C11 Ignorant of Good and Bad

Before today, Faang Yu was unaware of this young man's existence, yet the young man had long been aware of Faang Yu.

Three years ago, Gu Huishi interned at their family's Far East Group.

By chance, he encountered Gu Huishi during her internship at his father's company. Fresh into the working world, Gu Huishi's youthful innocence was still etched on her fully matured features, captivating him instantly.

He inquired about Gu Huishi, learning she had a boyfriend, but this did not deter his pursuit. With a combination of romance and financial allure, he won Gu Huishi over within six months.

Soon after, they became intimate, and he discovered that Gu Huishi had not saved her first time for him.

Shen Tai kept his feelings to himself; finding a virgin post-university was as rare as winning a five-million-dollar lottery in today's world. Yet, he couldn't shake off a sense of unease, feeling as if he'd ended up with someone's leftovers.

This revealed a streak of chauvinism and an obsession with virginity.

But for a wealthy heir, such complexes were not uncommon.

Since then, Shen Tai harbored a mix of envy and resentment towards Faang Yu, Gu Huishi's former boyfriend.

Their interactions were manageable when they didn't meet, but face-to-face, Shen Tai couldn't resist asserting his superiority over Faang Yu.

His gaze and tone made it clear he held Faang Yu in low regard.

But he had every right to feel superior; as the sole heir to the Far East Group's chairman, he was destined to take over a conglomerate with a thirty-year legacy, focused on the internet sector, and valued at over thirty billion—nearly rivaling the Middle Distance Group where Faang Yu had worked.

In East Wind City, and indeed across the entire East Province, the Far East Group's market value was formidable, ranking within the top ten.

What about Faang Yu?

He's had some success over the last couple of years, but he's still no match for a rich second-generation like Shen Tai.

Under normal circumstances, no matter how hard Faang Yu worked or how impressive his achievements, he'd always be in Shen Tai's shadow. But now, with the System Shop as his ace in the hole, reaching the pinnacle of his life is just a matter of time.

So, even if he's currently not on Shen Tai's level, it's only because of his less privileged background. In time, he's bound to surpass Shen Tai, so he doesn't dwell on Shen Tai's taunts. Besides, Faang Yu is only aware that Shen Tai comes from a notable background, not the specifics of his identity.

"Isn't anything possible?" was Faang Yu's response.

"Kid, do you even know where you are?" Shen Tai, taken aback by Faang Yu's nonchalant retort, sneered. He wasn't usually one to pick fights or flaunt his status, but he couldn't resist the impulse to assert his superiority over Gu Huishi's former flame.

Caught off guard, Faang Yu replied with a hint of confusion, "Clear Incense Garden, isn't it? Can't you read?"

Shen Tai was left speechless.

Feeling like there was a weight on his chest, Shen Tai was more than uncomfortable. Was this really about literacy? His intention was to ridicule Faang Yu for not knowing his place, for showing off where he shouldn't. He couldn't believe Faang Yu didn't grasp the subtext. Clearly, Faang Yu was feigning ignorance!

Seeing her boyfriend put down, Gu Huishi felt compelled to defend Shen Tai. She gave Faang Yu a frosty look and said, "Faang Yu, this isn't somewhere you belong. I suggest you leave quickly and spare yourself the embarrassment. If you stir up trouble, don't expect me to bail you out."

Faang Yu let out a sigh. The girl who once was sweet and empathetic had become so status-conscious. Was this the cost of growing up? He shook his head, dismissing these vexing thoughts, and met his ex-girlfriend's gaze with his usual calm demeanor. "Whether I belong here isn't for you to decide. And should any trouble arise, I'm perfectly capable of handling it myself. There's no need for your concern."

After finishing his statement, Faang Yu felt disinterested and turned to head for the door. He vividly remembered Su Ruoxue's look of astonishment when Old Master Su instructed her to hand him the invitation. Moreover, he had noticed the ordinary red invitations clutched in many attendees' hands, clearly a notch below the one he possessed. While others were resigned to wait in line, he was confident he'd be afforded some privileges.

Gu Huishi was taken aback by Faang Yu's words, her face contorting with displeasure. "Ungrateful!" she muttered under her breath.

"Maybe he really is sure of his entry into the Clear Incense Garden?" Shen Tai mused with a gentle smile. Despite his animosity towards Faang Yu, stemming from his connection to Gu Huishi, he didn't let that cloud his judgment. The confrontation earlier was a clash of egos, but as the heir apparent to the Far East Group, Faang Yu was not one to be underestimated. He wasn't the type to flaunt his wealth and lineage without substance—clearly, he was above such nouveau riche behavior.

"That's impossible. I've known him for years and am well aware of his limits. Sure, he might have fared well recently, but claiming he can get into the Clear Incense Garden? That's a stretch," Gu Huishi flatly rejected the idea. If Faang Yu had managed such a feat in just a couple of years, it would imply she had erred in her past decisions—an admission her pride would never allow.

The Clear Incense Garden is a prestigious estate owned by the Su's Group. Its current resident is none other than the founder of the Su's Group, the chairman's father, who is now in his seventies. With a legacy spanning over fifty years, Su's Group's depth and magnitude are unparalleled, not just in East Wind City and East Province, but across all of China—it stands among the elite.

Gu Huishi's access to the Clear Incense Garden was merely a reflection of the young man at her side. Without his influence, what chance would a woman in her twenties, without significant professional accomplishments, have to enter such an esteemed venue? Especially on an occasion as significant as this.

Shen Tai remained noncommittal. It was unclear whether Faang Yu was spouting lies or had some hidden depth. The true test would be if he could gain entry to the Clear Incense Garden. Jumping to conclusions beforehand was hardly a wise move.

Despite his skepticism about Faang Yu's chances of getting into the Clear Incense Garden, Shen Tai knew better than to dismiss the possibility entirely. After all, if he was adamant that Faang Yu wouldn't get in and then he did, it would be quite the blow to his pride.

It seemed more prudent to hold off on any judgments until the dust had settled.

On the other hand, if Faang Yu truly couldn't get in, then he was clearly not someone Shen Tai needed to concern himself with.

Unaware of the opinions forming behind him, Faang Yu approached the security booth at the entrance of the Clear Incense Garden. He presented the invitation from Su Ruoxue, and with the security guard's respectful nod and Gu Huishi's astonished stare trailing him, he stepped into the Clear Incense Garden.