Chapter Sixty-Seven: How Dare You Set Me Up?

Chen Wenli’s boyfriend, Feng Qingyuan, was from the Feng family in Qingyang, distant relatives of the Li family, and his business depended entirely on the Li family’s support.

“There’s nothing to fuss about. Most likely, as you said, that good-for-nothing has some family ties to one of the Li family’s servants. That being the case, it makes sense for the servant to use the electric car to pick him up without permission,” Feng Qingyuan said indifferently, waving his hand dismissively. Then, glancing deliberately around at those nearby, he continued, “Don’t worry, I was just about to do you a favor and teach him a lesson. Since that loser has come here, it saves me the trouble of seeking him out. Now that he’s in my grandfather’s house, what can he possibly do?”

As his words fell, the expressions of many around them grew more serious, and they began to size up Feng Qingyuan more closely.

“Oh, so you’re Young Master Feng—my apologies for not recognizing you sooner!”

“It’s an honor to walk alongside Young Master Feng. Please, after you!”

“Young Master Feng, you are truly a man of exceptional presence and bearing. If you ever have a spare moment, I’d be grateful for the chance to host you at my home!”

One by one, those around, having recognized Feng Qingyuan’s identity both from his words and from faint recollections, immediately put on flattering smiles and stepped forward to ingratiate themselves. Though Feng Qingyuan was not Li Jiangcheng’s direct nephew, he was still a distant relative, and none present wished to offend him. Naturally, they all chose their words carefully, hoping to leave a good impression.

Chen Wenli clung to Feng Qingyuan’s arm, her face radiant with pride and satisfaction. She reveled in this feeling of being courted and admired, and couldn’t help but lean even closer to him.

“Let’s all head inside, shall we? We wouldn’t want my grandfather to grow impatient waiting for us,” Feng Qingyuan responded to each with an air of arrogance, then led the way inside.

Chen Xiong, pulling his son Chen Peng along, followed close behind, his aging face agleam with secret delight. He was certain that, with such an outstanding son-in-law, he would soon make Su Zheng’s family lose all face!

The Li family’s estate was vast; even with so many people entering, it never felt crowded. Villas clustered throughout the grounds, all belonging to members of the Li family. At the very center of the estate stood a towering castle-like structure.

Many upon entering were left awestruck and speechless by the grandeur and opulence before them. The grand hall alone was the size of a basketball court, yet thanks to eighteen Roman columns, it did not feel empty. The décor was a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western styles; priceless calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls, immense reliefs and chandeliers ringed the periphery and ceiling, and the intricately carved rosewood furnishings were a marvel to behold.

The banquet comprised twelve tables in all. Staff in white chef’s uniforms bustled back and forth, preparing an array of exquisite delicacies right on site. Elegant young women weaved among the tables with trays in hand, their voices as sweet and lively as orioles and swallows, warm yet unfailingly courteous.

After entering the hall, Su Zheng and Chen Muxue, along with her parents, followed the couple’s suggestion and found a seat in a quiet corner.

Chen Jianguo and his wife were still in a daze, unable to recover from the shock. It felt like a dream to have boarded the electric car under the gaze of Qingyang’s most important figures and been brought to this place.

“Muxue, have something to drink,” Su Zheng said with a smile, taking a fruit-flavored wine from a passing server’s tray and placing it before her. He also ordered two cups of tea for Chen Jianguo and his wife, keeping a glass of water for himself.

“Su Zheng, what exactly is your relationship with the Li family? That steward, Fu, seemed quite respectful to you just now,” Chen Muxue asked with a bright smile. It was her first time attending such a grand event. Surrounded by such luxury, she took a delicate sip of her drink, her curiosity piqued.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Last time I just happened to help Master Li recover from an illness, so perhaps this is their way of thanking me,” Su Zheng replied casually.

“What? You treated Master Li? Su Zheng, let me warn you: don’t ever act so rashly again! You’ve never studied medicine—if anything had gone wrong, our whole family would’ve been in serious trouble!” Lu Hongmei whispered, giving Su Zheng a stern warning, her expression tinged with fear.

“She’s right! It was pure luck, nothing more—like a blind cat running into a dead mouse. Ah, no, no, that’s not right! How could I call Master Li a dead mouse? Watch your mouth, Jianguo!” Chen Jianguo quickly glanced around, relieved that no one was paying attention to their corner. “Anyway, don’t take on such things again. By the way, daughter, could I have a glass of that wine you’re drinking? This is my first time at such a banquet—tea just won’t do!”

He eyed the wine in Chen Muxue’s hand, its crystal clarity giving off a fragrant aroma.

“Waiter, over here!” Su Zheng snapped his fingers, and a server approached gracefully. Upon hearing Su Zheng’s request, she soon brought over another glass of the same fruit wine.

“Sir, this Ace of Spades might be a bit light in flavor. Would you like me to bring you a glass of vintage Maotai later?” the server asked with a sweet smile.

“Uh... sure, Maotai sounds good,” Chen Jianguo replied, a bit sheepish but inwardly delighted. He’d never tasted Maotai before and was looking forward to it.

“Dad, even this Ace of Spades isn’t cheap. Why not give it a try?” Su Zheng teased, amused by Chen Jianguo’s caution.

“Tch! How expensive could a glass of fruit wine be? I’ll wait for the Maotai!” Chen Jianguo pushed the glass toward Lu Hongmei, no longer interested.

“Dad, this premium Ace of Spades costs tens of thousands a bottle. If you don’t want it, let Mom have a taste,” Chen Muxue said with a smile, well aware of its market price.

“What? Tens of thousands a bottle? Goodness, don’t waste it—let me try!” Chen Jianguo hurriedly retrieved the glass and took a cautious sip, savoring the taste.

Su Zheng chuckled and gestured for the server to bring another glass for Lu Hongmei as well. Every drink at the Li family’s banquet was top-shelf; not only the Ace of Spades, but even Maotai and Lafite were available in unlimited supply.

Just then, Steward Fu reappeared, his eyes sweeping cheerfully across the hall until they landed on Su Zheng.

“Mr. Su, Yan Ze would like to speak with you. Would you mind coming with me?” Fu approached, smiling politely.

“Thank you, Steward Fu.” Su Zheng nodded, and after a word to Chen Muxue, he followed Fu into a separate room.

“Divine Doctor Su, it’s been too long! Please, have a seat!” Li Yanze, the eldest son of Li Jiangcheng, was waiting inside. The moment Su Zheng entered, he greeted him warmly.

Steward Fu left with a genial smile, closing the door behind him.

“Mr. Li, what did you want to speak to me about?” Su Zheng asked calmly.