C20 Everyone Was Shocked

Everyone seemed to be deep in thought, mulling over his words with great care.

"Yes, Uncle makes a lot of sense."

"Truly, I had a hunch that the money's origins were dubious, but I never expected it to actually be the case."

Once again, all eyes turned to Jiang Chen, this time with a hint of suspicion. Those who had previously been eager to curry favor with him now fell silent.

"What's the matter?"

Just then, a man in a robe descended the stairs.

In that instant, everyone clammed up.

The man's presence commanded the room, his powerful aura immediately felt by all.

Uncle Wai's face fell when he saw the man, a sense of foreboding washing over him. After a closer look, he scurried over and said, "Mr. Lee, my apologies. We'll keep it down. Please, go back to your rest..."

The others stood there, looking utterly perplexed.

Who was this man? Wasn't Wai Rui the manager here? Who could possibly intimidate him?

And judging by Wai Rui's expression, he seemed genuinely fearful of the man before him.

Noticing Wai Rui still lost in his thoughts, Wai Rui inwardly cursed.

This foolish boy, what's he daydreaming about at a time like this?

So, Uncle Wai gave Wai Rui a nudge from behind, "Kid, snap out of it! Come here quickly. This is the chairman of our Purple-Gold Hotel!"

Wai Rui finally snapped to attention and approached the man, "Hello, hello. It's Chairman Lee. I've long admired your reputation."

But the man merely nodded and then paid no further attention to Wai Rui.

To him, Wai Rui was still just a kid.

However, as the middle-aged man's gaze swept through the crowd, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

He descended the stairs with a furrowed brow, seemingly recognizing a familiar face.

Jiang Chen instantly knew who he was — the patient from Saltshield's First Hospital he had seen that day!

This man was none other than Lee Jiacheng, the chairman of the Purple Gold Group, one of the top five financial conglomerates in Saltshield City.

This time, his arrival couldn't have been more perfectly timed.

Jiang Chen caught Lee Jiacheng's eye as he approached and was the first to speak. "Long time no see," he said.

The crowd scoffed at the exchange.

"Has Jiang Chen lost his mind, daring to strike up a conversation with the chairman of the Purple Gold Group?"

"Seriously, what's his status compared to ours? I saw Chairman Lee barely give Wai Rui the time of day, let alone someone like Jiang Chen."

"Jiang Chen really knows how to put on airs. We'd be wise to steer clear of him from now on, or we might end up in hot water because of him."

Uncle Wai was visibly panicked, worried about upsetting Chairman Lee. He quickly turned to shoo Jiang Chen away.

"Ah, it's you, my savior! Why didn't you let me know you were coming? You left so abruptly last time, I didn't get the chance to properly host you. I'm truly sorry!" Lee Jiacheng reached Jiang Chen and shook his hand with fervent excitement.

The crowd's expressions were a kaleidoscope of surprise.

Shock was written all over the students' faces.

The waiter stood frozen in place, utterly bewildered.

Wai Rui and his uncle were completely taken aback. "How can this be? The chairman just called him... his benefactor?"

Murong Xiang appeared contemplative. She was beginning to see a new side of Jiang Chen, one shrouded in mystery, a far cry from the man she once knew.

After Jiang Chen married Luo Yiran from the Luo family, Murong Xiang had resigned herself to moving on. But as Jiang Chen's allure grew, she felt the stirrings of her old affections resurfacing.

Jiang Chen now seemed to be a man with an ever-deepening narrative...

Lee Jiacheng, still holding Jiang Chen's hand with warmth, insisted, "My friend, you must stay for a proper meal before you go."

Jiang Chen politely refused, "I've just eaten. Perhaps another time."

Seeing Jiang Chen's firmness, Lee Jiacheng relented.

Then, turning to Wai Rui with a stern look, Lee Jiacheng said, "I'm already aware of what transpired earlier."

At those words, Uncle Wai shuddered.

"I don't particularly blame you, you know."

Upon hearing this, he looked up, his face etched with gratitude.

Yet, what Lee Jiacheng said next nearly floored his uncle.

"We're short on manpower and resources. How about you get some grassroots experience? I hear the kitchen needs a hand. Why not start there?"

Uncle Wai was stunned.

Weren't we on the same page about no hard feelings?

Cunning old fox!

Uncle Wai seethed with resentment but dared not let it show. Crossing the chairman of the Purple Gold Group meant kissing his life in Saltshield City goodbye.

At that moment, Uncle Wai was so frustrated he could have throttled his nephew.

"Jiang Chen, I was just joking. You got that, right? Haha, you can't be that clueless!"

"Exactly, Jiang Chen. I've always said you were destined for greatness. I even consulted a fortune teller who confirmed you're the chosen one..."

"Absolutely. With your dashing looks, you're no ordinary Joe!"

The crowd was quick to flip allegiances, heaping praise on Jiang Chen as the tide turned.

Jiang Chen remained unfazed by the adulation. Having been an Immortal Venerable for years, such spectacles were nothing new to him.

Murong Xiang watched Jiang Chen thoughtfully, as if lost in reminiscence.

Lee Jiacheng, witnessing the scene unfold, knew his mission was accomplished. He had set out to give his benefactor due respect, without which he'd be at a loss on how to repay the kindness.

"Benefactor, I've heard you're the Luo family's live-in son-in-law?" Lee Jiacheng asked openly.

Jiang Chen realized that Lee Jiacheng's frankness was an offer of assistance.

But he, an Immortal Venerable, was above needing anyone's sympathy.

"No worries. From now on, you don't have to call me benefactor. Just call me Brother Jiang, and I'll call you Brother Lee. Let's keep it casual," Jiang Chen said with a steady composure.

Lee Jiacheng cast a surprised glance at Jiang Chen.

He observed a level of maturity and steadiness in Jiang Chen that seemed beyond his years, almost giving Lee the impression that Jiang was the elder of the two.

By now, the crowd had mostly dispersed, leaving only Murong Xiang lingering, seemingly eager to speak with Jiang Chen.

"Alright, my savior... no, Brother Jiang, I'll make sure to take good care of you soon. And when I do, you won't be able to turn me down!"