Chapter 145: An Unusual Ordinary Friend

Tang Shiya looked at Liu Jingye in astonishment, truly not expecting him to say such words. Tomatoes and potatoes, ketchup and French fries—completely different yet the most perfect match.

"This man is so strange," Tang Shiya thought to herself. "He is different in every way, exuding an aura of intimidation all over, yet staying by his side feels so safe and comfortable. His ideas are unconventional, his insights unique and perceptive. I really want to dive into his mind and study what kind of person he truly is."

Tang Shiya was filled with curiosity about him, and romance between men and women often begins when one party becomes curious about the other, wanting to interact more, understand each other better, and gradually falling deeply into it.

However, a man's curiosity is much simpler compared to a woman's. While a woman wants to understand a man's personality, wealth, career, background, and many other aspects, a man's curiosity is limited to the size and shape inside a woman's bra, and the color of her skirt...

Although Liu Jingye did not suffer from low self-esteem, he had never imagined that a super-celebrity beauty would have any designs on him. He had always been slow to react in this regard. Whether it was Yuan Xiaoying, Chen Yuxin, or Li Yan yesterday, and even Wei Xiaorou back then, it was always the girls who made the first move, leaving Liu Jingye to respond passively.

Just then, the banquet was about to begin. A stir rippled through the venue, and the overhead lights grew brighter than before.

In any high-society banquet of this caliber, formality is paramount, making a host indispensable. The emcee for the night was a renowned local entertainment show host—tall, sweet-faced, and possessing the approachable warmth of a friendly neighbor.

Speaking in a sweet voice, she said, "Good evening, dear guests. Thank you for gracing this cocktail reception hosted by the Fengxing Group. First of all, I wish you all a pleasant evening."

Scattered applause echoed through the hall. Everyone present consisted of elites and leaders from various industries, individuals accustomed to grand occasions, and even a few municipal officials. Furthermore, Wu Jie, the most high-profile and favored frontrunner for the upcoming municipal secretary position, was among them, making no attempt to conceal his presence.

On the contrary, the immediate investment by a mega-corporation like Fengxing upon his arrival served as a testament to his political achievements.

"And now, please join me in giving a warm round of applause to the host of tonight's banquet, the President of Fengxing Corporation, Mr. Tan Yifeng."

The applause instantly erupted, far more enthusiastic than before. Compared to the female anchor, the crowd favored Tan Yifeng much more—a major financial backer and simultaneously a terrifying competitor. The unfortunate Mr. Hong from not long ago served as a prime example; he had been burned to a crisp, saving even the cremation costs. Although the relevant authorities hastily closed the case as a traffic accident, insiders could more or less guess the truth.

Consequently, the guests this time adopted a much more respectful and well-behaved attitude, shifting their demeanor dramatically.

Amid the enthusiastic applause, the Young Master Feng did not make his entrance alone; he walked hand-in-hand with the short, stout, and pudgy Tan Yixing onto the stage. Gao Jing followed closely behind the fat man without a word, stopping just short of the stage, yet maintaining a position within three meters of him—presumably the distance she deemed best to protect him.

The brothers ascended the stage together. Young Master Feng was tall and handsome, clad in a well-fitted suit that highlighted his dashing and extraordinary bearing.

Beside him, the fat man wore an oversized, loose-fitting casual outfit. The flesh on his face seemed on the verge of sagging, and his nose and mouth were squeezed together by the layers of fat. Standing next to Tan Yifeng, the contrast was like heaven and earth, mud and clouds.

Both Liu Jingye and Tang Shiya could not help but laugh, though no one around them dared to show any amusement. Evidently, some recognized the fat man, and even if they didn't, anyone able to walk the stage alongside Tan Yifeng was surely no ordinary person.

At that moment, Tan Yifeng took the microphone. Shedding his domineering and aggressive tone, he spoke in a soft and slightly respectful voice, "Thank you all for coming. First, I would like to introduce the person standing beside me—my cousin, Mr. Tan Yixing."

As soon as the fat man's identity was revealed, a commotion rippled through the crowd, followed by even more enthusiastic applause.

Within the family, the fat man was regarded as useless dead weight and a marginal figure, but to the outside world, he was the prominent Third Young Master of the Tan family—a genuine core member of the clan, one of its future decision-makers, and the second-in-line successor to the entire family.

Being a scion of a wealthy family, the fat man was well-accustomed to grand occasions. Facing the astonished yet enthusiastic crowd, he gave a faint wave, a somewhat arrogant smile lingering on his face.

Young Master Feng continued, "Today's cocktail reception serves two purposes. First, to welcome my third brother back, and second, to gather everyone here to chat, liven things up, get acquainted, and lay the groundwork for better cooperation in the future. I had intended to do this last time, but an unexpected incident ruined everyone's mood and frightened you all. Consider tonight my apology to you.

Oh, and by the way, we have prepared a few small programs for today. Please enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful evening."

Dashing and poised, Young Master Feng spoke with measured rhythm, his every gesture radiating the aura of a big shot—the epitome of aristocratic bearing. Compared to him, the fat man, leaving aside his appearance, projected an aura that seemed somewhat arrogant and foolish.

Subsequently, the two brothers stepped down from the stage together. Accompanied by Wu Jie and a few municipal and provincial officials who "happened" to be on official business in the area, they mingled with the crowd, engaging in deep conversations with acquaintances. Afterward, other guests eager to curry favor stepped forward with polite inquiries and warm greetings.

This served as the opening ceremony—a time for mutual acquaintance and setting the mood. Liu Jingye noticed that especially among the real estate tycoons present, while smiles hung on their faces, their eyes concealed panic and helplessness.

"Fengxing Corporation is coming on strong, and their family's financial backing is immense. They are clearly here to steal the market. Our days ahead will be difficult," a real estate boss not far from Liu Jingye said helplessly to a peer beside him.

Another person remarked, "I had already made complete preparations to bid for a piece of land in the eastern district, but the day before yesterday, I received a personal call from Young Master Feng. Guess what he said to me?"

"What else could he say? Just telling you to back off, right?"

"Hmph, would someone as poised and high-status as him say it like that?" the boss replied. "Young Master Feng directly told me that the decoration business, such as tiles and wallpaper, is booming lately, and he is willing to establish a long-term partnership with me!"

"What?" the other exclaimed in shock. "He's clearly forcing you out of the real estate market and into peripheral industries!"

The boss let out a bitter, helpless laugh, "That's already not bad. At least he pointed out a clear path for me. Even if I switch industries, he'll throw me a few big orders to keep me from starving, yet unable to get too fat."

"Then what are you planning to do?"

"What else can I do? Switch industries!" the boss said. "I don't want to end up like old Hong, sitting in a car and being burned alive!"

"Shh, keep your voice down. You can't just say things like that!"

Terrified, one of the bosses cast a furtive glance around. Stationed along the perimeter of the banquet hall, a squad of men in black suits stood like wooden stakes, coldly watching everyone present.

Falling silent out of fear, the men immediately picked up their wine glasses and walked toward Young Master Feng's direction. Money was a good thing, but one needed to be alive to spend it!

Liu Jingye sneered inwardly, "This Young Master Feng is truly a talent. In just a few days, he's completed the integration of the city's real estate market, turning scattered pieces into a unified whole and ushering in a new landscape of shared development."

"Hmph, you certainly have a way with words," Tang Shiya remarked. "He's simply bullying the market and monopolizing businesses by relying on his family's massive wealth, using both overt and covert tactics to snatch ventures."

"It seems you know him quite well," Liu Jingye smiled. "Usually, the ultimate destination for female celebrities in the entertainment industry is to marry wealthy tycoons or male actors. Logically speaking, your relationship with him should be quite good."

"I'd rather marry a pig, a dog, or even you than ever marry a man like him," Tang Shiya declared indignantly.

Liu Jingye felt a twitch on his forehead and replied, "I am deeply grateful for Miss Tang's high regard, but from a market perspective and current price levels, my value falls short of that of a pig or a dog."

Tang Shiya burst into laughter. Her previous remark had been a careless slip of the tongue driven by impulse, but his quick wit won her over. Smiling, she said, "You really are humorous and poised. It seems I didn't choose the wrong companion for tonight."

Liu Jingye smiled faintly, just as he was about to speak, Tang Shiya suddenly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "They're coming over."

Lifting his gaze, Liu Jingye indeed saw Young Master Feng, the fat man, and several officials walking toward them. Young Master Feng spotted Liu Jingye immediately, fixing his gaze on him with a look of feigned surprise and warmth, as if opening his arms for an embrace.

Liu Jingye responded with a smile, preparing to step forward to greet him, only to notice Young Master Feng's eyes suddenly shift. Looking past him toward Tang Shiya, the young master directed all his warmth entirely at the beauty: "Miss Tang's arrival truly brings honor to this humble place."

"Damn it!" Liu Jingye almost cursed out loud. "This bastard is really a bore, actually playing with my emotions."

Tang Shiya replied politely, "Thank you, Young Master Feng, for the invitation and hospitality."

Young Master Feng smiled faintly, continually treating Liu Jingye as if he didn't exist. After all, this environment remained a man's world, where women served somewhat as decorative accompaniments. By focusing solely on conversing with Tang Shiya now, he was clearly ridiculing Liu Jingye for being even less significant than a woman.

Fortunately, at that moment, the bumbling and boorish Tan Yixing lumbered forward. Whether intentionally or simply due to his massive frame, he bumped directly into Young Master Feng's shoulder, shoving him aside with brute force. A flash of sharp hostility flickered in Young Master Feng's eyes, and his expression shifted subtly for a fraction of a second.

The fat man completely ignored him, pointing directly at the bridge of Tang Shiya's nose before glancing dismissively at Liu Jingye. He demanded overbearingly, "What's your relationship with each other?"

Having rarely encountered someone so blunt and boorish, Tang Shiya was momentarily taken aback, at a loss for how to respond.

Liu Jingye raised their intertwined arms and said, "We're friends."

"What kind of friends?" the fat man probed relentlessly.

Liu Jingye smiled, "Friends who are a bit more than ordinary friends!"

The fat man blinked in surprise, rolling his eyes as if mentally calculating on his fingers. Finally, he snapped his fingers and declared, "I like the relationship between you two..."

Right in front of Young Master Feng, numerous officials, and a crowd of real estate tycoons, the fat man grandly pointed at Liu Jingye and said to Tang Shiya, "He's my sworn brother. Since you're a friend who's a bit more than ordinary to him, I'll consider you my sister-in-law. You're in the entertainment industry, right? Later, I'll give Slippery Zhang and Bucktooth Gang a call. I heard they're both preparing new movies—I'll make you the female lead!"