C5 Shameless to the Extreme
"Believe it or not," Jiang Nan said dismissively, signaling to Zhou Cheng before turning to leave. He hadn't intended to treat Lee Meng and the others to a meal anyway, so if they chose not to tag along, it wouldn't weigh on his conscience.
"Haha, why wouldn't we go?" Lee Meng retorted without a hint of politeness. "Jiang Nan, I'm sticking with you to unveil that ugly facade of yours. Pretending to have money when you don't—I want to see how long you can keep up the act."
The group left, inquiring with a waiter before heading straight for the restaurant named 'Hall Full of Spring Water.' The name seemed promising, though Jiang Nan wasn't sure what to expect. Honestly, he felt a tinge of anticipation.
Just one more corridor and they would reach the 'Hall Full of Astringent Spring.' But at that moment, Jiang Nan encountered the last person he wanted to see. Fuh Yong and Mu Xiaoxiao were locked in an embrace, passionately kissing in the corridor, with Fuh Yong's hand boldly scaling new heights. Jiang Nan nearly lost his composure and charged at them.
He quickly regained his cool, however, his gaze turning stoic.
Lee Meng, witnessing the scene, couldn't resist a jab at Jiang Nan. "Tsk tsk, Jiang Nan, is this the girlfriend you've devoted three years to? Tsk tsk, quite the spectacle."
"We should leave," Jiang Nan said, as if he hadn't seen a thing, and motioned for Zhou Cheng to follow him. But Zhou Cheng, unable to contain his anger, blurted out, "No way, Jiang Nan, I have to stand up for you and demand an explanation for what happened today!"
"There's no need," Jiang Nan replied.
"Don't hold me back, damn it! I've never seen a woman so vile!"
"Jiang Nan?"
Zhou Cheng's raised voice caught the attention of the entwined couple, snapping them out of their moment. Mu Xiaoxiao looked at Jiang Nan, her eyes flashing with surprise before turning to anger. "Are you stalking us?"
"You're hardly worth my time to stalk," Jiang Nan responded coolly. "I'm here to dine, nothing more. Had I known I'd run into you, I wouldn't have bothered coming."
"Haha, you must be joking, right?"
Upon hearing his words, Fuh Yong burst into laughter. "You think you have the right to dine here? Have you even looked around to see where you are? If you're going to boast, at least prepare your tall tales in advance."
"If you can't afford a meal and want to mooch one, just say so."
Fuh Yong sneered, "If you're that hungry, go on in. There's half a fish head and some bones left—don't be shy, help yourself."
"Fuh Yong, just because you've got a little money doesn't give you the right to insult people!" Zhou Cheng couldn't stand it any longer and was about to confront him.
But Jiang Nan held him back.
"What, you want to fight me? Do you think you're up to it?"
"Shut your mouth. Has no one ever told you it reeks?" Jiang Nan looked at him with contempt, a cold smile on his lips. "A good dog doesn't stand in the way. Scram, and don't ruin my appetite."
Jiang Nan threw Fuh Yong's earlier insults right back at him.
"Haha, look at you, all puffed up. First hiring an actor, now playing the big shot—do you even know where you are?"
Jiang Nan couldn't be bothered with him, but he persisted.
"Heh, I've seen plenty like you, wanting to come in just to put on airs and show off on social media." Fuh Yong scoffed, his lips curling into a scornful smile. "Maybe if you beg me, I'll order a couple of dishes for you to flaunt on your WeChat Moments?"
"You're not even worth that."
"You dare to say I'm not worthy?"
Fuh Yong flew into a rage, "You're asking for it!"
"Who's asking for it?"
Just then, a cool voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone's gaze.
A stunningly beautiful woman stood not far behind them, her figure and features beyond compare.
But her beauty wasn't what mattered most—she was the owner of the restaurant. Seeing her, Fuh Yong's confidence faltered.
"Jiang... Director Jiang?"
"Answer me. Who are you saying is asking for it?"
"Director Jiang, I..."
"Answer me," the young man demanded.
Fuh Yong's face contorted with ugliness as he stole a glance at Jiang Nan, a thought flashing through his mind: Could this kid have some connection with Director Jiang?
But then he dismissed the idea as improbable.
If Jiang Nan were truly related to Director Jiang, how could he be in his current state?
"Heh, looks like the Fu family has outlived its usefulness. Call your dad and have him apologize to my brother," she said, her gaze turning icy. "Otherwise, prepare to watch the Fu family go bankrupt."
"What?"
The entire room was in shock. No one had anticipated that Jiang Nan had such a sister.
Fuh Yong's reaction made it clear that her status was far from ordinary. Her mere presence had him trembling. With Jiang Shuangshuang in his corner, who would dare cross Jiang Nan now?
"Director Jiang, I was wrong, I swear I didn't know he was your brother. Had I known, I wouldn't have dared to cross him, not for all the courage in the world."
In front of everyone, Fuh Yong dropped to his knees before Jiang Shuangshuang, slapping himself as he pleaded, "Director Jiang, please, have mercy on the Fu family. My father would kill me if he found out."
"You've not just offended me, but the entire Jiang family. Believe me when I say your Fu family could be wiped out in a matter of minutes."
"I understand, I'm sorry, Director Jiang. It's all my fault, I never should have done it."
Turning to Jiang Nan, Fuh Yong implored, "Young Master Jiang, you are known for your generosity. Please, forgive me this once. I truly had no idea. Don't hold this against me, Young Master Jiang."
"If only you'd told me sooner that you were Director Jiang's brother, I wouldn't have dared to vie for your woman even if it meant my life."
Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, he grabbed Mu Xiaoxiao, who stood there, dumbstruck, and offered her to Jiang Nan. "Young Master Jiang, here is your lady. I beg you, speak kindly of me to Director Jiang."
"Fuh Yong, what do you take me for?"
Mu Xiaoxiao was livid. "Hmph, and who exactly do you think you are? I merely used you to see if Jiang Nan's feelings for me were genuine. I've accomplished what I set out to do."
With that, she sauntered over to Jiang Nan, her eyes sultry, and sidled up to him.
Everyone was taken aback. They had never encountered a woman so utterly devoid of shame.
"Jiang Nan, you've passed my test. I now realize that your affection for me is real. I'm convinced that being with you will make me the happiest woman alive."
Just as she was about to make contact, Jiang Nan sidestepped, leaving her to stumble into the void.
"Don't touch me. A woman like you repulses me," Jiang Nan said, his face etched with contempt. "Get out of my sight. I don't ever want to see you again..."