When Yao Jingtai's identity was announced, many in the audience had varying expressions.
"Mr. Yao, it's been a while," Guo Bao cupped his fist towards Yao Jingtai.
"Master Guo, it has indeed been a long time. Perhaps we can collaborate again sometime," Yao Jingtai smiled, then turned his gaze to Li Se. "Master Li, are you interested in working for me?"
Upon hearing Yao Jingtai's words, many were filled with envy and jealousy. So many people wished to work for such a wealthy magnate, as it would signify future prosperity. Li Se, barely in his twenties, had already garnered the favor of Yao Jingtai, indicating a boundless future.
"Mr. Yao, I am merely a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. My understanding of Feng Shui stems from the inseparable nature of TCM and metaphysics," Li Se politely declined.
"Oh, you are also skilled in medicine?" Yao Jingtai seemed surprised. "Then by all means, I am even more eager for you to work for me. Consider it. The compensation will not be lacking."
"Mr. Yao flatters me, but I must still refuse. I am accustomed to freedom," Li Se declined again.
Hearing this, everyone was utterly incredulous. This was an offer to work for the richest man, yet he refused! They knew how many present would have desperately sought this opportunity. Even a renowned Feng Shui master like Guo Bao had to be respectful when meeting Yao Jingtai and harbored a desire to work for him. After all, for most people, wasn't the purpose of studying Feng Shui to earn more money?
Yao Jingtai was also somewhat surprised. He truly hadn't expected Li Se to refuse, as the chance to work for him, the richest man, was a rare and golden opportunity, especially since he was the one extending the invitation. Usually, people would recommend themselves.
"Presumptuous!" a man in glasses and a suit reprimanded. "Mr. Yao's personal invitation is a show of regard for you. Do not be ungrateful!"
"Is this your place to speak?" Li Se frowned.
"What do you mean by that?" the suited man's voice grew annoyed. "I am Mr. Yao's secretary, Zhang Ruicai, I..."
"Even so, it's not your place to bark here!" Li Se interrupted.
He gave no face whatsoever! Moreover, Li Se's words were clear: you are nothing more than a dog. Zhang Ruicai was furious and was about to retort, but Yao Jingtai stopped him, saying calmly, "Master Li is correct. This is not your place to speak."
"I understand, Mr. Yao," Zhang Ruicai replied, though his gaze towards Li Se was rather chilling.
"Master Li, I won't force you. However, I plan to invest in real estate in Qingyun City recently. Since you are so knowledgeable in Feng Shui and metaphysics, why not help me assess it?" Yao Jingtai deeply believed in Feng Shui and always consulted Feng Shui masters for his ventures. This included the Feng Shui of his company buildings and their geographical locations, as well as calculating auspicious dates for travel. Now that he was investing in real estate, he naturally needed a Feng Shui master's assessment. He would typically choose Guo Bao for such matters, but Li Se clearly demonstrated greater skill in the art of Feng Shui.
"Mr. Yao, Master Guo is more adept at this than I am. I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave," Li Se's response was still a refusal.
"Old Qiao, I'm going to find Weiwei."
After bidding farewell to Old Qiao, Li Se departed from the Shengshi Hotel. Old Qiao stroked his beard, his eyes filled with admiration. Refusing Yao Jingtai was akin to refusing a mountain of gold, truly befitting of the grandson-in-law he had chosen! Unbeknownst to him, a flicker of displeasure crossed Yao Jingtai's face as Li Se left. He didn't directly approach Guo Bao but chatted for a few more moments before also departing.
"Mr. Yao, that brat is too arrogant. Just because he has some skill, he dares to disregard you like this!" Zhang Ruishan gnashed his teeth, harboring resentment towards Li Se for daring to call him a dog in public!
Yao Jingtai smiled faintly. "Investigate him. Heh heh, there's no one who cannot be made to serve me!"
"Yes!" Zhang Ruishan responded.
Leaving the Shengshi Hotel, Li Se had only walked a few steps when he saw Qiao Weiwei kicking pebbles, looking incredibly cute.
"What are you doing? I'm not marrying you!" Qiao Weiwei huffed.
"Just kidding. I wasn't asking you to marry me," Li Se was somewhat speechless. Why had this little girl suddenly become so sensitive to jokes?
"Hmph, it better be a joke!" Qiao Weiwei huffed again.
As Li Se was about to say more, Chen Bin called. The main point was that the Imperial Green pendant was ready. He acknowledged the call and said he would be there immediately.
"Imperial Green?" Qiao Weiwei's interest piqued. "I want to go too!"
"Alright, I'll take you then," Li Se said with a hint of helplessness.
Just as the two were preparing to get into the car, Li Se suddenly felt a sense of impending danger. He quickly threw himself onto Qiao Weiwei, pushing her down to the ground.
"Ah!" Qiao Weiwei cried out. As she landed face down, with Li Se on her back, the position somehow suggested an unwanted advance. "Although I am delicate and soft and easily pushed down, ... you can't just want to push me down in broad daylight." Qiao Weiwei thought Li Se was attempting to force himself on her, feeling incredibly embarrassed. Crucially, it was daytime, and although there were few people around, who could guarantee someone wouldn't appear shortly?
*Bang!*
It was at this moment that a gunshot rang out. The bullet whizzed past just centimeters above Li Se's head.
"Someone wants to kill you?" Qiao Weiwei's face turned a shade paler.
Although this position was quite pleasant for Li Se, it was not the time to dwell on it. He held Qiao Weiwei tightly beneath him, holding his breath. While his current strength was considerable, the enemy was hidden, and he was exposed. Moreover, the enemy was using a firearm, and a single misstep could be fatal. Of course, Li Se was confident he could dodge these bullets, but with Qiao Weiwei beside him, he had to be extremely cautious.
Qiao Weiwei's breathing quickened, and her cheeks gradually flushed. Feeling the man's breath behind her, for some reason, her heart began to race...
*Bang!*
At this moment, another shot was fired. Li Se immediately rolled on the ground, pulling Qiao Weiwei with him. They were almost pressed together. After rolling, Qiao Weiwei and Li Se were facing each other. Li Se was also experiencing a peculiar sensation; this position seemed quite enjoyable too. However, he couldn't focus on Qiao Weiwei at that moment. The second shot allowed him to accurately pinpoint the enemy's location. The distance was not far. He picked up a pebble and, like a leopard, leaped up. The pebble flew from his hand, shooting out like a bullet.
*Bang!*
Simultaneously, the opponent fired again, the bullet heading directly for Li Se!