C15 Are You Really That Powerful in the Situ Family?

"Sir, regardless of the situation with this outfit..." the middle-aged man began, but was quickly interrupted by Ling Yifei, who stepped in. Since the issue had arisen because of him, he felt it unnecessary to drag others into it, and he offered the store manager a grateful smile.

"If you're so keen on this outfit, fine, it's yours," Ling Yifei said, before turning away to browse for another set of clothes.

Situ Yun was caught off guard by such a swift decision. He had expected Ling Yifei to argue, which would have given him the chance to embarrass him. To his surprise, Ling Yifei simply let it go.

"Damn it, trying to show off," Situ Yun muttered to himself, seething with anger. "You won't be leaving with a single piece of clothing today." With that, he turned his gaze back to Ling Yifei.

At his words, both the middle-aged man and the other customers furrowed their brows, recognizing the blatant provocation. It was excessive.

"Sir, you've already been given the clothes. Don't you think you're being a bit unreasonable?" the middle-aged man said, clearly displeased.

"Unreasonable? To hell with that, I'm being unreasonable today. Do you have any idea who I am? I'm the eldest son of the Situ family, Situ Yun. Not just this measly store, I could buy the whole street if I wanted to," he boasted arrogantly.

Upon hearing that he was the eldest son of the Situ family, everyone fell silent. They were ordinary folks, and the Situ family's influence in S City was well-known. Not only them, but even government officials wouldn't dare cross them.

The store manager hadn't anticipated the significant background of the man before him and realized the predicament he was in. With the Situ family's immense power, offending them could mean not just losing his job but also struggling to get by in S City. He found himself speechless.

Situ Yun reveled in the fear and surprise on everyone's faces, a smug look spreading across his features. He relished the sense of superiority, feeling as though he was on cloud nine.

"Welcome," rang out a voice, cutting through the tense silence of the shop. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where two young women had just walked in. Or rather, two girls, judging by their youthful appearance.

One of them boasted large eyes, a prominent nose, a pair of delicate and attractive eyebrows, and skin as fair as porcelain. Even the self-assured Jiaang Xueer and Liu Susu couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at her natural beauty.

This woman was no stranger; she was Chu Yingxue, the manager of the bar where Ling Yifei had applied for a job earlier that day.

After finishing lunch with her best friend, Chu Yingxue decided to take a stroll down the bustling pedestrian street—it was, after all, a lively place to be on the weekend.

Upon entering, Chu Yingxue immediately sensed something was amiss. All eyes in the shop were on her and her friend. Curiosity piqued, she glanced around and spotted Ling Yifei at the counter. "Isn't that the student from this morning's interview?" she mused, making her way over to greet him.

However, after only a couple of steps, Situ Yun intercepted her. He was clearly smitten by the beauty before him. Despite his extensive experience with women in S City, he had never encountered her before. He was confident that once he disclosed his identity, she would undoubtedly be impressed.

"Miss, hello. I am Situ Yun, the eldest son of the Situ family. May I ask if you're acquainted with this gentleman?" he inquired, casting a smug glance at Ling Yifei.

Chu Yingxue, intent only on greeting Ling Yifei, was visibly annoyed by the man claiming to be from some prestigious family blocking her path. "I'm sorry, I don't know you. Please step aside," she said, attempting to bypass Situ Yun.

Situ Yun's expression chilled as he perceived Chu Yingxue's indifference. "Miss, if he's your friend, I must warn you—he has just offended me. It would be wise to keep your distance from him," he cautioned her sternly.

Undeterred, Chu Yingxue didn't spare him another glance and approached Ling Yifei. "What a coincidence running into you here. Are you in trouble again?" she asked with a smile.

"Ms. Chu, it is indeed a coincidence! Yes, there's a bit of trouble, but I can handle it myself," Ling Yifei responded warmly to Chu Yingxue's greeting.

The two of them chatted and laughed, completely ignoring Situ Yun, leaving him out in the cold. After being disregarded multiple times, Situ Yun was seething with anger.

"Ling Yifei, don't push your luck. You're nothing special. If I decide I don't want you in S City, the Situ family will make sure you're thrown out!" His words were domineering, and everyone present knew the Situ family had the clout to back them up—they were a towering presence in S City.

"Oh? Really? Is the Situ family that impressive?" The room went silent as these bold words were spoken, not by just anyone, but by Chu Yingxue's best friend. Situ Yun hadn't expected anyone to dare challenge him.

"Do you realize the consequences of your words?" Situ Yun glared at Chu Yingxue's best friend with narrowed eyes.

"Heh! The Situ family sure puts on airs, but remember, there's always a higher mountain." Chu Yingxue's best friend was not one to back down and shot back immediately.

Ling Yifei turned to Chu Yingxue, who wore a mocking smile. In that moment, Ling Yifei realized that Ms Chu, the woman who would become his boss, the woman he respectfully called Ms Chu, was not just another city dweller. The extent of her backing was likely beyond what the Situ family could ever match.

Situ Yun's face turned shades of red and white, visibly struggling to contain his fury. His father had cautioned him against being too showy in public; there were far too many people the Situ family couldn't afford to offend, and crossing them could spell disaster for their empire.

Worried about the repercussions from his father should he stir up trouble, Situ Yun clenched his jaw and spat out a "Just you wait" before storming off with Jiaang Xueer. As they reached the door, Jiaang Xueer cast a lingering glance back at Ling Yifei, puzzled as to why someone like him, who seemed to lack everything, always had people standing up for him.

And with that, the commotion dissipated, the crowd dispersed, and life went on. Ling Yifei turned to Chu Yingxue and said, "Ms Chu, thank you. I never meant to drag you into this mess again. I apologize."

Chu Yingxue flashed a carefree smile. "Don't worry about it. We'll be working together from now on, so looking out for you is the least I can do." She playfully stuck out her tongue, her adorable demeanor leaving Ling Yifei momentarily speechless.

"Hey, hey, hey, little brother, it was me who helped you, remember? Why are you only thanking her?" Chu Yingxue's best friend protested, feeling slighted. Ling Yifei, slightly embarrassed, scratched his head and offered a sheepish thank you, which sent Chu Yingxue's best friend into peals of laughter.

Having witnessed the cold realities of the Cultivation Realm, Ling Yifei was deeply appreciative of anyone who lent him a hand. He believed that helping someone was a kindness, while not helping was simply the norm. Therefore, Ling Yifei always made a point of genuinely connecting with those who had extended their support to him.