Returning after 10000 Years Cultivation - Chapter 120

“Exactly! Back then, this was the hottest gossip in our circles. Everyone wondered which lucky girl had caught Young Master Tang’s eye!”

The two girls chattered excitedly, their voices overlapping.

The handsome young man explained, “At the time, many elite families proposed matches to Tang Shaozhe, including the daughter of a provincial Party secretary from the west. But in the end, he fell for a girl from Linzhou!”

“Linzhou? Aside from Xianya, what kind of decent girl could come from such a backwater?”

“Right, right! The only notable family there is the Tangs!” The two girls scoffed dismissively.

“Exactly!”

The handsome young man sighed. “The Zhao family couldn’t even compare to the Tangs. It was only because of Wei Fang’s father, Wei Jinghu, acting as a matchmaker that Zhao Xueqing even entered Tang Shaozhe’s radar.”

“Zhao Xueqing was known as the ‘Flower of Linzhou.’ Though her family’s assets barely reached 100 million, she was stunningly beautiful, with a pure and elegant aura. Her reputation in Linzhou was impeccable. Young Master Tang was utterly smitten at first sight!”

“Rumor has it the Zhao family was thrilled with the match. Tang Shaozhe was incredibly generous—since the Zhaos were in pharmaceuticals, he placed a single order for 50 million yuan worth of their products!”

“But who could’ve guessed? Zhao Xueqing refused outright. In the end, the engagement fell through just like that!”

Hearing this, the two girls fell silent, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Before, they’d been happy to gossip, but now they were terrified.

In Yangcheng, the Tang family was one of the most powerful. Tang Shaozhe was the top young master of his generation. To have been humiliated like this—even hearing about it was enough to make one’s blood run cold.

Who in Lingnan would dare play Tang Shaozhe like this? Wasn’t that just asking for death?

“Tang Shaozhe considers this the greatest humiliation of his life. No one is allowed to bring it up!”

The handsome young man shot them a warning glance. “You two had better not spread this around, understand?”

The girls nodded like frightened chicks.

“Did you notice? Their car had the Feast of Extreme Bliss sticker. They must be going to the event!”

Suddenly, Zhou Xianya crossed her arms and smirked.

“Hah, that bitch has some nerve!”

The handsome young man gritted his teeth. “After the Zhao family screwed Tang Shaozhe over, they still dare to show up at the Feast of Extreme Bliss? Don’t they know the Tang family is one of the organizers?”

He turned to the muscular man now back in the driver’s seat and said coldly, “Yun Peng, you’re Tang Shaozhe’s sworn brother. You’re not just going to let this slide, are you?”

Yun Peng was built like a mountain, his bulging muscles straining against his camouflage T-shirt. His calloused fingers tapped the steering wheel as he growled, “Don’t worry, Lü Fan. If they cross my path, I’ll chop them into pieces!”

Watching this, Zhou Xianya’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

Jiang Tian, Zhao Xueqing, you’ve been doing well in Jiangbei lately. But in Yangcheng? You’re nothing. Lü Fan and Yun Peng will destroy you.

She crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with arrogance and malice.

You’d never guess, would you? I’m Lü Fan’s girlfriend now—I even have Tang Shaozhe’s ear. When the time comes, I’ll make you kneel and beg for mercy!

…..

Unaware of this, Jiang Tian and his group arrived in Yangcheng by 11 a.m. Shen Mange and Ghostkick checked into a hotel near the Feast of Extreme Bliss, while Jiang Tian and the Zhao sisters drove to a villa in the suburbs.

“Brother-in-law, Sis, when we meet my grandpa, uncles, and cousins later, please be polite,” Zhao Qianru reminded them as they got out of the car.

Zhao Xueqing smiled gently. “Don’t worry. In my eyes, Grandpa Wei is family too.”

“Of course.”

Jiang Tian’s eyes flickered briefly before he nodded, carrying several gift bags.

Aside from attending the feast, they were here to visit Zhao Qianru’s maternal relatives—her grandfather, uncles, and their families.

Zhao Qianru’s grandfather, Wei Jinghu, was a retired deputy director-level official who had served as Yangcheng’s Organization Department head in the 1990s.

Wei Jinghu had deep connections and an extensive network. His children had branched out into business and politics, forming a sizable family clan centered around him.

Jiang Tian’s memories of Wei Jinghu were faint. In his recollection, the old man had visited Linzhou only a few times, each time treating him and Zhao Xueqing with indifference.

Wei Fang’s marriage to Zhao Hugcheng—who already had Zhao Xueqing as a “burden”—had infuriated Wei Jinghu from the start.

In Jiang Tian’s past life, after the Jiang family’s downfall and during Zhao Pharmaceuticals’ crisis, he and Zhao Xueqing had come to the Wei family for help. But Wei Jinghu, acting like an aloof emperor, had refused to see them.

Even after ten thousand years, Jiang Tian could still recall the Wei family’s cold-blooded disdain. The memory left a bitter taste in his mouth.

At the gate, Zhao Qianru pressed the intercom and called out cheerfully, “Cousins, we’re here!”

With a whirr, the electric gate slid open.

A tall, elegant young woman stepped out, smiling warmly. “Qianru, you’ve grown into such a beauty!”

“Cousin!” Zhao Qianru hugged the woman’s arm affectionately.

This was Wei Jieqiong, daughter of Zhao Qianru’s second uncle, Wei Tianhe. At 27, she had graduated from Tsinghua’s School of Management and now served as Strategy Director at Wei Industrial Group.

Zhao Xueqing quickly stepped forward with a smile. “Hello, Cousin!”

Wei Jieqiong’s gaze swept over Zhao Xueqing and Jiang Tian, her eyes flashing with disdain. She gave them a perfunctory nod before pulling Zhao Qianru toward the villa, whispering, “Qianru, why did you bring them? You know how much Grandpa dislikes them!”

She had no fondness for Zhao Xueqing or Jiang Tian.

Zhao Xueqing was stubborn, aloof, and “ungrateful.” Years ago, Wei Jinghu had arranged for her to marry Tang Shaozhe, but she had refused outright, humiliating the Wei family. To this day, the mere mention of Zhao Xueqing made Wei Jinghu shake his head in disgust.

And then, instead of marrying some elite scion as expected, she’d tied herself to Jiang Tian—a good-for-nothing fool who’d reportedly drunk himself into brain damage.

To the Wei family, Zhao Xueqing and Jiang Tian were nothing but a joke.

“But Sis and Brother-in-law are different now! They developed the Nourishing Cream, and Mom even handed the company over to them! Sis is the chairman now!” Zhao Qianru blurted out cheerfully.

Wei Jieqiong’s face instantly darkened. How did they seize control of Zhao Pharmaceuticals? This makes no sense!

For a moment, she was so agitated she stamped her foot. “Qianru, how could you and your mom let them take over? What were you thinking?”

As they entered the lavishly decorated living room, a lean, white-haired old man sat imposingly at the center. His presence alone commanded respect.

Around him sat his eldest son’s family, second son’s family, and eldest daughter’s family—a sizable gathering.

The men exuded authority; the women, refinement.

The younger generation—handsome young men and beautiful women—had each achieved notable success in their fields.

The walls were adorned with photos of Wei Jinghu alongside provincial and municipal leaders, some of whom held ministerial-level positions.

Zhao Qianru hurried forward to greet him. “Hello, Grandpa!”

Wei Jinghu smiled kindly. “Qianru, I heard you’ve graduated. Work hard!”

He handed her an exquisite box. “A watch for you. Punctuality is key—don’t be late!”

“Wow! A Patek Philippe! Thank you, Grandpa!” Zhao Qianru beamed.

The watch alone was worth over 100,000 yuan—a year’s salary for the average worker.

Jiang Tian set the gifts on the coffee table, and Zhao Xueqing stepped forward. “Hello, Grandpa.”

Wei Jinghu merely grunted, his face cold and expressionless as he sipped his tea.

“Sis, Brother-in-law, come sit!”

Zhao Qianru quickly ushered them to the sofa, saving them further awkwardness.

After some small talk, Wei Jinghu said, “Qianru, your aunt reserved a table at the Hilton for you. But at my age, I prefer quiet meals at home. Shall we dine here instead?”

“Of course, Grandpa! Home cooking is best!” Zhao Qianru agreed sweetly.

The meal was served in the villa’s dining room, prepared by a master chef from a five-star hotel.

First came exquisitely plated cold dishes: cod liver with citrus vinegar, crystal pork knuckle, braised venison, and marinated beef shank—each ingredient meticulously selected, each dish a testament to culinary artistry.

Next were Western-style appetizers, followed by the main course: a pot of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall that had been simmering since yesterday. As the heart of Cantonese cuisine, Yangcheng’s culinary style balanced flavors masterfully, awakening the appetite.

“I heard your father was recently transferred to the Municipal Party Committee Office?” Wei Jinghu took a sip of wine and asked casually.

Due to his high blood pressure, he no longer drank hard liquor. Instead, he indulged in premium white wine from Tuscany—50,000 yuan a bottle, consumed in small daily doses for its supposed blood-activating benefits.

Before the Zhao sisters could answer, the eldest aunt sneered, “Dad, what’s so impressive about being an office director in a small place like Linzhou? Eldest Brother is now Director of the Yangcheng Municipal Government Office! This is a provincial capital!”

The others nodded admiringly at Eldest Uncle Wei Tianduan’s family.

The Zhao sisters’ expressions turned awkward.

Wei Tianduan smiled modestly. “It’s nothing compared to Father’s achievements.”

“Eldest Brother has always been steady and methodical. One day, our Wei family will produce a deputy mayor!” Second Uncle Wei Tianhe, Investment Director at Yangcheng State-Owned Investment Group, chimed in.

“Haha, Eldest Brother will surely surpass Father. Our family will have a minister-level official!” the eldest uncle-in-law flattered.

“Once Eldest Brother becomes deputy mayor, let’s see who dares question Tianhe’s position as Investment Director!” Second Aunt declared haughtily.

“Sigh, my biggest worry is still Wei Fang and her husband.”

Wei Jinghu sighed. “If Wei Fang had listened to me back then, hmph! Would they be stuck as mere office directors?”

“Father, that’s her own fault!”

Wei Tianhe snorted. “Back then, Wei Fang had so many suitors, yet she insisted on marrying Zhao Hugcheng. They chose the hard path of entrepreneurship, and with Zhao Hugcheng’s unwanted burden dragging them down, how could they ever achieve greatness?”

At the words “unwanted burden,” Zhao Xueqing trembled slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

But she was gentle by nature, averse to conflict, so she said nothing.