The old man with white hair nodded, saying, "Everything will be done according to the Madam's instructions."
"Let's go. After this meeting, it will be time for me to leave."
***
Chapter 26: He Actually Has Over a Million?
Just as Chen Tian and Chen Xi were searching for their mother in a state of panic, she appeared.
Yang Yinmeng walked up to their front door. The noble expression she had worn earlier vanished, and she rushed toward the two, looking them over with deep maternal concern.
"Tian'er, Xi'er, are you two all right?"
"You scared me to death! If something happened to you both, how could I go on living?"
Chen Tian nervously scratched his head. "We're fine, Mom. We were just out looking for you. Are you hurt?"
Yang Yinmeng shook her head. "After they caught me, they didn't mistreat me. Later, they let me go, so I came straight back. I didn't expect you two to be safe as well. Thank goodness, I was worried sick."
Hearing this, Chen Tian felt a pang of guilt. "Mom, I’m sorry. It was because I caused trouble at the hospital that I brought this danger upon you."
"Tian'er, you must protect yourself while you're out there, you hear me?" Yang Yinmeng looked at him with profound maternal love.
Chen Tian nodded firmly. "Mom, I’ve gained medical skills now. In the future, I will definitely earn a lot of money so we don't have to live such hard lives anymore."
"Good, I believe you have the ability," Yang Yinmeng said without a shred of doubt.
Chen Tian had wanted to mention that he’d earned 1.1 million last night, but it was hard to explain how healing people could be so lucrative. Moreover, the bet with Medicine King Sun sounded too surreal. So, for the time being, he decided not to tell them about the 1.1 million sitting in his pocket.
"Um, Mom, are you hungry?" Chen Tian asked.
Yang Yinmeng shook her head, her gaze filled with care. "Are you hungry? I’ll go cook something for you."
Chen Tian quickly grabbed her arm and chuckled. "It’s been so long since we’ve eaten out. I have some money, let's go have a meal at a restaurant as a family!"
"Tian'er has grown up. This is your kind intention, so as your mother, of course I won't refuse." Yang Yinmeng agreed immediately.
Chen Tian found it a bit strange; his mother used to forbid him from wasting money, so why was she so generous today? Still, he didn't dwell on it; he hurried them along before she could change her mind. This time, he was determined to have the most luxurious meal possible.
They walked out of the alley and reached the main road. After a long wait, a taxi finally came by, and the family of three headed into the city center.
The Jiangzhou Supreme Hotel was considered one of the top establishments in the city. It was said that a single meal there cost at least several thousand, and they had never even dared to step through its doors before.
When the taxi stopped at the entrance, Yang Yinmeng immediately regretted it. "Tian'er, why did you bring us to such an expensive place? Look at this entrance, it’s clearly not simple."
"Mom, it’s fine. I have the money. This is the first time in my life I’ve been able to treat you both to a decent meal," Chen Tian said, not caring at all.
Yang Yinmeng admonished him, "If you have money, you should save it to get married. You shouldn't spend it recklessly, you hear me?"
"I know, I know. Just this once, let's break the rules!" Chen Tian replied.
"Alright then," Yang Yinmeng sighed.
Hearing this, Chen Xi became happy. She grabbed Chen Tian’s arm and cheered, "Big brother, let’s go in! I’ve always wanted to see what it’s like inside. We’ve passed by so many times but never dared to enter."
Chen Tian felt a sting in his heart and quickly said, "Little sister, from now on, whenever you want to eat here, I’ll bring you."
"Really? Thank you, Brother! Tee-hee!" Chen Xi beamed.
The two of them ran inside ahead of their mother. The Jiangzhou Supreme Hotel featured an antique architectural style. By modern standards, the intricate patterns and decorations were exceptionally valuable. It was said that in the few "Supreme" private rooms, the antiques displayed were authentic, meant to show off the hotel's immense wealth.
Today, feeling flush with cash, Chen Tian led his sister straight upstairs to a Supreme private room. The room was decorated entirely with rosewood and carried a faint, pleasant fragrance. Sitting on the balcony, one could see the river flowing toward the sea in the distance.
The hotel was luxurious, and the scenery outside was even more beautiful. Once seated, Yang Yinmeng said with a pained expression, "A place this nice must cost a fortune. Spending a whole month's salary on one meal isn't worth it."
"It’s not that much. It’s just a meal," Chen Tian brushed it off.
However, the waitress at the door caught those words and let out a soft sound of disdain. Perhaps she detested poor young men who pretended to be rich; coming here to spend a month's salary on a meal was madness. The waitresses here were all tall, well over 1.7 meters, looking like flight attendants. Graceful, beautiful, and attentive—it was no wonder the wealthy liked to spend their money in places like this.
"Wow, these dishes look so delicious, but they’re so expensive," Chen Xi said, looking at the menu, which was labeled in five languages. It looked incredibly high-class. Fortunately, there was Chinese, or they wouldn't have been able to read it.
"It’s fine, little sister. Order whatever you want," Chen Tian said with an air of extravagance.
The pretty waitress at the door let out another disdainful scoff. After Chen Xi finished ordering, the bill came to six thousand yuan. Chen Xi was stunned. "Brother, maybe we should go somewhere else? I really wanted to save some money to buy clothes," she pouted.
Chen Tian patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. After we eat, I'll take you shopping."
"Really? Okay! Brother, you’re so good to me." Chen Xi hugged Chen Tian’s arm, acting very affectionate.
Even after they ordered, the waitress didn't bring the food. Instead, she repeatedly asked Chen Tian to confirm the order. Finally, fearing they would dine and dash, she insisted they pay in advance.
"Do high-end hotels always require payment in advance?" Chen Xi asked innocently.
"What do you mean by that?" Chen Tian looked at the waitress, dissatisfied.
The waitress put on a fake apologetic face. "I'm sorry, sir. This is a high-end establishment, and we need to verify the funds."
"What a nuisance," Chen Tian said, sliding his bank card across. "Just process the payment so we can eat."
The waitress frowned, picked up the card, and went to check the balance. She walked to the front desk and handed it to the cashier. "In my room, I’ve got a real piece of work—a guy wearing street-stall clothes so washed they’ve turned white, yet he wants to have a grand feast here? Please, check this card. He even gave me his PIN, so he definitely doesn't have much money."
The cashier took the card and laughed. "Is he trying to be funny? Sitting in a Supreme room? I bet there’s not even six thousand on it. Just a guy blowing himself up like a toad to act like a bull."
However, before the smile could fade, the cashier girl went stiff.
"What’s wrong? Not even six thousand? Is he really planning to skip out on the bill?" the waitress asked. "I'll go kick them out. If you don't have money, why come here? Are they crazy?"
"Xiaoyu, wait!" the cashier hurriedly called out.
Meanwhile, she was mumbling, "Four... five... six..."
"What are you counting?" the waitress asked, confused.
"On such an ordinary-looking card, there is actually 1.1 million!" the cashier said, shocked.
"What?" The waitress Xiaoyu leaned over to look. She suddenly felt nervous. "What kind of monster is this? He’s a millionaire? Why is he so low-key?"
Xiaoyu was suddenly flustered. She took the card and rushed back to the room, saying respectfully, "Sir, please wait a moment. The order has been sent to the kitchen, and the food will be served shortly. Also, here are some fruits and snacks, complimentary. Please, let me know if you’d like anything else!"
***
Chapter 27: I Am the Supreme One, Get Out!
The waitress's sudden enthusiasm made the siblings feel quite uncomfortable.
"Brother, I’d like some fresh orange juice!" Chen Xi pointed to the menu.
Chen Tian nodded and looked at the waitress. "Three glasses of orange juice."
"Right away! I’ll bring them immediately!"
Waitress Xiaoyu hurried off to get the juice. However, as soon as she reached the door, she got tangled up with someone and began arguing. A moment later, a man burst into the room, scanning the three of them with a cold gaze.
Chen Tian was baffled.
"Heh, all five Supreme rooms are full. I could accept the other four, but this one? Three people occupying a Supreme room? What kind of nobodies are these? Is everyone in this society this rich?" The lead man was filled with rage and arrogance.
"What do you mean by that?" Chen Tian stood up, glaring at him.
"I said you’re nobodies, so what? You’re not happy? Look at yourself—it’s a miracle of the age, even beggars are sitting at our tables now," the man spat out ruthlessly.
"You’re asking for it!" Chen Tian felt his rage ignite. This was the first time he had treated his sister and mother to a meal, and he wouldn't allow anyone to ruin it.
"Kid, you’ve got some nerve. Do you know who I am?" the man asked provocatively.
Chen Tian looked at him with contempt. "Not interested."
"I’ll tell you: I’m the owner of the Ju Jia Real Estate Agency. Open your dog eyes and take a good look. Today, I’m hosting very important guests, and they’ll be here any minute. Get out of this room immediately. I can give you ten thousand; take the money and go to a restaurant you can actually afford." Wu Wentao stood tall, looking down on everyone like ants.
At that moment, the waitress Xiaoyu rushed back in. "Mr. Wu, please calm down. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Could you please wait a little longer? My guests here have already ordered, so please don't disturb their meal. It’s very difficult for the hotel."
"What did you say? Say that again?" Wu Wentao pointed at the waitress, incensed.
"I... I’m just stating the facts. The hotel has its rules." Xiaoyu’s voice became small as she grew frightened.
*Slap!*
The next second, Wu Wentao struck her across the face. The waitress was stunned.
He barked arrogantly, "You’re nothing but a dog for this hotel! You dare lecture me? Even if your boss were here, he wouldn't dare speak to me like that."
"Wuwu... I, I..." The waitress burst into tears, too terrified to speak.
Chen Tian’s expression darkened. He said coldly, "I don't care what kind of ‘Mr. Wu’ you are. I was here first. I’ll give you three seconds—get out."
"Kid, you’re looking for a beating, aren't you? If you don't leave, I don't mind throwing you out," Wu Wentao said, stepping forward aggressively.
Chen Tian stepped forward to meet him. But then, Yang Yinmeng grabbed him, shaking her head. "Tian'er, it’s the same wherever we eat. Why don't we give up the Supreme room and go to a regular one downstairs? Please?"
"Mom..." Chen Tian unclenched his fists.
Wu Wentao sneered, "Smart choice. Now get lost, and don't make me use force."
Hearing this, Chen Tian’s patience completely ran out. Just then, the hotel’s general manager hurried over to play mediator.
"Mr. Wu, please calm down! I am terribly sorry for the poor arrangements!"
"Manager Li, you finally show up! It’s not that I like to cause trouble, but today I’m inviting someone very important. This room—I must have it." Wu Wentao had no intention of backing down. It was as if his affairs were the most important in the world and Chen Tian was just a freeloader who deserved to be kicked out.
Manager Li, seeing that Wu Wentao was determined, turned to Chen Tian with a smile. "Sir, how about this? Since there are only three of you, I will find you the best regular private room available, and this meal will be on the house—you won't have to pay a cent. Can you yield this room?"
Chen Tian frowned at the manager, confused. "Does he have so much power that even the hotel is afraid of him? I, Chen Tian, happen to not want to yield today. What can you do about it?"
"This..." Manager Li was in an impossible position.
"Then don't even think about eating today. I’ll make sure you walk in upright and leave horizontally," Wu Wentao threatened.
Chen Tian clenched his fists again. If his mother weren't here, he would have attacked long ago.
"Mr. Wu, we really can't force them to leave. Why don't you lower yourself to wait a moment?" Manager Li asked subserviently.
"Hmph, this kid is pretty arrogant. He’s in trouble."
As the two stood at odds, a voice drifted in from behind. "What’s happening? Why are there so many people gathered here? Mr. Wu, are you in there?"
Hearing this voice, Wu Wentao rushed out, his expression changing instantly to one of joy. "Minister Su, my apologies. There are no rooms left, but please wait a few minutes for me—it will be ready soon."
"Oh, that’s quite unfortunate," the woman outside said. Finished speaking, she curiously glanced inside.
Chen Tian was sitting facing the door. She spotted him immediately and stormed in, shocked. "Why are you here?"
Chen Tian looked at her, bewildered. "Do we know each other?"
"Heh, you’re quite forgetful for someone so important. I am Su Qing, Minister of the Project Department for the Su Group." The girl outside then wore a look of disdain.
Wu Wentao asked, surprised, "Minister Su, you actually know him?"
"Of course I know him. He’s just a dog raised by our Su Family, but the dog bit the master and got arrested. I didn't expect him to be out so soon," Su Qing scoffed.
She had been at the banquet that day at the Su household, which was why she knew him, but there were so many people there that Chen Tian hadn't paid her any mind.
Hearing this, Chen Tian’s brow furrowed even deeper. "The Su Family framed me, and I haven't settled that score yet. If you insult me one more time, don't blame me for knocking out your teeth."
Chen Tian glared coldly at Su Qing.
"Heh, what did I say that was wrong? Isn't that what you are?" Su Qing sneered.
Chen Tian said with disgust, "You are all asking for death."
At that moment, the kitchen finished the food. Several waiters, under immense pressure, navigated around the conflict to serve the dishes. Seeing this, Wu Wentao and Su Qing grew even more contemptuous.
"You dog, did I say you could eat?" Wu Wentao sneered, spitting into the dishes.
Su Qing also said coldly, "Indeed, dogs should eat such things. *Pah!*"
Wu Wentao and Su Qing continued to spit into the food. Chen Xi looked on, tears welling in her eyes—these were the dishes she had been so excited about!
"You’ve gone too far," she said indignantly.
Yang Yinmeng stood up and apologized hurriedly, "Everyone, my son has a stubborn temper. Please don't be angry; we’ll leave at once."
"Heh, leave? You think you’re getting away? I’m calling Grandfather immediately," Su Qing said. "Chen Tian, wait until you’re thrown back into prison." She pulled out her phone and made the call. "Just wait, the Su Family will be here to arrest you soon."
"Heh heh heh..."
Chen Tian sneered, his anger fading as he unclenched his fists. To be honest, he really wanted to see what they would do when the Su Family arrived. If they still wanted to send him back to prison, he would no longer hold any regard for Elder Su’s kindness.
Soon, the Su Family arrived. It was Su Wanyue, Elder Su, and a middle-aged man Chen Tian didn't recognize.
"Dad, why are you here?" Su Qing asked, surprised.
Elder Su said sternly, "Su Qing, what did you just say?"
"Uh, I ran into Chen Tian here. He insulted Cousin, arrest him and put him in jail! Isn't he just a dog of the Su Family? We were kind enough to treat him, and he acts so despicably. He’s shameless."
As soon as she finished, Su Qing’s father, Su Juguo, walked forward in a rage.
*Slap!*
Without warning, he slapped his daughter across the face.
Su Qing was left completely stunned. Why would her own father hit her?
Simultaneously, Su Juguo roared, "You jerk! Who told you to say these things? Chen Tian is your grandfather’s savior! How dare you act so wantonly in front of him? Do you want to die? I should beat you to death for your lack of filial piety!"
***
Chapter 28: It Really Was a Misunderstanding
Su Qing never imagined her father would be so ruthless as to slap her. The pain was sharp, but the humiliation was worse—in front of so many people, she, a Minister of the Su Group, had been disgraced because of a mere Chen Tian.
Wu Wentao was also stunned. Wasn't this just a poor kid? How did he summon such high-ranking members of the Su Family? He shrunk into the corner, trembling.
"Chen Tian, you just wait!" Su Qing covered her face, tears of rage in her eyes, and stormed off.
Elder Su respected Chen Tian, but the rest of the family had their own agendas. Elder Su had been worried since Chen Tian was imprisoned, and it had taken a great effort to locate him. He hadn't expected his own granddaughter to berate him like that, so he had forced Su Juguo to discipline her.
At this moment, Elder Su walked toward Chen Tian, his expression filled with emotion. He smiled and said in a low voice, "My young friend, this is truly a huge misunderstanding. The person who reported you to the police was Wanyue’s father; I have already punished him severely. I hope you won't hold it against the Su Family."
Elder Su’s old eyes were bright and keen, and he was extremely polite to Chen Tian. Truth be told, even if he couldn't get Chen Tian to help Su Wanyue save the family, he certainly didn't want to turn him into an enemy—that would only hasten the Su Family’s decline.
Chen Tian glanced at Su Wanyue, full of indignation, and said proudly, "I know Elder Su is not that kind of person, but the same cannot be said for others."