"He, how did he get to Jinling City!"
"Could these jades have been sent by Shi Tianqi?!"
"What is he doing in Jinling City?"
Just as everyone was whispering among themselves, Shi Tianqi walked step by step toward Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue with a respectful expression!
With every step Shi Tianqi took, Jiang Feichi and Xia Ziwei's hearts sank heavily... At this moment, they seemed to have guessed something, but in their hearts they were reluctant, even unwilling to believe it!!
"No, we must have guessed wrong. The Jade King would only help this kid deliver betrothal gifts!"
"Impossible! It's simply impossible!"
Jiang Feichi and Xia Ziwei roared frantically in their hearts at the same time.
Then, he bowed respectfully and said, "I didn't expect my teacher to be here as well. The betrothal gifts have been delivered, and I wonder if the teacher and the teacher's wife are satisfied?"
Swish!
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
It turned out that these betrothal gifts were actually meant for Xia Qingyue!
It turned out that the pearl of the Xia family they kept talking about was actually Xia Qingyue!
"Hisss..."
"If these betrothal gifts came from Shi Tianqi, their value would be far more than tens of millions!"
"Yes, yes, I heard that the Jade King's collection pieces are all crafted by master artisans. Just the carving fee for any random master's work alone costs six or seven digits..."
"Wouldn't the finished product be even more expensive!?"
After the members of the Xia family drew in a sharp breath, the looks in their eyes when they looked at Ye Chen were completely different.
What on earth is the background of this young man!?
"You've put your heart into this."
Faced with these betrothal gifts worth tens of millions, Ye Chen only gave a faint three-word reply.
Xia Qingyue was already so shocked that she didn't know what to say. Her delicate hand tightly covered her mouth, her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and her alluring peach-blossom eyes were filled with shock and a sense of happiness that she dared not believe!
After a long while, she finally recovered her senses and asked, "Are... are these really meant for me?"
"They are yours."
Ye Chen nodded and said, "Three days from now is the day we met... Wait for me for three days, and I will definitely marry you properly, giving you and Xiao Ningning a proper status."
"Okay!"
Xia Qingyue held back the happiness that threatened to bring tears to her eyes and smiled brightly.
Three days!
As soon as these words were spoken, the complexions of Xia Lingwei and Jiang Feichi instantly turned incomparably pale.
Three days later was also their wedding!
Looking at Ye Chen's grand display, they were terribly afraid that their wedding would be completely overshadowed by the wedding of Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue!!
"This bitch is definitely doing this on purpose to humiliate me!" Xia Lingwei said, grinding her teeth.
"Weiwei, don't be afraid... This fellow is just relying on having a disciple. I refuse to believe Shi Tianqi can keep helping him." Jiang Feichi was also furious to the point of smoke coming out of his seven orifices, and he suppressed his intense anger as he spoke.
"Huh?"
Hearing this sentence, Shi Tianqi's gaze turned cold.
Who were these two dogs, daring to discuss his teacher and teacher's wife?
He was just about to make a move when he heard Ye Chen say faintly, "Tianqi, stand down. Do not cause trouble."
Causing a scene at this moment would only put Xia Qingyue in a difficult position.
If not for considering Xia Qingyue's feelings, Ye Chen would have already made a move even before Shi Tianqi arrived...!
"Yes!"
Shi Tianqi hastily bowed and said, "Your disciple was inconsiderate. I hope the teacher and teacher's wife will forgive me."
Ye Chen nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Xia Qingyue, however, was filled with a head full of question marks, "???"... How on earth did this Ye Chen manage to take Shi Tianqi as his disciple? Clearly, Ye Chen was even a dozen or twenty years younger than Shi Tianqi!
And those previous disciples of his didn't seem like ordinary people either!!
Before Xia Qingyue could speak, another loud voice suddenly rang out: "The betrothal gifts have arrived... The Jiang Family of Jinling City comes to deliver betrothal gifts to the pearl of the Xia family!"
As the voice faded, a wretched-looking middle-aged man walked proudly to the entrance of the Xia family residence and said, "Why don't you find someone to receive the betrothal gifts... Our Jiang Family has prepared six hundred and sixty thousand in cash, and gold and silver jewelry worth several hundred thousand..."
The members of the Xia family, "..."
At this moment, everyone's hearts were tangled, and they didn't know what expression to make!
If not for Ye Chen's betrothal gifts, the Jiang family's six hundred and sixty thousand in cash and jewelry worth several hundred thousand would have been extremely enviable!
However, compared to Ye Chen's eight million eight hundred thousand in cash, as well as pure gold jewelry and Emperor Green jades worth tens of millions, the Jiang family's betrothal gifts paled significantly in comparison!!
Such magnificent gems were presented first...!!
As everyone sighed inwardly, the wretched-looking middle-aged man looked puzzled and asked angrily, "What are you all staring blankly for? I am here representing the Jiang Family to deliver..."
"Second uncle!!"
Before he could finish, Jiang Feichi hurriedly pulled the middle-aged middle-aged man aside with a sheepish look, laughing awkwardly, "Just have someone send the betrothal gifts inside. There's no need to read out the gift list..."
"Why?" The middle-aged middle-aged man asked with a puzzled expression.
Why?
What else could it be for?!
Because we were completely outshined by someone else!!
Jiang Feichi felt like he wanted to die. After casting a glance at the middle-aged middle-aged man, he hurriedly said, "Let's not talk about this anymore... The betrothal gifts have been delivered. Weiwei, three days from now, I will definitely come to take you home! Our new home will be at Lvshui Villa!"
Lvshui Villa was the newly developed villa area in Jinling City, and also the most upscale villa area in all of Jinling City, without exception.
This project covered hundreds of acres, backed by mountains and surrounded by water, and was located in the new district of Jinling City. Step outside the villa area, and the bustling city was right there!
It could be said that Lvshui Villa area was the top-tier villa area in Jinling City in terms of location, grade, and green environment, with the cheapest villa starting at no less than ten million.
Not to mention those prime king-of-the-hill locations.
"Lvshui Villa area..."
Xia Lingwei finally felt she had regained some face, and she said excitedly, "Thank you, hubby! Hmph hmph... Xia Qingyue, where is your new home?"
"I..."
Xia Qingyue paused, shook her head gently, and said, "I don't have a new home... I—I'm renting a place."
"Pfft!"
"Hahaha!"
"It looks like your man is useless, he doesn't have anything... The car was borrowed, and the betrothal gifts were borrowed too!"
Feeling that she had finally won for once, Xia Lingwei laughed until her shoulders shook. "Favors always run out eventually. Three days from now, let's see what you have to compare with me!"
At this moment, Xia Qingyue's mother, Zhang Lan, finally couldn't help asking, "... Um, Ye Chen, do—do you really not have a house?"
Earlier, Xia Qingyue's parents hadn't spoken up because they wanted to test Ye Chen's capability.
If he truly had a car, a house, and decent connections—even if he couldn't match Jiang Feichi, it would still be a good destination for Xia Qingyue!
Now, hearing Xia Lingwei bring up the issue of housing, Zhang Lan and the others could finally hold back no longer.
"A house? I seem to have a villa estate... I haven't been there yet though." Ye Chen said, scratching his head lightly.
When Ma Huayun left, he had given Ye Chen two keys: one was the key to the Pagani sports car, and the other was said to be the key to Youlong Villa... Ye Chen hadn't paid much attention to it at the time.
"A villa estate?
There is only one villa estate in Jinling City...
That is Youlong Villa!"
Youlong Villa was built in the center of Lvshui Villa, carrying the meaning of a swimming dragon in green waters. However, ever since Youlong Villa was built, it had never been put up for sale... Because the value of this villa estate was simply too high!
Even Shen, the richest man in Jinling City, hadn't bought it, so who else would dare spend so much money to buy a villa estate worth hundreds of millions!
Hearing Ye Chen's reply, everyone was involuntarily stunned for a moment.
Then, an extremely terrifying thought appeared in their minds... Could that villa estate Ye Chen mentioned actually be Youlong Villa?
If so... then—then wouldn't this young man ascend to the heavens in a single bound?!
*Xia Qingyue, oh Xia Qingyue... what kind of man on earth have you chosen?*
Once this thought popped up, everyone's gazes simultaneously turned to look straight at Xia Qingyue!!!
"Um, you have a villa estate... how large is the area?" Zhang Lan asked, suppressing her accelerating heartbeat and pretending to remain calm.
"I don't know, I haven't been there yet." Ye Chen answered truthfully.
As soon as these words were spoken, the members of the Xia family frowned collectively once more, all feeling that Ye Chen was joking with them!
Who doesn't know how big their own home is?
Nor know their own address and name?
Please, even a three-year-old child knows these things, alright!
"Alright, alright!"
At this moment, the Elder Xia made a final ruling: "Since the weddings are both in three days, then let's wait until three days pass, and everything will be revealed..."
The Elder Xia was old and crafty. Seeing how respectful Shi Tianqi was toward Ye Chen, not to mention that Pagani worth over a hundred million and the betrothal gifts worth tens of millions, he decided to take a gamble!!
The Xia family could not afford to offend a person like Ye Chen...
Even if it turned out three days later that Ye Chen was merely a fraud who lived on borrowed fame, it wouldn't matter! They could just banish him and Xia Qingyue from the Xia family together then.
With that, the Elder Xia walked up to Shi Tianqi respectfully and said, "It is truly an honor for the Xia family that the Jade King has honored us with his presence. If you don't mind, please have a cup of wine..."
Since the Xia family members had been so rude to Ye Chen earlier, Shi Tianqi naturally wouldn't give him any face, and he coldly refused, "No need, I have matters to attend to."
Having said that, he simply stood quietly behind Ye Chen without moving an inch.
Did he look anywhere like someone with pressing matters to attend to?
Seeing this, the Elder Xia was so angry he felt like vomiting blood. Fortunately, Xia Qingcai smartly spoke up: "Elder sister, bro... brother-in-law, it's almost time to eat. You should stay for dinner!"
Upon hearing these words, Xia Qingyue's slender body trembled, and she looked with expectant eyes toward her parents and the Elder Xia.
She had once been cast out of the Xia family. If the Elder Xia didn't give his nod today, Xia Qingyue wouldn't dare step foot through the Xia family's front gates again.
Seeing this, the Elder Xia's gaze darkened slightly as he said, "We are all family, come inside and eat."
Ye Chen turned his head to look at Xia Qingyue and, seeing that her alluring peach-blossom eyes were filled with expectation, he nodded, "Alright!"
Seeing his teacher nod, Shi Tianqi then followed Ye Chen inside.
Although the Xia family was a second-tier family, the place they lived in was still a standalone villa with a courtyard worth seven to eight million!
The courtyard was very spacious. Since it was only an engagement banquet, the only people attending were the members of the Xia family and Jiang Feichi's group... Therefore, the scale of the banquet was not very large.
The banquet was held directly in the open air of the courtyard. At a huge table, the Elder Xia sat in the main seat, flanked by Xia Junyuan and his wife, Xia Tianqi, Xia Lingwei, Jiang Feichi, and the others!
As for Xia Qingyue's parents, since they were not favored by the Elder Xia, they sat in seats rather off to the side.
Watching the main table fill up in no time, Xia Qingyue didn't try to contend for a seat at the main table, but very consciously chose a side table and quietly sat down.
"Mommy, I want to eat meat..."
Once seated, Xiao Ningning stared with a craving expression at the sweet and sour spareribs and braised pork meatballs on the table, and spoke up.
"So ill-mannered!"
Xia Lingwei, sitting at the main table, gave a cold hum: "The banquet hasn't started yet, and Grandpa hasn't picked up his chopsticks either... Can you little brat keep quiet!"
"The child is just craving food, besides, Xiao Ningning hasn't eaten yet." Xia Qingcai retorted back.
After Xia Qingyue sat down, Xia Qingcai took a seat right next to her—Ye Chen could tell that the bond between these two sisters was quite deep.
In fact, it was true. Ever since Xia Qingyue was driven out of the Xia family, Xia Qingcai had always secretly helped her elder sister. The pocket money she saved up over the years was either covertly stuffed into her sister's hands or used to buy all sorts of toys and snacks for Xiao Ningning!
Right at this moment, a companion who had come along with Jiang Feichi suddenly spoke up: "Young Master Jiang, I just asked and found out—Youlong Villa hasn't been sold yet!"
His name was Yang Rui, and his father worked as the manager at the Lvshui Villa sales office.
Earlier, receiving a hint from Jiang Feichi, Yang Rui had made a phone call to his father. After inquiring, he learned that Youlong Villa had not been sold at all up to this point!
"Hachacha, you don't even need to think to know that Youlong Villa definitely hasn't been sold yet!! As for the villa estate in that person's mouth, I'm afraid he just boasted about it to put on airs for himself!!" Jiang Feichi sneered.
Just a moment ago, the betrothal gifts from Ye Chen's side had trampled his own gift list heavily into the dirt.
Now, having found out that Youlong Villa remained unsold, Jiang Feichi immediately launched a counterattack, saying, "I wonder what the name of Mr. Ye's villa estate is?"
"It seems... to be Youlong Villa as well." Ye Chen replied faintly after pondering for a moment.
When Ma Huayun gave Ye Chen the keys, he had indeed mentioned the four words "Youlong Villa," but Ye Chen had been staying at the hotel with his wife and daughter these past two days and hadn't gone over to take a look!
"Hahahahaha!!"
Hearing this, Jiang Feichi laughed even more smugly: "Can you have some shame? My brother Yang Rui's father is the manager of the Youlong Villa sales office, and he just asked—Youlong Villa has never been sold to this day!!"
"Ah?"
"As expected, we overthought it!"
"Come to think of it, it didn't sound right anyway. This young man dresses so ordinarily, his whole outfit added up probably only costs a few hundred bucks, right?"
"Who's to say otherwise? Look at Young Master Jiang, that is what someone truly wealthy looks like. That Patek Philippe watch on his wrist alone is worth sixty or seventy thousand!"
"Heh, Youlong Villa... what a stubborn mouth!!"
The members of the Xia family began whispering among themselves again. Compared to the mysteriously-backed Ye Chen, they felt that hugging the Jiang family's thighs was much more pragmatic.
After all, Ye Chen's background was unknown... while the Jiang family was a solid first-tier family with assets exceeding billions!
Hearing the discussions around him, the smile on Jiang Feichi's face grew smugger, and he continued to interrogate Ye Chen, "You said your villa estate is also called Youlong Villa?"
Ye Chen's gaze was indifferent as he replied coolly, "Youlong Villa, I have already said it three times. If there is nothing wrong with your ears, you should have understood by now."
"Haha!"
Upon hearing these words, the members of the Xia family once again burst into a round of jeering laughter.
"Xia Qingyue, oh Xia Qingyue, look at your man. The truth has already been exposed, and he's still putting up a stubborn front!" Xia Lingwei said, her face full of smugness.
"Alas, he really is a fraud living on borrowed fame. I suspect that car and those betrothal gifts were actually scammed by him."
"I said so! If he were really rich, how could he dress so shabbily?"
Listening to these remarks, Xia Junjie and Zhang Lan's complexions shifted. In their hearts, they had initially held some expectations for Ye Chen.
They had hoped their daughter could finally settle down and find a good match... But now it seemed that the young man Ye Chen lacked integrity!!
Even the Elder Xia had a slightly darkened expression, beginning to regret inviting Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue inside.
"Go ahead, keep bluffing!"
Jiang Feichi sneered, "Anyway, three days from now, we're both getting whose wedding will be more high-profile... Heh-heh-heh, Youlong Villa! The location of our new home happens to have a view of Youlong Villa!! It's just a pity I wonder if we'll be able to see your place... Hahaha."
"Hahahaha!!"
As soon as these words were spoken, it was another roar of laughter.
The gazes directed at Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue by the crowd became even more mocking!
Their provocations were to Ye Chen like an ant clamoring to trip an elephant!
Would a behemoth react to the clamoring of a puny ant?... Of course not.
"Three days from now, everything will be revealed."
Ye Chen gently stroked the back of Xia Qingyue's hand and said affectionately, "When that day comes, I will make you the most dazzling bride in the entire world!"
"Mm!"
Looking into those confident eyes, Xia Qingyue nodded almost as if in a trance... She didn't doubt for a single second that Ye Chen could achieve it!
...
As the engagement banquet concluded, Ye Chen left the Xia family residence alone.
He needed to prepare a surprise for Xia Qingyue for the day of their grand wedding...
"Master!"
As soon as Ye Chen stepped out of the Xia family gates, dozens of Kunlun Disciples dressed in white immediately bowed in unison to pay their respects.
"Mm."
Ye Chen nodded slightly, "Leave the spiritual energy array to you all. Three days from now, I want this city of Jinling to be filled with blooming flowers and ten miles of red silk embroidery!"
"Blooming flowers all over the city?"
Shi Tianqi paused slightly. It was only January right now... where would any plants be blooming?
If these words had been spoken by anyone else, Shi Tianqi would have cursed them out for talking nonsense!
However, these words were spoken by Ye Chen! Therefore, not only did Shi Tianqi believe it, but he also eagerly looked forward to the scene of flowers blooming all over the city three days later!
Receiving their orders, the dozens of Kunlun Disciples bowed to Ye Chen once more before swiftly departing.
...
Three days later, on the day of the wedding.
Before the sky even grew bright, convoy after convoy of multi-million-dollar limited-edition luxury cars poured rapidly into Jinling City as if money was no object.
Meanwhile, the Xia family was bustling with activity as well.
The makeup artist arrived at Xia Lingwei's room early in the morning to begin helping her wash up, put on makeup, and don her wedding gown...
Everyone else had also risen early, hanging up festive decorations and dressing every single corner of the house in an incomparably celebratory manner.
"Weiwei truly is blessed. Early this morning, Young Master Jiang sent people over to do your makeup!"
"Unlike certain people... clearly getting married today as well, yet all alone! Not only is there no makeup artist, there isn't even a wedding dress!!"
"Heh, that wild man showed up for a bit and then vanished!"
Xia Lingwei sneered, "Today, who knows if that person will even show up? Some people should just stop dreaming!"
"..."
Hearing these remarks, a trace of sorrow involuntarily welled up in Xia Qingyue's alluring peach-blossom eyes.
She bit her lip tightly and interlocked her ten fingers, pressing somewhat hard... her fingertips turning somewhat pale.
"Weiwei, I heard that countless luxury cars poured into our city of Jinling last night, easily numbering in the hundreds!"
"Could it be that Young Master Jiang wanted to make the wedding even grander, so he rounded up another hundred luxury cars?... Oh, I'm so looking forward to the motorcade coming to fetch the bride from the Jiang family later... I heard some of those luxury cars cost tens of millions!"