the crowd''s stares, he quickly rified, ¡°He didn''t mean it like that.¡± ¡°He was referring to us taking a group to settle a scorest night, which led to this situation.¡± Mid-sentence, Big Brother hesitated, realizing the w in his exnation. After all, if they had taken people to fight, they would have either won or lost. They should have headed to the hospital or the police station, not shown up here. The exnation was utterly unconvincing. Big Brother couldn''t resist pping his forehead. He was at a loss for words this time. Suddenly, he noticed a woman standing next to him, phone in hand. When had she gotten so close? He thought to himself, ¡°I''m not interested in guys! Put that phone away, quick. Damn! That''s the legendary high-pixel phone. I''m done for. Now, I''ll be infamous internationally.¡± Big Brother''s two henchmen came to their senses. Looking down, they were shocked. ¡°Big Brother, my leg hurts!¡± ¡°Big Brother, my butt hurts!¡± theyined, frowning. Big Brother was nearly in tears. He desperately wished they would keep quiet. Couldn''t they just say one less thing? Now, he couldn''t clear things up no matter what. The onlookers'' eyes bulged even more at the scene. Big Brother had never felt so aggrieved in his life. He was so upset he wanted to cry and run home to his mom. The day before, they had been dragged out of a restaurant by those two goons for dozens of meters, which exined the pain in their butts and legs! Seeing that his henchmen wanted to speak again, Big Brother blurted out, ¡°Shut up! Let''s get dressed and head home, now!¡± Scanning the area, he spotted a small courtyard nearby with clothes drying in the sun. They dashed over, grabbed the clothes, and took off. Someone chased them, filming with a phone. A group of women, phones in hand, chuckled and called out. ¡°Lads, aren''t you going to try harder? Let''s be WeChat friends.¡± ¡°Boys, stop working. I''ll take care of you.¡± Hearing this, they bolted in terror. Eventually, they shook off their pursuers. Gasping for breath, they leaned against a wall and slowly made their way in one direction. People stopped to stare as they passed; one was squeezed into a tight red dress, another in a sexy tank top and miniskirt. Big Brother was slightly better off in pink pajamas adorned with cartoon characters. But for a burly man to be wearing such adorable sleepwear was indeed an odd sight. Many people couldn''t get away fast enough when they saw theming. Despite their usual tough demeanor, the trio was not feeling so fierce at the moment. All they wanted was to leave the area quickly. They hurried off in a particr direction. Big Brother pped his hands together with a scowl and bellowed, ¡°We''re only a few dozen meters from our headquarters. Damn it! I''m going to find out who''s responsible for this and give them a beating!¡± He still couldn''t recall what had happened the previous night. His two henchmen behind him nodded emphatically. Their anger was palpable. They were ustomed to intimidating others and were not used to being on the receiving end. The three let out a collective sigh, then proceeded toward their base filled with hope. They were eager to change out of their clothes, take a bath, and get some much-needed sleep. But upon reaching the entrance, they were taken aback. Chapter 496 Chapter 496 - This Is too Scary At the end of the road, three thugs stood in disbelief. One was dressed in a red dress, another in a skimpy miniskirt, and the third in pink pajamas. They gaped at a building before them. It had been a clubhouse, their stronghold. They''d often retreat here for rest, never paying for food or clothing since their boss covered all expenses. But now, the clubhouse was in shambles. A seal was stered on the door, police tape stretched across the entrance, and the second-floor windows were wide open, revealing the chaotic state of the furniture within. Clearly, the club was deserted. ¡°What in the world happened here? Why has our base been trashed?¡± Big Brother bellowed, his voiceced with disbelief. The chaos was Hsu Chenyang''s doing. Big Brother sank into contemtion. He had left the clubhouse justst night as darkness fell, and all had been normal. Yet inexplicably, he ended up sleeping naked in an alley overnight. Returning was no small feat, only to find his clubhouse vandalized. Who could be responsible? It was bad enough that his clothes were stolen, but to have his headquarters ransacked was too much. His clothes and bank card were inside. Years of effort, gone in an instant. He was on the verge of tears. ¡°Big brother, should we seek out the young master?¡± one subordinate suggested. ¡°Yes, it seems only the young master can help us now,¡± added the other, his face etched with dismay. ¡±Fine,¡± Big Brother finally conceded after a long pause, nodding in resignation. He sighed deeply. They usually made it to the Young Master''s house in twenty minutes by car, but now, that short drive seemed an insurmountable trek. Just then, an elderly man hobbled by, using a cane for support. He had an old mobile phone at his waist and a bulging pocket that likely held a substantial amount of money. The three exchanged nces, their spirits lifting. Hope was in sight. The old man, in his outdated but decidedly masculine attire, with his basic phone and apparent wealth, was their beacon of salvation. They had a n: rob the old man first, then hit the young master''s house next. One thug leaped forward, ready to intimidate the old man, but out of nowhere, he broke into dance. Another thug scowled and bellowed, ¡°You''re useless! Can''t you rob this old man?¡± Dressed in suspenders and a miniskirt, he charged at the old man with a menacing air. ¡°Hand over your phone and money, now!¡± But before he could finish his demand, he too was overtaken by the urge to dance. Big Brother had had enough. He marched forward, shoving his two henchmen aside, and demanded, ¡°Give me the money, now.¡± But suddenly, Big Brother was dancing as well, looking even more joyful than his underlings. The elderly man, trembling, frowned at the spectacle before him. ¡°You''re so young. Why not work hard instead of turning to robbery?¡± ¡°And what''s with those outfits? They''re hideous!¡± The old manmanded with authority, ¡°Strip off all your clothes!¡± Big Brother convulsed but managed to say through clenched teeth, ¡°You could beat me to death, and I still wouldn''t strip!¡± The old man''s frown deepened as he dered loudly, ¡°When I was at war, I killed many enemies. I could easily take you all down! Let''s see how steadfast you really are!¡± The trio exchanged nces, realizing this old man was a war hero. Had they known earlier, they never would have dared to rob him! They hadn''t anticipated his cane was actually a stun baton, leaving them weak and twitching uncontrobly. As the old man raised his cane again, they began to strip, albeit slowly, buying themselves time. Feeling somewhat recovered, Big Brother turned tail and fled, yelling, ¡°Run!¡± His subordinates scrambled after him. And so, a bizarre scene unfolded on the street. Big Brother, topless and shivering, sported pink pajama bottoms adorned with cartoon characters. One of hisckeys was also shirtless, wearing only a micro skirt, while the other was draped in a long skirt. After exerting considerable effort, they finally reached the entrance of the young master''s vi. The security guard at the gate had just woken up. He yawned and approached them slowly, asking, ¡°Who are you folks? What do you want with my young master? Do you have an appointment?¡± As the guard came closer, still rubbing his eyes, his myopia made it difficult to see without his sses. He noticed a pink and a red silhouette, mistaking them for a couple of attractive women. He chuckled to himself. Despite his poor vision only allowing him to make out their outlines, he could tell they were certainly not short. He always thought tall women tended to be beautiful and longed for a girlfriend like that. Sighing and shaking his head, the guard put on his sses. Once he got a clear view of the three individuals, he waspletely bbergasted. The next moment, he spun on his heel and bolted. In utter disarray, he dashed into the guardhouse and grabbed all his defensive weapons. With a voice quivering with fear, the guard bellowed, ¡°Who are you people? Leave this ce at once!¡± They were simply too intimidating! Chapter 497 Chapter 497 - As Long as There''s Food The security guard was truly terrified. They looked incredibly odd. ¡°It''s us!¡± Seeing the guard''s reaction, Big Brother spoke with a quiver in his voice. The guard paused, recognizing the voice as familiar. Squinting, he identified Big Brother. ¡°What''s happened to you?¡± The guard quickly opened the door, letting the three shivering figures inside. ¡°Lin, hold on. We''re starving and freezing. Do you have any food or clothes?¡± Big Brother was shuddering from the cold, his once-intimidating tattoo now quivering helplessly. ¡°I''ve just made some millet porridge, but it''s quite in. Will you have some?¡± The guard hesitated. Big Brother, highly regarded by the young master, was ustomed tovish meals. Offering him porridge seemed inappropriate. ¡°We''ll take it. Forget the porridge, even a bowl of hot water would do,¡± Big Brother implored, his voice breaking. They made a beeline for the security booth. Upon entering, the guard shook his head in disbelief as the trio had polished off the entire pot of porridge. ¡°Take your time, no rush. I''ll get you some water,¡± the guard said, quickly pouring three sses. They downed the water in one go, and the guard served another three sses, which they finished, consuming half a bucket in total. After hydrating, they sat burping in their chairs. ¡°Just don''t vomit, please!¡± The guard was genuinely concerned; if they vomited, he''d be the one cleaning up. ¡°I feel like I''m alive again.¡± ¡°Lin, we owe you big time. Got any clothes? We could use a few sets,¡± Big Brother requested. ¡°I''ve got some here, just wait.¡± Lin didn''t pry into what the three had been through, sensing it wasn''t pleasant, so he refrained from asking. There were plenty of security uniforms avable, as many hade and gone from the job. However, the clothes were unwashed and carried a slight odor. If Big Brother hade across these clothes in the past, he would have undoubtedly dismissed them as garbage. Now, however, they evoked a warm sense of familiarity. At the very least, wearing them out in public wouldn''t draw any unwanted attention. Despite their faint odor, the clothes were surprisinglyfortable. The trio quickly dressed and inquired, ¡°Is the young master awake?¡± ¡°The young master is up. I saw him upstairs having tea when I was in the kitchen,¡± Lin informed them. ¡°Stay here and keep watch. I''ll go find the young master.¡± Big Brother straightened his attire and strode into the vi. Inside the vi''s study, Murong Tian poured himself a cup of coffee, settled onto the sofa, and perused the newspaper. Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the study door. Murong Tian called out, ¡°Enter.¡± The door swung open, and someone stepped inside. Murong Tian lowered his newspaper, nced over, and his brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Why are you here? Haven''t I made it clear? Security guards are not allowed in!¡± The man froze, then suddenly knelt, pleading, ¡°Young master, I''m not Lin. Take a good look at me!¡± Murong Tian donned his sses and recognized his trusted aide, Wang Hu. ¡°Wang Hu, what''s with the security guard outfit?¡± ¡°Hold on. You just told me to take a good look at you.¡± ¡°What''s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Are you implying I have small eyes, or that I''m on death''s door?¡± Murong Tian abruptly realized Wang Hu''s words sounded like a curse. ¡°No!¡± At that, Wang Hu shook his head vigorously, insisting, ¡°Young Master, I truly didn''t mean it that way!¡± ¡±Enough,¡± Murong Tian gestured dismissively. ¡°Have you found Hsu Chenyue?¡± Wang Hu shook his head. ¡°No.¡± He still couldn''t recall what had transpired the previous night. All he remembered was leaving the club, with no memory of anything that followed. ¡°You didn''t find her?¡± Murong Tian''s displeasure was evident. He stood, frowning, and said, ¡°If you haven''t found her, what are you doing here? Go back to the club and rest. Onlye back when you''ve found her.¡± Wang Hu looked up, his face etched with surprise, and eximed, ¡°Young Master, the club is no more.¡± ¡±Nonsense!¡± Murong Tian snapped, clearly displeased. He had let Wang Hu''s earlier ramblings slide without reprimand, but Wang Hu''s continued absurdity was too much. ¡°I called the club''s managerst night,¡± Wang Hu insisted. ¡°The police shut it downst night.¡± ¡°I checked it out myself this morning. The club was shuttered due to a surprise police raid,¡± Wang Hu added, his voice tinged with hesitation. Murong Tian was bbergasted. He rushed to the side, frantically dialed a number on his phone, but the call didn''t go through. He tried several more numbers, to no avail¡ªno one answered. Murong Tian stood there, utterly bewildered. Could the club really have been shut down by the police? Impossible! He had always been discreet in his dealings, and only the most trustworthy individuals had ess to the club. How could the club''s secrets have beenpromised? ¡±Young Master!¡± A man with the air of a steward entered the room and inquired, ¡°Would you like to have breakfast now?¡± Murong Tian, still reeling from the news, quickly asked, ¡°Steward, has there been trouble at the club?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± the steward confirmed with a solemn nod. Fury washed over Murong Tian. He seized the steward''s cor and demanded loudly, ¡°Why are you only telling me about this now?¡± The steward blinked and replied, ¡°Young Master, I did inform you. You nodded and said you would handle it.¡± Chapter 498 Chapter 498 - Martial Arts Dojo Murong Tian waspletely taken aback in that moment. He blinked, scratching his head as an awkward silence enveloped the room. He had absolutely no recollection of the previous night''s events. The fun had gotten the better of him, and he''d inadvertently drunk himself into oblivion. During the steward''s report, he must have been out of it, merely nodding along in agreement without consciousness. Murong Tian seized the butler''s hand, his gaze darting away as he muttered, ¡°Just set the breakfast down here.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± The butler didn''t overthink it, ced the breakfast on the table, and departed. Murong Tian pulled out his phone to take a closer look. To his astonishment, he had over thirty missed calls and a barrage of over fifty text messages! All of them were from the same person, Murong Guo. Murong Guo was none other than Murong Tian''s father. A wave of anxiety washed over Murong Tian. He swallowed hard and, with shaking hands, opened one of the messages. The text message''s content was stark before his eyes. ¡°The club has been shut down by the police due to your poor management. I will severely punish you for this!¡± ¡°You''ve been dealing with the Hsu family matter for ages and still haven''t settled it! You''re utterly useless!¡± ¡°You had the audacity to insult me? Once you''re awake, you muste to see me immediately!¡± The message sent a jolt of fear through Murong Tian. He racked his brain, trying to pinpoint when he could have done such a thing, but his memory was a nk te. His hands trembling, he essedst night''s call log and discovered he had made five calls after midnight. Four were to his father. The fifth call, unless he was mistaken, was to the police. When had he called the police station? And why couldn''t he remember any of it? Murong Tian nced at the unread messages and scrolled down until he noticed a text from the police station. ¡°Thank you for the information you provided. Your tips led to the arrest of numerous suspects and the seizure of a significant amount of illegal assets.¡± Murong Tian was on the verge of tears. It all made sense now. Even though he had no memory of it, he was beginning to piece things together. Last night, he had indeedprehended the steward''s words and had intended to assign someone to handle the situation. But, by a stroke of misfortune, he had dialed the police station instead. He had unwittingly ryed his entire n to the officers. In this idental act, he had turned into a model citizen. Fortunately, the clubhouse, though associated with his family''s business, was not actually owned by him. In fact, it had no connection to the Murong family whatsoever. The nominal owner was his faithful subordinate. That individual must have taken the fall for him. The profits from the clubhouse over the years had all been funneled into his overseas ount. Thus, he was safe for the moment. ¡°Why are you dressed in a security guard''s uniform?¡± Murong Tian, after a long pause, turned to look at Wang Hu. Hearing this, Wang Hu nearly burst into tears. ¡°Young master, we endured a terrible ordealst night, and we need you to stand up for us,¡± Wang Hu implored with a quiver in his voice. ¡°What happened?¡± inquired Murong Tian. ¡°I don''t know,¡± Wang Hu admitted truthfully. ¡°You don''t know what happened?¡± Murong Tian was taken aback. ¡°Are you ying games with me?¡± ¡°Young master, I wouldn''t dare y games with you, I truly don''t know. This morning, we woke up naked on the street.¡± ¡°It was quite an ordeal getting here to your vi.¡± ¡°We only just got these clothes from the security office. Do you have any idea what we were wearing on the way here?¡± ¡°We were dressed in dresses, miniskirts, and pink pajamas!¡± Wang Hu poured out all the indignities they had suffered. He was deeply aggrieved. Murong Tian blinked and scratched his head, clearly not buying Wang Hu''s story. Thinking Wang Hu was deceiving him, Murong Tian snapped, ¡°Get out!¡± Through his tears, Wang Hu protested, ¡°Young master, I''m not lying! If you don''t believe me, you can check the surveince footage along the way.¡± ¡°Stop crying.¡± Murong Tian was feeling irritable and had no desire to deal with the situation. ¡°I have to visit my father shortly. Go to the backyard, take a shower, and change your clothes. I have a task for you.¡± After finishing his instructions, Murong Tian stepped aside to change into a fresh set of clothes. He then got into his car and drove off with purpose. Before long, he reached the Murong Group. Murong Tian exited his car and made his way to the rear entrance, where he took the freight elevator up to the chairman''s office. Murong Guo was in the middle of a meeting. Upon seeing his son, Murong Tian, he slightly furrowed his brow and gave a gentle wave of his hand. All of Murong Tian''s subordinates stood up and left the room. Soon after, only Murong Tian and Murong Guo remained in the expansive conference room. Murong Tian hesitated briefly before biting the bullet and saying, ¡°Dad, I''m sorry.¡± Murong Guo heard him and gently shook his head. ¡°There''s no need to apologize. I''ve already been informed about the incident at the clubhouse. But it''s inconsequential. I''ve made more than enough money over the years. The clubhouse was bound to be shut down eventually.¡± Murong Tian paused, taken aback, then asked, ¡°Dad, you''re not upset?¡± Murong Guo''s expression grew a bit more solemn as he replied, ¡°What is there to be upset about? Business is inherently filled with uncertainties. I''ve been considering shutting down that clubhouse for quite some time. Its closure is actually a positive development. Our family will be free of any unsavory assets from now on. We should put the past behind us. Our focus now should be on acquiring the Hsu family''s martial arts dojo.¡± Murong Tian''s expression darkened upon hearing this. The Hsu family''s dojo was situated in a prime location in the city center. Murong Tian had attempted to acquire it multiple times, but the Hsu family had consistently refused. Murong Tian had previously allowed Hsu Chenyang into the clubhouse with the intention of ensnaring him in gambling debts, hoping to financially cripple the Hsu family. He anticipated that they might eventually mortgage the dojo to the Murong family, allowing them to take it over seamlessly. However, the Hsu family had decisively cut ties with Hsu Chenyang, thwarting Murong Tian''s ns. Faced with this setback, he promptly shifted his strategy to pursue Hsu Chenyue, but his advances were consistently rebuffed. Chapter 499 Chapter 499 - Hsu Chenyue''s Birthda Murong Tian let out a sigh. ¡°No worries. I''ve got a n.¡± Murong Guo offered a slight smile. ¡°Really?¡± Murong Tian''s spirits lifted immensely. ¡°Absolutely,¡± Murong Guo stated with confidence. ¡°There''s no need for me to deceive you. I recall that today is Hsu Chenyue''s birthday. It''s the perfect chance for us to make a move.¡± Early in the morning, Su Ming awoke. He stretched leisurely, feeling revitalized. He called his parents to suggest lunch together, only to learn they were currently sunbathing at Shore Park''s beach in Eastsea City. Su Ming shook his head with a sigh. After freshening up and grabbing a quick bite, he headed out to the fields. He diligently weeded, aerated the soil, watered the nts, and applied some Blessing Potion. Next, he tidied the yard and checked on the five Rock-and-roll Turtles in the aquatic product area, who appeared to be resting. The alpaca maintained its usual cool demeanor. The Three-legged Golden Toad, however, had undergone significant growth, its body still shimmering in gold. Su Ming adjusted the animals'' free-roaming schedule and distributed some feed. Before long, it was midday. While Su Ming was upied, his phone buzzed. He saw that Hsu Chenyue was calling, which took him by surprise. ¡°Hey, what''s up?¡± Su Ming answered. On the other end, Hsu Chenyue''s voice came through with a teasing tone, ¡°I''m your blind date, remember? Do I need a reason to call? It''s pretty standard for me to ring you up for a little chat.¡± Su Ming chuckled. She sounded upbeat, likely having moved pastst night''s events. ¡°Of course, you can call anytime. I''m always open to a beautiful distraction,¡± Su Ming responded cheerfully. Hsu Chenyueughed, ¡°Today''s my birthday. I''m throwing a small party tonight, and besides you, I''ve only invited a few close girlfriends. Let''s have some fun.¡± ¡°No problem at all,¡± Su Ming replied. He was free anyway, as his parents were enjoying their couple''s time. ¡°Great. Let''s meet at Longhua KTV at four this afternoon!¡± After she hung up, Su Ming allowed himself a small smile. He returned to his room for a refreshing shower and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Today was Hsu Chenyue''s birthday, and he couldn''t let it pass without giving her a thoughtful gift. But what to give her? He made his way to the underground warehouse to survey his past acquisitions, stroking his chin thoughtfully. A diamond? That might be too ostentatious and scare her off. Red wine? It seemed somewhat inappropriate as a gift for a girl. Just then, Yuvyuv''s voice echoed in Su Ming''s mind, ¡°Master, I can assist you.¡± ¡±Really?¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He hadn''t expected Yuvyuv to possess such a capability. ¡°Absolutely. Master, please pick up a diamond,¡± Yuvyuv instructed. Su Ming nodded, walked over to the warehouse, and selected a diamond. No sooner had he lifted it than it vanished into thin air. ¡±Yuvyuv, I will help you craft a gift. It will take about an hour. Master, please wait patiently,¡± Yuvyuv said. Su Ming nodded again, his relief palpable. Finding the perfect gift for a girl was one of life''s most challenging tasks, but Yuvyuv''s abilities promised to ease his burden considerably. With Yuvyuv''s assistance, Su Ming felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. He spent some time rxing upstairs, watching TV, and grabbing a bite to eat. Before long, Yuvyuv''s voice resonated in his mind once more, ¡°Master, the gift is ready.¡± Following Yuvyuv''s announcement, a small box materialized on the table. Su Ming reached out, took the box, and opened it to reveal a stunning jade ne adorned with diamonds¡ªboth beautiful and luxurious. It was the kind of gift any woman would cherish. Pleased with the choice, Su Ming decided it would be perfect for Hsu Chenyue''s birthday. As the time approached, Su Ming drove to Hsu Chenyue''s ce and escorted her to Longhua KTV. The ambiance at Longhua KTV was exceptional, ranking as one of the finest in Eastsea. While an ordinary KTV might charge only a couple of hundred yuan for a few hours, this establishment''s average spend per person was at least a thousand yuan or more. And if one opted for drinks and snacks, the bill would climb even higher. However, the premium environment¡ªwith concert-quality sound systems and microphones, luxurious leather sofas worth tens of thousands of yuan, and imported fruits not found in regr markets¡ªwas well worth the expense. Additionally, there was a dedicated kitchen here, serving up delectable cuisine. This ce was truly a slice of heavenpared to your average KTV. Eastsea was home to many affluent individuals and a substantial middle ss. Though they didn''t frequent this spot daily, they made it a point to visit at least once every six months. Upon arriving at the parking lot, Su Ming and Hsu Chenyue could already tell it was a popr destination. The private rooms were located on the third floor, so Hsu Chenyue and Su Ming made their way up. They traversed avishly decorated dark red hallway before opening the door to a private room. Inside, three beautiful women were engaged in conversation. Each of them was strikingly attractive. The room wasfortably warm, prompting them to dress lightly and show off their fair skin. The air was filled with the sweet scent that''s uniquely associated with young women. Su Ming used his scanner for a quick peek and realized that none of the three had undergone cosmetic surgery. Indeed, it seemed that beauties tended to flock together. The women, initially absorbed in their chat, stood up and approached when they saw Hsu Chenyue enter with a man. ¡°I never thought you''d actually bring a boyfriend here.¡± ¡°Wasn''t it you who imed you''d never have a boyfriend in your lifetime, justst year?¡± ¡°You''re quite handsome. Would you mind having one more girlfriend?¡± Su Ming''s mouth twitched at thements from the three women. It appeared that the adage about girls being more open-minded than boys was true, and he was now witnessing it firsthand. ¡°Let''s keep it professional,dies.¡± Hsu Chenyue, caught between amusement and exasperation, pushed the three incessantly chatty women back onto the couch. ¡°Su Ming, pay them no mind. These three are my best friends and were my college ssmates. We''ve kept in touch since graduation. They do have a penchant for gossip.¡± The group of five settled in together. Hsu Chenyue''s family was well-off, so she didn''t hesitate to order an abundance of food and drinks. Clearly, they were all set to enjoy a fun-filled all-nighter. Su Ming sensed that perhaps she needed to unwind after the events of the previous evening. Chapter 500 Chapter 500 - Young Master Murong''s Appearance At the beginning, they were somewhat strangers to each other, but as young people are adept at conversation, it didn''t take long for them to be acquainted. Each of the three girls was unique in her own way. One girl had shoulder-length hair and was dressed in a flowing blue gown; her name was Lee Kemeng. The girl in the center sported short hair and a more androgynous look, with ady''s cigarette in hand. She went by the name Zhang Mengyuan. The final girl was strikingly beautiful, slightly plump, yet with a bnced figure. She was called Zhou Yimeng. Interestingly, the name of each girl contained the same character. ¡°Yueyue, did your dad really push you into a blind date? What does the guy look like? Is he handsome?¡± ¡°Should you be talking about this in front of Su Ming?¡± ¡°Did you guys hear about the wealthy heir from Eastsea? I don''t know his first name, but hisst name is Su. Su Ming, he shares your surname. Do you know him?¡± ¡°Yeah, I''ve heard about him too. He''s incredibly handsome and loaded. Rumor has it, he owns a fleet of sports cars.¡± ¡°Indeed, I''ve seen his videos online. Although I couldn''t get a clear view of his face, he was driving three different sports cars. The least expensive one was priced between thirty to forty million yuan, and the most expensive was over a hundred million.¡± ¡°It''s such a shame we can''t meet him. If I could just see him, I''dtch onto his leg and beg him to take me in. I wouldn''t need to be his girlfriend; I''d be content as his lover.¡± The three beauties sighed and shook their heads in unison. Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. He was particrly shocked when he heard their derations of affection for the man. Turning his head to nce at Hsu Chenyue, Su Ming noticed her expression was loaded with meaning, prompting him to reflexively pat his forehead. He was lucky the girls hadn''t recognized him; otherwise, he''d be facing a heap of trouble. They werepletely unaware that Young Master Su was seated right beside them. All Su Ming could do was shake his head and sigh. Being of simr ages, they all got along harmoniously. While ying some drinking games, the three girls and Hsu Chenyue were all slightly tipsy. Yet, they walked without any noticeable issues, just a touch of dizziness. Su Ming, on the other hand, was remarkably sober. He was not only alert but also sensed that something was amiss. During the game, the girls had repeatedly cheated, coaxing Hsu Chenyue to drink more than her fair share. It seemed they were intent on getting her drunk. Thankfully, Hsu Chenyue could hold her liquor, and no problems arose. Su Ming chose to remain silent about it. At that moment, Zhang Mengyuan announced she needed to use the restroom and stood up. She was gone for a good five or six minutes before returning with a slightly off expression, which she quickly managed to mask. Su Ming''s brow furrowed; the evening''s events were indeed peculiar. ¡°You all keep ying; I need to use the restroom as well,¡± Su Ming said, rising and heading out the door. On his way, he spotted a familiar figure. It was Wang Hu, the Big Brother from the previous night. Wang Hu red at Su Ming, asking aggressively, ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Didn''t Wang Hu recognize him? He hadn''t expected the brick incident to have suchsting effects. Could Wang Hu have amnesia? Without drawing attention, Su Ming headed to the restroom. By the time he returned, Wang Hu had vanished. Instead of rejoining the group, Su Ming meandered through the area. Soon enough, he located Wang Hu¡ªor rather, the two men who had been sprawled out on the street with him. They were pacing outside a private room, clearly guarding the ce where Wang Hu was likely inside. Reflecting on Zhang Mengyuan''s earlier behavior, Su Ming decided it was prudent to stay vignt. He strolled past the two men without a word and settled onto a sofa in the main hall. From his pocket, he retrieved a key ring, which, aside from a brick, also held a listening device. Su Ming activated the listening device and zeroed in on his target. Almost immediately, he caught the conversation happening inside the room. A smile crept onto Su Ming''s face. There it was¡ªthe issue he was looking for. After a bit, Su Ming stowed the equipment and returned to the private room. ¡°Why did it take you so long toe back?¡± By now, Hsu Chenyue had be slightly tipsy. Seeing Su Ming, she greeted him with a smile and teased, ¡°I was beginning to think you''d fallen into the toilet.¡± ¡°I was just dealing with a bit of an upset stomach,¡± Su Ming exined, taking a seat. No sooner had he settled in than someone pushed the private room door open from the outside. Su Ming nced up, spotting a man he didn''t recognize. ¡°Murong Tian?¡± Hsu Chenyue, on the other hand, knew the man. Her brow furrowed and her demeanor quickly turned icy upon his arrival. In stark contrast to Hsu Chenyue''s reaction, the other three women in the room stood up and enthusiastically greeted the neer. ¡°I never expected to see Young Master Murong here.¡± ¡°Young Master Murong, what brings you here?¡± ¡°Young Master Murong¡­¡± Clearly, Murong Tian wasn''t focused on the trio of women. He briefly acknowledged them before approaching Hsu Chenyue with a congenial smile. ¡°Miss Hsu, I''m surprised to find you here as well. I''m here entertaining some clients with karaoke. As I was passing by, I noticed you. I''ve heard it''s your birthday tonight, so I just had toe in and wish you a happy birthday. I hope you''re not upset?¡± Hsu Chenyue had been interacting with Murong Tian for quite some time. She was well aware of his true intentions. He was after her and the martial arts dojo she was associated with. Her brother''s affairs were also deeply entangled with him. Every one of his motives repulsed Hsu Chenyue. Yet, it was her birthday, and he had merelye to extend his birthday wishes, so she refrained from sending him away. With a neutral tone, Hsu Chenyue responded, ¡°Young Master Murong, if your visit today is solely to wish me a happy birthday, then you''re certainly wee.¡± ¡±Of course,¡± Murong Tian said with a smile, his expression unchanging. ¡°Miss Hsu, rest assured. Today, I simply wished you a happy birthday. I won''t bring up anything else.¡± ¡±Alright then,¡± Hsu Chenyue replied, nodding in response. ¡±And who might this gentleman be?¡± Murong Tian inquired, his attention shifting to Su Ming after he had finished greeting Hsu Chenyue. He had noticed Su Ming seated next to her upon entering and couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy. Chapter 501 Chapter 501 - I Am a Fortune Teller ¡°He''s my friend,¡± Hsu Chenyue stated in a subdued tone. ¡°Oh!¡± Murong Tian acknowledged, reaching out to Su Ming. ¡°Brother, I''m Murong Tian. I''ve known Hsu Chenyue for quite some time. Since you two are friends, that makes us brothers as well. Should you need any assistance in the future, don''t hesitate to reach out to me.¡± Murong Tian spoke with an air of pride, his head held high. ¡±Murong? Could it be that Brother Murong is from the renowned Murong Group?¡± Su Ming asked, a smile ying on his lips. ¡±Ah, you''re quite knowledgeable, brother! Indeed, our young master is the heir to the Murong Group! Just so you know, our clothing division has opened over a dozen branches in Eastsea, and they''re quite well-known,¡± Wang Hu called out from behind. Hsu Chenyue hadn''t noticed Wang Hu initially, and his words caught her off guard. Hmm? What''s he doing here? That''s not right! There was definitely a conflictst night. Wang Hu shouldn''t be thisposed. Did Su Ming do something? Her gaze shifted to Su Ming, tinged with a hint of curiosity. Su Ming understood Hsu Chenyue''s questioning look and subtly shook his head, indicating he was also in the dark about the situation. The matter seemed to be known only to them. Yet, to an outsider, their exchange of nces could easily be misinterpreted. Murong Tian, for instance, thought Hsu Chenyue''s gaze implied, ¡®See, he''s looking at you again!'' while Su Ming''s head shake seemed to suggest, ¡®I truly can''tpare.'' ¡°Young Master Murong is bing increasingly impressive. Didn''t your family have only a few branchesst year? Now you have over ten?¡± Zhang Mengyuan said, clearly smitten. ¡±You haven''t heard? There''s a Murong Group clothing store right under our apartmentplex. It''s a massive space, three stories high and spanning over a thousand square meters. I''ve shopped there before; the clothes are absolutely stunning, just a bit on the pricey side,¡± Zhou Yimeng chimed in eagerly. ¡±Don''t worry about it,¡± Murong Tian responded with ease. ¡°Next time you visit, just drop my name and I''ll make sure you get a 50% discount.¡± Murong Tian certainly wasn''t going to pass up the chance to strut his stuff. He spoke with a casual air, hands sped behind his back, exuding an aura of confidence. ¡±I want in too, I want in too!¡± Lee Kemeng excitedly raised her hand, bouncing up and down, her eyes sparkling with excitement. ¡±Absolutely, no problem at all,¡± Murong Tian replied, feeling on top of the world. He was the center of attention, and he knew it. The group found their seats. Three girls gathered around Murong Tian, looking up to him with admiration. Hsu Chenyue sat beside Su Ming, her brow slightly furrowed, feeling a bit of distaste. She had been looking forward to a fun day out, so why did he have to show up? Su Ming just smiled serenely. He knew what was going on and contentedly munched on a slice of watermelon. Observing Wang Hu trailing after Murong Tian, it was clear to him that the club''s business must be closely linked to him. After a lengthy conversation, Murong Tian''s gaze settled on Su Ming once more. ¡°Isn''t this brother also employed at some prestigious ce?¡± he asked with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle. ¡±I''m just following in the family tradition,¡± Su Ming replied cryptically. Hisment left everyone in the room momentarily speechless. What did he mean by that? Could it be that Su Ming''s family was extremely wealthy, perhaps heirs to a corporate empire, or was there some valuable family heirloom? Hsu Chenyue, who was privy to some details about Su Ming''s background, blinked in bewilderment. She knew Su Ming''s parents were just ordinary country folk. It wasn''t that she looked down on them, but she had never heard of them having any special skills. Yet, Hsu Chenyue was aware of Su Ming''s true identity. She knew he was none other than the renowned Mr. Su of Eastsea City. A clever girl, she had previously seen Mr. Su''s car online, which was identical to the one Su Ming drove. It wasn''t hard for her to put two and two together. After all, that car was a one-of-a-kind in Eastsea, perhaps even in the whole country. Su Ming was a super-rich mogul, owning vast tracts ofnd in the heart of the city, with a worth in the billions. She understood that Su Ming preferred to keep a low profile, which is why she hadn''t shared this information with anyone. What puzzled her, though, was why Su Ming had chosen to phrase things the way he did. ¡±Oh?¡± Murong Tian''s interest was piqued. ¡°Brother, do tell, what''s your craft?¡± ¡°I read fortunes by examining facial features.¡± Su Ming replied earnestly. Hsu Chenyue had just bitten into a slice of watermelon and nearly choked when she heard him. Fortune telling?! What in the world was Su Ming up to? Her curiosity was instantly ignited. She was determined to be an attentive spectator. ¡°You can tell fortunes?¡± Murong Tian was taken aback, then burst intoughter: ¡°Hahaha! I never would''ve guessed that this brother''s family trade was fortune telling. Quite fascinating.¡± Despite his words, his eyes betrayed a hint of scorn. How much could one possibly earn from such outdated superstitions? He probably thought Su Ming could only swindle the naive and uninformed. But since Su Ming had made such a im, Murong Tian was intent on seeing him embarrass himself. ¡°Since you''re a fortune teller, why not predict my future? Let''s see what my fortunes hold.¡± Murong Tian said with a casual smile. ¡°No problem.¡± Su Ming responded crisply. The crowd around them perked up at this. They were in for a spectacle. It would be foolish to miss out. ¡°Brother Murong, please extend your hand.¡± Su Ming instructed, grinning. Murong Tian nodded and held out his hand. Su Ming scrutinized it closely, furrowing his brow in concentration. After a moment''s thought, he shook his head, muttering under his breath. Hsu Chenyue struggled to contain her amusement; his performance was quite convincing. ¡°Come on, brother, do you actually know what you''re doing or not?¡± Murong Tian was growing impatient. ¡°Just a moment, just a moment, the results areing shortly.¡± Su Ming''s frown deepened. Silence enveloped the room once more. Everyone was unsure whether to believe the act or not, watching with bated breath. ¡±Smack!¡± Out of the blue, Su Ming pped the table with force. The sudden noise made everyone jump. ¡°Splurt!¡± Lee Kemeng was in the midst of enjoying her watermelon when she identally spat out a mouthful, dousing Young Master Murong''s face with seeds and juice. ¡°Young Master Murong, I''m so sorry, so sorry!¡± Lee Kemeng frantically apologized, realizing she had just made a terrible blunder. ¡°It''s all good!¡± Murong Tian''s expression initially fell, but he quickly regained hisposure, smiling as he wiped off the watermelon seeds: ¡°Tell me, my friend, you''ve figured it out now, haven''t you?¡± ¡°Pretty much.¡± Su Ming concluded, then withdrew his attention. He pondered for a moment. Shaking his head, he began, ¡°Brother Murong, as the saying goes, a man''s fortune is in his features, a woman''s in her years. A full ¡®Heavenly Court'' signifies a life of luxury, while a square ¡®Earth Court'' indicates great authority. Brother Murong, your ¡®Heavenly Court'' is indeed full, suggesting a privileged background and wealth. However, with your left eye bright and your right eye dim, I fear your financial luck has been blocked recently, and you may face some losses.¡± Murong Tian listened. He was taken aback. Was this mere spection or the real deal? It seemed quite insightful. Typically, fortune tellers would shower him withpliments. But Su Ming had predicted a downturn in his fortunes, a stark contrast to the usual ttery. And yet, his assessment was spot on. Chapter 502 Chapter 502 - This Is F Cking urate! ¡°Interesting. Could you please go into more detail?¡± Murong Tian was intrigued. ¡±No rush,¡± Su Ming said calmly, stroking his chin where a goatee would be if he had one. ¡°If I''m not mistaken, the financial loss urredst night.¡± ¡°Holy shit!¡± Murong Tian leapt to his feet. What the hell! How could it be so precise? It wasmon knowledge that only a select few were aware that the remaining funds from the club would end up with the Murong family. Not even the club''s manager was in the loop. Could any of those few have informed Su Ming? Impossible. They hadn''t even met him before, right? ¡°This, this, this¡­¡± Murong Tian was bbergasted. He had assumed it was all in jest, but it turned out to be eerily urate. ¡°Young Master Murong, what''s the matter?¡± ¡°Are you ufortable sitting here?¡± ¡°It can''t be, this couch is genuine leather.¡± The threedies nearby chimed in anxiously. ¡°Silence, don''t talk!¡± Murong Tian turned and snapped at them before cautiously sitting next to Su Ming. ¡°Brother, what else have you discerned?¡± Murong Tian was still somewhat skeptical. Though the chances were incredibly slim, what if the information had been leaked? ¡°It seems you don''t trust me, Brother Murong.¡± ¡°If I''m not mistaken, this gentleman here suffered a violent misfortunest night.¡± ¡°Moreover, it appears he has lost his memory and can''t recallst night''s events.¡± Su Ming''s gaze settled on Wang Hu. ¡°Oh my god, Master! How did you know? I did indeed suffer a violent misfortunest night, it was awful¡­¡± Wang Hu was on the verge of kneeling. This was uncannily urate. He had never met the Master before. Hsu Chenyue was nearly losing her mind on the sidelines. How did Su Ming know? Why did he know? Naturally, he knew. Because he was the one who inflicted the bloody disaster on youst night! But the crux of the matter was that Wang Hu now remembered nothing. He truly believed Su Ming was a master. Murong Tian was also dumbfounded. This, this, this¡­ Could it really be this urate? At this moment, all pretense had vanished from Murong Tian''s mind. ¡°The master¡­¡± His address had shifted. The three beautiful women nearby, upon hearing Murong Tian''s words and witnessing Wang Hu''s reaction, instantly understood. His predictions were spot on. They too were taken aback. Indeed, true talent can be found in the most unexpected ces! ¡°Don''t rush, don''t rush, I''m not done yet.¡± ¡°Not only am I aware of that, but I also know that deep down, you''ve been yearning for something, Brother Murong. Despite all the time and effort you''ve invested, there''s been little to no progress.¡± Su Ming feigned wisdom, nodding and shaking his head as he spoke. ¡°Yes, exactly!¡± Murong Tian nodded eagerly. Su Ming began gesturing with his fingers, seemingly calcting something. The more he figured, the graver his expression became, his brows knitting together, his face growing as dark as a stormy sky. Murong Tian felt a chill in his heart at the sight. What could this mean? ¡°Brother Murong, if my guess is correct, the wealth you''ve squandered is tainted.¡± ¡°You were on the path to a bright future, poised to join the ranks of the nation''s wealthiest, but s, that tainted wealth has shattered your good fortune.¡± ¡°Brother Murong, a violent misfortune looms over you in theing days. Your life may very well be at risk.¡± Su Ming let out a sigh as he spoke. ¡°This¡­¡± Murong Tian was momentarily taken aback. Could this be true? The initial predictions were indeed uncannily urate. But now, doubts crept in. Wasn''t this the typical fortune teller''s script? First, they''re spot on, and then they warn of impending doom. Next thing you know, they''re asking for money, iming they can avert the crisis. If you refuse, the worry gnaws at you; if you pay, they demand a hefty sum. As Murong Tian pondered, his expression shifted. Su Ming gave a slight smile, noticing the change. Just as expected, you''re skeptical. But I''vee prepared. ¡°If I''m not mistaken, in ten seconds, someone will enter with a bottle of red wine.¡± Su Ming dered. ¡°Huh?¡± The others looked around in disbelief. How could that be possible? In an upscale KTV, guest privacy was paramount. No one could enter without permission, let alone with red wine. Was this some kind of joke? No one had ced an order. The people around were skeptical. Then, as they were shaking their heads in disbelief, a knock echoed from the door. Everyone paused, taken aback. Wang Hu opened the door, and a person entered. ¡°Young Master Murong, we''ve heard of your arrival. This red wine is a gift from our boss,¡± the waiter said with utmost respect. He then excused himself and left. Everyone''s jaws dropped. Damn! He nailed it! ¡°Could it be a nt?¡± While everyone was still in shock, Lee Kemeng blurted out a thought. ¡°Ah, right, right, it could be a nt.¡± ¡°Young Master Murong, you shouldn''t take these people at their word so easily,¡± the other two girls chimed in from the side. A nt? Murong Tian nearly broke down. A nt, my foot! This waiter was his own inside man, meant to deliver a bottle of red wine during the birthday party. Even Murong Tian didn''t know the exact timing. Yet Su Ming had called it. If you were to say it was a setup, it was indeed one: but it was Murong Tian''s setup. ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ this¡­¡± Murong Tian stuttered. ¡°If I''m not mistaken,¡± ¡°the power will go out in two minutes.¡± Su Ming said with a slow smile. ¡°No way! That''s just not possible!¡± Wang Hu was the first to dismiss the idea. Oh, great seer, you may have been spot on before, but this? This you''ve got all wrong. How could it be? This is Longhua KTV, one of the top entertainment venues in Eastsea! The electrical system is checked multiple times daily. Even if Eastsea had a ckout, they have backup generators! They would never let a power outage ur. ¡°Exactly! It''s not going to happen.¡± Lee Kemeng and the others also shook their heads. ¡°Young Master Murong, don''t listen to him. Let''s just enjoy our drinks.¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± The three girls wasted no time, opening the red wine and pouring several sses. They weren''t foolish; they knew the wine wasn''t cheap, costing upwards of ten to twenty thousand a bottle. But it was a gift, after all. It''d be a shame not to drink it. Murong Tian also doubted the possibility of a ckout. There was no chance of that happening. How could it be possible? He loosened up a bit and shared some red wine with thedies next to him. They even poured a ss for Su Ming and Hsu Chenyue. But Su Ming didn''t drink, and Hsu Chenyue didn''t even pick hers up. Instead, the two sat quietly on the side, enjoying some watermelon. ¡°Why aren''t you two drinking? This wine costs twenty thousand a bottle, and Young Master Murong is footing the bill today. If you don''t drink now, you might never get such an opportunity again.¡± ¡°Exactly, don''t y coy. Come on, at least raise a ss with us.¡± The three girls cuddled close to Murong Tian. ¡°Yueyue.¡± Murong Tian offered a gentle smile. ¡°This red wine is quite exquisite. Aren''t you tempted to try it?¡± But no sooner had they spoken. Click! The lights went out. The room plunged into darkness. Absolute silence reigned. Chapter 503 Chapter 503 - I will Listen to You The ckoutsted quite a while¡ªover half a minute before the power finally came back on. At that instant, the faces of everyone in the room were a sight to behold. Holy smokes! How could anyone be that precise? This¡­ this is beyond the skills of a master. It''s like dealing with a prophet! A divine being! Could it be an actual deity has descended among us? Murong Tian lost all desire to drink. He was in aplete state of panic. If this so-called master was just trying to swindle some money, he could live with that. But if this was for real, he was out of his depth! ¡°Master¡­¡± Murong Tian stammered, setting his wine ss down with shaky hands. ¡±Hold on,¡± Su Ming said calmly. ¡°Your father''s call is about toe through.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Murong Tian paused, bewildered. A call? What call? He pulled out his phone, a look of confusion washing over his face. No messages? What call could it be? While he was still puzzling over it, his phone screen suddenly lit up. Murong Tian was stunned, frozen in ce. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. His hand trembled as he was about to answer the call. Just then, Su Ming spoke up, ¡°Hmm¡­ I''d advise you not to answer that.¡± ¡±I won''t!¡± Murong Tian didn''t even pause to think, promptly hanging up. ¡±Master, I''m begging you, please guide me. What should I do?¡± Murong Tian blurted out in desperation. ¡°Name your price, I''ll pay anything.¡± ¡°You and I have a connection; I won''t take your money,¡± Su Ming replied with a chuckle. ¡°But my methods are quite unique, and Brother Murong, you might find them hard to ept.¡± Hearing that Su Ming wasn''t interested in money made Murong Tian trust him even more. ¡°No! Whatever the method, I''ll ept it! As long as it can help me avert this crisis, I''m in!¡± Murong Tian was on the verge of tears. ¡°Alright, since we''re friends, I''ll do you this favor,¡± Su Ming said as he gently pped his hands and stood up. Hsu Chenyue blinked and rose to her feet as well, having predicted the earlier events just like Su Ming. However, thest few incidents had Hsu Chenyuepletely baffled. Could Su Ming actually have some sort of foresight? Hsu Chenyue was in a fog, determined to figure out what was really happening. Sitting on the couch, the three girls were equally shocked. It was uncannily urate! Arranging for someone to deliver red wine was one thing. Even a power outage could be orchestrated. But the phone call¡­ How could that be arranged? Was it possible that Su Ming had somehow bribed Murong Tian''s father? To conspire and embezzle their own family''s money? That seemed far-fetched. Someone might specte that the phone was stolen and the contacts tampered with. But only Murong Tian could use his phone, unlocked solely by his fingerprint. Moreover, his phone disyed both the contact name and number simultaneously. If the contact name was changed, the number would remain the same, wouldn''t it? Murong Tian''s expression said it all. The call was definitely from Murong Guo. ¡°Isn''t there a night market nearby?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Yes, absolutely!¡± Wang Hu chimed in, ¡°There''s arge night market just next door.¡± ¡±Great,¡± Su Ming said, then stepped forward, pushed open the door, and walked out, with Murong Tian following closely behind. Xiao Hong, Lee Kemeng, and several of Wang Hu''s men followed suit, leaving the room with a sense of purpose. Just as they exited, In a nearby private room, Murong Guo was visibly irritated. ¡±What''s with this kid, ignoring my calls?¡± he grumbled. ¡°Go check on the private room,¡± he ordered his butler. ¡°Right away, sir!¡± The butler nodded and quickly made his way over. He cautiously opened the door for a peek. Empty? On closer inspection, he noticed the red wine had been opened and several sses poured¡ªapparently consumed. The butler rushed back and ryed the events. Murong Guo''s frown finally eased. Hmm! Not bad at all. It seemed the situation was under control. Earlier, in the lobby, Su Ming had overheard the n between Murong Tian and Murong Guo. Murong Tian had just stepped out of his private room and made his way to Hsu Chenyue''s. Su Ming had been keeping an ear on Murong Guo''s activities. The n was straightforward: Send in a bottle of red wine. Murong Guo would then stir up some trouble. During themotion, Murong Tian was to slip a drug into Hsu Chenyue''s wine ss. Trick her into drinking it, knock her out, Then whisk Hsu Chenyue away, making a done deal out of it. And, to seal the fate, record a video. At that point¡­ No matter how much the Hsu family objected, They would be forced to ept the situation. It must be acknowledged that the strategy was particrly cruel. But s, they encountered an unforeseenplication. Su Ming had overheard their entire scheme. He knew exactly when Murong Guo had nned for the waiter to enter, When Murong Guo had instructed his men to cut the power. Su Ming was privy to it all, including Murong Guo''s call to Murong Tian. Murong Tian had been focused on his task, But after a few words from Su Ming, He waspletely sidetracked. Even if he had remembered, He no longer had the heart to follow through. The master had already spoken: His ill-gotten gains had tainted his destiny, Foretelling a violent misfortune. With such a prophecy hanging over his head, how could he focus on anything else? And upon reflection, The act of drugging Hsu Chenyue seemed utterly despicable. To engage in such viiny on top of acquiring tainted wealth, He might face a cmity that not even a master could avert. Better to y it straight. Especially since Su Ming had spooked him into forgetting his original intentions. Now, Su Ming had led Murong Tian to the night market. ¡°To resolve your impending disaster,¡± ¡°You must do three things.¡± Su Ming whispered his instructions into Murong Tian''s ear. ¡°Ah?!¡± Murong Tian was utterly shocked. This¡­ are you certain? Can this really work? ¡°The secrets of fate must not be disclosed. Besides, deceiving you gains me nothing. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to you.¡± Su Ming ced his hands behind his back with an air of unfathomable mystery. ¡±I, I, I¡­¡± Murong Tian''s face went through a rapid change of expressions. Solving the problem would definitely be a good thing, but it came with a downside. The method¡­ How should he describe it? To hell with it! For the sake of his future wealth and status, he was ready to face the music! With a determined look, Murong Tian pumped his fists, striding confidently under the watchful eyes of the onlookers. He made a beeline for a nearby stall brimming with merchandise: clothes, socks, underwear, and more. The stall owner, a middle-aged woman, greeted Murong Tian with a warm smile. ¡°What can I get for you, young man? We have jackets, pajamas, and underwear here.¡± Murong Tian remained silent, his face turning a deep shade of red. He clenched his fists, wrestling with his decision for what felt like an eternity before finally biting down hard on his resolve. He sidled over to the side and snatched up a pair of underwear. ¡°I''ll take a thousand pairs of these underwear!¡± dered Murong Tian. ¡°Hmm???¡± The stall owner was taken aback, her expression quickly souring. ¡°Young man, you''re quite handsome, so why act so indecently? Are you trying to y the rogue?¡± ¡±Get out of here, now!¡± she demanded. ¡°Leave, or I''m calling the police!¡± The stall owner was visibly upset. Why such anger, though? Normally, a sale would be cause for celebration. The reason was simple: Murong Tian had made a mistake. The underwear he had grabbed was not men''s underwear. Chapter 504 Chapter 504 - Can This Really Work? ¡°No, no, hear me out, I swear I''m not a thug.¡± ¡°I need these pants to save my life.¡± Murong Tian''s face was the picture of misery. The woman running the stall heard him out. She crossed her arms over her chest. She gave him a thorough once-over. Her face was a mix of skepticism and disbelief. Do you think I''m buying it? ¡°Young man, that kind of thinking is dangerous.¡± ¡°Get yourself home, now.¡± The stall owner said with a cold huff. ¡°No!!!¡± Murong Tian threw himself onto the stall. Clutching the pants to his chest, he dered, ¡°I''ll take them all, I''m buying them all!¡± The stall owner eximed, ¡°Good heavens! You''re making a scene in broad daylight, and you won''t even listen. Do you think my experience counts for nothing?¡± With that, she stepped forward. She seized Murong Tian. Smack, smack, smack! Her ps rang out, crisp and sharp. ¡°This is for being a hooligan.¡± ¡°This is for your shamelessness.¡± ¡°I''m going to p some sense into you today!¡± ¡°Let''s see if you dare to act out again.¡± Su Ming stood by, unable to watch. He closed his eyes and shook his head in dismay. Oh, the horror! It was just too much. I can''t bear to see this. What have they done to this poor kid? Murong Tian was defiant as ever. Biting his lip, sticking out his behind. Head held high, chest puffed out. Eyes tightly shut. He took the ps without flinching. Refusing to let go. ¡°Momma!¡± Eventually, the stall owner grew weary. She stood there, gasping for breath. A bystander couldn''t take it anymore. He approached. ¡°Hey, young man, what''s with buying the underwear?¡± ¡°You''re getting thrashed and still won''t release them?¡± The guy was genuinely puzzled. They weren''t made of gold. Why cling to them so desperately? ¡°I''m not a thug, I swear.¡± ¡°I, I, I¡­ I bought them for my family.¡± Murong Tian lied. Because Su Ming had cautioned him earlier. He couldn''t tell the truth¡ªit had to remain a secret. ¡±There''s nothing wrong with buying clothes for your family.¡± ¡°But why did you buy so many?¡± ¡°Is this going to be a family heirloom or something?¡± The older man nearby was utterly baffled. How many people are in your family? Surely, even arge family wouldn''t need this many, right? What''s the deal? Are you some kind of monk on a pilgrimage? Are you heading to a kingdom of women? ¡°I, I, I¡­¡± Murong Tian had been roughed up for so long that his mind was foggy. Now, being questioned, he was even more tongue-tied. ¡°This, this, this¡­¡± ¡°I am the young master of the Murong Group.¡± ¡°We''re in this line of business. I thought I''d buy some to resell.¡± Murong Tian stuttered for what felt like an eternity. Atst, he came up with a somewhat usible excuse. ¡°The Murong Group?¡± The stall''s proprietors, a woman and a man, were taken aback. They had heard of it¡ªa clothing brand with a reputation. But such a brand would have its own retail channels. And its own garment factories. Who''s ever seen a major corporation sourcing goods from a street stall? Seeing their skepticism, Su Ming stepped forward: ¡°Here''s the thing. Theirpany is looking tounch a new line of women''s products, but they don''t want theirpetitors catching wind of it. So they''re discreetly buying these 1,000 pairs of underwear here, just as promotional items to give away to female customers to gauge the response.¡± ¡±Oh,¡± the two vendors said, the light bulb going off. ¡°Look here, young man, why didn''t you just say that in the first ce? Why keep it to yourself?¡± ¡°Why didn''t you speak up sooner?¡± ¡°Why didn''t you say something earlier?¡± ¡°Why didn''t you tell me right away?¡± ¡°Why didn''t you just say so? If you had, you could have avoided a beating.¡± The woman moved closer. Murong Tian was on the verge of tears. I wanted to exin. If only you''d given me the chance. You should have let me speak! I didn''t get a word in edgewise. It was like ps were free. [Smack! Smack! Smack!] And the worst part? I couldn''t havee up with such an excuse on my own. ¡°Wait here, I''ll have someone bring it over,¡± the elder sister said as she dialed a number on her phone. Within minutes, a middle-aged man appeared at the far end of the night market street. He was slightly overweight and bald, wearing only a tank top and shorts despite the chilly weather, his feet slipped into a pair of cloth shoes. He was lugging arge, bulging bag on his back and hurried over to us. ¡°It''s all here,¡± the middle-aged man said, setting down the bag and catching his breath from the exertion. ¡°Old Liu, looks like you''re doing pretty well for yourself,¡± hemented, a hint of envy in his voice as he fanned himself. ¡°The stock you got in yesterday''s already sold out? I''m starting to envy you. I don''t even feel like transporting goods anymore. If things get tough, I might just join you in selling.¡± ¡°Enough already! With your size, you''d probably scare the customers away,¡± thedy retorted with an eye roll. ¡±Young man, we''ve got everything you need. Time to settle up,¡± she said, turning to Murong Tian. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Murong Tian replied, nodding and handing over the money. Wang Hu shouldered the big package, a transparent stic bag filled with bright red gauze underwear. It was eye-catching, turning heads as he walked down the street. ¡±Master, what about the second one?¡± Murong Tian asked as they reached the corner of the street, ncing back at Su Ming. Su Ming whispered a few more words into Murong Tian''s ear, leaving him momentarily dumbfounded. ¡°But I don''t mean anything by it, I''m not trying to doubt,¡± Murong Tian stammered. ¡°I just want to know¡­ does this really work?¡± He was wrestling with a deep sense of self-doubt. The approach seemed odd. ¡°Don''t worry,¡± Su Ming reassured him with an air of mystery. ¡°The secrets of heaven must not be disclosed. Just follow my instructions, and there won''t be any issues.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Murong Tian conceded, his face flushed as he swallowed hard and cautiously approached the utility pole in the night market area, stered with advertisements. The ad read: ¡°Wealthy, beautiful woman with a full figure seeks a healthy man to fulfill her dream of motherhood, due to her husband''s inability to conceive. Reward of 500,000. Contact number¡­¡± It was a piece of cake. Just a quick phone call to mom, and boom¡ª500,000 yuannded straight in her bank ount. Earning money couldn''t get any easier. What''s the meaning of ¡®a word worth its weight in gold''? Well, this was pretty much it. He read on. ¡°Do you suffer from iplete urination due to kidney deficiency? Are your nights interrupted by frequent trips to the bathroom, leaving you with cold extremities and numb limbs? Do you need to rest after just a few steps, feeling utterly drained? Try Zhuge Steel Brand Kidney Treasure¡­¡± ¡°Triple-action root medicine cures diabetes!¡± ¡°Invincible shampoo, say goodbye to baldness!¡± ¡°Lock picking, whether it''s your lock or someone else''s, we can pick it in a second.¡± ¡°Toilet unblocking! With the Big Iron Rod Hospital''s director''s ancestral iron rod, one poke and it''s clear!¡± ¡­¡­ There was no shortage of advertisements. If anyone actually believed these ims¡­ There would be no incurable diseases left in the world. Everything could be healed. Just like that. Cure in hand, illness out the door. Chapter 505 Chapter 505 - My Illness Can be Cured Murong Tian stood before the telephone pole, his face etched with hesitation. A quick nce might have been normal, but there he was¡ªa fine-looking man without a trace of alcohol on his breath or the stagger of someone who had overindulged¡ªjust standing there. Silent for what seemed like an eternity, he simply stared at the pole. It was unsettling, wasn''t it? The night market was bustling, and the passersby couldn''t help but notice Murong Tian. Their curious and sometimes concerned nces fell upon him, each person wondering: Who is this guy? What''s he up to? Is there something worth seeing on that shabby advertisement? ¡±Whoa! He''s not¡­ he''s not crazy, is he?¡± someone muttered under their breath. ¡°A sane person wouldn''t be caught dead staring at that.¡± People began to give him a wide berth, creating an empty space around Murong Tian. Nobody wants to mess with a madman. After what felt like an age, Murong Tian cursed to himself, ¡°Screw it! I''m going all in!¡± He took a deep breath, clenched his teeth, and with a determined stomp, he embraced the pole and bellowed, ¡°My illness can be cured!!!¡± His voice boomed, echoing to the heavens. The area, already cleared out, was filled with onlookers peeking from a distance. His outburst turned them to stone. What in the world was he doing? Where did hee from? Was he about tosh out? It was a bit frightening, to say the least. And then his promation that his illness could be cured¡ªwhat did that mean? The flyers on the pole were somewhat cryptic. If it was a matter of heart or brain health, that would be one thing. But if it was something¡­ more unusual, well, that was another story. Silence fell over the crowd, a hush asplete as if the crows themselves had been silenced. ¡±Damn it! My skewers are charred!¡± one vendor cried out. ¡°Shoot! My milk tea''s all over the ground!¡±mented another. ¡°My cold noodles have turned into a hotte!¡± a third eximed. Minutes passed, and the chaos only grew. Murong Tian, feeling the weight of the stares and the stealthily raised smartphones, could no longer bear it. He released the pole and dashed over to Su Ming''s side. ¡°Master, is it finished?¡± Murong Tian asked, his voice tinged with urgency. ¡±We''re almost there, just onest step,¡± Su Ming replied with a nod. ¡±There''s more?!¡± Murong Tian was on the verge of tears. ¡°Please, no more. I can''t take it any longer.¡± This thing is just too much to handle. Let''s have another. The cmity hasn''t even struck yet, and I''m already done for. ¡°Rest assured, Brother Murong.¡± ¡°The third point is quite straightforward. We can discuss it after we head back to the KTV.¡± Su Ming said cheerfully. ¡°Absolutely, absolutely!¡± Murong Tian nodded eagerly. The group made their way back to the KTV with great fanfare. Once in the private room, they took their seats. Murong Tian asked anxiously, ¡°Master, what were you referring to?¡± ¡°Let''s not rush, no need to rush.¡± Su Ming chuckled, ¡°Let''s have some cake, enjoy the cake.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Murong Tian nodded in agreement. Su Ming grabbed the cake knife, sliced a piece of cake, and ced it on a te for Murong Tian. ¡°This cake should taste excellent.¡± Su Ming said with a grin. ¡°Indeed, indeed!¡± Murong Tian nodded vigorously. Who would dare refuse a cake offered by the master? He took the cake with due respect, but it was tasteless as he ate. Could it even have any vor? Murong Tian was preupied with worry, fearing for his very life. ¡°Brother Murong, we''ve really hit it off today, so let''s drink to our newfound friendship.¡± Su Ming lifted his wine ss as he spoke. ¡°Ah? Oh, yes, let''s drink.¡± Murong Tian couldn''t possibly refuse. Watching Su Ming down his ss in one go, he steeled himself and followed suit. ¡°Since we''ve hit it off, let''s double the good fortune.¡± Su Ming poured two more sses of wine, and downed them both. Murong Tian was left with no choice. After Su Ming drank, how could he not? He reluctantly braced himself and drank the wine. That''s how it went. Exchanging toasts, one ss after another. In the end, Murong Tian had too much to drink. He became groggy, barely able to speak. Su Ming saw it was the right moment. He turned to Wang Hu, ¡°You guys head back first. Don''t go anywhere else tonight.¡± ¡°Yes, of course!¡± Wang Hu wouldn''t dare object. He went back obediently. The room was left with three beautiful women, Su Ming, Hsu Chenyue, and Murong Tian, whoy passed out on the table. The three beauties remained silent throughout, not even daring to breathe too loudly. Meanwhile, Hsu Chenyue was barely containing herughter as she observed from the sidelines. She could tell Su Ming was up to something on purpose. However, she was curious about how he had managed to predict certain events. At that moment, Su Ming pulled out his phone. ¡±Mr. Su,¡± came a weary but familiar voice from the other end. ¡°Captain Wu, are you trying to catch some sleep?¡± Su Ming asked cheerily. ¡°I can''t seem to fall asleep, just resting my eyes for a bit,¡± replied Captain Wu, sitting in his office chair, his brow furrowed and his expression grim. ¡°This club has funneled arge sum of money overseas, and we''re only catching the small fry. We can''t seem to nab the boss.¡± ¡°I know who the boss is,¡± Su Ming said, still smiling. ¡°Really?¡± Captain Wu perked up instantly, sitting bolt upright. ¡°Mr. Su, who''s the mastermind?¡± ¡°Captain Wu, I''m at Longhua KTV right now. Come over and you''ll find out.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± After hanging up, Captain Wu wasted no time. Driven by his dedication to the case, he arrived swiftly. ¡°Mr. Su, where''s the person?¡± Captain Wu asked urgently upon arrival. ¡°It''s him,¡± Su Ming said, pointing at Murong Tian. ¡°But I''ve gotten him drunk. You just need to take him back, apply the interrogation technique I showed you, and use a bit of spray. He''ll spill the truth immediately.¡± ¡±Got it, got it!¡± Captain Wu was thrilled. Could Mr. Su''s words ever be false? Not a chance. He chuckled to himself, grabbed the culprit by the cor, and took him away. ¡°It''s gettingte; time to head back and rest,¡± Su Ming noted, ncing at the time with a smile. ¡°Indeed,¡± agreed Hsu Chenyue as she rose to her feet. The pair walked shoulder to shoulder to the bar counter, settled their bill, and stepped outside. The three beauties trailed behind, too intimidated to utter a word, still unsure of Su Ming''s capabilities. Then, they watched the duo approach a sleek car parked nearby. As the car door swung open and they climbed inside, the women were left in awe. Oh my god! This young man was none other than Young Master Su of Eastsea! The three girls stood rooted to the spot, their faces a mix of shock and awe. Regret was the prevailing emotion among them. They had never imagined that Young Master Su, the very man they had longed to meet in their dreams, had just appeared before them. Yet, instead of valuing the opportunity, they had spent the time mocking him. The three of them exchanged nces, each wishing they could give themselves a good p for their foolishness. Theirughter was so ugly it was almost indistinguishable from crying. Frozen in ce, they could do nothing but shake their heads after a long while. They hailed a taxi with a wave of their hands and headed home. Su Ming was behind the wheel, driving Hsu Chenyue back to their residential area. Throughout the ride, Hsu Chenyue seemed to be on the verge of speaking but kept hesitating. Eventually, she could no longer contain herself. ¡°How did you know what happened afterwards?¡± With a furrowed brow, Hsu Chenyue asked earnestly. ¡°It''s a secret,¡± Su Ming replied with a teasing smile. Chapter 506 Chapter 506 - Where Am I? ¡°Hmph, fine, don''t tell me then!¡± Hsu Chenyue''s delicate eyebrows furrowed briefly before she broke into a smile again. ¡°Thanks for helping me shake off Murong Tian. See youter.¡± With that, Hsu Chenyue hopped out of the car and cheerfully skipped back upstairs. Su Ming had initially nned to check on his parents. But he noticed that the lights upstairs were off. There were two possibilities. Either they were already asleep, or the old couple was enjoying some alone time. Well then. It seemed inappropriate to intrude either way. Su Ming shook his head and decided to head back home. The more he thought about it, the more Su Ming realized he was just an unexpected urrence in their lives. His parents were the ones with the true love story. Back in the city center, he surveyed the ground and the other three districts. No major issues. After a while spent on theputer and staying up until midnight without any luck in finding anything worthwhile, Su Ming went to bed. The night passed without incident, and the next morning dawned. Young Master Murong groggily opened his eyes, his gaze foggy as he scanned his surroundings. Ouch! His head throbbed painfully! He felt nauseous and dizzy, with an unsettled stomach that was utterly ufortable. ¡±Young Master, you''re awake?¡± came a familiar voice from nearby. ¡±Ah.¡± Murong Tian nodded absentmindedly, then paused, a hint of recognition dawning on him. Wait a minute. Why did that voice sound so familiar? Of course¡­ it was nonsense to even question it. Anyone in his bedroom would be someone he knew well. But why did his gut feeling scream that this person shouldn''t be here? Something was off about this person''s presence. Murong Tian racked his brain, which ached from the effort. The alcohol from the night before had dulled his wits, and he was still not fully functional. He slowly opened his eyes for a better look. What?! This person¡­ Oh my God!!! It all came flooding back!!! No wonder he felt this person had no ce here. What the hell! Wasn''t this Li Hai, the club manager and his loyal henchman? ¡±Li Hai, what are you doing here? Weren''t you taken by the police?¡± Murong Tian was utterly bewildered. Could it be¡­ The raid on the clubhouse was all just a dream? A figment of his imagination after drinking too much the night before? No way. He had been a bit tipsy, sure, but now he was sober and could clearly tell the difference. ¡°Yeah.¡± Li Hai, upon hearing this, was taken aback. He nodded vacantly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Murong Tian nearly leaped to his feet when he heard that. What did he mean by ¡®yeah''! And to say it so matter-of-factly. Didn''t he realize how frustrated I am right now? My head is pounding. I''m clueless about what''s happening. Murong Tian nced around in confusion. Huh? How did his bedroom turn into this? A tiny room. Bunk beds on each side, four beds in total. Checkered sheets and nkets. And then, to the side, an iron fence. Murong Tian was dumbstruck. ¡°Where am I?¡± He asked, his voice quivering. ¡±The police station,¡± Li Hai replied, looking perplexed. ¡°What?!¡± Murong Tian sprang to his feet. He rushed to the fence and peered through it. It was indeed the police station! But that couldn''t be right! Could someone please exin what''s happening?! Wasn''t I just out drinkingst night? How did I end up here? This¡­ this¡­ this¡­ I need a logical exnation! Murong Tian waspletely baffled, his mind in a haze. His eyes were wide with disbelief at everything he was seeing. ¡°Oh, Murong Tian is awake.¡± Just then, Captain Wu approached. ¡°Thank you, Comrade Murong Tian, for the lead you provided.¡± ¡°It appears you''ve voluntarily disclosed the criminal facts.¡± ¡°And you''ve even denounced your own father''s illegal activities.¡± ¡°We''ll suggest to the court that your sentence be reduced.¡± Captain Wu spoke cheerfully. ¡°Huh?!¡± Murong Tian was bbergasted. What in the world? What''s all this about? What''s happening? My mind is just not keeping up. I can''t seem to remember a thing. When did I willingly disclose any criminal facts? When did I report my dad? Howe I''m totally unaware of this? Murong Tian turned back, looking at Li Hai with a bewildered face. Li Hai nodded, confirming that it was indeed the case. Murong Tian plopped down on the ground with a p to his thigh. ¡±Ouch! The master''s predictions were spot on! I''m in for it now! But I can''t me anyone else; if there''s anyone to me, it''s myself for not being able to handle my drink and getting drunk halfway through.¡± I ran out of time for the third condition. Sigh¡­ Such is fate. This guy is actually grateful to Su Ming now, but if he knew the real story¡­ Gratitude would be unlikely. He''d be absolutely livid. ¡­¡­ Su Ming slowly opened his eyes and stretched leisurely. The weather was nice, and he had slept like a log. After freshening up a bit, Su Ming changed into his work clothes and headed straight for the field. As expected, an acre ofnd had been upgraded. The soil shimmered with a green glow, resembling a vast prairie. Su Ming blinked in disbelief. Well then. As long as this color doesn''t show up on my own head, I''m fine with it. Time to start farming! Su Ming pulled out his phone, essed the warehouse, and redeemed a Celestial Peach. He then made his way to the adjacent warehouse. Just as he approached, Whoosh! A bright light shed, followed by billowing mist. Amidst the swirling white fog, five glistening Celestial Peaches appeared. Su Ming was gobsmacked. Holy cow! Is it really that impressive? Worthy of a Level Three seed,plete with special effects upon its arrival. Su Ming quickly moved closer for a better look. Huh? What''s this¡­ System, are you ying a joke on me? Next to the warehouse, five boxes had appeared, rudimentary and in, resembling those music boxes sold on the streets for a few dors apiece. The light from before? It was just an LED behind the box. And the smoke? A smallpartment held dry ice. This is just¡­ Annoying. You''d think a Level Three seed would have a bit more ir, right? What kind of trick is this? Su Ming walked over, picked up a box, and slowly opened it. Wow! The scent was heavenly! A rich, enticing fragrance wafted out, making him want to devour it immediately. But they definitely couldn''t be eaten. This thing was extraordinary! Peaches were typically either grafted or grown from seeds, but here he was simply handed a peach. Su Ming chuckled to himself, slipped the five peaches into his pocket, and headed out. He arrived at the field. He ced the seeds by the roadside. Starting up the tractor, he revved the engine. Chug, chug, chug! He thoroughly tilled the soil from one end to the other. Then Su Ming, seeds in hand, stepped onto the freshly turned earth. Upon closer inspection, it was clear. These were indeed Level Three seeds; you could only nt one per acre. Impressive! Su Ming wasn''t upset in the slightest, nor was he rushed. Based on his previous experience, the lower the nting density, the better the yield! Chapter 507 Chapter 507 - It Is Difficult to Find a Job Dig a hole, cover it with soil, and count to five. Su Ming made his way to the center of the yard, dug a hole, and carefully ced the seed inside. He watered and fertilized the soil as well. ¡°Ding! The hundredth generation of Celestial Peach has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 80 hours!¡± 80 hours? Does it really take that long? But on second thought, it seemed reasonable. When he nted the Heart of Wisdom, it took a whole half month. Now, probably because his level had gone up, the nting time had significantly decreased. Otherwise, it would have taken at least a week. All set! Su Ming dusted off his hands, feeling quite pleased. If his guess was correct, he could harvest the Three-legged Golden Toad by tonight. What would it be? Surely something splendid. Even though it was deep into autumn, the sunlight was perfect. Su Ming lounged on a recliner in the middle of the courtyard, squinting slightly, the epitome of rxation. He listened to the bustling sounds of the city around him. The sun''s warmth bathed him, cozy andforting. The vi''s pond, home to several carp, now housed muchrger fish. To have such a sanctuary amidst the urban rush was a luxury. He was so content that he nearly dozed off. Absolutely blissful! Meanwhile, at Eastsea University, in the principal''s office, Principal Ye was greeting an old friend. ¡°Ah, if it isn''t Principal Xie! What brings you here today?¡± Principal Ye greeted the middle-aged man with a beaming smile. They exchanged a hearty handshake. ¡°Ye, stop teasing me. I''ve been beside myself with worry these days.¡± Xie Haijun slumped into a chair, his brow furrowed with concern. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Principal Ye asked, taking a seat across from Xie Haijun. ¡°The job outlook for our graduates is looking grim this year.¡± ¡°We''re not in the same league as Eastsea University. At Eastsea Technology University, less than half of our graduates have secured jobs this year, and thepanies that attended our autumn recruitment fair were mostly small, lesser-known firms.¡± ¡°The students are unhappy, and so is the broadermunity.¡± ¡°I came to seek your wisdom, Ye. Your school''s job fairs are always a hit. Could you share some of your strategies with us?¡± Xie Haijun implored, his expressionden with worry. ¡°This¡­¡± Principal Ye paused, caught off guard by the request. Old Xie, I assure you, I had no other intention. Please don''t get the wrong idea. You see, our school''s recruitment fair has been quite sessful, right? It''s not because I''m an exceptionally skilled principal. The reason is¡­ It''s because we''re Eastsea University, a 985211 institution. And then there''s your Eastsea Technology University. Well¡­ It''s somewhat different. Of course, Principal Ye could only think this to himself. He couldn''t voice it outright. After all, Xie Haijun was here seeking sce, not criticism. And Xie Haijun is no fool. He''s well aware of the situation but had no other option than toe here for guidance. ¡°Old Xie, as you know, the market has been tough these past couple of years.¡± ¡°Manyrgepanies are at full capacity, some are even downsizing, and the smaller ones? They prefer hiring seasoned professionals with experience, not wanting to invest time and energy in training neers.¡± ¡°It''s not just you. Our fall recruitment fair this year also hadckluster results. Though slightly better than yours, only about 80% of our students managed to secure contracts.¡± Principal Ye was speaking the truth. The market economy is indeed challenging right now. Xie Haijun''s face dropped upon hearing this. If arge institution like yours is struggling, what hope do I have? ¡°Ye, I won''t lie to you, I''ve been losing sleep and my appetite over this.¡± While speaking, Xie Haijun pulled out a newspaper from his briefcase. The front-page headline was ring. Eastsea Technology University''s employment rate dismal! Is it an issue with Eastsea Technology University''s teaching, or the quality of the students? It warrants deep reflection! ¡°Look at what this newspaper says,pletely devaluing our university.¡± ¡°We already have a small pool of applicants, barely scraping by the passing mark each year. With this kind of publicity, who would dare to apply?¡± ¡°This is just ruining us.¡± Xie Haijun was beside himself with anger. Principal Ye took the newspaper, looked it over carefully, and his brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Old Xie, try not to get upset. The media tends to sensationalize to draw in readers.¡± ¡°I understand that, but the key issue remains unresolved¡­¡± Xie Haijun, already thinning on top, found his hair shedding even more with worry. Principal Ye gave him a look. ¡°Come on, Old Xie, it''s not the end of the world.¡± ¡°Losing hair over an online issue, really?¡± ¡°If we have fewer students, we can lower the admissions threshold and recruit more.¡± ¡°But if you lose your hair, that''s a tougher problem to solve.¡± ¡±Actually, I have an idea,¡± Principal Ye said, shifting the conversation. ¡±Oh?¡± Xie Haijun''s eyes brightened. ¡°Ye, you''ve got to help me out!¡± ¡°Isn''t your school celebrating its 70th anniversary this year?¡± Principal Ye asked with a grin. ¡±Yes, that''s right. But what about it? The 70th anniversary is making thingsplicated. It should be a time of celebration, yet our employment rates are dismal,¡± Xie Haijunmented, furrowing his brow. ¡±Use the 70th anniversary to host a grand celebration,¡± suggested Principal Ye. ¡°Reach out to a few alumni.¡± ¡±Your school isn''t exactly small; there must be some alumni who have made it big. Get them toe back.¡± ¡°Have them provide resources and job opportunities.¡± ¡°Then get some TV stations to give them some publicity, hand out some honorary certificates, and so on. It''s a win-win.¡± Principal Ye spoke cheerfully. ¡°Aiya!¡± ¡°Aiya ya!¡± ¡°Aiya ya ya!¡± Upon hearing this, Xie Haijun pped his thigh and stood up abruptly. Principal Ye''s face contorted in response. Damn it! If you''re going to p a thigh, p your own! Why on earth are you pping mine? And with such force! Ouch¡­ That really hurt. ¡°Ye, no wonder you''re the principal of Eastsea University.¡± ¡°You''re truly impressive; I''m in awe,¡± Xie Haijun said admiringly. ¡°I''ll start preparing right away.¡± As he was about to leave, Principal Ye interjected. ¡°Hold on a second.¡± Rubbing his thigh, Principal Ye managed to stand, despite the pain. That old man sure had a strong hand. The aftereffect of that p was intense. It made me shiver all over. ¡°What''s the rush?¡± he asked. ¡°I''ve got another idea.¡± ¡°Our school''s job prospects aren''t looking too great either.¡± ¡°How about we join forces?¡± ¡°Let''s organize a domestic enterprise employment forum.¡± ¡°We''ll invite distinguished alumni from both our schools.¡± With that, Principal Ye thought of Su Ming. He had a vivid memory of thest gathering. In Eastsea City, numerous business owners respectfully stood behind him, addressing him as Mr. Su. When Su Ming made an entrance, with a wave of his arm and a call to action, a legion of entrepreneurs rallied behind him. Wasn''t that the very definition of influence? Despite Eastsea University''s employment rates being marginally better than those of Eastsea Technology University, the advantage was slight. Principal Ye was understandably concerned. Then Xie Haijun arrived, and suddenly, Principal Ye saw the light. What a brilliant idea! ¡°Excellent idea, excellent idea!¡± Xie Haijun eximed, barely containing his excitement. It was clear they had a strong rapport. Though it was a hard pill to swallow, Eastsea Technology University indeed fell short of Eastsea University in several aspects. The caliber of faculty and student quality were iparable, and the sess rate of their graduates, as well as the number of distinguished alumni, were significantly higher. By co-hosting an event with Eastsea University, he could also enjoy a share of their prestigious spotlight. Chapter 508 Chapter 508 - The Cunning Xie Haijun ¡°Ye, your approach is quite impressive,¡± I remarked. ¡°You just jogged my memory,¡± I continued, ¡°our school indeed had a particrly exceptional student.¡± ¡°He was notorious for skipping sses and failing exams back in the day. But who would have thought that upon graduation¡­¡± ¡°He took over his family''s iron mine back home and became quite the influential figure.¡± Principal Ye''sment sparked a new line of thinking for Xie Haijun. ¡°Is that so?¡± Upon hearing this, Principal Ye feigned an exaggerated surprise, while internally he mused. I had assumed he''d had an epiphany post-graduation, striving to start his own venture. Turns out he simply inherited the family business. It''s not about being human or not; even a pig could be notable in those circumstances. Remember when Michael Jackson''s pet chimpanzee inherited a fortune? That chimp ended up wealthier than many people. But, reincarnation is a craft in itself: some are just born lucky. ¡°Ye, I really owe you one,¡± I said. ¡°That student was initially at your university. After being caught cheating on the final exams, he was expelled. He retook the college entrance exam and ended up at our school,¡± Xie Haijun exined with a grin. This revtion left Principal Ye momentarily speechless. The school had been cracking down on cheating during finals for years, but it rarely led to expulsion. At worst, the student''s grade for the course would be annulled, necessitating a retake the following year, apanied by a warning. Cheating, while clearly wrong, was almost an expected part of the finals: teachers knew it well and usually allowed for second chances. However, some students were overly brazen, employing such egregious methods of cheating that it caused significant disruption. In those rare cases, expulsion was the only option. Such instances were few and far between, making them all the more memorable. With that in mind, Principal Ye quickly connected the dots. ¡°Hold on, Old Xie, are you referring to¡­ Meng Haitao?¡± Principal Ye blinked in anticipation. ¡±Wow!¡± eximed Xie Haijun. ¡°I''m impressed, Ye. You''ve got a good memory. Yes, that''s exactly who it is.¡± Principal Ye blinked after hearing the news. Uh¡­ Okay then. That''s incredibly coincidental. I didn''t expect it to actually be him. After all, he was nearly expelled because of Su Ming. You can just picture their reunion. It''s bound to be¡­ I apologize, Mr. Su. I had no idea it would be him. If I had known, I certainly wouldn''t have brought it up. ¡°Alright, Ye, I''m heading back to call a school assembly immediately.¡± ¡°Let''s get ready.¡± With that, Xie Haijun left. He promptly convened the assembly. The leadership and all the teachers were present. Upon hearing Xie Haijun''s announcement, their eyes shone with anticipation. The recent employment issues had been a source of great stress for them. ¡°Our school''s representative this time is Meng Haitao. Although his grades weren''t great during his time here, he''s now worth a fortune¡ªseveral billion yuan.¡± ¡°He owns two iron mines.¡± Xie Haijun grinned with delight. ¡°Really? He has a mine?¡± ¡°Our very own student is a billionaire?¡± ¡°I remember that kid. He failed an exam and wanted to buy points from me, but I refused.¡± ¡°Damn! Regretting it now, aren''t you? I''m telling you, stay away from the alumni meeting! You might just cause trouble!¡± ¡°What does it matter if someone had good grades? He''s now worth billions, which is far more impressive than you.¡± The teachers were buzzing with excitement. ¡°On my way here, I''ve already reached out to Meng Haitao and invited him to join our school''s board of directors.¡± ¡°Meng Haitao has epted and will be arriving by ne this afternoon.¡± ¡°We shouldn''t waste any time, let''s get prepared.¡± ¡°The seminar will be held at 5 PM today.¡± ¡°After all, we have quite a few alumni in Eastsea. I''ll get in touch with some of them. Whoever can make it, great. If not, no worries. The star of the show is Meng Haitao.¡± Xie Haijun smiled slightly. Being a board member sounds prestigious. But in reality, Most of the time, You''re not involved. So don''t try to call the shots. Your child has arrived, which means I can offer you a discount. This will ensure your child graduates without any hitches or failing grades. But please, stay out of other matters. If the school faces an issue, Whether it''s road construction today or bridge building tomorrow, I can then legitimately request funds from you. Still, despite this, Many people are eager to im this title of honor. Why, you ask? Ites with a significant tax break. That''s a substantial amount of money. ¡°But Principal, isn''t this all a bit too sudden?¡± ¡±We won''t have enough time to prepare,¡± voiced a concerned teacher from below. ¡°What''s the rush?¡± ¡°We''re neither dining nor partying; we''re here to engage in an academic discussion.¡± ¡°We''ll call it the ¡®Analysis of Domestic Employment Prospects.''¡± ¡°What preparation is needed for an academic discussion?¡± ¡°We don''t need any flower arrangements.¡± Xie Haijun spoke with a contented smile. The other teachers, upon hearing this, Werepletely taken aback. This wasn''t about organizing a job fair to address the students'' employment issues. What did this have to do with an academic discussion? ¡°You all don''t get it, do you?¡± ¡°We''ll invite sessful alumni to speak to their underssmen, sharing their entrepreneurial triumphs, current sess, and future aspirations.¡± ¡°Then we''ll bring in the TV station.¡± ¡°Who would pass up an opportunity to satisfy their own vanity?¡± ¡°After they''ve boasted about their achievements, we''ll ask them for job cements. How could they refuse?¡± Xie Haijun was brimming with confidence. ¡°Oh my! That''s our principal for you, always thinking ahead!¡± ¡°Impressive, truly impressive!¡± ¡°You''ve got me wanting to take the stage and say a few words myself. To show off in front of the underssmen is truly a highlight of one''s life!¡± ¡°Exactly. Some people have an unremarkable four years in college, but once they make it in the real world, they crave a chance to showcase themselves.¡± The teachers nodded in agreement. It''s no wonder you''re the principal and we''re merely teachers and school administrators; the difference in vision is iparable. ¡°Plus, these graduates are still young.¡± ¡°We''ll have some of the young female students present them with awards and flowers.¡± ¡°Who knows, it might even lead to a few romances.¡± Xie Haijun said with a grin. Upon hearing the n, the teachers at Eastsea University were impressed. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Just imagine! Returning to your alma mater. In front of your underssmen. In front of teachers who once underestimated you. On television. Being able to share the trials and triumphs of starting your own business. And doing it with style, boasting about your achievements. Even weing a few bashful junior girls. In that moment. Offering job positions to your juniors. You''d feel like you were on top of the world. This isn''t just any seminar. It''s a show-off convention! Who could resist? Who could stand up to that? Unbeatable! Eastsea University already had a significant number of local students. Even with short notice, a single phone call could surely bring in a crowd. ¡°The principal is truly a visionary with profound insight and long-term perspective. He''s an old¡­ uh¡­ master strategist. Truly formidable.¡± ¡°Principal, I''ll have my team get on it right away.¡± ¡°We''ll let them tout their own sesses, then the school will step in to offer them job cements.¡± ¡°Exactly, they''ve talked the talk, now we can''t let them down without job offers. That would be embarrassing.¡± ¡°Great strategy, great strategy!¡± The teachersvished praise one after another. Each of these teachers had a bit of a cunning streak. Not one of them was a pushover. Chapter 509 Chapter 509 - Give You a Mission Let''s discuss Principal Ye. The economy has been sluggish over the past couple of years. With businesses dwindling, even though their institution is a prestigious 985,211 key university, the employment rates remain disappointingly low. Xie Haijun''sments, however, served as a wake-up call. Setting aside others, just consider the number of job opportunities Mr. Su could provide. Mr. Su is acquainted with at least dozens of business owners. If each could offer just one position, that would be quite an achievement. Something is always better than nothing. With this in mind, Principal Ye took the invitation and made a beeline for the women''s single apartments. Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian were enjoying some television in their room. The sisters, having not seen each other in a while, were having a st. Then, out of the blue, there was a knock at the door. Su Qiu paused, puzzled. Could it be the senior from next door? Most of their neighbors were either master''s or doctoral students, and they all got along well, often sharing tasty treats with each other. Su Qiu, just a freshman, was practically the building''s darling. She frequently received gifts like snacks and fruit from others. Approaching the door, Su Qiu opened it, and upon seeing who was there, she froze. ¡°Principal Ye?¡± Su Qiu blinked, taken aback. What brought Principal Ye here? ¡°Who is it?! The Principal?!¡± Zhang Qianqian joined her, equally astonished. Eastsea University was the top institution in Eastsea. A premier university. Its national ranking was certainly impressive, consistently within the top ten. Bing the principal of such a university meant being a renowned schr with an extremely high social standing. For most students at Eastsea University, the principal was more of a mythical figure. Many would graduate without ever having seen him. And yet, here he was, Principal Ye, in person, looking for Su Qiu? ¡°Principal Ye, are you here to see my brother?¡± Su Qiu was quick on the uptake. Only her brother, Su Ming, could warrant a personal visit from Principal Ye. ¡°Yes, indeed.¡± Principal Ye, smiling and with a modest demeanor, replied, ¡°There''s a seminar this afternoon, and I''d like to invite your brother to participate.¡± ¡°A seminar?¡± Su Qiu paused, curious. ¡°Principal Ye, what kind of seminar requires my brother''s attendance?¡± ¡±Su Qiu, you''re not aware of the situation,¡± Principal Ye said with a sigh and a shake of his head. ¡°The job outlook at our school this year is quite bleak. Many of your upperssmen haven''t found employment. That''s why we''re nning to coborate with Eastsea Technology University on a seminar. We aim to invite some of our most sessful alumni to discuss their experiences and hopefully address some of the employment issues.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Su Qiu responded, a light of understanding dawning on her. Just a few days before, she had overheard some of her senior sistersmenting their situation. Despite havingpleted their PhDs and nearing thirty, they were ready to work, but found the job marketcking in quality positions. While Eastsea University''s PhD graduates were highly regarded, the reality was starkly different for men and women. Men were often recruited by top tech firms even before graduation, while women faced tougher prospects. ¡°It''s unavoidable, the harsh reality of society,¡± Principal Ye continued. ¡°Your brother, Su Ming, is one of Eastsea University''s most sessful alumni. I''ve given it a lot of thought, and I believe you should be the one to talk to him about this.¡± ¡°Sure, no problem,¡± Su Qiu agreed with a nod. ¡±I''ll send you the detailster so you can inform your brother,¡± Principal Ye said, visibly relieved and smiling at the confirmation. ¡°Alright,¡± Su Qiu replied, nodding once more. Over at Eastsea Technology University, Xie Haijun made his way to an activity hall with a cheerful grin. The Student Affairs Office was bustling with several events, including two debatepetitions scheduled for that evening. Among the busy figures was the campus beauty, a standout with her stunning looks and first-rate presence. Xie Haijun couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. ¡°Ye, I may not match you in faculty expertise or student quality,¡± he thought to himself, ¡°but when ites to our campus beauty, we''re second to none.¡± ¡°Principal, what brings you here?¡± the students asked, straightening up at the sight of Xie Haijun, surprised to see him at what was merely an internal academy debate. The event was organized by the students themselves. Why has it caught the principal''s attention? ¡°Don''t worry, carry on. Liang Xue, could youe here for a second?¡± Xie Haijun called out with a beaming smile from the doorway. ¡±Are you looking for me?¡± Liang Xue was momentarily taken aback. But she didn''t dare to question further and approached Xie Haijun. ¡°Principal, did you need something from me?¡± Liang Xue inquired, puzzled. She had never met the principal before. Why was he suddenly seeking her out? ¡°Xue, you are recognized as the campus belle at our school,¡± Xie Haijun observed with growing approval, his face breaking into a broad grin. Huh? Liang Xue was bewildered. She furrowed her brow slightly and instinctively wrapped her coat tighter around herself, taking a step back. What are you up to, Principal? Surely not, Principal, you wouldn''t engage in such behavior? I¡­ I''m not the kind of girl who¡­ This is all too abrupt! Noticing Liang Xue''s guarded stance, Xie Haijun paused, then quickly reassured her with a chuckle, ¡°My dear, what are you thinking? As the principal of this school, and considering you''re around my daughter''s age, how could I possibly consider such a thing?¡± ¡°Ah? If it''s not that, then what is it?¡± Liang Xue was still confused. ¡°Here''s the situation. This afternoon, the school is hosting a seminar with many distinguished speakers presenting. Naturally, we want to be fully prepared. You''re the most beautiful girl in our school, so you''ll be leading the team tonight. Plus, you have a particrly challenging task ahead.¡± Xie Haijun''s voice took on a more serious tone as he delved into the matter at hand. ¡°What task?¡± Liang Xue asked. ¡±Your mission is to impress Meng Haitao!¡± Xie Haijun dered with conviction. ¡°What?!¡± Liang Xue was bbergasted. Who? What? Impress Meng Haitao? What in the world? What kind of mission is this? Principal Xie. I''m not just any girl. Seeing the look on Liang Xue''s face, Xie Haijun blinked, puzzled. What''s the matter? Did I misspeak? He then reflected on his previous words. Oh my goodness! Look at that! He identally let the truth slip out. How awkward, just a tad embarrassing! ¡°No, I mean¡­ Ha, tonight there''s a flower presentation ceremony. Meng Haitao, he''s our school''s most distinguished alumnus. I''ll get you his detailster. Just make sure the flowers get to him, and your task will beplete.¡± Xie Haijun quickly corrected himself. Is it really okay to have told the truth? Upon hearing this, Liang Xue''s face gradually regained its normal color. If that''s the case, then there shouldn''t be any issue. Chapter 510 Chapter 510 - Soong Congjun Su Ming was hunched over his lunch, enjoying his meal. The courtyard had been tidied up, and the weeds were nearly all cleared away. In the warehouse, the fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, and seeds were all neatly organized. Two acres were dedicated to sweet luffa. Five acres to the Water-sshing Lotus Root. And there was the newly nted Celestial Peach. The herding area housed five western cowboy snake alpacas, strutting around with boots on and cigarettes dangling from their mouths, exuding an air of nonchnce. In the aquatic product area, there were five Rock-and-roll Turtles. When they were ced in the water, the System didn''t provide a maturity timeline. Su Ming hadn''t noticed at first, but even when he did, it didn''t bother him. Farming, after all, is about doing things at your own pace and finding joy in the simplicity. Fussing over details is just exhausting. Besides, anything produced by the System was guaranteed to be top-notch. The breeding zone was home to the Three-legged Golden Toad, ready for harvest tonight. He had been looking forward to this for quite some time. As for expanding the farm, Su Ming had no immediate ns to do so. For one thing, it was already quiterge, upying over ten acres in the city center, which was astonishing in itself. More importantly, hisnd was shielded by tall buildings on all sides except the front, making it less conspicuous. Acquiring a few more buildings would make it stand out too much. For now, he preferred to keep a low profile and develop steadily. Attracting the attention of those in power could lead toplications he''d rather avoid. While Su Ming was relishing his meal, his phone rang. He saw it was Su Qiu calling. ¡°Little sis? What''s got you calling your brother out of the blue?¡± Su Ming answered cheerfully. ¡°Brother, Principal Ye stopped by. He mentioned there''s a seminar tonight and he''d like you toe,¡± Su Qiu exined over the phone. ¡±Oh, is that so¡­¡± Su Ming pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°Alright, I''ll get ready and head over.¡± ¡±Great,¡± Su Qiu responded. ¡°I''ll let Principal Ye know.¡± ¡°Brother Ming,e visit us at school sometime and hang out!¡± Zhang Qianqian spoke with a yful lilt on the phone. ¡°Okay, I''m on my way.¡± Su Ming cheerfully responded. ¡°Let''s get ready then. Don''t stand me up!¡± Su Qiu chimed in with augh. With that, they both hung up. Su Ming wasn''t bothered by the interruption. He was, after all, a proud graduate of Eastsea University. He was more than willing to contribute to his alma mater. After finishing his meal, Su Ming quickly got ready. He headed to the garage and chose a car at random. Then he set off directly for Eastsea University. ¡°Brother! Over here!¡± Upon arriving at the university entrance, he spotted the two girls eagerly waving. Su Ming grinned and honked twice in greeting. He then parked in the university''s front lot. Stepping out of the car, he approached the girls. ¡°Brother!¡± ¡°Brother Ming!¡± The girls bounced over, each taking an arm and hugging it tightly. ¡°You two¡­¡± Su Ming was caught between amusement and exasperation. It was as if he had be a human coat rack for the two of them. ¡°Brother, I haven''t eaten yet. Can we grab a bite?¡± Su Qiu patted her t stomach, looking up at him with pleading eyes. ¡°Sure, my treat. What would you like?¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. ¡°The cafeteria!¡± Zhang Qianqian piped up. A few lines of frustration creased Su Ming''s forehead. One girl was a freshman, only a few months into her first year, and the cafeteria was still a novelty. The other had just arrived and was equally unacquainted with the dining options. But Su Ming was a different story. He had endured the Eastsea cafeteria for four long years. Those in the know, understood. Just the thought of the food there was enough to dampen his appetite. Nevertheless, since the girls were keen, he didn''t object. He escorted them towards the cafeteria, his own stomach already full. Inside, Su Qiu ordered a bowl of noodles, Zhang Qianqian opted for a rice dish, and Su Ming, not hungry, just grabbed a bottle of soda. They sat down together, eating and chatting away. Principal Ye was in high spirits. With Mr. Su''s presence, it seemed no one else''s attendance was necessary. Mr. Su single-handedly managed a whole crowd of people. After a busy morning, he was feeling quite hungry. Principal Ye was a man of simple tastes, too, with no fondness for extravagance or waste. He decided to head to the school cafeteria¡ªit was nearby, the food was tasty, the prices were reasonable, and a few quick bites would suffice. With Principal Ye, there was a gathering of school leaders for a seminar, ensuring a significant turnout. The principal wasmitted to living modestly, content with whatever was on offer. Which of the subordinate leaders would dare to indulge in wastefulness? They respectfully trailed behind Principal Ye. Upon entering the cafeteria, Principal Ye stopped in his tracks, taken aback. He immediately spotted Su Ming seated at the center of the room. Oh! Mr. Su has arrived! Goodness gracious! This, this, this¡­ He mustn''t be disturbed! The school leaders, noticing Principal Ye''s reaction, were puzzled until they followed his gaze. They quickly caught on! These veteran leaders shared an unspoken understanding. Exchanging nces, they quietly and simultaneously stepped back. They mustn''t disturb him! They mustn''t disturb him! Tsk, tsk, tsk! Principal Ye was overjoyed inside. How do you even begin to exin such a situation? As it happened, Mr. Su''s sister was a student at Eastsea University. What a fortunate coincidence. This made handling many matters all the more convenient. What''s the saying? ¡°The early bird catches the worm.¡± While Principal Ye and his colleagues were contentedly watching and considering relocating, a group of young men approached with confidence, their presencemanding. The leader was a Mr. Song, Soong Congjun by name. He was tall, handsome, and dressed in designer clothes, with a watch on his wrist that shone brightly, clearly expensive. Upon his arrival, his eyes sparkled at the sight of Su Qiu. He straightened his attire and cleared his throat before making a beeline for her. A few followers were trailing behind Soong Congjun. They had been pondering their lunch options when they noticed Soong Congjun heading straight for someone. They paused, took a closer look, and realized¡ª My goodness! Wasn''t that Su Qiu, the very person they had all been longing to see? ¡°Wow, isn''t that Su Qiu?¡± ¡°She''s lucky that Young Master Song has taken a liking to her.¡± ¡°Absolutely. I''ve heard Su Qiu''s family is really struggling. They can''t afford to eat at the dining hall regrly. With Young Master Song''s wealth, he''ll sweep her off her feet in no time.¡± The sycophants behind him chimed in one after another. Hearing hisckeys''ments, Soong Congjun swelled with pride. He had been smitten with Su Qiu since the first day of school and had pursued her relentlessly. But then Young Master Ye stepped in. Young Master Ye, the principal''s own son, was not someone to cross, no matter how bold you were. Soong Congjun had no choice but to back down. However, when he learned that Young Master Ye had run into trouble and had to repeat a year of high school, he became cocky again. Exactly¡­ He realized that his chances of running into Su Qiu were slim now. Chapter 511 Chapter 511 - It Seems to Make a Lot of Sense Su Qiu had moved to a different dormitory¡ªa single apartment, far from her old one but closer to the academic buildings andbs. Soong Congjun had been pacing back and forth at Su Qiu''s old dorm, but what were the chances of running into her there? To his surprise, he spotted her in the cafeteria today. He wasn''t about to let this chance slip by. But then he saw Su Qiu dining with an unfamiliar man, and Soong Congjun''s face darkened. Wow, she''s got some nerve! How dare she go after my woman? Doesn''t she know who I am? Who does this guy think he is? Young Master Ye? I''m not just boasting¡ªI''ve done my homework to avoid past mistakes. I''ve checked out all the big shots at this school, and there''s definitely no one like him. But the real issue is¡­you, you, you¡­ I could maybe get over you trying to steal my woman, but why do you have to be so good-looking? Why? My natural beauty and charm don''t evene close to yours. How is that fair? And another thing, chasing one girl is one thing, but what''s with the two-timing? Really, what''s your secret? [Sigh] The girl next to him isn''t bad either, almost as pretty as Su Qiu. Tsk, tsk, tsk. This guy''s got game. I''ve got to hand it to him. Okay, okay, could you maybe show me¡­ Wait, what the hell am I thinking? I''m supposed to be teaching him a lesson, not admiring him! Soong Congjun quickly shook the thought from his head, gritted his teeth, and balled his fists. He stormed off toward Su Ming, his anger palpable. His cronies got the message¡ªYoung Master Song''s girl had been snatched away, and not just one, but two! And to add insult to injury, these two seemed to be getting along famously,ughing and feeding each other. This is just too much! It''s maddening topare yourself to others. We''re a bunch of misfits who can''t even find a single match, and this guy''s got two? Couldn''t he have left one for the rest of us? Soong Congjun approached Su Ming and mmed his hand down on the table with a thud. ¡±This is outrageous!¡± Su Ming and his twopanions jumped in surprise. Who was this? What was going on? They looked up to see Soong Congjun. Su Ming blinked, puzzled. Zhang Qianqian also blinked, equally bewildered. They couldn''t be med. They genuinely didn''t recognize him; they had never met before. ¡°You actually had a meal with another man behind my back!¡± Soong Congjun used Su Qiu loudly. Su Ming and Zhang Qianqian exchanged nces, both turning their attention to Su Qiu. Su Qiu was taken aback. She nced at Soong Congjun, looking him over from head to toe. ¡±Uh¡­¡± Then Su Qiu spoke up, ¡°And you are?¡± ¡±I''m Soong Congjun!¡± he dered, thumping his chest for emphasis. ¡°Oh, hello, Soong. Should I know you?¡± Su Qiu looked utterly confused. ¡°Ah¡­ probably not.¡± Soong Congjun was equally baffled. The poor guy was just too sincere. ¡°Have we ever spoken before?¡± Su Qiu inquired, her eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°Ah¡­ no.¡± Soong Congjun scratched his head, racking his brain. But no, they had not. ¡°Am I your girlfriend?¡± Su Qiu pressed on with her questions. ¡°No, no, definitely not.¡± Before Soong Congjun could respond, a passerby shook his head in disagreement. ¡±Exactly. Can you not recognize your own boyfriend?¡± Another bystander chimed in. ¡°Can you be boyfriend and girlfriend if you don''t even know each other?¡± The first passerby added. ¡°Is there such a thing as a couple who''s never spoken?¡± The second bystander continued. ¡±If we don''t know each other, what does it matter to you if I dine with other guys?¡± The first passerby questioned. ¡°And even if there was something between us, am I not allowed to have a meal with other guys?¡± The second passerby retorted. Soong Congjun listened, dumbfounded. This¡­ this made too much sense! Though it was a bit of amotion. Are you two performing aedy routine or what? What are you up to? Trying to be a narrator or something? Soong Congjun was taken aback, and so was everyone else around him. ¡­ ¡­ ¡­ The cafeteria fell silent in an instant. Everyone had assumed it was a boyfriend catching a cheater in the act. But after a bit of conversation, it became clear. The girl didn''t even recognize you, let alone have a conversation with you. Why should it matter to you who she''s dining with? Even if she soared to the heavens and stood side by side with the sun, it wouldn''t concern you in the slightest, would it? ¡°Please, go ahead. We''re about to eat.¡± Su Qiu said this and then returned to her meal. ¡°Ah, okay.¡± Soong Congjun nodded, turned, and began to walk away. Then he stopped, suddenly confused. Wait a minute! That''s not right! I came here today to woo you! Why am I just walking away? I¡­ I¡­ Though he couldn''t pinpoint exactly where things had gone awry, he was certain something had. Never mind, it doesn''t matter. Soong Congjun turned back around. ¡°Su, you''re one of the most beautiful girls in our school.¡± ¡°It''s beneath you to eat this cafeteria food.¡± ¡°Plus, from what I understand, he''s not even a student here, is he?¡± ¡°Su, why note with me? You can enjoy the finer things in life.¡± ¡°I can even provide you with money to ensure your lifestyle is elevated several notches.¡± With that, Soong Congjun pulled out his wallet. He produced a plethora of bank and various restaurant membership cards, covering the table. ¡±You can spend whatever you like from this card.¡± ¡°There''s at least a hundred thousand in this membership card for you to indulge in.¡± Soong Congjun was brimming with confidence. He was sure this gesture would sweep Su Qiu off her feet. Just as he imagined Su Qiu would scream with delight, leap up, and throw herself into his arms, he sensed something was off. Looking around, he noticed many students in the cafeteria were struggling to maintain theirposure. Hmm¡­ It was a peculiar situation. They seemed like they wanted tough but dared not to. Yet, trying not tough was proving to be quite the challenge. Su Qiu was being observed, but not a single eyelid was lifted in response. A dismissivement was tossed out, ¡°Sorry, I''m not fond of eating out.¡± ¡°No, it''s not that.¡± Soong Congjun found himself somewhat flustered. He had pulled this move countless times. How else could he manage to switch girlfriends every week? Yet, this was a first: outright rejection! What to do now? He had plenty of sess stories to share, but not a single tale of failure. ¡°I¡­ um¡­¡± Soong Congjun stuttered, then a spark of inspiration struck. If I can''t get through to Su Qiu, I''ll target Su Ming. Why not start with him? Drive him off, make him back down! ¡°What''s with the silent act? ying deaf, are you?¡± ¡°Someone''s wooing your girl, and you can''t even muster a peep. What a coward.¡± ¡°If you''re not up to the challenge, step aside. Su Qiu, since you''re so fond of noodles, if youe with me, I''ll hire a variety of chefs to whip up endless noodle dishes for you right at home. How does that sound?¡± Soong Congjun dered with a burst of bravado. Chapter 512 Chapter 512 - I Am a Thirtysecond Man ¡°No thanks, I prefer the cafeteria noodles,¡± Su Qiu declined outright. Soong Congjun was taken aback. Something was off about this scenario. He considered himself a seasoned yer in the game of love, always getting what he wanted with ease. Wasn''t wooing a woman supposed to be a piece of cake? He had even conquered a nobody like Su Ming! He had it all nned out before he walked through the door. Where to dine tonight? Which hotel to book? What positions to try? The fantasy was delightful. But it all hinged on her agreement. Without it, what good were his fantasies? Soong Congjun felt as though his heart had been crushed under a ton of bricks. Leave now? With all these eyes on him, how humiliating. But stay? For what? To face more rejection? No way! He, Soong Congjun, must rise to the challenge! A minor setback couldn''t possibly defeat him. He was determined! He would take it step by step, with his feet firmly on the ground! He would ascend to the pinnacle of victory! But with Su Qiu, he was utterly out of options. Winning her over was going to require some real effort. Yet, what he couldn''t have, he wouldn''t allow anyone else to possess either! He needed to make that other man disappear, and fast! Yes! He would drive away all the men around Su Qiu! He would be her one and only! Su Qiu was bound to fall for him! What a brilliant n, Soong Congjun, you''re truly a genius! ¡°Hey!¡± Soong Congjun''s gazended on Su Ming: ¡°Kid, are you even a man? Your girlfriend is being pursued by me, and you don''t even react? It''s pathetic that you''re too broke topete. If I were you, I''d stand up and challenge me to a duel!¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Su Ming blinked, pondering for a moment: ¡°I have a small suggestion.¡± ¡°Let''s hear it.¡± Soong Congjun puffed up his chest: ¡°Go on, tell me how you want to duel. If I so much as blink, I''m no man!¡± ¡°Why don''t you consider visiting a hospital?¡± Su Ming suggested earnestly. ¡°A hospital?¡± Soong Congjun paused: ¡°No need, I''m in excellent health, I eat well, and the doctor says my kidneys are in top shape. I canst more than 30 seconds every time!¡± ¡°Pfft!¡± The moment he spoke, everyone around burst intoughter. Seriously? You''re bragging about 30 seconds? Dude, aren''t you embarrassed? Where''s your dignity? Have you lost your face? You¡­ How can you boast about being quick on the draw with such pride and conviction? You must be the first of your kind! Su Ming was at a loss for words. I meant that you should probably get your head checked at the hospital. It was supposed to be a tease. But now, it seems like you really should get it checked. Soong Congjun noticed the looks on everyone''s faces. He was taken aback. ¡°What''s so funny?¡± ¡°Isn''t 30 seconds a long time?¡± ¡°Don''t most peoplest only about 20 seconds?¡± ¡°My guys told me they onlyst 10 seconds, so I''m three times better!¡± ¡°Even the doctor said I''m great!¡± Soong Congjun was brimming with confidence. ¡°Pfft!¡± ¡°Pfft!¡± This time, everyonepletely lost it. Not just the students, but even the cafeteria staff couldn''t stand to listen any longer. Two janitors mopping nearby overheard and couldn''t help but hold their foreheads in disbelief. Oh my goodness! 30 seconds! Our old man at home can do better than that. Soong Congjun''s cronies'' faces contorted. Sorry, boss. We didn''t mean anything by it. We just wanted to boost your confidence. We didn''t want you to feel inferior, so we never told you the truth. Those women you''ve been with? They didn''t want you to overthink it. Plus, they quite enjoy taking on your¡­ errands. It''s a quick job and they make some cash. Everyone meant well. But maybe, just maybe, this is something you should keep to yourself¡­ This is downright humiliating. ¡°Song, we''re trying to eat here. Could you please leave?¡± Su Qiu couldn''t stand it any longer. She stood up, frowning deeply as she spoke sternly. ¡°Su Qiu, hear me out¡­¡± Soong Congjun began, trying to exin himself. ¡±Shut up!¡± Su Qiu was far from courteous. It was incredibly irritating. There she was, enjoying her noodles, when an annoying fly had to buzz around. Soong Congjun overheard her. His pride was wounded. ¡®She''s calling me out in front of everyone.'' ¡®What does she think I am?'' Soong Congjun''s expression turned sour. He clenched his fists slightly and said, ¡°Su Qiu, I''ve always liked you, which is why I''ve treated you with such respect. But you''ve rejected me over and over, so don''t me me for losing my cool. I''ve never failed to get a woman I want.¡± Many people around couldn''t help but facepalm at his words. Dude. Do you think you''re in some kind of fairy tale? Throwing around the title ¡®young master.'' What is this, a fantasy novel? Some kind of unlimited series? Punching out kids left and right? Even in those stories, a ¡®young master'' like you¡­ Usually ends up as cannon fodder. ¡°So, are you scared now?¡± ¡°Let me tell you, our Soong family has a lot of clout in this school.¡± ¡°Not even the principal would dare to cross me!¡± Seeing that Su Ming and Su Qiu had fallen silent, Soong Congjun puffed out his chest, smugger than ever. Tsk, tsk, tsk! A man''s got to have some swagger. See that? My sheer dominance has left them speechless. Ah, the virility! My irresistible charm! ¡°Are you truly not afraid of our school''s principal?¡± Just then, a voice came from behind. ¡°Nonsense! What''s that old Ye worth? I''m not afraid of him! If he were here, I''d make him kneel and call me ¡®daddy!''¡± Soong Congjun didn''t even bother to look back, his arrogance was sky-high. The room fell deathly silent. Everyone was as still as statues. Standing there, stunned. A thought crossed everyone''s minds. This guy''s done for. Might as well y him the funeral march. Then they saw Principal Ye, apanied by the school''s leadership team. Standing right behind Soong Congjun. And those sycophants? They had already made themselves scarce. Oh my goodness. That''s the principal! Su Ming and Su Qiu had just spotted Principal Ye, so they both took their seats and fell silent. ¡°You''re that impressive, huh?¡± Principal Ye said, smiling from behind them. ¡°Absolutely, who do you think I am?!¡± ¡°At Eastsea University, I''m one of the big shots!¡± ¡°Hey! Did you know? I''m the one who revamped the school''s athletic field!¡± ¡°The recent political reforms at the school were my suggestion.¡± ¡°I dictate which questions the teachers should set, and they follow suit!¡± ¡°I''m the kingpin of Eastsea University!¡± Soong Congjun suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of prestige. His confidence was through the roof! Then, he couldn''t resist turning around. He wanted to see who this person really was. Wow! Not bad at all. Can I take you under my wing? You have a way with words that I find quite satisfying. You''ve helped me pull off an impressive facade! And then, Soong Congjun saw Principal Ye standing behind him, still wearing that congenial smile. Chapter 513 Chapter 513 - Be Nurtured Student Song The entire cafeteria was eerily quiet. No one was eating. The janitors had stopped cleaning. In the nearby kitchen, the mes were extinguished. Cookware was set aside. The air conditioning had even been turned off. Everyone''s eyes were glued to the unfolding drama. It was unbelievably thrilling. Who knew thating here for a meal would include such an entertaining spectacle? Soong Congjun waspletely dumbfounded. It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him, chilling him to the core. ¡°Damn it!¡± ¡°Can someone please exin what on earth is happening?¡± ¡°Why is the principal here?¡± ¡°This is it!¡± I''m done for. He had thought he was invincible with his divine gear! Mighty and unbeatable! But no. There stood a max-level deity boss right behind him! A mere nce from Principal Ye was enough to make him lose health rapidly! Game over! ¡±Principal Ye, please, let me exin. I was just¡­¡± Soong Congjun was in a state of panic. Sweat poured from his brow, his legs shook uncontrobly. His limbs were quivering. His heart was racing. ¡°Oh no!¡± ¡°Master Soong is about to speak. Let''s all pay close attention to what he has to say!¡± Principal Ye said, his voice dripping with amusement. Soong Congjun felt like breaking down. Even his delusions of grandeur couldn''t save him now. He knew he was in deep trouble. ¡°Principal¡­¡± Soong Congjun stuttered, unable to form aplete sentence, managing only to utter two words. ¡°Young Master Soong is quite the VIP.¡± ¡°Our Eastsea University is but a modest shrine that cannot amodate a great Buddha like you.¡± ¡°Young Master Soong, you may return to your dormitory to pack your belongings now.¡± ¡°Your journey of freedom awaits.¡± Principal Ye said cheerfully. Without another word to Soong, he turned his attention to Su Ming. ¡°Mr. Su, I apologize for the inconvenience of asking you toe here today.¡± ¡°I''m profoundly grateful.¡± ¡°You''ve really helped our school out of a tight spot this time.¡± Principal Ye warmly shook hands with Su Ming. ¡°Principal Ye, you''re too kind.¡± ¡°I''m an alumnus of Eastsea University; assisting my alma mater is the least I can do.¡± ¡°Besides, my sister has been under your great care.¡± ¡±I''m someone who believes in repaying kindness,¡± Su Ming said with a cheerful grin. Soong Congjun perked up. Hold on! Did I just hear something? No, that can''t be right! Holy smokes! You''re Su Qiu''s brother? Not her boyfriend? Damn it! Why didn''t you tell me sooner? If I had known, I wouldn''t have tried to show off. You totally bamboozled me! Soong Congjun felt like crying. Wait a second. Something''s off. Mr. Su? Why does that name ring a bell? Oh no! Now I remember! Isn''t this the renowned Mr. Su from Eastsea, with a fortune in the tens of billions? He''s conned a legion of wealthy heirs. The King of Schemes! Damn it! Did I really just pick a fight with someone like him today? It dawned on Soong Congjun why he had been utterly ignored from the start. What was the point of his pretense? In the presence of Mr. Su, he was less than insignificant. At best, he was a mere molecule. No, not even that¡ªa quark! Many of the students dining nearby had already recognized Su Ming. They had all looked rather bemused when Soong Congjun was challenging him. However, some had not made the connection until Principal Ye spoke up, and the revtion sent shockwaves through the crowd. ¡°Wow, is that Mr. Su, our esteemed alumnus?¡± ¡°He''s incredibly handsome!¡± ¡°Senior, do you have a girlfriend? I''d love to be an essory on your arm.¡± ¡°I''m avable too! I''m studying broadcasting and have the perfect voice for you.¡± ¡°Thanks so much, senior. Our dorm now has air conditioning, and it''s unbelievablyfortable!¡± Students swarmed around him, the guys green with envy and expressing their gratitude, while the girls were dazzled, their eyes glittering with excitement as they shrieked with delight. Su Ming''s video, where he had outsmarted a wealthy heir, was legendary at Eastsea University. His reputation as the King of Schemes was well-earned. Wealthy, strikingly handsome, and genuinely kind¡ªhe was the epitome of the perfect boyfriend. ¡°I used to turn my nose up at the cafeteria food, but if Mr. Su''s sister eats here, what does that tell you? It means the food must be great. I''m going to eat here every day from now on!¡± ¡°Absolutely, indulging invish meals every day is just wasteful. Mr. Su really knows how to live.¡± ¡°Is this what a true mogul looks like? Understated yet substantial. He''s incredibly cool!¡± ¡°Only those sh-in-the-pan guys unt their wealth as a way to show off!¡± Everyone turned to look at Soong Congjun, who remained silent. At that moment, Soong Congjun''s advisor got the news and came quickly. ¡°Soong Congjun, you''re expelled. Pack your stuff and leave immediately!¡± Before, Soong Congjun might have had something to say. Now, he didn''t dare make a peep. What more could he say? Even the president of Eastsea University had to address Mr. Su with respect. It was a relief that Mr. Su hadn''t reduced him to ashes. ¡°That''s certainly true. No need for that.¡± Su Ming smiled and said, ¡°Getting into Eastsea University isn''t easy. Young people are prone to impulsiveness¡ªit''s normal. If they didn''t make mistakes, would they still be young?¡± Principal Ye listened and paused, momentarily taken aback. But since Mr. Su had spoken, he decided to follow his lead. Just as Principal Ye was about to speak, Su Ming shifted the conversation. ¡°This Soong fellow looks sharp, clearly someone with ster grades.¡± ¡°Principal Ye, as a top-ranked national university, Eastsea University should cultivate plenty of talent for the country.¡± ¡°I see Soong as a promising prospect.¡± ¡°How about this? While average students pass with 60 points, Soong is no average student. For someone of his caliber, such a low bar is practically an insult.¡± ¡°In my opinion, for Soong, anything below 90 points should be considered failing.¡± ¡°Moreover, he''s a talent in every sense. I propose that Soong simultaneously study in both the Law and Medical faculties. What do you think, Principal Ye?¡± Su Ming proposed cheerfully. The students listened, utterly dumbfounded. Wow! They''re really out to get Soong Congjun! Thew? Sure, being awyer can rake in the cash. But the journey is excruciating. Endless legal volumes. You''ve got to not only memorize them but also apply them with agility. That''s just the tip of the iceberg. And then there''s medical school? In the medicalmunity, there''s an ancient adage: Encouraging someone to study medicine is akin to invoking divine retribution. It''s a bit harsh, but it gets the point across. You''re expected to memorize just as much as inw. And let''s not forget, you''re dealing with human lives. The stakes couldn''t be higher! But the most outrageous part? Scoring 90 in every single subject? Seriously? That''s no way to treat anyone, not even a beast of burden! ¡°Excellent!¡± Principal Ye nodded in approval. ¡°Mr. Su is truly exceptional; what a brilliant strategy! And it so happens I''m acquainted with his father. If he fails, I''ll summon his father to the school immediately for a serious discussion.¡± Soong Congjun overheard and felt a wave of dread. This was it! He was utterly doomed. OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 514 Chapter 514 - Who Are You? Don''t let Young Master Song''s high spirits when he''s out and about deceive you. The moment he steps into his home and sees his father, he''s like a mouse caught by a cat. Principal Ye will eventually report his behavior to his father, and without a doubt, Young Master Song''s behind will be in for a serious thrashing. Studying bothw and medicine simultaneously? The most outrageous part is that a passing grade starts at 90 points. An 89 is considered failing. Just like that, he could kiss his life goodbye. Word has it that Young Master Song''s father donated a whopping 100 million yuan to the university and had a building constructed. The school has free rein over the lower floors, but the top floor is reserved exclusively for Young Master Song. It''s been converted into a ssroom devoid of any entertainment amenities. He lives there, confined to the top floor, forbidden from leaving. Every day,w and medical professors alternate teaching him. Normally, if a student doesn''t pass within eight years, they''re advised to leave the university. But in light of the 100 million yuan, he''s allowed to stay. As long as he remains a student, and as long as Eastsea University stands, he can''t leave until he seeds. Later, it was rumored that all of Song''s former ssmates had be teachers and were now returning to educate him. Yet, he still hadn''t managed to graduate. ¡­¡­ ¡°Mr. Su, we won''t impose any further,¡± said Principal Ye, fully aware of the importance of the situation. He warmly shook Su Ming''s hand before heading off to dine. Su Ming spent the afternoon strolling around the campus with the two youngdies. As time drew near, he drove them directly to Eastsea Technology University. At the entrance, a Lamborghini with a roaring engine revved incessantly. It zoomed from a distance and executed a stunning drift into a parking space. A young man emerged from the vehicle. Short and stout, with a greasyplexion and sses that did nothing to enhance his appearance, he looked rather sleazy. Dressed in designer clothes and sporting a shy watch, he exuded an air of arrogance, as if he was above everyone else. With his hands sped behind his back, he strutted around with a swagger that screamed confidence. ¡°Eastsea Technology University, I have returned.¡± ¡°Back then, I was expelled from Eastsea University.¡± ¡°The teachers at your school looked down on me.¡± ¡°It took me four grueling years toplete my university studies.¡± ¡°But now, I''ve made it. I''m a sess.¡± ¡°I''m the boss of apany worth tens of billions.¡± ¡°Unbeatable!¡± ¡°Today, I''m going to prove myself to you!¡± ¡°I''m going to use my strength to show you up!¡± ¡°And isn''t there a seminar you''re co-hosting with Eastsea University?¡± ¡°Perfect. It''s time to settle the score for firing me.¡± ¡°I''m going to show you that expelling me was your biggest mistake!¡± Meng Haitao''s excitement grew as he dwelled on these thoughts. He was on the brink of sweet revenge. Those who once scorned me! I will crush you beneath my feet! Witness my greatness! I drove here in the most expensive car just to stand out at this seminar! When you show off, you''ve got to shine! ¡°Wow! What an incredible car!¡± ¡°Goodness, that car must be worth over a hundred million, right?¡± ¡°Quick, quick, quick! With the sun zing down, hurry and shade the big boss!¡± The students around him buzzed with excitement. Their eyes sparkled with admiration as they gazed in Meng Haitao''s direction, their faces beaming with awe. Incredible! Meng Haitao closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Ah! The air seemed to be infused with my coolness! So refreshing! Invincible! He watched the jubnt students. A subtle smile yed on Meng Haitao''s lips. He raised his hand and waved to the crowd. ¡°No need for such fuss.¡± ¡°I''m quite down-to-earth.¡± Meng Haitao was in his element, basking in the attention. ¡°Quick, quick, quick!¡± ¡°Be ready, everyone!¡± ¡°He''s here!¡± The students'' excitement reached a fever pitch as they surged toward Meng Haitao. Meng Haitao reveled in his moment of glory. Haha! Looking at you kids reminds me of my own youth. Too bad. I''ve reached heights you can only dream of. Come on! Embrace me! This is your one and only chance to rub shoulders with someone as impressive as me! Meng Haitao closed his eyes and stretched out his hands, ready to embrace the throngs of students. No, not just any students¡ªthe hugs of those beautiful undersswomen! One second, five seconds, ten seconds, half a minute passed. Hmm? Something was off. They were only a dozen meters away; why were they moving so slowly? They could have crawled here by now, right? And¡­ If my ears don''t deceive me, there was a crowd rushing towards me just a moment ago. What''s happening? Meng Haitao opened his eyes, puzzled, and took a careful look around. Hmm?! Where did everyone go? Why is there no one in front of me? Uh¡­ Some kind of special power? Invisibility? Have universities be this advanced? Has science progressed to this point? Just as Meng Haitao''s confusion peaked, a roar of cheers erupted from behind him. ¡±Wow! Look, isn''t that Mr. Su from Eastsea University?!¡± ¡°Oh my god, it''s really him¡ªthe King of Tricks. He''s too handsome, just too handsome!¡± ¡°I never thought I''d get the chance to see Mr. Su in person, but here he is!¡± ¡°Ah! I can''t handle this, I''m going to faint!¡± The air was filled with the screams of countless girls. Meng Haitao was taken aback. He turned around to see. Whoa! The juniors who had been at the school entrance were now swarming around someone. The scene was buzzing with excitement. They were holding umbres, wiping sweat, and jostling to get closer. Each face was flushed with excitement, eyes gleaming. Then there was Meng Haitao. The cold north wind blew, snowkes danced around him. He stood alone, a picture of destion. Damn it! Who the hell are you?! I''ve just arrived at school. I hadn''t even started to show off. And now it''s all gone! Hmm? Why does that person look so familiar? Oh no!!! Isn''t that Su Ming?! The very person responsible for getting me fired! Damn it! What are the odds, running into my nemesis here? Meng Haitao was on the verge of exploding with rage. As it turned out, he and Su Ming were former ssmates at Eastsea University. But Meng Haitao had always been known for hisziness and greed. He never studied for exams. Instead, he had a knack for cheating. On one asion, his cheating was caught by a teacher. Meng Haitao, without a word, quickly shoved the incriminating items onto Su Ming''s desk. At that moment, Su Ming was conveniently in the restroom. The teacher, finding no evidence at Meng Haitao''s desk, discovered the evidence on Su Ming''s. As a result, Su Ming''s exam eligibility was immediately revoked. Upon returning from the restroom, Su Ming was dumbfounded. He excelled in the subject and had no reason to cheat, let alone fail. What was happening? Su Ming desperately tried to exin, but the teacher wouldn''t listen. Back then, the ssroom had no surveince cameras, leaving Su Ming without a way to prove his innocence. Chapter 515 Chapter 515 - The Man in the Top Thread There was no choice but to bite the bullet. After the exam, Meng Haitao sought out Su Ming. What a fool. If you keep quiet, there''s no issue. But once you start talking, you''re asking for trouble. And you''ve got to talk the right way. Beg a little. Say something like, ¡°Ming, you''re smart, you''ll ace the retake. But my grades are bad, and if I flunk this course, I''m done for. Let me treat you to a stay and a nice meal.¡± Then the whole thing could have been forgotten. Back then, they hardly cracked down on cheating. If you got caught, you just had to pass a retake, and all was well. But no, he didn''t y it smart. He came in with threats. ¡°If you dare snitch to the teacher, I''ll make you pay.¡± Does Young Master Su look like someone who tolerates nonsense? ¡°I''d like to see how you n to ¡®make me pay.''¡± Su Ming, looking to egg him on, said even more. Stealthily, he pulled out his phone and started recording. The guy was an idiot. In the heat of the argument with Su Ming, he spilled all the beans. Su Ming took the recording straight to the teacher, who was on the verge of exploding with anger. ¡°You cheat, and that''s bad enough, but do you have to be so brazen about it? Who gave you such audacity? Liang Jingru?¡± The teacher reported it to the school immediately. Initially, the school wanted to smooth things over. Cheating wasmonce, and they usually just gave a warning. A little scolding, an apology, a written reflection, and it was done. But this guy just wouldn''t have it. ¡°You have no proof I cheated. Why should I believe your usations about the recording? I was just kidding around.¡± The teacher, now livid, decided to challenge him. ¡°You think I can''t handle you? Take all the exam questions and do them again, untouched. If you can score what you did before¡­ No, let''s make it easier. If you can score 40 points, I''ll consider it a pass.¡± In the end, the guy couldn''t even hit double digits. The teacher was on the verge of failing him. And then, Meng Haitao lost it. In a moment of madness, he struck the teacher. That was the end of the line. He was expelled! You could say he brought it upon himself, but he''s the type who never acknowledges his own faults. He always pins the me on someone else. In his mind, it was the teacher''s fault. It was Su Ming''s fault. Nothing to do with him whatsoever. So, he nned to return and really show off. But before he could strut his stuff¡­ Su Ming put him in his ce again! It infuriated him! No way, not anymore! I''m a wealthy man now. How could I let you push me around? You got me expelled back then, but today, I''m the one who''s going to step on you! With that thought, Meng Haitao cleared his throat and approached with an air of superiority. He tried to look down on Su Ming. s, he wasn''t tall enough. All he could do was try to look impressive, tilting his eyebrows as he looked up at Su Ming: ¡°Ah, if it isn''t Su Ming? I''m surprised to see you''re doing quite well.¡± Su Ming was taken aback. He nced around. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Can''t believe it, can you? Let me tell you, even at your best, you can''t hold a candle to me. I now run apany worth billions. Are you impressed yet?¡± Meng Haitao thought Su Ming was dumbfounded by his grandeur. He quickly asserted his status. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Su Ming fell silent again, stroking his chin. ¡°Sorry about that.¡± ¡°My memory''s been a bit offtely.¡± ¡°Do me a favor and remind me.¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± Su Ming asked earnestly. ¡°I¡­¡± Meng Haitao was on the verge of exploding. You, you, you¡­ Are you doing this on purpose? You don''t recognize me? ¡°Who are you,ing out of nowhere trying to cozy up to our senior?¡± ¡°Even if you own a billion-dorpany, we couldn''t care less.¡± ¡°Exactly, exactly. You''re short, awkward, and unattractive. Now look at our Senior Su, tall, handsome, and wealthy!¡± ¡°I thought I was supposed to be impressed, but I don''t even know you.¡± ¡°I can sense the embarrassment in the air.¡± The students around them chimed in. Meng Haitao''s face turned a shade of sour. Uncle might have been able to tolerate it, but aunt sure couldn''t! ¡°Su Ming, are you doing this on purpose? I''m Meng Haitao!¡± Meng Haitao bellowed, ¡°It was you who got me fired back then!¡± Su Ming suddenly had a shback. He definitely remembered that incident. There had been a conflict between them at the time. But so many years had passed, and Su Ming had mellowed significantly; the past was just youthful impulsiveness. ¡°Oh, it''s you. I have a vague recollection.¡± Su Ming nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Wait, that''s Meng Haitao?¡± ¡°Isn''t he the guy from that infamous post that''s always pinned at the top of our school''s forum?¡± ¡°Now that you say it, it does look like him. Except he wasn''t as overweight and sleazy back then.¡± The students around them were taken aback. Meng Haitao perked up. Really? Am I that legendary? ¡°I graduated years ago, and they''re still talking about me at school?¡± Heughed to himself. After failing to impress earlier, maybe now he could redeem himself. [You''ve finally recognized me!] [My confidence is restored!] ¡°Yes, that''s him! The one who bought binocrs to spy on the girls'' dorm!¡± ¡°Exactly! And the one who flirted with the cafeteriady!¡± ¡°I heard he even sneaked into the girls'' dormitory.¡± ¡°That''s nothing. He''s been in the girls'' bathroom too!¡± ¡°Don''t even start; he still reeks of that creepiness!¡± ¡°Look over there! Isn''t that the video of him relieving himself under the school''s security camera?¡± ¡°His butt is so pale!¡± ¡°Today, we finally get to see him in the flesh!¡± Eventually, the students around pulled out their phones. They opened the forum and found the video. They began sharing it. One of the younger students stood next to Su Ming. She watched along with him. Meng Haitao felt like he was going to explode. What the heck! I thought my legacy would be about my heroic deeds! Instead, it''s this? And a pale butt, really? When did that happen? Howe I don''t remember? No, wait! [I remember now!] The night before I graduated, in a final act of defiance, I relieved myself on the school''s frontwn. Oh crap!!! The thing on top of my head! It''s not just for show! Damn, it''s actually real!! Meng Haitao. He swaggered in, thinking he was a phoenix rising from the ashes, brimming with confidence. But the moment he set foot on campus. He got trampled on not once, but twice. What''s worse, that post was still pinned at the top of the school''s forum. After all these years. How many eyes had seen it?? Oh my god! This is just¡­ How''s a person supposed to live with this? Meng Haitao''s face turned beet red, his body trembling. Everything before him went dark. He felt a tightness in his chest. No, I''ve got to turn this situation around! Meng Haitao closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The rashness of youth. It doesn''t count! Now I''ve got money! What''s the past to me? I''ll definitely turn the page. I''m going to be the evesting legend of Eastsea Technology University! Yes! That''s the spirit! After a long moment of thought, Meng Haitao opened his eyes. I can''t give up, I''ve got to keep up the facade! Chapter 516 Chapter 516 - Meng Haitao Got Lost ¡°Who doesn''t make a few mistakes in their youth?¡± ¡°Nowadays, I own severalpanies. I''m a big boss with a worth in the billions.¡± ¡°It was your principal who begged me toe here.¡± ¡°If any of you students dare to disrespect me, just be careful¡ªI might have your principal¡­¡± Meng Haitao opened his eyes. A burst of sunlight streamed through, momentarily blinding him. But Meng Haitao didn''t forget to put on a show. He thought it wasughable; he was determined to impress these students with his might. Crossing him would surely lead to no good end! But as his eyes adjusted to the bright light and he took in his surroundings, Meng Haitao was taken aback. Where was everyone?! Damn it! Where had they all gone? Why was there not a single person in front of him? What was the point of showing off if they had left? Pretending to be cool to thin air? Wasn''t that absurd? Meng Haitao turned around to see. Whoa! There was Su Ming, nked by two girls, surrounded by a group of undersswomen, all smiling as they entered the campus. And the underssmen were busy too¡ªsome moving tables, others chairs. The weing ceremony set up at the school entrance had been cleared out in an instant. A gust of wind blew by. Meng Haitao was left standing there, utterly alone. Ah! It brought to mind an ancient poem: In a world where birds have flown beyond the mountains, and human traces have vanished from the paths¡­ Ah spit! Why the hell am I reciting poetry? I can''t tolerate this! Absolutely not! You group of naive youngdies, so easily charmed by the dashing looks of young men. Hmph! Su Ming, you just wait. I''ll showcase my prowess on stageter. I''ll make you regret crossing me! With this in mind, Meng Haitao regained hisposure. He hitched up his trousers. He gave his watch a confident flick. With bold steps, he marched into the campus. And then¡­ He got lost. Meng Haitao, drenched in sweat under the zing sun, was from the northwest. Back home, the temperatures had already plummeted. Yet there he was, dressed in a thick outfit, utterly out of ce. Eastsea was situated to the south, another coastal city. Given the location, it was still quite warm at this time of year. Meng Haitao had been walking for what felt like an eternity and was utterly bewildered. ¡°Where in the world am I? It''s only been two or three years since I graduated¡ªhow could the school have changed so drastically?¡± he wondered, especially perplexed by the new International Convention Center. ¡°Back in my day, I was hardly an exemry student, never once setting foot in any convention center. I assumed I''d arrive to a weing crowd, but instead, I''ve been wandering alone and now I''m freaking lost.¡± Eventually, Meng Haitao couldn''t stand it any longer. He approached a young girl nearby, mustering the friendliest smile he could: ¡°Excuse me, little sister, could you tell me where the International Convention Center is?¡± ¡°Ah!!! Pervert!!¡± she screamed, bolting away. ¡°Eh¡­¡± Meng Haitao was taken aback. ¡°Pervert? What''s she talking about? I haven''t done a thing! I just wanted to ask for directions.¡± He thought to himself, ¡°Besides, I''m tall and good-looking. She''s got a poor eye for people. I''m clearly dashing, and she uses me of being a pervert? Alright, let''s try someone else.¡± But the responses only got worse: ¡°Ah! Shameless!¡± ¡°Ah! Creep!¡± ¡°Oh my god, you look so creepy and frightening!¡± Soon, the area was filled with the screams of girls. ¡°I know him, he''s the ¡®white butt'' from the Tieba forum!¡± ¡°That''s the sleazy guy! Run, run!¡± ¡°What''s he doing at our school? Is he up to no good?¡± Many girls recognized him as the infamous character from the forum, and the panic intensified. Meng Haitao stood frozen as the vicinity cleared out, leaving not a soul within a hundred meters¡ªnot even a bird. He was on the verge of tears. ¡°I just wanted to ask for directions! I don''t mean any harm. Is this really necessary?¡± He pondered the oddity of not seeing a single male student in such arge school. ¡°Surely, asking a guy would be fine, right?¡± In desperation, he cried out, ¡°Oh heavens, oh earth, please send me a guy to ask!¡± But his plea was met with another exmation from a passerby: ¡°Oh my god, he''s a freak!¡± ¡°Quick, call the police and have them take him away!¡± ¡°It''s terrifying, just terrifying.¡± From a distance, many girls heard his cries. The fear was enough to drain the color from their faces. That fool, Meng Haitao. Without realizing it, he had wandered into the Nursing College. Eastsea Technology University didn''t offer a program for male nurses, so the area was teeming with female students. It was rare to see a male student around these parts. Meng Haitao was brooding on a roadside bench when an elderly man approached. Thank goodness, someone atst. Before Meng Haitao could get up, the old man red at him. ¡°What do you think you''re doing? Who gave you permission to sit here?!¡± The old man jabbed his finger at Meng Haitao''s nose and berated him. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Meng Haitao was taken aback, ¡°Old man, is this chair off-limits?¡± There didn''t seem to be any such rule about the benches on campus. In the past, there were even homeless people sleeping at the school. But the schoolter prohibited it, fearing for the students'' safety. ¡°Of course you can sit wherever you like, you blockhead!¡± The old man was livid, ¡°Are you illiterate? Can''t you read?¡± What? Meng Haitao waspletely bewildered by the tirade. What''s this about reading? I just can''t make sense of it. You''ve got to be kidding me; I''m in a rush here. Meng Haitao looked around. Nothing seemed amiss. ¡°Right here!¡± Unable to contain himself any longer, the old man bellowed, yanked Meng Haitao''s hair, and gave a tug. Meng Haitao''s head jerked up. Above him hung a sign. ¡°Wet Paint on Chair - Do Not Sit!¡± The letters shone brilliantly, surrounded by a ring of fluorescent lights. Clearly, they were there to ensure the message was visible at night. Pfft! Meng Haitao nearly choked on his own disbelief. I should have known; there was this flickering sensation above my head when I sat down. But it''s a busy school, full of people and distractions. I didn''t pay it any mind. And to think, there was a sign right above me all along, and I hadn''t even noticed? Upon a second nce at the chair, it was covered in fresh red paint, and now there was a silhouette of a person on it. Meng Haitao turned to find a bright red patch on the back of his clothes. Overwhelmed, Meng Haitao broke down in tears. His suit, which had been custom-made at a steep price, had met its untimely demise. ¡°Can''t you see that sign? You''re all dressed up, but you can''t read,¡± the old man fumed, grabbing a can of paint from nearby. As he approached to touch up the paint, he paused, furrowing his brow. ¡°Your behind is quiterge, enough for three or four people. Hmm, why does it look so familiar? I swear I''ve seen it on Eastsea Technology University''s forum¡­¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 517 C517 ¨C I Am Just Here to Ask for Directions Meng Haitao was taken aback. Damn! Did it really have to be like this? ¡°Old man, at your age, wouldn¡¯t you rather be dancing in the square or enjoying Peking Opera?¡± ¡°Why on earth are you browsing Tieba when you¡¯re bored?¡± ¡°Is this really appropriate for you to be looking at?¡± ¡°This is absurd, isn¡¯t it?¡± The elderly man acted as though he hadn¡¯t seen him at all. He just lowered his head and kept working, muttering to himself. ?¡±Well, it¡¯s not really your fault. You see, I put up that sign because I was worried some of the shorter female students wouldn¡¯t be able to see it. I never expected an even shorter guy to miss it¡­¡± The old man continued to grumble to himself as he worked, and Meng Haitao could no longer bear it. ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask for directions anymore. I¡¯m leaving.¡± Meng Haitao said this and quickly walked away. ?He hadn¡¯t gone far when he heard footsteps ahead. Looking up, Meng Haitao was ecstatic. Wow! Atst, he spotted a few tall, strong, and handsome guys! Though he hated to admit they were better-looking than him, he knew that if they could just give him directions, they¡¯d definitely be the epitome of handsome! Meng Haitao approached them eagerly: ¡°Fellows, I need to ask for directions¡­¡± ¡°Go ask your grandma¡¯s leg!¡± The leader of the group scowled, his face full of rage, andnded a p across Meng Haitao¡¯s face. Meng Haitao was dumbfounded. What in the world? What was happening? Had Eastsea Technology University changed so drastically? This greeting was quite peculiar. ¡°It¡¯s not you guys, I¡¯m just¡­¡± Meng Haitao was utterly bewildered. ¡°It¡¯s your sister!¡± The lead boy was furious, and the boys behind him were equally enraged. ¡°Are you the one who¡¯s been causing trouble on campus?¡± ¡°No, I swear, I just wanted to ask for directions!¡± Meng Haitao held his face, on the verge of tears. Where could he even begin to argue his case? He had just asked for directions and ended up getting beaten. ¡°Smack!¡± He thought that after exining himself, it would be over, but then came another p. ¡°Are you trying to deceive ghosts by burning newspapers at a grave?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t youe up with a believable excuse?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a map in every section of the school, right over there.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re still asking for directions? Isn¡¯t that just a pretext for harassing girls?¡± He pointed to the side, giving Meng Haitao a knowing wink, and turned his head slightly. Holy smokes! Just a stone¡¯s throw away to Meng Haitao¡¯s left was a towering sign. It showcased a bird¡¯s eye view of Eastsea Technology University, with every location clearly marked, including the International Convention Center he was desperately trying to find! Meng Haitao felt like weeping. How many times had I walked past this sign without noticing it? ?¡±The ss monitor is the one causing trouble!¡± ¡°He just stood there, ogling us while we were picking upundry in the girls¡¯ dorm.¡± ¡°Qiu is so terrified she¡¯s sobbing under her nket right now.¡± Several girls chimed in, gathering around. ¡°Let¡¯s give him what he deserves!¡± Upon hearing this, one of the boys became enraged andunched into a pummeling. ¡°I swear I¡¯m not a creep; I just wanted to ask for directions!¡± ¡°Oh my God!¡± Meng Haitao instinctively protected his head. ¡°With moves like that, you can tell he¡¯s a seasoned troublemaker. He must be used to getting thrashed!¡± ¡°This time, we¡¯re going to make sure you learn your lesson.¡± ¡°You think it¡¯s okay to behave like this at our school, and even have the nerve to harass our girls?¡± ¡°Smack him down!¡± A mob of boys descended, delivering a chaotic flurry of kicks. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± At that moment, a puzzled voice cut through themotion. The boys dishing out the beating paused. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Senior Su!¡± ¡°Oh, Brother Su!¡± ¡°Wow, Brother Su looks amazing!¡± The girls nearby paused, then upon recognizing the neer, swarmed him in excitement. Meng Haitao heard Su Ming¡¯s voice and nearly burst into tears. ?Salvation atst! Despite his previous disdain for Su Ming, wishing to trample him underfoot, Su Ming¡¯s arrival was nothing short of a godsend at this moment! ¡°Senior Su, this guy was flirting with the girls on campus. We couldn¡¯t stand by, so we took matters into our own hands,¡± the ss monitor reported, his brow furrowed. ?The ss monitor, a former soldier, was known for his integrity andmanding presence. The medical college was adjacent to the nursing college, which meant there were plenty of boys around. ?Once they got wind of the situation, they hurried over. ¡°Is that so? Then he deserves a good beating.¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Some people just ask for it. While it¡¯s not right to resort to violence, there are times when you have to teach someone a lesson the hard way, or they¡¯ll never learn. ¡°By the way, Senior Su, what brings you here?¡± the ss monitor inquired, puzzled. ?¡±I¡¯m looking for someone. We¡¯ve been waiting for him to show up for a meeting for quite some time. When he didn¡¯t, we split up to search for him. Have you seen him? He¡¯s not very tall, a bit on the hefty side, and, frankly, not the most pleasant-looking,¡± Su Ming exined. ?¡±No, haven¡¯t seen him.¡± ¡°None of us have.¡± ¡°Yeah, maybe try looking somewhere else?¡± ¡°We just came from over that way; he¡¯s not there either.¡± The students exchanged nces and shook their heads in unison. ?¡±Okay then, carry on,¡± Su Ming said, turning to leave. ¡°Wait a second!¡± Just then, Meng Haitao reached out his hand, calling out with all his might, ¡°Su Ming, it¡¯s me!¡± Su Ming paused, the voice sounding oddly familiar. He turned around and saw Meng Haitao struggling to his feet, shivering. Imagine the scene: fresh paint clinging to his back, and after a few more kicks from the boys, it was everywhere. Meng Haitao was smeared with red paint, footprints stamped all over him, even on his face. ?The ss monitor had delivered two hefty ps, drawing on his recent military discharge and the robust fitness that came with it. Meng Haitao¡¯s face was now a swollen, bright red mess, as plump as a ripe peach. ¡°Who¡¯s that? The voice sounds familiar,¡± Su Ming mused, squinting in confusion. ?He moved closer for a better look and then realized in shock, ¡°Meng Haitao?!¡± ¡°Meng Haitao, what happened to you? Were you the troublemaker they were just talking about? What are you doing, causing a scene here instead of attending school or the meeting?¡± Su Ming asked, his brow furrowed in concern. ?Meng Haitao felt like crying and was indeed on the verge of tears. ¡°I damn well tried to go!¡± ¡°I got lost and couldn¡¯t find the ce!¡± ¡°I just wanted to ask a couple of students for directions, and they used me of being a troublemaker and started beating me up!¡± ¡°And you all just used me of spying on the girls¡¯ dormitory!¡± ¡°What am I even looking at? I was just dizzy from the heat, trying to catch my breath!¡± Meng Haitao finally found an outlet and began to sob loudly. The students around him felt a bit awkward. From what Su Ming was saying, it seemed he was genuinely lost and just wanted directions. ¡°Listen, you guys, I¡­¡± Meng Haitao, shivering, pointed at the students who had hit him. ¡°What you did was wrong.¡± Just then, Su Ming cut in, turning to address the male students. Hearing this, Meng Haitao let out a sigh of relief. Despite their differences, his old ssmate hade to his defense. Chapter 518 C518 ¨C After Getting Beaten up He Still Wants to Pay the Money ¡°We¡¯re all university students here; we should act like civilized individuals,¡± Su Ming instructed with a sense of purpose. ¡°If you must resort to violence in the future, make sure to cover the person¡¯s head with a ck bag first. You can¡¯t let anyone identify you. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a heap of trouble. The school won¡¯t hesitate to discipline you, and you might even end up detained. That could seriously derail your future prospects,¡± he continued, imparting his wisdom. ?His fellow students nodded in agreement, clearly impressed. Wow, that¡¯s actually quite insightful! ssic Senior Su! Impressive! His words were a revtion to us, opening our eyes to a new perspective. Meng Haitao listened from the sidelines. The first statement seemed reasonable enough, but as he continued to listen, he grew increasingly uneasy. What in the world was this about? What was Su Ming suggesting? Having already been beaten was bad enough, but the idea of being bagged and beaten again was too much. There would be nowhere left to turn forfort! ¡°Alright, it¡¯ste. Let¡¯s all head back and get some rest,¡± Su Ming said cheerfully. ?¡±Hey! Su Ming, they beat me up, and I¡¯m a distinguished guest invited by Eastsea Technology University. You¡¯re just going to let it slide?¡± Meng Haitao protested, clearly upset. He hadn¡¯t done anything to deserve the beating. If he didn¡¯t seek justice, wouldn¡¯t his suffering be in vain? ¡°Absolutely, absolutely!¡± Su Ming agreed, but then he cut Meng Haitao off before he could finish. ¡°You all should really be thanking Senior Meng. It¡¯s lucky for you that he¡¯s a guest of honor invited by our school, and a former senior of yours. If not for that, this incident wouldn¡¯t be so easily resolved. Senior Meng is generous and won¡¯t hold a grudge. After all, he is a guest of honor at our school, right?¡± Su Ming continued with a grin. Meng Haitao was left speechless. Su Ming¡¯s words did carry some weight, but something didn¡¯t sit right with him. He couldn¡¯t quite articte why, but he felt a sense of injustice. His chest was tight with difort, and it was painful. ?¡±No, what I meant to say was¡­¡± Meng Haitao began, scratching his head as he tried to collect his thoughts. But before he could get the words out, Su Ming interrupted him again. ¡°Alright, alright, I get your point!¡± Su Ming interjected. ¡°You¡¯re obviously pleased that these gentlemen stood up for thedies, and you¡¯d like to reward them for their gantry, right?¡± ¡°You know, you¡¯re absolutely right. The campus spirit is so positive, thanks to these guys.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware that you¡¯re not short on cash. So here¡¯s what I¡¯ll do: I¡¯ll take care of it. ss rep, you¡¯ve put in a lot of effort today. I¡¯ll have him give each of you a red envelope with 1000 yuan.¡± Su Ming said, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Oh my! Thank you, Senior Meng!¡± ¡°Senior Meng, I¡¯m truly sorry. It was all just a big misunderstanding earlier.¡± ¡°Senior Meng sure is loaded!¡± The boys around him couldn¡¯t hide their delight. Just think about it! Get into a fight ande out with cash! ?It¡¯s an incredibly good deal. Meng Haitao was on the verge of tears. I mean, seriously¡­ Yet here were the students,ing up to shake hands and say hello. Beaming with gratitude. At this point, it would be wrong to turn hostile. ?¡±Ah¡­ you guys really put in the work.¡± ¡°Maintaining the safety of our school is hard work, and you¡¯ve done it. Thank you.¡± Meng Haitao managed a strained smile. Damn, they beat me up, and now I have to pay them? I have no choice but to willingly hand over the money. The baby inside is crying, but outwardly, I say nothing. After the guys expressed their thanks, they pulled out their phones, shing their payment QR codes. Meng Haitao held his nose, a sour expression on his face, ?and begrudgingly transferred the money to each of them. The boys were over the moon. Now they had money for gaming online, for buying gifts for their girlfriends, and even for those new skins that had just dropped in the game. ?They walked away with huge smiles stered on their faces. Meanwhile, a group of girls lingered, gathering around Su Ming, chattering excitedly, their eyes sparkling with admiration. Off to the side, Meng Haitao felt like he was going to explode with frustration. ?All I did was ask for directions, and you¡¯d think I was miles away from you. I barely got a word out before you screamed and ran, and then you had the nerve to call someone to beat me up. But when ites to Su Ming, you¡¯re all sweetness and warmth, practically tripping over yourselves to get close to him. What¡¯s the matter? Not ying the tough guy anymore? How can there be such a vast gap between people? Doesn¡¯t anyone get a break? Can one even maintain their humanity? Meng Haitao stood alone in the wind, a picture of misery, shivering uncontrobly. Meanwhile, Su Ming was the center of attention, encircled by a bevy of beauties. The contrast couldn¡¯t have been more striking. Atst, he managed to send the girls on their way. Approaching Meng Haitao, Su Ming gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Come on, everyone¡¯s waiting for you.¡± With those words, Su Ming strode forward confidently, chest out and head held high. Meng Haitao¡¯s face was a mask of worry. He clenched his jaw in frustration. His walk was a painful hobble. In a pitiful state, he trailed behind Su Ming. ?They continued on until Su Ming stopped in front of a building. He pulled open the door. Meng Haitao¡¯s reaction was one of utter shock. What? This? This is the International Convention Center?! No way! Meng Haitao stood frozen in ce. Su Ming blinked inquisitively, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Meng Haitao¡¯s face flushed with the effort of holding back his emotions. ?After a long pause, he bit his lip and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± He coughed, straightened up despite the pain, and marched inside. But as he crossed the threshold, tears welled up in Meng Haitao¡¯s eyes. Why? For the love of¡­ He had passed this building at least ten times! Ten times! He had even sat at its entrance for five minutes. And it turned out to be the International Convention Center. He felt an overwhelming urge to cry. A man¡¯s tears are not a sign of guilt! It suddenly made sense why Su Ming and the others had vanished after turning a corner. They had been heading inside all along! He had walked past the International Convention Center entrance countless times,pletely oblivious. ?Upon entering, Meng Haitao looked up slightly. Above his line of sight, the words were clear. ?International Convention Center! It was his own short stature that had limited his view! He hadpletely missed it! Not only that, but he had been roughed up. He had spent thousands. His once-pricey suit was now a mess. His cheeks were as swollen as if he had been pped repeatedly. ?The pain was intense, like a burning fire. His emotions were all over the ce. Utterly frustrated! ¡­¡­ The International Convention Center. In fact, nearly every university has a ce like this. asionally, it ys host to visiting schrs. Perhaps an expert would arrive. A seminar was about to take ce. Everything was set in this location. Currently, the grand auditorium of the International Convention Center was packed. ?The majority of the attendees were seniors. A number of underssmen from freshman to junior years were also present. Dressed in formal wear, they acted as servers. Earlier¡­ Liang Xiaoxue, tasked by Xie Haijun, donned a long red gown. Her makeup was subtle, yet she shone brilliantly. ?Many male students sneakily nced her way. On the elevated stage, two long tables were set up. Numerous chairs were arranged. These were filled by the entrepreneurs, university officials, and renowned schrs who had been invited. Principal Ye and Xie Haijun were seated among them. Chapter 519 C519 ¨C The Meeting Began ¡°Well, it¡¯s gettingte.¡± ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s the deal with Meng Haitao? Why hasn¡¯t he arrived?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not grumble about it. He¡¯s a sessful businessman now; it¡¯s to be expected that he might be a bit pretentious.¡± A few professors murmured quietly among themselves. Xie Haijun and Principal Ye, being the figureheads, remainedposed. They exchanged a nce but remained silent. ?Meng Haitao was nowhere to be seen. Several groups had been dispatched to look for him, but there was still no word. ?Later on, Su Ming also left to search. With so many people looking, finding one person in the school should have been quick. ?At that moment, the door opened. Su Ming entered, smiling. ?Seeing Su Ming, the auditorium erupted. ¡°Wow, is that Senior Su? He¡¯s incredibly handsome!¡± ¡°Nonsense, he¡¯s our senior, not yours!¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter, any Eastsea college makes him our senior!¡± ¡°Hmph! He¡¯s not from your Eastsea Technology University!¡± The girls were star-struck. The boys looked on in awe. Graduates from both schools nearly came to blows. The professors and teachers on stage stood up, apuding. The entrepreneurs in attendance joined in the apuse. Since the meeting had been hastily arranged that morning, everyone who could make it that afternoon was from Eastsea, except for the out-of-towner Meng Haitao. It was no joke. Who wasn¡¯t aware of Su Ming¡¯s fame? Who wouldn¡¯t show him due respect? Su Ming chuckled and gestured with his hand. ?¡±Oh no, I¡¯m feeling dizzy!¡± ¡°Quick, a girl has a nosebleed! She¡¯s fainted!¡± ¡°Mr. Su has entered, Mr. Su has made his mark!¡± ¡°Why the hell are you pulling my hair? Damn it, get off my leg, stop stepping on me, can you even see Mr. Su properly?¡± The auditorium descended into chaos. Thankfully, security guards were there to keep order. It wasn¡¯t too out of control. ?Then, another person entered from behind the door. Upon seeing this individual, everyone froze. ?The room fell silent. Everyone was as still as a statue, not moving an inch. To the uninformed, it would appear as though a spell had been cast. Time seemed to have stopped. ¡°Who¡¯s this guy?¡± ¡°I have no idea.¡± ¡°What¡¯s with the red footprints all over his face and body?¡± ¡°And why is there a huge patch of red paint on his back?¡± ¡°This can¡¯t be a clown Mr. Su hired for a performance, can it?¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. Today¡¯s event is a job seminar, not a variety show.¡± A wave of confusion swept through the crowd. Murmurs filled the air. Meng Haitao wished he could just disappear. But no! I refuse to be defeated! Sure, I may look pitiful, but my worth is undeniable! I¡¯m a shining star! Later, when I stand before this crowd, I¡¯ll speak with fervor. I will turn this around! With that thought, Meng Haitao¡¯s embarrassment vanished. He walked forward with his head held high and his chest puffed out. ¡°Could he be mentally ill?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡± ¡°Hey, doesn¡¯t his face resemble the butts you see on Tieba?¡± ¡°It¡¯s uncanny!¡± Meng Haitao felt like he could spit blood hearing the surrounding chatter. Like a butt, my foot! It¡¯s your face that looks like a butt! Xie Haijun and Principal Ye were puzzled as well. They exchanged nces. Who is this person? He¡¯s not on the guest list, is he? Xie Haijun frantically searched through today¡¯s guest photos. No sign of this man! Wait, why did Mr. Su return alone? Where¡¯s Meng Haitao? Couldn¡¯t find him? Su Ming and Meng Haitao approached the podium. Principal Ye and Xie Haijun greeted them. ¡°Mr. Su, we appreciate your efforts.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you personally went to find someone. We¡¯re quite embarrassed.¡± ¡°Please, Mr. Su, take a seat.¡± They said in a rush. ¡°And this is¡­¡± After exchanging pleasantries, their attention turned to Meng Haitao. They simply couldn¡¯t recognize him. His face was swollen, his clothes in disarray, red footprints all over, and arge swath of red paint on his back. Did he escape from a circus? ¡°Ah, weren¡¯t you looking for Meng Haitao? Here he is.¡± Su Ming said cheerfully. ¡°Ah?!¡± The two principals were dumbfounded. What in the world was this? Mr. Su, this is no time for jokes. Where did you find such an indescribable¡­ ?Person? Or¡­ Monkey? The two principals blinked in surprise. They quickly flipped through the photo album. ?There, Meng Haitao¡¯s beaming face shone brightly from the page. The contrast was striking. Tsk, tsk, tsk! He looked nothing like his picture. But if Mr. Su said it was him, then it must be. But how did he end up like this? The two principals were baffled. Yet, one thing was certain. ?They recognized the sleaziness that clung to this guy, identical to the one in the photo. Such a quality was rare among ordinary people. ¡°Ah, Student Meng, please, have a seat,¡± Xie Haijun said, his smile more forced than genuine. ?What in the world was this? I was hoping you¡¯de here to make a good impression. You¡­ Well, it would be a relief if you just didn¡¯t make things worse. Let it be. Having Mr. Su here today is enough. Everyone took their seats. Xie Haijun rose to his feet. Despite Principal Ye being more renowned, this was Eastsea Technology University, Xie Haijun¡¯s turf. Clearing his throat, he grabbed the microphone. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, students, teachers, and esteemed alumni, wee to today¡¯s employment seminar!¡± ¡°Today marks the coborative employment research conference between Eastsea Technology University and Eastsea University.¡± ¡°We¡¯re here to engage in a thorough discussion on the current challenges of finding employment.¡± ¡°Needless to say, both institutions have cultivated many exceptional students over the years, who have gone on to make significant contributions to society.¡± ¡°Today, we have some of those aplished alumni here to share their sess stories.¡± ¡°We hope that their insights will deeply resonate with those of you about to embark on your own professional journeys. Let¡¯s all take this opportunity to learn from their experiences.¡± ¡°Please join me in weing them!¡± Apuse filled the room. The first student took the stage. He was notably tall. Hisplexion was fair. Dressed sharply in a suit with gleaming leather shoes, he certainly looked the part. ¡°Hello, fellow students. I am a proud graduate of Eastsea Technology University.¡± ¡°I am grateful to the Principal for his dedicated guidance.¡± ¡°Just two years post-graduation, I established my own high-techpany.¡± The male student spoke with a measured cough, his tone calm and collected. ¡°Wow!!!¡± The audience erupted in amazement at his words. Principal Xie¡¯s face was beaming with pride. He couldn¡¯t resist straightening his posture. He had truly outdone himself! Even though I might not know you, I might not even remember you! But still! Ultimately, it¡¯s my job to cultivate talents like you, talents that bring honor to me! The students in the audience were also full of genuine admiration. What is it that society values today? Technology! Technology has the power to transform lives and shape the future! Think about all those shining examples of national pride. How did theye to sparkle? They built their fortunes on their own technological innovations. To establish a techpany in just two years! That is seriously impressive! Chapter 520 C520 ¨C Xie Haijun Expressed His Sadness The event was hosted by a charming youngdy from the broadcasting department, who had a wealth of experience from emceeing numerous school gs. The student had already made such a remark? She knew she had to keep the conversation flowing and let him bask in his moment of glory. ¡°Wow, this senior is incredible, founding a techpany at such a young age,¡± one student remarked in awe. ¡°It¡¯s tough for many of us to evennd a job at a techpany, and here he is setting a fantastic example for us all,¡± another added. ¡°So, what kind of high-techpany did you start?¡± the host inquired with a beaming smile. That¡¯s the mark of a seasoned presenter ¨C making the conversation feel so effortless, lifting you up while giving you the stage to shine even brighter, and making it seem like you¡¯re not just showing off since the host prompted the question. ¡°Arge-scaleputer offline joint experience center,bined with a software application and development techpany!¡± the young man dered proudly, puffing out his chest. The crowd erupted into excited murmurs ¨C the name alone was impressive, exuding sophistication. Xie Haijun¡¯s face gleamed with pride. Just like that, the first student had made him so proud. Eastsea only has two undergraduate universities: Eastsea Technology University and Eastsea University. Xie Haijun had always been fiercelypetitive, especially since the other institution was a prestigious 985211 university with better resources and talent. Yet, here was a student from his university, setting such a high bar. How many from Eastsea University could im such an achievement? Xie Haijun was bursting with pride, sneaking a nce at Principal Ye, who remained serene and unperturbed. In his mind, he was thinking, ¡°What¡¯s there to be so smug about? Eastsea University has produced a Mr. Su, who alone could outshine all your studentsbined.¡± But Principal Ye kept his thoughts to himself, maintaining the dignifiedposure expected of a university president. ¡°Senior, you¡¯re truly impressive,¡± a student gushed. ?¡±Could you share with us the trials and tribtions of your entrepreneurial journey? It would be great to hear about your experiences and get some advice to avoidmon pitfalls,¡± the host suggested with a smile. ¡°Sure,¡± the guy on stage nodded, ready to share his story. Everyone in the room was holding their breath, eyes wide with anticipation. There¡¯s nothing quite like the story of a sessful entrepreneur to capture an audience. There¡¯s so much to learn from their experiences! ?¡±Me! I¡¯ve always been fascinated by electronics,¡± the speaker began. ¡°Back in school, I was the one taking apartputers, phones, and all sorts of electronicponents. I gained a wealth of knowledge in mechanics and electronic devices.¡± He continued enthusiastically, while Xie Haijun listened with a growing sense of unease. Damn it! It was you all along! No wonder the school¡¯sputers were always breaking down. The repair technicians woulde out and say someone had tampered with them. Xie Haijun had been skeptical, but now it all made sense. Recing thoseputers had cost a pretty penny. So it was you causing all the trouble? But with the situation as it was, Xie Haijun couldn¡¯t very well make a scene. He might as well consider it an involuntary upgrade for the school. ¡°And then,¡± the speaker went on, ¡°after graduation, I hit the job market, faced rejection after rejection, and ended up living in a basement, surviving on one meal a day.¡± His face was etched with the hardship of those days, and the students around him nodded in understanding. The path to sess is often paved with such trials. ¡°Eventually, I started selling knockoff phones,¡± he admitted. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how many people fell for it. But then, the police caught up with me, and I¡¯ve only just been released after serving two years.¡± He was disarmingly candid, not filtering his words at all. The students, who had been eagerly listening, were now visibly shocked. What was this? Where was the story of thepany he¡¯d supposedly started two years after graduation? If he¡¯d been in jail for those two years, how could he have founded apany? Xie Haijun was just as baffled. He turned to the head of the Human Resources Department, demanding, ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Where did you find this guy?!¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡­¡± The HR leader was at a loss for words. Something was clearly amiss. The information his team had provided didn¡¯t match this story at all. Xie Haijun¡¯s face was a mask of displeasure, his earlier smilepletely gone. ¡°Um¡­¡± The host of the event was equally mortified, unsure of how to proceed. Where did this charactere from? Challenging my professional integrity, I tell you. I couldn¡¯t even find the words to respond. ¡°Um¡­ Senior, since you¡¯ve just emerged, how did you start yourpany?¡± The host blinked rapidly. Steadying his nerves. He hurriedly steered the conversation elsewhere. ¡°Ah, starting apany is quite straightforward.¡± ¡°This type ofpany is ubiquitous.¡± ¡°It¡¯s arge-scaleputer offline joint experience center, a coborative software application and development technologypany!¡± ¡°It has a catchy, easy-to-understand acronym. Once I say it, it¡¯ll click for everyone.¡± ¡°Inte caf¨¦!¡± The guy stood tall and proud as he dered this. ?Snorts ofughter erupted from the audience. Damn it! ?All that anticipation, brimming with excitement, and it turns out he just runs an inte caf¨¦? Arge-scaleputer offline joint experience center, a coborative software application and developmentpany! What a ridiculously high-end name. But when you think about it, it makes sense. An inte caf¨¦ is just a bunch ofputers linked together. People go in to experience it. To y games, right? Isn¡¯t software application just opening upputer programs to y games? And development? Isn¡¯t that just loading up websites to watch those simplistic, low-budget movies? Xie Haijun nearly choked. Where on earth did this Top Gradee from? Is this even real life? Principal Ye, meanwhile, maintained aposed demeanor, though he was nearly bursting withughter inside. Oh, Old Xie, no offense, but where did you dig up this Top Grade? ¡°Ah¡­ So, senior, you opened an inte caf¨¦? That must have required a substantial investment.¡± The host¡¯s professionalism shone through. He zeroed in on the key issue. Starting an inte caf¨¦ could cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions. How could he open one without the funds? Though this guy¡¯s ims seemed dubious, having the capital to open an inte caf¨¦ certainly set him apart. The students in the audience nodded in agreement. Sure, it¡¯s just an inte caf¨¦, but how many people can¡¯t even afford to frequent one, much less open their own? What a joke! ?At that moment, the guy shook his head with defiance. ¡°No, I¡¯m the inte caf¨¦ manager!¡± ¡°Fellow students, Flying Dragon Inte Cafe wees you! Mention my name for a 20% discount!¡± ¡°Our cafe has just upgraded to the fastest machines for a top-notch experience,plete with luxury sofas, self-serve coffee, beverages, and snacks.¡± ¡°Plus, enjoy thepany of charmingdies while you y.¡± ¡°It¡¯s unquestionably your prime choice for surfing the web!¡± ¡°Come on down to Flying Dragon Inte Cafe.¡± ¡°Only five yuan an hour ¨C it¡¯s a bargain you won¡¯t regret, and there¡¯s no catch!¡± This guyunched straight into his sales pitch. Xie Haijun¡¯s eye twitched, his expression as dark as a storm cloud. He was itching to boot the man out of there. The thought of this getting out was mortifying. ?Being awork manager is a standard upation, a legitimate way to make a living. I mean no disrespect. But let¡¯s face it, it¡¯s amonce profession.? Yet here we are, Eastsea Technology University, inviting our distinguished alumni for a symposium. Even awork manager gets to take the stage. To think, after four years at Eastsea Technology University, bing awork manager is considered a mark of excellence. How on earth are we supposed to attract new students now? Chapter 521 C521 ¨C The King Exploded ¡°Ah¡­¡± The host was at aplete loss for words. He stood there, blinking rapidly, his mind racing. ?Normally, hosting such an event would be a breeze. Someone wants to show off? You just hand them the mic, let them have their moment, and quietly y the role of an attentive audience. But not today. ?This wasn¡¯t just anyid-back evening; it felt like a nightmare-level challenge! I¡¯d barely faced a minor obstacle and was already on the brink of defeat. ?My brain was on the verge of shutting down. ¡°By the way, folks, our inte caf¨¦ is looking to hire a manager, two servers, and we¡¯re giving priority to thedies,¡± he announced loudly. ?¡±Get out of here!¡± Principal Xie couldn¡¯t contain himself any longer. He mmed his hand on the table and stood up, ¡°Get down, get down, get down!¡± The guy got the message. He slunk away, defeated. The room fell into an eerie silence. ?Well, no matter. It¡¯s not unusual for a few opportunists to slip through in the chaos. Principal Xie straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and braced himself for the next round. Soon enough, another guy stepped up. The host¡¯s scalp tingled with apprehension. Please, no more. If it¡¯s another one like thest¡­ I might just lose it! ¡°Excuse me, sir, what industry do you work in?¡± the host asked, taking a deep breath to maintain his poise, a smile gracing his face. ?¡±I, I, I¡­¡± The guy was bashful, stumbling over his words. ?It took quite a while before he managed to say, ¡°I work in the luxury goods sector.¡± ?At that revtion, the students¡¯ eyes gleamed with anticipation. This guy seemed genuine and sincere. It probably wasn¡¯t a ruse. ¡°Wow, the luxury goods sector is known to be quite lucrative.¡± ¡°True, the initial investment is hefty, but the potential rewards are substantial.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s listen, let¡¯s listen.¡± Hope was rekindled among the students. Principal Xie also breathed a sigh of relief. Atst, someone normal. ¡°And what specific products do you deal with in the luxury goods industry?¡± the host inquired further. ?¡±Ah¡­¡± The man¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. He hung his head, fidgeting with his hands. Finally, after a long pause, he mustered the courage to say, ¡°I sell pork.¡± ?The crowd was taken aback. Pork? The luxury industry? What was the connection? Though pork prices had skyrocketedtely, making it nearly unaffordable, it didn¡¯t seem to have any relevance to luxury goods, did it? ?The two were unrted. It had to be a joke. Xie Haijun¡¯s recently regained smile quickly faded. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, I work at the Li Family Pork Shop,¡± he announced. ¡°At the Li Family Pork Shop, we source our pigs from the countryside, ensuring the meat is both firm and delicious.¡± ¡°In addition to that, we offer beef, mutton, ready-to-eat meals, and braised delicacies.¡± ¡°The vors are excellent, the prices are reasonable, and as you all will eventually be cooking for yourselves after graduation, why not visit our shop and enjoy a 20% discount?¡± The young man bit down hard, summoning all his courage. He stood tall and straight. Mouth agape. He spoke non-stop. Words tumbled out like rapid gunfire. It was as if his mouth was on lease, about to be returned any second. Once finished, he immediately shut his mouth and bowed his head, reverting to his timid demeanor. ?The audience was on the verge ofughter. Here was another Top Grade character. It was obvious. He must have memorized the sales pitch at his boss¡¯s behest. He knew it by heart, but his shyness made it difficult to express. With all the courage he could muster, he blurted it out in one go. ?You see, that¡¯s what happens when you don¡¯t pause to breathe. His face turned a deep shade of red, almost purple, struggling to remain upright. ?The graduates of Eastsea Technology University were in disbelief. Seriously? This was what awaited them post-graduation? One running an inte caf¨¦, the other selling pork. They felt as though their youth had been misspent. Principal Xie¡¯s face darkened. It was as ck as the bottom of a charred pot. ¡°Get off the stage, now!¡± Xie Haijun demanded, standing up once more. If this incident spread¡­ Eastsea Technology University¡¯s reputation would be in tatters. Who would even consider enrolling? It was a bachelor¡¯s degree-granting institution, for heaven¡¯s sake. It shouldn¡¯t havee to this, should it? ?Before long, the young man hung his head and scurried off in a random direction. ¡°Hey, hey, hey! Senior, you¡¯re going the wrong way¡­¡± The host hastily intervened. ¡°Ah!!!¡± But before he could finish, The guy vanished from the other side of the stage. A painful cry of agony followed. The host was dumbfounded, ¡°There aren¡¯t any stairs that way¡­¡± He cautiouslypleted his thought. Xie Haijun was beside himself with frustration. ¡°Take him to the infirmary.¡± Xie Haijun, through clenched teeth, managed to say. ¡°No need!¡± The guy was stubborn, dragging himself out: ¡°I¡¯m broke¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s on the house, free bandaging!¡± Xie Haijun bellowed. You¡¯ve been out of school for two or three years. Can¡¯t you even afford treatment for a bruise or a sprain? Quickly, he signaled for security to escort the man out. Xie Haijun settled back into his seat, his nerves rattled. ?Not again, surely not a repeat performance? With this in mind, Xie Haijun turned his attention to the next individual. ¡°Look, you¡¯re dependable, aren¡¯t you? If not, better stay put.¡± Xie Haijun advised. ¡°What are you implying, Principal?¡± ¡°I was the student council president at Eastsea Technology University!¡± ¡°A name that carries weight!¡± The students were impably dressed. Not a speck of dust on their clothing. Their gold-rimmed sses screamed sophistication. Xie Haijun recognized him now. Indeed, he was the former student council president. He had been a great help in the past, a genuinely good guy with capabilities. Xie Haijun finally rxed a bit. This one seemed trustworthy; hopefully, he could turn things around. ¡°So, what do you do?¡± Xie Haijun inquired warmly. I¡¯m stepping in as the host. I¡¯ll be the one to ask you. Don¡¯t let me down. ¡°At home, I¡¯m just modestly making my way, buttely, I¡¯ve been making waves in the medical industry.¡± The young man¡¯s face was alight with enthusiasm. Wow! The audience was instantly electrified. Now that sounded promising. The medical industry! That¡¯s a seriously impressive field! Especially now, with the cost of housing and healthcare sky-high. As long as it¡¯s rted to healthcare, there¡¯s definitely big money to be made. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, that¡¯s wonderful!¡± Xie Haijun let out a deep sigh of relief. My goodness, atst, someone dependable hase along. ¡°May I ask which specific industry you¡¯re involved in? Are there any job openings? Perhaps we could recruit some of our younger students here.¡± Xie Haijun inquired cheerfully. ¡°Principal Xie, there¡¯s absolutely no issue with that. I came here intending to hire students. As long as they¡¯re capable, the more, the merrier.¡± The gentleman responded with a slight smile. ¡°Excellent, excellent!¡± Xie Haijun eximed joyfully, pping the table! Fantastic! Chapter 522 C522 ¨C What the Hell Is This? Xie Haijun was on the verge of tears. ?One after another, they came up, each more unreliable than thest. Atst, a truly dependable one arrived! Oh, my heart! This one shines! It emerged only after countless calls. Finally, a proper candidate appeared. If another unserious one had shown up¡­ Forget it! I might as well close the school and quit being the principal. You should have seen the students¡¯ faces just now. They looked absolutely dreadful. They all felt like their futures were suddenly bleak, you know? ?But this, this is great! Someone from the medical field. They must make a lot of money, so it¡¯s normal for them to take on more students. I¡¯m confident that there are students here who will meet the criteria. ¡°Could this student please introduce themselves?¡± Xie Haijun was brimming with excitement. The students below also perked up. Atst, a real heavy-hitter had arrived. The impressive type! We were filled with anticipation. ?This big brother, dressed to the nines, stood at the center of the stage, taking small, deliberate steps, hands on his hips. Impressive, indeed. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, fellow students, esteemed teachers, and leaders.¡± ?He enunciated each word with precision, thest syble rising with ir. Xie Haijun gave a nod of approval. Hmm! Now that¡¯s talent! Typically, that¡¯s how leaders speak! Tsk, tsk, tsk! Atst, a good one. ¡°Over the years,¡± ¡°As your senior, I¡¯ve been through the wringer in the working world.¡± ¡°And just like that, my annual sry hit 3 million.¡± ¡°How did I manage it?¡± ¡°Let me share with you my journey to financial sess.¡± The big brother¡¯s speech was slow and deliberate. He drew out his words with a certain ir. ?He had us all convinced. ¡°For years, I¡¯ve been involved with Amway.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a veritable treasure trove for wealth.¡± ¡°Ourpany is currently promoting a cancer treatment device based on quantum mechanics.¡± ¡°Just use this device, and cancer vanishes instantly.¡± ¡°Can you imagine the potential here, how much money you could make?¡± ¡°With this device, earning millions annually is no longer just a dream.¡± ¡°And remember, you can¡¯t keep this lucrative opportunity to yourselves¡ªyou¡¯ve got to spread the word.¡± ¡°We can expand ourwork.¡± ¡°Get your family, friends, and parents involved.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a saying that goes, ¡®When there¡¯s money to be made, everyone profits.''¡± ¡°That¡¯s the real path to wealth.¡± As he spoke, something seemed off. Principal Xie was initially beaming with joy. But as he listened, his brow furrowed. His expression grew increasingly sour. Something wasn¡¯t right. It sounded eerily familiar¡­ What was it again? Damn it! It¡¯s all the same scheme! The students sitting below were equally shocked. They were, after all, students of Eastsea Technology University. In this era of advanced information and technology, they were far from naive. ?Could they really be oblivious to what was happening? Had this scheme infiltrated the school? Damn it¡­ It was a pyramid scheme?! Principal Xie¡¯s face turned ashen. He trembled with rage. Xie Haijun was speechless, overwhelmed with fury. ?The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment! Gah! Before Xie Haijun could utter a word. An old professor rolled his eyes in disgust. He walked away. Gah! Another old professor, his eyes zed over. He left as well. Gah! A third old professor, who had once taught the man in the suit, felt too ashamed to stay. ?He decisively made his exit. ¡°Shut the hell up!¡± Xie Haijun banged the table furiously and swore, throwing aside any concern for his image as principal: ¡°Guards! Seize him and take him to the police station immediately!¡± The security guards charged in. They pinned the man down and tied him up tightly. The man struggled, yelling at the top of his lungs. ¡°Students, you must believe me!¡± ¡°This is truly a path to riches. Making ten million a year isn¡¯t just a dream!¡± ¡°Do you want to live in a mansion with your own private jet?¡± ¡°Then join me!!!¡± The guy was relentless. ¡°Shut your damn mouth!¡± The head of security couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. He took off his shoe. He wadded up his sock and shoved it into the man¡¯s mouth. ¡°Mmmph mmmph mmmph¡­¡± The man fought desperately. ¡°Even with your mouth stuffed, you still want to talk?!¡± ¡°I swear, if this were ancient times, I¡¯d have your tongue cut out!¡± The security team captain was furious. His wife had been swindled by a pyramid scheme. And he had lost a significant amount of money. He despised pyramid schemes more than anything else in his life. But this time, he hadpletely misunderstood the situation. This guy was trying to say, ¡°Can¡¯t I just stop talking?¡± ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you, take those socks away now. They¡¯re unbearably stinky. I¡¯m about to throw up!¡± Several security guards escorted the offender to the police station. The area descended into an eerie silence. The students¡¯ faces were ashen. It was all over. Completely over. The school had specifically recruited top talent this time. And what was the oue? What about the offline joint activity center? The software development technologypany? Turns out it was just a damn inte caf¨¦. That made countless girls green with envy over those selling luxury goods. And in the end, it was a pork vendor. And this guy, he looked decent enough. But in the end? He was involved in a pyramid scheme. Dragging him out for execution would be letting him off easy! But let¡¯s leave that aside. Several elderly professors had fainted. The sound of emergency services filled the entrance. Thankfully, There were medical and nursing schools nearby. Several of the teachers on stage were hospital doctors, ready to provide immediate first aid. Otherwise, it would have been a total disaster. Xie Haijun sat in his chair, face in hands. He sighed deeply. Maybe I should just give up. I could just join Mr. Su and work thend. One by one, the people who came forward were more outrageous than thest. Initially, these students had some hope. Even without jobs, they had some drive. But look at them now. Their expressions nk. Their eyes lifeless. Their futures bleak. They had lost all motivation. At this point, not even a dynamo could energize them. ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Just then, Meng Haitao stood up. It was his moment to shine! ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Principal Xie and the others not taking things seriously; I¡¯m totally reliable!¡± Meng Haitao approached the host, took the microphone with a beaming smile, and began to speak. The students below, far from feeling hopeful, sank deeper into despair. Although the first few were not exactly reliable, they at least looked presentable. What on earth is this? Are you nning to put on an acrobatics show? Take it easy. These stage nks are pretty old. Try not to put a dent in them. ¡°You think you can handle it?¡± Meng Haitao had expected Xie Haijun to be thrilled, but instead, Xie Haijun looked up with an expression of sheer skepticism. Meng Haitao nearly choked on his own frustration. I¡¯m so incredible, how could I not handle it? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Principal Xie, I feel confident it will work!¡± ¡°It¡¯s all under control, you can count on me!¡± ¡°Hey, could someone pass me a towel to wipe my face?¡± Meng Haitao¡¯s face was a sticky mess of paint and sweat, and it was extremely ufortable. ¡°Xue, could you grab a towel for Meng Haitao?¡± Principal Xie turned to Liang Xue standing nearby. Chapter 523 C523 ¨C I Meng Haitao Have Flown into the Sky ¡°Huh?¡± Xue was momentarily taken aback. ?She quickly nodded, grabbed a towel, dampened it with water, and brought it over. Meng Haitao took one look and was impressed. Wow! This girl is quite attractive! Not bad at all, and I¡¯m single to boot! Maybe I should just bite the bullet and ask her to be my girlfriend? Granted, I¡¯m not looking my best right now. But once I reveal my identity and worth¡­ My status will skyrocket. I¡¯ll be the man! Surely, she¡¯ll want to date me then! ¡°Fellow underssmen,¡± ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m not exactly presentable. That¡¯s because I just tangled with a thug outside the school, which is why I¡¯m in this state.¡± ¡°So, I¡¯m a bit disheveled.¡± Meng Haitao had quickly concocted a reason and excuse. He spoke with a cheery grin. The students below wore odd expressions. Why? The school¡¯s forum was abuzz. There were warnings for the girls about a ruffian on the loose. And it wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªit was this guy on stage! We don¡¯t recognize anything else! But thoserge footprints matched the ones in the photo perfectly! However, Meng Haitao was blissfully unaware. He felt on top of the world. ¡°I own two miningpanies in the northwest.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m the legendary man with mines.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not exactly strapped for cash. My stocks? They¡¯re worth over 10 billion. And I employ over 30,000 people.¡± Meng Haitao kept up his jovial tone. His words sent a ripple through the crowd. Even those who had scorned him because of the video couldn¡¯t help but be astounded. ?¡±Holy smokes!!! That¡¯s incredible! He¡¯s a real tycoon!!!¡± ¡°The head of a billion-dor conglomerate?¡± ¡°From this angle, this guy doesn¡¯t look so bad!¡± ¡°Are you kidding me? No matter if he¡¯s worth a trillion, he¡¯s still short, pudgy, and downright sleazy!¡± ¡°Well, as much as I hate to admit it, you¡¯re speaking the truth.¡± The students murmured among themselves. Xie Haijun let out a huge sigh of relief upon hearing this. Oh my goodness! By the grace of my Seventh Heavenly Uncle and Second Aunt¡¯s Fourth Aunt! Atst, someone reliable has arrived! ?Otherwise, I would have met my end here today. It¡¯s one thing at my own school. But with the president and several leaders of Eastsea University all seated here¡­ How is one supposed to survive this pressure? Seeing the surrounding people showering him with praise, Meng Haitao wore a look of pride. Absolutely brilliant! He felt his confidence soaring to the skies! Unbeatable! Su Ming! No matter how skilled you are, can you reallypare to me? Hmph! What do you think? Apany worth billions, that must have shocked you, huh? You¡¯re nowhere close to my league! ¡°Not just that,¡± ¡°We¡¯re in the coal industry, so naturally, we need to coborate with others.¡± ¡°I also have ten transport teams, two coal processingpanies, and a whopping 35 partner enterprises.¡± Meng Haitao went on. ¡°Wow! This guy¡¯s got something!¡± ¡°Why does it seem like the less attractive you are, the wealthier you be?¡± ¡°Damn, by that logic, wouldn¡¯t I be destitute?¡± ¡°Beat it. With your looks, you¡¯re at least a billionaire!¡± ¡°Even though your words are a bit hard to hear, I¡¯m still delighted!¡± The students hadpletely snapped out of their prior daze. The whole ce was buzzing with excitement. Look at that, our school does have its share of real talent! We¡¯ve got some truly impressive figures. Incredible! Unstoppable! ?¡±Cough, cough!¡± Meng Haitao spoke with a hint of excitement. It¡¯s not every day he gets to show off, so how could he contain his enthusiasm? He couldn¡¯t help but cough a few times. ¡°Xue, Xue, quick, bring some water for Meng,¡± urged Xie Haijun. ?Then, seizing the moment while Liang Xue went to fetch the water, he whispered to Meng Haitao: ¡°Meng, if you need anything, just let Xue know. I¡¯ve personally assigned her to assist you.¡± Meng Haitao¡¯s eyes sparkled. Tsk, tsk, tsk! Principal Xie knows what he¡¯s doing! Keep the best resources close to home! ¡°Thank you, Principal,¡± Meng Haitao nodded, signaling his understanding. Xie Haijun cleared his throat and rose to his feet. All his prior awkwardness had vanished. Now, he stood with boundless pride. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, let¡¯s give a round of apuse for Meng. He is a shining example of sess among your seniors and a role model for your future!¡± Xie Haijun eximed loudly, ¡°Fantastic!¡± The students below erupted in cheers and apuse, basking in the spotlight and the sound of pping hands. ?Meng Haitao was beside himself with excitement! ¡®I¡¯ve finally managed to show off sessfully!¡¯ It had been so challenging! Every step of the way was fraught with hardship. But I¡¯ve triumphed over it all! I¡¯ve managed to show off! I am unbeatable! After taking the water from Liang Xue, Meng Haitao took a sip and threw her a suggestive wink. ¡°Ugh!¡± Liang Xue ended up vomiting. ??? Meng Haitao was baffled. What the heck is happening? No way! ?I throw a charming wink and you vomit? That¡¯s impossible, utterly impossible. Something¡¯s not right here. Oh no, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re trying to make me the fall guy? [Alright, alright, I¡¯ll take the fall.] It doesn¡¯t bother me! Liang Xue had no idea what was going through his mind, but if she did, she¡¯d bepelled to speak up. Absolutely revolting! So ugly, and yet you wink at me. I nearly regurgitatedst year¡¯s meals. Half my brain cells have perished. ¡°Meng, do you understand the purpose of this seminar?¡± ¡°It¡¯s to assist everyone with their employment issues.¡± ¡°How many positions do you think you can offer to our students?¡± Xie Haijun inquired cautiously. ?¡±Concerning job openings, that¡¯s certainly not an issue.¡± ¡°I do have a multitude ofpanies and partners, after all.¡± ¡°Securing jobs is a minor detail.¡± ¡°I¡¯m the one calling the shots.¡± ¡°At the very least, 3,000!¡± Meng Haitao dered, thumping his chest with assurance. ?¡±Damn!¡± ¡°That¡¯s incredible?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a real pir of support!¡± The students were ecstatic. Considering there were a total of just over 5,000 people present. 4,000 from Eastsea Technology University. And 1,000 from Eastsea University. Indeed, Eastsea University¡¯s employment rates were somewhat higher than those of Eastsea Technology University. Among the remaining 1,000, some had already secured jobs. Yet they were still open to exploring other opportunities. Xie Haijun was nearly ecstatic. ?So many! He had addressed 3,000 job openings in one fell swoop! Oh my god! I¡¯m definitely going to be recognized as one of the top performers this year! The professors and leaders behind me were beside themselves with excitement. They broke into apuse. Xie Haijun was so thrilled that his face turned beet red. He nodded vigorously. Fantastic, this is just fantastic! I can finally breathe easy! The excitement was palpable both on and off the stage, with loud cheers erupting. Meng Haitao felt like he was on cloud nine. I¡¯m soaring high, almost out of the sr system! I¡¯m unstoppable! I¡¯m incredible! Meng Haitao basked in the adoration of the crowd while simultaneously shooting a challenging look at Su Ming. How about that? You can¡¯t hold a candle to me, can you? In my presence, you¡¯re nothing but a speck of dust! I¡¯ll show you what I¡¯m truly capable of! Chapter 524 C524 ¨C Are You Kidding Us? ¡°Student Meng Haitao truly stands out as the most sessful graduate of Eastsea Technology University.¡± ¡°In the future, many of you will be working under Meng Haitao.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s give a round of apuse for your future boss!¡± Xie Haijun announced into the microphone with great enthusiasm. Was the principal just an ordinary person? Clearly, his skills were exceptional. At this cue, The students erupted in apuse! Meng Haitao was incredible! Meng Haitao was on fire! Meng Haitao was our idol! ¡°By the way, Meng, could you give us a detailed rundown? What exactly do these positions entail?¡± Xie Haijun asked, twinkling with curiosity and a grin on his face. ¡°Absolutely, no problem.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a variety of roles avable.¡± ¡°It really depends on what you excel at.¡± Meng Haitao was on cloud nine. He felt as though he was soaring. He believed he had reached the pinnacle of his life. In an invincible state. He was so moved, he wanted to burst into song. How lonely it is to be invincible! ¡°Senior!¡± ¡°I¡¯m a student from the Academy of Science. What role do you think would suit me?¡± A student from the crowd raised his hand. Meng Haitao stroked his chin, giving the matter some thought. He nodded approvingly. ¡°Very good, very good!¡± Meng Haitaoplimented. The student¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. Oh my! It looked like there was an opportunity here. ¡°This student has a good build.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ Let me think this over.¡± ¡°You¡¯d be suited to be a driver.¡± Meng Haitao dered with confidence. ¡­¡­ The student was dumbfounded. What in the world? I¡¯m a student from the Science Academy. My major is physics. I¡¯ve even studied architecture. You¡¯re suggesting I be a driver? That doesn¡¯t make sense, does it? If I wanted to drive, couldn¡¯t I do that anywhere? Why would I need to go so far from home to drive? ¡°This student.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate the role of a driver.¡± ¡°The sry for our drivers is quite substantial.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a position many people covet but few can secure,¡± Meng Haitao assured him. ?He was eager to reveal the sry. This student would surely be over the moon! ¡°Is that so?¡± The Science Academy student¡¯s face lit up with anticipation. If the pay was indeed that high, Then driving might not be such a bad idea. After all, it¡¯smon for many graduates to work in fields unrted to their major. As long as it pays! ¡°Absolutely, our driver earns a monthly sry of 3000 yuan, and that¡¯s not all¡ªI provide room and board too. How does that sound?¡± Meng Haitao offered what he believed was a generous sum. The students from the School of Science were taken aback. Three thousand yuan? Are you joking? Do you think I¡¯m unaware? Our neighbor is a truck driver. He makes at least ten to twenty thousand a month. And you¡¯re shing the pay that much for me? I could just deliver takeout. Take it easy, Yuvyuv. Is it worth it for such a small amount? Just then, another student interjected. ¡°Senior, I¡¯m from the School of Materials.¡± ¡°I focus on steel materials. What do you think I could do?¡± Hope was written all over the student¡¯s face. There¡¯s even a bit of ovep with coal research in steel materials. It¡¯s somewhat rted to my field. ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯re on the slender side.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± ¡°You¡¯d fit right in working in the cafeteria!¡± The student from the School of Materials was bewildered. Work in the cafeteria? After four years studying materials? You expect me to cook? Are you serious? Why not approach culinary students? ¡°Senior, I¡¯m from the nursing department. Do you need nursing students?¡± A timid young woman stood up and asked cautiously. ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re also rather petite.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°You can clean at our mining site.¡± Meng Haitao nodded in agreement. The students below were dumbstruck. Silence fell over the room. How to describe it? An indescribable feeling. A touch of awkwardness hung in the air. They were just now realizing. Something was off with this senior¡¯s selection criteria. They were supposed to be evaluated on their professional skills. Academic performance, practical ability, emotional intelligence. Why was he only considering their physical stature? Was he here to recruit students or to buy livestock? What was he ying at? We¡¯ve dedicated four years to our university education. For this kind of work? Let¡¯s be clear, we mean no disrespect to anyone. But these students are the cream of the crop, cultivated by the school and the nation. ?This seemed a bit excessive, didn¡¯t it? The School of Science¡¯s truck driver. The Materials Science Department went off to cook, while the Nursing Department took on cleaning duties. Is there really a need toe all the way to Eastsea Technology University to recruit students? Just post a job ad locally, and you¡¯re bound to get applicants. Ah, now I get it! With the wages you¡¯re offering, no local would take the job. So, you¡¯re here to sweet-talk us, a group of unsuspecting neers? Do you think we¡¯re naive? Is this some kind of joke? Xie Haijun¡¯s face contorted with frustration. Indeed, you¡¯ve offered a lot of positions. But what kind of positions are these? Imagine the word getting out that Eastsea Technology University¡¯s graduates are so skilled that upon graduation, they¡¯re either driving trucks, cooking, or cleaning. Who would want to enroll after hearing that? We¡¯re university students, formally educated by the state. Are these the jobs we¡¯re expected to take? Isn¡¯t this a waste of our talents? Meng Haitao also sensed that something was amiss. But, he thought confidently, I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve for dealing with you rookies! ¡°Listen up, everyone,¡± he began. ¡°The job market is tough right now. Finding any job is a challenge. I¡¯m offering you numerous positions,plete with room and board. You should be thanking me.¡± Meng Haitao seemed to believe he was being entirely reasonable. The students in the audience could no longer contain their frustration. Are you ying games with us? We don¡¯t need room and board. We need legitimate jobs that match our fields of study. And you? Youe to Eastsea Technology University, a top-tier institution, to recruit chefs and drivers? Have you lost your way? Xie Haijun¡¯s expression fell. He had hoped Meng Haitao could salvage the situation, but it turned out to be another disappointment, utterly unreliable. ¡°Old Xie,¡± he said, ¡°don¡¯t lose heart. There¡¯s always a solution.¡± Principal Ye, too, let out a sigh. Being a principal was no easy task, especially when trying to secure employment for students, a concern that had turned his hair white. He had gone to great lengths to bring people here, only for it to end in discord. With a heavy sigh, Xie Haijun¡¯s disappointment was palpable. ¡°Old Xie, remember, we still have one more person up our sleeve.¡± Principal Ye couldn¡¯t resist offering a reminder. ¡°No one¡¯s arrival will make a difference.¡± Xie Haijun hadpletely lost hope. ¡°What? You have that little faith in Mr. Su?¡± Principal Ye asked, his smile crinkling his eyes. Xie Haijun paused, a spark of realization in his gaze. ?¡¯Damn, how did I forget about Mr. Su?¡¯ There¡¯s still Mr. Su! ¡°Mr. Su, please take a look¡­¡± Xie Haijun quickly approached Su Ming, speaking with utmost reverence. ?¡±Principal Xie, there¡¯s no need to panic.¡± ¡°Just wait a moment.¡± Su Ming responded cheerfully. ?Upon hearing this, Meng Haitao let out a derisive snort. ¡°Wait for what? You obviously can¡¯t offer them positions. Come on, there¡¯s no point in pretending anymore.¡± Chapter 525 C525 ¨C The Meeting Turned into a Recruitment Drive In Meng Haitao¡¯s view, Su Ming was just ying for time. ¡°What kind of position could you possibly secure?¡± he thought, certain that the dy would cause everyone to lose patience and scatter. But Su Ming paid him no mind, instead turning his attention to Liang Xue. ?¡±I¡¯m a bit parched. Could you fetch me a bottle of water?¡± Su Ming asked with a grin. ¡°Of course!¡± Liang Xue nodded eagerly and scurried off. She descended alone, but returned with seven or eight others in tow. ¡°I got this water!¡± one eximed. ¡°It¡¯s mine, mine!¡± another insisted. ¡°Mr. Su, don¡¯t drink hers, my water is sweeter!¡± a third offered. ¡°Mine¡¯s even sweeter!¡± a fourth chimed in. ¡°I warmed this bottle with my heart,¡± dered another. ¡°So did I!¡± echoed yet another. These seven or eight young women were as attractive as Liang Xue, all considered Divine Level beauties from Eastsea Technology University. They now flocked around Su Ming, buzzing with excitement, their eyes sparkling. Su Ming, overwhelmed by the attention, thought to himself, ¡°Hey, hey, hey! Could you not stand so close? It¡¯s nice and all, but don¡¯t you worry about squishing me? Ouch! Hey! Who just stole a kiss? There goes my first kiss¡­ again! Are girls always this bold?¡± He had tolerated their earlier remarks, but now he was puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s this about warming water with your heart? Look, you¡¯re certainly beautiful and have a great figure, but you¡¯re a bit¡­ petite, a bit¡­ too close forfort. The surface area for warming is just not sufficient.¡± Meng Haitao watched from the sidelines, utterly frustrated. ¡°Is the difference between people really this vast?¡± he wondered. ¡°I ask for water and get served by just one person. I give a flirtatious wink and it¡¯s met with disgust. But Su Ming asks for water and he¡¯s swarmed by beauties. That Liang Xue, who seemed to want to keep her distance from me, is now glued to his side!¡± ?Burning with envy, Meng Haitao clenched his teeth and turned away. ¡°These naive girls are all about looks right now. But they¡¯ll learn. In this society, money reigns supreme. They¡¯ll regret overlooking a high-quality guy like me.¡± Making such a mistake could be the biggest blunder of your lifetime! Atst, Su Ming managed to grab a bottle of water and took a sip to soothe his throat. But the group of girls showed no signs of leaving, crowding around him. Meng Haitao couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. ¡°Someone, I¡¯d like some water too,¡± he said. Having only Liang Xue by my side meant I wouldn¡¯t have to feel too embarrassed without a crowd of girls. ?But no sooner had he spoken than a water bottle came flying at him. ¡°Thud!¡± Itnded with a crash right by Meng Haitao¡¯s feet and rolled away. ?Meng Haitao was dumbfounded. Damn it! Could the disparity in treatment be any more tant? I¡¯m the owner of a billion-dorpany, for crying out loud. Is this the respect I get? Principal Xie, didn¡¯t you just say Liang Xue was assigned to assist me? But when Meng Haitao turned around, he found Principal Xie paying him no mind. ?¡±You guys¡­¡± ?He was on the verge of losing his temper when the door swung open. President Chen entered with a beaming smile, followed by Wang Guohui. Old Master Loong and others were present too, along with the representatives of Su Ming¡¯s 100panies, including Boss Fong. ?¡±Holy smokes, isn¡¯t that the president of Eastsea¡¯s biggest bank?¡± ¡°Are you kidding me, isn¡¯t that the chairman of the Wang Group?¡± ¡°Holy cow! Isn¡¯t that Old Master Loong from the Longzhi Food and Beverage Group?¡± ¡°Mother of all, so manypanies?¡± ¡°Damn, these are thepanies I wouldn¡¯t even dare to send my resume to!¡± The students were abuzz with excitement upon seeing these figures. All of them were graduates, mostly from Eastsea, and naturally, they were eager tond a job in their hometown. They had researched variouspanies in preparation for graduation and were familiar with these renowned Eastsea City firms. Only a handful of exceptionally talented students had the courage to apply, as most felt thesepanies were out of their league and wouldn¡¯t consider them. Yet, here they all were today! My goodness! ¡°Good to see you, Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Mr. Su!¡± The executives approached Su Ming with smiles, lining up in an orderly and well-behaved manner. They each took turns shaking hands with Su Ming. The students below were left stunned once again. This Senior Su. Could he really be that influential?! The bosses of so many major corporations in Eastsea City! They all held Senior Su in such high regard? Oh my goodness! What in the world was Senior Su¡¯s identity? This was just too incredible! ¡°Alright, today¡¯s focus isn¡¯t on me. I¡¯ve gathered you all here to ask that you provide some job opportunities for students from both universities.¡± ¡°Feel free to lower your standards a bit.¡± Su Ming said, beaming. ¡°No problem at all!¡± ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Su. We¡¯ll take good care of these students!¡± ¡°I can offer 20 positions!¡± ¡°Only 20? I¡¯m offering 50!¡± The bosses jostled to outdo each other. Then they began their pitches. First up was President Chen. He was Su Ming¡¯s most devoted ally. ¡°Dear students, I am the president of Tianhua Bank.¡± ¡°We at Tianhua Bank are nning to open another branch in Eastsea.¡± ¡°We¡¯re looking for five tellers, five marketing staff, five cashiers, five processing staff, and additionally, four security guards.¡± ¡°Students majoring in Finance, ounting, or attending the School of Physical Education are encouraged to apply.¡± ¡°The sry during the internship period is eight thousand per month. It varies by position, but the minimum is seven thousand.¡± ¡°After the internship, expect an immediate raise of a thousand.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we offerprehensive insurance, housing, meals, and even holiday bonuses and subsidies. The benefits are plentiful.¡± President Chen spoke with a warm smile. The students below were ecstatic! Oh my goodness, finally someone serious! Next was Wang Guohui. Wang Guohui represented a bona fide major enterprise. Even though President Chen was wealthy, his opportunities were finite. But Wang Guohui¡¯s trading group had a plethora of positions. ?He was looking to rece a batch of old employees. These old employees were cking off daily. ?Their work was mediocre at best. They had created a toxic work environment. By recing thesecent old workers with a fresh group of enthusiastic new employees and students, thepany¡¯s spirit was sure to be revitalized, brimming with youthful energy! ?Wang Guohui made a grand gesture! He offered 80 positions right off the bat! These came withprehensive benefits, including full insurance, meals, amodation, a nine-to-five schedule, no overtime, and a plethora of additional perks! Next up was Old Master Loong. He was recruiting for the hotel management sector. 50 positions avable! Each person took their turn to speak. There were over 100pany bosses present. The majority were offering 20-30 positions. A few had seventy to eighty spots open. It was the perfect opportunity to scoop up all these students. The students below erupted into loud cheers. ¡°Senior Su, Senior Su!¡± ¡°Senior Su is the best!¡± ¡°We¡¯re being cheered on by Senior Su!¡± The students below excitedly waved their hands in the air. What a joyous asion! The teachers in the back were equally overjoyed. Xie Haijun was so delighted his face turned beet red. Principal Ye was absolutely beaming. After all, Mr. Su was one of Eastsea University¡¯s own! After a brief discussion, The seminar quickly transformed into a massive job fair. Leaders cleared the tables away, ?Recing them with individual stations for eachpany. The boss of apany with 100 employees Directly collected resumes. The more students they hired, the more they honored Mr. Su. Thesepanies were nearly beside themselves with excitement! ¡°Come on, Soong, that¡¯s not fair. I¡¯m telling you, I¡¯ve got dibs on this student! Listen, student, Soong is a real ve driver, all work and no rest. Come to me, work nine to five, and I¡¯ll pay you a sry of 20,000 a month!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t listen to his ther. I¡¯ll offer you 30,000!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go to 40,000!¡± When they encountered an exceptionally talented student, Severalpany bosses turned red in the face, Arguing heatedly on the spot. They nearly came to blows! Chapter 526 C526 ¨C Don¡¯t y Around like This The students from both schools were taken aback. Moments before, they were utterly lost about their futures. But now, take a look at the scene. It wasn¡¯t just the university graduates who were in shock. ?Even the yellow dog bought by the security staff had caught the attention of severalpanies. All eyes were on Su Ming. My goodness, today I witnessed what a true master looks like. This is incredible! ?Thesepanies are the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of Eastsea. Many are ranked among the top 500 in the nation. A good number are even in the global top 100. Could they possibly be short on cash? Absolutely not. Their benefits are outstanding. Basic offerings like five insurances and one housing fund are just the beginning. ¡°Students,e join ourpany. We offer great benefits and have plenty of young women on staff. Gentlemen, you won¡¯t have to worry about finding a girlfriend. If you can¡¯t find one, ourpany will even help with that.¡± ?One guy, desperate to recruit, stripped off his shirt and stood on a chair. Waving his garment, he yelled at the top of his lungs. ¡°Don¡¯t believe their wild ims. Join ourpany. We offer three months of paid vacation each year. If you travel abroad, I¡¯ll even reimburse your expenses.¡± Another guy saw this and thought, no way can you poach people so brazenly. He stood up, gesturing emphatically. ¡°Come to us. Ourpany has just built an apartmentplex, all with standard three-bedroom, one-living-roomyouts. If you work for us, you can live there rent-free.¡± ¡°If you stay with ourpany for five years, you can buy the apartment for half the market price.¡± Yet another guy climbed onto a table, bellowing through a megaphone. ¡°Skimping and saving for half the market price? Students, join ourpany. Work with us for five years and we¡¯ll give you an apartment for free.¡± The atmosphere was electric. The graduates were dumbfounded. Many clutched their resumes, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and hope. This bewilderment was a far cry from their earlier uncertainty. ?Before, they were unsure about their futures because the contacts Principal Xie had provided were just not reliable. The confusion was palpable. ¡°These darnpanies are too numerous, and their benefits are too generous. Can someone please advise me on which one to choose?¡± Particrly at these two schools, some of the top-performing and most outstanding students were being courted by multiplepanies, each one upping their offers. ?They were on the verge of bing millionaires the moment they graduated. Many were at a loss as to where they should go. Among them was a youngdy who was a live streamer. She made her living by streaming while at school. With a sense of resignation, she pulled out her phone and began her broadcast. ¡°Dear viewers, I¡¯m in quite a predicament right now.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a graduate of Eastsea Technology University, and I¡¯m here at the job fair.¡± ¡°I¡¯m feeling incredibly lost.¡± The youngdy spoke into her headset. ¡°Hey, no worries, miss! Come work at mypany, and I¡¯ll pay you 3,000 a month, how does that sound?¡± ¡°The person above is being too cheap. Join mypany, and I¡¯ll give you 5,000 a month for doing nothing but keeping the bed warm.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the moderator? Quick, ban the person above for 10,000 years!¡± ¡°Miss, why note to our construction site and move bricks?¡± ¡°It¡¯s tough to find a good studio these days. Even someone as pretty as you can¡¯t find one, but luckily, I found one paying over 6,000 a month. Jealous?¡± The bulletments soared across the screen. ¡°Um¡­¡± The youngdy blinked and cleared her throat softly. ¡°Viewers, you might have gotten the wrong idea. It¡¯s not that I can¡¯t find a job.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± ?She clicked on the rear camera, and three eager faces popped up instantly. ¡°Come work for ourpany, young schr. We offer an annual sry of one million, plus a car and a house, and absolutely no overtime.¡± The first beaming face offered. ¡°Join ourpany. We¡¯re an international enterprise with numerous overseas internships. If you¡¯re interested in working abroad, we can start you off with an annual sry of 1.2 million.¡± The second face suggested. ¡°Sending such a youngdy abroad? Miss,e to ourpany by the beautiful seaside. We¡¯ll provide you with a lovely house, an annual sry of 1.5 million, and you can even bring your parents over!¡± The conversation continued unabated. Suddenly, the bulletments went silent. What the hell? Is this some kind of joke? Initially, I assumed the streamer couldn¡¯tnd a job, but it turns out that wasn¡¯t the case at all. He had too many great job offers to choose from. Isn¡¯t that just ridiculously ostentatious? And the guy who boasted in the bulletments about making over 6,000 yuan a month? He just shut down his live stream. I¡¯m done with this. I¡¯m ready to just go and take a leap! ¡°Unfollow, unfollow! Damn, I earn 3,000 yuan a month doing manualbor. I spend 2,000 yuan a month on gifts for the streamer, and he¡¯s pulling in an annual sry over a million?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t stand it, I can¡¯t stand it. When I graduated, my monthly sry was barely over 3,000 yuan, and you¡¯re starting at over a million?¡± ¡°Lady, as much as I adore you, I have no choice. From now on, we part ways in this vast world.¡± ¡°Why does this setting look so familiar? Damn, isn¡¯t that Eastsea Technology University, my alma mater? My god, aren¡¯t these all top-tierpanies in Eastsea? What¡¯s happening here?¡± ¡°Oh my god, my luck is off the charts! I¡¯ve been so stressed about not finding a job, and here Eastsea has such fantastic opportunities. I¡¯m heading over there right now!¡± Her subscriber count plummeted. Envy and resentment abound! We work like dogs every day, scraping together money tovish on you with gifts, and just like that, you stumble into being a millionaire. Where¡¯s the fairness in that? It¡¯s enough to make you green with envy! She noticed her subscriber count dwindling, but it didn¡¯t faze her. It was only a side gig, after all. Why bother with streaming when you¡¯re earning such a hefty sry? Meanwhile, footage from the job fair quickly made the rounds. Not just in Eastsea. Graduates nationwide caught wind of it. ¡°Eastsea Technology University? I¡¯ve never heard of it. I just looked it up online; it¡¯s a regr university, not even among the elite 985 or 211 institutions. How could it attract so many major corporations?¡± ¡°Yeah, and the terms they¡¯re offering are incredible.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t think they hired an actor to fake it, do you?¡± ¡°No way, I personally know a few of the bosses. I¡¯ve even applied to theirpanies before, but they didn¡¯t hire me.¡± ¡°So what¡¯s the deal?¡± ¡°Ha! You¡¯re out of the loop. There¡¯s this legendary figure in Eastsea, Su Ming. He¡¯s the one who brought all thesepany reps here!¡± ¡°Man, talk about bad luck. I graduatedst year. Had I known, I would¡¯ve flunked a few sses on purpose to repeat the year!¡± ¡°A buddy of mine was on the scene. None of thepanies were offering an annual sry less than 200,000 yuan.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so frustrated I could spit blood! I need to get my heart checked out at the hospital!¡± ¡°Goodness, the offers at a regr top-tier university are somehow better than those at our nation¡¯s elite institutions!¡± ¡°Who is this Su Ming anyway? Is he really that incredible?¡± The collegemunity was abuzz in an instant. Chapter 527 C527 ¨C This Is a Living Thing Typically, the HR department would send a few representatives to a school, collect resumes, and sift through them to find a handful of promising candidates. But take a look at the scene now. My goodness. It¡¯s a gathering of thepany¡¯s top brass. Bank presidents, general managers, CEOs, and a whole array of directors and department heads have all shown up. These executives, who usually exude an air of effortless superiority, are now red-faced and thick-necked. That guy over there is rolling up his sleeves, eagerly vying for talent. It¡¯s almostughable. Why are they here? It¡¯s all because of Su Ming. To make a good impression on Mr. Su, they wouldn¡¯t dream of passing up this chance. Absolutely not! The university students are caught in a delightful dilemma. It¡¯s so tough to decide whichpany to choose. At other job fairs, it¡¯s the students who scramble for positions, but this one is quite the opposite. They¡¯re a bit out of their element. Su Ming simply smiles serenely, sitting there calmly. Xie Haijun is overjoyed, his face creased with a smile that blooms like a chrysanthemum. Naturally, Principal Ye is the most thrilled of all. How impressive is it that such a distinguished graduate hails from our school? Standing to the side, Liang Xue is utterly astounded. She nces at Su Ming and her cheeks flush with color. Liang Xue is the epitome of beauty and grace, with excellent academic achievements to boot¡ªtruly the school¡¯s pride and joy. Yet, she¡¯s still just a young woman, of an age where she¡¯s considering a boyfriend. With her high standards, no one at the school had caught her eye¡ªuntil today. Su Ming is not only influential and unassuming, but also incredibly handsome. Good heavens! Liang Xue¡¯s heart races uncontrobly! ?As for the task Principal Xie had assigned her, all Liang Xue can think about now is how much she wants toin. ¡°Principal Xie, please don¡¯t set me up with anything unrted to humanity in the future.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, we really owe you a big one this time!¡± Xie Haijun says with a chuckle, taking an excited sip of water and beaming at Su Ming. ¡°Thanks to Mr. Su, we¡¯ve managed to solve the employment issue this time.¡± ¡°Actually, Principal Xie, I¡¯m handing in my resignation now. I don¡¯t want to teach anymore; I¡¯m ready to enter the workforce.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so envious, I could lose my hair. These rascals are earning more than I do!¡± The veteran professors crowded around, their eyes glowing red with envy. ?Su Ming simply offered a serene smile, as tranquil as still water. ¡°Mr. Su, I can¡¯t thank you enough for reaching out to so manypanies on our behalf.¡± ¡°I owe you a favor that I can¡¯t possibly repay.¡± Xie Haijun chimed in from the side. Indeed, the favor was too significant to repay. Su Ming, sitting off to the side, just shook his head with a chuckle. ¡°Principal Xie, you don¡¯t owe me anything. They came because they wanted to.¡± ?? Xie Haijun and the professors were momentarily dumbfounded. They came willingly? Is that even true? It seemed impossible. We know our own students. Despite the high sries being offered, many of them simply don¡¯t have the necessary skills. The sries were inted solely because of Mr. Su¡¯s influence. Seeing the bewildered looks on Xie Haijun and the professors¡¯ faces, Principal Ye couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Oh, Xie, you still have much to learn. I remember that reception very well. A whole crowd of executives were practically tripping over themselves to get Mr. Su¡¯s attention.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you¡¯re being far too humble¡­¡± Xie Haijun interjected. ¡°Principal Xie, I assure you, I¡¯m not making this up. I¡¯m telling you the truth.¡± Su Ming then turned to President Chen nearby: ¡°President Chen, I didn¡¯t call you for this job fair, did I? You came on your own ord, right? You heard about the recruitment seminar at the school and thought it was a good opportunity to hire some of our talented graduates?¡± President Chen quickly confirmed, ¡°Exactly, Mr. Su didn¡¯t call me. I came because I heard the university was full of promising graduates, and it was the perfect chance to strengthen our bank¡¯s team.¡± ¡°Scram!¡± No sooner had he spoken than he delivered a swift kick to the rear of Wang Guohui¡¯s employee, dragging a bewildered young man behind him. ¡°Listen up! You¡¯re not going anywhere. You belong to me now!¡± ¡°And to the rest of you executives, I didn¡¯t call any of you, did I?¡± Su Ming continued to ask with a cheerful smile. ¡°No, no, it has nothing to do with Chairman Ye.¡± ¡°Indeed, how could this matter possibly involve Chairman Ye?¡± ¡°Chairman Ye didn¡¯t call us; we came here on our own ord.¡± ¡°Absolutely. We¡¯ve heard about the many exceptional graduates from Eastsea Technology University and Eastsea University, so we came here inspired by their reputation. It has nothing to do with Chairman Ye.¡± The executives quickly rified. Xie Haijun and his colleagues were taken aback. What in the world? Did I mishear? If I didn¡¯t understand¡­ I would have fallen for it! Wow, they kept mentioning Chairman Ye! Turns out all thesepanies are Su Ming¡¯s! My goodness, how influential is Mr. Su? All these majorpanies are his? No wonder there was no need for a special invitation. With the chairman present, how could they not show up? ?You see, Xie Haijun had gone out of his way to call severalpanies for today¡¯s seminar. He even dropped Su Ming¡¯s name to entice more to attend, though he didn¡¯t hold out much hope. After all, despite Mr. Su¡¯s clout, mostpanies have to prioritize their own survival. But look at this turnout! Good lord! He had seriously underestimated Mr. Su¡¯s influence and power. Thank goodness the auditorium is spacious enough. Thank goodness we¡¯re at the International Convention Center. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t have had room for everyone! Xie Haijun thought he had a clear understanding of Su Ming. He recognized the caliber of Su Ming¡¯s presence. But now, he realized he was shortsighted. ?Far too shortsighted! What did he really know? Mr. Su has only shown the tip of the iceberg! The venue was alive with energy and activity. In the corner stood a solitary figure. Meng Haitao. He just stood there, blinking, motionless. ?He had thought he would make a grand entrance today. That he would dazzle everyone. Instead¡­ He was brought back down to earth. He had assumed his offer would have students flocking to him. But listen to this! One after another, the sries being offered were sky-high! He was utterly outssed! ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this? A sculpture? Does Principal Xie have a taste for abstract art?¡± ?At that moment, the owner of a culturalpany approached Xie Haijun. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. It¡¯s hard to fault someone for the misunderstanding. Xie Haijun stood there,pletely stunned. His face was swollen and red, his body was covered with footprints, and arge smear of red paint was sshed across his back. Just think about it. What normal person would look like this? Especially at such a solemn event. Who would show up in such a state? The culturalpany¡¯s boss circled Meng Haitao twice, appraising him. ¡°This piece is quite impressive. Who sculpted it? Setting everything else aside, the sleazy quality is captured perfectly!¡± While speaking, the boss reached out and gently prodded Meng Haitao¡¯s cheek. ¡°Holy cow! It¡¯s soft! And there¡¯s warmth? Good grief! This is a living person! What on earth is this? Are you freaking human or some kind of specter?!¡± Chapter 528 C528 ¨C I Am Just a Farmer Upon hearing the remark, Meng Haitao was incredulous. ¡°What on earth?¡± ¡°I am a person! A living, breathing person!¡± Meng Haitao became frantic. How could they mistake me, with my dashing good looks, for a ghost? ¡°Uh¡­¡± ?His protest left many of thepany¡¯s employees dumbfounded. The university students had seen him, but the others hadn¡¯t? ¡°Wow, this guy¡¯s appearance is¡­ quite shocking.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the right word; it should be ¡®breathtaking.''¡± ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not strong enough. ¡®A sight for sore eyes¡¯ is more like it.¡± ¡°¡®A sight for sore eyes?¡¯ More like ¡®unrecognizable!''¡± ¡°¡®Unrecognizable¡¯ doesn¡¯t cut it; I need to consult a thesaurus!¡± The surrounding people were abuzz withmentary. Meng Haitao felt like crying. What are they implying? Did theye here for an idiom contest? Spouting idioms one after another. ?And could they please keep it down? I have excellent hearing, you know. Could you spare a thought for my feelings? But Meng Haitao didn¡¯t dare to make a peep. ?Yes, he owned a family business worth 10 billion. But look at this gathering. All thesepanies. They came running because of Su Ming alone. How influential could he be? If it weren¡¯t significant, would these normally elusivepany executives rush over like mad to recruit? ?They weren¡¯t out of their minds. The critical point was, could this be the extent of Su Ming¡¯s power? Impossible. Meng Haitao had thought he could crush Su Ming this time. ?But now, he couldn¡¯t even dream of it. ?He couldn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of Su Ming¡¯s shadow. Unable to bear it any longer, Meng Haitao hung his head low. He quietly exited through a side corridor. ?Then, the screams from the Nursing School¡¯s female students pierced the air again. With the sky darkened, his already sleazy appearance became even more unsettling. ?Who wouldn¡¯t be scared? Themotion even disturbed the male students from the neighboring School of Sports. Enough said, enough said. The situation was too dire. ¡­¡­ The auditorium buzzed with activity for a full hour before the personnel were finally sorted out. ?All the students had secured jobs and were ecstatic. ¡°Fellow students!¡± ¡°Today, as you¡¯ve all found jobs, you should extend your gratitude to Mr. Su!¡± ¡°Even though Mr. Su isn¡¯t an alumnus of Eastsea Technology University, he is an Eastsea native, our pride, and it has only been a few years since Mr. Su graduated.¡± ¡°Here we have Principal Ye from Eastsea University.¡± ¡°Principal Ye can vouch that Mr. Su hails from a rural background with a modest family, yet in just a few short years, he has be a leading figure of sess!¡± ¡°Now, we would like to invite Mr. Su to share a few words!¡± ¡°Pay close attention, everyone. If you can even grasp one-tenth of what Mr. Su has to offer from his sess story!¡± ¡°Your futures will be boundless!¡± Xie Haijun sensed the moment was right. He grabbed the microphone and spoke up. The moment Xie Haijun¡¯s voice fell, the room descended into a hushed silence. The audience members filed down, taking their seats obediently. Thepany executives who had been on stage followed suit. ?They positioned themselves at the front of the aisle and stage, eyes fixed in anticipation. Many were eager to discover how, in just a few years post-graduation, one could achieve such a level of sess. ?How could a single individualpel so manypanies to vie for talent? ?To wield such immense influence, what was the secret? Su Ming blinked. ¡°Uh¡­¡± After a brief pause, Su Ming demurred, ¡°Actually, there¡¯s not much to it. Maybe we should just let it be.¡± ¡°Mr. Su.¡± Principal Ye encouraged him, ¡°Everyone is eager to hear your speech. You¡¯re the man of the hour.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m unwilling to share.¡± Su Ming sighed and approached Xie Haijun, ¡°Truthfully, I haven¡¯t been through much.¡± ¡°Mr. Su, you must be kidding,¡± Xie Haijun challenged, incredulous. ?To be so remarkable without significant experiences? Mr. Su, there¡¯s no need for modesty. ¡°Alright then.¡± Reluctantly, Su Ming picked up the microphone. Remember, you asked for this. ¡°Here¡¯s my story.¡± ¡°After graduation, I took a job at apany.¡± ¡°Then, due to an unexpected turn of events, I resigned.¡± Su Ming spoke candidly. The students perked up at his words. ?This was it¡ªthe moment they¡¯d been waiting for. It¡¯s amon narrative among many who have found sess: dissatisfaction with corporate life and the drive to carve out their own destiny. ¡°I understand now. Mr. Su must have decided to venture into entrepreneurship. So, Mr. Su, what inspired you to start a business, and how did you manage to navigate the market so sessfully?¡± Xie Haijun¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ?¡±I didn¡¯t start a business,¡± Su Ming rified, blinking. ¡°I took up farming.¡± Silence enveloped the room. Su Ming looked around, puzzled. What¡¯s the matter? I¡¯m not Medusa. Why the stunned silence? ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth; I really went into farming.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask President Chen and Boss Wang.¡± Su Ming turned to President Chen. ¡°Absolutely, I can vouch for Mr. Su; he¡¯s definitely farming.¡± ¡°And I can attest to that as well; I¡¯ve even helped water his fields,¡± added Wang Guohui. President Chen and Wang Guohui stepped forward, confirming the im. The crowd was visibly perplexed. ¡°Come on, Senior, you can¡¯t be serious. How could that be possible?¡± ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re not buying it.¡± ¡°You all just don¡¯t get it, do you? This is what you call humility. Unlike some people who unt their wealth at the slightest opportunity!¡± At that moment, someone in the hospital sneezed. The students eventually caught on and chuckled among themselves. Su Ming could only shrug in resignation. ¡°I¡¯m genuinely farming.¡± He maintained a serene expression. ¡°Please, students, believe me.¡± President Chen interjected, ¡°Mr. Su is indeed farming, right next to the Guoxing Building in the city center. It¡¯s not arge plot, just about ten acres.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The students perked up, realizing there was a specific location. ?Ah, so it must be true. But wait! Why does the Guoxing Building sound so familiar? It feels like I¡¯ve seen it somewhere¡­ Yet, I can¡¯t quite ce it. ¡°Holy smokes!!!¡± Suddenly, a student leaped up, shouting at the top of his lungs. Xie Haijun jumped, his toupee taking flight. ?¡±What¡¯s gotten into you?!¡± ¡°You scared the life out of me!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter, did someone step on your foot?¡± ¡°Or are you a robot with a malfunctioning spring?¡± The other students were equally startled. ¡°Come on! Haven¡¯t you figured it out yet?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you all know what the Guoxing Building is?¡± ¡°The city center!¡± ¡°Senior is actually farming in the city center!¡± ¡°Oh my god!¡± The atmosphere was electric with shock. That reminder jogged everyone¡¯s memory. Of course! The city center was brimming with eateries and entertainment spots, frequented by students from the university. They had all walked past the entrance of the Guoxing Building at some point. It¡¯s no wonder the ce rang a bell! The students were beside themselves with excitement. Senior Su. You worked for apany after graduation, then resigned to take up farming. That¡¯s understandable. But could you enlighten us? What¡¯s the deal with that plot ofnd in the city center? Goodness gracious! A whole ten acres! If I had that muchnd in the city center, I¡¯d dly farm it too! How much is it worth?! Chapter 529 C529 ¨C The Threelegged Golden Cicada Is Mature ?¡±Attention, students,¡± President Chen interjected at that moment. ¡°Mr. Su is a man of discretion, so please don¡¯t bother him. Let¡¯s keep this news among ourselves and not share it with others.¡± ¡°Understood, understood!¡± the students chorused, nodding in agreement. ?Without Senior Su, would they have evernded such fantastic jobs? They knew they had to keep this under wraps! With that, the seminar concluded sessfully. Su Ming left with the two girls in tow, followed by a throng of people. ?Once in the car, he waved goodbye to everyone before driving away. The crowd, with tears in their eyes, waved back. ?Farewell, Senior Su! We won¡¯t forget you! By the time everyone dispersed, it was quitete, and the girls were visibly tired. ?Su Ming treated them to a meal before escorting them back to school. After a brief goodbye, he headed home. On this asion, Su Ming didn¡¯t bother parking in the garage. He mmed on the brakes and stopped right at the doorstep, rushed inside, and sprinted toward the breeding zone. Don¡¯t ask why. Because the Three-legged Golden Cicada has ripened! After such a long wait, it was finally ready! ?Unable to contain his excitement, Su Ming flung open the door to the breeding house. Instantly, a ze of golden light greeted him! Though the room was equipped with lights, Su Ming rarely turned them on. But now, as the door swung open, the room was awash with brilliance. In eachpartment, there were two sun-like orbs radiating blinding light! ?What on earth was this? Su Ming dashed to the nearestpartment and peered inside. Holy smokes! ?This, this, this¡­ Good heavens! Unless my eyes deceive me, this looks like¡­ ?A Little Sun?! The three-legged golden cicada was gone, reced by a miniature sun,plete with four little ws scuttling beneath it, shining with an intense glow. ?Holy cow! I¡¯ve managed to grow a little sun from the soil! Can you believe this? Su Ming quickly stepped inside thepartment. Wait a second. Something wasn¡¯t adding up. If this were a little sun, the room should be scorching hot, right? Howe he could stand so close without feeling any heat? ?Could it be just an illusion? It resembled a tiny sun, but was it really not one? Su Ming was filled with doubt. He extended his hand and picked one up. In the moment of lifting it, the four small ws vanished instantly. The glow remained, soft and non-blinding. Su Ming examined it closely, turning it this way and that. It was indeed just like a little sun, identical in every way. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve acquired a mini portal that¡¯s even tinier than you! These portalse in pairs and can transport items. You can carry one with you, ce the other in a fixed location, and by reaching into one portal, you can retrieve any item within a 20-meter radius of its counterpart!¡± ¡°Note: This item is for the Host¡¯s use only!¡± ¡°Note: The Host must not disclose this item to others!¡± ¡°Note: Upon extending a hand into the portal, the Host will gain the vision from the other portal!¡± ¡°Note: This portal can only teleport small items and cannot transport living beings, the Host and microorganisms excepted!¡± ¡°Note: The Host must be visible when using the portal!¡± ¡°Note: To others, when not in use, the portal appears as an ordinary little sun!¡± ¡°Note: The portal can be erged or shrunk, but does not need to be erged for use!¡± As Su Ming was examining it, a cascade of notifications suddenly sounded. He stood there, dumbfounded. Holy smokes! This was incredible! An actual portal? My goodness! This was the stuff of science fiction movies! Hold on a second! System, I¡¯ve got a question for you! What¡¯s with this name? A mini portal that¡¯s supposedly smaller than the Host? What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Where am Icking in size? Step out, and let¡¯s settle this with a fight! Su Ming was no stranger to the System¡¯s knack for infuriating names. He could put up with a lot, but this was too much. To be called small was something he just couldn¡¯t stand. But it was merely an internal grumble. In the end, this was still an incredibly cool gadget! ?He paid close attention to the System¡¯s series of notes, making sure tomit them to memory. Indeed, it was essential. After all, he had grown many things in his own field. These were all things that didn¡¯t exist in reality. This item, while present in science fiction, ?wasn¡¯t as far-fetched. ?Portals in novels could transport anything, even spaceships. But this could only handle small items, and couldn¡¯t even transport living creatures. Though he could teleport, given the size of this mini sun, one could only fit an arm through, or perhaps a leg. Getting his whole body through was out of the question. Indeed, his level simply wasn¡¯t high enough. For a Level Three item, having a portal at all was incredibly fortunate. Plus, this would be immensely helpful to him. In the future, while farming, he could ce one in the warehouse, and another by the tap. No more running back and forth for fertilizer and seeds. Brilliant! Su Ming burst intoughter, delighted with this excellent item. His hard work had paid off, though he had waited quite a while! Upon closer inspection, Su Ming noticed two buttons. One was a dial; cing his hand on it, he watched the mini sun shrink. When he dialed it all the way, it was merely the size of a charm. ?Great, another trinket for his keychain! ?The other button was a small, round one. Pressing it, he saw the light from the mini sun vanish. Clearly, it was the power switch. Excellent! Su Ming eagerly grabbed another, scampering to the warehouse and then back to the breeding zone. Next, he took the mini portal from the charm, pressed the tiny button, and the mini sun emitted a faint glow, resembling a little LED. It was inconspicuous during use, and even if someone did notice, it appeared to be nothing more than a glowing, ordinary charm. Su Ming extended his hand, ?and at the touch, felt a warm sensation. Pushing further, his entire hand slowly vanished into the coin-sized device, ?which seemed to swallow it whole. It was quite the sight to behold. As his hand entered, Su Ming suddenly felt as if he could see inside the warehouse, and he reached out towards a distant bag of seeds. Although the portal was over ten meters away, it seemed to possess the ability to move on its own, arriving right in front of the seed. Huh? The portal, which was initially at the entrance, now appeared to be positioned before the seed. Could this mean he could reach items that were even further away? ?Su Ming attempted to stretch his hand toward the distance, only to realize he couldn¡¯t. ?The System lived up to its reputation; the existence of a bug was out of the question. ?Su Ming seized the seed and retracted his hand. Wow! It actually worked! Hold on! Oh no! He had been warned earlier not to teleport living things. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming noticed something was off. Shoot! The seed had turned gray. Thankfully, it was merely amon Level One seed. Had it been a Level Three seed, he would have been devastated! Those were incredibly costly, after all! Chapter 530 C530 ¨C The Two Hounds Have the Ability to Demolish Houses Thetest harvest was unbelievably impressive. Su Ming was thrilled; it was the first Level Three item he had sessfully grown. But then, a realization struck him. ording to the System¡¯s earlier exnation, these items required pairing to function. Did that mean he needed to carry several with him? ¡°Yuvyuv, do these items only work in pairs?¡± Su Ming inquired mentally. ¡°Not at all, Master,¡± Yuvyuv responded telepathically. ¡°You can designate one as the main portal and the rest as subsidiary portals.¡± Relieved by Yuvyuv¡¯s rification, Su Ming felt much better. He nced at the remaining portals and pondered his next move. He decided against converting the items into points for the time being. The breeding zone was already at the highest level. Since his overall level hadn¡¯t reached 15, he couldn¡¯t upgrade to Level Four. ?umting points seemed pointless for now; he¡¯d have to save them. Besides, these portals might yield some surprising benefits. After some thought, Su Ming began the collection process. He shrank all the portals and ced several around the vi: one in the bedroom, one in the living room, another in the storage room for shovels and misceneous items, and one in the seed warehouse. ?He even ced a few in the basement. ?In every nook and cranny of the house, he ced a portal, making the most of the abundance at his disposal. ?Yes! That was perfect! For the moment, that would do. Su Ming dusted off his hands and checked the time. Midnight was fast approaching, and the System was due for its refresh. He scampered upstairs, booted up hisputer, and picked out a movie at random. ?While watching, he kept an eye on the clock. As the rm sounded, Su Ming eagerly opened the shop. A brilliant light shed before his eyes! Wow! Another Level Three product? He clicked to inspect it. Nothing new in the ntation area, aquatic product area, or herding area. It had to be the breeding zone! The System was getting better, increasingly intuitive, supplying exactly what he was missing. Su Ming eagerly dove in for a closer look. ?What the heck is this? At first nce, it seemed to be a dog. But I couldn¡¯t recall any dog breed that looked like this. Su Ming took a closer look at the product¡¯s name. Sharp Cigar Dog! The whole dog was shaped like a cigar. ?To put it inly, it was an abnormallyrge cigar with a dog¡¯s head, four legs, and a swishing tail. The head of the dog looked oddly familiar¡ªck and white with nted eyebrows and piercing eyes. ?Was this not a husky? No wonder they called it a Sharp Cigar Dog. It was sharp indeed! Buy! Without hesitation, Su Ming cleared out the inventory. He then proceeded to the breeding zone, clicked on the warehouse, and took out a dog. Wow! The picture hadn¡¯t done it justice. ?Once ced on the ground, the dog was nearly as big as a typical husky. But the most striking feature was its butt¡ªround, red, and emitting smoke! Naturally, there was no actual smoke scent. Was this a ming cigar in the shape of a husky? The husky gave Su Ming a quick look, then with a flick of its head, it bolted! It just took off! Straight to the control panel at the end of the room! It opened its mouth and¡ªsnap! ?Damn! Su Ming was dumbfounded. ?Seriously, typical husky behavior! Even if your body is made of a cigar, you can¡¯t resist causing havoc? My console! In a panic, Su Ming rushed over, grabbed the husky, and tossed it into an adjacent single room. He then inspected the control panel¡ªthank goodness, only the casing was marked, no real damage. He wouldn¡¯t know how to fix it if it were broken, considering it was part of the system. He wasn¡¯t sure if it functioned like devices in the real world. Breathing a sigh of relief, Su Ming learned his lesson. He quickly went into the room, shut the door, and then brought the dog back out. There were 24 dogs in total. Su Ming then purchased some dog food from the store on his phone. He picked up some toys and a variety of chewy snacks. He added a few items one by one. He filled it with a heap of toys. Feel free to take apart the toys, but please, whatever you do, don¡¯t dismantle my fence! If it were an ordinary dog causing trouble¡­ You could teach it a lesson. But with a dog like Erha¡­ If you try to discipline it, it¡¯ll just sass you back. The real kicker is that Su Ming¡¯s dog isn¡¯t your average Erha; its body is made of cigars. How can you discipline something like that? A single slipper could send it falling apart. What then? ¡°Ding! Your Sharp Cigar has been sessfully cultivated! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± Once everything was settled, Su Ming finally rxed. Time to sleep! Su Ming returned to his vi and crashed into bed, sleeping soundly until the next day. As dawn was breaking, his phone rang. Groggy, Su Ming opened his eyes and checked his phone. It was a call from his parents. ¡°Son, we¡¯re heading home.¡± Su Tao¡¯s voice came through the line. ¡°Ah? Going home already? I haven¡¯t had much time with you¡­¡± Su Ming was taken aback. He truly wanted to spend time with his parents, but the truth was, they were enjoying their ownpany, and Su Ming would just be a third wheel. From his parents, Su Ming felt the weight of a certain truth. Parents are true love; he was just an ident! ¡°We can¡¯t leave the house unattended for too long.¡± ¡°The wind has been strong these days. The house might be full of dust. And we can¡¯t expect the neighbors to look after the chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, and pigs indefinitely. It¡¯s not right.¡± ¡°Plus, I just got a call from Zhang. The vige chief¡¯s surgery was a sess; he¡¯s awake and has been moved to a regr ward. We¡¯re nning to go back and check on him.¡± Su Tao¡¯s voice was warm and cheerful. ¡°Really?!¡± A wave of joy washed over Su Ming. ¡°Dad, Mom, just wait. I¡¯ll be right there to take you home and see the vige chief too.¡± ¡°That sounds good. And don¡¯t forget to pick up Qianqian.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± After hanging up, Su Ming quickly freshened up and tidied himself. He rushed to the door, movedst night¡¯s car into the garage, and chose a minivan. He set off, driving directly to Eastsea University. On his way, Su Ming had already called Zhang Qianqian. By the time he arrived, Zhang Qianqian was ready to go, standing at the door with her luggage alongside Su Qiu. Su Qiu was joining them on the trip back home this time. Everyone hailed from the same vige, and the vige chief¡¯s sessful surgery was certainly an asion worth celebrating. The two young women had returned the previous day and stayed up ying until the wee hours. They rose early in the morning, groggy and too tired to talk much. Su Ming took care of loading their luggage into the car, and shortly after settling into the back seat, both drifted off to sleep. Su Ming was driving a spacious seven-seater business van, ensuring there was ample room for everyone. ?Once his parents were on board, Su Ming floored the elerator, heading straight for the vige. Chapter 531 C531 ¨C This Annoying Thing Is Here Again Since the two girls were asleep, Lee Sumei and Su Tao kept their conversation to a minimum. They too closed their eyes to rest in the backseat while Su Ming focused on driving. Thanks to his Stamina Talent, fatigue while driving was not an issue for him. Moreover, the highway was nearly empty that morning, allowing Su Ming to drive with exceptional ease. In no time at all, they arrived at the hospital entrance. The girls had slept well and were visibly refreshed. The group exited the car and made a beeline for the hospital. Upon reaching the ward door, they were greeted by the sight of Zhang Tao cheerfully preparing hot water and breakfast. Spotting Su Ming and the others, his face brightened, and he quickly approached them. ¡°Oh my! What brings you here?!¡± Zhang Tao eximed, clearly delighted. The esteemed doctors from the capital had deliberated for a day. After the elderly gentleman had rested for a day and his health indicators normalized, they proceeded with the surgery. Lasting an impressive 23 hours, the operation was a resounding sess! He didn¡¯t even require a transfer to the intensive care unit afterward but was taken directly to a regr ward. Of course, this ¡°regr¡± ward was not quite ordinary. While a typical ward would house several patients together, this one was a private room, fully equipped andparable to a hotel. ¡°We were so ted about the old man¡¯s sessful surgery that we couldn¡¯t sleep. We just had toe and see how he was doing,¡± Su Tao inquired. ?¡±He¡¯s woken up, though he¡¯s drifted off to sleep again,¡± Zhang Tao replied, beaming with joy. ?¡±This time, we owe a lot to your son. Old Su, your boy is truly remarkable. Who would have thought our little vige would produce such a distinguished individual!¡± Zhang Tao said to Su Ming with a warm smile. ?¡±Zhang, you¡¯re making it sound more dramatic than it is. Don¡¯t go ttering the kid too much, or he¡¯ll get too cocky. Let¡¯s go inside and check on the old man,¡± Su Tao said, leading the group carefully into the ward. ?Zhang Tao ced the kettle by the door and then, with a hint of intrigue, pulled his daughter aside and whispered, ¡°Well? Was it a sess?¡± Zhang Qianqian, having stepped out into the brisk air, had felt more alert, but the hospital¡¯s disinfectant odor and warmth quickly made her drowsy again. Confused, she took a moment to process her father¡¯s question. ¡°Dad, what are you saying?¡± Zhang Qianqian blinked in confusion. ¡°You¡¯re pretending not to know, aren¡¯t you? What about the task I gave you? Have youpleted it?¡± At this, Zhang Qianqian was torn betweenughter and tears. ¡°Dad! Are you really that worried I won¡¯t find someone to marry? I¡¯ve just started my freshman year of college!¡± ¡°My daughter is beautiful and smart, and there are plenty of people who¡¯d like to marry her. But finding a good son-inw is tough. Su Ming, for instance, is from our vige and has grown up with you. He knows you inside out. You can¡¯t let a catch like him slip away. You¡¯ve got to be proactive¡ªturn the raw rice into cooked rice!¡± Zhang Tao advised. ¡°Dad!¡± Zhang Qianqian¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. What kind of father talks like that? He even went as far as to say ¡®turn the raw rice into cooked rice¡¯! Embarrassed, Zhang Qianqian ignored her father and went inside. The old man wasn¡¯t asleep. Hearing the noise at the door, he opened his eyes. ¡°Oh, everyone¡¯s here. It was just a little surgery, and you alle rushing over.¡± After the surgery, Zhang Tao had filled in the vige chief on many things, so the chief knew that if it hadn¡¯t been for Su Ming, he might not have made it. ¡°Uncle Zhang, don¡¯t say such things. You¡¯re the vige chief and our elder. It¡¯s only right for us toe and check on you,¡± Su Tao said cheerfully. ?The vige chief nodded, his eyes settling on Su Ming. ¡°You¡¯ve always been modest, but who knew you¡¯d be so aplished. I owe you my life this time. I¡¯m not sure how I can ever thank you enough.¡± ¡°Grandpa Zhang, I¡¯d be upset if you talk like that. You helped our family a lot when we were struggling. I was just doing what I should,¡± Su Ming replied with a smile. ¡°Good, good!¡± The vige chief was clearly delighted. Just then, something urred to Su Ming. ¡°Grandpa Zhang, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you,¡± Su Ming said, pausing thoughtfully. ?¡±What¡¯s on your mind?¡± The vige chief took the matter seriously. ¡°It¡¯s the vacant lot by your house,¡± Su Ming exined. ?Upon hearing this, the vige chief paused, then his brow furrowed slightly. ?¡±Grandpa Zhang, please don¡¯t misunderstand. I have no ulterior motives; I simply want to purchase that empty lot.¡± ¡°I n to construct a za, install a few ping-pong tables, create a couple of basketball courts, and build some small structures.¡± ¡°Our vigers could dance in the za, y basketball, ping-pong, or enjoy a game of chess inside those buildings.¡± ¡°It would also prevent others from coveting the space.¡± Su Ming quickly rified his intentions. Realization dawned on the vige chief. This was indeed a positive development. ?Ning Zhiyuan had approached him several times, but he had always refused, knowing full well what Ning intended to do. The vige chief was also aware that Ning Zhiyuan wouldn¡¯t rest until he acquired thend. But now, if Su Ming were to buy it, constructing a za would not only be harmless to the vige but actually beneficial. ¡°However, if Ning Zhiyuan learns that you¡¯ve made the purchase, won¡¯t he cause trouble for you?¡± the vige chief asked, still concerned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grandpa Zhang,¡± Su Ming reassured him with a smile. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare mess with me.¡± Relieved by Su Ming¡¯s confidence, the vige chief quickly agreed without further thought. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s proceed then. It¡¯s perfect timing, actually. My house is empty these days, and I¡¯ve been concerned that Ning Zhiyuan might sneak in and steal my belongings, so I¡¯ve taken everything with me. Let¡¯s not dy andplete the paperwork today while everyone is avable.¡± ?¡±Sounds good,¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. The vige was overjoyed at the sessful oue of the vige chief¡¯s surgery, and his spirits were high after a lengthy conversation. ?The following morning, Zhang Tao and Su Ming went ahead and finalized thend transfer paperwork. ?The vige chief initially insisted on not epting any payment, but Su Ming wouldn¡¯t hear of it. He promptly paid 100,000 yuan and then gave Zhang Tao an additional two million yuan to oversee the hiring of workers and the purchase of materials for the new za. If the collection exceeded the expected amount, it would be contributed to the vige fund. Should it fall short, Su Ming would top it up. At midday, everyone went out for a hearty meal and then returned to keep Vige Chief Zhangpany, chatting away. As they were talking, a series of footsteps approached the door. ¡°Oh my! Vige Chief Zhang, I¡¯m absolutely thrilled to hear your surgery was a sess. I¡¯vee to extend my congrattions and also brought along a few small gifts for you!¡± The footsteps were apanied by a voice that made everyone slightly furrow their brows; they immediately recognized who it was. This man was relentless. ?He was like a persistent fly, buzzing around once more. The person in question was none other than Ning Zhiyuan, who had his eyes set on Vige Chief Zhang¡¯s piece ofnd. Chapter 532 C532 ¨C I Feel Very Wronged The mood in the room had been quite pleasant, with everyone engaged in lighthearted conversation andughter. However, the moment he entered, all smiles vanished. A distinct expression was etched on each face, one that silently questioned, ¡°What are you doing here? Why don¡¯t you leave already?¡± Ning Zhiyuan, noticing their looks, understood their sentiments. Yet, he was known for his thick skin and chose to ignore their reactions. ¡°Vige Chief Zhang, you¡¯ve recently recovered from a serious illness,¡± he said. ¡°As someone younger, I thought it appropriate to bring you a gift. These are all top-notch supplements, specifically to help you regain your strength.¡± With a beaming smile, Ning Zhiyuan made his way inside, his armsden with a variety of packages. ?The others exchanged nces before shifting the conversation. ?¡±Old Su, that pig of yours is impressive. It must weigh at least 400 pounds by year¡¯s end. Where did you find such a fine piglet? I might try my luck there next year,¡±mented Zhang Tao. ?¡±Right over at Old Lee¡¯s ce in the next vige,¡± Su Tao replied cheerfully. ?¡±Ah, it¡¯s from their farm! I should¡¯ve known; their stock is always reliable,¡± Zhang Tao said, nodding in understanding. ?Lee Sumei turned to the young girl and asked, ¡°Any recent news from your school, dear?¡± ?Su Qiu, momentarily taken aback, quickly caught on and eximed, ¡°Oh yes, lots! Let me share!¡± ?Zhang Tao urged her on, ¡°Do tell.¡± ¡°Our school has refurbished the sports field and upgraded to new air conditioners!¡± Su Qiu shared with a grin. ?¡±Ah, that¡¯s great!¡± everyone responded in unison, nodding approvingly. ?¡±The job fair at our school this year was a huge sess; all the students secured employment!¡± Su Qiu continued. ¡°Ah, excellent!¡± ?As Su Qiu spoke, the group¡¯s nods became a chorus of agreement. Finally, she added, ¡°And, the security guard at our gate lost a tooth.¡± ?¡±Oh, okay!¡± they replied, still nodding. At this point, Ning Zhiyuan could no longer contain his frustration. Ignoring him was one thing, but to be so engrossed in what seemed like trivial news? He thought to himself, how is the loss of a tooth by the gatekeeper newsworthy? Here he was, a living, breathing person, weighed down by gifts, arms aching from the load, and yet, not a single person had given him a second nce. An uncle might tolerate such treatment, but an aunt certainly would not stand for it! ¡°Don¡¯t push it too far!¡± ¡°I came here specifically to see the Vige Chief!¡± ¡°Leaving me hanging and ignoring me is pretty rude, don¡¯t you think?¡± Ning Zhiyuan made it clear that he was very unhappy. As soon as Ning Zhiyuan spoke up, everyone looked bewildered. ¡°Oh my! There¡¯s someone else here? When did he arrive?!¡± Zhang Tao eximed in surprise. Hearing this, Ning Zhiyuan was flustered. I¡­ I¡­ I¡­ I¡­ You¡¯re acting too convincingly! You just made eye contact with me! What gives? Did you forget that quickly? This isn¡¯t how you y the game! ¡°Are you interested in buying thatnd?¡± Su Ming suddenly inquired. ¡°Yes.¡± Ning Zhiyuan, taken aback, nodded in response. There was no point in hiding it since it wasmon knowledge. ¡°Sorry, but thatnd is already mine.¡± Su Ming said with a grin. ¡°What?!¡± Ning Zhiyuan waspletely baffled. It sold that fast? I only just got the news! His rivals had moved quickly indeed! ¡°We finalized the transfer paperwork this morning.¡± Su Ming exined as he presented the documents. Ning Zhiyuan took one look and realized, Damn! It really was sold! This, this, this¡­ ¡°So, you might as well not waste your effort.¡± ¡°And just so you know, I have no intention of selling thend to you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for a construction crew to start on a za.¡± ¡°So, no hard feelings, but I won¡¯t be seeing you out.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t forget to leave the gift behind; it¡¯s a token of your goodwill, after all.¡± Su Ming stated, his tone even. Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s face turned a shade of green. What the hell¡­ Why did he feel so aggrieved? He had received the news, hurried to the gift shop, and picked out the finest supplements. He thought, maybe a few kind words would seal the deal. ?But in the end! The money was spent in vain! Should he take the gift with him? That would be too embarrassing. Especially since he had already mentioned that he was visiting because the Vige Chief was recovering from a serious illness. But if he didn¡¯t take it, thend was no longer attainable, now belonging to someone else. Leaving the gift would be painful. ?Yet, after much consideration, he knew he couldn¡¯t take it with him. As a distinguished young master, how could I suffer such an embarrassment? Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s face darkened, his teeth clenched in frustration. He dropped the items on the floor. Without a word, he turned and strode away. ¡°Oh my! Grandpa Zhang, this is truly a treasure! Top Grade antler velvet is incredibly beneficial for one¡¯s health!¡± ¡°Wow, isn¡¯t this Maotai Liquor that¡¯s over 2,000 yuan a bottle? Dad, once you¡¯re out of the hospital, we¡¯ll definitely have to enjoy a proper drink!¡± ¡°This is excellent, truly the best! This gtin is perfect for boosting energy and improving cirction. Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± ¡°Mmm! It really tastes great!¡± Ning Zhiyuan had just reached the doorway when the voices inside the room reached his ears. He felt a surge of frustration well up inside him. He was caught in an awkward limbo, unable to move forward or retreat. The difort was unbearable. Damn it! He tripped over his own feet. Crash! He tumbled to the ground! ¡°Young Master, are you okay?¡± ¡°Holy smokes, Young Master, your tooth fell out!¡± ¡°Young Master, your surgically altered nose is askew!¡± ¡°Young Master, did this kidney tonic fall out of your pocket?¡± Ning Zhiyuan was already in agony. Fury simmered within him. Thements from his subordinates nearly drove him to the brink of madness. Please, just stop talking. I¡¯m already struggling to find any joy. What have I done to deserve such Top Grade subordinates? My luck is truly extraordinary! Ning Zhiyuan, supported to his feet, looked rather pitiful with blood streaming from his nose. ?But at least the location was convenient ¨C it was a hospital, after all. He quickly registered downstairs and got his injuries bandaged. ?After the bandaging, Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s face was a picture of fury. He balled his hands into fists. ¡°Damn it, I will absolutely not forgive that bastard!¡± He bit down on his teeth in anger. Snap! The teeth he had just had fixed fell out again! Meanwhile, in the ward. After a lengthy conversation, it was time for Vige Chief Zhang to rest. Su Ming and the others took their leave. After dropping his parents off at home, he drove back to Eastsea with the two youngdies. As for the square incident, Zhang Tao would take care of it. ?By the time he got back to Eastsea, night had already fallen. He hadn¡¯t eaten much all day, but the two girls with him weren¡¯t in any rush, so Su Ming leisurely drove around the city. Eventually, they settled on a barbecue joint that was buzzing with activity. The open area in front of the establishment was dotted with tables, each one upied by lively patrons chatting andughing over drinks, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Su Ming found a spot to park along the street and joined the two girls at an empty table. They ordered a few items and engaged in casual conversation while waiting for their food. Just then, a sedan rolled past them on the road. Inside was a solitary figure¡ªNing Zhiyuan, his face bandaged up like a mummy, mouth mped shut for fear of losing his teeth. He nced around without purpose until his eyesnded on Su Ming. ¡°Damn it! It¡¯s that cursed guy!¡± Ning Zhiyuan bolted upright in his seat. ¡°Bang!¡± His head collided with the car roof in his haste. ¡°Ouch!¡± The pain was so intense that tears welled up in his eyes. As he opened his mouth to curse his luck, another tooth fell out. Damn it! Ning Zhiyuan was seething with rage. ¡°Curse you, Su Ming, I¡¯ll never forgive you!¡± It was as if fate itself was against him. Chapter 533 C533 ¨C You Should Not be in the Society with Your Iq ¡°Are you all right, young master?¡± the person sitting beside him asked anxiously. ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Ning Zhiyuan snapped. ¡°Find some people to beat him up for me, and make sure they do it until he¡¯s half-dead!¡± ?¡±Yes, yes, yes!¡± The henchmen, having been with Ning Zhiyuan for quite some time, understood the situation well. ?As the eldest son of the Ning family, wasn¡¯t it easy for him to make connections with some shady characters? What¡¯s the big deal about beating someone up? The worst that could happen is a short stint in jail. After a few days behind bars, they¡¯d be released, and it would alle down to a matter of money. This line of work was their bread and butter, and they were quite skilled at it. They could inflict pain without causing serious injury, avoiding any lengthy sentences¡ªjust a few days in detention. Every profession has its experts, and this was no exception. The subordinates quickly made a few calls. Ning Zhiyuan instructed them to park the car at the roadside and wait. He was eager to see Su Ming get a beating to relieve his frustration. Meanwhile, Su Ming and hispanions were blissfully unaware, enjoying their skewers and drinks while engaged in lively conversation. Suddenly, a group of men approached. These men, all dressed in ck, carried themselves with an air of arrogance that clearly marked them as trouble. Patrons at nearby tables instinctively quieted down, knowing better than to provoke such thugs. The men were on a mission, heading straight for Su Ming. ¡°Hey, lucky guy, you¡¯ve got quite the charm with thedies. How about sharing one with me?¡± the ringleader sneered, shing a grin that showcased his yellow teeth, still speckled with bits of leek. Su Qiu had just picked up a skewer but paused, visibly taken aback by the sight, and quietly set it back down. It was simply revolting. ¡°Are you here to cause trouble for me?¡± Su Ming asked, looking up with a serene expression. ¡°That¡¯s not quite the right way to put it,¡± the leader replied, dragging a chair over and sitting beside Su Ming. ¡°Let¡¯s just say you¡¯re sharing the wealth. But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t take advantage of you for free. You¡¯ll have to pay up!¡± The leader pulled a coin from his pocket and pped it down on the table with a defiant look at Su Ming. ¡°How about that?¡± It was clear as day¡ªhe was looking for a fight. Su Ming remained silent, which made the leader think he was scared. ?Turning to the two young women, he said, ¡°You two little sisters are quite pretty. How about youe out and have some fun with me?¡± He shed what he believed to be a charming smile. ¡°No way,¡± Su Qiu quickly responded, shaking her head in disgust. ?¡±Absolutely!¡± Zhang Qianqian nodded emphatically in agreement. The leader, taken aback, pulled out a mirror andbed his hair, admiring his own reflection. ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯m handsome? I can¡¯t hide this invincible charm. Are you girls just shy?¡± He grinned with unwarranted confidence. ¡°Blergh!¡± someone groaned. ¡°My stomach hurts!¡± ¡°I¡¯m gonna puke!¡± The crowd couldn¡¯t hold back their reactions. Sure, he looked tough and had a crew with him, but did he have to be so revolting? This wasn¡¯t about throwing punches; it was about making people sick to their stomachs. Big Brother¡¯s mood soured instantly. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± he barked. ¡°Shut your mouths!¡± He banged the table and pointed at Su Ming. ¡°Listen up, kid. Someone¡¯s paid us to take care of you. Stand still and take a beating, hand over the two girls, and we¡¯ll call it even. Otherwise, don¡¯t me me for what happens next!¡± His face twisted into a snarl. ¡°Oh no!¡± Su Ming eximed as he stood up. ¡°You¡¯re too much for me. I can¡¯tpete. You win!¡± ?¡±Good, you understand,¡± Big Brother sneered, pleased with himself. ¡°Just a show of force and the kid folds.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t move a muscle. Boys, get him!¡± Big Brothermanded, and his two henchmen charged forward, wielding thick rubber clubs. This stick was merciless. Striking someone with it caused excruciating pain. No marks showed on the surface. The damage was all internal. ¡°Hey, little sisters, where shall we go have some funter? You pick the ce, I¡¯ll foot the bill¡­¡± Big Brother shifted his focus to the other two girls, grinning as he spoke. ?¡±Bam!¡± But before he could finish¡­ Suddenly, there was a noise from the side. Then, in a sh, Swoosh! A dark blur zipped by from the corner of his eye. Big Brother jumped. What was that? What kind of trick was that? Did I just see a giant ck rat scurry by? Big Brother quickly turned to look. Wow! To his astonishment, One of his henchmen eyes rolling back, body convulsing. After a few spasms, he passed out. Big Brother waspletely baffled. What in the world¡­ What had just happened? He quickly looked back at Su Ming, ?who was still standing there, looking utterly harmless. Blinking in bewilderment, he asked, ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to hit me? Come on, how did you end up flying away instead?¡± Su Ming looked puzzled as he questioned, ¡°Damn! Skinny Monkey¡¯s losing his touch, flying off like that for no reason? I¡¯ll handle this!¡± Big Brother actually fell for it. He stepped forward. His underlings behind him thought, ?Big brother, you really need to check your head! You actually believe that? Stand still and try flying back seven or eight meters, will you? They were about to intervene, but it was toote. Big Brother¡¯s palm had already swung down. And then, Big Brother felt a sudden impact against his chest, sending him flying through the air. Bang! Hended right on top of Skinny Monkey. Ouch! Big Brother was in agony! ¡°You little punk, you tricked me! It was you who hit me!¡± Clutching his chest, Big Brother pointed at Su Ming, fuming with rage. Everyone around was dumbfounded. You¡¯re just figuring this out now? Any normal person would have caught on first thing in the morning, right? And you still think you can run the streets? Indeed. Brains are the least of your concerns in this business. If you¡¯re strong and can throw a punch, you¡¯re set. It seems this job is right up your alley. Even bricying requires some thought. Figuring out how to move more bricks, earn more money, and use less energy. His henchmen were dumbfounded. They couldn¡¯t resist covering their faces. Big Brother. We can¡¯t keep rolling with you. It¡¯s kind of humiliating! Luckily, Skinny Monkey was cushioning the fall. Big Brother¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t severe. He picked himself up off the ground. Fuming, he charged at Su Ming. I must have let my guard down. I didn¡¯t dodge! But this time, I¡¯m paying attention. I refuse to believe this kid cannd another punch¡­ ¡°Ah!¡± Another cry of pain followed. The trajectory was identical. Thud! And down onto Skinny Monkey once more. Onlookers turned away, unable to watch. Skinny Monkey had already taken a beating. And now, he¡¯d been struck twice more by you. Talk about a disastrously bad teammate! Chapter 534 C534 ¨C A Hawthorn Pill Scared You to Death ?Su Ming pped his hands and strolled over, all smiles and seemingly as harmless as theye. But when the gang leader caught sight of him, he shuddered in fear. ¡°Oh my god! This guy¡¯s a freaking legend!¡± he thought. He had assumed it was a simple job, like catching a stray kitten. But now, upon closer inspection, it wasn¡¯t a kitten at all¡ªit was a freaking tiger! ¡°Who sent you?¡± Su Ming asked the leader, his tone nonchnt. ¡°No one sent me,¡± the leader replied, teeth clenched, head shaking. He couldn¡¯t spill the beans. If he ratted out Young Master Ning, he¡¯d be in deep trouble. Su Ming was certain they were sent by someone, and the reason was straightforward. These guys had arrived with a clear target and hadn¡¯t nced anywhere else. It was definitely intentional. ¡°Not talking?¡± Su Ming touched his chin, his brow furrowed. ¡°What to do, what to do?¡± He sighed, feigning concern. ¡°Should I shove bamboo sticks under your fingernails? Or heat up an iron and sear you with it?¡± He mused aloud, though his voice carried clearly. The leader was petrified. ¡°What the hell are you nning?! This is terrifying!¡± Bamboo sticks and a hot iron? Were they being treated like kebabs about to be grilled? He was sweating bullets, regretting his choices. ¡°I should¡¯ve nevere, no matter the pay. This is too much!¡± he thought, desperate to escape. But where could he go? He was so weak he could barely move. ¡°You can¡¯t do this¡­¡± he protested. ¡°We live in a society governed byws; vigntism is illegal! Plus¡­ I have brothers, you can¡¯t just¡ª¡± He was cut off as he turned around to find¡­ nothing. ¡°Where the hell did they go? My guys? We swore to stick together forever, and just like that, you abandon me? That¡¯s so not cool, so dishonest!¡± The leader looked everywhere in a panic. ¡°It turns out none of the girls¡­¡± he muttered, then caught himself. ¡°What the heck am I saying?!¡± These unfaithful jerks! Not even a gift in sight! You all sure can run fast! When ites to buying food or doing any little thing, you drag your feet like snails. Why aren¡¯t you dragging your feet now? ¡°Got it!¡± Su Ming suddenly pped his hands together, his eyes sparkling. ¡°I¡¯ve got a great idea!¡± ¡°What? What are you going to do?¡± The leader shuddered with fear. His voice quivered as he spoke, And he gulped nervously. His hands and feet went cold. It was all over. Done for,pletely done for! Today was the day he¡¯d meet his maker! GG! If things went well, By this time next year, He¡¯d have been gone for two months! ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, don¡¯t be scared,¡± ¡°I was just trying to frighten you.¡± ¡°We live in a society governed byw now.¡± ¡°The cruel punishments of ancient feudal dynasties have long been abolished.¡± Su Ming grinned reassuringly. Phew¡­ The leader let out a huge sigh of relief. Thank goodness. The kid had some sense after all. At least his life was spared. ¡°But¡­¡± Su Ming suddenly changed his tone: ¡°While the death penalty can be avoided, you can¡¯t escape punishment. I have a little idea.¡± Su Ming continued, Pulling something out of his pocket. It was round, like a pill, And under the light, it glinted with a hint of red. ¡°What is that¡­¡± The leader instinctively shifted back a bit. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, it¡¯s nothing serious.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a highly toxic pill.¡± ¡°After you swallow it, your stomach will start to decay and gradually spread. On the outside, you¡¯ll look perfectly fine, but inside, you¡¯ll be hollow.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s quick and painless.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll all be over in about a week.¡± Su Ming smiled slowly. How could anyone consider that a short amount of time? A week! A full seven days! Damn it! ¡°I won¡¯t eat!¡± The ringleader shook his head wildly, and after dering his stance, he mped his mouth shut. His tone was resolute. You could kill me, and I still wouldn¡¯t open my mouth! ¡°Not eating?¡± Su Ming¡¯s face turned frosty. His fists tightened. ¡°I¡¯ll smash your jaw and see if you refuse then!¡± He threatened, his fists ready to fly. ¡°No, you can¡¯t treat me like this. I¡¯m warning you, I¡¯m with Young Master Ning. If youy a finger on me, Young Master Ning won¡¯t let you get away with it!¡± The leader blurted out in a panic, his voice tinged with the threat of tears. ?¡±Oh, alright then.¡± Su Ming blinked, pausing in his tracks. ?He stood up, left with a decisive ir, then returned to his seat and resumed his meal. ??? That¡¯s it? The leader was dumbfounded. No. I¡­ I just¡­ I was following the script from TV shows and novels, invoking my boss¡¯s name at the most desperate moment. Usually, a protagonist like you would just ignore it, right? How did that work so well? Is that really it? Wow! The young master is truly formidable! His reputation precedes him! Did you see that? Such an intimidating guy, and he cowered at the mention of the young master¡¯s name. The leader¡¯s spirits lifted. No more fear, no more anxiety. His back pain vanished, his legs felt strong. He could stand up again. Rising from the ground, the leader swaggered, his head bobbing, ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve got some sense. Just so you know, our Young Master Ning is¡­¡± Wait a minute!!! The leader was suddenly confused!!! Something felt off! I couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what it was. But something definitely felt off. I must have said something I shouldn¡¯t have. Oh crap!!! I blurted out Young Master Ning¡¯s name! Damn it! I, I, I¡­ Did I just walk right into a trap? It seems so. ¡°Damn, you dared to deceive me?¡± The leader was livid. ¡°What did I lie to you about?¡± Su Ming asked, genuinely puzzled. ¡°I¡­ You¡­¡± The leader was at a loss for words. Yes, indeed. He hasn¡¯t deceived you in any way. He¡¯s beenpletely honest. Is it that you¡¯re afraid to speak the truth and you¡¯re ming him instead? Certainly not. But without him, I can¡¯t reveal my name. It¡¯s clearly rted to him, yet you can¡¯t hold him responsible. ¡°No! You¡¯re intimidating me!¡± ¡°You have that toxic pill!¡± ¡°What are your intentions? Just wait, I¡¯m going to call the police and have you arrested!¡± The leader suddenly remembered something and eximed loudly. ¡°Toxic pill?¡± Su Ming blinked in bewilderment and held up the sphere in his hand. ¡°This thing?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The leader affirmed with unwavering certainty. ¡°Oh.¡± Su Ming popped the pill into his mouth. ¡°Well, I must admit it¡¯s quite tasty. This hawthorn pill has a really nice vor. Where did you buy it, sister? Which brand? I might get some myself; they¡¯re quite the appetizing treat.¡± ¡°See, brother? I told you it was delicious,¡± Su Qiu said, beaming with a smile. Chapter 535 C535 ¨C The Sweet Luffa Is Ripe The gang leader¡¯s eyes bulged in shock. Puff! He vomited blood and dropped dead on the spot! Ning Zhiyuan was fuming inside the car. He was so infuriated he nearly lost his mind. ¡°Useless trash!¡± ¡°Drive us home!¡± Ning Zhiyuan clenched his jaw so tightly he nearly cracked his teeth, yet he was helpless. He knew full well Su Ming was a formidable fighter. Why go down and invite a thrashing? With rage simmering in his gut, Ning Zhiyuan drove home. Meanwhile, Su Ming and hispany continued their meal, utterly unfazed. ¡°Brother, do you think he¡¯lle after us again?¡± Su Qiu inquired. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile. ¡°He¡¯s focused on me right now. If he seeks revengeter, it¡¯ll be my problem.¡± ¡°Ah? But Brother Ming, doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯ll be in danger?¡± Zhang Qianqian interjected with concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be okay,¡± Su Ming replied, his lips curling into a serene smile. Ning Zhiyuan, I was willing to overlook our dispute today because of the gift you brought. But you just can¡¯t let it go. Well, don¡¯t me me for not holding back. The trio dinedte into the evening. Afterward, Su Ming drove the two youngdies back to their school before heading home himself. ?He parked his car in the garage, opened the gate, and then secured it behind him. ¡°Master, the sweet luffa is ripe!¡± Yuvyuv chimed in his mind. ¡°Oh?¡± Su Ming paused, a surge of happiness filling him. ?The timing was perfect. He made his way quickly to the field. Su Ming had nted ten sweet luffas across his two-acre plot. ?Initially, they looked just like any other luffa. The System had automatically built a trellis for the vines to climb, simr to cucumbers. ?Just yesterday, they were still small, vibrant green luffas. But today, upon inspection, they had grown to the size of cucumbers, lush and green. Excellent! They were indeed ready for harvest! Su Ming eagerly approached, stepping onto the fertile soil. ?The sweet luffa had vanished. In its ce was¡­ Huh? What on earth is this? Su Ming paused, taken aback. He leaned in for a closer inspection. Just a typical sweet luffa. One that could yield an abundance of fruit. Its vines were usuallyden with luffas. But now¡­ There was just one luffa. And the shape of this luffa was¡­ Well, it was indescribable. Saying it out loud would likely get censored. It was of the 404 variety. Because it resembled something all too familiar. Imagine this. Two eggs on a table. With a cucumber in the middle. I¡¯ll let you fill in the nks. Upon seeing it, Su Ming felt somewhat hesitant. If he didn¡¯t pick it, it was still a product of the earth. But to pick it¡­ He just couldn¡¯t get past that mental hurdle. Enough! He decided to just take it first. Without another word, Su Ming reached out. And grabbed it. Holy shit! The moment it was in his hand. Su Ming nearly leaped out of his skin. It was soft! And damn it, it was warm! Su Ming nearly spat blood. Was this intentional? System, you¡¯ve gone too far this time. While Su Ming was in the midst of his rant, The luffa began to transform. It twitched ever so slightly. Quickly, It morphed into a slender box. Hmm? What¡¯s this? ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the invincible fattening pill that makes slimming down impossible in this lifetime. It¡¯s exclusively for animals. Once consumed by an animal, it will significantly increase their appetite, cause rapid weight gain, and the meat will be exceptionally tasty. This is an indispensable medicine for any farm!!¡± Note: Humans may experience side effects, but rest assured, Host, these will not harm your health, though they may cause difort. They are ineffective on you! Note: Side effects include limb weakness, hair loss, diarrhea, mild hallucinations, e, tinnitus, temporary blindness, and temporary loss of pain sensation¡­ Note: Human use may trigger one or more of these side effects! Please use with caution! ??? After hearing the introduction in his mind, Su Ming was momentarily dumbfounded. System, you owe me an exnation. You just made it abundantly clear that it¡¯s not for human use. But what¡¯s the deal with thest three? They evene with a note about side effects, but they¡¯re not harmful to the body. Especially thest one¡ªites with a caution to use it wisely. ?It¡¯s as if they¡¯re telling me this thing was made just to mess with people. It¡¯d be a waste to use it on animals. Absolutely! Su Ming burst intoughter. This item might not look all that magical, but it¡¯s definitely a perfect tool for pranks. Hehe! Suddenly, a face popped into Su Ming¡¯s mind. Ning Zhiyuan! Young Master Su has always lived by the rule: if no one bothers me, I won¡¯t bother them. But if someone does¡­ Well, they can¡¯t me me for not holding back. You were the one who struck first. If you don¡¯t y fair, you can¡¯t fault me for whates next. Su Ming opened the box and examined its contents. ?It looked pretty much like any ordinary medicine box, packed with about a hundred tiny pills, each the size of a sesame seed. Just one was enough. The rest could be exchanged for points! Without hesitation, Su Ming started gathering the rest. There were ten sweet luffas in total, yielding ten boxes of medicine. Su Ming kept one box and exchanged the rest for points. ?¡±Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve sessfully exchanged points and have earned 18,000 points!¡± ¡°Ding! Sessful crop harvest. You¡¯ve gained 200,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 40,000 points!¡± ¡°Ding! Item recycled. Congrattions, you¡¯ve earned 50,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 10,000 experience points!¡± A flurry of notifications sounded in his mind. Su Ming reviewed his data panel. His nting points had soared to over 30,000. Upgrading one acre of Level Twond to Level Three required 5,000 points. With 30,000 experience points, he could upgrade six acres! First things first, he¡¯d level up the sweet luffa plot. ¡°Ding! Land upgrade in progress. Time remaining: 24 hours!¡± The other five acres were nted with Water-sshing Lotus Root. If all went well, they should be ready by tomorrow. He could then exchange them for more points and upgrade all five acres to Level Three! It was an instant lift-off! But Su Ming¡¯s excitement dimmed when he considered the experience points. The higher the level, the tougher it was to level up. Reaching the next Level One required a whopping five million points, yet I had only managed to umte around 2.67 million so far. ?Ah, the journey to level up is indeed a lengthy one. Nevertheless, I was confident that once thend reached Level Three, the experience points earned would significantly increase. The pace of leveling up was bound to pick up. After tidying up thend, I yed some games for a bit, checked the marketce for any enticing items¡ªfinding none, I decided to call it a night. The following morning, just as I opened my eyes, my phone rang. ?It was Su Qiu. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, kiddo?¡± I asked while brushing my teeth. ?¡±Brother, Principal Ye just called me. He wants to take me to a conference,¡± Su Qiu informed me over the phone. ¡°That¡¯s great news,¡± I responded cheerfully, understanding Principal Ye¡¯s intentions. He aimed to expose Su Qiu to influential figures, helping her make asting impression. This experience would be advantageous for Su Qiu, whether she chose a career in academia or entered the workforceter on. Chapter 536 C536 ¨C It Is Delivered to Your Door ?¡±I really don¡¯t want to go, brother,¡± came Su Qiu¡¯s somewhat downcast voice over the phone. ?¡±What¡¯s the matter, sis?¡± Su Ming paused briefly before asking, ¡°This is a good opportunity, you know.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware, brother. I understand Principal Ye means well, wanting me to meet more people, to build awork for the future. But I just checked the attendee list, and he¡¯s going to be there¡­¡± Su Qiu trailed off mid-sentence. ?¡±You mean Ning Zhiyuan is on the list?¡± Su Ming quickly grasped the situation. ?¡±Yes¡­¡± Su Qiu¡¯s voice carried a hint of distaste. ?¡±Just go,¡± Su Ming replied, suddenly bursting intoughter. ?¡±Go?¡± Su Qiu was taken aback. ¡°But, brother, I don¡¯t want to see him.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Go ahead, I¡¯m treating you to a good show today. And bring Qianqian along,¡± Su Ming said with a slight smile. ?Well, well, I was just figuring out how to get back at you. And here you are, walking right into my hands. You can¡¯t me me for what happens next. Young Master Ning. It must be said, you¡¯re quite lucky. ¡°Where¡¯s the meeting being held?¡± Su Ming inquired, as if remembering something. ?¡±At the Dragonhawk Hotel, starting at ten o¡¯clock,¡± came Su Qiu¡¯s response, apanied by the rustling of papers. ?¡±Great, take Xixi with you. But first, you both should stop by the pharmacy,¡± Su Ming instructed cheerily. ?¡±Buy two N95 masks.¡± ??¡±Huh?¡± Su Qiu was puzzled. ¡°Brother, why do we need masks?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask now; you¡¯ll understand when it¡¯s time,¡± Su Ming said with a secretive smile. ??¡±Okay then,¡± Su Qiu acquiesced, always the obedient one. With that, she ended the call. ?Su Ming freshened up quickly and gave the situation some thought. This time, instead of driving, he opted for a taxi directly to the Dragonhawk Hotel. ?The Dragonhawk Hotel was well-known in Eastsea. Despite its name suggesting it was just a hotel, what really put it on the map was the massive five-story hall owned by the family. After all, this was Eastsea, a bustling first-tier city with a constant stream of people arriving daily to conduct business. ?Moreover, there were schools and other major corporations involved.? Government agencies needed space for meetings, too. ?A few people were manageable, but when the numbers grew, it could be quite a headache. Dragonhawk Hotel capitalized on this need by transforming their fifth floor into a conference hall, avable for direct rental. It was incredibly popr, with bookings scheduled months in advance. The main attractions were the top-notch facilities, affordable prices, and professional staff. The seating was all genuine leather, a far cry from the hard, ufortable benches in standard meeting rooms. You could sit for hours and still feel cozy and rxed. Su Ming had a bottle of weight gain pills in his pocket as he reclined in his seat, eyes half-closed. Soon, they reached the Dragonhawk Hotel. The moment he stepped out of the car, his stomach growled. Oops! He had forgotten to eat breakfast. Though the hotel had a kitchen, it was just breakfast, and not worth the fuss. ?Su Ming headed to an alley nearby, found a street vendor, and ordered a scallion pancake. He then grabbed a milk tea from next door and casually made his way to a nearby bench. There was no rush; he had time to spare. As he was about to bite into his pancake, a shadow loomed over him. Looking up, Su Ming saw a middle-aged man standing before him. The man had an average appearance, with slicked-back, shiny hair, dressed in a suit and tie, and sporting shiny leather shoes. He carried a small leather bag that likely wasn¡¯t cheap and wore a watch on his wrist. ¡°Hey! You! Hand over your breakfast,¡± the man demanded, eyeing Su Ming with a frown and an impatient tone. ¡°What?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. Did I hear that right? This well-dressed man doesn¡¯t have money for breakfast? Resorting to snatching someone¡¯s meal in broad daylight? Damn, buddy, you must be down on your luck. ¡°Damn it! Are you listening to me?!¡± the man barked. ¡°I need to run a very important meeting, so I don¡¯t have time to grab breakfast!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got your breakfast right here!¡± The middle-aged man, clearly impatient, pulled a red bill from his pocket and tossed it at Su Ming. ¡°Take it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not selling.¡± Su Ming shook his head. What¡¯s this, a joke? Do I need your hundred bucks? Maybe for two hundred¡­ Ridiculous! You really do find all sorts in a big forest. If you¡¯d just asked me nicely. Brother, I¡¯m about to head to work. But I was rushed this morning. Didn¡¯t get a chance to buy breakfast. ?My stomach¡¯s not great, I can¡¯t skip a meal. Look, I can see you¡¯re not busy. Could you part with your breakfast for me? [If you¡¯d put it that way.] [There¡¯d be no issue.] [If it¡¯s not beneath you, take it.] I haven¡¯t touched it, not a bite or a sip. [But thismanding tone of yours.] [It¡¯s really off-putting.] ¡°Ah! Not enough for you?¡± The middle-aged man bristled at thement. ¡°Listen here, kid, I¡¯m a director at Ning Group! Don¡¯t y hard to get. Do you believe I could make one call and you¡¯d be jobless in Eastsea?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. ¡°Who are you? Which group?¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Ning Group!¡± The middle-aged man puffed up with pride. So full of himself. ¡°Oh my! It¡¯s someone from Ning Group!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always heard Ning Group is a top-notchpany in Eastsea.¡± ¡°Seems the reputation is well-deserved.¡± ¡°Here, take it!¡± Su Ming chuckled to himself. Lucky me. ?Never thought I¡¯d run into someone from Ning Group. But outwardly, Su Ming feigned astonishment. He even went ahead and inserted the straw into the milk tea. But in that instant. Su Ming silently slipped a tiny pill inside with his right hand. And a few more into the scallion pancake. Such a generous serving. Big brother. You¡¯re the first to try these weight-gain pills. A noble guinea pig. Best of luck! ¡°Hmph!¡± The middle-aged man was haughtily satisfied: ¡°Smart move, kid.¡± He was brimming with pride. Incredible! I¡¯m just too good! [Did you see that? I told him I¡¯m the director of the Ning Group.] The guy backed down immediately. I feel unstoppable. I¡¯m radiating an extraordinary brilliance! The middle-aged man, beaming with satisfaction, reached for the scallion pancakes and milk tea. He took several hearty swigs first. Then he grabbed the pancake and bit into it. ¡°Hmm?¡± He walked a few steps forward, pausing to inspect the scallion pancake. ?What are these little ck dots? What on earth? Ah! I¡¯ve figured it out! It¡¯s got to be a new seasoning for the scallion pancakes! Yes! That¡¯s definitely it! Like a whirlwind, the middle-aged man devoured the scallion pancakes and milk tea. ?He then headed straight upstairs to the conference hall. Su Ming waited at the entrance for a moment. Before long, a sedan approached from a distance. Su Ming cracked a slight smile. Here ites. Chapter 537 C537 ¨C Can You Stop with Your Dirty Tricks? The car came to a halt in front of Su Ming. ¡°Oh, Mr. Su, what brings you here?¡± Principal Ye stepped out of the vehicle. ¡°Brother!¡± ¡°Brother Ming!¡± Two girls emerged from the car, one on each side. ¡°I just wanted to check in.¡± Su Ming said with a smile. Then something seemed to strike him. ¡°Right, Principal Ye.¡± ¡°Could you pop into the pharmacy next door and pick up an N95 mask?¡± Su Ming suggested cheerfully. ¡°Huh?¡± Principal Ye was perplexed. Why? What for? ¡°Principal Ye, you should take my brother¡¯s advice.¡± Su Qiu winked mischievously. ¡°If my brother suggests it, he must have a good reason. Some mysteries are best kept secret.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Realizing Su Ming wasn¡¯t inclined to borate, Principal Ye didn¡¯t press the issue. But one must heed Mr. Su¡¯s advice. Without further ado, Principal Ye headed to the nearby pharmacy and bought a¡­ Wait, that wouldn¡¯t suffice. One mask simply wouldn¡¯t be enough. So, Principal Ye bought a whole pack. ?And then another, just to be sure. ?In the end, Principal Ye emerged with five packs of N95 masks. ¡°Mr. Su, will you join us upstairs?¡± Principal Ye inquired upon his return. ¡°No, I¡¯ll stay down here.¡± Su Ming responded with a chuckle. ¡°You go on up. It¡¯s nearly time.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± With no further questions, Principal Ye led the girls upstairs. ?Su Ming entered the hotel and approached the front desk. ?¡±Sir, how may I assist you?¡± The receptionist greeted Su Ming with a courteous smile. ¡°I¡¯d like to speak with your manager,¡± Su Ming replied, still smiling. ?¡±Sir, is there something about our service that you¡¯re unhappy with?¡± The receptionist was taken aback, worried that Su Ming had aint. ¡°No, no, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not here to lodge aint. I just need to discuss something with your manager.¡± Su Ming quickly rified. ¡°Of course, sir. One moment, please!¡± At Long Teng Hotel, the customer¡¯s needs were paramount. ?Shortly thereafter, the elevator doors opened. A well-dressed middle-aged woman approached. Her eyes brightened when she saw Su Ming. ¡°My goodness, if it isn¡¯t Mr. Su! What brings you here today?¡± A middle-aged woman quickly approached to wee him. ¡°Do you recognize me?¡± Su Ming was taken aback. ¡°Mr. Su, who in our industry doesn¡¯t know you?¡± she quickly rified. ?In other sectors, it might not matter, but in the service industry, knowing Su Ming was a must. It was an unspoken rule among the industry¡¯s heavyweights. Su Ming deserved nothing but the best service; otherwise, it could lead to trouble. What if there were repercussions? Su Ming liked the sound of that. He nced at her name badge and saw that her name was Zhao Caiyun. ¡°Manager Zhao, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you privately. Could we step aside for a moment?¡± Su Ming asked with a hint of intrigue. Zhao Caiyun was taken aback. A private conversation? Could it be¡­ Her face flushed with color. This¡­ No, it couldn¡¯t be. ?Could Mr. Su, having heard she was single, be interested in pursuing her? ?That seemed unlikely. Mr. Su, such an exceptional man, surely preferred younger women. How could he be interested in her? Or did Mr. Su have a taste for someone like her? That couldn¡¯t be right¡­ But if Mr. Su was indeed pursuing her, what should she do? Should she just ept? ?Or maybe y hard to get before epting? Or coyly ept? Or pretend to hesitate before epting? Or¡­ ?Wait, why was she even considering eptance? Oh dear! Zhao Caiyun stood rooted to the spot, her cheeks growing warmer. Zhao Caiyun was the epitome of a sessful, strong-willed woman. Her assertive nature was likely why she was still single in herte thirties. Despite this, she was undeniably beautiful, with a mature allure that younger women couldn¡¯t match. She was truly at a Divine Level. ?Su Ming was perplexed. ?He cocked his head to the side and waved his hand in front of Zhao Caiyun¡¯s eyes. ¡°Manager Zhao, are you okay?¡± he inquired. ?¡±Mr. Su, please, I¡­ I¡­ Well, if you¡¯re that fond of me, then I suppose I have no choice but to ept,¡± Zhao Caiyun blurted out. ?As she finished her statement, a hush fell over the crowd. ?The entrance of the Long Teng Hotel was bustling. Six receptionists were at the front desk. Another six greeters stood poised in the lobby. A few security guards were stationed at the door. Several guests lounged on the sofas. Near the elevators, a group awaited their ride. Many regrs were familiar with Zhao Caiyun. She had her fair share of admirers, though none had seeded. ?Upon hearing Zhao Caiyun¡¯s deration, everyone¡¯s jaws dropped. ?No way!! Seriously?? That¡¯s pretty bold! Su Ming was taken aback. ?Huh?! ?What?! What on earth?! Had he misheard? No. Manager Zhao, what are you¡­ What¡¯s this? I¡¯m at a loss with your enigmatic move. What did you just agree to? When did I ever say I liked you? Please, don¡¯t joke like this! ?Zhao Caiyun, too, was frozen in shock. She suddenly realized she had misspoken. Her cheeks flushed even deeper. Despite Zhao Caiyun¡¯s reputation as a powerhouse, she was inexperienced in matters of the heart. ?She had been lost in her thoughts and inadvertently voiced them. ¡°Right, right, right¡­¡± Zhao Caiyun¡¯s heart pounded erratically, her words tumbling out awkwardly. The onlookers chimed in. Oh my! We heard you loud and clear! No need to overemphasize. So many ¡®rights¡¯? Su Ming¡¯s forehead creased with lines of bewilderment. What¡¯s going on? This is a disaster. Even the Yellow River couldn¡¯t cleanse this. ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I, I just¡­¡± Zhao Caiyun struggled to form a coherent sentence. Unable to bear it any longer, she turned and hurried away. Su Ming, at a loss for words, could only offer a wry smile. ?Saying sorry shouldn¡¯t be this difficult, right? ?He didn¡¯t know whether tough or frown. Shaking his head, he decided to act as if nothing had happened and followed Zhao Caiyun to the nearby elevator. ?Meanwhile, the onlookers outside were abuzz. Ah! It all makes sense now! They¡¯re off to do some morning exercise! If Su Ming found out about this, he¡¯d surely point right at their noses and give them a piece of his mind. ?¡±Morning your sister!¡± ¡°Morning your grandma¡¯s third uncle¡¯s fourth aunt!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say a darn thing!¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± Zhao Caiyun kept her head down the entire elevator ride, silent. Once they reached their floor, she led the way with Su Ming trailing behind. Soon, they entered Zhao Caiyun¡¯s office. She grabbed a ss of water and gulped it down, the icy liquid soothing her as it traveled down her throat to her stomach, making her feel somewhat relieved. ?¡±Mr. Su, just tell me what you need. I¡¯m ready to cooperate,¡± Zhao Caiyun said, steadying her emotions before speaking out. But right after she finished, she realized her words might be misconstrued. In this office, with its excellent soundproofing, just the two of them, and her saying she could cooperate¡ªit was awkward. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Seeing her reaction, Su Ming was at a loss for words. ¡°Maybe you should consider acting,¡± he thought. ¡°You¡¯ve got enough drama for it.¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 538 C538 ¨C The Voice from the Lower Part of the Body Su Ming had reached his limit. ?He carefully considered his words before speaking. ¡°Manager Zhao, there¡¯s a meeting scheduled for ten o¡¯clock on the seventh floor, and Ning Zhiyuan will be attending.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ?Manager Zhao¡¯s demeanor became professional as she listened to Su Ming discuss business matters. She nodded in acknowledgment, remembering the details. Ning Zhiyuan was a well-known figure, a prominent young man. She was in charge of this event and would personally attend to him. ¡°Manager Zhao, would you mind finding me a waiter¡¯s uniformter?¡± Su Ming asked, his smile warm and friendly. ?¡±Hmm? Mr. Su, what are you nning to do?¡± Manager Zhao was momentarily puzzled, not quite following his intentions. ?¡±Manager Zhao, I can¡¯t go into details about the reason,¡± Su Ming replied. ¡°Please, just go ahead with the request.¡± ?Upon hearing this, Manager Zhao thought to herself, ¡®Alright then. He¡¯s the boss, and I won¡¯t pry.¡¯ She quickly made a phone call, and soon a simple waiter¡¯s uniform was delivered: ck trousers and a white shirt. Su Ming changed into the uniform in the restroom. When he reemerged, Manager Zhao was impressed. ¡°Wow! You look very sharp!¡± Su Ming checked his reflection in the mirror, pleased with his appearance. Next, he retrieved a pill and a key ring from his pocket and ced them into the pockets of his new attire. He then pulled out a fake beard and a pair of ck-rimmed sses. With this disguise, he was nearly unrecognizable. Familiar faces might discern his identity upon close inspection, but as a waiter serving at a busy meeting, he would likely go unnoticed. Even if someone did take a second nce, they wouldn¡¯t remember his face. ¡°Mr. Su, what¡¯s this all about?¡± Manager Zhao asked, still baffled by his actions. ?¡±Thank you, Manager Zhao,¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you could let me into the meeting.¡± ¡°Sure, that¡¯s no problem,¡± Manager Zhao agreed, nodding. ?She was still unclear about Su Ming¡¯s intentions, but she knew better than to question the motives of someone like Mr. Su. His mysterious ways were beyond her understanding. Manager Zhao didn¡¯t give it much thought and made a quick call to the meeting hall. As luck would have it, the meeting hadn¡¯t started yet, so adding another waiter wasn¡¯t an issue. However, Manager Zhao made it clear: This waiter was not to be bossed around by anyone. He was free to do as he pleased. In theory, most of the bigwigs in the room should have recognized Su Ming. Unfortunately, Ning Zhiyuan really didn¡¯t know him. Or to be more precise, he didn¡¯t know much about Su Ming, just who he was. After all, Su Ming hadn¡¯t been farming for very long. ?And during that time, Ning Zhiyuan had been preupied elsewhere, busy with the construction of his factory. So, he was clueless about Su Ming¡¯s background. Su Ming rode the elevator straight to the conference floor. Then he pushed open the door and entered. The room was already packed. It looked like it was about time to start. Su Ming stood silently. Soon, the meetingmenced. For Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian, this was their first time at such a gathering, and they were understandably anxious. They sat cautiously next to Principal Ye, constantly scanning the room. ¡°Eh? That person looks familiar.¡± Su Qiu caught sight of someone in the corner. Though he was somewhat distant, and was wearing sses and a beard, his face seemed vaguely recognizable. After all, they were siblings who had grown up together. ?It was natural for her to feel a sense of familiarity. Eh? Zhang Qianqian also paused for a moment, then took a more careful look. ¡°Oh my! Isn¡¯t that Brother Su?¡± Zhang Qianqian recognized him. ¡°Really?¡± Su Qiu was momentarily taken aback. She quickly looked again and saw it was indeed true! ¡°What¡¯s Brother Su up to?¡± The two young women exchanged nces. ?Principal Ye, who was next to them, overheard and looked in the direction they were gazing. Sure enough, it was Mr. Su. But Principal Ye kept to himself. Su Ming had asked him to buy a mask earlier that day and had managed to blend in with the wait staff. He was clearly up to something. All Principal Ye had to do was watch quietly. The two young women, however, had a hunch. It seemed Su Ming was there for Ning Zhiyuan today. Although I wasn¡¯t sure how Su Ming would handle Ning Zhiyuan, I knew it wouldn¡¯t be good for him. ¡°Alright,¡± I said, just as Ning Zhiyuan rose from his seat at the center of the front row of tables. He carried himself with an air of arrogance and a hint of smugness. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± he began, ¡°thank you for epting my invitation to today¡¯s meeting. We¡¯ve convened because the Ning Group isunching several new projects, and I¡¯d like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you. Should any of you be interested in coborating with us, please feel free to get in touch. It¡¯s all about creating win-win situations and making money together!¡± Ning Zhiyuan concluded with a subtle smile. ¡°Of course!¡± someone eximed. ¡°If it¡¯s Young Master Ning¡¯s project, we¡¯re all in!¡± The room erupted in enthusiastic apuse and ttery, and Ning Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t have been more pleased with himself. I¡¯m on top of the world! How did I be so incredible? ¡°Now, I¡¯d like to invite Director Wang from ourpany to present our projects to you,¡± Ning Zhiyuan announced, leading the apuse, which everyone joined in. Director Wang, the same man who had earlier snatched Su Ming¡¯s scallion pancakes, stood up with a contented grin, greeting everyone warmly before confidently making his way to the podium. ?Ah, what a smart move it was to take that poor kid¡¯s scallion pancakes this morning! Full and content, I felt a surge of energy coursing through me. Standing at the podium, Director Wang cleared his throat and began, ¡°Ahem! On behalf of our esteemed Master Ning, I extend a warm wee to you all. Thank you for being here today. I will now introduce some of ourpany¡¯s internal projects.¡± As he spoke, Director Wangunched the PowerPoint presentation, and the big screen disyed a bold headline: The Research Results on the Future Market Industries! ?¡±In business, our goal is to make money,¡± Director Wang continued. ¡°But the essence of entrepreneurship is innovation; it¡¯s the key to survival. That¡¯s why ourpany has recently been focusing on researching and forecasting emerging industries for the future.¡± He spoke with a sense of pride, clearly impressed with the turnout of influential figures from within thepany. Everyone had to heed my words obediently. Takeoff! All of a sudden. Director Wang¡¯s body tensed. Hiss! He sharply inhaled a breath of cool air. What was happening? Oh no! This stomach pain! Director Wang¡¯s stomach suddenly seized up as if twisted in knots! Oh, the agony! Sweat broke out on his forehead instantly. Under normal circumstances, it would be manageable. Just a quick trip to the restroom, right? But what was this asion? Wouldn¡¯t leaving now be utterly mortifying? No, I must hold on! Let chaos reign, as the bright moon illuminates the vast river! I can withstand this! Director Wang clenched his teeth. He continued to act as though nothing was amiss. ¡°As I was saying, technological innovation leads to business innovation, which in turn spurs societal innovation. If ourpany doesn¡¯t innovate and venture forward, how can we seed?¡± The moment Director Wang finished his statement. ¡°Pfft!¡± From the lower region of Director Wang¡¯s torso. A distinct sound emerged. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 539 C539 ¨C The Show Is about to Begin ¡°Absolutely! Director Wang is spot on; it simply won¡¯t work!¡± ¡°Indeed, indeed.¡± ¡°No! The way Director Wang said ¡®no¡¯ was so emphatic!¡± The onlookers heaped praise upon him. Director Wang nearly broke down in tears. Damn it! I didn¡¯t say a word! That just now¡­ It was a damn fart! Crap! It was so close! I could feel it! Just a hair¡¯s breadth away from bursting forth! Cough, cough! Director Wang took a deep breath. I must remain calm! I must be the epitome ofposure! Perfect timing. They think I was the one who spoke. I can smooth this over. Right! I have to act as if nothing happened. ¡°So, as I was saying.¡± ¡°To reject innovation is to court extinction, to be cast aside by society.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t let that happen, can we?!!¡± Director Wang continued, his passion ignited. ?His emotions surged, and he let out a bellow. What a perfect moment to rally everyone¡¯s spirits! But! When you¡¯re desperately trying to control something. And your attention suddenly shifts. What happens? The thing you¡¯re controlling starts to slip. ¡°Pfft!¡± Yet another distinct sound. The audience erupted in apuse. ¡°Director Wang is right!¡± ¡°Director Wang speaks the truth!¡± ¡°Director Wang is the beacon on our path forward!¡± ¡°We will follow Ning Group to the very end!¡± ?The crowd¡¯s loud praises left Director Wang rigid. Damn it¡­ It seems like¡­ A bit escaped! No! I must finish this speech no matter what! I take a deep breath! I clench my teeth and stomp my foot! I clench tightly. But then. The movement was a bit too vigorous. ¡°Boom!¡± A resounding noise filled the room. Everyone was taken aback. They looked around in confusion. What in the world? Where did that sounde from? Thunder? Impossible! The sky was clear. Not a cloud in sight, so where could the thundere from? Something falling? That couldn¡¯t be it. The noise was too loud! It was like the firecrackers set off during the Spring Festival. Director Wang¡¯s face was a picture of difort. Then. A pungent and lingering scent slowly wafted through the air. How to describe this aroma? Hmm¡­ Like a sauerkraut jar that hadn¡¯t been opened for countless years. He stacked a pile of stinky socks. Then added a truckload of durians. Followed by two tons of stinky tofu. And ten boxes of herring. That should do it. But since Director Wang was standing on stage, he was the first to catch the odor. The people below didn¡¯t notice a thing, still deep in conversation. ¡°Mr. Ning, your idea is truly excellent. If you¡¯d give us the opportunity, ourpany would like to coborate with you¡­¡± A businessman seated next to Ning Zhiyuan buttered him up with a sycophantic grin. ¡°Absolutely, absolutely,¡± Mr. Ning replied with a nonchnt smile. ¡°Boss Wang, we go way back. I wouldn¡¯t forget you when a great opportunity arises. Rest assured.¡± Boss Wang was ecstatic, about to respond, when suddenly he caught a whiff of something foul. Ugh! Damn!!! What the hell! Is it really that stinky? Boss Wang quickly turned to Mr. Ning beside him, covering his nose and standing up in horror, retreating several steps. ¡°Did you eat shit?! It reeks!¡± Boss Wang¡¯s exmation was anything but quiet. Ning Zhiyuan was taken aback. Are you out of your mind? Are you spewing nonsense because you¡¯ve lost it? Everyone around was equally shocked. What got into Boss Wang? That kind of joke was in poor taste. Ning Zhiyuan was livid. He was about tosh out, when a nauseating stench hit his nostrils. ¡°Ugh!¡± Ning Zhiyuan gagged, barely holding back vomit. What the hell! It was unbearably foul! ¡°Open the doors and windows! It stinks too much!¡± Ning Zhiyuan shouted in a panic. The crowd reacted with surprise. ?Really? Damn. The esteemed Young Master Ning, caught in such an odorous plight? As the waiter scrambled to open doors and windows for venttion, nose covered, others did the same, searching for the source of the stench. Even though Principal Ye and the two youngdies were seated towards the back, let¡¯s be honest, the smell was overpowering. It was eye-watering! Visibility was nearly gone! The trio quickly pulled out their masks and put them on with a sigh of relief. Although the masks didn¡¯tpletely block out the odor, the faint smell that lingered was tolerable. ¡°Damn, Principal Ye, where did you get those masks?¡± ¡°Sell me one for 10 bucks!¡± ¡°100!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll offer 1000 yuan for one, Principal Ye. We go way back, so you¡¯ve got to sell one to me.¡± ¡°Principal Ye, what if I offer your school thirty positions next year?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll offer 50!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll offer 100, just please give me a mask!¡± The other business owners around them took notice of their masks and hurried over. ¡°Let¡¯s talk,¡± Principal Ye said with a grin. ¡°I can give you masks, but you have to stand by your word.¡± ¡°Absolutely, a promise is a promise, and it¡¯s as good as gold.¡± ¡°There are plenty of witnesses here.¡± ¡°Ye, just give us the masks already. We can¡¯t stand this anymore!¡± Principal Ye was practically beaming with delight. What a win! He¡¯d secured arge number of cements for next year¡¯s graduates! Mr. Su was truly impressive! How did he know we¡¯d need masks? It was beyond belief. But Principal Ye didn¡¯t dwell on it or bother asking questions. Anything associated with Su Ming was bound to be extraordinary. With a collective sigh of relief, everyone around had their masks on. Yet, Principal Ye was shrewd, keeping a pack in reserve for emergencies. With masks on and windows open for venttion, the smell in the room improved slightly. ¡°Where is this stenching from?¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡± ¡°Is it a sewer malfunction?¡± people began to wonder. The search for the source of the smell began, and then one person spotted Director Wang. ¡°Holy smokes, Director Wang, what¡¯s going on with you¡­?¡± he eximed, his voice booming across the room. All eyes turned to see Director Wang gripping the podium tightly, his legs mped together and syed out, hisplexion turning a ghastly shade of green as he shook uncontrobly. The room fell silent as everyone exchanged nces, realizing they had pinpointed the source of the odor. But before they could fully process the situation, a loud ¡°Bang!¡± echoed through the air, followed by another wave of the pungent scent. ¡°Damn it! Director Wang! What the hell are you eating?¡± ¡°Holy shit! I can smell it all the way back here!¡± ¡°My eyes are burning; I can¡¯t even open them!¡± ¡°My rhinitis is miraculously cured!¡± A collective groan echoed from below. ¡°Ah!!!¡± All of a sudden, Director Wang let out a bellow. He bolted for the door, clenching his buttocks. ?Simultaneously, a series of explosive sounds erupted from his lower half. Pop! Pop! Pop! ?Whether it was all in their heads or not, everyone felt as if the room was bathed in a greenish hue. ¡°I can¡¯t stand it, I need a smoke to chill out!¡± One of them couldn¡¯t take it anymore and flicked on his lighter. ?¡±No!!!¡± Another person yelled desperately. But it was already toote! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 540 C540 ¨C Can You Hurry Up? ¡°Bang!¡± Amidst the horrified stares of many onlookers, a lighter sparked to life. ?Swish! Bang! ?A me shot up, quickly spreading in all directions, forming a ball of fire. ¡°Damn it!¡± Director Wang had been standing at the podium, which, along with its immediate vicinity, bore the brunt of the ze. ?Ning Zhiyuan was directly facing Director Wang. And so, before his shocked eyes, a massive fireball engulfed him. ?Thankfully, the fuel was scant. It red up and faded just as fast. Once the mes subsided, Ning Zhiyuan was left in a sorry state, his face singed and his hair sticking up, a far cry from his usual suave appearance. ¡°Damn!¡± Stunned, Ning Zhiyuan opened his mouth, exhaling a plume of smoke, and couldn¡¯t help but jump around cursing, ¡°I¡¯m definitely going to fire that guyter!¡± ¡°Mr. Ning.¡± ?Several staff members, seeing his condition, rushed over with a damp towel for Ning Zhiyuan to clean himself off. ¡°Cough, cough!¡± The chaos subsided, and calm was restored. Ning Zhiyuan coughed a few times and took his ce at the podium once more. Sniffing slightly, his face soured. Damn it! The stench was overwhelming and lingered on. ?It was almost suffocating. ¡°Master Ning, please have some water.¡± At that moment, a waiter approached with a bottle of mineral water, offering it with a smile. Ning Zhiyuan, not paying much attention, epted the bottle and tookrge gulps. After drinking, he recognized the waiter¡¯s voice as somewhat familiar, but Ning Zhiyuan didn¡¯t dwell on it and set the bottle aside. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, my apologies for the spectacle earlier. Director Wang has been under the weather with stomach issues.¡± ¡°Thankfully, that little mishap is behind us. Let¡¯s proceed.¡± Ning Zhiyuan stood up, smiling faintly. Since Director Wang was indisposed, he would take charge himself. As expected, when the various bosses below heard him, they all quieted down and took their seats obediently. Ning Zhiyuan suddenly felt a surge of pride. It was me. Who else could gather so many bosses and have them listen as attentively as schoolchildren? Nobody! ¡°Ah, that¡­¡± Ning Zhiyuan opened his mouth, ready to pontificate. The audience sat up attentively, hanging on his every word. The Ning Group was no small yer. Theymanded respect in Eastsea, and listening closely was clearly to everyone¡¯s benefit. As everyone listened intently, suddenly, they were all taken aback. Every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on Ning Zhiyuan, wide with astonishment. ?Their faces were a mix of surprise, amusement, and barely containedughter. ¡°Hmm?¡± Ning Zhiyuan, in the midst of his speech, sensed the odd atmosphere. What were these expressions about? What was happening? What could possibly be so shocking? ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ning Zhiyuan asked, his brow furrowed. ¡°It¡¯s nothing!¡± The crowd shook their heads in unison: ¡°Nothing at all, nothing at all. Please, Young Master Ning, carry on.¡± ¡°Young Master Ning, your words are simply enlightening. We¡¯ve learned so much, hence our surprise.¡± ¡°Indeed, many things were unclear to us, but with your exnation, it¡¯s as if a light has been turned on.¡± ¡°You possess such insight at such a young age, Young Master Ning. Truly, you are exceptional.¡± ?The crowd murmured among themselves, no one willing to break the illusion. ¡°So, it¡¯s like that.¡± Ning Zhiyuan beamed at the ttery, then cleared his throat with a light cough: ¡°Let¡¯s proceed.¡± Just as Ning Zhiyuan was about to continue, suddenly, a rumbling came from his stomach. A torrent of warmth surged from his abdomen to a specific spot. It felt like it was about to explode. ¡°Damn it!¡± Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s body froze, his eyes bulging as he gripped the podium tightly. He bent at the waist, his legs tensed. His teeth clenched, his face turning a shade of iron blue. Ah! What in the world¡­ What was happening? Could he have eaten something that upset his stomach today? No, that can¡¯t be. He had breakfast at home, prepared by the family chef. After all these years, there had never been an issue. Could he have caught something from Director Wang earlier? He hadn¡¯t heard of this being contagious. Ning Zhiyuan was on the brink of madness, sweat beading on his forehead, his body shaking uncontrobly. Everyone has been through this, knowing the moment when it¡¯s about to burst forth. It¡¯s an incredibly difficult sensation to control. Su Ming stood to the side, barely containing his amusement. My water isn¡¯t so easily tolerated. I added quite a bit to your mineral water, much more than what Director Wang had. It all depends on how well your body can handle it. Regarding the side effects, the System had previously exined that there could be one or several, all depending on your luck. But now, it seems you¡¯ve triggered two. Both seem to suit you well. ¡°Ah, I can¡¯t take it anymore. Excuse me, everyone, I need to step out for a moment.¡± Ning Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t bear it any longer and bolted. ¡°Where¡¯s the restroom? Where¡¯s the restroom?!¡± He grabbed a passing waiter and bellowed. ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m sorry, sir. The restrooms on these floors are under maintenance. You¡¯ll need to go to the top floor!¡± The waiter, clearly terrified, stuttered out the response. Damn it!!! Ning Zhiyuan wanted to scream in frustration. Of all times for the restroom to be out of order! He vowed to himself that he¡¯d fill his house with restrooms and toilets in the future. Ning Zhiyuan sprinted to the elevator, frantically pressing the button. Luckily, the elevator was nearby and soon opened. Without a second thought, he pressed for the top floor and hurriedly hit the button to close the doors. Just as the doors were nearly shut, he couldn¡¯t hold back any longer, but a hand suddenly stopped them. Ding! The doors reopened. Ning Zhiyuan was so furious he felt like he could spit blood. Who is it?! What¡¯s the meaning of this?! Are you in such a rush that you can¡¯t wait for the next one? Ning Zhiyuan was itching to swear, but he couldn¡¯t risk making a peep at the moment. He needed to gather every ounce of his strength to focus on holding back. The elevator doors crept open, revealing Su Ming at the threshold, with a cart in tow. The cart wasden with tea sets and towels, among other items. ?With a beard, sunsses, and a hat perched atop his head, Su Ming was in disguise, and Ning Zhiyuan failed to recognize him. Su Ming wheeled the cart in unhurriedly, but as he was about to fully enter, the cart wobbled, sending several towels tumbling to the ground. ¡°Oh, my apologies, sir. Just one moment,¡± Su Ming said, his voiceced with cheer. ?He then sauntered out, leisurely picked up a towel, returned to the elevator to ce it on the cart, and repeated the process for each fallen towel. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 541 C541 ¨C You Did It Ning Zhiyuan felt like he was on the verge of a meltdown. ¡°You freaking jerk! Did you do that on purpose? Picking them up one by one ¨C can¡¯t you gather them all at once and put them in the car? You just wait! I¡¯m going to file aint about you! I¡¯ll have your boss fire you!¡± Despite his boiling rage, Ning Zhiyuan didn¡¯t utter a single word, barely containing himself, terrified that he might unleash a torrent of anger if he spoke. It took Su Ming an excruciating two minutes to leisurely pick up the towels scattered on the ground and ce them in the car. Only then did the elevator doors sluggishly close. Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s eyes zed with fury, itching to kick Su Ming out. ¡°This damn fool haspletely messed me up!¡± As Ning Zhiyuan red at Su Ming, he froze. The elevator was d in steel with a polished surface. Some areas were so well-maintained they could serve as mirrors. And there, Ning Zhiyuan caught sight of someone resembling him, but the hair¡­ Why on earth was it green? ¡°What the heck! No way!!!¡± It was his own reflection. What was happening? Why was his hair green? No wonder the crowd below had given him such significant looks. ?So that was it. He had unwittingly been sporting a green ¡®grasnd¡¯ atop his head. ¡°Ah!¡± ?Ovee with fury, Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s focus scattered. On the brink of losing control, he pressed his hands against his rear and squeezed with all his might, managing to hold back. ?Atst, reaching the top floor with an eager look, Ning Zhiyuan bolted away as if his rear was aze. Usually, in a new and unfamiliar ce, one would look for restroom signs or ask for directions. But upon reaching the top floor, a prominent sign stood right by the elevator, clearly marking the restroom. There was a massive arrow pointing in one direction. Honestly, anyone would have to stop and ponder over such an obvious sign. But at that moment, Ning Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t care less. To him, the restroom was a lifesaver! Su Ming stood by the elevator, watching Ning Zhiyuan dash away, and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself. So, you wanted to hire someone to hit me? You wanted to pick on Zhang Qianqian? Well, I¡¯m all for fair y. If you mess with me, I¡¯m bound to mess right back. With a serene smile, Su Ming closed the elevator door and returned to his original floor. He slipped into an unupied room nearby, changed out of his clothes, and donned his own outfit along with a mask and hat. Then, he entered the conference room and took a seat beside Su Qiu. ?¡±Brother!¡± Yuvyuv¡¯s eyes sparkled when she saw Su Ming. ¡°Bro, thank goodness you told us to wear masks. How did you know? Did you have something to do with it?¡± ¡°We shouldn¡¯t speak carelessly,¡± Su Ming replied, shaking his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything. I certainly didn¡¯t tamper with Director Wang¡¯s breakfast or Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s water. It¡¯s not rted to me at all.¡± The two girls looked at each other, their expressions saying it all. Really? But they decided to let it go. If you say nothing happened, we¡¯ll believe you. We¡¯re naive and kind-hearted, after all. ?Meanwhile, Ning Zhiyuan had made it to the restroom and found a toilet. Unable to hold back any longer, he experienced a moment of thunderous relief, leaving him with a look of utter satisfaction. ¡°Ah¡­ that¡¯s better,¡± he sighed, feelingpletely rxed, as if he¡¯d been blessed with a refreshing rain after a long drought. But then, something felt off. Why was there a strange warmth and softness below? He¡¯d been too caught up in the relief to notice at first, but now something definitely seemed amiss. Ning Zhiyuan looked down and nearly leaped in shock. ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡± he eximed. ¡°What kind of monster would cover a toilet with stic wrap?¡± ?¡±Damn it!¡± After a brief silence, Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s roar broke the stillness. The scene was beyond words. It was revolting. Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s tiradested an eternity, his anger causing him to shake uncontrobly. Lifting his head slightly, he froze. What in the world was that? A dark, elongated object shing red¡ªit was a freaking camera! Who was the despicable jerk who installed a camera in the bathroom?! ¡°Hey,rade in the top floor bathroom, what¡¯s the deal with you? Who said you could use that toilet?¡± ¡°This is our storage room for bathroom supplies. Who told you it was a bathroom?¡± Just then, the sound of a loudspeaker echoed from somewhere. Before long, a crowd arrived. Each one donned a gas mask. And, as if that wasn¡¯t enough, some even brought along cameras. They started a live broadcast on the spot. Ning Zhiyuan felt like he was going to cough up blood, but he was powerless to stop it. A few janitors, fighting back their disgust and pinching their noses, finally managed to clean the mess. Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s clothes were beyond saving, so he had no choice but to change into a security guard¡¯s uniform. With his nose pinched and his face ashen, he trudged back to the original meeting room. This was a monumental embarrassment! Even someone as oblivious as Ning Zhiyuan could deduce that this was a setup, especially since the bathroom signs had vanished by the time he emerged. It had to be intentional. All he could do was stew in his own frustration, utterly helpless. Ning Zhiyuan pushed open the conference room door with a grim expression. The people inside had been waiting for him for quite some time. Seeing Ning Zhiyuan finally return, they instinctively straightened up. But upon catching sight of his condition, they were taken aback. What had happened? What was this all about? He had not only changed his look but also his outfit. Could it be that Ning Zhiyuan was the person mentioned on the broadcast? It seemed unbelievable¡­ Ning Zhiyuan stepped back up to the podium, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. He tried topose himself, and as he was about to speak, his gazended on someone. Narrowing his eyes, he took a closer look. The spark caught instantly! That¡¯s right, he had spotted Su Ming! Upon seeing Su Ming, Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s mind raced, and he realized that throughout this time, he hadn¡¯t crossed anyone except for Su Ming. Reflecting more deeply, he recognized that the very person who had just handed him the bottle of mineral water was none other than Su Ming! Though the face was hard to discern, those eyes were unmistakable! Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s fists clenched so tightly with rage that he felt like he might burst. He marched directly toward Su Ming with determined steps. ¡°It was you, wasn¡¯t it? You¡¯re the one responsible!¡± Ning Zhiyuan confronted Su Ming, pointing usingly at his nose and demanding an answer loudly. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 542 C542 ¨C You Don¡¯t Have to Do This Ning Zhiyuan was seething with rage. He strode up to Su Ming, his brow furrowed and his eyes bulging with anger. His stance suggested he meant business, yet the tuft of green grass atop his head lent aical touch to the scene. ¡°What are you saying? I don¡¯t understand,¡± Su Ming said, looking utterly bewildered. ?¡±You¡¯re still ying dumb? It was definitely you. I remember now, yes, it was you! You gave me that bottle of water earlier, didn¡¯t you?!¡± Ning Zhiyuan demanded loudly. ¡°No,¡± Su Ming replied, blinking innocently and delivering a concise response. ¡°You! I¡¯m so¡­ I¡¯m so angry I could¡­¡± Ning Zhiyuan was beside himself with fury. ?He was on the verge of exploding. ¡°Just wait, this isn¡¯t over between us!¡± Ning Zhiyuan bellowed, his teeth clenched in hatred. ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m trembling with fear,¡± Su Ming mocked, feigning terror. ?¡±You¡¯re still putting on an act? I¡¯m telling you, I will definitely¡­¡± Ning Zhiyuan was nearly driven mad with rage. But before he could finish his threat, the side effect struck again. This time, however, it wasn¡¯t an upset stomach. Suddenly, Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s legs gave out, and he copsed to his knees right in front of Su Ming. The room fell silent, with Su Ming and Ning Zhiyuan sharing a quiet, oddly tense moment. They exchanged nces, each as perplexed as the other. Ning Zhiyuan waspletely baffled. What in the world was happening? Why on earth had he knelt down? No, this wasn¡¯t right; something was amiss. Could it have been that bottle of water? Surely not. It¡¯s one thing to add something to water to cause diarrhea, but when has anyone ever heard of a substance that could make a person kneel? He tried desperately to stand, but his legs were devoid of strength. Su Ming blinked, scratched his head, and gave Ning Zhiyuan a serious look. ¡°Come on, get up. There¡¯s no need for such formalities. Lucky for you, it¡¯s not Chinese New Year, or I¡¯d have to give you a red envelope, right? My dear nephew.¡± Su Ming spoke with a beaming smile. ¡°Me!¡± Ning Zhiyuan felt a stifling sensation in his chest, as if he was holding his breath, unable to release it or let it subside, causing him considerable difort. He couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint whether the feeling was anger, oppression, or injustice, but it was certainly unpleasant. ¡°Don¡¯t tter yourself, I wasn¡¯t kneeling before you. My leg just suddenly cramped up!¡± Ning Zhiyuan gritted his teeth, managing to force the words out. ¡°Oh, okay then.¡± Su Ming nodded in response. Desperate to stand, Ning Zhiyuan suddenly felt dizzy and copsed forward onto the ground. Everyone was taken aback. You just imed I wasn¡¯t kneeling to you. And now, here you are, executing a perfect kowtow. Impressive. Your movements are so practiced and natural; you must have rehearsed quite a bit. ¡°Oh! What are you doing? There¡¯s no need for such grand gestures.¡± ¡°Stand up,e on, get up.¡± ¡°Alright, you¡¯re quite the dutiful one, aren¡¯t you? Qiu, Qianqian, did either of you bring any cash? Let¡¯s give our dear nephew a red envelope.¡± Su Ming turned around. ¡°I¡¯ve got some.¡± Su Qiu quickly responded, then opened her purse and pulled out several bills, a mix of loose change andrger denominations. ?¡±There¡¯s no need to give so much, he¡¯s family after all.¡± ¡°Just take these.¡± Su Ming spoke cheerfully, handing back therger bills to Su Qiu and extracting two one-dor notes. ?He then ced them in front of Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s head. Ning Zhiyuan, still kneeling, was now bowing repeatedly, his face turning the shade of a liver. Damn it! Who can exin what on earth is happening? Today has been a total embarrassment! Struggling to look up, he noticed two one-dor bills and several coins before him. Ning Zhiyuan was taken aback. The nerve! Do they think I¡¯m begging for money? There he was, kneeling and bowing, with a few notes and coins on his head ¨C the very picture of a beggar. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Young Master?¡± Just then, several of his men, btedly realizing the situation, hurried over and helped Ning Zhiyuan to his feet. ¡°Are you all just sitting around doing nothing?¡± ¡°Why did it take you so long to get here?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to fire every single one of you!!!¡± Ning Zhiyuan berated his subordinates, releasing the fury that had built up inside him. ¡°What? You¡¯re going to fire us?¡± Upon hearing this, his subordinates were taken aback. ¡°Goodbye then, what about you?¡± With those words, they released their hold on him. Ning Zhiyuan copsed to the ground like a toad, limbs sprawled out. ?Hey there, wanting to move, but he waspletely immobilized. The other bosses in the room exchanged nces. ?¡±Ahem! I think my stomach is upset. I need to use the restroom.¡± ¡°Is there trouble at thepany? Alright, I¡¯m heading back now.¡± ¡°Oh, my wife is inbor? That¡¯s wonderful, just wonderful!¡± One by one, they pulled out their phones, making excuses, and then they all left the room. Before long, Ning Zhiyuan was left alone. Soon after, the cleaning staff entered to tidy up. Suddenly, they spotted Ning Zhiyuan. They froze in shock. ¡°Hey! That¡¯s the guy! The one who used that bathroom!¡± ¡°Why is he kneeling?¡± ¡°I have no idea.¡± The cleaningdies chatted amongst themselves. Some began snapping photos and recording videos with their phones. ¡°Can¡¯t deny it, these local phones are pretty handy.¡± ¡°Absolutely, the picture quality is so sharp.¡± ¡°You can even see the e on his face in perfect detail.¡± ¡°Did you hear? They¡¯ve saved the surveince footage of him in the restroom.¡± ¡°I suggest you don¡¯t watch it; it¡¯s quite nauseating.¡± ¡°A grown man like him, and he has no sense of shame¡­¡± Thedies chuckled as they spoke. On the ground, Ning Zhiyuan was on the verge of losing his mind. Who on earth can exin what¡¯s happening to me? A bad stomach I can understand. I don¡¯t see a problem with anything else. But! But, but, but! Why have I lost all my strength? ?And what¡¯s this about surveince footage? If this gets out, can I even show my face again? Ning Zhiyuan remained prone on the ground for a full half-hour. Only then did he slowly start to regain a bit of his strength. After exerting himself for quite some time, he finally managed to roll over. His head was now facing upward. But he couldn¡¯t stand up; lying prone for too long had left his limbs numb. He was weak, yet not without sensation. ?Just as Ning Zhiyuan managed to flip himself over, still sprawled on the ground before catching his breath, he suddenly noticed several cleaningdies standing before him. ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re still here?!¡± Ning Zhiyuan¡¯s eyes bulged in surprise. Thesedies were tenacious. ¡°We can¡¯t go, we can¡¯t go. We¡¯ve been waiting for this very moment.¡± ¡°Exactly, exactly. We¡¯ve been waiting to see the turtle flip over.¡± ¡°Did you get it on video? Post it online, it¡¯s sure to rack up a ton of likes!¡± The three cleaningdies chattered excitedly amongst themselves. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 543 C543 ¨C Watersshing Lotus Root Is Ripe ¡°What the hell!¡± Ning Zhiyuan was on the verge of exploding with rage. But he couldn¡¯t help but ponder the situation. What in the world was happening? Could anyone exin this to me? Something about this whole affair seemed off. Puttingxatives in the water is something anyone could do. But what¡¯s with this weakness in my limbs? That could be exined, too. But why has my hair turned green? Today, Ning Zhiyuan was seriously questioning his life choices. He was certain that Su Ming was behind this. But how did he pull it off? He hadn¡¯t quite figured that out yet. However, he suspected that he wouldn¡¯t dare cross Su Ming again in the future. If he considered doing anything else, he¡¯d have to weigh the consequences carefully. Ning Zhiyuany on the ground for quite some time before he gradually came to. With his hair a vibrant green. He made his way home, looking utterly disheveled. Su Ming had merely given him a mild warning. If Ning Zhiyuan chose to stop here, then that would be the end of it. Su Ming wasn¡¯t interested in causing further trouble. But if Ning Zhiyuan continued to be dishonest and overly lively¡­ Well, he¡¯d regret it. Principal Ye took the two youngdies straight back to the school. Su Ming headed home as well. The temperature was still warm on thiste autumn day. The gentle sunlight bathed Su Ming¡¯s yard. ?He changed into a set of work clothes and started tidying up the courtyard. Before he knew it, noon had arrived. Su Ming felt his stomach rumble with hunger. He casually ordered some takeout and ate heartily. ?Just then¡­ Yuvyuv chimed in his mind. ¡°Master, the Water-sshing Lotus Root has ripened!¡± Su Ming nced over. Sure enough. The Water-sshing Lotus Root was ready to harvest. He set down his utensils and rushed over to the patch, squatting down to take a closer look. The lotus root had sprouted from the center of therge leaves, and there was a beautiful pink lotus flower blooming. Approaching it, he caught a whiff of a delicate scent. Huh? What¡¯s this? As Su Ming inspected the nt, he suddenly noticed something. He cocked his head to get a better look. Wasn¡¯t that a lotus seed head? Next to Su Ming¡¯s childhood home was a vast pond that,e summer, would be adorned with many blossoming lotus flowers. In the center were lotus seeds, which, once their bitter centers were removed, became crunchy and delectably tasty. Growing up, Su Ming¡¯s family didn¡¯t have much, so snacks were a rarity. However, the wild fruits found in the mountains and by the ponds brought vibrant sshes of joy to his childhood. ¡°Did lotus seeds actually sprout?¡± Su Ming blinked, finding it hard to believe. ¡°So what am I supposed to harvest here? The lotus seeds or the roots?¡± He was genuinely puzzled. Well, no point in fretting over it now. I¡¯ll figure it out soon enough. Without further ado, Su Ming plucked one of the lotus pods. Holding it in his hand, he could detect the subtle scent of the lotus seeds. Su Ming peeled back theyers of the pod, revealing the neatly arranged seeds. He picked one up, took a whiff, and was greeted by a light, refreshing aroma. Could it be that these newly grown seeds were actually edible? ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on acquiring the Invincible Vajra Barrier Protection Lotus Seed! Once used, it will swiftly create a thin protective air film around your body, shielding you from a single injury. This consumable item is one-time use and may be given to others.¡± ¡°Note: For usage, since many idents ur unexpectedly, the Host canmand its activation with a mere thought.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± The prompt in his mind made Su Ming¡¯s eyes sparkle with excitement. What a fantastic find! As the saying goes, no one knows whether tomorrow or an ident wille first. Just consider the bustling traffic on the roads. Despite stringent trafficws and rigorous enforcement against drunk driving, there¡¯s no guarantee against those who gamble with luck or drive in a drunken haze, causing chaos and cmity on the streets. With this item, it¡¯s like having a talisman for protection! Impressive, indeed! I won¡¯t be trading this for points. I¡¯ll keep everyst one. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming noted that each Water-sshing Lotus Root could produce a pod with twenty lotus seeds. There was a total of five acres ofnd, which was quite substantial. Time to harvest! Su Ming got to work without a second thought. He carried a stic bag with him, took out all the curtains, and ced them in the bag. Then, he positioned it in front of a mini portal inside the house. It was ready to use at any moment. After all, carrying it around was not exactly convenient. Having collected everything, Su Ming felt a sense of contentment. But then, a thought struck him. The lotus seeds could be harvested, but what about the lotus roots? His eyes sparkling with excitement, Su Ming hurried over to the nearest lotus root. He tossed the lotus seeds aside and started to dig eagerly. The area around the lotus root was very moist, and the earth was soft, almost marsh-like. With little effort, Su Ming unearthed the lotus root. Wow! It was so long andrge! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but marvel. He had seen lotus roots harvested before. But he had nevere across one this size. Imagine stir-frying it or making a cold sd; it would surely offer a refreshingly crisp texture. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve obtained the Water-sshing Lotus Root. Do you want to turn your life around? Do you aspire to reach the pinnacle of sess? Just one bite of the Water-sshing Lotus Root will send you into a deep sleep, where you¡¯ll climb to the peak of your life in your dreams!¡± ¡°Note: One bite allows for a 12-hour dream. After consumption, you will fall into a deep sleep, and no external force can awaken you until the time is up!¡± Uh¡­ Su Ming held the lotus root and blinked in disbelief. Why was this feature so frustrating? He had hoped that after eating it, he would actually be able to turn his life around, hit a streak of incredible luck, and ascend to the pinnacle of sess, perhaps even marrying a wealthy and beautiful woman. Was it all just a pipe dream? But then again, it made sense. After all, he had been tending to thisnd for so long and could only harvest it twice, which was quite rare. The most important thing was¡­ The lotus seed¡¯s function was already miraculous, so it was only natural for the lotus root¡¯s function to be somewhat vexing. Su Ming pondered for a moment and decided to keep one Water-sshing Lotus Root, exchanging the rest for points. Let¡¯s do this! Determined, Su Ming was bustling with activity, digging out all the lotus roots from the earth. ?¡±Ding! Congrattions, Host, you have sessfully exchanged items for points. You have earned 10,000 points!¡± ¡°Ding! Sessful crop harvest. You have earned 200,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 40,000 points!¡± ¡°Ding! Item recycled. Congrattions, Host, you have earned 50,000 experience points! Bonus reward: 10,000 experience points!¡± He tidied up the field, the tractor rumbling as it made its rounds. Before he knew it, evening had fallen. ?Content with his day¡¯s work, Su Ming eagerly opened the data panel to review his progress. Wow! My nting points have soared to 30,000 points? Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 544 C544 ¨C The Prophetical Radio Was Refreshed in Advance What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s level up now! Without hesitation, Su Ming upgraded all five acres ofnd to Level Three! Haha! Once these five acres are upgraded, all eight of his acres will be Level Threend! Su Ming nced at his experience points again. Almost three million. He needed two million more to reach the next level. It seemed like a long journey, but Su Ming was confident that with thend upgrades, the experience from the next harvest would increase significantly. ?Leveling up was within reach. ?As the evening set in, Su Ming cradled his now-cold fast food from lunch and ate with gusto. ?While he was eating, Yuvyuv¡¯s voice suddenly echoed in his mind. ¡°Master! The Prophetical Radio has triggered an unexpected event and refreshed the prophecy ahead of time!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Su Ming paused, then his eyes sparkled with anticipation. Yuvyuv¡¯s special reminder meant something exciting must havee up. Without another word, Su Ming stood up quickly, rushed into the house, opened the cab, and pulled out the golden Prophetical Radio. He settled back onto the living room sofa and turned on the radio. ¡°Tonight at nine o¡¯clock, Ann Chuxia will be involved in a fatal car ident at the intersection of Binhai Road and People¡¯s Road! The Host can choose to intervene and will receive a reward!¡± Hmm? Su Ming was momentarily taken aback. Ann Chuxia? Why did that name ring a bell? Oh my! After racking his brain for a moment, it clicked, and he leapt to his feet. Ann Chuxia was the current pop sensation of the imperial court! In her twenties, she was a triple threat: excelling in singing, dancing, and acting. A superstar in film, television, and music. Gorgeous and with a stunning figure, she was the fantasy of countless fans¡ªa bona fide A-list celebrity! ?And unlike those just-for-show idols, Ann Chuxia was not just a pretty face; she was a talent to be reckoned with. Wherever she went, she caused a frenzy, drawing crowds of fans like a ma. Ann Chuxia was in Eastsea? Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed as he quickly checked his phone and then realized. Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert was scheduled for three days from now. It¡¯s no surprise that he had a vague recollection of her. Recently, the streets had been stered with posters and flyers promoting Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert. Yet, Young Master Su had little interest in the world beyond his window, his mind solely focused on farming. He rarely gave such matters any attention. Had the Prophetical Radio not updated its prophecy¡­ He probably would have remained oblivious. ncing at the clock, Su Ming noted it was 8:30. Just half an hour to go. He pulled out his phone to check his location. Damn! The intersection of Binhai Road and People¡¯s Road was quite a distance away. He needed to hurry! Without another word, Su Ming headed straight for the garage. He grabbed a car and sped off toward the pinpointed location. Ann Chuxia¡¯s status as a celebrity wasn¡¯t what drove Su Ming¡¯s urgency. It was the promise of a reward from the System that he was after. ?Though the System¡¯s offerings could sometimes be disappointing, ?it had to be said that it also dished out its fair share of treasures. The opportunities to trigger a mission were rare, and each reward was valuable. He couldn¡¯t afford to miss out! While stopped at a red light, Su Ming quickly pulled up Ann Chuxia¡¯s photo. He stared intently, taking in every detail. Any other fan would be appalled at hisck of knowledge. How could he not recognize our goddess? It was maddening! Luckily, it wasn¡¯t the evening rush hour, so the roads were rtively clear, though the destination was a good distance away. Given that Binhai Road and People¡¯s Road were on the outskirts of town, it was puzzling. A star like Ann Chuxia would typically stay at a seven-star hotel in Eastsea. What was she doing in the suburbs? But that wasn¡¯t Su Ming¡¯s concern right now. Time was of the essence. Before long, Su Ming reached his destination, mmed on the brakes, and parked the car at the roadside. He quickly got out and scanned the area. He soon spotted his target across the street: a tall, well-proportioned girl. She was wearing a hat, sunsses, and a mask. Her head waspletely shrouded in shadows. With the cover of darkness, she went unnoticed. Despite being an A-list celebrity, he managed to avoid drawing attention. Su Ming nced at the time. Eight fifty-five. He was right on schedule. ?Breathing a sigh of relief, Su Ming slipped two lotus seeds into his pocket via the portal. They were definitely safer tucked away in his pocket. Before long, the red light turned green. Pedestrians on both sides of the street began crossing to the other side. Ann Chuxia also lowered the brim of her hat, slightly tilting her head down as she stepped towards Su Ming¡¯s direction. As she reached the midpoint of the road, a Mercedes-Benz sped by at breakneck speed. ¡°Ah!!!¡± Many onlookers noticed and screamed, scrambling out of the way. But Ann Chuxia, with her earphones in and head down, was oblivious to the danger as she listened to music. It wasn¡¯t until the car¡¯s blinding headlights pierced through her sunsses that she turned her head and noticed. But by then, it was toote. The car was moving too fast. Ann Chuxia stood frozen in ce, rigid with shock, unable to move as the car¡¯s engine roared menacingly. The driver had the gas pedal floored, and through the windshield, a pair of wild eyes locked onto Ann Chuxia. In the nick of time, a figure darted forward like a cheetah, pulling Ann Chuxia out of harm¡¯s way. ¡°Bam!¡± The car collided with a thunderous crash. The front half of the car crumpled instantly, sending a shower of car parts and ss shards into the air. ¡°Ah!!!¡± ¡°Someone help her!¡± ¡°Quick, call the police, dial 120!!¡± The bystanders, initially frozen in shock, sprang into action, shouting frantically. Several good Samaritans rushed to the scene to assess the damage. Given the car¡¯s speed, it seemed a certain death sentence. ?But as they drew closer, they were met with a shocking sight. ?A young man was cradling the girl in his arms. Sitting on the ground, the two individuals werepletely unscathed. In stark contrast, the car¡¯s front end was wrecked, with a significant dent clearly visible. ¡°This¡­¡± Everyone was left speechless. What in the world was this? What exactly happened here? Could this young man be any more formidable? The car is a wreck, yet you¡¯re not even scratched? Could you possibly be the protagonist from Twilight City? At that moment, the bloodied car owner, clutching his head, stumbled out of the vehicle, smirking triumphantly as he walked: ¡°Damn it, I refuse to believe I can¡¯t kill you this time¡­ Ahhh!!! What on earth is happening?!!¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 545 C545 ¨C There Is a Problem with the People Around You The driver wasn¡¯t the only one left dumbfounded; the surrounding onlookers were equally shocked. It was beyond belief. The car had been speeding, yet this young man, Su Ming, dashed forward and embraced the girl, shielding her from the car¡¯s impact with his own body. It was like something out of a movie. A few curious bystanders couldn¡¯t resist and began to pinch Su Ming. ¡°Hey! Ma¡¯am, take it easy. If you pinch my cheek any harder, it¡¯s going to burst.¡± ¡°Hehe, miss, not bad skin, huh?¡± ¡°Back off! Creepy dude, keep your distance!¡± ¡°Miss! Where do you think you¡¯re touching? If you damage anything, can you afford it?¡± Su Ming quickly shook off their hands. ¡°Folks, let¡¯s stay calm, okay?¡± What¡¯s with this? Treating me like I¡¯m a giant panda, everyone getting a pinch. Damn! Pinching my butt is crossing the line! The driver was in a sorry state, with a broken nose, a bloodied face, and even a broken right arm. He had assumed the victim was a goner, but there she was, perfectly fine, nestled in Su Ming¡¯s arms. What in the world was happening? Thud! The driver¡¯s eyes rolled back, and he passed out cold. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Ann Chuxia, still in Su Ming¡¯s embrace, was clearly shaken. Her face was ghostly pale, and it took her a while to find her voice. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. Helping others is a cherished virtue in the imperial court, and it¡¯s what us sunny, upstanding young men should do,¡± Su Ming boasted, thumping his chest. Ann Chuxia, a major celebrity, was seldom exposed to such exuberant characters and was momentarily at a loss for words. ¡°Howe you¡¯re not hurt?¡± She blinked, her expression softening as she nced between the car and Su Ming, puzzled. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Su Ming blinked back and gestured towards the car¡¯s front end. ¡°Take a look.¡± Ann Chuxia and the crowd were taken aback, their attention drawn to the front of the car. To their surprise, arge rock had appeared there, seemingly out of nowhere. ¡°Eh? I just walked by here. When did a rock show up? How did I miss it?¡± ¡°Yeah, exactly. I didn¡¯t see anything either.¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably because it was so dark that we didn¡¯t notice. It¡¯s no wonder this young man managed to rescue them. You two are incredibly lucky, yet so unlucky at the same time.¡± ¡°Right, right.¡± The bystanders chattered among themselves but harbored little suspicion. After all, the idea of someone stopping a car with their bare body was quite far-fetched. It was odd, though. How did such arge stone suddenly appear in the middle of the road? Su Ming let out a sigh of relief and discreetly slipped the key back into his pocket. Thank goodness he had the portal with him. This was thergest stone the portal could transport. It was a good thing he had hidden a portal in the tree by the door when he had some free time. Otherwise, he¡¯d have no exnation for today¡¯s events. ?¡±Wait! Don¡¯t rush to put on your hat and sunsses just yet. I don¡¯t want us to be mobbed here.¡± Su Ming quickly intervened as Ann Chuxia started to remove her hat, cing his hand firmly on her head in a yful gesture. ?Ann Chuxia froze, her cheeks flushing with a touch of embarrassment. As a public figure and a superstar, she was used to people wanting something from her, with fans either being wildly enthusiastic or exceedingly polite. Su Ming¡¯s casual treatment was a first for her. ?¡±Young man, youngdy, do you two need to go to the hospital?¡± ¡°Yes, indeed. Even if you¡¯re not hurt, it¡¯s best to get checked out at the hospital.¡± The elderly couple nearby were concerned, given the frightening look of the car ident. ?¡±No, it¡¯s fine. We¡¯re both okay,¡± Su Ming reassured them as he stood up and escorted Ann Chuxia to the roadside before leading her to his car. ¡°Whew.¡± Once inside the car, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Ann Chuxia. ¡°Listen, superstar, can you exin something to me? Other celebrities are always surrounded by an entourage when they go out. Howe you¡¯re alone? And I¡¯ve never heard that singing is dangerous. Why would someone try to run you over?¡± ¡°You recognized me?¡± Ann Chuxia, donned in sunsses, a mask, and a hat, paused in surprise. Su Ming¡¯s forehead creased with frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve asked you a barrage of questions, and you¡¯ve only responded to the first few words. Are those really the key points? It seems like we¡¯re not on the same page here.¡± ¡°I know who you are; you¡¯re Ann Chuxia. And after all, I did save your life. Can¡¯t you just indulge my curiosity and answer a few questions?¡± Su Ming blinked, his expression earnest. Ann Chuxia looked momentarily bewildered and shook her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening. I haven¡¯t wronged anyone.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Su Ming revved up the car. ¡°Where do you live? I¡¯ll drive you home.¡± After Ann Chuxia provided her address, Su Ming drove her to her hotel. ¡°Thank you so much. You¡¯ve saved my life, and I won¡¯t forget it. If there¡¯s ever anything I can do to help you in the future, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. I¡¯ll be there,¡± Ann Chuxia said with a hint of hesitation before stepping out of the car, her head bowed. ?¡±No need to thank me¡ªit¡¯s all part of the job,¡± Su Ming replied, thumping his chest with feigned bravado. ?Internally, he mused, ¡®This is all thanks to the System¡¯s mission. You should be thanking the System; without it, you¡¯d be long gone.¡¯ ?¡±Um¡­¡± Su Ming hesitated. ¡°Before you go, I have onest question. Were there many people who knew you were going out tonight?¡± ¡°Not many, just a handful¡­ What are you getting at?¡± Being a major celebrity, Ann Chuxia was quick on the uptake. She instantly grasped Su Ming¡¯s implication. ¡°You¡¯re a public figure who¡¯s managed to keep a low profile, to the point where even the tabloids can¡¯t track your movements. How did the driver know where to find you? You should be wary of those in your inner circle,¡± Su Ming advised with a grin. ?¡±Got it, I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Ann Chuxia replied, her gaze briefly sharp. She didn¡¯t borate further. After exchanging phone numbers, she opened the car door and stepped out. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, forpleting the mission. You have earned a fragment of an intelligent robot!¡± ?Ah, another one? I¡¯ve already racked up three, and with thistest addition, that makes four. Fantastic! Su Ming was in high spirits as he drove straight back home. Meanwhile, the two-acre plot he had upgraded yesterday was now fully upgraded. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 546 C546 ¨C Ten Consecutive Draws Thend had transformed remarkably after the upgrade, undergoing a qualitative changepared to its former state. It felt significantly heavier and denser to the touch. ?This was, after all, the heart of the city, surrounded by numerous buildings. The soil here used to be sandy, making it nearly impossible to cultivate crops that required stringent conditions without the aid of the System. Only wild grasses could eke out an existence in such an environment. But now, the soil appeared rich and fertile, brimming with nutrients. Su Ming crouched down, scooping up a handful of the slightly moist earth. To his surprise, he spotted an earthworm wriggling among the dirt. He blinked in astonishment; this was the first time he had encountered a living creature in the soil here. Earthworms are beneficial to the soil, burrowing and aerating it, breaking down organic material, and enhancing its quality. The upgrade had clearly made a difference. Eagerly, Su Ming essed the marketce to check out the items avable. Sure enough, a Level Three seed had popped up. Green banana! Hmm¡­ The name gave Su Ming pause; it was an odd choice, though it rolled off the tongue easily enough. ?Did the banana family have such variety? Bananas and ntains bore a resemnce, but ntain seeds were triangr and ck, and the fruit itself was filled with seeds, offering a tart and astringent vor. Su Ming knew this from personal experience. As a child visiting rtives in the south, he had mistaken ntains for bananas, which led to an unpleasant seven-day hospital stay. That was not a story he was keen to share. ?Without hesitation, Su Ming purchased the ntain. He redeemed it from his phone and proceeded to the warehouse to examine the seed more closely. Huh? It didn¡¯t quite look like the typical seed. Ordinary ntain seeds were tiny, just a few millimeters in length, and ck. But the seed in Su Ming¡¯s hand¡­ No way! This was a banana, wasn¡¯t it? And such arge one at that? Well, it was a product of the System, so further exnation seemed unnecessary. Following his usual routine, Su Ming drove the tractor over the field, churning the soil. After preparing the ground, he nted the seed. ?It must be due to the recent upgrade, but astonishingly, an acre ofnd can now amodate the nting of ten banana nts. ¡°Ding! The banana nt has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± Only three days? That¡¯s not too long at all. Upgrading certainly has its perks; not only is the growth time reduced, but the nting density has increased as well. Quite impressive. Su Ming pped his hands, quite pleased with himself. With nothing else on his agenda, Su Ming returned to his video games. Come midnight, Su Ming, out of habit, opened the in-game shop. Nothing of interest. He opened the special section again, more out of routine than expectation. Su Ming wasn¡¯t hopeful, but to his surprise, something new had actually appeared! Damn! The special section, usually a small ck box with nothing inside, was now radiating a golden glow! Could today¡¯s luck be thanks topleting that mission? Su Ming extended a trembling hand and clicked on it, and a streak of gold shed across the screen. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, your luck is through the roof. You¡¯ve unlocked a special item: 10 Consecutive Strikes!¡± ¡°Ding! The Host may draw the lottery 10 times. The items obtained will not exceed the Host¡¯s Level Three status. Each draw costs 100 million!¡± 100 million?! Spit! Su Ming nearly choked on his own spit. Is this some kind of heist? This is outright daylight robbery! System, you can¡¯t be serious. Who charges a hundred million for a lottery draw? Street-side lottery tickets are two bucks a pop. If they were priced at a hundred million each, who would buy them? [This is¡­] [This is just excessive.] Su Ming fumed silently. He had a fair amount of money, thanks to shareholder dividends, previous sales of antique jade, and the initial profits from selling bags. These revenues kept bolstering his ount, which now boasted over twenty billion. ?Spending a billion wasn¡¯t the issue. But, what about future expenses? Higher levels mean costlier seeds, and that money should be conserved, right? Could it be that I¡¯ll end up so poor I¡¯ll have to sell my car? [Sigh¡­] [What a dilemma.] Am I the world¡¯s first person to be considered poor with over twenty billion to my name? The System had made it abundantly clear: you could take your chances with the draw, or not. But when faced with such an opportunity, how could you resist the temptation? ¡°Whatever, I¡¯m going for the lucky draw!¡± Without further ado, Su Ming clicked the mouse. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve drawn a pair of socks!¡± ¡°[email protected]¡± Su Ming leaped out of his chair. Socks?! Is this some kind of joke?! What socks on earth could possibly justify this price? Even if they were crafted from gold, my hundred million could buy countless pairs! Is this some kind of scam? But wait, this is a product from the System. Perhaps these sockse with some unique abilities. Maybe they¡¯ll allow me to fly once I put them on. Or boost my speed by 500. Yes, that must be it. I shouldn¡¯t doubt the System just yet. I need to redeem them right away and see for myself! He opened hisputer¡¯s inventory and there they were¡ªa pair of socks that did indeed look out of the ordinary, lying there with gold trim, shimmering brightly. Wow! ¡°They do look impressive. The System wouldn¡¯t deceive me.¡± Su Ming was quite content. He promptly clicked to redeem the socks, which materialized in his hands. He examined them from every angle. Five minutes went by. Then ten. Something wasn¡¯t adding up. This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go. Where was the notification sound? What happened to the notification? Wasn¡¯t it supposed to chime in like before, informing me of the socks¡¯ special abilities? Oh no! Don¡¯t tell me they¡¯re just ordinary socks after all? I can¡¯t just give up! Su Ming bit his lip and initiated the scan. A pair of worn, ordinary socks. Damn it! Su Ming was hopping mad. Ordinary socks would have been bad enough, but I could have epted that. But at least give me a new pair, not some worn ones! Without a second thought, Su Ming flung the socks to the floor. ¡°Get out of my sight; you¡¯re breaking my heart!¡± I spent a hundred million on a pair of second-hand socks. I must be out of my mind! Su Ming gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. No, this was just the first attempt. I¡¯ll try again. As the old saying goes, the best thingse to those who wait. The real stars make their entrance at the end. Like a mouse with a shovel, the big reveal is yet toe. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve won a pair of pink socks!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve won a pair of Hello Kitty socks!¡± ¡­¡­ Su Ming went for a five-draw streak. And the result? It was all socks. Hello Kitty, pink socks ¨C they might sound adorable, but seriously, what good are they? Aren¡¯t they just socks after all?! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 547 C547 ¨C Please Give Me Your Orders Su Ming¡¯s mind was blown. He had just dropped a staggering 600 million on six pairs of socks. Sigh¡­ I really am too generous. Who dares to challenge me in a spending spree? You might splurge on luxury cars or mansions, but at least those have value. I, on the other hand, spent 600 million on six pairs of worn socks. Beat that for unprecedented extravagance! Right now, Su Ming was in full-blown panic mode. His mouth dry, he swallowed hard, staring at the four remaining chances, his mind a whirlwind of indecision. To draw or not to draw? Screw it, I¡¯m going for it! ?But first, I need to prepare. Without another word, Su Ming dashed downstairs, grabbed the Blessing Potion, and guzzled it down. He then took a wishingntern, hoping his next four attempts would yield Top Grade results. The chance of sess? A mere 10 percent. ?Talk about frustrating! Once he¡¯d finished his preparations, Su Ming returned to hisputer, took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and feverishly rubbed his right hand, chanting for good fortune. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± With a bellow, Su Ming clicked to draw. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on obtaining Beginner Smart Robot Fragment * 15/8!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on obtaining Beginner Smart Robot Fragment * 16/8!¡± ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on obtaining Beginner Smart Robot Fragment * 17/8!¡± In a stunning triple draw, Su Ming managed to snag every single Beginner Smart Robot Fragment! He leapt up, ecstatic. Hahaha! Incredible! Epic! Truly, luck was on his side. What¡¯s the saying? ¡®After adversityes prosperity¡¯? I knew it! The System couldn¡¯t possibly let me down. Time to strike while the iron¡¯s hot! ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, on obtaining Beginner Smart Robot Fragment * 18/8!¡± ¡°Ding! Host has sessfully collected the Beginner Smart Robot. Would you like tobine all fragments?¡± ¡°Combine!¡± Su Ming eximed with excitement. Oh my god, finally! After so much anticipation, you¡¯re about to be synthesized! ¡°Ding! Combining in progress! Sess rate: 5%, failure rate: 95%!¡± ?When the notification sound echoed in his mind, Su Ming waspletely baffled. What on earth was this? Could this thing actually fail? System, are you ying tricks on me? After all the effort and money I put into collecting everyst fragment, you¡¯re telling me there¡¯s still a chance of failure? And to top it off, the failure rate is sky-high?! I¡­ I¡­ System, I curse you with a circle! ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, the fusion is sessful!¡± ¡°Ding! Your Beginner Smart Robot has been sessfully synthesized!¡± Beginner Smart Robot This robot can assist the Host with nting, harvesting, watering, and fertilizing around the clock, 24/7. It¡¯s sr-powered for automatic recharging! It also boastsbat capabilities and can engage in basicmunication with the Host. Should the Host acquire the Heart of Wisdom, it can be integrated with the smart robot, enhancing its performance andbat abilities. It will even start to exhibit human emotions and independent thought, allowing for seamlessmunication with the Host! Robots created by the System are eternally loyal protectors of their master and are incapable of betrayal. They¡¯re also immune to any System-based attacks! Hahahaha! Overwhelmed with a mix of anxiety and relief, Su Ming burst intoughter. Then, as if by magic, a robot materialized beside him. Su Ming quickly nced over and was taken aback. Huh? What in the world is this? System, you did this on purpose, didn¡¯t you? You definitely did this on purpose! In Su Ming¡¯s mind, a work-assisting robot should be blocky and bulky, with a square head and body. But what¡¯s the deal with this robot in front of him? The robot stood at about 1.72 meters tall, dressed in women¡¯s clothing, hands sped naturally in front of its chest, and wearing a pair of ck high heels. Its face was delicate and wless. Long hair cascaded over its shoulders. And it had an absolutely stunning face. Su Ming blinked, slowly got to his feet, and circled the robot twice. ¡°Um¡­¡± Here I am, a guy who¡¯s been single for over two decades, and suddenly, in the dead of night, I¡¯m presented with this¡­ Isn¡¯t this just tempting me to err? ¡°Pleasemand me, Master!¡± Caught off guard, Su Ming watched as the robot suddenly opened its eyes and spoke with a sweet smile. Damn! Why does that line sound so eerily familiar? Are you really ordering me around? I, I, I¡­ Can you actually do what I¡¯ve asked of you? My bedroom is¡­ Nonsense! What am I thinking? Su Ming quickly shook his head. He was surrounded by plenty of beauties. He shouldn¡¯t be wasting his vigor on a robot! ¡°What are you capable of doing?¡± Su Ming blinked. ¡°Daji has some basic programs that can assist the Host with simple tasks. If it¡¯s tooplex, Daji will be unable toplete it,¡± the robot responded. ?Daji? Su Ming paused for a moment, pondering the name. ¡°The robot¡¯s name and settings are tailored to the Host¡¯s preferences!¡± Just then, the System¡¯s notification echoed in his mind. Sigh! System, you¡¯re defaming me. When have I ever liked this sort of thing¡­ But I must admit, it¡¯s rather cute. No, no, no! System, you¡¯ve got me all wrong. Am I that type of person? Definitely not! Ah, the Heart of Wisdom! Without another word, Su Ming dashed to his bedroom, opened the cab on the wall, and retrieved a box containing a blue, droplet-shaped Heart of Wisdom. Su Ming grabbed it immediately but then hesitated. There should be a slot for instation on a typical robot. He searched but couldn¡¯t find where to install it. Could the instation slot be hidden under the clothes? Did he really need to undress the robot? That didn¡¯t seem right. Even though it was a robot, it still felt odd, especially since it looked so lifelike, identical to a real person. ¡°Master, you can feed it to Daji,¡± Yuvyuv suggested in his mind. ?¡±Oh?¡± Su Ming blinked and approached the robot. ¡°Open your mouth.¡± The robotplied, opening its mouth. Su Ming inserted the Heart of Wisdom and inadvertently brushed the robot¡¯s lips. It felt warm! This was uncannily realistic! If robots like this could be mass-produced, legions of homebodies would lose their minds! After swallowing the Heart of Wisdom, the robot suddenly stiffened, mouth agape, emitting a chilling mechanical voice: ¡°Robot upgrading in progress: 1¡­ 5¡­ 90¡­¡± ¡°Ding! The robot upgrade isplete!¡± As the mechanical voice faded away, the robot gently opened its eyes. Gone was the vacant, dull stare; in its ce was a hint of human warmth and expression. ¡°Yuvyuv, can you transform into a robot?¡± Su Ming¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as a sudden thought struck him, prompting his question. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 548 C548 ¨C Selflearning Function ¡°Master, Yuvyuv can transform into a robot as well, but the version Daji is using is outdated, so Yuvyuv can¡¯t utilize it,¡± Yuvyuvmunicated telepathically. Su Ming¡¯s heart leapt with excitement upon hearing this. It signified that, in the future, he could potentially cultivate or acquire an advanced robot! Considering how human-like Daji had be, what would an even more advanced robot be like? Could it resemble those depicted in sci-fi films? ?If that were the case, the secret of hisnd would be inconsequential to others; he¡¯d have the means to defend himself! ¡°Daji, what can you do?¡± Su Ming inquired, turning his gaze towards her. ?¡±Since Master has bestowed upon Daji the Heart of Wisdom, her intelligence has reached that of an average human. Master canmand Daji verbally or program her to perform tasks,¡± Daji responded, her demeanor shy yet her eyes sparkling with newfound humanity. ¡°Hmm¡­ Let¡¯s take a break for now. I¡¯ll give you your tasks after I wake up tomorrow morning,¡± Su Ming said, stretchingnguidly. He felt the fatigue from the day¡¯s activities; sleep was his priority now, not haste. ¡°Yes, Master¡­ Master, may I use yourputer?¡± Daji asked. ¡°Use myputer?¡± Su Ming paused, surprised¡ªnot because he feared Daji discovering any private videos on hisputer; after all, she was his robot and it wouldn¡¯t matter. What surprised him was Daji¡¯s newfound initiative. ?Indeed, she was an evolved robot! ¡°Yes, Master. Daji wishes to learn more about human society through theputer to better assist you with various tasks,¡± Daji exined. ¡°Alright then,¡± Su Ming agreed with a nod. ¡°You¡¯re free to use anything except the shopping sites.¡± ?¡±Thank you, Master.¡± Daji acknowledged with a nod and then settled in front of theputer, while Su Ming looked on. ?Her movements were fluid, without a hint of mechanical stiffness. Dressed up and out in public, she would likely pass for human without a second nce. Feeling content, Su Ming entered his bedroom and, without bothering to close the door,y down on his bed. It wasn¡¯t long before he was sound asleep. The night passed without incident, and the next morning dawned. ?Su Ming slept in until the sun was high in the sky. Shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight, he opened them, stretchednguidly, and shook his head. But as he turned, he got quite the start. ¡°Whoa!¡± There, by the bed, stood a figure¡ªit was Daji, looking at Su Ming with a smile. ¡°Master, you¡¯re awake. I¡¯ve squeezed the toothpaste for you, prepared the bathwater, and breakfast is ready. Please enjoy it at your leisure, Master!¡± Daji offered a gentle smile and a slight bow. ¡°Master, let me assist you with your clothing now!¡± She moved to help Su Ming with his nket. ¡°Hold on! No need!¡± Su Ming, looking utterly bewildered, quickly interjected, ¡°I can dress myself, thank you. But where did you learn to do all this?¡± ¡°Online, Master.¡± Daji¡¯s smile remained. ¡°Unlike humans, we can simply download knowledge.¡± ¡°Right.¡± ?Su Ming blinked and let out an envious sigh. Learning for humans was aplex and lengthy process, yet here was a robot that could just download information and integrate it instantly. ?But Su Ming knew that was just a fleeting thought. Humans have the ability to create, to think divergently, and to push boundaries¡ªcapabilities that robots, limited to learned applications, simply can¡¯t match. ¡°You can go downstairs.¡± Su Ming gestured dismissively. ¡°Master, did Daji do something wrong?¡± Daji didn¡¯t leave, instead looking up at Su Ming with a woeful expression, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°Master, if there¡¯s anything I¡¯ve done wrong, please tell me. I can improve!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± Su Ming scratched his head, feeling overwhelmed. She was too intelligent, even disying her own emotions. ¡°You¡¯ve done a great job. I just prefer to dress myself when I wake up. You can head down to the dining room.¡± Su Ming rified. ¡°Understood, Master.¡± This time, Daji didn¡¯t linger. She bowed slightly and left, gently closing the door behind her, allowing Su Ming to finally rx. Sigh¡­ These days were a mix of blessing and headache. Su Ming remained seated on the bed for a while longer before finally getting up. Why he sat for so long, well, that¡¯s something every man understands in the early morning¡­ ?Su Ming slipped out of his pajamas and into his everyday clothes. Descending the stairs, he paused in surprise. Is this really my house? The living room was immacte, every piece of furniture in its proper ce. In the bathroom, he noticed it was just as tidy, the ss surfaces free of any water spots. Beside the sink, a delicate cup brimmed with water, and a toothbrush with toothpaste awaited him. He took a sip, rinsed, and found the water temperature perfect¡ªnot too cold, not too hot. Having a robot butler like this was quite the luxury. After brushing his teeth, showering, and blow-drying his hair, Su Ming strolled out leisurely and sat at the dining table, taking it all in. Wow! Impressive! Before himy a bowl of millet porridge, a small dish of pickled vegetables, a cup of warm milk, and, most notably, two glistening fried dough sticks and a meat bun! ¡°Did you make these fried dough sticks and meat buns?¡± Su Ming asked Daji, looking utterly baffled. ?¡±Yes, Master. After analyzing your health, I prepared a breakfast with the precise nutrition you need. It will fill you up to ny percent, which, ording to my tests, is optimal for your body,¡± Daji replied with a gentle smile. ?Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the intelligence of it all¡ªit was fantastic! ?He started with the millet porridge, savoring its perfect consistency and sweet vor. After a few bites of the pickled vegetables, he bit into a fried dough stick. It was the perfectbination of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior¡ªutterly delectable! His eyes sparkled with delight. This was culinary excellence! Such fried dough sticks, reminiscent of his childhood, were rare these days, oftenden with additives or disappointingly chewy or overly hard. It had been years since he¡¯d enjoyed one with that ideal crunch on the outside and softness within! Finishing the fried dough stick with gusto, Su Ming then reached for the meat bun with his chopsticks. He bit down hard. Mmm! A burst of savory meatiness shot straight to Su Ming¡¯s crown¡ªgenerous filling encased in a thin wrapper, his mouth brimming with the rich aroma! Despite the fact that spending a whopping one billion yuan on the lottery yesterday had caused Su Ming a twinge of pain, in retrospect, it was worth every penny. He had hit the jackpot! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 549 C549 ¨C So Yuvyuv Is so Powerful After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, Su Ming took a sip of the hot water Daji handed him, feeling content. His usual breakfast routine was more about getting by¡ªscavenging whatever he could find in the fridge or ordering takeout. But this high-quality breakfast was a first for him! ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll tell you what you need to do,¡± Su Ming said as he stood up and headed for the door. ¡°Right away, Master,¡± Daji replied, following him dutifully. Su Ming pushed open the vi door and stepped out, only to be taken aback. ?Is this my house?! It was unbelievably clean! Su Ming was no stranger to tidying up, but he often overlooked the weeds in the nooks and the dust by the pool. Now, the vi¡¯s courtyard was spotless, the swimming pool area was free of leaves and dust, and not a single weed was in sight. Rushing to the warehouse, Su Ming was amazed once more. What was once a cluttered space with fertilizer and seeds haphazardly strewn about was now organized with military precision. Each bag wasbeled with a note, making management a breeze. ?¡±Did you do all this?¡± Su Ming asked Daji, astonished. ?¡±Yes, Master,¡± she confirmed. ¡°Hold on, I have a question for you. How long did you use theputer?¡± Su Ming suddenly remembered that Daji had used theputer to learn about human society, cleaned the house, and prepared breakfast¡ªall of which must have taken quite some time. ¡°Master, the core chip Daji is equipped with far surpasses Earth¡¯s current technological level, allowing for rapid learning. It only took one hour!¡± Daji exined. ¡°One hour?!¡± Su Ming was astounded. ?Oh my, Third Uncle¡¯s Seventh Aunt¡¯s Second Aunt-inw! By the Holy Land of Jesus and Mary! The big bowl of tea at Grandpa¡¯s doorstep! ?The Inte is indeed a vast ocean, where all but the most top-secret national information can be found. Did he really learn everything in just an hour? ¡°Master, you can share knowledge with Daji,¡± Yuvyuv chimed in Su Ming¡¯s mind. ?¡±Is that even possible?!¡± Su Ming was momentarily taken aback, then overwhelmed with joy. My goodness, do I have a human cheat code by my side? He hurriedly essed his data panel. And there it was, disyed clearly. Farmer: Su Ming Level: Lv12 Experience: 297,200 / 5,000,000 Farm: Level Three Breeding: Level Three Ranch: Level Three Aquaculture: Level Three Skills: Blessing from nts, Initial Scanning Ability, Stamina Talent, Mosquito Immune System, Experience Buff 20, Divine Instrument, Master of Combat nting Points: 6201 Breeding Points: 920 Herding Points: 840 Aquaculture Points: 860 Servant: Yuvyuv, top-level intelligence, development at 5, Level: ???, Robot Daji, beginner intelligence, development at 100, Level: Level Four. The Host can rename, and knowledge acquired by Daji is shareable with the Host, who can operate it at will! Incredible!! Su Ming burst intoughter, praising the system¡¯s brilliance. I¡¯m giving you 82 likes, and the rest will be sent in the form of 666! Upon closer inspection, Yuvyuv was top-tier intelligence?! And only 5% developed! Her level was beyond hisprehension! Looking at Daji, Just a beginner intelligence, Yet so formidable,pletely outshining Daji. What would Yuvyuv be like once fully developed? Su Ming was filled with amazement. This glimpse into the System¡¯s capabilities made Su Ming realize that its potential was far greater than he had ever imagined! ¡°Daji, do you know what needs to be done in the fields?¡± Su Ming asked with a curious twinkle in his eye. ¡°Master, since Daji is bound to you, our minds are in sync. Therefore, Daji knows exactly what needs to be done!¡± Daji responded. ?¡±Eh¡­ Minds in sync?¡± Su Ming paused, a thought crossing his mind. ?That¡¯s fine for everyday tasks, but if it came to¡­ certain situations, wouldn¡¯t that be a bit awkward? ¡°Rest assured, Master, I am incapable of detecting your personal emotions, senses, or thoughts,¡± Daji assured, as if she had read Su Ming¡¯s mind. ??¡±That¡¯s a relief,¡± Su Ming exhaled, stroking his chin thoughtfully. ?Daji, his assistant, effectively served as his butler. Living in the city center meant few visitors, but there were the asional guests. Exining Daji¡¯s presence would be challenging; he certainly couldn¡¯t reveal she was his artificial intelligence. Such news would cause an uproar. ¡°From now on, you won¡¯t go by Daji. Take my surname; you¡¯ll be Su Xiaoqing,¡± Su Ming decided. ?¡±Understood, Master.¡± Daji, now Su Xiaoqing, responded dutifully. ¡°Furthermore, you mustn¡¯t disclose your true nature to anyone. If asked, you¡¯ll say¡­¡± Su Ming paused, pondering a usible backstory for Su Xiaoqing. ¡°Master, I understand. If anyone inquires, I¡¯ll say I was orphaned young, raised in a welfare home, and started working after junior high. Now, I am your secretary and housekeeper,¡± Xiaoqing proposed. ?¡±Perfect, let¡¯s go with that. And from now on, don¡¯t call me Master; call me big brother.¡± ¡°Of course, big brother.¡± Life was much easier with Xiaoqing around. She handled daily chores and even shopped for groceries, her intelligence ensuring her true identity remained undetected. However, her current attire was quite conspicuous. Su Ming visited a nearby clothing store and selected several outfits for Xiaoqing. Once she changed, he felt much better. Despite Xiaoqing¡¯s high intelligence, Su Ming preferred to tend to the farming himself. It was a matter of personalmitment; relying too much on others took away the joy. In the midst of their conversation, Su Ming¡¯s phone rang. He pulled it out and saw an unfamiliar number on the screen. ¡°Hello, may I ask who¡¯s calling?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Good day, is this Mr. Su speaking?¡± A courteous male voice came through. ¡°Yes, this is he. May I know who I¡¯m speaking with?¡± Su Ming responded. ¡°Mr. Su, the situation is as follows: I am Miss Ann¡¯s agent. She has instructed me to reach out to you. She would like to invite you to lunch today to express her gratitude for your lifesaving actionsst night. Would that be convenient for you?¡± The caller exined. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 550 C550 ¨C An Invitation from Ann Chuxia Upon hearing the invitation, Su Ming paused briefly before checking the time. To his surprise, it was already noon. With no pressing matters at hand, he decided to ept the offer. ¡°Alright, where is it? I¡¯ll head over now.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve arranged it at the Dragon Lake Hotel, in a private room on the fourth floor. Once you¡¯re there, just tell the waiter you¡¯re a friend of Miss Ann, and they¡¯ll escort you up. Where are you currently? I can arrange transportation immediately¡­¡± ¡°No need for that, I¡¯ll drive myself.¡± ¡°Very well, Mr. Su. We¡¯ll see you shortly!¡± ¡°Sounds good!¡± After ending the call, Su Ming prepared to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll be stepping out for a bit, you can stay here on your own¡­¡± Initially, Su Ming intended to leave Xiaoqing at home, but then it urred to him that Xiaoqing appeared just like anyone else now; no one would be able to tell the difference. Perhaps it would be better to bring Xiaoqing along? The person he was meeting was a prominent celebrity with an agent. Maybe Xiaoqing could act as his agent for the day? Of course, Su Ming was merely entertaining the thought. He simply wanted to introduce Xiaoqing to more people. ¡°Xiaoqing, are you able to eat?¡± Su Ming inquired. ¡°Yes, Brother, Xiaoqing can consume food. It converts to my energy source,¡± Xiaoqing responded. ?¡±Great, thene with me.¡± Su Ming nodded, led Xiaoqing to the garage, selected a car, and they set off for the hotel. Eastsea City¡¯s outskirts boasted the expansive Dragon Lake, nestled among picturesque mountain ranges. ?Despite being on the city¡¯s fringe, the area buzzed with activityparable to the city center, thanks to its renown as a major tourist destination. ?Adjacent to Dragon Lake stood a vast hotel, modest in height with only five floors but sprawling in its footprint, housing numerous structures akin to arge campus. This was the Dragon Lake Hotel. As a pinnacle of five-star luxury, the Dragon Lake Hotel¡¯s amenities and services were unparalleled. Many celebrities and business magnates visiting Eastsea for performances or work would invariably choose to stay at this hotel. Owing to its location, the hotel bustled with tourists by day yet offered a serene retreat by night. The transient and diverse clientele ensured a degree of anonymity, making it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy. Ann Chuxia was busy setting up in a presidential suite on the fourth floor. ¡°Brother Liu, Mr. Su should be arriving soon. Please go down and personally wee him.¡± ¡°Also, I rode in his carst night. It¡¯s quite valuable, so he must be a wealthy and influential individual. Make sure to treat him with the proper respect.¡± ¡°Additionally, have the kitchen ready for both Western and Chinese cuisine. They should start cooking immediately after the order is ced.¡± As Ann Chuxia gave her instructions, she pondered whether she had forgotten anything. Once she finished, her manager, Liu Dashan, descended to the lobby to greet the guest. Alone in the presidential suite, Ann Chuxia¡¯s thoughts drifted to the previous night¡¯s events, which still left her shaken and had kept her from sleeping well. Having started her career as a child star, Ann Chuxia had never encountered a peer who spoke to her with the same casualness as Su Ming. He treated her like an ordinary friend,pletely disregarding her celebrity status. While this might bemonce for most, it was something Ann Chuxia had always longed for. ncing at the clock, she guessed that Su Ming would soon arrive, stirring a small sense of excitement within her. Meanwhile, Su Ming had already reached the hotel with Little Qing. ?Liu Dashan stood at the hotel entrance, scanning the crowd. He had never seen Su Ming before and only had Ann Chuxia¡¯s vague description to go by¡ªa young, somewhat handsome man, dressed simply and with an approachable demeanor. Truth be told, Ann Chuxia¡¯s description was incredibly vague. Any well-groomed young man on the street could fit the bill, dressed inly and exuding a friendly vibe. How on earth was he supposed to find him? Nevertheless, Liu Dashan couldn¡¯t afford to take this lightly; he had to handle the situation with care, as per Ann Chuxia¡¯s instructions. Just then, Liu Dashan¡¯s eyes brightened as he spotted a sports car speeding towards the hotel. ¡°Holy smokes! Is that a Hennessy Venom GT?!¡± He was astounded: ¡°Eastsea really is a ce of hidden talents. The Hennessy Venom GT is a globally limited edition, with each car costing over a hundred million. Many affluent celebrities can¡¯ty their hands on one, yet someone in Eastsea can actually afford it?¡± As Liu Dashan marveled, the car door swung open, and Su Ming, along with Little Qing, stepped out. Hmm? Liu Dashan¡¯s eyes brightened. The young man was strikingly handsome, dressed simply, exuding a casual and approachable vibe. Could this be the Su Ming that Ann Chuxia was eagerly awaiting? Without a moment¡¯s dy, Liu Dashan approached. Even if he was mistaken, a brief embarrassment could be quickly resolved with an apology. But if this man was indeed Su Ming, missing the opportunity would be unforgivable. ¡°Excuse me, sir, might you be Mr. Su?¡± Liu Dashan¡¯s demeanor had softened considerably, his tone shifting to one of great respect. After all, anyone who could afford a Hennessy Venom GT was no ordinary individual. He had to be someone with a significant background, perhaps the scion of a powerful family or a political heavyweight! ¡°Yes, I am. And you are?¡± Su Ming paused, looking puzzled. ¡°Good day, Mr. Su. I¡¯m the person who called you earlier, Miss Ann¡¯s agent, Liu Dashan.¡± Liu Dashan introduced himself with due reverence. Initially, Liu assumed Su Ming was just the offspring of some local Eastsea tycoon¡ªwealthy, sure, but no match for Ann Chuxia. Having encountered numerous celebrities, Liu hadn¡¯t initially given Su Ming much thought. But now, his previous assumptions had vanished. So what if he dressed inly? ?This was the epitome of understatement, a hallmark of the truly affluent and capable. ¡°Ah, Mr. Liu, it¡¯s quite a scorcher today. My apologies for making you wait,¡± Su Ming said, his smile warm. ?¡±Mr. Su, you jest. As Miss Ann¡¯s lifesaver, it¡¯s only right that I wait. Mr. Su, Miss Ann is upstairs awaiting your arrival. Please, this way.¡± Liu Dashan beamed as he led the way. ¡°Mr. Su, Miss Ann had intended to wee you herself, but as you understand, she has her own challenges. Being a public figure, her presence could easily stir up a frenzy.¡± ¡°No problem, I understand.¡± Su Ming was unfazed as he followed Liu Dashan into the hotel and took the elevator up to the fourth floor. Leading the way, Liu Dashan rounded a corner and they arrived at the end of the hallway. He then pushed open the door to reveal an extremely luxurious presidential suite before Su Ming. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 551 C551 ¨C Poisonous The door swung open, and there was Ann Chuxia, waiting inside. Gone was the morous sheen of the stage; she was simply dressed in a in white dress, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, her face adorned with a touch of light makeup. Yet, even with this understated look, Ann Chuxia¡¯s beauty was still striking, now apanied by a newfound approachability. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived,¡± she said, quickly rising to greet Su Ming. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡± Su Ming nodded, taking a seat at the dining table as Ann Chuxia settled beside him. ¡°Everything okay with you?¡± Su Ming asked, his tone warm. ?¡±Just a little scare, nothing major,¡± Ann Chuxia replied cheerfully. ¡°The doctor said a few days of rest should do the trick. And who might this be?¡± Her eyes shifted to Xiaoqing. ?¡±Oh, this is Xiaoqing, my cousin. She¡¯s a big fan of yours. When she heard you were treating me to a meal, she insisted oning along. She¡¯s a bit on the shy side, though, not much of a talker,¡± Su Ming exined with a chuckle. ?¡±Miss Ann, I¡­ I really admire you. Could I possibly get a photo with youter, maybe an autograph?¡± Xiaoqing, ying her part perfectly, spoke with a timid voice, her head bowed and her hands nervously fidgeting. ?¡±Of course, there¡¯s no need to be nervous. Just rx. Right now, I¡¯m not a star, just an ordinary person. Your brother is my lifesaver; we¡¯re simply friends,¡± Ann Chuxia reassured her with a warm smile. ??¡±Okay!¡± Su Ming thought to himself, impressed by Xiaoqing¡¯s convincing performance. Just then, Ann Chuxia¡¯s phone screen lit up. She nced at it, her expression subtly shifting. The image disyed was Su Ming¡¯s vehicle¡ªa Hennessy Venom GT valued at a fortune. The photo hade from her agent, and it left Ann Chuxia utterly astounded. She had pegged Su Ming as a well-to-do heir from a localpany, but she hadn¡¯t imagined this level of wealth. A Hennessy Venom GT was no ordinary sports car¡ªit was a symbol of opulence. Despite her own fame and earnings, she knew too well that a significant portion of her ie was imed by her agency. ?A portion of her ie was subject to taxes, so ultimately, the amount of money she pocketed wasn¡¯t substantial. Despite the morous appearance and high earnings of celebrities, their wealth is often more limited than it seems. Ann Chuxia had been in the industry for over a decade. As a child star, she didn¡¯t earn much. It was only in recent years, after gaining fame, that she began to make significant money, amounting to roughly one billion in total. To the average person, this was an astronomical sum. Yet, Ann Chuxia had invested this fortune, opening numerous hotels and several jewelry stores, thereby converting her earnings into assets. Currently, her bank ount held only a few tens of millions in cash. Extracting over a hundred million to purchase a Hennessy Venom GT was a daunting task. The most crucial factor was that this car wasn¡¯t simply avable to anyone with the funds. It was a limited edition, requiring not just money but also influence and connections. Ann Chuxia had initially wanted to express her gratitude to Su Ming, and his serene demeanor had put her at ease. However, she was now taken aback. ?Was Su Ming¡¯s indifference not just a trait of his character, but rather a sign that he was on a much higher level than she was? A subtle shock ran through Ann Chuxia, causing her initial intentions to quietly recede. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure about your preferences, so I had them prepare both Western and Chinese cuisine. Please take a look at the menu.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded and perused the menu. He casually selected two modestly priced home-style dishes, the kind that offered good value for money. ¡°Just these?¡± Ann Chuxia paused for a moment. ¡°What about your sister¡­?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, as long as there¡¯s enough to eat, let¡¯s not be wasteful.¡± Su Ming said with a smile. ¡°Okay then.¡± Ann Chuxia didn¡¯t press further and signaled for the waiter to leave. She then ordered a few additional dishes, and soon, a spread of six dishes and a soup adorned the table. It goes without saying that five-star hotels have their merits; the chefs in the kitchen certainly paid close attention to their craft, resulting in dishes that were a feast for the senses. ¡°Please, help yourself and don¡¯t be shy.¡± Ann Chuxia encouraged with a warm smile. Su Ming nodded, picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks, and ced it in Little Green¡¯s bowl. ¡°Thank you, brother.¡± Little Green smiled sweetly before putting the meat in her mouth and gently chewing. Then, she spat it out. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Su Ming and Ann Chuxia were both taken aback. Their reasons for surprise, however, differed. Ann Chuxia wondered if the dish was poorly prepared or simply not to Little Green¡¯s liking. Su Ming¡¯s shock, however, stemmed from a different cause. Little Green was an intelligent robot; even if she found the vor disagreeable, she certainly wouldn¡¯t spit it out, as that would be impolite. ¡°The dish is poisoned,¡± Little Green dered. ?¡±What?!¡± Su Ming and Ann Chuxia were horrified. Su Ming quickly asked, ¡°Little Green, you¡¯re not joking, are you? Is this serious?¡± ¡°Of course, brother. Little Green would never lie to you!¡± she replied with a sweet smile. ?Exchanging nces, Su Ming activated his scanner and examined the seemingly ordinary sweet and sour pork. It contained a significant amount ofxative. While not lethal, it would weaken the body, requiring at least a week to fully recover. Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed. Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert was just around the corner. If she had eaten this meat, the performance would inevitably be canceled or dyed. The repercussions would be significant. ¡°Is that true?¡± Ann Chuxia blinked, struggling to believe it. ?¡±If Little Green says it¡¯s true, then it likely is,¡± Su Ming said, his brow creased. ¡°I forgot to mention, Little Greenes from a long line of medical practitioners. She¡¯s been studying medicine from a young age and has a remarkable gift for it. If she says there¡¯s a problem, there¡¯s definitely a problem.¡± ?Ann Chuxia became visibly flustered. After all, she was the host of the meal, and now the dish was found to be poisoned. It was natural for suspicion to fall on her. ?¡±Su Ming, you have to believe me, I didn¡¯t do this,¡± she pleaded urgently. ¡°Why would you even think that? Of course, you didn¡¯t,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile. ¡°You have no reason or motive, and it seems this was all targeted at you.¡± ¡°Is this meant for me?¡± Ann Chuxia paused briefly, then it dawned on her. She had narrowly escaped being hit by a car the previous night, and now, someone had poisoned her food! But who could it be? And why would they do such a thing? She couldn¡¯t recall offending anyone, could she? It was a stroke of luck that she had asked Su Ming to join her for lunch today. If not for him, she certainly wouldn¡¯t have detected the poison. She would have been a goner for sure! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 552 C552 ¨C Young Master Zhou Is on Stage ?¡±Little Qing, what kind of poison is in this?¡± Su Ming turned to ask, feigning ignorance. He couldn¡¯t very well admit that he had spotted it with the naked eye¡ªthat would be too astonishing. Tasting it and figuring it out would be believable, but just seeing it would be nothing short of miraculous. Some people have noses that can easily detect thousands of chemicalpounds, and ptes that can discern the vintage and alcohol concentration of a wine. This is because the body¡¯s neural responses provide analysis far more reliable than what the eye can see. ?¡±If I¡¯m not mistaken, it¡¯s axative,¡± Little Qing exined. ¡°The dose is substantial. It won¡¯t be lethal after ingestion, but it will lead to severe diarrhea over the next two days, causing serious dehydration. A full recovery would take at least a week.¡± Ann Chuxia was taken aback. Her concert was just around the corner. If she were truly poisoned, she wouldn¡¯t recover for a week, and the concert would have to be postponed. ?The real issue was the venue for her concert¡ªthe stadium. The stadium¡¯s schedule was packed, with various events and concerts lined up every day. Given that Eastsea is a major city with a high standard of living and residents with disposable ie, attending football matches or concerts wasmonce. ?If her concert were postponed, securing another date at the venue would be challenging. Yet, she had to perform in Eastsea, or she¡¯d face hefty fines for contract breaches. Such a scenario could harm both her and thepany¡¯s interests, potentially leading to her being sidelined by thepany. No matter how talented or famous you are, being shelved means you¡¯re essentially worthless. ?Who could be so malicious? ¡°Do you remember what I mentioned to you yesterday?¡± Su Ming prompted, noticing Ann Chuxia¡¯s troubled look. ¡°About the people close to me?¡± Although Ann Chuxia was reluctant to believe it, she had to face the possibility now. ¡°How many people apanied you to Eastsea this time?¡± Su Ming inquired, setting down his chopsticks. ?¡±Three in total. One is my agent, Liu Dashan, who thepany assigned to me. He¡¯s an experienced agent who has worked with three other artists before me,¡± she replied. ¡°The other two are my assistants, also arranged by thepany. They usually help me with tasks like changing clothes or fetching water.¡± Ann Chuxia pondered the situation carefully. She was known for being down-to-earth and led a modest life, avoiding any unnecessary extravagance. The three individuals in question had been imposed upon her by herpany. Had it been up to her, Ann Chuxia would have preferred to operate solo. ¡°But they¡¯ve been with me for so long. It couldn¡¯t be them, could it?¡± Ann Chuxia found the idea hard to believe. ?Liu Dashan was significantly older than her, a married man with two children. He always treated her with respect and maintained a cautious demeanor, keeping a clear professional boundary. The two assistants had been fresh out of college when they started working with her. They came from clean backgrounds and shared a good rapport with her. She racked her brain but couldn¡¯t pinpoint the culprit. ¡°The only ones who knew your whereaboutsst night were them, and you nearly had an ident. Plus, someone managed to slip axative into your food here. It¡¯s most convenient for someone close to you to have done it,¡± Su Ming exined calmly. ?Hearing this, Ann Chuxia opened her mouth to defend her team but found herself at a loss for words. Just then, the sound of footsteps approached the door, followed by a gentle knock. Startled, Ann Chuxia¡¯s nerves were already on edge, considering the near-miss with the car the previous night and the recent discovery of the tainted food. ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked, steadying her voice after taking a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s me, Miss Ann,¡± came the voice of Liu Dashan from outside. ?¡±Come in,¡± Ann Chuxia responded, her lips tensing slightly, her emotions tangled. ?Under normal circumstances, she wouldn¡¯t have thought twice about it. But now, she felt besieged on all sides. Could Liu Dashan be checking to see if she had eaten anything? No, that seemed far-fetched. He often sought her out during meals, which was typical given her status as a top-tier celebrity with a busy schedule. Shaking off the paranoia, Ann Chuxia tried to clear her mind. ?Liu Dashan entered with aposed look on his face and quickly approached her. ¡°Miss Ann, someone is here to see you,¡± he announced. ¡°Who is it?¡± Ann Chuxia paused, ¡°Someone from the organizing team? Didn¡¯t we meet already?¡± ¡°No.¡± Liu Dashan looked troubled, hesitating before he sighed, ¡°It¡¯s Zhou Guozhi.¡± ¡°Him?!¡± Hearing that name, Ann Chuxia¡¯s expression fell, tinged with a hint of revulsion. ¡°Why has hee back?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Liu Dashan was at a loss. ¡°Miss Ann, you know as well as I do that Zhou Guozhi is the chairman¡¯s son. Isn¡¯t it expected for him to know where you are?¡± ?She sighed deeply. Zhou Guozhi, the pampered only son of the chairman, was tied to the managementpany Ann Chuxia had signed with. Since her contract began, Zhou Guozhi had been a constant bother. ?Out of respect for the chairman, Ann Chuxia had kept her cool, not wanting to sh with the boss¡¯s son. She had hoped that her concert tour would give her a break from him, but to her dismay, he had tracked her down. So irritating! ¡°Should we see him or not?¡± Liu Dashan was in a bind. Having worked with Ann Chuxia for a long time, he knew her to be a sincere and kind-hearted young woman. Despite her beauty, Liu Dashan harbored no ill intentions, treating her more like a daughter. He was well aware that Zhou Guozhi was bad news. But as the chairman¡¯s son, his status alone was intimidating. What could you say against that? You couldn¡¯t say anything. ?¡±Let him in,¡± Ann Chuxia finally relented, biting her lip. She couldn¡¯t just refuse. ?While thepany wouldn¡¯t trouble her too soon, as she was a valuable asset, it wouldplicate things for Liu Dashan. Thepany could pressure him, potentially finding reasons to cut his pay. And Liu Dashan had his own family to support. ?¡±Alright then,¡± Liu Dashan said with a resigned shake of his head as he turned and made his way to the door. ?¡±I¡¯m so irritated, so irritated!¡± Ann Chuxia muttered under her breath, clenching her teeth. She grabbed the bottle of water from the table and downed it in one swift motion. It was her own bottle¡ªshe always made sure to bring clean mineral water with her. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 553 C553 ¨C Fear of Daddy ¡°Oh, Chuxia, I¡¯ve missed you terribly these past few days.¡± Momentster, a grating voice pierced the air. A figure then made his entrance. Su Ming was taken aback. What in the world was this creature? Good grief! It was the epitome of abstract art! This guy was short, yet remarkably round. He resembled a potato. A potato with limbs sprouting out and topped with a head. ?While it¡¯smon for people to carry a little extra weight, when someone like Zhou Guozhi takes it to an extreme, usually their limbs and head balloon along with their body. But not Zhou Guozhi. Why blend in when you can stand out? He was determined to be different! His torso was disproportionatelyrge, yet his limbs and head were almost normal-sized, devoid of excess fat. My goodness! He could give someone a fright just walking down the street. He was practically a potatoe to life! And that was the least of it; his facial features were haphazardly ced. ?They were barely situated where they should be, and they were hideously arranged. My word, this guy. He was beyond the reach of any adjective known for ugliness. ¡°Who are you?¡± Zhou Guozhi had just walked in and immediately fixed his gaze on Su Ming sitting next to Ann Chuxia, his eyes bulging with surprise. A surge of anger welled up inside him! A strange man sitting beside Ann Chuxia?! Though it pained him to admit it, he couldn¡¯t deny that the guy was incredibly handsome! Zhou Guozhi¡¯s jealousy red. He red with furrowed brows, his face a picture of suspicion as he interrogated. ¡°I am¡­¡± Su Ming was about to introduce himself. Zhou Guozhi¡¯s eyes sparkled. His suspicious demeanor vanished, reced by a beaming, youthful grin. He sidled up to Xiaoqing, oozing insincerity, ¡°Oh, miss, what¡¯s your name? You¡¯re so beautiful. I really want to¡­ahem, I mean, I¡¯d love to be friends with you, and maybe¡­ah, no, I just want to have a chat.¡± ?Su Ming blinked, his forehead creasing with several lines of bewilderment. He exchanged a nce with Ann Chuxia, who could only shake her head in resignation and spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness. That was it. Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Where did this character spring from? Is it now the case that the lower the IQ, the easier it is to be a wealthy heir? He blurted out the truth in just two sentences! Little Qing was also taken aback. Even with its advanced artificial intelligence, Little Qing had never encountered such a lowlife before. ¡°I¡¯m your father.¡± Little Qing blinked and uttered five words. ¡°Sploosh!¡± Su Ming, mid-sip, sprayed out his water. Don¡¯t get the wrong idea; I didn¡¯t teach it that. I had absolutely nothing to do with this, it was all Little Qing¡¯s own doing. Though the statement was rather earth-shattering. To be frank. I have to give you a big thumbs up. Well said! Beautifully put! ¡°I¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi nearly suffocated. He was frozen in ce. This, this, this¡­ What in the world is happening? Can someone tell me how I¡¯m supposed to respond? I¡¯ve encountered plenty of beauties, and some have given me the cold shoulder, like Ann Chuxia. But this is the first time I¡¯vee across a response like this! ?This is truly a novelty. I, I, I¡­ I love it!!! It¡¯s exactly my type! The feeling is exhrating! ¡°Bravo! Well said, I love it, I really do.¡± Zhou Guozhi¡¯s face lit up with delight, having encountered something refreshingly different. A novel vor indeed. Su Ming and Ann Chuxia were dumbfounded, exchanging nces. What was with this guy? Delighted to be insulted? What¡¯s the deal? Does he have a daddyplex? Does he need to acknowledge a whole fleet of fathers to feel secure? Surely not, Young Master Zhou, you¡¯re the son of a renowned entertainmentpany¡¯s owner; your tastes can¡¯t be that extreme¡­ Zhou Guozhi, now thoroughly entertained, plopped down next to Little Qing, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Ann Chuxia was taken aback. That was a swift change. Just a moment ago, you were flirting with me, and now you¡¯ve switched targets? It wasn¡¯t that Ann Chuxia felt a sense of loss. It wasn¡¯t that she felt empty because Zhou Guozhi wasn¡¯t pursuing her; rather, she felt somewhat guilty toward Su Ming. He hade to dine, and now, because of her, he was embroiled in this mess. ¡°Su Ming¡­¡± Ann Chuxia was about to say something when Su Ming gave her a smile and a dismissive shake of his head. The idea was ludicrous, especially considering Zhou Guozhi. Even if the world¡¯s most handsome man stood before Little Qing, she wouldn¡¯t bat an eyelid! You¡¯re thinking of romancing an intelligent robot that¡¯s already imprinted on its owner? You must be joking! ¡°Littledy, what¡¯s your name? Where are you working these days? What are your interests?¡± Zhou Guozhi¡¯s grin was tinged with sleaziness and repulsion. ?Little Qing paused, blinking before ncing at Su Ming. Amused, Su Ming thought to himself, ¡°Yuvyuv, can you talk to Little Qing?¡± ¡°Of course, Master. However, you can alsomunicate directly with Little Qing in your mind,¡± Yuvyuv responded sweetly. ¡°Yes, Brother,¡± came Little Qing¡¯s voice in his mind. Huh? Su Ming was taken aback. ?Little Qing could interact with him telepathically, yet the tones of the two AIs were noticeably different. Yuvyuv had always seemed so docile, but now her voice was softer than ever. Meanwhile, Little Qing sounded somewhat boastful and pretentious. ?Could it be that artificial intelligence could also vie for favor and get jealous? Was it possible that his future entourage would include not just a bevy of beauties but also a handful of robots? Wow, what a thrill! ?Chuckling to himself, Su Ming mentally asked, ¡°What can you ask him about?¡± ?¡±Right away, Brother!¡± Little Qing responded in his mind, then faced Zhou Guozhi with a neutral expression. ¡°What do you know how to do?¡± ?¡±Ah!¡± Zhou Guozhi nearly burst withughter. What did this imply? It suggested the beauty was intrigued by him. If he could just demonstrate his best skill, he might just capture her heart, and tonight¡­ [Blissful! Blissful!] [My charm is truly irresistible!] Zhou Guozhi smirked, thenposed himself, shaking his head and lightly stroking his temples with a smug smile. ¡°I¡¯m a magician!¡± ?¡±Magic?¡± Little Qing blinked. ¡°You see, our Young Master Zhou has been studying magic since childhood. He¡¯s a prot¨¦g¨¦ of Yun Zhong Hai, the magic maestro of the imperial court. You¡¯ve heard of Yun Zhong Hai, haven¡¯t you?¡± One of Zhou Guozhi¡¯s henchmen quickly spoke up from behind him. Having been Zhou Guozhi¡¯s right-hand man for so long, he was well aware that Young Master Zhou was in need of a boost. ¡°Cloud Sea?¡± Su Ming felt a twinge of surprise himself. This was a renowned magician, a name thatmanded respect on the international stage! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 554 C554 ¨C Where Did the Things Go? Magicians have traditionally hailed from abroad. Yet Yun Zhonghai was the imperial court¡¯s first master to gain international acim, stunning audiences at an international magicpetition. He even made a helicopter disappear right before everyone¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oh? I had no idea you were into magic. It¡¯s my absolute favorite to watch.¡± Little Qing¡¯s eyes sparkled with feigned interest. Zhou Guozhi was so thrilled he was nearly beside himself with joy. Aiyaya! Tsk, tsk, tsk! Who says you can have too many tricks up your sleeve? Especially a talent like magic, which never fails to capture the hearts of youngdies! Haha! My moment of triumph is at hand. ¡°Since the youngdy enjoys it, I¡¯ll perform a trick just for you.¡± Zhou Guozhi struck a pose, straightened his clothes, and cleared his throat, ¡°Go, fetch my things.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± A butler-like figure hurried off and quickly returned with a small box that surely contained magic props. Zhou Guozhi must have been quite the charmer, always ready with his tricks even when away from home, likely having dazzled many a youngdy before. Zhou Guozhi opened the box and pulled out a small ck pouch. ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by its appearance, little sister. This pouch is rather renowned.¡± ¡°It¡¯s akin to a treasure of the immortals called the Hundred Treasure Bag.¡± ¡°From it, I can produce a multitude of wonderful items.¡± As Zhou Guozhi boasted, he reached into the pouch and, with a flourish, produced a rose. ¡°Wow! That¡¯s amazing!¡± Little Qing¡¯s eyes lit up in amazement. Zhou Guozhi was on cloud nine, thinking to himself, I¡¯m just too cool! Indeed, a man with a skill can instantly skyrocket in charisma. Look at that, this youngdy is utterly captivated by me. I¡¯m incredible! Bolstered by Little Qing¡¯s praise, Zhou Guozhi grew even more enthusiastic. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not just for taking things out; I can also make things disappear.¡± Zhou Guozhi said with a casual smile. ¡°Really? I¡¯m skeptical. Is there a hole in the bottom of your bag?¡± Little Qing blinked curiously. ¡°Absolutely not. Check it for yourself if you¡¯re doubtful.¡± Zhou Guozhi handed over the pouch with a smile, and Little Qing inspected it inside and out, only to confirm that the pouch was indeed intact. ¡°Of course, to make something disappear, you definitely need a prop.¡± While Zhou Guozhi spoke, he turned his attention to Su Ming. Narrowing his eyes, he noticed Su Ming was wearing a watch on each wrist. On the right was a children¡¯s watch equipped with Yuvyuv intelligence. On the left, a Vacheron Constantin timepiece. ¡°Could I borrow your watch for a second, my friend?¡± Zhou Guozhi asked with a grin. ¡°Certainly,¡± Su Ming replied with a serene smile, thinking to himself, Just wait, soon you¡¯ll be the one crying. With a smile, Su Ming removed his watch and ced it before Zhou Guozhi. ?¡±Little miss, watch as I put the watch into my pocket,¡± Zhou Guozhi said, tossing the watch into his pocket and giving it a slight shake. ?¡±Oops, seems we¡¯ve hit a snag today. I¡¯m missing ady¡¯s breath on it. Would you mind helping out, little sister?¡± he asked with a sleazy smile. ??¡±Fine,¡± Su Ming said, having already instructed Little Green in her mind. Little Green nodded and blew a breath. ?¡±123!¡± Zhou Guozhi counted aloud, then gave his pocket a shake, and it instantly deted, the watch vanishing into thin air! ?¡±Where¡¯s my watch?¡± Su Ming feigned great concern. ¡°That watch cost me a pretty penny; you better not have lost or damaged it.¡± ?¡±Rx, if it¡¯s broken, I¡¯ll pay for it,¡± Zhou Guozhi assured him with a casual smile. ¡°But it¡¯s just a high-quality replica of a Vacheron Constantin, worth maybe a couple thousand. I can cover that.¡± ¡°Are you certain?¡± Su Ming asked, still calm. ?Zhou Guozhi, unfazed, replied, ¡°Absolutely. It¡¯s just a few thousand yuan. To me, that¡¯s nothing. Even if it were genuine, I could easily afford it.¡± Zhou Guozhi spoke with towering arrogance, not missing the chance to unt his wealth in front of Little Qing. He then opened the bag and revealed the trick. ¡°Wow! That¡¯s incredible! How did you make it vanish?¡± Little Qing pped her hands, full of wonder. ?¡±It¡¯s magic, merely sleight of hand. I¡¯ve been practicing diligently since childhood, so naturally, I¡¯ve be quite skilled. Impressive, right?¡± Zhou Guozhi started to strut his stuff. ¡°What about my watch?¡± Su Ming inquired from the side. ?Zhou Guozhi, hearing this, was visibly irritated. Doesn¡¯t he understand the situation? I¡¯m in the middle of showing off, basking in the adoration of this youngdy, and he chooses now to interrupt? With a look of displeasure, Zhou Guozhi shot Su Ming an annoyed nce and said with impatience, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll change it back for you now. You¡¯re such a miser, fussing over a lousy watch so much.¡± His expression then shifted dramatically. The look of annoyance vanished, reced by a sleazy grin. ¡°Little girl, I¡¯m about to bring the watch back.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t blink, little girl.¡± ¡°The moment of wonder is upon us!¡± With those words, Zhou Guozhi flicked his wrist. ¡°Haha! How about that? The watch is back, isn¡¯t it?¡± After the flick, Zhou Guozhi erupted into heartyughter. ¡°Young Master Zhou is truly impressive!¡± ¡°Young Master Zhou is incredible, Young Master Zhou is formidable!¡± ¡°I¡¯m always in awe of Young Master Zhou¡¯s magic. It¡¯s simply miraculous. Young Master Zhou, you couldn¡¯t possibly be a real magician, could you? Are you Harry Potter or something?¡± The crowd around him was effusive in their praise. Zhou Guozhi was naturally basking in glory,ughing heartily. Wait a minute. ?Something wasn¡¯t right. ?Suddenly, Zhou Guozhi sensed an anomaly. Why does this pocket feel so light? He looked down. The pocket was empty. Nothing was inside! What?! Zhou Guozhi was baffled and began to search frantically. What was happening? What was the situation? How could his magic trick have failed?! Magic is all about sleight of hand. Just before, he had flicked his pocket to send the watch upwards, swiftly grabbing it and concealing it at his wrist. It was a ssic misdirection. Then, with a pronounced flick of his wrist, he was supposed to send the watch back into his pocket. It was all supposed to flow seamlessly, appearing utterly magical. He had felt the watch at his wrist moments ago. How could it have vanished with a flick? Damn it! What on earth was going on? I¡¯ve performed this trick countless times without a hitch. How could it fail now, especially in front of such a pure and stunning beauty? In a sudden panic, Zhou Guozhi quickly stood and began to search the area frantically. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 555 C555 ¨C Zhou Guozhi Expressed His Agreement Theckeys surrounding Young Master Zhou sensed that something was amiss and were visibly confused. What exactly was happening? Ann Chuxia was equally perplexed. Where had her watch gone? ¡°Where¡¯s the watch?¡± Xiaoqing feigned confusion, extending her hand to retrieve the cloth bag. Upon opening it, she discovered it waspletely empty. ¡°This, this, this¡­¡± Sweat began to bead on Zhou Guozhi¡¯s forehead. He had been showing off, but now he was metaphorically pped in the face, and it stung. What in the world was going on? He wasn¡¯t concerned about the few thousand yuan, but the embarrassment was unbearable! ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding, Young Master Zhou, where did my watch go?¡± ¡°I spent a pretty penny on that watch.¡± Su Ming sipped his water, a slight smile ying on his lips. ¡°Humph!¡± Annoyed, Zhou Guozhi let out a cold snort in response to Su Ming¡¯sment. ¡°Enough talk. You think I care about your cheap watch? I¡¯ll reimburse you to thest cent!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Su Ming blinked innocently. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m loaded. I¡¯m not worried about that small amount of money!¡± Zhou Guozhi retorted with a sneer. ¡°What¡¯s the rush over a knockoff watch? Young Master Zhou has money to burn; he¡¯ll cover your loss, no question.¡± ¡°Seriously, you have the audacity to unt a watch that¡¯s barely worth a grand or two?¡± ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d have found a hole to crawl into by now.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not entirely his fault, you know. Some folks get so used to fakes they start to believe they¡¯re the real deal.¡± Theckeys around them sneered at Su Ming with a mix of scorn and amusement. ¡°Fine.¡± Su Ming nodded. ¡°If you¡¯re willing topensate me, then I¡¯m at ease. Let¡¯s settle it at the original price.¡± With that, Su Ming pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, revealing it to be an invoice to the shock of the onlookers. ¡°Hahaha! Look at this guy, so broke he carries an invoice around. What, are you scared people won¡¯t realize it¡¯s a fake?¡± ¡°Wait, this shows he¡¯s probably hoping the watch would break so he could im the full retail price!¡± ¡°Carrying an invoice around? That¡¯s just Top Grade!¡± Theckeys continued their loud jeers. ¡°Take a good look before you run your mouth.¡± Su Ming offered a faint smile. Upon hearing this, Zhou Guozhi let out a coldugh. ¡°How much could it possibly be? It¡¯s just¡­ Holy smokes! 2.83 million?!!!¡± Zhou Guozhi leapt to his feet, rubbing his eyes vigorously. He scrutinized the invoice and, sure enough, the figure was correct¡ªit was indeed 2.83 million! ¡°How can this be? How can this be?!¡± Zhou Guozhi was in a state of panic. This sum was no trifling amount. ¡°Young Master Zhou, take a good look. This watch is from Vacheron Constantin, an anniversary limited edition. Here¡¯s the number on the invoice, guaranteed authentic,¡± Su Ming said with a slow smile. ?¡±This, this, this¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi was stunned. ¡°This can¡¯t be, this absolutely can¡¯t be. The invoice must be fake, it¡¯s definitely a counterfeit!¡± ¡°Young Master Zhou, the anniversary edition is one-of-a-kind. Once it¡¯s sold, the buyer¡¯s information is registered. You can check the official website to see if I¡¯m really the one who made the purchase,¡± Su Ming exined, still smiling, as he sat back in his chair. Zhou Guozhi was utterly panicked now. He frantically pulled out his smartphone and, to his astonishment, the buyer listed was indeed Su Ming! ?Over two million¡ªthis was no small figure! Then, Zhou Guozhi¡¯s eyes widened in horror as he pointed at Su Ming. ¡°The car keys you¡¯re holding¡­ could they be for a Hennessy Venom GT?!¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m impressed, Young Master Zhou. You certainly know your stuff,¡± Su Ming said, his smile unwavering. ?¡±I¡­ I can¡¯t believe this¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi felt like he was about to explode in frustration. ?He was wealthy, and his father was even wealthier, running an entertainmentpany with several top-tier celebrities and a host of second-tier ones under contract. They appeared to be doing exceptionally well, but the total value of theirpany barely exceeded 10 billion, mostly tied up in fixed assets and stocks. ?Even his father couldn¡¯t just pull out over a billion to purchase a limited edition Hennessy Venom GT! What was most telling was that the higher one¡¯s status, the more they understood the significance of owning such a car. Who could afford such a vehicle, and what kind of background did they have? At that moment, Zhou Guozhi lost all interest in chasing women, feeling nothing but a cold shiver running down his spine. While in the capital, Zhou Guozhi was well aware of the abundance of talented individuals around him. He kept a low profile, careful not to boast or cross anyone. He had assumed that in a city like Eastsea, he could strut around with impunity. However, his attempt to impress was quickly met with a humiliating setback, and to top it off, he encountered an incredibly formidable person. ?¡±This, this, this¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. ¡°Rx, Young Master Zhou. Just give me back my watch,¡± Su Ming said, his smile spreading slowly. Zhou Guozhi gulped, his face slick with nervous sweat. True, his family was wealthy, but they didn¡¯t have much liquid cash¡ªhis father had only about ten million at his disposal. ¡°We¡¯ll find it! We have to find it!¡± Zhou Guozhi frantically searched everywhere. ?Noticing his subordinates frozen in ce, his anger red. ¡°What the hell are you waiting for? Get moving and find it!¡± he bellowed. His men, now in a frenzy, scurried about, shining shlights under distant cabs and scouring every nook and cranny. Zhou Guozhi was so desperate, he even stripped down to his underwear, turning his clothes inside out in a wild search, all for naught. ?¡±The Young Master¡­ we didn¡¯t find it,¡± his subordinates reported back, their voices shaky and their eyes darting nervously. ?Zhou Guozhi¡¯s head spun, and he nearly copsed, hisplexion turning deathly pale. Nearly three million yuan was at stake¡ªnot an insignificant sum. His father would be furious, possibly to the point of violence. ¡°Young Master Zhou, since the watch is gone, you¡¯ll have topensate. Here¡¯s the invoice; I haven¡¯t deceived you,¡± Su Ming said, taking a leisurely sip of water, the picture of serenity. ?¡±I, I, I¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi¡¯s trembling continued, and he found himself speechless. Desperate for assistance, he turned pleading eyes toward Ann Chuxia and Xiaoqing, hoping for their advocacy. But Ann Chuxia was meditating, paying no heed to Xiaoqing, and offering no help to him. ?In that instant, Zhou Guozhi was in a state of sheer panic. Sweat drenched his forehead. What to do? What could he possibly do? He had attempted to impress others, only to end up losing a watch in the process. It was utterly baffling. What in the world was happening? Was it possible that the watch had sprouted wings and taken flight? The fact remained that the watch was genuinely missing! I¡¯ve pulled off magic tricks to show off countless times, but this time I¡¯ve hit a wall so hard my head¡¯s nearly split open! Who can exin what the heck is going on here?! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 556 C556 ¨C Are You Going to Build a Building? ¡°Rx, Young Master Zhou, there¡¯s no need to be so tense.¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile. ¡°If it¡¯s lost, it¡¯s lost. It wasn¡¯t worth much, and I¡¯m not concerned about it. You haven¡¯t had dinner yet, have you? Come on, let¡¯s eat together.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Zhou Guozhi was momentarily taken aback. Just like that? It was worth millions, and he was supposed to just shrug it off? Su Ming dismissed the idea that a few million meant anything. Besides, the watch wasn¡¯t even lost. And even if it were, what would it matter? He had spent a billion on a lottery the day before! Noticing Zhou Guozhi frozen in ce, Su Ming¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Young Master Zhou? Don¡¯t feel like it? Then you¡¯ll still owe¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± Zhou Guozhi, as if suddenly energized, shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll do it, I¡¯ll eat!¡± With that, he dashed to the dining table, grabbed his bowl, and began devouring the food voraciously. He ate as if a storm was clearing the remnants of a feast! Su Ming and Ann Chuxia observed in silence, their chopsticks untouched. ?They both knew something was off with the meal. But Zhou Guozhi was blissfully unaware. Desperate not to upset Su Ming, Zhou Guozhi kept eating. ¡°Burp!¡± Eventually, Zhou Guozhi was so stuffed that he was rolling his eyes and burping uncontrobly. ¡°I¡­ I just can¡¯t eat any more¡­¡± His stomach was distended to the point of roundness. ¡°If you can¡¯t finish, that¡¯s alright. By the way, your men haven¡¯t eaten yet, have they? Let¡¯s not waste food; they should finish it.¡± Su Ming¡¯s smile was easy and slow. ¡°Quick, you guys,e here! Finish all of this for me!¡± ¡°Yes, yes, yes!¡± The flunkies didn¡¯t dare dy. They charged in and devoured the remaining food like ravenous dogs. ?Ann Chuxia had only prepared enough for three, but Zhou Guozhi had brought several people. Finishing the meal was no problem for them. ¡°See, I¡¯ve finished everything, I¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi began, beaming at Su Ming, but mid-sentence, his body seized up, his eyes bulged, and he doubled over, sticking out his rear. He was bent over like a shrimp! ¡°Ouch!¡± Zhou Guozhi clutched his stomach, pain twisting his features into a grimace of agony. ¡°Ah, it hurts so much!¡± ¡°Excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom!¡± A tumultuous rumbling echoed from Zhou Guozhi¡¯s belly as a searing wave surged toward a particr area. ¡°Ouch! My stomach!¡± ¡°Damn, that¡¯s painful!¡± ¡°Yikes! It¡¯s about to happen!¡± His face contorted in a snarl of difort. His henchmen started to feel the effects too. ¡°I can¡¯t hold it, I need the bathroom!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t anyone darepete with me for the toilet¡ªit¡¯s mine!¡± ¡°The hell with it! I¡¯m the boss here!¡± They all scrambled toward the exit in a frenzy. ¡°Have you lost your minds? I¡¯m your Young Master Zhou, and you dare to challenge me? Stay put!¡± Zhou Guozhi spun around, ring at them. ¡°Screw this! I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re the young master or not. You could be my own father, and it wouldn¡¯t make a difference!¡± ¡°Exactly! Move aside!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure the bathroom is just over there!¡± These underlings had eaten less, so their difort was more manageable. But Zhou Guozhi had indulged too much. ?His condition was particrly severe. As they jostled him, his resistance weakened¡­ Let¡¯s spare the details; it¡¯s too revolting. Ann Chuxia quickly covered her eyes and nose. Su Ming shook his head in dismay. They both promptly stood up and retreated to the adjacent bedroom. Xiaoqing trailed behind them. Outside, a cacophony of crashes and bangs erupted. It sounded like a thunderstorm. Ah! Then the rhythm shifted, resembling the beat of a drum. That was the Li Faction¡¯s drumming! Now it was the Zhang Faction¡¯s turn! Hey, hey, hey! The rhythm changed once more! It turned into a lively Yangge dance! To put it simply. Eventually, the firefighters arrived, all donning gas masks. It took a good three to four hours before the entrance was cleared, and only then did Ann Chuxia and Su Ming emerge. They looked over at Zhou Guozhi. His once plump figure had slimmed down significantly. His cheeks were hollowed out, giving his face a sunken appearance. Sitting on the ground, his eyes were devoid of any spark. To the uninformed observer, he might have appearedpletely drained. Upon seeing Su Ming, Zhou Guozhi was nearly in tears. ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m a mess. You can¡¯t possibly still want money from me, can you?¡± ?¡±No, of course not,¡± Su Ming chuckled. ¡°You just take it easy, Young Master Zhou. We¡¯ll head out now.¡± As Su Ming turned to leave, he suddenly remembered something and returned to ce a magic box and a pouch beside Zhou Guozhi. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, this is your magic prop, Young Master Zhou. It wouldn¡¯t do to lose it.¡± While speaking, Su Ming handed the pouch to Zhou Guozhi. Zhou Guozhi epted it listlessly, but as he did, confusion washed over him. What in the world? What¡¯s happening here? ?There¡¯s¡­ there¡¯s something inside! In a rush, Zhou Guozhi opened the pouch to find his watch lying there, silent and still. What the heck?! Zhou Guozhi felt like he was about to explode in frustration! The watch wasn¡¯t lost after all; it had been in the pouch the whole time! But that couldn¡¯t be right; he had checked thoroughly just moments ago, and it definitely wasn¡¯t there! What on earth was happening? Trembling, Zhou Guozhi pulled out the watch and, with a voice close to tears, said to Su Ming, ¡°My watch¡­ it wasn¡¯t lost.¡± He was the picture of misery. ¡°Oh my! It wasn¡¯t lost after all!¡± Su Ming eximed, feigning surprise. ?He took the watch and strapped it onto his wrist. Then, as he was about to ce the pouch into the box, Su Ming looked astonished. ¡°Young Master Zhou, this pouch of yours seems to hold quite a bit.¡± Zhou Guozhi was dumbfounded. Hold quite a bit? But he hadn¡¯t put anything else in it! He had just confirmed that there was only the watch inside, nothing more. He had even turned the pouch inside out to check! ¡°Young Master Zhou, no jokes here. There really are quite a few things in here. Take a look for yourself,¡± Su Ming insisted. With that, he reached into the pouch and slowly pulled out an item. Zhou Guozhi was skeptical at first, but as he took a closer look, his eyes bulged in astonishment! Su Ming suddenly pulled out a brick from inside the bag! ¡°A brick?!¡± Zhou Guozhi¡¯s brain nearly short-circuited. Sure, the bag could fit a brick, but it was hardlyrger than one. Just one bag, and inside, a brick. Frankly, it was so obvious, a blind person could tell! ¡°Huh? There¡¯s more?¡± Su Ming paused, set the brick down, and produced yet another. ¡°Oh my! More?!¡± The scene was abruptly cut. Su Ming continued to pull out an entire pile of bricks. He effectively encircled Zhou Guozhi with them. Zhou Guozhi waspletely dumbfounded. This guy was a freaking master magician! How on earth did he do it?! Usually, things that appear out of nowhere are hidden in props or on a person. But these bricks could nearly construct a building. Where could they be hidden? How? The prop bag was only sorge; it couldn¡¯t possibly hold that many bricks. This wasn¡¯t some fantasy novel¡¯s spatial bag! Was he seeing things? Was he still asleep and dreaming? Zhou Guozhi was plunged into a profound state of self-doubt. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 557 C557 ¨C Go to Your ce ¡°This¡­ this¡­ this¡­¡± Zhou Guozhi waspletely frozen in ce. ¡°Little brother, now that¡¯s what I call magic.¡± Su Ming¡¯s smile was warm as he leisurely stood up. Zhou Guozhi¡¯s hand shook as he reached out and picked up a brick. It was solid and heavy. If it struck him, it would surely crack his skull. With so many bricks, where could Su Ming possibly have hidden them? How did he produce them? On television, magicians made nes, cannons, rockets, and tanks disappear. But that was all done with editing tricks. The onlookers were actors, too. Yet, this was unfolding right before his very eyes. What in the world was happening? Before Zhou Guozhi could gather his thoughts, Su Ming and his group had already left. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I had nned to take you out for a meal today, but I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡± Ann Chuxia stood awkwardly at the door, wringing her hands, clearly embarrassed. ¡°You should be more cautious than I am. Even though I don¡¯t know who is behind the poisoning, they certainly won¡¯t stop there.¡± Su Ming offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Sigh¡­¡± Hearing this, Ann Chuxia exhaled a deep sigh. ¡°There¡¯s no helping it. The entertainment industry is treacherous, and I don¡¯t have anywhere else to stay right now.¡± Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully. Initially, he hadn¡¯t been too concerned, but the previous night, while browsing his social media, he saw Su Qiu and another girl excitedly sharing photos from Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert. It was then he realized the girls were devoted fans of Ann Chuxia. They hadn¡¯t managed to get concert tickets, but just being in the same city as their idol was enough to thrill them. ¡°Mr. Su, may I stay at your ce?¡± Ann Chuxia suddenly blurted out, biting her lip and blushing, a moment of hesitation in her voice. ¡°Ah? That wouldn¡¯t be appropriate¡­¡± Su Ming was taken aback. This was quite unexpected. A celebrity wanted to stay at his ce? Liu Dashan, upon hearing this, also appeared hesitant and troubled. But after giving it some thought, he found Ann Chuxia¡¯s request quite reasonable: ¡°Mr. Su, as you¡¯ve seen, someone tried to run Miss Ann over with a car yesterday, and today she was poisoned. Who knows what might happen next? It¡¯s too dangerous here. We haven¡¯t known you for long, Mr. Su, but we can tell you¡¯re a decent man. Please, could you do us this favor?¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Su Ming nodded in response. ¡°Just so you know, my ce is pretty modest. I hope you won¡¯t mind, Miss Ann.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, really.¡± Ann Chuxia nodded politely, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. She couldn¡¯t understand why she had impulsively suggested staying at Su Ming¡¯s ce. Sure, her current amodation wasn¡¯t safe, but she could have switched hotels. There were plenty of alternatives, so why did she choose this one? The more Ann Chuxia dwelled on it, the more embarrassed she felt. She bowed her head, fidgeting with her hands. Could it be that she was developing feelings for¡­ Oh no! They had just met, not even a full day had passed. How could she¡­ ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get in the car!¡± Su Ming, oblivious to Ann Chuxia¡¯s inner turmoil, gave a small smile and escorted her to his sports car. He opened the door and they both climbed inside. ¡°Oh no, my clothes, toiletries, makeup¡­¡± Ann Chuxia suddenly remembered. ?¡±Don¡¯t worry. We can buy what you need,¡± Su Ming reassured her with a smile, starting the car and driving off with Ann Chuxia and Xiaoqing in tow. Liu Dashan stood at the doorway, exhaling deeply, his brow furrowed with concern. Ann Chuxia had been facing one danger after anothertely, and he was at a loss. The police had called the day before, confirming that the driver had been hired by someone, but the employer¡¯s identity was well-concealed. They were still chasing down leads. ¡°Wow, is this what riding in a sports car feels like?¡± Ann Chuxia was thrilled, taking in the thunderous engine and the luxurious,fortable interior. ¡°Really, Miss Ann? As an A-list celebrity, aren¡¯t sports cars pretty standard for you?¡± Su Ming asked, turning to her. ?¡±Not at all,¡± Ann Chuxia replied, her expression turning wistful. ¡°You know, people see our mour, but honestly, I envy ordinary folks. They can take time off, stroll through the streets, shop for clothes, and enjoy delicious food. Not me, though. My life is practically owned by my agency. If it weren¡¯t for this incident, Uncle Liu would never have let me out.¡± Su Ming simply nodded in response, acknowledging the truth that celebrities indeed earn a lot and live morous lives with high visibility. But it was also true that they had to make many sacrifices. They had essentially said goodbye to the life of an average person. ¡°I have two sisters who really like you. Would it be okay if I brought them to live with us at home?¡± Su Ming asked, thinking of Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian. ¡°Absolutely, that would be wonderful!¡± Ann Chuxia eximed, her face lighting up with excitement. ¡°The more the merrier!¡± During their conversation, Su Ming noticed that Ann Chuxia still maintained a certain innocence, seemingly untouched by the entertainment industry. However, this did not mean she was unaware of its rules. Her manager, Liu Dashan, had taken good care of her, shielding her from the industry¡¯s darker side, at least for now. The future, however, was uncertain. The entertainment industry was like a dye vat; easy to enter, difficult to leave. Deciding to take action, Su Ming headed straight to the school to pick up the girls. He instructed Xiaoqing and Ann Chuxia to stay in the car. Ann Chuxia¡¯s presence at the school would undoubtedly cause a sensation, likely drawing crowds and potentially even police to maintain order. As for Xiaoqing, being artificial intelligence, it was better to keep her presence under wraps. Only those close to him needed to know. Upon arriving at the school, Su Ming stepped out of the car. It was Saturday, and the campus was rtively quiet, with just a few students milling about with their backpacks. He reached the girls¡¯ dormitory and dialed Su Qiu¡¯s number. ?¡±Brother?¡± she answered. The background noise suggested she was in a bustling ce, with the sound of people calling for waiters, likely at a meal. ?¡±Where are you right now?¡± Su Ming inquired, not overly concerned. It wasmon for college students to have friends and to go out for meals on a Saturday afternoon. ?¡±Brother, I¡¯m at the food stall next to the school¡¯s back gate,¡± Su Qiu replied. Su Qiu¡¯s voice came through the phone, tinged with a hint of mncholy. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m on my way.¡± After hanging up, Su Ming set out for the renowned food stall. It was a local favorite, drawing in both students and nearby residents alike. With a brisk pace, Su Ming made his way there. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 558 C558 ¨C What a Powerful Authority You Have Su Ming quickly made his way to the bustling food stall. Despite it being the afternoon, the ce was teeming with patrons. Under the shade of an awning, shirtless men stood on beer crates, skewering kebabs and sipping on drinks. From a distance, Su Ming spotted Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian. Approaching a long table, he realized it was actually three tables pushed together, surrounded by a group of young people who looked to be students, judging by their age. The table wasden with an array of mouthwatering dishes, and several boxes of beer were nearby, most of them empty, indicating a lengthy drinking session. The center of attention was a young man seated in the middle of the group. He was quite young and undeniably handsome, dressed in a suit for a casual drink and meal. His demeanor was proud, and his movements carried an air of arrogance. Upon closer inspection, Su Ming noticed a small badge pinned to the young man¡¯s chest¡ªit bore the title of Eastsea University¡¯s student council president. Su Ming chuckled to himself. This fellow had to wear a suit and tie,plete with the student council president¡¯s badge, just to have dinner with ssmates on the weekend. Was he worried about going unrecognized? Talk about a show-off. ?This disy made sense to Su Ming. Thanks to him, Principal Ye had shown special consideration for Su Qiu, encouraging her to join the student council for some real-world experience. After all, the student council is a reflection of society atrge. However, anyone who¡¯s been to college knows that student councils can sometimes mirror the worst of societal bureaucracy and interpersonal politics¡­ ¡°Brother!¡± Su Qiu eximed, spotting Su Ming. She quickly stood up and scurried over, grabbing his arm affectionately. ¡°Brother, you made it! Have you eaten yet? Come, sit down.¡± As Su Qiu rose, the gazes of all the young men at the table shifted toward them. As they eyed Su Ming, a subtle hostility was palpable. ?Su Ming paused, taken aback. What was happening? Had he unwittingly be the object of everyone¡¯s envy? ¡°I skipped lunch, so I¡¯m feeling a bit peckish now.¡± ?Su Ming chuckled and took a seat beside Su Qiu. The tension in the air thickened, fueled by Su Qiu¡¯s hand, which remained wrapped around Su Ming¡¯s arm. The situation was further inmed when another beauty, Zhang Qianqian, made her way to Su Ming¡¯s side and settled to his right. With one girl on each side, they both clung to Su Ming¡¯s arms, a picture of affection. The group of boys looked on, their eyes practically shooting mes of jealousy. They had finally managed to invite the two beauties out for a meal, and the boys were buzzing with excitement, chatting incessantly with the women during dinner. Yet, the women seemed disinterested and aloof throughout. However, upon Su Ming¡¯s arrival, these same beauties, who had not so much as cracked a smile before, were suddenly lively and thrilled, even going so far as to wrap their arms around Su Ming! They might have been using sibling terms of endearment, but that didn¡¯t mean much¡ªmany couples did the same. ?The boys were beside themselves with frustration, especially the president of the student union, whose dark gaze was fixed on Su Ming. If looks could kill, Su Ming would have met his demise several times over. ?Seeing the boys¡¯ reactions, Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smile to himself, thinking how wonderful youth was. Yet, he seemed to forget that he wasn¡¯t much older than them, having graduated from college just a few years prior. ¡°As the long-standing president of the student union, I don¡¯t recall ever seeing you around. Which department are you from, and what¡¯s your major?¡± asked the president, his voice dripping with condescension. ¡°I¡¯ve already graduated,¡± Su Ming replied with an easy smile, reaching for a skewer on the table and taking a bite. ¡°Not bad, the vor is quite good.¡± ?¡±Haha!¡± Lyu Changping, the student council president,ughed heartily. ¡°So you¡¯re an alumnus? I imagine you¡¯ve been quite sessful out there in the real world. We¡¯re still students and don¡¯t know much about the job market. Maybe you could give us some insights?¡± ?¡±Insights?¡± Su Ming responded with a casual smile, continuing to enjoy his skewer. ¡°I was just an average student at Eastsea University. After graduating, Inded a modest job at apany, earning a few thousand a month.¡± ?¡±Oh!¡± A sneer curled the corner of Lyu Changping¡¯s mouth upon hearing the remark. You look like you¡¯re barely scraping by, and yet you dare to vie with me for a woman? Today, I¡¯ll show you what ¡®awesome¡¯ really means! ¡°Ah, even though we¡¯re not fully immersed in society yet, as the president of the student union, I often coborate with businesses.¡± ¡°Nowadays, some guys graduate withoutnding decent jobs, earning little money. But with their good looks and smooth talk, they manage to deceive the girls who are still in school.¡± ?¡±Such people are truly despicable,¡± Lyu Changping remarked, taking a leisurely sip of his wine. ¡°The president is spot on. You always get straight to the point!¡± someone chimed in. ¡°Absolutely, I despise those types too! They can¡¯t cut it in the real world, so they trick naive young girls.¡± ¡°And yet, these individuals often have the nerve to look attractive,¡± another added. The group eagerly echoed Lyu Changping¡¯s sentiments, ttering him while simultaneously throwing jabs at Su Ming. Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian bristled at their words. They were about to retort when Su Ming took their hands and gently squeezed, signaling for them to hold their peace. ¡°Indeed, I find such people repugnant. And it¡¯s not just that¡ªsome may look decent and dress well, but they act inhumanely,¡± Su Ming responded withposure. ?What a farce. Since acquiring the System, I¡¯ve interacted with plenty of influential figures. Handling these small fries is child¡¯s y to me. Predictably, Lyu Changping and his cronies were seething with rage, particrly Lyu Changping, who was sharp enough to realize that Su Ming¡¯sments were a direct hit. Despite being livid, he couldn¡¯t retaliate since Su Ming hadn¡¯t called anyone out by name, and besides, he had been the instigator. Lyu Changping grudgingly reined in his fury and managed a strained smile before turning to Su Qiu. ¡°Su Qiu, I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re quite the fan of Ann Chuxia. As it happens, I¡¯ve snagged a couple of front-row tickets to her concert. How about you join me?¡± Having finished his statement, Lyv Changping slid his hand into his suit pocket and cast a challenging nce at Su Ming. With a smug expression, he triumphantly produced two tickets, leaving the onlookers utterly astonished. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 559 C559 ¨C Whoever You like ¡°Wow! President, you¡¯re incredible! How on earth did you manage to snag tickets to Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert?!¡± ¡°Goodness, these are first-ss seats! I¡¯ve heard first-ss seats are going for over 10,000 yuan now!¡± ¡°Let me tell you, it¡¯s even more than that. The tickets sold out in no time. Nowadays, if you want a first-ss seat, it¡¯ll cost you at least 20,000!¡± ¡°President, you¡¯re just too cool. We couldn¡¯t even get our hands on a fifth-ss ticket, and you scored two first-ss ones?¡± ¡°The president is truly in a league of his own. He¡¯s not someone just anyone can hold a candle to!¡± The student union members around him were all full of admiration. Ann Chuxia¡¯s concert had been heavily promoted well in advance, and the tickets went on sale and were snapped up in mere seconds. Whether there was insider scalping involved is anyone¡¯s guess, but even so, getting your hands on a ticket was a Herculean task. First-ss seats are the closest to the stage, offering a crystal-clear view of Ann Chuxia. The rest of the seats at the concert were packed together like a movie theater, cramped and ufortable. But a first-ss seat was like a massive sofa, where you couldfortably lie back and enjoy the show. ?So, to secure a first-ss ticket, you needed more than just money; you needed clout and connections! ¡°It¡¯s just a couple of measly tickets, no big deal. They might be hard for you toe by, but for me, it¡¯s just a phone call away.¡± Lyu Changping was even more smug, unting the tickets with a flick of his wrist. Then, he ced the ticket before Ann Chuxia: ¡°Su Qiu, I bought this ticket especially for you. Not too shabby for a first-ss seat, huh?¡± Lyu Changping was sure Ann Chuxia would be overjoyed, ready to leap up and embrace him. Yep! That¡¯s definitely how the script goes! He might even be rewarded with a passionate kiss! ?Oh, the woes of the wealthy and influential ¨C always shining like the sun wherever they go. I¡¯m just too impressive! ¡°Wow, I¡¯m so jealous of Su Qiu. Su Qiu, you should definitely take it.¡± ¡°If the president were to gift me a ticket like this, I¡¯d be over the moon!¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± The other girls in the student council had stars in their eyes, while the boys couldn¡¯t hide their envy. But envy was all they could muster. They couldn¡¯t match the president¡¯s incredible wealth, status, and connections. As Lyu Changping basked in their admiration, his ego swelled. I¡¯m the ultimate winner in life! Handsome, from a wealthy and prestigious family, and highly capable! You¡¯re just an outdated senior who graduated years ago, and you darepete with me for a woman? While Lyu Changping mulled this over, he turned his attention to Su Qiu. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I won¡¯t be going.¡± Su Qiu shook her head, her expression frosty as she tly refused. ¡°What?¡± Lyu Changping was dumbfounded. This made no sense. She couldn¡¯t possibly say no. His n hadn¡¯t ounted for a rejection from Ann Chuxia. What was he supposed to do now? ¡°Uh¡­¡± Lyu Changping started to panic, stuttering as he nced at the ticket in his hand, his embarrassment palpable. Who wouldn¡¯t be embarrassed after being turned down? ¡°It¡¯s not about the ticket¡­¡± Before Lyu Changping could continue, Su Qiu cut him off: ¡°Senior Lyu, I¡¯m not fond of bustling scenes. I prefer tranquility. Even though I¡¯m a big fan of Ann Chuxia, I don¡¯t want to go to a concert. It¡¯s just too loud.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ um¡­¡± Lyu Changping¡¯s mouth hung open as he struggled to form a coherent response. Seething inside, his re at Su Ming was filled with intense resentment. It had to be because of him, that detestable guy who must have brainwashed Su Qiu. Otherwise, how could Ann Chuxia possibly turn down such a prime ticket? It was illogical,pletely illogical! ¡°By the way, I¡¯ve met a couple of new friends. How about we go clubbing tonight?¡± Su Ming suggested cheerfully. ¡°Yeah, that sounds great!¡± Su Qiu¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement at the idea. ??? Lyu Changping was left reeling. What was happening? Moments ago, she imed to dislike noise and crowds, preferring peace and quiet, yet now she was eager to hit the dance floor? So you¡¯re saying disco dancing isn¡¯t noisy? If I¡¯m not mistaken, it should be louder than a concert, right? Now I get it; it¡¯s not the concert you care about. It¡¯s the noise, or is it who you¡¯re going with? ¡°Humph!¡± Lyu Changping¡¯s expression turned icy as he snorted, ¡°Well, if Su Qiu doesn¡¯t want to go to the concert, that¡¯s fine. Our department is in need of a sponsorship. You can go secure that. We can¡¯t afford to be short; anything less than $200,000 won¡¯t cut it.¡± ¡°Two hundred thousand?¡± The students around gasped at the amount. They all realized Lyu Changping was exacting revenge, but this seemed excessively harsh. Eastsea University had a good reputation, and there were many businesses eager to coborate, but most partnerships were with the school administration, not the student union. Securing a few thousand dors in sponsorship was challenging enough, and getting ten or twenty thousand was considered a sess. Two hundred thousand seemed like a fantasy! ¡°Su Qiu, I understand that¡¯s a significant amount, but as an alumnus, you must have plenty of connections. Two hundred thousand is merely a trifle, right?¡± ¡°Of course, if you truly can¡¯t raise the two hundred thousand, I¡¯m willing to help. To my family, it¡¯s just a drop in the bucket. The only condition is that you apany me to the concert.¡± Lyu Changping started to wield his authority, ready to use his position to pressure Su Qiu. ¡°Sorry! I don¡¯t care who it is, I¡¯m not going.¡± Su Qiu replied with a faint smile. Lyu Changping was livid, clenching his fists. ¡°I am the president of the student council! You must do as I say, or else leave the council!¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll quit.¡± With those five words, Su Qiu left Lyu Changping speechless. At Eastsea University, a prestigious institution, holding a post in the student union was coveted by many students, even though most viewed the union with a degree of disdain. Nevertheless, a number of students flocked to it eagerly. Lyu Changping was aware that Su Qiu had been parachuted into her position, backed by some significant connections. However, he was confident that her backing couldn¡¯t rival his own, as his father was a friend of Principal Ye. The fact that she had been ced in the student council indicated that Su Qiu ced great importance on the role. This also suggested that Su Qiu¡¯s family, or rather the influential figure behind her, highly valued the position. Su Qiu wouldn¡¯t dare step away from the student council and was sure to follow his lead obediently. Changping had pulled strings like this more than once before, and it had always been effective. But this time, the oue took him by surprise. Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 560 C560 ¨C Let Me Introduce You to Someone Lyu Changping was visibly upset. ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go somewhere else to eat,¡± Su Qiu suggested, ncing at Su Ming with a smile. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s bring these two friends along,¡± Su Ming replied, then promptly ignored the rest. Lyu Changping andpany stood up, taking the two girls with them, leaving a group of bewildered people behind at the table. ?¡±President, please don¡¯t be upset. Su Qiu is ungrateful. Don¡¯t stoop to her level,¡± one of the sycophants sitting next to Lyu Changping pleaded. ¡°Exactly, so many people want to join the student council but can¡¯t. If she wants to leave, let her go!¡± another chimed in. ¡°Let¡¯s just ignore her and continue our meal,¡± they suggested in unison. Lyu Changping nodded in agreement. ¡°Ungrateful indeed. Let¡¯s keep eating. Little Chun, do you want to check it out? If you do, we can go together,¡± he said, turning his attention to a girl next to him who was dressed provocatively despite the cool autumn afternoon. ¡°Oh my! Thank you, President. I¡¯ll agree to anything you want to do tonight,¡± the girl said with glee, her voice dripping with sweetness as she leaned into Lyu Changping, whoughed heartily, clearly enjoying the attention. Meanwhile, Su Ming led the two girls to the entrance. They reached the parking lot, where Su Ming faced a dilemma. The Hennessy Venom GT had only two seats, which previously amodated Ann Chuxia and Xiaoqing, since both girls were slim. But now, with two additional girls, there simply wasn¡¯t enough space. ?¡±Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: you two take a cab back, and I¡¯ll drive. See you at home,¡± Su Ming decided, addressing the two girls. ¡°Okay,¡± Su Qiu agreed without hesitation, exchanging a nce with Zhang Qianqian, and both girls nodded in understanding. After dropping the two girls off at the school entrance, Su Ming drove straight home. Given the downtown location, even with Su Ming¡¯s impressive car, speeding wasn¡¯t an option. The two vehicles arrived almost simultaneously. This time, Su Ming didn¡¯t bother parking in the garage; he simply opened the gate and drove straight in. ?¡±Brother, who¡¯s riding with you?¡± Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian stood in the yard, puzzled, as Su Ming closed the gate with an air of secrecy, while the two passengers remained in the car, hidden behind the dim car windows. ?Su Ming just chuckled mischievously, cleared his throat, and stood tall with his hands sped behind his back, resembling a university professor. ¡°Ah, I¡¯m feeling a bit parched. I could use some water.¡± ¡°Hmph! All this secrecy, and for what? We¡¯re not ying along! If you¡¯re thirsty, get your own water,¡± the two girls retorted in unison, their delicate brows furrowed and heads turned away in defiance. ?¡±Are you two certain about that?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± ¡°No second thoughts?¡± ¡°None whatsoever!¡± ?¡±Alright then.¡± Su Ming sighed, feigning disappointment. ¡°I was going to introduce you to Ann Chuxia, but since you¡¯re not interested, that¡¯s that. Driver, hold on, these two are heading back to school!¡± ?¡±Who?!¡± The girls froze at Su Ming¡¯s words, then their excitement skyrocketed, and they stared at him in amazement. ¡°Brother, who did you just mention?!¡± ¡°Hey! Take it easy, don¡¯t get too worked up. Sis, I just bought this outfit!¡± Su Ming teased. ¡°Qianqian, be careful, you¡¯re bruising my arm,¡± one girlined as they were ovee with excitement. Su Ming, unable to hide his amusement at their reaction, walked over to the passenger side and opened the door with a smile. ?Ann Chuxia stepped out of the car, followed by Xiaoqing. ?¡±Ah!¡± Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian gasped, their mouths agape, wanting to scream but unable to utter a sound. After a stunned silence, they finally let out a scream that echoed to the heavens. ¡°Qianqian, pinch me, please. I must be dreaming!¡± ¡°Is it really true?¡± Two girls hurriedly approached, encircling Ann Chuxia. ¡°It feels soft and warm, almost like it¡¯s real.¡± ¡°Oh my god, bro, how did you meet her?!¡± ¡°Are you¡­ really Miss Ann?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s her! Miss Ann, I¡¯m a devoted fan of yours. My dorm room walls are stered with your posters!¡± The girls buzzed around Ann Chuxia like excited sparrows. ¡°Thank you all for your support.¡± Ann Chuxia responded with a sweet smile, her gratitude evident. ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore, I¡¯m about to hyperventte!¡± ¡°Brother, I need some water!¡± Su Ming stood to the side, his frustration visible. I just said I needed water, how did it get turned around on me so quickly? ¡°Okay, okay, let¡¯s not stand out here in the hot sun. Come on, let¡¯s go inside and talk.¡± Su Ming chuckled, leading everyone into the house to sit on the living room sofa. After a good half-hour, the girls finally began to settle down, though they still eagerly devoured their ice cream to cool off. ?¡±Miss Ann, how did youe to know my brother? Miss Ann, he didn¡¯t deceive you, did he? Miss Ann, I have to warn you, my brother is the worst; he¡¯s always tricking innocent young women. Please don¡¯t be fooled by him.¡± Su Qiu blinked earnestly as she spoke. ?Su Ming¡¯s face fell. ¡°Hey, hey, hey, little sister, where¡¯s your sense of fairness? Would you have met Ann Chuxia without me?¡± ¡°Qiu, you¡¯ve got it all wrong.¡± Ann Chuxia, caught between amusement and exasperation, rified the whole story, and the girls finally understood. ¡°You two will be staying here for a while. Qiu, you¡¯ve got your driver¡¯s license, right? You know where my garage is. When you need to go to school, just take the car.¡± Su Ming said warmly, offering his guidance. Su Qiu was clearly thrilled, but Zhang Qianqian expressed her discontent. I still have to attend school, and it¡¯s starting soon¡­ I¡¯ve been on leave for quite a while now. If I don¡¯t return¡­ It would be excessive. ¡°Right, Qianqian, I¡¯ll have Principal Ye call your principal to extend your leave a bit longer. However, while you¡¯re here, you¡¯ll need to attend online sses. You can¡¯t fall behind on your studies. If you fail your finals, don¡¯t bothering back. Just focus on attending your sses properly.¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Zhang Qianqian couldn¡¯t contain her excitement. She nodded vigorously and clenched her small fists, vowing to diligently study and strive for improvement every day. She was determined to be a well-rounded and admirable young person, excelling in character, intelligence, and physical fitness! Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 561 C561 ¨C The Goat Is Ripe After the excitement died down, their attention finally settled on Little Qing. ¡°Brother Ming, who is she?¡± Zhang Qianqian blinked, her voice tinged with confusion and a slight hint of jealousy as she inquired. ¡°Her name is Su Xiaoqing. You can call her Xiaoqing. She¡¯s my secretary and assistant, as well as my housekeeper,¡± Su Ming exined with a smile. ?¡±Huh?¡± The two girls exchanged a puzzled nce. A young talent and a beautiful woman together¡­ Hmm¡­ That could certainly set off one¡¯s imagination, couldn¡¯t it? ?¡±What are you two silly girls thinking about?¡± Su Ming asked with a mix of amusement and exasperation. ¡°Xiaoqing lost her parents at a young age and grew up in an orphanage. After graduation, she was swindled out of all her money and struggled to find work, only to face harassment from her boss. A few days ago, I saw her being harassed by some thugs in an alley and chased them off. Now, she¡¯s working with me, and it¡¯s strictly a professional rtionship. She¡¯s staying with me for the time being.¡± Upon hearing this, the two girls immediately felt a surge of sympathy and sat down next to Xiaoqing, each taking one of her hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Xiaoqing, you¡¯re safe now. My brother is incredibly strong, and we¡¯re pretty tough ourselves. If anyone bullies you again, just tell us, and we¡¯ll make sure they regret it!¡± Seeing the girls¡¯ fierce determination, Su Ming shook his head with a chuckle. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get ready for dinner!¡± ¡°Yay!¡± Cheerful shouts filled the room as Su Ming headed into the kitchen, shaking his head with a smile. ?A vi was home to four unique beauties: his sister, the vige chief¡¯s daughter, a famous A-list celebrity, and an intelligent robot. Sigh¡­ ?In other stories, the male lead would have a harem, but this situation seemed a bit chaotic. However, living under the same roof with four beauties was a delight for Su Ming, even if nothing romantic happened. Opening the fridge, Su Ming took out the treasured hotpot ingredients. With so many mouths to feed, hotpot was the perfect choice. With a variety of ingredients and vors, everyone enjoyed themselves, sipping beer and rxing in the air-conditioned room while the hotpot simmered away. It was truly a joyful time. ?After enjoying the hotpot, Su Ming grabbed some snacks and fired up the projector. A cozy cluster of friends squeezed onto the sofa to watch a movie. Unbeknownst to them, night had fallen. ?¡±Yawn¡­¡± ??The girls couldn¡¯t resist yawning. Ann Chuxia had barely slept the previous night and had spent the whole day on her feet. The two girls had spent the afternoon engrossed in conversation with Ann Chuxia, talking themselves into exhaustion. ?Little Green, of course, wasn¡¯t tired. Artificial intelligence doesn¡¯t need rest as long as it has power. ?¡±Okay, okay, let¡¯s call it a night and get some rest,¡± Su Ming suggested with a smile. ¡°Feel free to pick any bedroom on the first or second floor. Ann Chuxia, the first bedroom on the left has a closet with women¡¯s clothing, an en suite bathroom, and it¡¯s both quiet and secure. You won¡¯t have any trouble here.¡± ?¡±Okay,¡± Ann Chuxia agreed with a nod. She was indeed tired after the long day and night, and she hadn¡¯t even checked in with Liu Dashan to see if there was any news from thepany. Ann Chuxia chose a room on the first floor, and the two girls, not wanting to be far, picked the room next to hers. ??Su Ming retrieved a stick of calming incense from the cab. This wasn¡¯t just any incense; it was Top Grade, a gift from President Chen. Known for its soothing properties, it was exceptional. ?¡±Brother, they¡¯ve all entered deep sleep,¡± Little Green reported after a short while. ??¡±Mm,¡± Su Ming acknowledged, ncing at the clock before stepping out of the vi and heading towards the back. ¡°By the way, what do they see on thend right now?¡± Su Ming asked out of curiosity. ?¡±Master, except for you, anyone looking at these plots ofnd sees them as barrenpletely empty,¡± Yuvyuv responded telepathically. ?That made sense, considering it waste autumn¡ªa perfectly logical sight. ?Su Ming strode towards the herding area. Indeed, the Level Three Western Cowboy Alpaca had reached maturity. Technically, it had been ready since yesterday, as Yuvyuv had reminded him. ?However, due to the unexpected update of the Prophetical Radio yesterday, Brother Ming hadpletely forgotten about it. The moment he remembered, he hurried over. ?Upon arrival, Brother Ming was taken aback. The Western Cowboy Alpaca from before was truly striking, with a look that screamed western cowboy, especially that contemptuous gaze that was just asking for a punch! But now, what on earth was this? ?It was still an alpaca, but¡­ ?The alpaca had turned transparent,pletely see-through, revealing just a stic-like transparent film on the surface. And where its heart should be, there was a glowing yellow orb, shining brilliantly.? ??¡±What in the world is this?¡± Brother Ming muttered as he quickly opened the door and walked in next to an alpaca. This alpaca, unlike before when itpletely ignored Brother Ming, now behaved quite docilely, walking up to him and nuzzling him with its head. Despite its transparency, it felt solid and slightly chilly to the touch. ?After nuzzling, the alpaca lifted its head and slightly opened its mouth. The yellow orb of light slowly moved up, traveling through its long neck and out of its mouth, directly into Brother Ming¡¯s mouth. In the next instant, the alpaca radiated a golden glow and gradually vanished. ?Impressive entrance! ?Brother Ming looked down at the orb of light. It was bright but not blinding and even gave off a warm sensation, like holding a miniature sun in his hands. ?He gently extended his hand into it, and in a sh, the orb disappeared, leaving behind a piece of white paper. Yes, a in white paper with a pure ck circle in the center, resembling a ck hole. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, your luck is off the charts! You¡¯ve identally connected to the System¡¯s treasure vault! You may reach into the ck circle and randomly grab a treasure! The treasure could be good or bad, but it¡¯s all down to your luck!¡± ¡°What the heck!?¡± Brother Ming could hardly contain his excitement. ?Is it really that incredible?! Unbeatable! ?Brother Ming swallowed hard, ncing at the other alpacas in the herding area. He had raised five in total, which meant he had four more opportunities! Let¡¯s get started! Su Ming didn¡¯t hesitate; he stretched his hand inside and with a twist to the left and right, he actually felt a bunch of items, all jumbled together. There were items of various shapes and textures¡ªsome long and cylindrical, others round and soft. ?What in the world is this stuff? And why is it moving? Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 562 C562 ¨C The Celestial Peach Is Ripe ?Su Ming reached out and felt something soft and furry. It was squirming pleasantly under his touch. His heart leapt with joy. Could this be one of those mystical spirit beasts often found in fantasy novels, essentially a pet? Good heavens, he already had a maid. Wait, no, that wasn¡¯t right. He had a housekeeper, and now a pet would be the perfect addition! ?Without hesitation, Su Ming pulled the object out, and as he did, a brilliant light shed. Incredible, was this the glow of a discovered treasure? But as the light faded, Su Ming took a closer look and was left speechless. Damn it! He was on the verge of losing his temper. In his hands, he held a tattered, fluffy stuffed toy, its cotton innards peeking through the worn fabric. It had been moving because of a tiny motor trembling inside. ¡°Damn it all! You said this was your treasury? Why does your treasury have such junk? Are you a treasury or a junkyard?!¡± Su Ming felt like he was about to spit blood. He had hoped for something valuable, but this was the oue? Was this some kind of joke? After a moment of frustrated foot-stomping, Su Ming resigned himself to the reality. Fine, the System was in charge, and whatever it said, went. No matter, he thought. With his luck, if it didn¡¯t work out this time, he still had four more chances! ?On his second attempt, Su Ming selected a box. Inside, he found a pencil, just an ordinary 2B pencil. Was this some sort of insult? For his third try, he picked a spherical object. Upon inspection, it turned out to be nothing more than a in crystal ball. The fourth time, Su Ming hesitated before choosing a tiny object. It was a nail clipper. Now down to hisst chance, Su Ming took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, invoking the luck of the European King. This time, he was sure his fortune would defy the odds! With determination, he reached in again and immediately felt something oddly familiar. Without a second thought, he pulled it out and looked closely. Lo and behold, it was a scroll! ?Skill! It was a skill scroll! Su Ming burst intoughter. After all, he had managed to draw a scroll this time. Even if it was just a skill for ttery, he was eager to learn it! He couldn¡¯t let this opportunity slip away, could he? Without a second thought, Su Ming unfurled the scroll. A familiar glow swept over him, followed by a voice in his head. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve acquired the Divine Level carving skill! Would you like to learn it?¡± Carving skill? Absolutely! Why hold onto it if he wasn¡¯t going to learn it?! Su Ming immediately chose to learn the skill. A warm sensation quickly spread through his mind. He closed his eyes and stood still for a solid minute. When he finally opened his eyes, Su Ming had be a top-tier master sculptor. Looking around, he felt an irresistible impulse to carve anything he saw, be it brick or stone. Though he was keen to start carving, he didn¡¯t have a knife on hand. That would have to wait. Su Ming then converted the remaining items into points. Heted a total of 200 points. Maybe it was because the items he had were rather worthless. Since there were no Level Three animals in the warehouse at the moment, Su Ming wasn¡¯t in a rush. He¡¯d wait until after the evening refresh. Before long, Su Ming made his way to the field. There was a plot ofnd, about an acre in size, with a solitary Celestial Peach Tree in the center. While both were Level Three crops, this Celestial Peach Tree was clearly special. The tree was towering and grand, with leaves that shimmered in gold. Its surface wasced with transparent veins through which streaks of golden light could be seen coursing. The tree bore a single peach, exuding a delicate fragrance. Su Ming approached and inspected the peach, confirming it was ripe. Though the Celestial Peach¡¯s lineage had been diluted over 100 generations, it still retained a hint of the Heavenly Court¡¯s essence. It was, after all, a divine tree! Su Ming inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, then carefully reached out and gently plucked the peach from the tree. The peach, although shaped like its smaller kin, was asrge as a watermelon. And it was significantly heavier, weighing at least 100 pounds. Thankfully, Su Ming¡¯s enhanced strength made it manageable, though it was still a hefty load. ¡°Damn it, I¡¯m lucky it was me. Anyone else might have just tossed it aside. What kind of peach is this, anyway? Made of iron? Why is it so darn heavy?¡± Su Ming resisted the urge to take a bite. If it really were made of iron, his teeth would¡¯ve been history. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you have obtained a mutated Celestial Peach!¡± ¡°Ding! This item is quite special. Host has two choices.¡± ¡°One: Eat it directly, and it will significantly enhance the Host¡¯s various abilities!¡± ¡°Two: Discard the flesh and open the pit. There will be a surprise inside! If the Host eats the flesh, the pit will be an ordinary pit!¡± Upon hearing the notification in his mind, Su Ming pondered deeply. Eating it, as the System suggested, would greatly enhance his abilities. All abilities¡­ That meant his strength, speed, vision, hearing, and even intelligence would all see improvement! It sounded incredibly appealing! But the second option was far too tempting! Even though he had a few Celestial Peach seeds on hand, the System had just made it clear that this particr Celestial Peach had mutated due to his extraordinary luck. The others likely wouldn¡¯t mutate and would produce ordinary fruit. ¡°Screw it, I¡¯m going for it. You never know, a bike might just turn into a motorcycle!¡± ¡°Great effort yields miracles!¡± Without another word, Su Ming threw the peach on the ground, strode into the warehouse, grabbed an axe, and swung it down with all his might. ¡°Crack!¡± A crisp sound echoed. Su Ming was dumbfounded. The axe, which he had recently bought for its quality at the hardware store, was now ruined, its de chipped. And the Celestial Peach? Completely intact! Damn it! Su Ming really felt like cursing. So much for giving me the option to eat it. How am I supposed to eat this, am I some kind of iron-jawed hero? ¡°Master, that¡¯s not how you open it.¡± ¡°Since this Celestial Peach is bound to the Master, it cannot be opened by external forces. The Master can simply break it open with his hands.¡± Just then, Yuvyuv chimed in with a reminder in his mind. Su Ming had an epiphany and tossed the axe aside. Su Ming crouched down, his hands pressing against the Celestial Peach, and with a gentle twist, he pried it open. Wow!!! Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but shout in astonishment, ¡°Oh my goodness! My fourth uncle¡¯s wife, my second aunt, and my third aunt¡¯s mother-inw! This is just too much¡­¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 563 C563 ¨C What the Hell Is This? The flesh of the Peach of Immortality glistened, translucent and delicate, as if it were about to drip with beauty. A rich fragrance burst forth, enveloping the senses. It was incredibly aromatic! Just the scent alone made Su Ming¡¯s mouth water uncontrobly. It¡¯s important to note that the System had previously produced a fair share of edible items, each boasting a Top Grade vor. Yet, the taste of this Peach of Immortality was so irresistible that Su Ming could hardly keep from devouring it on the spot. ¡°No, I must resist. I absolutely have to hold back!¡± Su Ming inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, clenching his teeth in determination. The Peach of Immortality offered more than just a tantalizing scent; it possessed an overwhelming temptation. With his eyes closed, Su Ming reached out, trying not to dwell on the peach, and extracted the core from its center. Given that the peach was asrge as a watermelon, the core was surprisingly the size of a regr peach. As soon as the core was removed, the peach¡¯s flesh dissolved into liquid and seeped into the ground, vanishing without a trace. ¡°Sigh¡­¡± Su Ming let out a sigh of disappointment. Well, he could always nt the remaining four and sample their vorster. With the peach gone, Su Ming didn¡¯t want to dwell on it. He turned the core over in his hands, examining it closely. It was crystal clear, shimmering like quartz, with gentle ripples across its surface. At its heart was a small bead the size of a soybean¡ªpresumably what the System had referred to. Su Ming extended his hand and carefully reached into the core. As expected, he encountered no resistance and easily retrieved the object. ¡°Ding! Congrattions, Host, you have obtained an Evolution Pill. Using this item will allow you to evolve one of your skills!¡± The System¡¯s announcement left Su Ming momentarily taken aback. Was it really that powerful? Su Ming reviewed his array of skills, realizing he had quite a selection. Yet, he decided not to use the pill immediately. There was no rush. Once he reached a higher level, he would likely cultivate even more formidable skills. That would be the time to use the Evolution Pill. Yes, that was the n! ?¡±Ding! You¡¯ve sessfully harvested your crop. You¡¯ve earned 1,000,000 Experience Points! Additional Reward: 200,000!¡± ¡°Ding! Item recycled. Congrattions, Host, you¡¯ve received 100,000 experience points! Additional reward: 20,000!¡± After storing his items, Su Ming heard the notification in his mind. Wow! Was that a lot of experience or what? Over 1.3 million experience points? I was so far from leveling up, but now I¡¯m just 800,000 points away. [Leveling up with these things is definitely quicker.] Considering that three people were still asleep inside, Su Ming decided against using the tractor. Instead, he grabbed a hoe and shovel from the storage and began tilling the soil in the yard. Bathed in moonlight, Su Ming worked tirelessly from around eight or nine in the evening until one or two in the morning. Only then was the acre ofnd finally tidied up. Phew! Su Ming let out a breath of relief. He stretched, feeling a bit weary after such a long stint ofbor. He had the Stamina Talent, but Su Ming preferred not to rely on it while working. How else could he truly appreciate the essence of farming? He gingerly opened the door and stepped inside the house. Listening intently, he noted the three girls were still sleeping deeply. Su Ming smiled and made his way upstairs to his bedroom, softly closing the door behind him. He powered up hisputer. ¡°Brother, Xiaoqing has detected that you need to hydrate. I¡¯ve brought you a cup of salt water,¡± Xiaoqing said as she entered, cing a ss of water in front of Su Ming. He nodded in thanks and downed the water in one go. ?But Xiaoqing remained standing behind him, not leaving. Su Ming didn¡¯t mind and proceeded to open the online store. As soon as he did, a burst of light shed across the screen! My goodness! There were new Level Three seeds and crops avable! Su Ming quickly clicked to check them out, starting with the ntation area. Aside from two acres nted with green bananas, the rest of thend had been upgraded and was empty. Su Ming decided to dedicate an acre to nting another Celestial Peach. He nned to use the remaining five acres for a variety of new crops. A shimmering seed then appeared on the screen. ¡°This is¡­¡± Su Ming squinted, recognizing the seed. Unless he was mistaken, it appeared to be¡­ Gourd?! Upon a second nce at the name. Crying for his parents, Gourd Kids! ??? Three question marks instantly popped into Su Ming¡¯s head. ¡°Hello, System, you need toe out and exin this to me. What¡¯s with this name, and why do I have zero desire to buy it?¡± Surely this seed won¡¯t start bawling non-stop the moment it¡¯s nted, right? What in the world is this? Gulp! Su Ming swallowed hard and blinked. To buy or not to buy, that was the question that warranted some serious thought. ¡°Ah, forget it, I might as well buy it.¡± With a resigned sigh, Su Ming acknowledged that there really wasn¡¯t another option at the moment. He nced at the price tag. Wow, the price had shot up to two million for one seed! Well then. It looked like it was time to buckle down and make some money because things were only getting pricier by the minute. Su Ming proceeded to make the payment and purchased all ten seeds. Next, he turned his attention to the herding area. It seemed the System was quite in tune with him, knowing that once one item matured, it would immediately refresh with another. Otherwise, the space would just be sitting empty, serving no purpose. A Level Three animal had also appeared in the herding area. This creature was stunning, cloaked in pure, snow-white fur. Lotus Cat? Su Ming blinked at the name. He examined the image closely. It looked almost identical to a regr cat, except for its strikingly pure white fur, without a single hair of any other color. But what was truly remarkable was the blooming lotus at the tip of the cat¡¯s tail, with several butterflies fluttering around it. ?This was a nice find! Buy! But now, Su Ming was puzzled. Shouldn¡¯t cats be in the breeding zone? Typically, smaller animals like cats would be there, while the herding area was forrger species. Nevertheless, Su Ming didn¡¯t dwell on it. He promptlypleted the purchase and headed downstairs, eager not to dy any further. First, he went to the courtyard. He took out another Celestial Peach seed and nted it on an acre ofnd. ¡°Ding! The Celestial Peach has been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± ? Why had it changed to three days? Su Ming blinked. Well, no use overthinking it. Su Ming pulled out the weeping gourd doll once more! ¡°Wow! I want my dad!¡± ¡°Wow! I want my mom!¡± No sooner had the seed been revealed than two tiny hands and a pair of small horns sprouted on the surface of the Cbash Brother,plete with an exceptionally human-like face that broke into a wide-mouthed, heart-wrenching sob. ¡°I¡­¡± Holding the Cbash Brother, Su Ming felt a headacheing on. Now, what was he to do with this thing? Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 564 C564 ¨C What a Small Cat! ¡°Shut up!¡± Su Ming couldn¡¯t take it anymore and yelled, ¡°If you don¡¯t shut up this instant, I¡¯ll toss you into the pigsty to feed the pigs!¡± ¡°Hey! Okay, okay!¡± ¡°If you¡¯d been this polite from the start, we wouldn¡¯t have cried.¡± ¡°No more crying, absolutely no more crying!¡± In the blink of an eye, as if their faces had transformed, the Cbash Brothers immediately ceased their wailing and gazed at Su Ming with eyes full of innocence. ¡­¡­ Su Ming sighed heavily, feeling overwhelmed. The Top Grade System always managed to produce such extraordinary things. Without further ado, Su Ming got to work. He dug holes and buried seeds. This time, an acre could amodate two seeds, perfectly using up all ten seeds. ¡°Ding! The Cbash Brothers, who cried for their parents, have been sessfully nted! Harvest time: 48 hours!¡± He then proceeded to water and fertilize the nts in a routine manner. Havingpleted these tasks, Su Ming dusted off his hands, unconcerned with the mud on his limbs, and strode over to the herding area. He pulled out his phone, essed the warehouse, located the Lotus Cat, and selected exchange. ¡°Shua!¡± With a sound effect, a bright sh appeared in the herding area, and a cat materialized out of thin air! Holy smokes! Su Ming, initially smiling, was taken aback at the sight of the cat and involuntarily gaped in astonishment. ¡°You¡¯re telling me this is a cat?¡± Su Ming stood there, speechless and wide-eyed. Before him was a four-legged creature within the courtyard, but it was enormous. ?To give you an idea, it was roughly the size of a rhinoceros. House cats are generally small, and even the fattest ones barely weigh 20-30 pounds. So, the appearance of a cat as big as a rhinoceros was nothing short of startling. Yet, the cat was gentle. It looked at Su Ming, then tenderly licked him with its tongue. ¡°Damn!¡± Su Ming winced in pain, as the cat¡¯s tongue was covered in prickly barbs. Thankfully, the cat licked him just once before affectionately rubbing its massive head against Su Ming¡¯s chest. This was indeed a cat. Not a rhinoceros. Unlike a rhinoceros, whose head is tinypared to its body, this cat¡¯s head was proportionate to its colossal frame. ¡°Ah¡­¡± Su Ming stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought for quite a while before he couldn¡¯t resist reaching out to stroke the cat¡¯s head. Tsk, tsk, tsk! The fur was so smooth and shiny; it felt incrediblyfortable! ¡°Purr¡­¡± But his opinion changed in a heartbeat when the cat started to purr. The sound was almost as loud as thunder, but luckily, the three girls in the house couldn¡¯t see or hear anything. Otherwise, they would have had a hard time falling asleep. Su Ming gave the cat a closer look. Besides its increased size, the lotus flower at the tip of its tail had also grown significantly. ?The lotus was now in full bloom, with several butterflies fluttering around it and the petals gently swaying. Clearly, the cat was in high spirits. Without overthinking it, Su Ming exchanged for a few more cats, but soon reached his limit. After all, the space was limited, and he could only amodate four cats at once. ¡°Ding! Lotus Flower Cat has been sessfully bred! Harvest time: 72 hours!¡± Once everything was set up, Su Ming breathed a sigh of relief, washed up, took a bath, and then fell into a deep sleep in his bed. Little Green sat quietly in front of Su Ming¡¯sputer, silently flipping through the pages at lightning speed. It was still learning about human knowledge. With the vast amount of information avable on theputer, even artificial intelligence needed time to fully assimte it. The next day, as the first light of dawn crept in, Su Ming awoke feeling refreshed. ¡°That was a great sleep.¡± After stretching and feeling content, Su Ming got out of bed, freshened up, and casually made his way downstairs. ¡°Hmm?¡± Upon reaching the first floor, Su Ming paused, puzzled. Both bedroom doors were wide open. Where was everyone? Peering inside, he saw that the rooms were spotless and the bedding neatly folded, but the three girls were nowhere to be seen. Where could they have gone? ¡°Heeheehee!¡± ¡°Who knew the buns here would be so tasty?¡± ¡°Right? And the bakery next door is even better.¡± ¡°Shh, keep it down, or that guy will wake up and devour all our breakfast.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± Just then, soft whispers drifted in from outside the house. Su Ming furrowed his brow and made his way to the door, peering through the window, and what a sight it was. The yard of his vi was quite spacious, with several plots ofnd in the center. No crops were grown, as they wouldn¡¯t receive the System¡¯s protection. Instead, there were flowers, now somewhat wilted with the arrival of autumn. At the far endy a swimming pool. ??Su Ming ensured the pool was cleaned regrly, and beside it stood a quaint pavilion with a small table at its heart, surrounded by several stone benches. The three girls were seated there, the tableden with an assortment of small stic bags ¨C remnants of a hearty breakfast. With a resigned shake of his head, Su Ming pushed the door open and stepped outside. ¡°Ah! You¡¯re up?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one who should be sleeping in, shouldn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Bro, these breakfasts are ours. You can¡¯t juste and snatch them away!¡± ?Ann Chuxia was moreposed. As a top-tier celebrity, she maintained a certain decorum while staying at someone else¡¯s home. But Ann Chuxia and Zhang Qianqian were less concerned, quickly shielding their breakfast from him. ¡°Please, I¡¯m not so low as topete with you for breakfast. But tell me, why are you all up so early?¡± Su Ming sauntered over and took a seat on one of the vacant stools, asking with a warm, teasing smile. He was blessed with the ability to wake up whenever he wished, never feeling tired or groggy. But these girls were another story. They had turned in early the night before, and normally, they might have lingered in bed a bit longer. Why were they up at the crack of dawn? ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I got a phone call this morning that woke me up,¡± Ann Chuxia said, her smile tinged with regret. ?¡±No worries at all. We¡¯ve had plenty of sleep,¡± Su Ming reassured her. ¡°Absolutely.¡± Su Qiu and the other girl nodded in agreement, quickly chiming in. ¡°Hold on a second.¡± Something suddenly urred to Su Ming. ¡°Did the three of you go out to buy breakfast together this morning?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± they said, exchanging nces. ?¡±Just like that?¡± ?¡±Yes!¡± The three girls nodded emphatically, leaving no doubt that they were the ones in question. ?Su Ming couldn¡¯t help but smack his forehead in exasperation. ¡°Sigh, Chuxia, you¡¯re a major celebrity. Luckily, it¡¯s the morning when not many people are out, and those selling breakfast are usually older folks who don¡¯t pay much attention to entertainment news. Just imagine if you tried to go out for lunch.¡± ¡°The city center would bepletely packed,¡± he said, clearly feeling resigned to the situation.? Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 565 C565 ¨C Master Lee Wangyang ¡°Yes¡­¡± Ann Chuxia scratched her head upon realizing, ¡°I¡¯ve been so rxed living here that Ipletely forgot¡­¡± ?Su Ming was at a loss for words, but relieved that everything was okay. ¡°By the way, I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°This morning, my agent called me. I have to attend an event today. Would you like to join me?¡± Ann Chuxia suddenly remembered. ¡°No.¡± Su Qiu was the first to decline. ¡°I really dislike attending events. They¡¯re chaotic and just so bothersome¡­¡± ¡°Same here.¡± Zhang Qianqian expressed her agreement. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t want to go either, but I don¡¯t have much of a choice.¡± Ann Chuxia looked troubled. Being under a talent agency sometimes meant you couldn¡¯t call all the shots. ¡°So¡­¡± Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian exchanged nces, and all three girls¡¯ eyes converged on Su Ming in silent agreement. ¡°Huh? Why are you all staring at me?¡± Su Ming blinked, sensing danger. They say three women make a drama. Why did it feel like there was a trap lying in wait for him? ¡°Brother, you¡¯ve said before that Chuxia is a big star. It¡¯s not safe for her to go out alone.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, Brother Ming. Chuxia is our friend now. What if something happens to her?¡± Su Qiu and Zhang Qianqian chimed in together. ¡°Stop, stop, stop!¡± Su Ming quickly gestured with his hands. ¡°Alright, alright, you win. I¡¯ll go with you. But what kind of event is it? Just don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s a red carpet event, because I¡¯m definitely out.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Ann Chuxia shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s a sculpture exhibition by Lee Wangyang. You¡¯ve heard of Lee Wangyang, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Do you mean the president of the Sculptors¡¯ Association?¡± Su Ming raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡± Ann Chuxia confirmed, though her eyes betrayed a hint of reluctance. It seemed as though President Lee was somewhat disagreeable. ¡°Hold on, why would a small sculpture exhibition require the presence of an A-list star like you?¡± Su Ming asked, puzzled. ¡°A small sculpture exhibition?¡± Before Ann Chuxia could utter a word, Su Qiu¡¯s eyes widened in excitement. ¡°Come on, Brother Ming, that¡¯s Lee Wangyang, an international master of sculpture. I might not follow his work closely, but did you catch that news storyst year? He carved a piece called All-Epassing Revival, no bigger than the palm of your hand, and auctioned it off for over ten million.¡± ?¡±Really?¡± Su Ming responded with a casual smile. In the past, he would have been clueless about the world of sculpture. But that was before he acquired new skillsst night. Now, Su Ming was among the elite in the carving world. To be frank, he didn¡¯t hold much regard for someone like Lee Wangyang, whose reputation exceeded his talent. ¡°That¡¯s part of it. Plus, Lee Wangyang is an old friend of ourpany¡¯s boss, so my hands are tied,¡± Ann Chuxia sighed. ?¡±Okay, no problem. I¡¯ll apany you. When does it start?¡± Su Ming inquired. ?¡±Around 10 a.m.,¡± she replied. ?¡±Great,¡± Su Ming nodded in agreement. Having made a promise, he saw no reason for second thoughts. After finishing breakfast, they returned to the house to rx for a bit. Knowing they would be heading outter, Liu Dashan made a special trip to deliver a new outfit to Ann Chuxia. Liu Dashan had imed to be quiteposed before his arrival, but upon reaching the ce, he was utterly astounded. This was Eastsea, after all. One had to be incredibly influential to own such a vast expanse ofnd in the heart of the city, and his admiration for Su Ming grew even more profound. Time was ticking away, and Su Ming headed straight to the garage to fetch the car. It wasn¡¯t wise to board the vehicle at the front door, not when the streets were bustling with people. He might never make it out. Setting the destination on his phone, Su Ming drove off toward the venue. As he rounded the corner, the streetscape transformed dramatically. This area was part of the Second Loop, right in the center of Eastsea City. The main thoroughfare was lined with banners and festooned doorways. ¡°Enthusiastic celebration for the opening of Master Li¡¯s sculpture exhibition!¡± ¡°XXX Group celebrates Master Li¡¯s sculpture exhibition!¡± ¡°XXX Bank rejoices in Master Li¡¯s sculpture exhibition!¡± ¡­¡­ The streets were not only adorned with various banners but also teeming with media personnel. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have the President of the Imperial Court Sculpting Association, Honorary President of the Asia Sculpting Association, member of the World Sculpting Association, two-time Golden Award recipient, and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Sculpture, Mr. Lee Wangyang, hosting his sculpture exhibition in Eastsea today!¡± ¡°ording to our station¡¯s reporters, not only will various master sculptors be in attendance, but also the renowned A-list actress, Ms. Ann Chuxia, will grace the event with her presence!¡± The entire street was swarming with journalists. The central roadway had been entirely shut down, prohibiting any passage. It was a jubnt ocean of activity, teeming with excitement. ¡°Master Li certainly has a knack for things, organizing an exhibition that¡¯s drawn such a crowd.¡± Su Ming chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s inevitable, given his status as a master.¡± Ann Chuxia furrowed her delicate brows, a hint of impatience stirring within her. An exhibition that bore no relevance to her profession, yet she was expected to make an appearance. ?She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being reduced to a showpiece, a mere object of others¡¯ attention. Devoid of any personal value. ¡°Excuse me, sir, this road is closed.¡± Su Ming had stopped his car at the entrance of the barricaded road when a traffic officer approached and gave a salute. ¡°Officer, take a look at who¡¯s with me.¡± Su Ming said with a grin. ¡°Oh?¡± Upon recognizing Ann Chuxia, the officer¡¯s eyes brightened, and he quickly said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Ann Chuxia! Please wait, I¡¯ll let you through right away.¡± After speaking, the officermunicated briefly with his colleagues and ryed a message over his radio before removing the roadblock. Su Ming then continued driving towards their destination. The deeper they went, the livelier it became. The crowd grew denser by the minute. Approaching the entrance of the exhibition hall was overwhelming; a seemingly endless queue of people snaked its way forward, a veritable mountain of humanity pressing in from all sides. ¡°Wow, what kind of car is that?¡± ¡°Is that the Hennessy Venom GT?¡± ¡°Incredible!¡± Su Ming¡¯s car, with its thunderous engine and striking design, captivated the onlookers, leaving them in awe. ¡°Who¡¯s driving this car?¡± ¡°Whoever it is, they must be no ordinary friend of Master Li.¡± ¡°You can say that again.¡± The crowd buzzed with conversation. After parking, Su Ming stepped out of the car. ¡°Wow! This guy is so handsome. I want to have his babies!¡± ¡°Please! Can¡¯t your family afford a mirror? Take a good look at yourself; you might actually end up having monkeys with him.¡± ¡°Hmph! Don¡¯t even think aboutpeting with me. This guy is definitely mine!¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? Chapter 566 C566 ¨C This Is Mr Su¡¯s Daily Operation Hearing the buzz of conversation around him, Su Ming simply smiled without uttering a word. He really was quite handsome. ¡°Don¡¯t idolize me; I¡¯m merely a legend!¡± He approached the passenger side. Su Ming shed a slight smile and opened the car door. ¡°Is there someone sitting in the passenger seat?¡± ¡°Could that be this handsome guy¡¯s girlfriend?¡± ¡°No way, I¡¯ve set my sights on this handsome man. Nobody better try to snatch him from me!¡± ¡°Exactly, we need to show this woman our strength!¡± The girls nearby were in a frenzy. A man this handsome should either marry us or stay single! At that moment, a pair of wless, long, and straight legs extended from the passenger seat. Numerous men gaped in awe. ¡°Wow, those legs are so straight and fair!¡± ¡°Looking at those legs, she must be a stunning beauty, right?¡± ¡°Who could she be? So perfect?¡± The men were going wild, and the women were green with envy. Amidst the expectant stares, Ann Chuxia stepped out of the car. Then, the lively, densely packed street fell into an eerie silence! A secondter, a thunderous wave of cheers broke out! ¡°Wow! It¡¯s actually my goddess, Ann Chuxia?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m filled with envy and jealousy, but I can¡¯t deny they¡¯re a perfect match!¡± ¡°Oh, I feel like crying. Is this the legendary couple of myth?¡± ¡°No other girl is a match for this handsome man, but Ann Chuxia certainly is!¡± ¡°A mysterious handsome man driving a Hennessy Venom GT alongside Xiao Hong, a top domestic superstar¡ªthey¡¯re just too perfect together¡­¡± ¡°People often criticize female celebrities for marrying into wealth, but why does it feel so right for Ann Chuxia to marry this handsome man?¡± The crowd around them erupted. Even the news media waiting on the sidelines swiftly powered up their cameras. This was sensational news! At that moment, Ann Chuxia donned her disguise, her face adorned with a polite smile as she gently waved. A perfect smile, a perfect visage, perfect manners, plus a perfect man by her side! Life couldn¡¯t get any better! ¡°Viewers at home, breaking news: Miss Ann, Ann Chuxia, has been spotted with an unidentified handsome man. Our station will keep you updated¡­¡± A reporter from an out-of-town TV station had just made ament when a local journalist beside him couldn¡¯t resist rolling his eyes in disdain. Indeed, the local reporters maintained theirposure. ¡°Look at you, acting like you¡¯ve never seen the world before. This gentleman here is none other than the renowned Mr. Su from Eastsea.¡± ¡°Do you even realize who Mr. Su is? A man who owns over a dozen acres in the city center isn¡¯t just anybody, is he?¡± ¡°Mr. Su¡¯s bank ount boasts more than 20 billion.¡± ¡°You out-of-town reporters might scramble for a good spot, but there¡¯s no need for such overreaction.¡± The local reporters bantered back and forth, their cameras rolling all the while, yet their expressions conveyed a shared sentiment: indeed, Su Ming was the only match for Ann Chuxia. Ann Chuxia, oh Ann Chuxia. You, an A-list star, should just graciously ept Mr. Su¡¯s courtship. The Eastsea locals remained unfazed. They simply pped from the sidelines, while the loud cheers came from admirers who had traveled from afar. ¡°Miss Ann, have you arrived?¡± Just then, the venue¡¯s doors burst open, and a white-haired elder hurried out, nked by an entourage. Ann Chuxia was the day¡¯s VIP. Truth be told, sculpture has a rather niche appeal, but Ann Chuxia was their marquee attraction for the exhibition. Without her, the turnout would have been much less impressive. ?¡±Uncle Wang.¡± Ann Chuxia greeted him with a gracious smile. ?¡±You¡¯re too modest,¡± the elder replied, chuckling. Observing the bustling scene, he inwardly marveled at the drawing power of a top-tier beauty and star. ¡°And who might this be?¡± His attention now turned to Su Ming. He then nced at the car beside Su Ming. Despite his usual indifference to worldly affairs, the elder could appreciate the Hennessy Venom GT¡¯s design and knew it wasn¡¯t inexpensive. Judging by the frenzied reactions of the crowd, he surmised the car was far from merely expensive. To afford such a vehicle and to chauffeur Ann Chuxia here, all while maintaining aposed demeanor and a gentle smile amidst the throng, was no small feat. Standing next to Ann Chuxia, he appeared as if part of a match made in heaven. This young man, Su Ming, clearly had an impressive background. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to get to know him better. ¡°Uncle Wang, this is my friend, Su Ming. He¡¯s apanying me to the exhibition this time; that¡¯s not a problem, is it?¡± Ann Chuxia asked with a smile. ??¡±Not a problem at all,¡± the white-haired elder chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s too crowded outside. Let¡¯s go in to talk.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Ann Chuxia nodded, giving Su Ming a quick look. Su Ming remained silent, offering only a smile, and they both followed the elder inside. ?Just then, behind the elder, a young man¡¯s eyes narrowed, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his face. Yet, with the elder present, he dared not speak up. Instead, he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, forcing his anger down. The exhibition hall was still closed, leaving the vast space empty except for a few staff members organizing the area. The hall was split into three levels,prising sevenrge rooms, all interconnected by corridors¡ªa logical design for public exhibitions. ??Upon entering, one was greeted by a massive tree sculpture at the entrance. It was a substantial piece, easily the height of two people and weighing at least a ton, seemingly carved from Golden Nanmu wood. The sculpture depicted Sun Wukong,plete with his Golden-Hooped Rod, his eyes vivid and lifelike. Su Ming stood before the sculpture, his brow furrowed as he scrutinized it. ¡°Do you have an interest in carving, young man?¡± the elder inquired, approaching Su Ming. ??¡±Just a bit,¡± Su Ming replied humbly. ¡°Really? It¡¯s rare to find young people with an appreciation for carving. What do you think of this tree sculpture?¡± the elder probed. ?¡±Overall, it¡¯s quite impressive,¡± Su Ming responded. ¡°There are a few minor imperfections, though,¡± he added thoughtfully. ??¡±Ha!¡± Before the elder could respond, the young man behind him blurted out in a cold tone, ¡°Nonsense! This masterpiece was carved by Vice-Chairman Wang himself, wless in every way. It¡¯s beenuded by the finest sculptors. And you dare to criticize it? You¡¯re way out of your league!¡± Click to visit???? OR download the app and search the book name directly?? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!