"Faye, who exactly is that guy? Is he really the one your Zheng family is looking for?"
After the group of rich second-generation heirs slunk out of Whitewood Grand Restaurant, they gathered on a quiet street. Glancing back and seeing that Evan Lin hadn't followed them out, many of them secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
One of them turned to Faye Zheng, his face full of unwillingness.
"How would I know it’d be him!" Faye Zheng bit her lip, her face dark with frustration. "Back at the resort a few days ago, he didn’t give us any face at all."
"With someone like him, always relying on brute strength and a simple mind, if he goes to Oceanport, who knows what kind of trouble he’ll stir up for our Zheng family!"
Faye Zheng still had the image of Evan Lin swaggering around with a chair leg stuck in her head—she’d never expected to run into him again here. And judging by how things were going, this guy really might be the one Claire Zheng was looking for!
"He just relies on brute force and acts reckless. If I’d had a weapon last time, and hadn’t been caught off guard, and if I wasn’t feeling sick today, I’d have already taught him a lesson and shown him what real strength looks like!" Leo Li clenched his fist, eyes burning with anger.
"Don’t get worked up, bro. Everyone knows the last time he beat you, it was pure luck—he caught you at a huge disadvantage. If it came down to a real fight, a hundred of him couldn’t take you." Faye Zheng took a deep breath. "Let him act cocky for now! Once we get to Oceanport, I’ll bet he won’t be smiling so much."
"No need to wait for Oceanport. Isn’t there a big duel coming up between Master Morgan and Master Lin from Seacrest in a few days? Last night, Shifu called and told us to head to Brightsea City for it—he’s coming to watch too!" Mentioning this, Leo Li’s face flashed with a ruthless gleam.
"Shifu’s coming too?" Hearing that, Faye Zheng’s eyes lit up with excitement.
"That’s right. Whether it’s Master Morgan or Master Lin from Seacrest, both are legendary experts with huge reputations. If we can pick up a few tricks from watching their fight, it’ll be a massive benefit for anyone! With an opportunity like this, there’s no way Shifu would miss out."
Leo Li laughed, "All you have to do is bring him to Brightsea, and I’ll talk to Shifu. With how reckless and wild this kid is, he’s bound to offend Shifu sooner or later."
"And when that happens, Shifu will definitely give him a lesson he’ll never forget!"
At this, Leo Li snorted coldly, his face suddenly darkening, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Leo, you’re the smart one!"
"This way, we won’t have to get our hands dirty!"
"If Master Yan steps in, that kid will be finished for good. Hahaha!"
The group of rich heirs all burst out laughing at that.
A kid from Whitewood County could never be a match for Master Yan.
Besides, if Evan Lin really does become part of the Zheng family, none of these rich heirs would dare lay a finger on him—but Master Yan could handle him, no problem.
With that thought, everyone felt a lot better. The group marched off to the KTV to sing and vent their frustrations.
Evan Lin left Whitewood Grand Hotel and called Hank Chu and Ken Feng, arranging to meet them at the internet café.
Hank Chu was in a great mood and full of energy. After taking the Nourishing Spirit Pill, his mind felt clear and sharp, and his gaming reflexes had leveled up so much he kept crushing Ken, who wailed in defeat.
Before leaving, Evan gave Ken Feng a Nourishing Spirit Pill too. He expected Ken to ask questions, but Ken just popped it in his mouth like a chocolate candy and swallowed it whole, leaving Evan speechless.
The three played until midnight before finally heading home.
Evan Lin returned home. The villa was completely dark, not a single light on.
Joy Zheng hadn’t come back yet, and Evan started to worry. He called her to check in.
On the other end, Joy Zheng’s voice was choked with emotion, but she managed to sound mostly normal, with a hint of complexity. She told Evan she’d be sleeping over with Claire Zheng tonight, and reminded him to lock the doors and windows before going to bed.
It made sense—the sisters could finally have a long talk. Joy Zheng had always worried that the Zheng family might hurt Evan if things went wrong.
After the dinner, even though the night had some unpleasant moments, Evan Lin had started to accept the Zheng family's presence. Joy Zheng finally felt a weight lift off her heart.
"Go to Whitewood Grand Hotel and keep an eye on my mom."
After hanging up, Evan pulled out the Soul‑Sacrifice Beauty Scroll. The Three Maiden Spirits appeared at his command, turning into wisps of white smoke and swiftly heading toward the hotel to protect Joy Zheng.
The Oceanport Zheng Clan.
Evan stood with his hands behind his back at the window, gazing out into the night, murmuring to himself, his eyes deep and contemplative.
"They kicked my mom out all those years ago, and now they want her back? The world doesn’t work like that."
"If it weren’t for my mom’s lingering feelings for them..."
Evan snorted coldly, eyes clear and sharp. "They’d better not let my mom suffer even a little. Otherwise, don’t blame me for smashing the Zheng Clan’s doors to pieces!"
The next morning, at six o’clock, Joy Zheng returned home.
She seemed in good spirits and brought breakfast for Evan, setting it on the table.
"There’s soy milk and fried dough sticks on the table, and a bowl of rice porridge. Eat while it’s hot."
"I have to go to school today to grade exams. If you run into those people from yesterday, keep your distance, okay?"
She fussed over him, afraid he might clash with Claire Zheng and the others again.
"Got it, Mom. What did you guys talk about last night?"
Evan asked as he munched on a fried dough stick.
"We just talked about what’s been happening in the family these past few years." Joy Zheng sighed, then hesitated, looking at Evan. "Xiao Yi, can I ask you for a favor?"
"Mom, you don’t need to be so formal with me. Just tell me what you need." Evan smiled at Joy Zheng, feeling a wave of emotion.
Joy Zheng had always worked hard and never wanted to trouble anyone, rarely asking for help. It made her life exhausting.
"Here’s the thing: last night your aunt asked how I take care of myself. I told her it was because you gave me a Youth‑Preserving Beauty Pill. She didn’t really believe it, but now she really wants to try one."
"Is that pill expensive?"
Joy Zheng hesitated. "If possible, I’d like to buy a few more. When we go home, I want your other aunts and your grandma to try them too."
"Your grandma..."
At the mention of her mother, Evan saw a shadow pass over Joy Zheng’s eyes—she looked sad.