"Young master, watch your words. As a young newcomer, observing and learning will benefit you. After all, the position of a hall master requires both talent and virtue. Take your time, gain experience, and once you earn respect, then you can ascend. Didn't we all start this way?"

"That might be the case for others, but not for me, Wang Shengqian!" The young master Wang retorted arrogantly, almost blurting out, "My father is Wang Mang!"

"Young master..." Several elders attempted to argue but were silenced by Wang Mang, "Enough! I've made my decision. If Elder Yang feels Shengqian isn't doing well, he can personally guide him. I trust he can be properly trained."

"But, Master..."

Wang Mang didn't let him finish. Drawing his gun, he shot swiftly and accurately. By the time everyone recovered, Elder Yang was lying in a pool of blood. However, the bullet hadn't hit any vital part. Wang Mang said calmly, "If the elder disagrees, he can take some time off and return to work later."

Everyone was stunned by Wang Mang's actions. It reminded them of his ruthless character, having made his fortune in the underworld, with businesses spanning both legal and illegal realms. His decisiveness and blood-stained past made such a reaction expected.

Someone exclaimed, "Such a talented young man as Master Wang will surely achieve great things in the future."

"Indeed, indeed, young master Wang has always been sensible. He'll undoubtedly outshine his predecessors."

"Brother Wang is indeed fortunate."

"We look forward to seeing the young master's accomplishments..."

...

Zhou You, hearing these insincere praises, felt embarrassed on young master Wang's behalf. However, the young master himself seemed oblivious, arrogantly stepping forward and bowing, "Dear uncles and brothers, please take care of me in the future!"

"Of course, of course."

"Certainly, certainly."

Observing the situation, Zhou You felt a mix of emotions. This was a post-apocalyptic world. Although the national government had stabilized, the rules had changed. It's hard to imagine returning to the peaceful times of the past.

Those excessively flattering were either doing business with Qianji Hall or were under its influence. For someone like Zhou You, who was merely attending the banquet, it was best to remain silent and watch. As Elder Yang was carried out of the hall, others, though they might have wanted to oppose, dared not speak.

Zhou Huajin, standing beside Zhou You, sighed, "Even though Qianji Hall has been expanding its power in recent years, the heir isn't competent. Their downfall is inevitable."

Zhou You agreed wholeheartedly. However, this was someone else's family affair, and it didn't concern him. As he was about to grab some food, he suddenly heard Wang Mang mentioning their names.

"At this birthday feast, I, Wang Mang, owe particular gratitude to a few benefactors. They are..." Wang Mang, hand in hand with his son, descended from the stage. The crowd parted, and all eyes were fixed on Zhou You and his group as Wang Mang approached them.

Zhou You and his companions had lately become so renowned that nearly everyone recognized them. Thus, when the crowd parted, they were instantly recognized, and people also noticed Zhou Hua Jin standing beside Zhou You.

"Come, my saviors, please join me. I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude. Without your timely assistance, my son would have encountered peril at Da Gu base. I am forever indebted to you. If you ever need assistance in the future, do not hesitate to ask."

The bloodstains on the ground had been meticulously cleaned. As Zhou You stepped where Elder Yang had fallen, he looked at the genuine smile on Wang Mang's face, gaining a renewed insight into the man.

When it came to Zhou You's group, people were far more intrigued than they were with young master Wang. After all, they had watched Wang grow up and knew his temperament, while Zhou You and his companions were outsiders who had made quite an entrance.

"I've heard that Mr. Zhou You is the son of Judge Zhou Hua Jin. Is that true?" someone inquired of Zhou Hua Jin.

Zhou Hua Jin responded with grace and a smile, "Indeed, Zhou You is my eldest son. We were separated for a decade, but now, thankfully, we are reunited."

Congratulatory wishes came pouring in. Then someone asked, "Why did Mr. Zhou You purchase the Li Zhi Villa? We are all dying of curiosity. The prevalent rumor online suggests that Su Ting Er owed a favor to Judge Zhou, thus securing this magnificent residence for his son."

"There's no secret," Zhou You began, dressed impeccably in a pristine white suit, his chiseled features standing out. "I was in need of a residence. I personally prefer spacious homes with greenery. Li Zhi Villa met my criteria and Su was willing to sell. Hence, I purchased it."

In this society, regular folks were often seen as the weaker, less capable individuals in the eyes of warriors. How could such a regular person afford to reside in a splendid place like Li Zhi Villa?

Someone jokingly asked, "Mr. Zhou You, you certainly seem affluent. Could you share the value of the villa? It might serve as a motivational target for me. Who knows, with hard work, I might also live there one day."

Zhou You retorted bluntly, "There's no need for you to know. I have no intention of selling it. Judging by your age, you likely won't outlive me. Perhaps in your next life."

Furious, the man snapped, "Such arrogance! Just because you have some wealth doesn't make you superior. Here in Yang City, whether a dragon or a worm, all must bow. Do you think your newfound fame makes you invincible?" He advanced aggressively, but Shao Qi and others immediately shielded Zhou You.

The man laughed, "Let's see what you've got. Relying on strong allies, I wonder how well you, with your slender physique, can serve so many."