Grand Opening Ceremony

Hua Buyi's expression turned solemn. "She's the granddaughter of the renowned Ge Laoxian, the foremost geomancer of our era. Exquisite in beauty, her talents even astonish me. What could possibly dissatisfy you?"

Huo Xuan immediately thought of Lin Yue and protested, "Master, I already have a girlfriend."

Hua Buyi waved dismissively. "A true man may have three wives and four concubines—perfectly normal. This is no issue."

Huo Xuan was speechless. Three wives and four concubines? Is my master living in ancient times?

Seeming to read his thoughts, Hua Buyi continued, "When you reach my age and cultivation realm, you'll understand. The betrothal is settled. The wedding will be in three years."

Huo Xuan wanted to argue but realized, to his own surprise, that he wasn't entirely opposed. Do all men's hearts waver so easily?

Upon reflection, he recognized that behind every successful man stood women entangled in love and strife—much like a lion guarded by his pride of lionesses.

The next day marked the grand opening of Tianxing Jewelry. Lin Yue had spared no expense on advertising, from subtle promotions to hard-sell campaigns, dominating both traditional and digital media for a week.

Invitations had been sent, though Huo Xuan wondered how many would attend. Dressed formally, he and Lin Yue stood at the entrance, greeting guests with smiles. The event, orchestrated by China's top planning team, was nothing short of spectacular.

To Huo Xuan's surprise, the first arrival was Chen Fusheng. Welcoming him cordially, Huo Xuan shook his hand. "Thank you for coming."

Chen Fusheng grinned. "Congratulations, Huo Xuan."

"Please, come inside."

Next was Zhang Wu, flanked by a dozen imposing henchmen. As family, Huo Xuan didn't stand on ceremony, promptly recruiting them to assist with guest reception.

Then came Qiao Ba. Despite the villa extorted from him, his congratulations seemed genuine.

The stream of well-wishers swelled—Huo Guoqiang, Han Xiao, Ma Baorui, and other classmates arrived, followed by a dozen of Lin Yue's business and political connections.

Suddenly, two military vehicles pulled into the plaza. From the first emerged Liu Ziguang and Liu Ling; the second delivered Elder Li and Li Yunfei.

Huo Xuan hurried forward. "Uncle Liu, Elder Li! Your presence honors us."

Liu Ziguang and Elder Li exchanged knowing smiles—clearly acquainted.

Elder Li chuckled. "Young Zhang, how could I miss your grand debut?"

Liu Ziguang added, "And mine as well."

Liu Ling approached Huo Xuan. "Remember your promise. Tomorrow, Father and I will retrieve that item—we're counting on you."

"Consider it done," Huo Xuan assured.

Soon, Shang Yang and Zhuang Wen arrived with their spouses. After brief pleasantries, they were ushered inside. Next came Professor Guo and his daughter Guo Lan, bearing a massive, genuine chicken-blood stone worth a fortune—perfect for the jewelry store's display.

Chen Fusheng, observing from afar, was stunned by the guest list: tycoons, military brass, and political heavyweights. Since when did Huo Xuan cultivate such connections?

Another wave brought Huo Xuan's relatives—Uncle Lu Jianguo and a dozen others, even Xu Feihu tagging along.

At nearly 11 a.m., a municipal motorcade arrived. Mayor Zhuang Ziming and his wife stepped out, trailed by city officials.

The emcee boomed: "A warm welcome for Jiangzhou Mayor Zhuang and distinguished leaders!"

Mayor Zhuang shook Huo Xuan's hand warmly. "Young Zhang, aim high. I've high hopes for you."

Huo Xuan grinned. "With your blessing, our humble shop will thrive."

As noon approached, the fortune-telling old man shuffled in clutching a red envelope.

Suppressing laughter, Huo Xuan greeted him. "Venerable Daoist, your presence graces us."

The old man bared yellowed teeth. "This elder joins the festivities." He handed over the envelope and ambled inside unchallenged.

Huo Xuan pinched the envelope, his X-ray vision revealing its contents. Cheap bastard—only 100 yuan?!

As the ribbon-cutting ceremony was about to commence, another car pulled up. The moment a middle-aged man stepped out, Lin Yue tensed. "Little brother," she whispered, "that's my father."

Huo Xuan remained composed. Instructing the emcee, he strode forward to greet him: "Welcome, Mr. Lin. Please!"

The emcee announced loudly: "A warm welcome for Mr. Lin Hui, President of Lin Group!"

No sooner had the words faded than several more vehicles arrived. Out stepped Feng Yulong, Director of the Provincial Public Security Department, who called out jovially from afar: "Congratulations, young Huo!"

Caught off guard, Huo Xuan hurried over to exchange pleasantries.

With all distinguished guests present, the ribbon-cutting began. Mayor Zhuang Ziming and his wife, accompanied by city officials, stood center stage as Jiangzhou's media captured the moment.

Inside the banquet hall, Huo Xuan made rounds with a liquor bottle, downing half a jin of baijiu in no time. Hua Buyi, seated with Feng Yulong, Elder Li, and Liu Ziguang, engaged in lively conversation.

Outside the hotel, Zhou Hong and Liu Ting observed from a distance. Clenching his fists, Zhou muttered, "To think he's amassed such influence so quickly. With connections like these, I could've soared straight to the top!"

Liu Ting sighed inwardly, her heart unsettled. "Why did we come? We have no ties to him."

Zhou Hong's eyes gleamed. "You don't understand. His reach is immense. Liu Ting, you should get closer to him—he could be useful."

She stiffened. "Zhou Hong, what kind of woman do you take me for?"

Realizing his misstep, Zhou backpedaled: "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant... as classmates, we should foster goodwill."

Exhausted, Liu Ting turned away. "Let's go."

Unnoticed, the pair melted into the crowd.

Across the street, Xu Bo watched the festivities from a restaurant, his expression icy. Despite himself, he was awed—Huo Xuan's network had grown formidable enough to unsettle him.

"Pity. We could've been allies, but fate made us enemies."

His eyes glinted coldly. "Enjoy your triumph while it lasts, Huo Xuan. Your downfall will come—by my hand."

Not far from Xu Bo sat another of Huo Xuan's acquaintances—Ye Qian. Across from her fidgeted a nervous young man who introduced himself: "H-hello, I'm Zhou Zhengyi. You're... very beautiful."

Ye Qian's face remained icy. This was a blind date arranged by her parents—a humiliating fall for someone who once reveled in being pursued.

Months earlier, Chen Fusheng had discarded her for a Gen-Z campus belle. The betrayal shattered her pride, confidence, and what she'd mistaken for love. No, she thought bitterly, it was never love—just greed for his wealth.

She'd tried desperately to win him back, but Chen, now utterly indifferent, couldn't even perform in bed anymore. "I'm bored of you," he'd said.

"Ha...ha..." Her sudden, hysterical laughter startled Zhou Zhengyi.

Pointing at the ceremony across the street, she slurred, "Know what that is?"

Zhou nodded. "A jewelry store opening. Rumor says the investment topped a billion. With all these VIPs attending, the owner must have powerful connections."

Ye Qian's laughter turned manic. "That owner? He once begged for my affection. I rejected him—back when he was just a penniless nobody."

Zhou gasped. "Really?"

She didn't answer, her hollow gaze fixed on the past.

Memory Flashback:

Huo Xuan's calm voice echoed: "My hometown has a saying: 'Never mock the youth for their poverty.' Time and energy are on their side. I may not be born rich or powerful, but through effort, I'll become the first-generation wealthy, the first-generation influential! Ye Qian, thank you for your cruelty—you saved me from wasting my youth on someone like you."

Enraged, she'd screamed after him: "You'll never surpass Chen Fusheng, not in this lifetime!"

Back in the present, Ye Qian burst into tears, drawing stares from nearby diners.

"Was I wrong?" She staggered to her feet, eyes vacant, and stumbled toward the exit.

Zhou chased after her. "Miss Ye! Are you alright? Miss Ye—!"

Inside the banquet hall, Huo Xuan raised his glass and approached Lin Hui. "Mr. Lin, a toast to you," he said courteously.

Lin Hui studied him with mixed emotions before nodding and downing the drink in one go.

"Impressive capacity," Huo Xuan remarked with a smile, refilling the glass. "Again, please."

Lin Hui drained the second glass, then stood and walked to Hua Buyi's table. Pouring a fresh cup with reverence, he said, "Master Hua, in my childhood, Master Yang Ling saved my life—a debt I've never forgotten. I beg you to accept this toast."

Hua Buyi sighed faintly and lifted his cup. "My late master spoke of your case. You were born with a constitutional deficiency—not meant to live past eighteen."

"True. My life belongs to Master Yang Ling, and thus to you as well." Lin Hui refilled Hua Buyi's cup with solemnity. "Another, Master Hua."

After drinking, Hua Buyi said, "I've long known of my disciple's... involvement with your daughter, though I refrained from interference." He left the thought unfinished.

Lin Hui exhaled. "Only through Liu Ziguang did I learn of your lineage. My prior stance was misguided. Henceforth, Lin Yue's choices are her own."

Across the room, Lin Yue beamed at Huo Xuan, who responded with a roguish wink.

"Let the young settle their own affairs," Hua Buyi declared. "Now—drink."

After circulating the room, Huo Xuan approached a lone table laden with dishes and liquor, occupied solely by the disheveled old Daoist—shunned by other guests for his grubbiness.

Shaking his head, Huo Xuan sat beside him. "Old man, I'll toast you!" he said cheerfully, then whispered, "Though you're stingier than a temple mouse—100 yuan couldn't even buy a side dish!"