Chapter 7: Old Situ
A Rolls-Royce luxury car drove toward Lin Pan Villa. Originally, everyone had agreed to let Kuang Tianyou drive, but when Ah Ken, an employee at Ma Tianling's company, heard Ma Tianling mention that they were going to visit Li Wen's house, he approached Kuang Tianyou and said he also wanted to go. He refused to say much about the reason, and Kuang Tianyou did not ask further, but agreed to take him along.
Speaking of Ah Ken, there really is a background. At first, he was just an ordinary young man, not very talkative. In order to find a job to make a living, he came to the company as a ghost hunter, but unexpectedly became an effective subordinate under Ma Tianling. Once, Ma Tianling caused a major disaster, enraging a centuries-old fox demon. Following the instincts of a zombie, she ran away, but unfortunately Ah Ken was left behind. When Kuang Tianyou found Ah Ken, all his essence had almost been drained by the fox demon, leaving him as a skeleton wrapped in skin. Since it was a misfortune endured on behalf of his own daughter, Kuang Tianyou made an exception and, using his blood, turned him into a zombie with the powers of a mutated silver-eyed zombie.
After Ah Ken was revived, he found that he had become a zombie, becoming even less talkative. However, he carried out tasks in an orderly and disciplined manner, causing no trouble for anyone. Consequently, he became distant toward Ma Tianling, keeping him at arm's length. Ma Tianling, on the one hand, felt indebted to him, and on the other hand, Ah Ken's cold demeanor made him feel fearful. So whenever he saw him, his heart raced and he dared not act arrogantly in his presence.
On the car, Kuang Tianyou sat next to Ma Xiaoling, while across from them were Wang Sizhen, Ma Tianling, and Yuan Yue. Kuang Tianyou and Ah Ken wore men's formal suits, while the women all wore evening dresses of different styles, but all elegant and luxurious: Ma Xiaoling in black, Wang Sizhen in white, and both Ma Tianling and Yuan Yue in blue. From a distance, Lin Pan Villa was brilliantly lit. Upon arriving at the door, Ah Ken handed the invitation card to the receptionist. The male receptionist glanced at the card and said, 'Please wait.' He then went inside to another receptionist. After some discussion, they both came back to the car.
'Sir, Miss Li specifically asked me to handle the reception for Ms. Ma and Ms. Wang. Please follow me with your car.' The attendant led them into the hall. Wow, so grand! The hall was very bright, people were chatting in groups of three or five, creating a lively atmosphere. Attendants moved back and forth, providing various services. 'Gentlemen, ladies, please wait a moment, I will inform Miss Li.'Seeing the attendant talking to a lady, Kuang Tianyou asked, "Is that Miss Li?"
"Yes," Ma Xiaoling replied.
After Li Fei exchanged a few words with a round-faced, chubby man beside her, she walked over to Kuang Tianyou and the others. "Hello, Miss Ma, Miss Wang!"
"Happy birthday, Miss Li," Ma Tianling said.
"Happy birthday!" Wang Sizhen said.
"Thank you! And who are these gentlemen?" Li Fei asked.
"This is my husband, surname Kuang."
"I'm glad to see you!" Li Fei suddenly said in English.
"" Kuang Tianyou replied politely. On the surface, he appeared calm, but inwardly he murmured: "It's too much! Too much like Jin Weilai! Could time have reversed?"
"And this is my daughter," Ma Xiaoling introduced, somewhat surprised by Li Fei's action.
"So clever!" Li Fei praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Li," Ma Tianling said.
"This is Miss Yuan, a distant relative."
"So lovely! I even feel a little jealous."
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Li. I am truly honored," Yuan Yue said respectfully but confidently.
"This is my friend, Aken."
"Hello, Miss Li, I know you!" Before Li Wen could respond, Aken spoke first.
"Oh?" Li Wen was a bit stunned.
"I saw you in 'Times Beauty' magazine. The moment I first saw you, I felt as if we were old acquaintances."
"Haha, your friend is quite amusing. I wonder if this is a signal that he's pursuing me? But I do have a boyfriend."
"No, Miss Li, Aken means no disrespect. He is just sharing his feelings. Please forgive any inconvenience this may cause."
"He's a friend, there's no need to be so formal!"
Kuang Tianyou glanced at Aken and thought: No wonder he was so determined to come; he obviously wanted to flirt with the young lady. Too bad, the girl already has someone, he hit a wall. Suddenly, he felt a shiver and became alert—could it be... Only then did he realize that Aken's inner aura was very similar to an old acquaintance! It was Jin, the father of the demon star Nuo! He was instantly stunned; this was too strange, what could it signify…
Ma Xiaoling noticed the change in Kuang Tianyou's expression and asked with concern: "Tianyou, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"N-No, nothing!"After Ma Xiaoling finished introducing the group she brought, Li Fei said, "I really want to thank you, gentlemen and ladies, for coming to my birthday party. If you need anything, just let us know. Mr. Kuang, Mrs. Kuang, Miss Wang, I would like to introduce you to my father. Do you have time?"
"It's an honor!" Kuang Tianyou said. "Tianling, Xiaoyue, you two stay here."
"Your daughter and Miss Yuan are so charming, I'm afraid quite a few people here already have their eyes on you. Once we leave, someone will come up to chat. Young people love to make friends in these settings," Li Fei said.
"They are still too young and naive," Ma Xiaoling said.
"Not anymore, they've grown into adults," Li Fei said. Her words made Ma Tianling and Yuan Yue blush and instinctively pull up the collar of their dresses.
Li Fei laughed heartily and said, "Shy now, are we? Alright, let's go. After you!"
"Aken, what about you?" Kuang Tianyou asked.
"I'll stay here," he replied.
Li Wen smiled and said, "If you stay with the beauties, I'm afraid they'll be neglected."
"Oh, then I'll stay back a little, so as not to get in their way."
Kuang Tianyou showed a slight wry smile, not knowing what to say. It was almost like a scene from his previous life! Li Wen also smiled, looking enchanting, leaving a deep impression in Aken's eyes. She came over to the group, and the others wisely walked away, leaving just the two of them.
"Daddy, my lucky stars have arrived. Let me introduce them," Li Fei said to one of the men. "This is my father."
"Father, this is Mrs. Kuang. This is Miss Wang. They are my 'lucky stars' — double stars at the door!"
"Hello, Mr. Li," Ma Xiaoling and Miss Wang greeted one after another.
"Hello, ladies! Very pleased to meet you. In this vast sea of people, both of you becoming 'lucky stars' shows that we are very fortunate. Li Fei tells me that you get along wonderfully, and I'm very happy about that. I hope you'll keep in contact in the future; the Li family wholeheartedly welcomes it. If you have any difficulties, just let us know, and the Li family will do our best to help." Although Li Lingcai was plump and appeared portly, his eyes were bright and spirited.
"Mr. Li is too kind. As Mr. Li said—Miss Li and we meeting each other is Heaven's arrangement. As for what happens in the future, only Heaven knows."As a junior, please forgive me, Mr. Li, if my words are inappropriate,” Ma Xiaoling said, feeling that Li Lingcai's words were somewhat “sharp.”
Impressive! Li Lingcai was startled in his heart. “Yes, yes, yes, Madam Kuang is right. Truly, the younger generation is formidable! Listening to your words is better than ten years of study! This is—” Li Lingcai quickly changed the subject.
“Mr. Kuang is Ms. Ma's husband,” Li Fei quickly smoothed things over.
“Hello, Mr. Kuang. You have a distinguished bearing and are very talented. May I ask your position?” Li Lingcai said.
“Mr. Li, you flatter me. I'm just an ordinary detective!” Kuang Tianyou replied.
“A detective?” Li Lingcai was stunned, completely unprepared for that answer. Looking at Kuang Tianyou, he truly did have a commanding presence. Surely, he must be either a government official or a successful businessman—he didn't realize that the aura Kuang Tianyou displayed was one of a ruler, so how could he be a detective? Could it be that after decades of judging people, he was off today?
Ma Xiaoling, being very clever, immediately said: “Being a detective is my husband's official position. In private, he has two companies, which are now run by me and my daughter. Mr. Li, you know the government regulations: as a government official, one cannot engage in business. Public servants must be honest and serve taxpayers.”
“I see.” Li Lingcai suddenly understood. Of course! Having been in the business world for decades, how could he have judged him wrong? Thinking back, someone deliberately hiding their identity to develop in government and business is not a simple person. At first, he had seemed a bit abrupt. Damn it! In just a few seconds, Li Lingcai's mind spun a thousand thoughts. After laughing heartily, he said: “Mr. Kuang, you really know how to joke, fooling this old man here. Are you looking down on me?” The situation shifted as he took control.
“Mr. Li, you misunderstand. I do not like to draw attention and prefer to act discreetly. As my wife said, some matters cannot be spoken of publicly.” Kuang Tianyou naturally aligned with his wife's performance. But Wang Sizhen heard this differently—so the flower shop and their daughter's ghost-catching company were started by her senior brother. Isn't this a serious violation? Fortunately, right now, only I know. I will keep it secret for my senior.
“The young are accomplished yet humble; I can recognize talent correctly. In the future, Mr. Kuang, your achievements may surpass my own,” Li Lingcai said involuntarily to the people nearby.Suddenly realizing that he hadn't introduced this person to Kuang Tianyou and the others, he said, “Oh, look at my memory—I forgot about you, my old brother.”
“It's not too late to introduce now,” the man said generously with a smile. He was lean, with eyes like an eagle's.
“This is Mr. Si Xi, also known as the jewelry tycoon hyped up by the media!” Li Lingcai said, with a hint of skepticism in his tone.
“Si Xi Fenqi!” Kuang Tianyou was startled in his heart. Fate, oh fate! This comes so effortlessly. “Mr. Si Xi, hello.”
“Hello, Mr. Kuang. I just saw and heard earlier that Mr. and Mrs. Kuang are young and capable! We admire you.” Si Xi said.
“Mr. Si Xi, you are too modest. There is still so much for us juniors to learn from you. We hope you will not withhold your guidance in the future!” In fact, Kuang Tianyou had lived nearly eighty years and had seen all sorts of trials and tribulations—they were the juniors. But in such occasions, as Kuang Tianyou said, one should remain humble.
“Come,” Li Lingcai beckoned, and a waiter handed over red wine. He said, “Looking forward to a pleasant cooperation!” implying that Kuang Tianyou, Si Xi, and he would share this drink together.
Kuang Tianyou said, “Wait, Mr. Li, when it comes to business, my wife and daughter are the decision-makers; I don't have a say.”
Li Lingcai laughed heartily, “Mr. Kuang, you are really witty.” Once everyone present had wine, he raised his glass and said, “To a pleasant cooperation!”
With a clink, the glasses were emptied.
“Mr. Kuang, Fei'er doesn't accept gifts for her birthday, but she allows us to participate in the charity auction to raise funds for the mentally challenged, as a gesture of love. Would Mr. Kuang be interested in bidding?” Si Xi said.
“It seems the two families have a good relationship. What Xiaoling called Si Xi's talent must mean he is the future son-in-law of the Li family,” Kuang Tianyou thought. “So, does this mean Mr. Si Xi is trying to take the lead?”
“Since Fei'er doesn't accept gifts, I have to express my intentions here. I plan to bid on the Sunflower Ring, and I hope Mr. Kuang will grant this wish. As for the rest, it's none of my business. Of course, this auction has better highlights, and it definitely won't disappoint you,” Si Xi said.
“You old fox!” Kuang Tianyou thought. “Don't worry, Mr. Si Xi. Donating to a worthy cause is our family's duty.”
“Daddy, I think everyone is here. Can we start now?” Li Fei said.
“Alright.”Let's begin. "Li Lingcai said. "Distinguished guests, gentlemen and ladies, hello!" Li Fei's voice echoed in the hall, and the crowd immediately quieted down, all turning to look toward the main guests behind the podium for the banquet. "Thank you very much for honoring me with your presence. Ladies and gentlemen for my birthday, I am very excited at this moment. In the blink of an eye, twenty-eight years have passed. All these years, I have felt happiness and joy every day. I believe I am the happiest person in the world. Here, I want to thank those who bring me happiness every day. First and foremost—and most importantly, my parents!" Li Lingcai and his wife nodded. As the saying goes, the most unforgettable bonds of kin are the most unforgettable. Here, I also wish my parents longevity as long as the southern mountains! Applause broke out in the audience. After the applause subsided, Li Fei continued, "I still want to thank my brothers and sisters." Why is that? When we were kids, we fought over sugar, apples, and so on—as long as we fought over something, I was always the winner. Sometimes, when I sneaked food, it was because my brother and sister took the blame