Chapter 129: Mythology

Leaving the Yang residence, Zhao Fan climbed into his car. For some reason, he found himself staring down at his hands. After a moment, he offered a faint smile, shook his head, and pushed the events of the banquet to the back of his mind.

The following afternoon, Yang Yuqing arrived at Feiteng Company in a whirlwind, carrying a mountain of food.

"Thank you for last night. This is a treat for your entire staff."

Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound right. If you're thanking me, why treat the whole company? Shouldn't it just be me?"

Yang Yuqing’s eyes curved into crescents. "According to etiquette, I suppose you’re right, but I felt your employees were more important..."

Zhao Fan chuckled. "Fair enough, fair enough. My employees are more important. Come, take a seat."

"Alright."

After chatting for a bit, Yang Yuqing pursed her lips and initiated the topic of the previous incident.

"That night, my father arrived with his men just in time. Then, the head of the Bai family showed up as well. I don’t know what they discussed, but by the time I heard anything, it had already been decided that Bai Yu would be sent abroad and wouldn't be allowed to return easily."

"So, that means Bai Yu is no longer in the country?"

"Yes." Yang Yuqing’s expression darkened. "Honestly, I never imagined Bai Yu would go that far, or that he would drag Du Xinyan into it. I must have been blind to ever consider a woman like that my best friend."

Even if a friend wasn't perfect, they certainly shouldn't be the type to push you into a pit of fire. What made it worse was that Du Xinyan knew how much she disliked Bai Yu; yet, under those circumstances, she still chose to betray her. It was inexcusable.

Seeing the regret in Yang Yuqing’s eyes, Zhao Fan sighed inwardly. Who could truly be on guard against those closest to them? It was simply that Du Xinyan’s actions were utterly devoid of integrity or morality.

"To be honest, I think this might be a blessing in disguise."

"How could this possibly be a good thing?"

"At the very least, you’ve seen Du Xinyan for who she really is. You’ve cut your losses now and prevented even greater damage down the road."

Yang Yuqing bit her lip. She understood the logic, but the thought of Du Xinyan still left her feeling troubled.

"Want to play a game?" Sensing her distress, Zhao Fan changed the subject.

"What kind of game?" Yang Yuqing followed his lead.

"You'll see once you try it."

He vacated his chair and opened the game, ready to teach her. "This game is called *Myth*."

"Myth? Why that name?"

"Because it incorporates many mythological elements."

As the game loaded, Yang Yuqing’s eyes crinkled. "I see more than just mythological elements here." She had spotted historical figures as well.

Zhao Fan sighed. "You have to forgive a company where no one knew how to pick a name. Even the title 'Myth' was an afterthought."

Yang Yuqing asked curiously, "What was the original name?"

"Feiteng."

Yang Yuqing was surprised. "You used your company name as the game title?"

"Surprised?"

Yang Yuqing felt a bit embarrassed but nodded. "It is a bit confusing to have the company and the game share the same name."

"Exactly. So we changed it to *Myth*. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than before. Don't you think?"

"It’s actually quite good."

Zhao Fan gave her some pointers, and Yang Yuqing quickly mastered the mechanics, becoming more hooked as she played. By noon, Zhao Fan practically had to pull her away from the computer.

"That game is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it before."

Zhao Fan said, "It’s our company’s new project. Enjoy it, but please keep it a secret for me."

"Don't worry, I’m not stupid. I know the importance of discretion."

After lunch, Yang Yuqing occupied his office computer for the rest of the day. It wasn't until the end of the workday that she snapped out of her feverish excitement. Meeting Zhao Fan’s amused smile, she blushed.

"I, I’m so sorry."

"It’s fine. When I first encountered this game, I was just like you. You’ll get used to it. Come on, let’s go get dinner."

"Okay."

The two left the company and found a restaurant. After the meal, Zhao Fan dropped her back at the Yang residence.

"Thanks for the hospitality."

"You're welcome."

After saying goodbye, Zhao Fan left, unaware that just moments after he departed, Yang Yuqing found herself in a confrontation with Yang Tiancheng.

"Have you been with that Zhao Fan all day?"

Yang Yuqing replied, "Does it really matter if I was?"

"What do you think?"

"I don't think it matters. Father, I’m not a child. I understand many things; you don’t need to keep—"

"Have you lost your mind? You’re not a child? Let me tell you, as long as you aren’t married, you are a child in my eyes."

Yang Tiancheng snorted. "Enough. I’m not going to argue with you. Bai Yongyuan has already sent Bai Yu abroad. I’ve decided that since you missed the college entrance exams, you’ll return to your previous school."

"Why should I?"

"Because you need an education."

"But..."

"There are no 'buts.' The ticket is already booked. You leave tomorrow."

Yang Yuqing’s chest heaved as she looked at her father with an indescribable sense of oppression. "How can you do this? By what right do you make decisions for me?"

"By the right of being your father. Yuqing, I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve walked roads. I won't hurt you, understand?"

"I know you wouldn't hurt me, but that doesn't mean you can make every decision for me. I don't want to go abroad. I want to stay here, in the country."

"This isn't about what you want. Unless you’re willing to repeat the year, don't even think about staying here."

"I am willing to repeat the year."

"Are you joking?"

"I’m not joking. Father, I..."

*Slap!*

The sharp sound of a strike echoed through the room. Yang Yuqing’s face was knocked to the side. Her eyes widened, and it took a long moment for her to register what had happened.

"Father, you actually hit me."

Yang Tiancheng’s face remained cold. "So what if I did? I am your father; disciplining you is my right. Go to your room and rest. You leave first thing tomorrow morning."

"I’m not going. Even if you drag me onto the plane, I won't go."

"If you don't go, I will deal with that Zhao Fan. I hear Feiteng has taken on quite a few projects recently. Surely he doesn't have much capital left. If he were to suffer a blow now..."

Yang Yuqing gritted her teeth. "Fine. I’ll go."

The night passed in silence.

The next day, Zhao Fan arrived at the company. With the deadline only a month away, Feiteng was ready for its advertising campaign. After reviewing the details and confirming everything was in order, Zhao Fan gave the go-ahead.

"Don't hold back on the budget. Push it hard."

Following his orders, within a few days, the streets and alleys of Yang City were filled with advertisements for the new phone and the game. With this, the reputation of Feiteng Company reached new heights. Meanwhile, the third supermarket was already under renovation. With An Jinhua overseeing the work, Zhao Fan felt at ease, only showing his face occasionally to ensure things were running smoothly before leaving with confidence.

For a time, Feiteng Company flourished.