Chapter 52: Zhang Fuqiang Hosts a Dinner

The elderly professor was lecturing on the podium, while Chu Feng used a textbook as a shield to read a novel.

Zhang Yanran cast a reproachful glance at Chu Feng, then obediently went back to taking notes.

Chu Feng merely observed her out of the corner of his eye.

Indeed, after the events involving Zhang Yanran’s mother, this young girl had changed significantly.

She was no longer so self-willed and domineering; instead, she had learned to be considerate.

On the windowsill, a paper bag containing a scarf sat quietly.

The sunlight fell upon Zhang Yanran’s face, illuminating the fine, soft fuzz on her skin.

Zhang Yanran truly deserved her reputation as the campus belle; her face was lovely straight on, and even more stunning in profile.

Especially when she was earnestly taking notes, with her long, slightly curled eyelashes, her slightly pouty lips, and her fair, slender neck.

"Keep staring and I'll get angry." Zhang Yanran clearly noticed Chu Feng’s gaze.

Chu Feng chuckled softly and went back to his novel.

Whenever afternoon came, the professor’s lecturing voice turned into white noise, making people drowsy.

Chu Feng was no exception, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.

"Zhang Fuqiang wants to invite you to dinner," Zhang Yanran whispered.

As soon as these words were spoken, Chu Feng instantly snapped to attention.

"Dinner?"

He narrowed his eyes.

Yet, the fact that Zhang Yanran referred to her own biological father by his full name surprised Chu Feng greatly, especially since she had called him "my dad" just a short while ago.

"Has something happened recently?" Chu Feng asked softly.

"Over the past few days, I've noticed that Sister Xueli seems to have taken something important. The day before yesterday, I heard him on the phone saying he wants to capture Sister Xueli alive." Zhang Yanran lowered her head.

Chu Feng was momentarily stunned. It seemed Li Xueli had still kept certain things from him.

She hadn't revealed everything he wanted to know.

That made sense, however, since Li Xueli was still Zhang Fuqiang’s legally registered wife.

At present, Chu Feng was merely protecting her while collecting some "interest" in return.

"What does he want with me for dinner?" Chu Feng asked, subtly moving a bit closer to Zhang Yanran.

Catching the faint scent of tobacco on Chu Feng, Zhang Yanran’s heart skipped a beat, but she managed to steady her nerves. "Did you acquire the Emperor Nightclub?"

"That's right!"

"Where did you get the money?"

"You don't need to ask about that. A man's business is none of your concern," Chu Feng said with a smile.

"You..." Zhang Yanran glared at Chu Feng with puffed cheeks. Yet ever since the summer vacation of their freshman year, Chu Feng seemed to have transformed completely.

The original Chu Feng had been honest and slow-witted, growing nervous at the mere sight of her and stammering without being able to squeeze out a single word.

Now, Chu Feng was clearly much " naughtier" than before, though she didn't hate it at all.

"If you won't tell me, fine!" Zhang Yanran gave a light huff, but Chu Feng reached out and caught her hand.

Her small hand was soft and boneless, smooth as jade. Chu Feng said, "Could it be that you've decided to let me become the Zhang family's son-in-law?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yanran blushed. "If only it were like that..."

Chu Feng chuckled and said nothing more.

That evening, Chu Feng sent a message to Li Xueli, telling her he would be back late.

Then he went to a supermarket and bought some gifts.

Although Zhang Fuqiang was his enemy, dealing with him required a thorough understanding of the man.

Acting as an "undercover agent" was evidently one way to infiltrate Zhang Fuqiang’s group and uncover his flaws.

On the way to the Zhang residence, Chu Feng purposely passed through the small alley that had once altered the trajectory of his life.

Zhang Yanran complained, "You insist on taking the small alley instead of the main road. Don't you know there are lots of stray dogs around here..."

"Tell me, there are no security cameras here. If something happened in this place, what would happen if we played the hero and stepped in?" Chu Feng asked.

"If you run into a good person, that's fine. But if you encounter someone irresponsible who frames you for the wrongdoing, you'll have no way to clear your name!" Zhang Yanran replied.

Chu Feng sighed. "Indeed, no way to clear one's name..."

Passing through the alley, Chu Feng reached the main road, made a few turns, and finally arrived at the Zhang estate.

The driver and the housekeeper were already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Chu Feng and Zhang Yanran carrying numerous bags, both hurried over to relieve them.

Chu Feng nodded politely at them and then entered the house alongside Zhang Yanran.

As expected of the richest man in Jiangcheng, Chu Feng was immediately struck dumb by the luxurious interior of the Zhang residence upon entering.

This wasn't a villa; it was practically a palace!

The exterior of the villa was magnificent and grand, built with high-end stone and glass curtain walls, exuding nobility and elegance.

Several luxury cars were parked at the entrance, presumably belonging to guests.

Following Zhang Yanran inside, the interior was even more dazzling and breathtaking.

Priced oil paintings hung on the walls, each one an artistic masterpiece.

An exquisite sofa set was arranged in the center of the living room, accompanied by a coffee table bearing fine tea sets and fruit. Aside from Chu Feng, several other people were chatting nearby.

Walking down the hallway, Chu Feng also caught glimpses of the villa's other amenities.

A gym, a swimming pool, a private cinema—all facilities were fully equipped.

Every single detail exuded luxury and refinement, making one feel as though they had stepped into a dreamlike world.

Chu Feng couldn't help thinking that once his career stabilized, he would set up a residence just like this.

A person always needed to give themselves a goal.

"Dad, Chu Feng is here," Zhang Yanran said with a smile.

Zhang Fuqiang was smoking a pipe reminiscent of General MacArthur's. Seeing Chu Feng, he stood up. "Ah, little Chu! Right this way!"

"Uncle," Chu Feng nodded politely, forcing himself to remain calm and conceal his emotions.

Zhang Fuqiang draped an arm around Chu Feng's shoulder and introduced him to the other guests. "This is my daughter's classmate. Don't let his youth fool you—the Emperor Nightclub is currently his property!"

At these words, the other tycoons chatting in the living room all turned to look.

A middle-aged woman dressed in dazzling jewelry stood up, extended her hand, and said, "I'm Fang Meiling, a host from Jiangcheng Television."

"Hello, I'm Li Zhenyu from Xingda Minerals."

Several people stood up one after another to shake hands with Chu Feng.

Chu Feng shook hands with them in return.

Indeed, Zhang Fuqiang was an extremely pragmatic person. If Chu Feng were still that penniless, destitute student from before, he probably wouldn't even have been allowed to cross the Zhang family's threshold.

Status and career were the stepping stones required to rub shoulders with these apex figures of Jiangcheng.

Just then, Zhang Yanran walked over, having changed into an evening gown. She stepped up to Chu Feng and asked, "How does it look?"

Glancing at her, Chu Feng could see the gown was clearly tailored specifically for Zhang Yanran, fitting her to perfection.

It accentuated her already impressive figure, making it look even more flawless.

"Not bad at all," Chu Feng chuckled.

"Hate you!" Zhang Yanran playfully swatted at Chu Feng's arm.

Yet this intimate little gesture caused Zhang Fuqiang to frown slightly.