Volume One: The Youth Enters the World Chapter Thirty-Seven: Toast

Just after Chen Shikang left, Zhou Quan, standing nearby, looked at Fang Tian with a peculiar expression, clearly astonished by what had just transpired. He couldn't help but ask, "Brother Fang Tian, why did Chen Shikang suddenly apologize to you? Did something happen between you two?"

Fang Tian was momentarily at a loss for words. Seeing Zhou Quan's earnest face, he felt compelled to recount the incident to him.

When Zhou Quan heard the story, his eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Fang Tian. "You're saying the Chen family came to trouble you again, and you dealt with all of them by yourself?"

Fang Tian nodded, though he altered the details, claiming he had sneaked out for a midnight snack and happened upon the Chen family men. He didn't want Zhou Quan to know he'd ventured out secretly at night to draw spirit arrays.

At this point, Zhou Quan didn't doubt Fang Tian's account; he only knew that Chen Shikang had genuinely come to apologize, and was deeply impressed by Fang Tian's prowess. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Good heavens, the Chen family actually suffered at your hands! That's beyond anything I imagined. Let me take a moment to process this."

Fang Tian only smiled and said nothing.

Standing nearby, Zhou Xiaodie, upon hearing their conversation, finally understood the reason behind Chen Shikang's earlier apology.

"You know, I used to worry the Chen family would trouble you. I specifically told you not to wander around their place, but it seems my concerns were unnecessary. You're fearless, truly unafraid of the Chen family."

"Brother Fang Tian, I think I'm starting to feel inferior. What am I to do?"

Her eyes bore into Fang Tian, as if blaming him for not telling her sooner.

Fang Tian, feeling helpless at Zhou Quan's antics, could only laugh and reply, "Alright, don't be so disheartened. Tonight at the banquet, I'll drink a few cups with you. How does that sound?"

"Really? Then you must keep me company and drink well tonight!"

"Don't worry, as long as you don't end up dead drunk like last time."

At this, Zhou Quan's expression became a bit awkward, and he protested, "Last time was just a bad day for me. This time, you'll see—I guarantee I can drink till dawn without getting drunk."

Fang Tian smiled, "I'll be waiting to see it."

Zhou Quan responded with a look that said, "Just you wait."

Zhou Xiaodie, seeing Zhou Quan's antics, teased, "Cousin, why are you acting like a child? That change of expression was too quick."

Zhou Quan turned to her with a serious look, "Xiaodie, you wouldn't understand—this is just a grown-up letting bygones be bygones, giving Fang Tian a way out."

"Is that so? I can't see it."

"Why do you always contradict me? I recall treating you quite well. Have you forgotten your brother now that you have a sweetheart, hmm?"

Zhou Xiaodie's face reddened instantly.

Seeing her reaction, Zhou Quan pretended to be enlightened, "See? I was right. Something must have happened between you two."

"Hmph, I'm not talking to you anymore." With that, Zhou Xiaodie sped off to Zhou Yunshu, threw Zhou Quan a playful grimace, and began chatting with her father.

Zhou Quan watched her run off, then turned back to Fang Tian. "Brother, you'd better keep this girl in check. She's getting more out of hand by the day—this can't go on."

Fang Tian didn't know what to say, so he pretended not to hear and continued walking.

Seeing Fang Tian ignore him, Zhou Quan was stunned, stood there blankly, and sighed, "So now they're ganging up against me. How heartbreaking."

After a while, Zhou Quan came to his senses and noticed Fang Tian had already walked far ahead. He quickly called out, "Brother Fang Tian, wait for me! Why are you walking so fast?" Then hurried his steps to catch up.

That evening, in a courtyard of the Chen family residence, the seats for Chen Shikang's banquet were nearly all prepared, only awaiting the guests.

Standing at the entrance, Chen Shikang gazed at the banquet, seemingly lost in thought.

After a while, someone approached and whispered a few words in his ear. Upon hearing them, Chen Shikang immediately turned and walked toward a certain room.

Arriving at the door, he entered, looked at the person inside, and said, "Lord Qi Liang, everything is ready. Once everyone's here, we can proceed."

"Good. I only summoned you to confirm one thing: how confident are you?"

"Please rest assured—at least ninety percent. It won't fail."

"Alright, I'll make my preparations."

"Very well, I'll let you prepare, and return now."

"Go ahead."

After leaving, Chen Shikang returned to the courtyard, awaiting the arrival of the Zhou and Sun families.

As he waited, his son Chen Yufeng walked over. "Everything is arranged. We're just waiting for the fish to bite."

"Excellent."

"Father, do you think they'll come?"

"They certainly will. This banquet is just like any other gathering—nothing to arouse suspicion."

"It's a pity I didn't get to teach the Zhou family a lesson in the competition."

"There will be plenty of opportunities. Once we deal with Sun Zhengyun, Zhou Yunshu, and that troublesome Fang Tian, the rest will be ours to command. You'll have your way with them—just be patient."

"You're right, Father. I was too impatient."

"Enough. They're here."

At that moment, figures began appearing at the entrance—members of the Zhou and Sun families had arrived.

Chen Shikang surveyed them; everyone who should be here was present. Knowing it was time, he put on a welcoming smile and went forward, "Brother Zhou, Brother Sun, I'm glad you've come. Please, take your seats."

Zhou Yunshu and Sun Zhengyun nodded, each leading their families to their places.

Soon, everyone was seated, and the Chen family servants began to serve the food and wine.

Once the dishes were set, Chen Shikang poured himself a cup of wine, stood up, and addressed the guests, "Everyone, the first round of the competition has ended, and the next is in just a day. But tonight, we can relax. If the dishes aren't enough, the servants will prepare more; if the wine runs low, they'll refill it. Enjoy yourselves as you please."

"Let me first offer a toast to you all."

He drained his cup in one gulp, looking around at the guests.

Seeing this, everyone raised their own cups and drank as well.