"Is that so? Looks like everyone guessed wrong," Cheng Zhenjie said. "This is good though, moving out of your aunt's place will save you a lot of grief."
"By the way, where did you get this car?" Cheng Zhenjie asked again.
"Uh... it was a gift from a big boss back in my hometown. It's an old car he didn't need anymore, so I took it," Jiang Feng lied.
But it was a harmless lie. Some things were better left unknown to Cheng Zhenjie.
"Not bad, you're part of the car-owning crowd now. Hehe, maybe I can benefit from it too," Cheng Zhenjie chuckled.
"Sure, just let me know anytime," Jiang Feng replied.
"Alright, I gotta go now. You take care," Cheng Zhenjie said as he left.
But he came running back shortly after, saying, "Jiang Feng, the method you told me is amazing. I'm feeling super motivated now."
"As long as it works, keep it up," Jiang Feng said. Genuine immortal techniques, of course, they were bound to be effective.
"Yeah, I'll give it my all!"
With that, Cheng Zhenjie finally left.
...
Not long after, Xia Qinghe also came out of the school. She had changed out of her formal attire and into casual clothes, giving her a completely different vibe.
At first glance, she didn't look like a teacher at all, more like a high school student.
"You're here, Ms. Xia," Jiang Feng said.
"Yeah, I hope I didn't keep you waiting," Xia Qinghe replied.
"No, I just got here too," Jiang Feng said.
"Let's get going then, I'll hail a cab," Xia Qinghe suggested.
"No need, Ms. Xia. I have a car. We can drive there directly," Jiang Feng pointed to his car.
Xia Qinghe was slightly surprised. She knew Jiang Feng's homeroom teacher well and was aware of his family's financial situation. How could he possibly own a car?
"Did you borrow it?" Xia Qinghe could only assume.
"Hehe, you could say that," Jiang Feng laughed, understanding what Xia Qinghe was thinking. It was better to let her think it was borrowed to avoid any further questions.
"Having a car is convenient. Let's go then," Xia Qinghe nodded.
"Sure thing," Jiang Feng said, opening the car door for Xia Qinghe like a gentleman.
After Xia Qinghe got in, Jiang Feng took the driver's seat and started the car, driving away from the school.
"By the way, Ms. Xia, where are we going?" Jiang Feng asked.
Since Xia Qinghe was treating him to a meal, she naturally had to decide the place.
"Let's go to Xiangzhai Garden," Xia Qinghe said.
Xiangzhai Garden!
Jiang Feng was slightly taken aback. That was a high-end place where a meal could easily cost over a thousand yuan, not something an ordinary person could afford.
"Ms. Xia, maybe we should go somewhere else. It would be awkward if we couldn't afford the meal there," Jiang Feng suggested politely.
"It's fine, we're going there," Xia Qinghe insisted.
She had already planned to splurge this time and treat Jiang Feng to a grand meal, so she wasn't going to be stingy.
Since persuasion was futile, they went ahead.
Jiang Feng drove straight to the destination.
Xiangzhai Garden was a famous place in Zhonghai City, a large complex offering dining, lodging, and bathing services. Many people came here to enjoy the high-end services.
At the entrance, there were two security guards and two pretty hostesses. Every time someone arrived, they would respectfully say "Welcome" and usher the guests in with a smile.
However, when Jiang Feng and Xia Qinghe arrived, the hostesses' smiles became less genuine, and their attitude turned lukewarm.
They were used to seeing wealthy people and could easily tell who had money and who didn't.
They saw Jiang Feng and Xia Qinghe as just ordinary wage earners, especially Jiang Feng, who looked like a country bumpkin.
"Welcome, please come in," the hostess said with a slight bow, not even looking at Jiang Feng and Xia Qinghe, her tone carrying a hint of disdain.
Jiang Feng paused slightly, frowning at the two hostesses. He was a bit angry. Damn it, these people were looking down on others just because they were hostesses.
Xia Qinghe quickly nudged Jiang Feng, noticing his displeasure, and whispered, "Let it go, they're always like this. No need to take it to heart. We're just here for a meal."
Jiang Feng nodded. With Xia Qinghe around, it wasn't appropriate to argue and damage his image.
He had to swallow his anger and followed Xia Qinghe inside.
"Tch, two nobodies trying to save face," one hostess muttered.
"Exactly, they shouldn't even be allowed in," the other hostess agreed.
Although Xiangzhai Garden was a high-end place, it had no restrictions. As long as you could pay, anyone could come in, which was a big reason for its popularity.
Unlike some places that only allowed VIP members or people with status, Xiangzhai Garden was open to everyone. No matter your social standing, as long as you had money, even a beggar could come in for a meal.
Inside Xiangzhai Garden, the luxurious decor made Jiang Feng marvel. It was truly extravagant, with a red background, nearly transparent drapes hanging around, and pillars and beams painted with various images. It was a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship.
The tables and chairs in the hall were all made of solid wood, each with a unique design.
The whole place had a vintage style, like an ancient palace, making people feel as if they had traveled back in time.
However, this mundane luxury paled in comparison to Jiang Feng's Xuan Yu Immortal Palace in the Immortal Realm.
Xuan Yu Immortal Palace was built by Jiang Feng himself when he ascended to the rank of Immortal King, using the power of an Immortal King and an entire mountain of Xuan Yu jade.
Its grandeur was beyond words, and Jiang Feng couldn't help but reminisce about those times.
Jiang Feng and Xia Qinghe found a nice spot to sit, and a waiter immediately came over to take their order.
After some back and forth, Xia Qinghe finally ordered some dishes.
"Hey, waiter, come here! Get us a table by the window, quickly. Here's a hundred yuan tip," someone suddenly shouted.
It was a well-dressed young man in designer clothes, but he looked a bit short and stocky. How to put it, he looked like a donkey dressed in a racehorse's gear—no matter how fast he ran, he was still just a beast of burden.
Next to the young man was a girl, and to Jiang Feng's surprise, it was his cousin Chen Xin'ai.
The young man was Wang Sicong, Chen Xin'ai's new boyfriend.
Wang Sicong came from a wealthy and influential family, with many relatives in politics. Chen Xin'ai's father, Chen Shaojun, valued this connection, hoping it would benefit his career.
Although Wang Sicong wasn't much to look at, he had power and influence. At least with him, Chen Xin'ai wouldn't suffer and would live a life of luxury.
Chen Xin'ai, being a materialistic woman, found this arrangement perfect.
She'd rather be with a rich man than hear a poor guy say "I love you" ten times a day.
But such a woman was destined for a sad life, never finding true happiness.
As they passed by Jiang Feng and Xia Qinghe, Jiang Feng lowered his head, but Chen Xin'ai still noticed him.
"Well, if it isn't my cousin Jiang Feng. What a surprise to see you here. This is big news," Chen Xin'ai immediately mocked.
She had no familial affection for Jiang Feng and always took the chance to step on him. This time was no different.
"Xin'ai, is this your poor cousin?" Wang Sicong sneered.
"Yes, that's him. Look at him, doesn't he look like a pauper?" Chen Xin'ai scoffed.
"Indeed, he looks dirt poor. I wonder how he got in here. Did he sneak in or come to beg for food? Hahaha..." Wang Sicong laughed.
"Probably. Just look at him, he probably can't even afford a bowl of noodles here," Chen Xin'ai said disdainfully.
Jiang Feng wasn't bothered by their words. He had heard such things countless times before.
But being insulted to his face was different. If he didn't react, he'd truly be a coward.
"Where did these two dogs come from, barking around here? Get lost, or I'll smash your heads," Jiang Feng retorted, calling them dogs without hesitation.
Chen Xin'ai was furious and shot back, "You're the dog, a stray dog that everyone wants to beat."
"Damn it, you're like a mad dog, biting anyone you see," Wang Sicong chimed in.
He was in a relationship with Chen Xin'ai and couldn't afford to show weakness. He had to show his tough side.
"Hehe, have you heard? When a male dog wants a female dog, it attacks other male dogs to protect the female, waiting to enjoy her. You two are just like that," Jiang Feng laughed.
Jiang Feng's words left Chen Xin'ai and Wang Sicong stunned.
Talking about male and female dogs was so vulgar.
"Ugh, nothing good comes out of a dog's mouth. You deserve to be poor," Chen Xin'ai cursed. "I hope you stay poor forever, never rising above, always a lowly person."
"Xin'ai, this guy needs a beating. Should I get some people to teach him a lesson?" Wang Sicong asked.
"If you can, that would be best. I wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson. I'd be happy if he died. Just seeing him alive embarrasses me," Chen Xin'ai said venomously.
"Got it. I'll make sure he regrets everything he said today," Wang Sicong said viciously.
Xia Qinghe couldn't stand it anymore. She had heard about Jiang Feng and Chen Xin'ai being cousins and knew Jiang Feng stayed at his aunt's place. But she didn't expect Chen Xin'ai to be so hostile, treating Jiang Feng like an enemy.
It was too much.
"Chen Xin'ai, watch your words. Don't insult others for no reason," Xia Qinghe couldn't help but speak up.
Chen Xin'ai was surprised to see Xia Qinghe and said, "Oh, Ms. Xia, I didn't see you there. Sorry about that. What are you doing with someone like him? Is he pestering you? Do you need our help?"
"No need, please leave us alone so we can eat in peace," Xia Qinghe said with a dark expression.
"Hehe, alright, we'll leave. But I must ask, when did Jiang Feng start hitting on you? You're a teacher. If this gets out, it could damage your reputation," Chen Xin'ai sneered.