That night, I watched Mabel Sean devour three full bowls of noodles before she finally left, looking completely satisfied.
Downstairs, a sleek black Maybach waited by the curb.
I accompanied Mabel to the entrance and stood there as she climbed into the luxury vehicle and disappeared into the night.
After she left, I couldn't help but stare down the road where her car had vanished, a strange feeling stirring in my chest.
"I must be falling for her," I admitted silently to myself.
But almost immediately, I shook my head hard, dismissing the thought.
As a divorced man, how could I possibly deserve someone as exceptional as Mabel?
...
In the car, Mabel reverted to her typical cold demeanor, listening attentively as her secretary reported on work matters.
"Miss, the invitations have been prepared and will be officially sent out tomorrow," the secretary informed her.
Mabel nodded, then suddenly instructed, "Tomorrow, purchase a batch of high-quality herbs and deliver them to Mason."
Hearing this, the secretary's expression soured noticeably.
"Miss, I know I shouldn't say this, but..."
"If you know you shouldn't, then keep quiet," Mabel cut him off icily.
With a resigned smile, the secretary abandoned his protest.
"Just remember, get the highest grade herbs available. The older, the better," Mabel emphasized.
"Yes, Miss," the secretary replied, inwardly sighing.
He couldn't fathom how a failure like Mason had managed to earn Mabel's favor.
...
News regarding the Sean family's investment in River City had spread like wildfire throughout the entire region.
The upcoming banquet had even claimed the front page of River City News.
Almost overnight, the topic dominated conversations across River City.
At the Lucas family residence, Harvey Brown had seemingly become their most honored guest.
Waving a red invitation triumphantly, he boasted, "See what I've got here?"
Lyla Lucas excitedly snatched the invitation and gushed, "Babe, you're incredible!"
Harvey replied nonchalantly, "Once we secure a partnership with the Sean family, leaving River City behind will be child's play!"
Lyla opened the invitation carefully, examined it, and exclaimed, "Honey, why is my name on this invitation too?"
Harvey took it back and scrutinized it.
Indeed, two names were printed on it: Harvey Brown and Lyla Lucas.
Harvey's forehead creased with confusion.
Why would the Sean family invite Lyla? What qualifications did the Lucas family have to attend such a prestigious event?
"Honey, you pulled some strings, didn't you?" Lyla asked excitedly.
Though puzzled, Harvey maintained his composure and said, "Of course, I specifically requested the Sean family add your name."
"Honey, you're amazing!" Lyla planted an excited kiss on Harvey's cheek.
Maeve Lucas chimed in happily, "Harvey is truly capable! Unlike some people who can only cook and do laundry."
That "some people" obviously referred to me.
"Please, don't mention him on such a happy day. It ruins my mood!" Lyla complained irritably.
Maeve quickly covered her mouth and giggled, "I'm sorry... my mistake."
While the entire River City buzzed with excitement about the event, I remained completely unconcerned.
At the moment, improving my strength took priority over everything else.
I sat quietly in the courtyard, carefully sorting through relevant memories.
"If I can successfully refine a Qi Gathering Pill, I might breakthrough to the Second-Layer Qi Refining stage soon," I contemplated.
The Qi Gathering Pill represented the most basic pill in cultivation methods, with minimal herb requirements, making it perfect for my current situation.
Although advancing from the first to the second layer of Qi Refining seemed like just a small step, the difference in power between the two was enormous.
"It's unfortunate I've run out of money," I muttered, checking my empty pockets with a soft sigh.
After considering my options, I decided to search through the garbage for any usable remnants of the herbs I'd purchased yesterday.
As I reached the entrance of the residential complex, ready to start digging through trash, a black Bentley pulled up directly in front of me.
I watched as four or five men in black suits emerged from the vehicle.
The leader was Mabel's secretary, whom I recognized immediately, so I turned and greeted him politely.
But the secretary's face remained frigid, his eyes filled with unmistakable contempt.
"These are the herbs Miss asked me to bring you," he stated coldly.
The four bodyguards behind him each carried a large bag of herbs.
I felt excitement surge through me and quickly said, "Please thank Miss Mabel for me. I will definitely repay this favor!"
"Repay it?" the secretary sneered. "With what, you useless trash?"
My brow furrowed slightly.
Trying to maintain civility, I responded, "Just because I have nothing now doesn't mean I'll always be down and out."
"Ha ha ha!" Hearing this, the secretary burst into mocking laughter.
"Kid, I won't deny your future potential, but even given time, what great achievements could you possibly attain?" he taunted.
"Become wealthy? River City's richest man? Or perhaps Chuzzle's wealthiest?"
I frowned deeply. "What exactly are you implying?"
The secretary snorted and asked, "Do you know who our Miss really is?"
"I don't know," I replied coldly.
"All I know is she's a good person," I added with quiet conviction.
The secretary's lips curled into a sneer. "Then allow me to enlighten you."
"Our Miss is the princess of the Capital City's Sean family! She's their precious jewel! Mr. Sean's favorite granddaughter!"
"What makes you think you have any right to approach her!"