Those who know Zhong Yangyang know he's a big shot.
However, most well-known big shots in China have likely heard of him. Zhong Yangyang had never seen a young, beautiful girl like Xia Lin receive such immense respect.
To say he wasn't surprised would be a blatant lie.
Even with the title of richest man, he felt a bit flustered at that moment.
His status as the richest man wasn't as high as Jack Ma, Pony Ma, or Old Wang.
At their level, wealth truly wasn't important anymore. Hundreds of billions or trillions made no difference. What mattered was your connections, your circle, and your backing in China.
Old Wang's position within this circle was undoubtedly very high. There was no question about it.
It wasn't something that could be measured by wealth. Money was truly irrelevant.
Now, Old Wang and others were shamelessly fawning over Xia Lin, their true intentions obvious to any discerning eye.
“Lin'er, I'll take the liberty of calling you Lin'er. See if there's anything you like to eat.” Xu Jiaying specifically took out a menu and asked respectfully while bowing slightly.
He was nearly two generations older, so calling her Lin'er was certainly not out of line.
Besides, if she called her that, Xia Lin couldn't possibly refuse.
“Mr. Xu, you’re too kind. Anything is fine with me, please decide,” Xia Lin demurred.
Since the dishes had already been arranged beforehand, Xia Lin saw no need to order again.
These people were sharper than monkeys; the dishes they needed to order had already been chosen. Presenting the menu was merely a gesture of politeness.
“Okay, okay.” Xu Jiaying nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
Then, Xu Jiaying asked the waiter to serve the dishes quickly, and the atmosphere at the table was quite harmonious.
Except for Zhong Yangyang and Xu Jiaying, who felt a bit constrained, everyone else was accustomed to it. Living under the same roof, there wasn't much formality.
Although Xu Jiaying was treating them to dinner, in a way, he felt like an outsider.
No one at the table suggested drinking alcohol. After all, Xia Lin was the focus of today's meal, and it would have been awkward to ask her to drink.
High-quality apple cider, coconut juice, and a bottle of imported mix drink were placed on the table for everyone.
By the end of the meal, Xu Jiaying had gotten to know Xia Lin much better, at least enough to recognize her.
Familiarity breeds contempt, and a second meeting leads to acquaintance, while the third or fourth might lead to asking for favors.
He would then be able to talk to Xia Lin about investing in Fenglin Entertainment, to completely tie himself to this giant ship.
After lunch, Xia Lin and her group left first.
Liu Qiangxi also left with Xia Lin; he was heading to the film base to take charge.
The remaining people were the first group who had arrived.
They started drinking tea and chatting, and the boasting officially began.
“Old Wang, how do you think I performed today?”
Xu Jiaying quietly asked Old Wang.
He had never seen Kyoto officials act with such caution and prudence. Only with Xia Lin did he feel an unknown pressure.
Perhaps it was her extreme mystery, or perhaps these people had elevated Xia Lin too highly, or perhaps it was Xia Lin herself.
Xu Jiaying wasn't sure what the exact reason was.
“Not bad, you’re quite adept at handling things.” Old Wang patted Xu Jiaying’s shoulder in praise.
“Hehe…” Xu Jiaying smiled happily upon hearing this.
Zhong Yangyang, who had been silently observing, couldn't help himself. After a moment of thought, he asked curiously:
“Everyone, forgive my presumption, but whose descendant is that Ms. Xia Lin?”
Zhong Yangyang finally asked with a puzzled expression. If you all were fawning over her like this, she couldn't possibly not be a big shot.
“Old Zhong, I know you’re curious, but you haven’t reached this level yet. It’s better if you don’t know.”
Old Wang spoke with a tone of worldly wisdom and a hint of showmanship.
“Haven't reached this level yet” – those words were excessively boastful, truly worthy of Old Wang. He was still the same.
Zhong Yangyang was rendered speechless by this remark.
What's more, Jack Ma, standing beside them, added, “If you have the fortune in the future, you will understand.”
Zhong Yangyang wisely chose not to ask further.
However, he made up his mind to foster good relationships with Old Wang and the others. Opportunity could only come from them.
Otherwise, Xu Jiaying wouldn't have gone to such lengths.
It seemed he was still too young in this regard. He needed to learn how to fawn properly. Fawning consistently would eventually yield results.
…
As Xia Feng approached Penglai Island, he felt a distinct difference.
Perhaps it was a psychological effect, but the Eastern Emperor Bell might truly be located here.
“Senior, the Nangong family is ahead,” Sima Liang said solicitously.
Xia Feng nodded, and then Sima Liang hurried off to break the barrier.
Executing the same tactic once more, the Nangong family was instantly subdued. Furthermore, since the Dongfang, Shangguan, and Sima families had already surrendered, the Nangong family had no choice.
In the main hall of the Nangong family,
The four great hermit families were gathered. The ancestors of each family were present in the hall, and no one else was allowed in.
“Senior, this is the profound meaning of ascension from our four families.”
The four ancestors each presented a tattered sheepskin scroll, handing it respectfully to Xia Feng.
Xia Feng took it, glanced at it, and said, “You may leave. I will study it for a while.”
“Yes, Senior.” Everyone responded and then filed out of the hall.
After everyone had dispersed, Xia Feng combined the four tattered sheepskin scrolls.
Qi returns to the Dantian, stabilizing the heavens and earth, the sun and moon’s essence, regulating Qi and spirit, illuminating the inscribed runes.
Heaven blesses immortal destiny, the heavens and earth permeate with a hundred lights, condensing Qi and solidifying spirit, the moon’s brilliance appears.
The Emperor’s divine arrival, the colorful and pure true sharpness establishes peace, cleansing the physical body to naturally achieve spiritual awareness.
Mortal tribulation, severing the long span of heavens, earth, sun, and moon, ascending to sainthood, transcending the mundane, and receiving guidance.
(These four sentences are made up and really make one lose hair, o(╥﹏╥)o)
Xia Feng stared at the sheepskin scroll before him for a long time, speechless, his eyes fixed upon it.
He pondered the essence of the four sentences in his mind, then began to circulate his cultivation technique, wanting to see if he could sense the power of the Heavenly Dao.
An hour passed.
A night passed.
Three days passed.
Xia Feng remained motionless. With no movement from Xia Feng, the ancestors outside dared not leave.
“Brother Dongfang, you were the first to meet Senior. Why, after three days and nights, has Senior not emerged?”
Nangong Hong curiously eyed the door outside the hall and asked Dongfang Yu.
“How would I know? Three days is merely a blink of an eye for us. What’s the rush for something that will happen soon?”
Dongfang Yu had no idea. If he had known, he would have ascended long ago.
“I’m just worried about Senior,” Nangong Hong whispered.
They dared not inquire about what was happening inside, and could only wait patiently.
“Senior is a person of profound wisdom, and sensing the power of the Heavenly Dao is not an easy task. It’s not that simple,”
Sima Liang interjected, suggesting they just wait patiently.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
…
(PS: This book has reached 800,000 characters today. Thank you to all the babies for your support. Without your support, I couldn't have reached this point. Along the way, we have laughed and argued. Those who have supported me to this point are true loves. Thank you for being with me.)
(For your support, I will continue to strive forward, writing each chapter, each sentence well, to bring you joy. Gratitude to everyone who has supported me. I send you the happiest blessings. I love you, mua! (*╯3╰))