Chapter 84: Now It's Truly Miserable

Twenty minutes later, Uncle Bai and Bai Xiaoqian brought out dish after dish, setting them all on the table. When Bai Xiaoqian saw Su Qingxue and Zhou Nianying sitting on either side of Lin Feng, a trace of sadness welled up in her heart. Yet, when she thought about it, these two women were peerless beauties, their temperament, looks, and wealth all far surpassing her own.

Only women like them could be worthy of Brother Lin Feng.

Someone like herself could never catch his eye. She realized she had been overthinking things yesterday.

“Wow! What is this dish called? It’s delicious, Uncle Bai, your cooking is amazing!”

At that moment, Zhou Nianying tasted a spoonful of the imperial duck soup and immediately gave Uncle Bai a thumbs-up in praise.

Lin Feng smiled gently and explained, “This is Uncle Bai’s signature dish, Imperial Feast Duck Soup, a recipe handed down from his ancestors who served as royal chefs. It’s also the main dish I wanted to recommend today.”

“Wow, such an impressive background! Uncle Bai, your skills are on par with the top chefs of a five-star hotel. It’s such a waste for you to be running a small restaurant here.”

Zhou Nianying lavished him with compliments as she helped herself to another large bowl.

Hearing this, the others couldn’t help but pick up their spoons to try the soup. The moment it touched their lips, a chorus of praise erupted.

Especially Zhou Liran, who had enjoyed fine food all his life—he never expected the tastiest dish he’d ever had would be this duck soup.

Lin Feng thoughtfully ladled a full bowl for Su Qingxue. She accepted it, casting a shy glance at Lin Feng; the bit of unhappiness she’d felt earlier dissipated instantly, replaced by a joyful smile.

After the meal, everyone was all smiles.

Before leaving, Lin Feng bid farewell to Uncle Bai. Zhou Liran handed Uncle Bai his business card, saying with a smile, “Uncle Bai, this is my contact information. I hope you can pass on this dish to the world. If you ever need any financial support, just get in touch.”

“Thank you, Chairman Zhou, thank you so much.” Uncle Bai was overwhelmed with joy and bowed repeatedly to express his gratitude.

To carry on his family’s culinary legacy was his greatest wish in life.

After some polite words, Lin Feng led the others out.

Unexpectedly, as they stepped out of the restaurant, a black sedan pulled up at the end of the alley. When it stopped, a portly man in a suit got out, followed by Xu Shaojie—who had just been driven off by Lin Feng.

“That’s him, Wei, he’s the one who beat me and your men just now, that guy right there!” Xu Shaojie pointed at Lin Feng, shouting to the man in the suit.

“Hmph, a mere youngster dares to mess with my people in Jiang City?” Xu Dingwei, belly protruding, strode over with several black-clad bodyguards.

He had a certain standing in Jiang City’s underworld, mostly involved in shady businesses—ordinary people dared not provoke him.

Lin Feng regarded the man, his expression growing cold as he moved to shield Su Qingxue behind him.

“Take this brat down.”

Xu Dingwei’s face hardened as he barked his order. Several bodyguards moved to surround Lin Feng, preparing to strike.

“Stop!”

Zhou Liran’s face turned frosty as he stepped forward, demanding coldly, “Who are you people? How dare you come here to trouble Mr. Lin?”

“Ha, and who might you be? Haven’t you heard the name Xu Dingwei in Jiang City?” Xu Dingwei sneered.

“So you’re Xu Dingwei?”

Hearing his introduction, Zhou Liran’s expression relaxed, disdain coloring his tone. “Didn’t you just recently place an order for medical equipment from Taizheng Group?”

“How do you know that?” Xu Dingwei was startled, looking Zhou Liran up and down. This old man had an extraordinary aura—he looked like someone important.

Zhou Liran continued with a sneer, “Taizheng Group is just one of the subsidiaries under me, Zhou Liran. You don’t recognize me?”

“What? You… you’re Chairman Zhou?” In an instant, Xu Dingwei’s face turned deathly pale, his eyes nearly bulging out.

Just days ago, he’d managed to secure a deal with Taizheng Group through connections—a deal that meant everything to his fortune.

If he offended Chairman Zhou, it would be his ruin.

“Well, do I need to call Taizheng Group and have all your contracts canceled before you believe me?” Zhou Liran’s expression was icy, his voice severe.

“Chairman Zhou, I’m sorry! I didn’t recognize you, I didn’t know Mr. Lin was your friend. Please forgive me.” Xu Dingwei could barely contain his fear, bowing his head repeatedly in respect.

He remembered that Chairman Zhou Liran had a distinctive mole between his brows—just like the man before him. No one in Jiang City would dare impersonate Zhou Liran.

Lin Feng was secretly delighted—so this man was a client of Chairman Zhou. It seemed Xu Shaojie was doomed again.

“Hmph, since you know you were wrong, you don’t need me to tell you how to handle this, do you?” Zhou Liran clasped his hands behind his back, his voice cold and displeased.

“I understand, Chairman Zhou.”

With that, Xu Dingwei turned and slapped Xu Shaojie hard across the face.

Xu Shaojie didn’t even have time to react; three of his teeth flew from his mouth, and he collapsed to the ground.

“You wretched fool! How dare you offend Mr. Lin? Teach him a lesson—beat him until he’s incapable of looking after himself!”

At Xu Dingwei’s command, his bodyguards swarmed over to Xu Shaojie, raining punches and kicks upon him.

“Wei, please, stop! I was wrong, spare me! And Mr. Lin, I won’t bother you again. Please, have mercy!” Xu Shaojie clutched his head, pleading desperately, but the men ignored him, continuing their brutal assault.

By the time they finished, he was sprawled on the ground, unable to move, a pool of bright blood spreading beneath him.

“Chairman Zhou, Mr. Lin, does this resolve the matter? Could you let me off this once? If you ever need anything, just say the word,” Xu Dingwei groveled, flattering the two men.

“Mr. Lin, what do you say?” Zhou Liran naturally deferred to Lin Feng’s decision, turning to him.

“Forget it. Since Xu Shaojie has been taught his lesson, I have no further quarrel with him. Let him go,” Lin Feng replied dismissively.

“Very well, Mr. Lin.”

Zhou Liran responded respectfully, then turned to glare coldly at Xu Dingwei. “What are you waiting for? Get out of here!”

“Yes, sir, I’m leaving immediately.”

Xu Dingwei dared not linger a moment longer, hastily gathering his people and leaving.

Lin Feng spared Xu Shaojie no further thought. In his current state, even with ten lives, he wouldn’t dare seek revenge again.

With that, Lin Feng led Su Qingxue and the others out of the alley.

Zhou Liran had to return to his company that afternoon, so he parted ways with Lin Feng and took Zhou Nianying with him.

After Lin Feng and Su Qingxue got into the car, Su Qingxue’s beautiful eyes flickered. She turned toward him, her face close to his, one hand resting lightly on his chest, and she asked softly, “Lin Feng, how many secrets are you still keeping from me?”