Chapter Twenty-Two: Jiang Yichen’s Astonishment!

As Xiao Chen finished speaking, Jiang Yichen and Sun Ling, along with the others, were nearly scared out of their wits.

The man before them was none other than the eldest son of the Zhou family.

The Zhou family was one of the four great clans of Linzhou, controlling assets worth over fifty billion. Even the entire Xu family, when compared to the Zhou family, was nothing more than an ant.

Had Xiao Chen lost his mind, daring to speak to the Zhou heir in such a manner?

“Xiao Chen, what nonsense are you spouting? Hurry up and apologize to Young Master Zhou!” Xu Qingran said hastily, giving Xiao Chen a look full of disappointment. She quickly turned, apologizing, “Young Master Zhou, I’m sorry, Xiao Chen has had too much to drink and is speaking nonsense. We’ll vacate the private room right away.”

Zhou Tian sneered, pointing at Xiao Chen, “You all can leave. But this one stays.”

“In Linzhou, no one dares speak to me like that. I’d like to see what makes you think you can.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Qingran’s expression changed dramatically.

Sun Ling immediately chimed in, “Alright, we’ll go right away.” She tugged at Xu Qingran, “Qingran, what are you waiting for?”

Xu Qianran added, “Sister, that useless guy brought this on himself. Why bother getting involved? He thinks he’s so capable—let him solve it himself.”

Jiang Yichen, meanwhile, was filled with joy. The resentment of having to spend an extra million or two on dinner vanished completely. If Zhou Tian could maim or kill Xiao Chen, Xu Qingran would have grounds to divorce him, and he could then win her over.

He persuaded, “That’s right, Qingran, the Zhou family isn’t someone we can afford to offend. If we insist on staying, not only won’t we save Xiao Chen, but we might end up getting dragged down ourselves.”

Xu Qingran bit her lip. Though Xiao Chen was nothing to brag about, she felt a deep frustration with him. Yet, after all, he was her husband. If she just left him behind…

As she struggled with her thoughts, Xiao Chen spoke, “Qingran, we haven’t finished eating. No rush to leave; let’s finish our meal first.”

With that, Xiao Chen stood up and walked straight over to Zhou Tian. “Zhou Tian, right? Let’s step outside to talk. Don’t disturb my wife while she’s eating. She likes a quiet meal.”

“Xiao Chen!” Xu Qingran cried out in alarm. Had Xiao Chen gone mad? He was walking out alone with Zhou Tian and his group—if they attacked, there’d be no one to call for help.

Xiao Chen gave Xu Qingran a reassuring glance and strode out.

Zhou Tian laughed coldly, “Want to talk outside? Fine. I want to see what you’ve got that might make me spare you.”

The group left, heading to an empty private room next door.

The attendant watching the scene breathed a small sigh of relief.

Once inside, Zhou Tian sprawled carelessly in a chair, scoffing, “Now, give me a reason to let you go. Or show me any backers you have. I’d like to see, in Linzhou, who dares plead for someone I’m targeting!”

The friends he brought laughed, looking at Xiao Chen as if he were a fool.

Xiao Chen gave Zhou Tian a half-smile. “Oh? I wonder if Zhou Wantian is enough?”

“My grandfather?” Zhou Tian’s face changed slightly. “You’re bold indeed. Is my grandfather’s name something you can call so casually?”

“The heirs and even heads of the other three great clans in Linzhou all respectfully address him as ‘Old Zhou.’”

Xiao Chen couldn’t be bothered to argue with Zhou Tian.

At that moment, the attendant finally managed to speak up, hesitantly, “Young Master Zhou, this Mr. Xiao Chen is indeed a distinguished guest of Old Zhou.”

“Just yesterday, Old Zhou held a banquet for Mr. Xiao in the prestigious Sky Chamber, and personally instructed that whenever Mr. Xiao dines here, he is to be seated in the Sky Chamber. All expenses are to be billed to Old Zhou himself.”

“What?” Zhou Tian and his companions were shocked. Zhou Tian’s gaze hardened, staring at the attendant, “Are you conspiring with this guy to fool me?”

The attendant’s face paled, hurriedly replying, “Young Master Zhou, it was truly Old Zhou’s own instruction. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him yourself. Otherwise, even if I had the courage of a bear or a tiger, I wouldn’t dare give the Sky Chamber to anyone else.”

Zhou Tian’s expression flickered between anger and uncertainty.

The others looked at Xiao Chen with completely changed eyes.

This young man was valued so highly by Old Zhou? It was simply unbelievable!

“Hmph!” After a moment, Zhou Tian snorted coldly, losing all appetite for dinner, and left Tianhai Restaurant without another word.

Xiao Chen turned to the attendant, “Bring more fine wine and dishes—make them expensive. And later, bill everything separately and collect the payment.”

The attendant’s face twisted in distress. “But Old Zhou has instructed—”

Xiao Chen waved him off. “Don’t worry. I’m not paying; someone else is hosting, so there’s no need to be concerned.”

Since Jiang Yichen liked to flaunt his wealth, Xiao Chen would give him the opportunity.

If you dare try to steal what’s mine, how could you not pay a price?

With that, Xiao Chen returned to the private room.

...

Sun Ling, Xu Qianran, and the others didn’t care at all about Xiao Chen and Zhou Tian leaving. They continued eating and drinking as usual.

Only Xu Qingran occasionally glanced anxiously toward the door.

“Sister, what are you looking at? That useless man offended the Zhou heir—he’s as good as dead. If you ask me, you should just divorce him and be with Brother Yichen. Wouldn’t that be better?” Xu Qianran said, eating as she spoke.

Sun Ling’s eyes brightened, “Exactly, Qingran. Look at Yichen—young, wealthy, and treats you well. Far better than that coward. Besides, after offending Zhou Tian, who knows if he’ll live or die. If he dies, fine; if he survives, you should hurry and divorce him.”

“Otherwise, how can Yichen, such a good man, keep waiting for you?”

Jiang Yichen was secretly delighted, gazing at Xu Qingran with affection. “Auntie is joking. My achievements are nothing. For a wonderful woman like Qingran, I’d wait as long as it takes.”

“I’m really sorry about Xiao Chen. If possible, I’ll take good care of you—certainly a thousand times better than him…”

In his mind, Xiao Chen had offended Zhou Tian, and if he didn’t die, he’d at least be crippled. Being beaten to a pulp was not unlikely.

But before he could finish his heartfelt words, his eyes suddenly widened, staring at the doorway.

Xiao Chen walked in, completely unscathed, as if nothing at all had happened.

“What…” Jiang Yichen’s voice tr