"Heaven and earth bear witness, he really didn't stir up any trouble when he went out this time, and he even got thrashed all day at the training ground by a health-nut old man, drinking so much at night that his head still hurts now."
"Could it be when he got drunk, he dragged Wen Wen to off that bastard Yu Hanguang?"
"That would really be too... cough cough, bad!"
"It wasn't you, it was the workshop."
Ye Chun sighed and picked up another pair of chopsticks, "Come on, eat up, it's lucky that Mom ran fast, or else who knows if we'd have the mood to eat later... wait, what are you looking at?!"
She instantly became alert and glanced at Ji Jue's phone.
On the screen was Tianmen University's library access software, still showing Ji Jue's visit record, surprisingly it was not professional papers, but medical school textbooks.
Anatomy, surgery, and even there was bionics at the very end...
She suddenly erupted in rage, "Ah, you're still cramming, Ji Jue!!!"
I thought we agreed to just lay low together?!
I thought after you added the alchemy class you could take a break. I even joined you to play games, watch variety shows, and eat chips. But behind my back, you've been sneakily reviewing and putting pressure on me, haven't you?!
Are you even human?!
"Curious, just curious."
Ji Jue scratched his head, explaining awkwardly, "Just got some inspiration suddenly, something about spiritual material applications, I'll explain it to you later... What was the trouble you mentioned?"
"You'll find out soon," Ye Chun sighed, "If things go smoothly, we'll resolve it once we get to the workshop. If not... then there would be trouble."
Ji Jue didn't dare delay; after hastily finishing his meal, he drove Ye Chun towards the workshop.
But on the road, his little motorbike kept malfunctionting, twisting and turning as if it had an itch, and neither kicking nor tugging could stop it. Ever since he had fed it the ashes yesterday, it had been acting this way, probably suffering from indigestion or a bad stomach. Even the casing was all loose.
Should he have the professor take a look later?
He mused idly, parking the car in the factory compound, bemused.
Just after entering the gate, he noticed something unusual—the workshop door was surprisingly open, and aside from Professor Ye's usual car, there was another unexpectedly extravagant vehicle parked there.
Guang Yuan A800, looked like a limited edition from its exterior. Ordinary people often called it the "kingly seat" because anyone who could sit in such a car was almost akin to royalty, untouchable.
A noted brand under Huan Yu Heavy Industry, just the pure gold badge on the grille alone was worth 2.69 million, and a scratch on the car body would cost at least 900,000 for an original paint job.
Previously at the mainland car repair shops, Ji Jue never even touched a luxury car with such outrageous specs. When people sit in such a car, even sparing a glance at your repair shop would mean they've lost something.
"Wow, this suspension is really nice."
Ji Jue immediately showed his professional habit, peering underneath and almost crawling under the car.
"That's enough, no more looking."
Ye Chun sighed, "Later, just follow my lead, okay?"
"Ahh?"
Ji Jue looked bewildered and helpless. Every time I tried to read your expressions, I couldn't really understand them. What if your eyes suddenly flicker, should I play dead on the spot or turn tail and run?
Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to exchange words.
As they stood by the workshop entrance, a tall figure already came out and looked their way, waving slightly.
The handsome young man had a gentle smile, seemingly familiar, "Haven't seen you in a while, Little Chun. Master Ye said you were out, I thought I wouldn't see you this time."
"Ah, it's Brother Lou, long time no see."
Ye Chun also shook his hand warmly, "Are you here with Master Kong for a trip?"
"Just assisting my teacher."
The young man smiled subtly, not revealing much, and finally his gaze shifted to Ji Jue following behind. His eyes briefly sweeping over him as if curious, he stretched out his hand warmly: "Hello, I'm Lou Feng from Tide City, is this Master Ye's distinguished pupil? May I ask your name?"
"Ji Jue, nice to meet you."
Ji Jue adeptly returned the pleasantries, sensing a slight hesitation in the handshake. Lou Feng puzzled, "Ji Jue? Could it be the Ji Family of the Southern Medicine in Huang Province Liao City? Or the Ji Family of Mountain Return Hall in Central City?"
"…Sorry, none of those."
Ji Jue understood internally, "Just a local from Cliff City."
Tide City's Lou Family, even in Cliff City, this name was thunderous. After all, even looking across Hai Province, they were considered a major clan, pillars of the community.
Just like the Tongs of Cliff City, and the Yus of Jiang City, calling them wealthy and substantial would be an understatement—it wouldn't be too much to call them aristocratic families.
As everyone knows, unlike the decadent systems of the Federation and the Empire, there were no nobles; and likewise, it was common knowledge that "nobility" was simply another name. Even if they existed, ordinary people would seldom catch a glimpse.
So, this young master thinks I am one of his peers, an upper-crust frequenter?
How intriguing.
As for the Ji Family of Southern Medicine in Liao City, to be honest, he hadn't even heard of it since he was born, it was too distant, beyond reach...
He hadn't thought that he might be lost kin of some major clan, especially when he was about to croak from poverty. Sadly, that dream, all people from the Federation had dreamt it.
The ironclad reality proved that he had absolutely no ties with any patrician families.
He was so certain because, although his biological father passed away early, his family had been living in Shuzhou for generations and had no connections with Huang Province. As for his mother, she was thoroughly a local from Cliff City, Hai Province.
In the Federation, whether you are a high-class person can be directly determined by looking at the citizen ID number—when you open your eyes and don't see it starting with "01," there's no hope for you in this lifetime.
Ji Jue's number was all the way to 90, so it'd be a miracle to have any connections!
He smiled and didn't mind it.
On the other hand, the young master from the Lou Family, upon finding out that Ji Jue was just an ordinary citizen, didn't turn his face and leave. He still maintained a cold politeness, though unconsciously, his gaze grew a bit loftier.
They even chatted from time to time.
Seemingly, everyone was still getting along wonderfully.
They just stood at the doorstep chatting, not minding the glaring sun.
During a lull, Ji Jue yawned, glancing at Ye Chun, who was nearby and all smiles.
What a look in your eyes!
Ye Chun glanced at him, with a mix of three parts helplessness, three parts annoyance, and three parts sympathy, along with something indescribable; Ji Jue didn't understand it at all, and just felt lonely.
You upper-class people really find talking tedious.
Normal people meet and just ask if you've eaten or where you're going, and that's it. Why do you guys have so many procedures?
Right then, the conversation in the hall behind them seemed to finally pause, and Professor Ye's voice came from inside, "Since you're here, come in. What are you doing standing at the door? Sunbathing?"
"Ah, my fault."
Lou Feng seemed to finally realize, "I haven't seen Xiaochun for a long time. I accidentally talked too much."
"Oh, right, right, right."
Ji Jue nodded, feeling like there was absolutely no engagement in this drama. Don't act it out next time.
When they entered the hall, he finally saw the guests sitting on the sofa, and his heart tensed slightly.
It was a slightly thin and aged woman, but well-maintained. However, her long, narrow eyes made him a bit nervous.
Judging a person by their appearance may not be appropriate, but usually, when encountering car owners with this kind of look in the repair shop, he would be a bit more cautious—otherwise, after working hard, they would complain that this wasn't done right or that wasn't cleaned well, and in the end, they would accuse him of having a bad attitude or swapping their parts; how unclean someone so young could be...
When he saw Professor Ye's expressionless face, he finally vaguely understood—this visitor was probably ill-intentioned.
"Is this Master Ye's prized apprentice?"
Kong Qingyan on the sofa looked over with a smile, kindly saying, "Indeed extraordinary."
"Barely passable, his talents are mediocre, but he is resilient to hardship. He has studied for just over a year and is making do as an apprentice." Professor Ye held his teacup and after sipping it slowly said, "At least better than your students, he doesn't pretend."
"..."
For a moment, Ji Jue's expression twitched synchronously with Master Kong on the sofa. As for Lou Feng behind him, he didn't even need to look to know his face must be quite a sight.
Professor Ye, you can just say you're not good at making conversation—no need to kill it to death and bury me along with it.
After all, he's also a master!
Master!
He could crush me with a flick of his fingers!
Yet, as a master, even when spoken to in such a manner, he still kept his grace, simply smiling lightly and saying, "Since you put it that way, why not let these two young ones have a competition to get to know each other?"
Ji Jue just wanted to say, we already know each other well enough, no need!
What are you trying to do? Always stirring up kids to fight… might as well let me perform a show for you, give me some money, and quickly go home with a pat on your butt!
"There really is no need for that trouble."
Professor Ye's remark eased Ji Jue's mind, but then he heard an outright discourteous voice: "Master Kong, if you feel resentful about losing the Sky Terrace bid to me back then, you can come challenge me directly.
After all these years, comparing this and that, not letting go, what's it all for, letting your students make fools of themselves?"
Saying this, she slowly put down her tea cup and spoke indifferently, "The workshop is right here, and the outside is spacious. Just say however you want to compete."
Ji Jue blacked out.
Damn, not letting the students fight, so you want to throw down yourself? How come a few words of disagreement lead to a fight? Alright, alright, no more talking, you're very good at conversing now, many big shots can't compare with you!
"...Ye Xian!"
Kong Qingyan's smile finally froze on his face, seemingly struggling to contain his anger, "Setting aside past grudges, I believe my visit today was fully courteous, without offending you, Master Ye. Is this how the Ye Family treats its guests?"
"That's why I hate pleasantries."
Ye Xian shook his head, nonchalant, "Obviously harboring certain intentions, everyone knows it, yet still politeness prevails, like a clown, really pointless."
Kong Qingyan was visibly angered and was about to burst out, but just then, the silent Lou Feng suddenly stepped forward, showing no emotion.
"Teacher, Master Ye has insightful eyes, saying I'm no match; I trust she isn't mistaken about this."
He paused, looking toward Ji Jue, his smile warm, "However, I am curious just how wide the gap between Ji brother and I really is...please, Master Ye, allow me to experience it!"
Damn!
In that instant, Ji Jue also got angry.
Always picking the easier target, huh?!