Super Doctor - Chapter 174

“Are you here?” Sun Lingfei’s voice came through, tinged with quiet joy.

Hearing the voice that made his heart flutter, Xu Ze smiled and replied, “Yes, I’m here… at the Beijing Hotel.”

“Beijing Hotel… that’s not too far from my home. The banquet is tomorrow… Did you come alone?” Sun Lingfei sounded slightly worried.

Sensing her concern, Xu Ze reassured her, “I came alone, but don’t worry. Li Yue will accompany me tomorrow.”

“Brother Yue? He’s coming with you?” Sun Lingfei was taken aback. “A Ze… how do you know Brother Yue?”

“We met just a few days ago. He’s been hosting me since I arrived in Beijing.” Xu Ze understood her surprise. After all, Li Yue was widely known as a formidable figure, and his kindness toward Xu Ze would undoubtedly raise eyebrows.

“Brother Yue… is hosting you? Are you two close?” Sun Lingfei’s shock quickly turned to delight. She knew that even if Xu Ze attended her birthday as a classmate, it would stir up quite a commotion.

Her father would inevitably read into the situation. In the past, she had hesitated, lacking the confidence to defy her family. But now, determined to be with Xu Ze at all costs, she needed to take proactive steps to remind her family that she had her own mind and would make her own choices.

She had to make her stance clear, or she would be forced to follow her family’s arrangements, leaving behind the endearing and sometimes clueless Xu Ze to marry someone she didn’t love.

Her decision to invite Xu Ze to her birthday served two purposes: first, she genuinely wanted him by her side on her twentieth birthday; second, turning twenty meant her family would soon begin arranging her future. She needed to assert her position quickly.

Although Xu Ze was only Old Master Tang’s adopted grandson, his presence would force her family to consider Old Master Tang’s stance. If Old Master Tang supported Xu Ze, her family would have to tread carefully, potentially easing the pressure on her future decisions.

Though she would face immense pressure from her family, having Xu Ze by her side to face it together gave her hope.

Li Yue’s involvement added another layer of reassurance. Li Yue represented the rising influence of the Li family, which would eventually fall under his control. If Xu Ze had a strong relationship with Li Yue, her family would have even more reason to hesitate before crushing their hopes.

“We get along well… He’s been very kind to me. He spent the whole day showing me around today,” Xu Ze said lightly.

Hearing this, Sun Lingfei felt even more relieved. “That’s good. I was worried you’d be alone and unfamiliar with everyone, with no one to keep you company.”

“Don’t worry. With Li Yue around, I won’t be bored.”

In the evening, after resting all day, Xu Ze changed into his clothes, had a light meal, and took a moment to compose himself. He checked his reflection in the mirror before leaving the hotel. Today was his first appearance before the Sun family, and he took it very seriously.

Li Yue was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Xu Ze in his well-fitted, beige Givenchy casual suit, his tall figure and handsome appearance, Li Yue couldn’t help but sigh admiringly. This young man was naturally good-looking, and with a little styling, few could match his elegance.

With his looks, he was sure to turn heads at the banquet, attracting the attention of many young ladies and sophisticated women.

As Xu Ze got into the car, Li Yue gave him a thumbs-up, making the usually calm and casually dressed Xu Ze feel a hint of shyness.

Li Yue drove swiftly with Xu Ze toward the western outskirts of the city. Soon, they entered a tree-lined road at the foot of the western hills, where villas dotted both sides. It wasn’t long before they reached the Sun family estate.

The Sun family’s villa was spacious, even larger than Old Master Tang’s. The roadside outside was lined with various cars and sports vehicles—from Mercedes to Hongqi, Ferraris to Lotuses, everything was there.

Looking at the row of sports cars, Li Yue chuckled softly. “Xu Ze… it seems you have quite a few rivals. Many of Beijing’s young elites are here.”

Xu Ze smiled faintly and shook his head, unfazed.

They got out of the car and walked straight into the front garden, where many young people were chatting. As they entered, everyone looked up.

Recognizing Li Yue and the unfamiliar, handsome young man beside him, the crowd tensed. Everyone knew Li Yue—a representative figure of their generation in Beijing, notoriously difficult to deal with. Among the third generation, few could stand their ground against him except for some older members.

“Isn’t this troublemaker known for avoiding events like this? Why is he here today? Could he be interested in Sun Lingfei too?” Many wore expressions of surprise and curiosity. Nonetheless, they greeted Li Yue with smiles.

At the same time, they couldn’t help but wonder about the calm and handsome young man walking alongside Li Yue. Who could he be?

Li Yue didn’t pay them much attention, merely nodding in acknowledgment before leading Xu Ze into the main hall.

The hall was already filled with people. When they saw Li Yue enter, many showed surprise, and someone quickly stepped forward to greet him warmly. “So it’s Young Master Yue! Your presence truly honors us.”

Li Yue nodded to the middle-aged man, took a box from his pocket, and handed it over. “Uncle Qi… Today is Lingfei’s birthday. I couldn’t make it in previous years, but since my friend is here, I decided to accompany him.”

Then, turning to the man, he introduced Xu Ze. “Uncle Qi, this is my friend Xu Ze, Old Master Tang’s adopted grandson from Xing City. He’s also Lingfei’s classmate and came all the way to celebrate her birthday.”

After Li Yue’s introduction, Xu Ze stepped forward with a slight smile and presented the gift prepared by Old Master Tang. “Hello, Uncle Qi. I’m Xu Ze, Lingfei’s classmate at Xing University. I’m here on Old Master Tang’s behalf to wish Lingfei a happy birthday.”

“Ah! Old Master Tang!” Sun Qi’s face lit up with joy. “How thoughtful! For a young one’s birthday, to trouble Old Master Tang… I’m truly grateful. Please convey our regards to him.”

“Old Master Tang? Even Old Master Tang sent gifts?” Murmurs spread through the hall at Sun Qi’s slightly amplified words. Everyone was surprised. For the Sun family’s young lady’s twentieth birthday to attract the attention of the long-retired Old Master Tang was no small matter.

Hearing the whispers behind him, Sun Qi smiled slightly and said, “Please, Young Master Xu, Young Master Yue, come inside and have a seat.”

Noting that the hall was filled with older, more solemn figures, Li Yue declined with a smile. “Uncle Qi, you must be busy. Xu Ze and I will take a stroll around and explore.”

Seeing Li Yue’s insistence, Sun Qi didn’t press further. He himself was wary of Li Yue. Although the young man seemed unusually relaxed today, it was better to avoid too much interaction. So, he simply said, “Of course. Feel free to wander around. The banquet will begin shortly.”

The two nodded and left the hall. Li Yue led Xu Ze through a corridor on the left into a small garden. Only a few people were there—two men and a woman. When they saw Li Yue, their expressions shifted slightly. After offering polite greetings, they quickly left the garden.

Amused by their obvious fear of Li Yue, Xu Ze laughed. “Are you really that intimidating? They ran off as soon as they saw you.”

Li Yue shook his head with a faint smile. “These youngsters are still scared of me. A couple of years ago, I was more hot-headed. Whenever I saw something I didn’t like, I’d stir up trouble. After a few incidents, I managed to intimidate them. Later, I calmed down and focused on more serious matters, but they’ve remained respectful—or fearful—ever since.”

“Stir up trouble? How?” Xu Ze sat on a rattan chair in the garden, looking at Li Yue curiously.

Recalling his wilder days, Li Yue laughed. “Back then, I was young and impulsive. I encountered a couple of things that didn’t sit right with me, so I stormed into a few households alone and broke a few legs.”

“After that, many people started fearing me and called me ‘Li the Madman.’ But these past two years, I’ve settled down, and they don’t dare say it to my face anymore.” Li Yue shook his head lightly.

Though Li Yue described it casually, Xu Ze was inwardly impressed. For Li Yue to take matters into his own hands, the targets must have been significant figures. Breaking three people’s legs explained why everyone treated him with such fear and respect.

Meanwhile, upstairs, someone heard Li Yue’s laughter. A delicate-faced girl leaned out the window, glanced down at the two, and smiled. She turned to speak to someone inside.

Soon, another face appeared at the window—radiant and expressive, equally beautiful. She looked down at the two figures, her eyes lingering on the tall, straight-backed young man seated with his back to her. A happy smile spread across her face.