Chapter 10: The Dying Man

Zhao's grandfather, who is he? What kind of status does he hold?

He was once the Minister of Revenue, one of the six ministries, holding the rank of a second-grade official.

He was in charge of national land, taxation, household registration, military provisions, salaries, grain supply, and financial revenues and expenditures.

During his tenure, he was also known as Zhao the God of Wealth.

Later, he retired from his official duties and returned to his hometown, then ventured into the business world, single-handedly building the Zhao Group into a commercial empire, rising rapidly to become one of the world's top 100 companies.

Today, the wealth controlled by the Zhao family, while not exactly on par with a country, ranks among the top three in the entire Da Xia.

When in office, he was a high-ranking official; in business, he flourished.

Looking back on Zhao's life, it's filled with legendary stories. He's one of the few who has prospered in both officialdom and business.

Today is Zhao's grandfather's eightieth birthday.

It's supposed to be a joyous occasion, made even happier by the jade Buddha gifted by his granddaughter, which he can't bear to part with.

And somehow, after receiving the jade Buddha, Zhao's grandfather became even more spirited, his face glowing red, as if he had shed ten years of age.

He also heard from his granddaughter Zhao Wanjing about the twists and turns in acquiring the jade Buddha.

"This Black Dragon King is truly lawless, daring to deceive even my Zhao family? It seems I need to find someone to teach him a lesson!"

Zhao's grandfather resents the Black Dragon King's deceit, and at the same time, he's greatly interested in Ye Feng, who lent a helping hand.

"That boy from the Ye family?"

"I've heard of that car accident years ago, which caused quite a stir."

"That boy spent some time in prison and came out even stronger. Truly remarkable."

"If that's the case, I should send all the unruly youngsters in my family to prison for discipline!"

So, Zhao's grandfather personally held the wine, leading a group downstairs.

Firstly, he was in a good mood, and secondly, to express gratitude to Ye Feng for saving his granddaughter Zhao Wanjing, and most importantly, he wanted to see the transformed Ye family young man with his own eyes.

At the same time, seeing Zhao's grandfather coming down to toast personally left everyone in the hall stunned.

No one could understand why this Ye person, a family outcast, could make Zhao's grandfather act this way?

Even if it was the patriarch of the Ye family who came, he would only have the privilege to toast upstairs.

In the scene, only Ye Feng remained calm, observing Zhao's grandfather's condition and shaking his head secretly.

Originally, the grandfather was old and frail, suffering from several chronic illnesses, nearing the end of his life.

And today, after obtaining that cursed jade Buddha, the evil energy entered his body.

Although he looked healthy and energetic, it was just a last burst of energy, and the evil energy inside was accelerating the consumption of his life.

But he was unaware, feeling good instead.

Ye Feng estimated that the old man would not last three days.

"Young man, you are Ye Feng, right? Hmm, not bad, quite spirited!"

Zhao's grandfather, having seen countless people, usually made the younger generation bow their heads in respect and humility.

But Ye Feng, when facing him, remained calm and composed, impressing even Zhao's grandfather.

Now, even Zhao's grandfather couldn't help but wonder, curious about the kind of prison that could educate such talent?

"Yuanting has already told me. If it weren't for you, stepping in to save her, she might have ended up in a car accident and hospitalized. Even this jade Buddha might have been taken by that Black Dragon," said Zhao's grandfather, taking out the jade Buddha he always carried with him, cherishing it.

"Come, young man, I toast to you!"

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao," Ye Feng also drank a toast.

After drinking, Zhao's grandfather pretended to be angry and blamed his granddaughter, "Yuanting, you should have been more considerate. Today is my eightieth birthday. Since Mr. Ye is already here, why didn't you invite him upstairs to join the celebration?"

"I did invite him," Zhao Yuanting said with a wry smile, "Mr. Ye met a classmate here and wanted to have dinner with him, so he didn't come."

Zhao's grandfather smiled, "What's the problem? Just invite them both up! The more, the merrier."

Zhao Yuanting smiled. She had thought about it too. But compared to dining with a group of strangers, she believed Ye Feng would prefer to chat with his classmate, right? So, she didn't insist.

"Both of you," Zhao's grandfather extended the invitation again, "Tonight is my eightieth birthday. Since you're already here, come up."

Everyone present was stunned to see Zhao's grandfather personally extend the invitation. This honor was not something everyone could have.

"This Ye fellow is really lucky. I wonder what he did for the Zhao family. First, Miss Zhao, then Zhao's grandfather, inviting him to the celebration. He can't refuse this time, can he?"

"Though expelled from the Ye family, he's now attached to the Zhao family. It's a blessing in disguise!"

When Susan received the personal invitation from Zhao's grandfather, she was overwhelmed with joy. While it was thanks to Ye Feng, she felt her life had been blessed since meeting him. First, she was specially admitted to the Zhao Group, and now she could attend the Zhao family head's birthday celebration.

Just as Susan was about to accept the invitation,

Unexpectedly, Ye Feng spoke up first, declining, "No need. I never dine with the dying."

What!?

Dying!?

The atmosphere changed instantly.

"Death...?"

Zhao's grandfather's face turned dark.

"Do you mean me!?"

Ye Feng remained silent, implying agreement.

"Humph!"

Zhao's grandfather said no more, turning away.

"You insolent boy! How dare you speak such nonsense on my birthday!"

The Zhao family was furious, reprimanding Ye Feng before following the grandfather upstairs.

"Grandfather? Mr. Ye... Sigh!"

Zhao Yuanting was shocked by the sudden turn of events. She wanted to understand why Ye Feng said that. Seeing her grandfather truly angry, she decided to go upstairs to console and explain.

The scene was in an uproar after the Zhao family left.

"He's done for!"

"Is he crazy? How dare he say that on Zhao's grandfather's birthday?"

"If the grandfather really gets seriously ill from the shock, not just this Ye fellow, the entire Ye family might suffer!"

At this moment, Susan also snapped back from the previous chaos, her face filled with shock and confusion.

"Ye... Ye Feng..."

"What did you mean by that just now? Do you have a grudge against the Zhao family?"

Ye Feng smiled, "Of course not. I just spoke the truth. Anyway, let's go."

As they stepped outside, they were immediately stopped by two officials in uniforms.

"You are Ye Feng, right?"

"Someone reported to the authorities that you assaulted someone. Come with us for questioning."