88: Dinner

Qin Zhenyue's question seemed casual, even carrying the concern of an elder for a junior, but the probing hidden within it was like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm lake!

Lin Feng's hand, holding the wine glass, paused slightly.

He clearly felt an invisible pressure in the depths of Qin Zhenyue's seemingly benevolent gaze, as steady as a mountain and possessing the power to see into people's hearts.

This question was definitely not just about caring for his granddaughter!

He had originally thought that Qin Zhenyue would subtly inquire about the Xiong Family's affairs; after all, last night's storm was too shocking, and he had even rehearsed his responses several times in his mind.

He never expected that the other party would throw out a question about his attitude towards Qin Yuyan!

This unexpected turn left him at a loss for words for a moment.

Almost at the same instant Qin Zhenyue's words fell, Lin Feng's keen senses caught a faint ripple of breath from behind the large, evergreen potted plant adorned with colored lights to his rear-left, carrying a hint of panic... it was Yuyan!

She was actually eavesdropping!

Behind the potted plant, Yuyan held her breath, her fingertips unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt, the soft fabric crumpling into tiny folds.

Her cheeks were flushed, and her heart pounded like a startled fawn in her chest.

Anticipation and shyness intertwined, making her both want to hear Lin Feng's answer and dread hearing anything that might disappoint her.

What would he say?

Would he, as Grandfather hoped... have feelings for her?

Or... would he just see her as an ordinary Student?

She didn't even dare to peek through the gaps in the branches to see Lin Feng's expression, feeling only her earlobes burning hot, as if all the blood in her body had rushed to her face.

Although the banquet hall still echoed with soft music and hushed conversations, the small circle where Lin Feng and Qin Zhenyue stood seemed to be enveloped in an invisible vacuum, becoming the silent focal point of the entire hall.

The family patriarchs, who seemed to be chatting and laughing but were actually listening intently, instantly displayed a myriad of expressions.

Some twitched the corners of their mouths, suppressing smiles, with an 'I knew it' look of understanding.

Some had flickering eyes, carrying a hint of disdain for having seen through the trick.

And several old fellows directly exchanged knowing glances, silently pursed their lips, and mouthed, "Old fox!"

Qin Zhenyue's intention was obvious!

He wanted to use his beautiful granddaughter to win over this young man who had just stirred up a huge storm in Weiyang City and had limitless potential for the future!

This method was both direct and clever, showing intimacy yet leaving room for maneuver; truly worthy of an old fox who had presided over the Weiyang City Professional Association for many years!

Thoughts raced through Lin Feng's mind, but his expression remained calm.

How should he answer?

To refuse directly would be too blunt, offending Chairman Qin and embarrassing the eavesdropping Yuyan.

To be vague?

With Chairman Qin's shrewdness, he would surely see through the pretense.

This seemingly simple question was more troublesome than facing Xiong Ba's frantic self-detonation last night, because it completely exceeded his psychological preparation.

"Chairman Qin, Yuyan she..."

Lin Feng deliberated as he spoke, feeling his throat dry, his words catching in his throat, unable to formulate language that was both appropriate and not misleading.

However, at this delicate and awkward moment, the two heavy, intricately carved doors of the banquet hall were respectfully pushed open from outside by a waiter.

Qin Zhenyue's gaze withdrew from Lin Feng, his expression still benevolent.

"I hope you seriously consider this question. That girl Yuyan..."

Qin Zhenyue's words were not finished, but their meaning was already very clear.

Before Lin Feng could react.

Qin Zhenyue had already stood up.

"Everyone!"

A resounding voice instantly echoed throughout the hall, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Let us warmly welcome the protagonist of tonight's banquet! Our distinguished guest from the Dragon Capital Professional Association Headquarters, Councilor Zhao!"

The melodious music appropriately switched to a more solemn and stirring welcoming tune.

Hundreds of gazes, filled with awe, curiosity, and eagerness, instantly turned in unison towards the doorway, focusing on the figure who had just stepped in.

The light at the doorway outlined a tall, upright figure, like a spear.

He wore a crisp, unmarked dark gray uniform, broad-shouldered and broad-backed, with a chiseled, resolute face, and short, bristly hair, exuding an aura of iron-blooded competence.

Most striking were his eyes, sharp as an eagle's, with a detached, condescending gaze that swept across the hall with an invisible, suffocating pressure, like a raptor patrolling its territory.

Those magnates who had been eavesdropping on Chairman Qin and Lin Feng's "private conversation" instantly straightened their postures; all traces of amusement and scrutiny vanished from their faces, replaced by immense enthusiasm and respect.

They swarmed forward like a tide, their faces brimming with almost fawning smiles, all speaking at once.

"Councilor Zhao! I've long admired your name! You've had a difficult journey!"

"Welcome, Councilor Zhao, to Weiyang City! It's truly an honor!"

"Councilor Zhao's demeanor is truly captivating!"

"I am Li Rongfa, representing the Weiyang City Li Family..."

"This old man is Zhou Zhengqing, of the Zhou Family..."

In an instant, the center of the banquet hall completely shifted.

Greetings and flattery rose and fell, completely dispelling the subtle awkwardness between Lin Feng and Chairman Qin.

Chairman Qin also took the opportunity to give Lin Feng a look that said, "We'll talk later," and strode towards Zhao Tieying, extending his hand warmly.

"Councilor Zhao, you're finally here! Please, please come in!"

Zhao Tieying nodded slightly, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd, and briefly shook hands with Chairman Qin, acknowledging everyone's enthusiasm.

He did not linger, and under Chairman Qin's guidance, walked towards the main seat.

As he took his seat, the melodious music resumed, and waiters moved through the crowd; the banquet truly began.

Lin Feng stood still, watching Zhao Tieying, who was instantly surrounded like a moon among stars, his heart churning.

It was him!

The Transcendent-level powerhouse who had battled Skeleton King Alduin in the Barren World!

He was actually the special envoy sent by the Association Headquarters!

Just as Zhao Tieying's gaze inadvertently swept over Lin Feng's location, the Alien Queen's voice echoed in Lin Feng's consciousness without warning!

【Master! The mysterious person who acted last night, using Transcendent-level combat aura to suppress Xiong Ba's self-detonation and helping me suppress his energy core... it was him!】

Buzz!

The Alien Queen's voice exploded like a thunderclap in Lin Feng's sea of consciousness!

The thrilling scene from last night instantly replayed: Xiong Ba desperately mobilized the energy within his body, preparing to self-detonate, but the mysterious figure hidden in the air merely raised his hand lightly, and a vast, starlit power descended across space, effortlessly dispersing the energy within Xiong Ba's body as easily as crushing an ant!

That power, that exquisite control over space... it was him!

Zhao Tieying!

He was actually the mysterious person who had been hidden in the dark last night, helping Lin Feng conceal the Alien Queen's existence and completely ending the Xiong Family!

Why did he act?

Was it goodwill?

Or...?

Lin Feng's breath instantly caught, his heart clenched by an invisible hand!

He suddenly looked up, staring intently at the man surrounded by everyone, at the core of the entire banquet.

Zhao Tieying seemed to sense this sharp gaze; his eagle eyes shifted slightly, and his vision met Lin Feng's in the air.

"Lin Feng, the Association's high-level officials sent me to Weiyang City to pick you up..."