When Xu Ze followed Tang Zhi—whose face was lit with a mysterious smile—to see his gift, his eyes widened in disbelief. He had never imagined the old master would give him something so extravagant.
Suppressing his racing heartbeat, he circled the gift excitedly, and when he spotted the iconic trident emblem, his excitement surged. “It really is… It’s actually…”
A Maserati.
Though Xu Ze had never seen one in person, he had driven this very model countless times in the virtual space. He wasn’t sure of the exact specifications of this stunning silver-gray convertible, but most Maseratis imported into the country cost well over two million.
While not as widely recognized in China as Ferrari or Porsche, Maserati held an equally prestigious reputation internationally—otherwise, Xiao Dao wouldn’t have recreated one for him to practice with.
Xu Ze ran his fingers along the sleek exterior, savoring the smooth texture under his palm. He turned to Tang Zhi, still half-convinced this was a dream.
“The old master… really gave this to me?”
“Of course.” Tang Zhi grinned at Xu Ze’s stunned expression, thoroughly pleased. “He had it specially imported for you. This GT convertible isn’t even available domestically yet. So? Do you like it?”
“Like it? I love it!” Xu Ze fought to contain his exhilaration, but then hesitated. “But… it’s too much.”
Tang Zhi chuckled. “Nothing’s ‘too much’ when it comes from the old master. You call him ‘Grandpa,’ remember? His other grandchildren are all abroad, barely visiting once a year. He sees you as family. A car? If you asked for a plane, he’d probably arrange that too.”
With that, he tossed Xu Ze a small booklet and two keys. “Here—your driver’s license, car keys, and the keys to your new place in Qingyuan Complex, near campus. All gifts from the old master.”
“A… an apartment too?” Xu Ze stared blankly at the keys and booklet in his hands, then back at Tang Zhi. “But my dorm is fine—”
“Really? Driving a two-million-yuan sports car while living in a dorm?” Tang Zhi arched an eyebrow, amused. “Well, suit yourself.”
“…” Xu Ze fell silent. He had no rebuttal. He’d once envied Sun Lingfei and her friends for their comfortable off-campus living—and now, he held the keys to his own place in the same complex.
“There are two cards in the license booklet,” Tang Zhi added, clapping him on the shoulder. “One’s a fuel card, usable at any gas station in Xing City. The other’s a shopping card for Bailian Mall. Take care of yourself—don’t let the old master’s efforts go to waste. He personally arranged all of this.”
Xu Ze gazed at the keys and the two golden cards, feeling like he’d stepped into a dream. All of this… is really mine?
Tang Zhi smirked at his dazed expression. Normally unflappable, Xu Ze finally looked his age—wide-eyed and speechless. It was refreshing.
“Go on,” Tang Zhi urged, laughing. “Test your new car. Check out your apartment. I guarantee you’ll love it.”
Xu Ze pressed the remote, and the Maserati chirped in response. Taking a deep breath, he slid into the driver’s seat, inhaling the rich leather scent.
The engine purred to life with barely a tremor, sending another wave of giddiness through him. This car… is mine.
His fingers trembled slightly as he tapped the familiar button to retract the roof. As sunlight flooded in, he almost felt transported back to the virtual space.
Snapping back to reality, he nodded at Tang Zhi. “Thank the old master for me. I’ll head out first.”
With a press of the accelerator, the Maserati roared forward, leaving Tang Zhi staring after it in bewilderment.
“Well? Did the kid like it?” Old Man Tang sipped his tea, eyes twinkling.
Tang Zhi grinned. “Loved it. I’ve never seen him so excited.”
The old master nodded, satisfied. “Good. That boy’s usually too reserved—it takes something special to crack that calm exterior.”
Tang Zhi hesitated. “But sir, I thought you wanted him to stay low-key for now? Why the sudden change?”
“Hah!” The old man set down his cup. “Times change. That boy’s transformed lately—developed real grit and ambition. With those qualities, he’s earned the right to shine. A grandson of Tang Tianxiong shouldn’t have to hide forever.”
“If we stifle him now, he’ll lose his edge. And once that fire dims, no amount of wealth or status can reignite it.” He sighed. “A man’s aura is forged in youth. Miss this window, and he’ll never command the presence of a true leader.”
Tang Zhi blinked. “I didn’t realize you had such… grand expectations for him.”
“An old man’s dreams have to live on through the young,” the master mused. “My other grandchildren have their paths set. But Xu Ze…” His eyes gleamed. “Lately, I’ve wondered just how far he could go.”
Tang Zhi frowned. “That’s the thing, sir. I’ve dug into his background—everything checks out as ordinary, except he’s adopted. But here’s the mystery: He’s never owned a car, no records of driving lessons, yet he handles that Maserati like a pro. And today? He operated it like he’d driven it for years. But this model only launched overseas six months ago. How?”
Instead of concern, the old master threw his head back and laughed.
“That’s exactly why I’m investing in him!” he declared, wiping his eyes. “The boy’s full of contradictions—humble yet extraordinary. It’s fascinating. I knew he was special when I asked him to call me ‘Grandpa,’ but now? Now I’m downright eager to see what he becomes.”
Meanwhile, Xu Ze, oblivious to the old man’s grand designs, simply reveled in the drive. The Maserati responded flawlessly, just as it had in the virtual world.
“I actually own a Maserati…” He rested his left arm on the door, steering one-handed as the night breeze cooled his face.
Pulling into Qingyuan Complex, he tapped the horn. The guard took one look at the gleaming silver convertible, its license plate (星A XZ 8888), and the young man behind the wheel, then waved him through without question.
Following the keychain tag—D Building, 15th Floor, Unit 008—Xu Ze froze.
This apartment was barely fifty meters from Sun Lingfei’s place (C Building, Unit 012).
“Grandpa Tang… you sly old fox.” He shook his head, laughing. Talk about thoughtful.
