In Lingjin City, almost no one didn't recognize Qi Zhentian. But why was he walking toward the Qin family?

"What's going on? Don't tell me this big shot is here to pay his respects to Qin Donglai?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? What is the Qi family's status in Lingjin City? And what kind of person is Qi Zhentian? How could he possibly be here to pay his respects to Qin Donglai?"

"I guess he's probably just passing by."

The surrounding onlookers erupted into a flurry of discussion. It wasn't just them; even Luo Sulan was baffled. She subconsciously asked Qin Song, "I remember you know Qi Feng, right?"

"That's right! I've had dinner with the Third Young Master of the Qi family a few times," Qin Song declared, tilting his head back proudly. He shot a glance at Chen Yang, as if showing off his connection to the Qi family's Qi Feng. For many, this was indeed something to be proud of.

This guy is so pathetic, Chen Yang thought, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. It was just a couple of meals. At best, they're drinking buddies. Is that really something to brag about?

"Look at my Qin Song's network! How many people must be green with envy?" Luo Sulan laughed triumphantly. "Even someone from the Qi family is bringing flowers for Donglai. What an honor!"

Luo Sulan was swept up in a state of euphoria. She could clearly see Qi Zhentian walking directly toward them. To come here with flowers on a day like this, what other reason could there be besides paying respects?

"Oh? So Qi Zhentian is here because of you?" Chen Yang asked with an amused smile.

Qin Song hesitated, unsure of the situation himself. But before he could say anything, Luo Sulan jumped in, declaring with her chin held high, "Of course he's here for my Qin Song!"

"What? Are you feeling bitter again? Heh…" Luo Sulan said with a mocking sneer. "Some things can't be helped by being jealous; it's a matter of capability. But for a good-for-nothing like you, it seems all you can do is be bitter! Trash will always be trash, utterly useless!"

This woman really has a high opinion of herself, doesn't she? Chen Yang was amused.

"Mom, could you please watch what you're saying?" Qin Qiu said, exasperated. "That's Qi Zhentian. Even if Qin Song has a decent relationship with the Qi family, what gives him the right to have Qi Zhentian personally come to visit a grave?"

"This isn't a dinner party, after all! Paying one's respects at a grave is a matter of dignity!"

Luo Sulan's expression faltered slightly, seemingly agreeing with Qin Qiu. But to save face, she stubbornly insisted, "Just watch. They're here for us."

In reality, Qi Zhentian had indeed come to pay his respects at Qin Donglai's grave, but it had nothing to do with Qin Song.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Qi Zhentian and Qi Feng slowly came to a halt. Qin Song's expression shifted several times before he set everything else aside and hurried forward to greet them with a broad smile. "Family Head Qi, Young Master Qi, what a coincidence! I never expected to see you here."

Luo Sulan raised her head, filled with pride, and shot a contemptuous look at Chen Yang, as if to say, *See that, you loser? This is how wide my Qin Song's network is, how much clout he has.* The arrogance on her face was simply off the charts.

The gazes of the onlookers changed, now filled with intense envy and a hint of jealousy. The Qi family was at the very top of Lingjin City's eight great families. Any connection to them, no matter how small, was a stepping stone to fame and fortune. Seeing how familiar Qin Song appeared to be with them, how could anyone not be envious?

Luo Sulan strode over. As she passed Chen Yang, she snapped coldly, "Hurry up and get out of the way! Stop embarrassing us here!"

Then, her face blooming with a proud smile, she addressed Qi Zhentian as if she were a part of his glory. "Family Head Qi, my name is Luo Sulan. I'm Qin Song's adoptive mother. My son Qin Song has been extraordinary since he was young, far more outstanding than the average person! I hope Family Head Qi can provide him with more guidance in the future."

Qi Zhentian frowned. In fact, his brow had twitched the moment Luo Sulan berated Chen Yang. What a reckless harridan, courting death.

As he lamented internally, the savvy patriarch took a step back, putting distance between himself and the pair. He then stated impassively, "I don't know this Qin Song you speak of."

"Feng'er, do you know him?" Qi Zhentian asked his son.

Qi Feng naturally understood his father's meaning and shook his head. "I don't know him either."

Luo Sulan: "..."

Qin Song: "..."

The crowd first stared in stunned silence, then their expressions became wonderfully animated. What in the world was going on? So, the Qi family didn't know them at all?

Qin Song's face turned beet red. He forced a laugh and said, "Young Master Qi Feng, we've had dinner together a few times at the Yuelan Grand Hotel. We even exchanged phone numbers!"

"Is that so? Then why can't I recall anyone like you?" Qi Feng replied, his face a mask of indifference.

Qin Song: "..."

Luo Sulan was completely dumbfounded, her old face flushing crimson. How could this be happening? With so many people watching… at that moment, she wished she were the one lying in the grave. After several shifts in her expression, she tried one last time. "My adopted son is Qin Song, a talented young man. Young Master Qi Feng, could you please try to remember?"

"Remember what? I said I don't know him, so I don't know him! Now get out of my way!" Qi Feng was not a patient man. His gaze turned piercing, and his voice dripped with ice. Instantly, the temperature of the air seemed to plummet.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Frightened, Luo Sulan stumbled back three steps, her face ashen.

"Young... Young Master Qi Feng, I'm sorry, I've made a mistake! I apologize for the disturbance," Qin Song stammered, apologizing profusely. He had no idea what was happening and didn't dare to ask.

Qi Feng's voice was stern. "I told you to get out of the way. Clear the path for me!"

"Yes, yes, right away." Qin Song didn't dare hesitate, hastily stepping aside as cold sweat dripped down his flushed face.

"A talented young man? Extraordinary?" Qi Feng glanced at him and sneered. "I'd say you're nothing but a cur. The kind that wags its tail and begs at the mere sight of a bone."

"I'm sure you would agree with my assessment, wouldn't you?"

Qin Song: "..."

Agree my ass! Qin Song roared internally. It was one thing to pretend not to know him, but did he have to be so insulting?

"What? You have a problem with that?" Qi Feng said coldly.

"No, I wouldn't dare!" Qin Song bowed his head meekly. "I agree!"

Only then did Qi Feng fall silent.

Qi Zhentian then strode forward. Everyone assumed he would simply walk past them. Unexpectedly, he stopped right in front of Chen Yang, bowed respectfully, and said, "Lord Chen, I... I have come to pay my respects at your father-in-law's tomb."

Qi Feng stood beside him, head bowed nervously, not daring to speak.

Qin Song: "..."

Luo Sulan: "..."

Everyone: "..."

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