C13 Get Lost!
Overnight, Liu Changqing rose early to assist Zhu Zhaofeng with her bustling breakfast stand. Despite its modest size, the shop had thrived under Zhaofeng's solo efforts for many years, a testament to her dedication.
Liu Changqing, on his quest to grasp life's varied tapestry and tread a unique path of enlightenment, found these experiences invaluable.
"Changqing, feeling tired?" Zhaofeng inquired, having finished tidying up.
"I'm okay," he replied.
"You shouldn't get up so early to help me anymore. You need your rest, especially with that company interview coming up in a few days," she advised, her concern evident.
"It's no trouble at all; I can handle it," Liu Changqing responded calmly.
Amid their conversation, the rumble of an engine broke the morning calm, and shortly thereafter, a red Ferrari pulled up to the breakfast shop. The luxury vehicle drew the gaze of many onlookers, some of whom recognized its rarity—a limited edition Ferrari, one of only fifty worldwide, a rare sight even in Gliatol—and couldn't resist snapping photos to flaunt on social media.
The arrival of the Ferrari at the humble shop piqued the curiosity of the crowd. The car's occupants, a strikingly handsome man and a captivating woman, exuded an air of distinction that set them apart from the average person. They were none other than Tang Qingcheng and Tang Qingshan, siblings from the Tang family.
Stepping out of the car, Tang Qingcheng was immediately put off by the smell of grease, his face contorting in distaste.
"What's the matter?" Tang Qingshan asked, noticing her brother's grimace.
"This place is a dump. Absolutely filthy," he complained, pinching his nose.
"Remember, the person who can save Grandma is here. So please, drop the entitled act for once. Grandpa's words shouldn't be taken lightly," Tang Qingshan chided, a nagging feeling telling her that Tang Qingcheng might be on the verge of causing trouble.
"Got it, sis! Let's get moving! Once we find Liu Changqing, we'll take him back with us right away!"
Tang Qingcheng spoke with a hint of impatience.
"The man is right inside. Mind your manners, please!"
With another reminder from Tang Qingshan, he quickly made his way inside.
"Mr. Liu, you really are here! Fantastic!"
Upon spotting Liu Changqing, Tang Qingshan's face lit up with a smile, and he quickly approached, saying,
"Is there a problem?"
Liu Changqing responded coolly, his voice tinged with indifference. He wasn't particularly fond of Tang Qingshan; despite having forgiven her previous rashness, it didn't mean he was unconcerned.
"Mr. Liu, I've come to request your presence at the Tang family home to treat my grandmother!"
Tang Qingshan was unfazed by Liu Changqing's demeanor, focusing instead on explaining the reason for her visit.
"Give me a reason."
Liu Changqing's words were terse.
"The Tang family is deeply grateful to you for saving my grandmother with just a pill. But now, she's critically ill again due to my own foolishness. We earnestly implore you to lend your aid, Mr. Liu. My grandfather has said that the Tang family is ready to pay any price for your assistance!"
Tang Qingshan spoke quickly, seeing Liu Changqing's reluctance.
"What does your foolishness have to do with me? Moreover, what could I possibly want that I don't already have?"
Liu Changqing let out a cold snort.
"..."
Faced with Liu Changqing's question, Tang Qingshan was left speechless, unsure of how to proceed.
Indeed, what couldn't a young Master like him obtain? With just a word, legions would vie for his favor.
"Look, are you coming or not? Do you even realize who we are? We're here to offer you respect! Don't be ungrateful. What's with the act?"
Tang Qingcheng, witnessing Liu Changqing's lofty demeanor, promptly disregarded Tang Zhenye's earlier counsel and spoke with growing irritation.
Tang Qingcheng might have been the picture of obedience in front of the family matriarch, but in the neighboring city, he was notorious for his spoiled and capricious ways, a rich playboy who did as he pleased.
At Tang Qingcheng's words, Tang Qingshan's face turned pale with shock.
"Tang Qingcheng, have you lost your mind? Shut up and apologize to Mr. Liu right now!"
Tang Qingcheng might have been unaware of Liu Changqing's true status, but Tang Qingshan was all too aware. One does not insult a Master without dire consequences.
By insulting Liu Changqing, Tang Qingcheng had put himself in grave danger. If Liu Changqing wished to take his life, no one could intervene.
"Tang Qingshan, remember who you are! Since when does the Tang family grovel before anyone? This is the divine healer Grandfather spoke of? Can he even save Grandmother? I don't buy it! He looks younger than me. You're all just grasping at straws, duped by this charlatan!" Tang Qingcheng fumed with indignation.
"Enough, Tang Qingcheng! Apologize to Mr. Liu this instant!"
Tang Qingshan was visibly shaken as Tang Qingcheng's remarks grew more offensive.
"Seeking your own demise!"
With a stony expression, Liu Changqing gestured with a single hand. In an instant, Tang Qingcheng felt weightless before being hurled backward, crashing to the ground with a thud.
"Mr. Liu, please forgive my brother's foolishness. He has offended you, but I beg you to overlook his ignorance and spare him," Tang Qingshan pleaded, realizing that it was futile to expect Liu Changqing to reconsider their request. His only hope now was to appeal for Tang Qingcheng's life.
"Scram!"
Liu Changqing's dismissal was final as he turned and strode into the breakfast shop.
Covered in greasy dirt, Tang Qingcheng seethed with humiliation. When had a scion of the Tang family ever been so disgraced, let alone dismissed with such contempt? About to lash out, he caught the lethal glare in Tang Qingshan's eyes and vented, "Sister, he attacked me. I must have my revenge!"
"Tang Qingcheng, you're on the brink of death and still you talk tough. You're lucky to be alive today! You strut around as if the Tang family is invincible, but you're clueless. To him, our family means nothing! You have no idea whom you've crossed! And to think, you've disregarded Grandma's life for your pride. You'll have to answer to Grandfather for this!"
After finishing his piece, Tang Qingshan stormed out of the breakfast joint, visibly fuming.
"Hey, Sis..."
Tang Qingcheng couldn't see what he had done wrong. He had simply opened a modest breakfast spot, and now he was getting roughed up for it!
Who did this guy think he was, anyway? If I wanted to take him out, it would be over in a flash!
"Hmph!"
With a dismissive snort, Tang Qingcheng also made his exit from the shop.
Zhu Zhaofeng remained rooted to the spot, still trying to process the morning's events.
She had encountered many individuals in her time, but the aura of the two who had just visited clearly indicated they were from an affluent background.
And that Ferrari parked outside? It was worth a fortune. Yet, someone of such stature had humbled themselves to seek her son's assistance?
What was going on with Liu Changqing? Asking for medical help? She knew her son well; when had he ever studied medicine? How could he possibly heal anyone? And what was his name again?
All of this left Zhu Zhaofeng feeling disoriented. Her son was becoming an enigma, shrouded in mystery. Just how much did she not know about him?
"I need to find the time for a proper talk with Changqing," she resolved.