Chapter 71: Choosing to Trust Him

Su Zheng was somewhat surprised by the sudden appearance of the manager from Dragon Phoenix Fate, for he had no real friends in Qingyang. It was simply impossible that anyone would send him such an extravagant piece of jewelry.

“Mr. Su, there’s no need to hesitate,” Manager Xu explained politely with a smile. “I assure you, there’s no mistake. It truly is from a friend of yours. He just called me personally and insisted I deliver it myself. Please, if you would, sign for it.”

Su Zheng paused, lost in thought, just as his phone chimed with a new message. Opening it, he saw it was from Li Yanjun.

“Divine Doctor Su, a small token of my appreciation—please accept it!”

Looking across the tables, Su Zheng caught sight of Li Yanjun at the main table, who winked at him and nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

Instantly, Su Zheng understood, finding the situation faintly amusing. Earlier, he’d chatted privately with Li Yanze in another room, and on leaving had run into Li Yanjun. It seemed the Li family’s second son had guessed his brother’s intentions and, unwilling to be outdone, had quietly made his own move.

Since he had already accepted Li Yanze’s goodwill, there was no need to refuse Li Yanjun’s gesture. Having figured out what was going on, Su Zheng signed the delivery slip without hesitation.

“Mr. Su, this is a newly released, limited-edition masterpiece bracelet from our store this year. The entire chain is crafted from platinum and designed by our top designer—the very same master who created the Starlight Ring. His works are renowned worldwide and are the top choice of many in the upper echelons.”

“And I must especially mention the material inlaid in this bracelet: we’ve used the finest ambergris as the inlay. Right now, in the jewelry market, ambergris is priceless—tens or even hundreds of thousands per gram, if you can find it at all. The piece we used is the rarest and most precious of all.”

Manager Xu introduced the bracelet with practiced confidence, holding it gently in his hand, his tone professional and self-assured, his smile warm and soothing.

The guests at the table were stunned, as if frozen in place by some enchantment. Their bodies went rigid, and confusion flickered in their eyes.

This… this was… a bracelet inlaid with ambergris?

And designed by a top master?

How much would that cost?

Wait a minute!

Didn’t Manager Xu just say this was a gift from that pauper’s friend?

With every new thought, the guests grew more stiff, their minds utterly thrown into chaos.

No one dared believe this was real. Such an expensive bracelet was beyond the reach of ordinary people, yet here it was, delivered as a gift to that so-called pauper’s family!

Several people, recovering from their shock, lowered their heads, their faces burning with shame.

Who would dare call this family paupers now? If even their friends could send gifts worth several years’ income, then who were they? Nothing but trash by comparison!

Perhaps this was the true face of a hidden, wealthy family.

Chen Wenli’s face was ashen, almost purple with frustration. She simply could not fathom how someone would give such a lavish gift to Su Zheng. It made no sense! That bracelet was worth over ten million, and looking at the ring she’d been so proud of moments before, she now felt utterly inferior—the difference was simply too great.

“Mr. Su, that concludes my introduction of the bracelet. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Manager Xu said politely, returning the bracelet to its box and pushing it before Su Zheng.

“You explained everything clearly. That will be all, you may go,” Su Zheng replied coolly.

“Very well. Congratulations, Mr. Su, on becoming a VIP client of Dragon Phoenix Fate. Should you have any jewelry needs, you can reach out to me at any time. Here’s my card—please accept it. Thank you!” Manager Xu placed his card before Su Zheng, then took his leave.

“Muxue, put on this bracelet. I think it’s quite decent,” Su Zheng said, ignoring the envious and jealous stares from all around. He took the bracelet from the box and fastened it onto Chen Muxue’s wrist.

Chen Muxue’s face was flushed with shock and a hint of awkwardness; she had yet to recover from the scene that had just unfolded. All she could think of were the numbers mentioned during the introduction. Wearing a bracelet worth over ten million on her wrist made her feel a heavy weight, nearly more than she could bear.

“Su Zheng, who is this friend of yours? I’ve never heard of you having such a wealthy acquaintance,” Chen Muxue asked softly, almost subconsciously. Previously, she’d misunderstood Su Zheng, and now, feeling remorseful, she resolved never to act so willfully again, no matter what happened.

“Just an ordinary friend. He was simply being thoughtful. Wear it—it’s just a trinket, nothing to fuss over,” Su Zheng replied with a faint smile.

“Uh…”

Once again, the guests at the table were dumbfounded. Su Zheng’s words made them feel a surge of inferiority. They had all been overwhelmed by the value of the bracelet, yet to him, it was merely a trinket, hardly worth mentioning!

Suddenly, they felt that their status was worlds apart from Su Zheng’s.

Even Feng Qingyuan was stunned for a long moment. He glanced at Chen Wenli, his gaze laced with doubt, as if to say: Are you sure? Is this really the so-called pauper you spoke of?

Ten million might be within Feng Qingyuan’s reach, but only just. Yet this Su Zheng had accepted a gift worth more than ten million without so much as blinking—such composure and bearing could never belong to a pauper!

Under Feng Qingyuan’s stare, Chen Wenli grew even more embarrassed. She knew she couldn’t explain herself, so she simply bowed her head in silent frustration.

“Hmph! I almost let myself be misled by a certain gossiping woman and misunderstood Mr. Su!”

“Exactly! Mr. Su is the very image of hidden talent. I say we should all toast to him and offer our apologies!”

“Agreed! Mr. Su, we spoke out of turn earlier. Please don’t take it to heart!”

“Mr. Su, would you care for some wine? Let me pour you a glass!”

“…”

The entire mood at the table shifted. Except for Chen Wenli, Feng Qingyuan, and the father-son duo of Chen Xiong, everyone else eagerly apologized and heaped flattery upon Su Zheng.

Such is the reality of the world: as long as you have wealth and power, there will never be a shortage of sycophants, no matter the time or place.

“Wenli, ahem… perhaps we should… take our leave…”