Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Unity's words were spot on. Indeed, there was a large crowd here, but upon careful observation, Wei Xi noticed that most of the attendees were prosperous-looking, with very few bearing the unfortunate appearance of the girl they had encountered at the entrance.

His eldest disciple also scrutinized the surroundings and seemed to have grasped something, murmuring enviously, "No wonder they can become successful people..."

These individuals were so fortunate that Wei Xi almost wished he could ask them for advice.

However, Wei Xi realized with regret that he should have conversed more with that girl at the door earlier. He had been too busy looking for clients, only to miss out on the real one.

Feeling somewhat down, he heard a snort from one of his top employees. Turning his head, he saw Wei Chengshu's slender eyes slanting at him, with a cold gaze and a complicated tone, "You've finally made some progress."

Not understanding what he meant, Wei Xi didn't tolerate his attitude and smacked the back of his head. How dare he speak to the sect leader like that!

Wei Chengshu, having grown accustomed to being hit, didn't react angrily this time. He simply covered the spot he was struck, rolled his eyes, and turned his head away.

Fortunately, Wei Xi's disappointment was quickly alleviated. Through the dense crowd, he spotted a long table along the edge of the hall, almost encircling half the venue! It was piled high with food!

The aroma of alcohol and food instantly drowned out all the noise and commotion!

On his way to the refreshment table, a voice halted him.

Lu Wenqing had spotted Wei Xi from afar. Ever since their return from the haunted house, his feelings towards Wei Xi had become complicated. In his midnight dreams, he would often recall the scene of Wei Xi fiercely beating Ruan Shihang and violently extracting the vengeful spirit from his chest. The fear of ghosts ingrained in him from his childhood was not easily conquered. He had been bullied by spirits due to his heavy yin energy since he was young. In his over a decade of family inheritance, this was the first time he had witnessed such a brutal defeat of a vengeful spirit. At present, he admired both Wei Xi's innate talent and courage, yet he dared not visit personally. Now that he had finally encountered him, he immediately excused himself from his family.

"Wei Xi," Lu Wenqing approached but found himself at a loss for words. He glanced around Wei Xi's back and smiled, "Why haven't I seen your new disciple? I've heard about it from Ruan Shihang."

Looking at the long table filled with food, Wei Xi replied, "He had something to attend to and couldn't make it. I'm getting him some food. Why are you here?"

"Getting food?" Lu Wenqing didn't quite understand at first, but upon hearing the question, he remembered that he had never revealed his family background while studying and explained, "Our family has always been a member of the local chamber of commerce's organizing committee. This year, it's our turn to organize the event."

Unity Righteousness, who had only known Lu Wenqing from their previous encounters where he was performing rituals, was surprised, "Doesn't your family practice cultivation?"

Lu Wenqing blushed, "What cultivation... Nowadays, the country emphasizes breaking down feudal superstitions. Most people don't believe in it much anymore. There aren't many who simply practice cultivation. Part-timers and professional temples aside, many have changed professions since the opening up and reform. Our main business now is commerce, while we take on ritual jobs on the side. My family even forced me to study finance in college."

Unity Righteousness, who had joined the path of cultivation halfway and had no prior exposure to this circle, sighed upon hearing Lu Wenqing's explanation from an insider, "Ah, so that's how it is. It's a winter for our industry. No wonder it's so challenging for our Taicang Sect to establish itself."

Lu Wenqing found Unity Righteousness's choice of words odd, but considering Wei Xi's lack of background, it must be difficult for him to navigate the deep and secretive world of metaphysics. He couldn't help but ask out of concern, "Have you encountered any trouble?"

Unity Righteousness quickly waved his hand, "It's alright, we're starting to figure things out. Once we return, we'll hold a few giveaways on Weibo, and with more exposure, our online store's popularity should increase."

Lu Wenqing: "?????"

Exposure... Weibo reposts... Taobao store... Wait a minute, something seems off about the way your sect operates.

Amidst the commotion in the venue, whispers could be heard around him: "He's here! He's here!"

His confusion was interrupted as he turned to follow the crowd's gaze. Upon seeing the throngs of people surrounding the speaker's platform, he immediately recognized the figure and explained with a smile to Wei Xi, "The spokesperson for this chamber of commerce is Mr. Shuo Zong. His subsidiary's new model phone is about to launch. With him here, financial news will definitely dominate the headlines tomorrow, overshadowing entertainment news."

Wei Xi looked in the direction indicated.

A tall and slender man stepped onto the stage under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Dressed in a formal suit, his chiseled features shimmered like they were radiating light under the crystal chandeliers. As he lifted his eyelids, his gaze swept across the room, pausing for a couple of seconds in Lu Wenqing's direction before quickly diverting.

This man seemed to be quite popular. The moment he appeared, the guests fell silent, and numerous staff members who had been wandering around the podium suddenly gathered, holding strange machines and sticks that emitted bright flashes and sharp sounds in his direction.

Wei Xi felt a strange familiarity with the man's aura but didn't have the mind to dwell on it.

Thus, he walked away uninterested. This guy was neither edible nor someone he could defeat. Besides, he had ruined Wei Xi's plans back in Fengyang Town, so he didn't like him at all.

So what if he was yang-energy-heavy? Wei Xi's own second disciple from Taicang Sect was no less formidable.

Only Unity remained steadfastly staring at the stage, although he had learned his lesson and didn't publicly call out "husband," he still couldn't help but shake his head and sigh in admiration, "He's really handsome... My romantic interest truly died an unjust death..."

Lu Wenqing's proud expression instantly changed as he recalled some experiences in the haunted house. He cautiously distanced himself from this flamboyant guy.

*****

Wang Yue's pale complexion didn't recover even after Shuo Zong finished speaking. Her gaze followed Wei Xi's departing figure, realizing that after entering, he hadn't come to talk to her but instead went to eat by the dining table.

Suddenly, Xing Kai's voice sounded beside her, "Yue Yue?"

Wang Yue snapped back to reality, suppressing the complicated emotions in her heart, "Cousin."

Xing Kai followed her gaze and saw Wei Xi, causing his face to turn ashen. He couldn't help but recall some unbearable pains in his life. Thanks to Wei Xi, he had been dragged home by his father and beaten after swiping his card at the state guesthouse last time. His calf was still not fully healed. What was even more frustrating was that when he returned home with a bloody head to report the incident, no one in his family believed that Wei Xi had hit him. Wei Xi's harmless image had deeply ingrained in people's minds, but it was strange that the surveillance footage from the state guesthouse had malfunctioned. Without evidence, he had nowhere to seek justice, and his extravagant spending had led his father to cut off his credit card. These past few days had been nothing short of miserable for him.

Recalling his painful experience, he worriedly asked Wang Yue, "Is he bothering you again?"

Wang Yue didn't know how to respond, so she shook her head.

Xing Kai relaxed but became puzzled, "Then why do you look so terrible?"

Wang Yue bit her lip, her mind in turmoil. A sense of emptiness and agitation swirled within her, not entirely due to the giggling girls nearby who whispered behind their hands. After a long silence, she couldn't help asking, "Cousin, do you think Wei Xi already knows about the photo incident?"

Xing Kai was caught off guard by the question. "Of course not! Ruan Shihang doesn't even know yet. How could he find out?"

With a frown, Wang Yue replied, "Then why didn't he say a single word to me after we met today? He used to come to my place every day trying to explain just a few months ago."

"Are you serious?" Xing Kai was initially startled but then realized something. "Isn't this great news? If he's not bothering you, you should seize the opportunity and call off the marriage!"

Wang Yue felt irritated by his words. "But he didn't agree before!"

Xing Kai suggested, "Well, give it another try. I'll go with you. Last time, although he tricked me, he never mentioned you at all. I think there's still a chance for the divorce."

To his surprise, instead of expressing gratitude, his cousin glared at him before turning and walking away on her own.

Xing Kai was baffled. Women's hearts were truly like needles at the bottom of the sea, he thought. Why had she suddenly become angry when everything seemed fine?

*****

Wei Xi was happily enjoying a meal with his apprentice at the buffet table. As they ate, he picked out the dishes he found delicious and placed them on his plate. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching, and the girl he had encountered earlier outside the banquet hall came closer.

He was currently troubled by the lack of potential clients when he spotted the one he had just missed. His eyes lit up instantly. "It's you!"

Wang Yue noticed a significant change in his demeanor from their previous encounter. Her gloomy mood surprisingly lifted for no apparent reason. After hesitating for a moment, she couldn't hide her joy but also felt aggrieved. Perhaps she had become spoiled by him over the years. As the sense of grievance arose, her initial guilt was immediately replaced by anger. Thus, she stood there, resentment etched on her face as she stared into Wei Xi's eyes. "You're willing to talk to me now?"

Wei Xi's expression visibly softened, and he even took the initiative to approach her.

Wang Yue pursed her lips, telling herself that after his public humiliation, she would demand a proper apology. However, when Wei Xi drew closer, he said, "I see a darkened forehead, drooping eyebrows, deep wrinkles, and dull skin. It seems your future fortune might be negatively affected."

Wang Yue: "???"

Fixated on his regained client, Wei Xi seized the opportunity to pitch his service. "Sign up for our company's membership card, and I'll help you resolve this issue."

Wang Yue: "..."

Seeing her astonishment, Wei Xi assumed his bold offer had startled her and quickly proposed an alternative. "Or, how about this? Give me two hundred thousand, and I'll sell you a talisman for good luck."

Wang Yue looked at him in disbelief, realizing he wasn't joking.

Another question followed, "So, will it be a card swipe, bank transfer, or cash?"

As Wei Xi finished speaking, he saw the girl in front of him well up with tears, glare at him fiercely, then cover her face and sob as she ran away.

He stood rooted to the spot, turning to follow her retreating figure, anxiety stirring in his heart. What had just happened? Why did the customer run off?

Tuan Yiyi rushed forward with a frustrated stomp. "Master! What were you thinking?! We have to be tactful when promoting our products! How could you tell a girl that her eye wrinkles are deep and her skin is dull? Look how upset she is—how could she possibly come back to buy anything from us?"

Wei Xi finally understood.

So that was it! Doing business really relied on his eldest disciple!

*****

Taking the lesson to heart, Wei Xi restrained himself from making further comments and quietly started eating.

He ate at an astonishing pace, quickly clearing most of the food within a meter's radius. The event staff were alarmed but dared not stop him; instead, they followed behind him, wiping their sweat as they replenished the empty spaces. It was quite a sight.

Fortunately, most guests were there to network and socialize, so no one paid much attention to him hiding in a corner and devouring food. Only a few people at the table noticed his feats.

However, some still recognized him. As Wei Tianyi held his wine glass elegantly, he noticed his old friend Tan Fu repeatedly glancing over his shoulder. Eventually, Tan Fu spoke with an odd expression, "Old Wei... I didn't expect your eldest son to have such a hearty appetite..."

Wei Tianyi turned his head and saw the long line of staff carrying trays, replenishing the food behind his son. His face immediately paled.

He forced a few awkward laughs, veins pulsating on his forehead as he approached, twitching his lips to stop him. "Stop eating!"

Wei Xi still had a piece of Black Forest cake in his mouth. When his right hand, which was reaching for more food, was pressed down by his father, he became furious. But when he turned around, he saw Tan Fu standing next to Wei Tianyi.

Tianyi was also taken aback when he saw Tan Fu. "Master, why are this man's eye bags so big?"

Tan Fu's eye bags were indeed extraordinary, almost hanging down to his cheeks, and they appeared dark and swollen, giving him an overall appearance of exhaustion.

Listening to Wei Xi's matter-of-fact reply, "Because he's our client,"

Taking the lesson from the previous incident of driving away a client, Wei Xi refrained from pushing sales randomly. After swallowing the cake, he surprisingly showed remarkable politeness, addressing Tan Fu with a "Hello."

He even mimicked the greetings in the venue, extending his right hand towards the other man.

Tan Fu, charmed by Wei Xi's good looks and courteous demeanor, promptly dismissed the image of him devouring the pastries. He smiled warmly and shook hands, "Oh my, it's been so many years; you've grown up quite a bit."

Watching this scene unfold before him, Wei Tianyi felt as if he had fallen into a dreamlike, surreal world. Embracing the almost ethereal sense of happiness within, he thought to himself that this wayward child finally knew how to behave properly in public.

In the next moment, Wei Xi spoke up, "Sir, are you interested in learning about the Taicang Sect's membership card?"

Wei Tianyi: "..."

"???" Tan Fu looked at Wei Tianyi in confusion. "Has your son opened a gym now?"

Tuan Jiyi quickly stepped forward to hand over his business card. "You've misunderstood. We specialize in solving people's problems and misfortunes, offering services such as fortune-telling, face reading, feng shui, and exorcisms. Additionally, we provide health and wellness consultancy, private investigation, and haunted house attractions for your entertainment. Please do take a look."

Tan Fu: "Fortune-telling... Exorcisms...?"

Wei Tianyi glared darkly at his eldest son. "Ignore him. He's been up to some nonsense lately. You don't need to listen to his nonsense."

Seeing his expression, Tan Fu felt like he had stumbled upon a taboo topic in his old friend's family. After a moment of awkward silence, he chuckled. He put away the business card and said with a smile to Wei Xi, "Uncle wishes you great success in your career, but I'll pass on the membership card. I don't have a need for it."

Wei Xi met his gaze, his eyes seemingly piercing through Tan Fu's dark irises. Stunned by the intensity, Tan Fu laughed and continued, "You must be in your twenties now, right? The last time I saw you, you were still in high school. Time really flies, doesn't it? You've grown up so much. It's been years since I last saw your father. With our busy schedules during holidays, we haven't had a chance to visit. Come, let me give you and Chengshu a red envelope to make up for it."

As he spoke, he took out his wallet and handed over a card, smiling. "Take this and spend it, punk. There's not much, just around half a million. It should be enough for a designer bag for your girlfriend. Remember to share half with your brother, alright?"

Beside them, Wei Chengshu silently lifted his head to look at his elder brother.

Wei Xi handed the card to Unity Yi, meeting his gaze with a look that seemed to ask, "Why are you looking at me?"

Wei Chengshu turned his head away sullenly, mumbling indistinctly.

Although half a million was not enough for a sect's gold card, it was still a substantial amount. Hence, despite being refused the card application, Wei Xi fell silent for a moment after receiving the money before gesturing for Unity Yi to retrieve a regular member card and pass it to the other party.

Looking at the crudely made gray card adorned with some mysterious patterns, as if it had been custom-made at a small print shop on the street, Tan Fu asked, "What is this?"

Wei Xi replied, "A silver membership card. Take it and keep it close to you."

Tan Fu reached out in confusion to take it. The moment he touched the card, his heart trembled inexplicably. His weary eyes, which had been strained lately, seemed to lighten slightly. He shook off the feeling, dismissing it as an illusion, but at the same time, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about how vivid this illusion felt. Staring blankly at the card in his hand, he still found it inexplicably mysterious. "I didn't expect there to be a membership card... A silver card, is it made of pure silver?"

Wei Xi glanced at him quizzically. "How could it be? Of course, it was ordered from a print shop on the street."

Tan Fu, with his large bags under his eyes, stared silently at him. "Oh."

**********

"Incident-free over there?" In a corner of the banquet hall, Xia Shouren watched the man with the big eye bags conversing with Wei Xi and prodded his friend leaning against the wall.

Shuo Zong's meticulously combed hair was now disheveled as he leaned against the wall. He casually undid his tie while watching the scene nearby with slightly lowered lids, seemingly indifferent. "It's nothing."

Xia Shouren was incredulous. "You actually think it's nothing? Bro, you forgot that he almost bit my finger off, right? And did you see how much he just ate? Does that look like nothing to you? He could devour the entire banquet hall with one mouthful, snap out of it!"

Shuo Zong unbuttoned his shirt collar slowly and frowned at his friend's remark. "Lower your voice."

As he spoke, the conversation over there concluded. Wei Tianyi, his face filled with restraint, led the bewildered Tan Fu and the gloomy Wei Chengshu away, leaving Wei Xi and his senior disciple to continue their feast by the table.

The tray in Wei Xi's hands was already overloaded, and with his mouth occupied by chewing, he scanned the area and noticed the lounge in the corner. He approached with the tray in tow.

The sight of Wei Xi made Xia Shouren's fingers ache, and not just his fingers—his tail did too. He hastily took a few steps back, panicked. "Oh no! He's coming in! What do we do when he comes in?"

Shuo Zong tossed his tie onto the table and opened the door for Wei Xi, coldly gesturing for Xia Shouren to be quiet. "Shut up, he's not that dangerous."

Wei Xi halted his steps, holding the overflowing plate, his gaze fixed on something—Shuo Zong's right hand.

Following his gaze, Shuo Zong realized that, due to recent habituation, coupled with being preoccupied with his speech, he hadn't had time to eat. When Wei Xi entered, he had casually taken a pastry from the top of the plate.

They stood in silence, Wei Xi holding the pastry, staring at Shuo Zong.

In the next instant, Wei Xi placed the tray on the table and pounced fiercely with clenched fists—

"This is for my second disciple! How dare you!!"

Shuo Zong: "..............."

Xia Shouren: "..............."

Xia Shouren watched in silence as the two engaged in a fierce battle that instantly darkened the sky. Indeed, it wasn't dangerous at all!