Chapter Nine: A Toast in Person

“Mr. Ye, I’m truly sorry for being late,” Zhao Wanting apologized to Ye Feng.

Tonight was her grandfather’s eightieth birthday, and the banquet was held upstairs. Zhao Wanting had invited Ye Feng not only to dine but also to attend her grandfather’s birthday celebration, hoping to introduce him. After all, thanks to Ye Feng, she had safely returned with the jade Buddha. Her grandfather was deeply fond of that jade Buddha and, upon hearing of their ordeal, insisted on expressing his gratitude in person.

“Mr. Ye, tonight the Zhao family is hosting a banquet here to celebrate my grandfather’s birthday,” she said. “He’s upstairs and very eager to meet you and thank you personally. Please, come with me.”

To be invited by the Zhao family was a supreme honor for most, as their social circle was exclusive and not easily penetrated. The surrounding guests couldn’t help but envy them, while also curious about their relationship. Wasn’t Ye Feng the disowned eldest son of the Ye family? Why did the Zhao family’s eldest daughter act as if she sought his favor? It didn’t add up.

“No need,” Ye Feng declined politely. “I happened to run into an old classmate here tonight. We’ll just have a simple meal and won’t trouble anyone upstairs.”

Hearing this, Zhao Wanting glanced at Susan, noting her beauty rivaled her own. She thought perhaps Susan was Ye Feng’s girlfriend.

“Very well,” Zhao Wanting nodded, not pressing further. “Order whatever you like; the bill is on me. Oh, and—” She suddenly seemed to remember something and pulled out a card, offering it to him. “This is the remaining one million.”

Ye Feng glanced at the card but didn’t take it. Instead, another thought crossed his mind.

“Do you know that Xie Shao just now?” he asked.

Zhao Wanting nodded. “He’s the manager of our company’s HR department. I don’t know what he did to offend you, but I apologize on his behalf.”

“I won’t take the money,” Ye Feng pushed the card back. “But I hope you can do me a favor.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Fire Xie Shao from your company. Then let this classmate of mine take over his position as manager. Is that possible?”

Zhao Wanting was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Susan. Susan herself was shocked—she hadn’t even recovered from the earlier incident when Ye Feng was already arranging a job for her, and at that, to replace Xie Shao? It felt like a dream.

“What qualifications do you have? Any relevant experience? Are you interested in working at our company?” Zhao Wanting asked simply.

Susan answered each question in turn.

“Alright, then report to the company tomorrow,” Zhao Wanting agreed and took back the card. It wasn’t that she was unwilling to part with the million; she understood Ye Feng’s principles. Since he returned the card, he would never accept it.

“Since it’s a request from Mr. Ye, this small favor is no problem,” she said.

“Thank you,” Ye Feng said gratefully. Having just been released, he was glad to help Susan even in a small way.

They chatted a little longer before Zhao Wanting returned upstairs. Only after she left did the quiet hall finally stir with murmurs.

The guests turned repeatedly, still in disbelief. “Has the Ye family really disowned their eldest son? He still seems so formidable! Even the Zhao family’s eldest daughter shows him such respect.”

“Unbelievable! He just said a word and got Xie Shao fired! Xie Shao thought he’d found an easy mark but ran into a hard nut!”

“Plus, the Zhao eldest daughter invited him upstairs to the old master’s birthday banquet, and he outright refused? What arrogance!”

The guests whispered among themselves in amazement.

“Susan, how do you know Zhao Wanting?” Susan was astonished and couldn’t close her mouth. “Are you close? She said I should report to the company tomorrow—is she joking?”

Ye Feng smiled. “Since it’s the Zhao family’s own company, she wouldn’t joke about that. Just go tomorrow.”

As they spoke, the waitstaff began bringing out a variety of exquisite dishes, many of which Ye Feng hadn’t ordered—clearly arranged by Zhao Wanting.

As they chatted and ate, suddenly a commotion arose.

“Oh my God! Look who’s here!”

“It’s the head of the Zhao family… the old master!?”

“Really him!”

Ye Feng looked up.

From the second floor descended a group of people. Leading them was an elderly man with silver hair and a youthful face, full of vigor, holding a glass of red wine. He approached Ye Feng.

“You must be Ye Feng,” he said. “Thank you for saving my little granddaughter today.”

“I’d like to raise a glass to you, to express my gratitude.”

The Zhao family’s old master himself had come down to toast Ye Feng! The sight left everyone present utterly stunned, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.