Chapter Sixty-One: Currying Favor

To be honest, although Jiang Xiaotian had already felt uneasy after running into Li Xiaoqing and Yang Feng earlier, seeing this man now truly put him in a foul mood.

But the other party was in high spirits. The moment he saw Jiang Xiaotian, he broke into a wide smile. “Ah! So you’re Mr. Jiang! What a small world—enemies are bound to cross paths!”

He hurried over, enthusiasm written all over his face.

Who else could it be but that portly boss he’d bumped into when he first arrived in River State?

Now, the man was dressed smartly in a suit and exuded an air of prosperity and cheerfulness.

Jiang Xiaotian’s expression remained cold. Small world, indeed—a true case of a narrow road meeting one’s nemesis.

He had no warmth to spare for anyone who had shown interest in Ling’er.

“What do you want?” His tone was icy as soon as he spoke.

The fat boss, for reasons unknown, seemed unfazed and continued to beam. “Oh, Mr. Jiang, you’ve misunderstood! I’ve taken over this shop now. As soon as I saw your car, I arranged for it to be repaired immediately—factory parts, overtime work, the fastest speed possible. See, it’s been less than a week and your car is ready. If it were anyone else, it’d take a month, even if they promised a week!”

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaotian’s expression softened. After all, one could hardly strike a smiling face. The boss hadn’t caused him any real harm, and had nearly suffered a beating himself.

Given how quickly the man handled things, Jiang Xiaotian decided to let bygones be bygones. “Alright, thank you then. How much do I owe you? I’ll pay by card.”

The fat boss’s expression changed at once. “Oh, Mr. Jiang, now you’re just making it difficult for me! I already told you last time—it was our fault your car got damaged. If I don’t make amends, how could I possibly take your money? The repairs are on the house! By the way, if you have time, let’s have a meal together!”

Jiang Xiaotian shook his head and held out his card. “No need. I don’t like owing favors, and I’m busy. Just charge me the normal price. There’s no need for all this.”

Seeing his unyielding attitude, the boss was momentarily stunned.

Some employees nearby were curious, too. The boss was famous for his bad temper—why was he being so accommodating toward this young man?

In truth, Yang Yuanzhen had done his homework. The man before him was indeed Jiang Xiaotian—the very one who’d shone at the Linhai Martial Arts Tournament, defeating an Inner Force master against all odds to claim the championship!

No matter what, Yang Yuanzhen was determined to win Jiang Xiaotian’s favor, at any cost.

“Haha, Mr. Jiang, you’re too polite. Let’s just be friends! Honestly, sports cars are prone to mishaps—the low chassis, a scrape here or a bump there. Leave it unrepaired and it’s unsightly; fix it and it’s costly and time-consuming. But if you ever have trouble, just contact me directly. I’ll handle it for you. If you really insist on paying, I’ll charge you cost price only!” Yang Yuanzhen spoke generously.

He was a shrewd man, having already discerned Jiang Xiaotian’s temperament and adjusted his approach accordingly.

All this left Jiang Xiaotian feeling that dealing with this fellow was troublesome—he was just too slick. If he kept refusing, he’d seem cold-hearted.

“Why are you acting like this? Are you so afraid of me?”

Yang Yuanzhen leaned in and whispered, “You’re the top expert in Linhai! I’m just a car dealer—how could I not be afraid?”

Jiang Xiaotian had already guessed as much, but having it said outright made him feel better.

Yang Yuanzhen would have liked to phrase it differently, but in front of a martial artist, he dared not lie.

Still, Jiang Xiaotian was a little surprised. “Even you recognize me?”

“How could I not? You have no idea—your reputation is everywhere in the martial world now. It’s an honor to meet you in person!” Yang Yuanzhen’s admiration was sincere.

Jiang Xiaotian cleared his throat awkwardly. “That’s a bit much.” Watching a grown man fawn over him felt rather repulsive.

“Alright, I’m not going to do anything to you. Since you insist, I’ll accept the free repair this time. Take me to pick up my car.”

Yang Yuanzhen was overjoyed and nodded eagerly. “Come, come—the car’s already in the back garage, fully fueled and thoroughly cleaned inside and out!”

He was indeed efficient, and Jiang Xiaotian found himself developing a bit of appreciation for him.

He’d never dreamed he’d receive such treatment.

Sure enough, his Porsche gleamed as if brand new, even sporting a new spoiler and some ambient lighting—the whole effect was dazzling.

The more Jiang Xiaotian looked, the more satisfied he became.

“Not bad. I’ll be off, then.”

At these words, Yang Yuanzhen panicked, though he dared not say anything. Sweat broke out on his forehead.

Noticing this, Jiang Xiaotian sighed. “Alright, the day after tomorrow at Platinum, I’ll buy you dinner to thank you for the free repairs. I’ll let you know the exact time.”

Yang Yuanzhen’s round face immediately lit up with another beaming smile. “Of course, Mr. Jiang! I’ll wait for your call!”

There’s no helping it—one must offer a little sweetness. Yang Yuanzhen might prove useful in the future, since Jiang Xiaotian had no real influence in River State. If trouble came, it would be handy to have someone to call on.

Besides, the man had been diligent and attentive.

He’d picked the day after tomorrow, also out of consideration for the Platinum Hotel.

Such a high-end establishment required advance reservations. He didn’t want to disrupt their operations on his account.

On the drive home, the sound of the engine filled Jiang Xiaotian with delight.

If, while passing that road, he ran into Li Xiaoqing and the others again, he’d stop and lay his cards on the table—better that than leaving himself open to mockery later. Just thinking of Yang Feng’s smug face made him itch for a fight.

Upon returning to the hotel, he found Ling’er already in the room, snacking and watching TV, her feet swinging—she was irresistibly cute.

Seeing him, Ling’er ran over. “Wait! Are you free the day after tomorrow?”

He paused. “Yes, why?”

Ling’er grinned, pulling two vouchers from behind her back. “Ta-da! Look! I got two tickets for dinner on the top floor from Lian Yiwen. Since we’re about to leave, let’s have a nice meal together!”

Her words warmed Jiang Xiaotian’s heart, and he couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, thank you, Ling’er!”

But then he remembered the dinner he’d just arranged, and felt awkward. “Ah! I nearly forgot, I’ve already agreed to a dinner the day after tomorrow…”

Ling’er, ever understanding, waved it off. “No problem—here’s what we’ll do: you go eat first, I’ll wait for you. When you’re done, come find me upstairs. I can start eating and keep at it until you arrive! I’m never full anyway, hehe!”

Jiang Xiaotian nodded. Ling’er always knew how to warm his heart.

“Alright, I’ll come up as soon as I can!”

Ling’er responded, then hopped back to her show.

Jiang Xiaotian felt she’d changed.

She used to be like a princess; now she was more like an ordinary girl, but he liked her even more this way.

He didn’t care if everyone else disliked him—as long as Ling’er didn’t mind, that was enough.

However, as soon as he told Ling’er the car was ready, she turned into her fierce self again. She thought it was a major event, and was furious he hadn’t taken her along. The two ended up roughhousing until Jiang Xiaotian’s pants were nearly burned off before she relented.

Meanwhile, Li Xiaoqing, who had just returned home, was seething with frustration.

She couldn’t understand how Jiang Xiaotian dared speak to her like that!

How could he give her no face at all?

Fuming, she could only vent her anger on her pillow.

This time, the situation was especially serious.

Li Zhiyuan hadn’t spoken to her or her mother for days.

She could guess why, but after his initial outburst, he’d grown silent, not arguing anymore, but not speaking to anyone either—not even his wife or Li Xiaoqing, responding with only the barest phrases and seeming absentminded.

Just as she was at her wits’ end, the phone rang.

It was a call from Yang Feng. “Xiaoqing, I have good news!”

“Thank goodness—I desperately need some good news right now or I’ll go mad!”

“Haha, still angry about your idiot cousin? Don’t bother with him. He’ll never amount to anything. Oh, by the way, I’ve changed the venue for your birthday the day after tomorrow.”

Li Xiaoqing was confused. Why the sudden change of plans?

“What happened? Where to?”

“Platinum Hotel!”

Li Xiaoqing gasped, her heart pounding wildly.