Zheng Yue strode with vigorous steps, ascending the stairs.
Lin Fan observed the stone balustrades on either side, and the golden dragon patterns on the marble steps, silently clicking his tongue.
The Zheng family's intentions were as clear as day to everyone!
They weren't even trying to hide it!
The imposing hall doors, four to five meters high, were adorned with intricate and elaborate dragon and phoenix paintings, exuding an aura of wealth.
Lin Fan looked around, and without realizing it, followed Zheng Yue across the threshold. It was only then that he noticed the presence of over a hundred people before him, all expensively dressed and possessing an extraordinary bearing.
Zheng Ke stopped a few meters from the main door, not daring to advance further. Instead, he turned and headed towards a resting area for servants.
There was a distinction between masters and servants, and the assembly hall was no place for a servant to enter.
"Greetings, Father, Uncle Xie, and all uncles and elder brothers."
Zheng Yue bowed first, then introduced, "This is Master Lin, a prodigy of youth!"
"Master Lin, we have long admired you."
Zheng Xingchao, with a smile on his face, rose and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Lin Fan.
"Greetings, Patriarch Zheng, everyone. Good day."
Lin Fan, having experienced grand occasions before, maintained a composed demeanor, his heart steady, and returned the greeting with ease.
Li Yurou hid behind her brother, not wanting Lin Fan to see her.
Lin Fan, with his keen senses, had indeed seen the siblings the moment he entered the assembly hall.
"You've caused me so much trouble!"
Lin Fan shot them a displeased glare.
"Apologies, we did not intend to."
Li Yusheng offered a bitter smile and repeatedly bowed, expressing his remorse.
"Husband, is this the Master Lin the esteemed disciple of Lin Xingnan has been hyping up? He looks rather ordinary!"
Zeng Shu, harboring resentment, naturally found Lin Fan disagreeable.
"One cannot judge a person by their appearance. Don't speak carelessly,"
Zheng Xingchao reprimanded her in a low voice before turning to Lin Fan, "Master Lin's visit is truly a blessing to our Zheng family. It is an honor to meet you."
"You flatter me,"
Lin Fan remained unperturbed by praise or blame, which immediately earned him higher regard from Zheng Xingchao.
"Hmph."
Someone nearby let out a disdainful snort, causing Zheng Xingchao's expression to darken.
Zeng Shu became anxious, for that was her daughter, the second daughter of the Zheng family, Zheng Qiong.
Zheng Qiong disliked Lin Fan because she found him not handsome enough.
"Husband, Master Lin is young and his appearance is unremarkable, so it's normal for some doubt to arise,"
Zeng Shu quickly smoothed things over for her daughter.
"Presumptuous!"
Zheng Xingchao roared, "Xiao Qiong, come and apologize to Master Lin!"
"Dad~"
Zheng Qiong was extremely reluctant, "I didn't say anything."
"You..."
Zheng Xingchao was about to lose his temper again when Zeng Shu quickly grabbed his arm and said, "Husband, how about this."
Zeng Shu removed a bright green ring from her finger, "Master Lin, you are a guest from afar. How about I use this Imperial Green ring as a prize, and we play a little game?"
"What kind of little game?"
Lin Fan asked with a faint smile.
Zeng Shu pondered for a moment and replied, "It is rumored that you have innate dual pupils, are adept at discerning fortune and misfortune, observing the land's脉 and feng shui, and can do what others cannot."
A mocking smile curved her lips, "How about you turn your back, and I will hide this ring somewhere in the assembly hall. If you find it, it's yours. Is that acceptable?"
"Mom, we must set a time limit."
Zheng Qiong reminded her.
If there was anyone in the Zheng family who most disliked Zheng Yue, it was undoubtedly this mother and daughter. They were eager to do anything that would cause Zheng Yue even the slightest bit of discomfort.
Zheng Xingchao did not stop them, as he himself wished to verify Lin Fan's abilities.
The Li siblings exchanged odd glances and then pursed their lips.
Zheng Yue watched Lin Fan with a tense expression.
Lin Fan grinned, "Sure!"
This was practically a gift of money!
Why would he refuse?
"Brother, that's a top-grade Imperial Green ring. It can't be bought for less than three to five million."
Li Yurou's eyes held a hint of envy, "I want one too."
"I'll buy you one later,"
Li Yusheng affectionately ruffled his sister's hair.
"I don't want that."
Li Yurou pouted and angrily pushed her brother's hand away, "I want to win it myself, not buy it with money."
The siblings already considered the Imperial Green ring as Lin Fan's prize, with no possibility of him failing.
Among the hundred-plus people in the assembly hall, only the siblings knew how formidable Lin Fan's abilities were.
"Mom, these martial folk are always resorting to trickery. We shouldn't fall for their schemes,"
Zheng Qiong whispered into her mother's ear.
"Mm."
Zeng Shu nodded in agreement.
Mother and daughter watched Lin Fan with vigilance, their gazes as cautious as if guarding against a thief.
"How about this,"
Lin Fan smiled, "I'll go outside. You can hide the item anywhere within a hundred meters. If I can't find it in five minutes, I lose."
Zheng Qiong scoffed, "Master Lin, do you know the consequences of losing and making a fool of my father?"
Zheng Xingchao quickly waved his hand, "There's no need for that. Everyone makes mistakes, and even a skilled horse can stumble. If Master Lin accidentally falters, it's normal and no big deal."
Xie Wei chuckled, "Brother-in-law, you are truly magnanimous. We can't compare!"
"Indeed, Patriarch Zheng's magnanimity is like a prime minister who can steer a boat with a broad mind."
"With such vision, Patriarch Zheng is destined for great things!"
Suddenly, flattery and obsequious praise filled the air.
Lin Fan understood it all perfectly.
These fine words!
The Zheng family had gathered all their relatives and friends. If he, Lin Fan, were to embarrass himself, it would be a disgrace to the Zheng family, and he would surely face consequences.
"Patriarch Zheng, I will head outside now. Call me when you are ready."
Lin Fan said and then walked towards the exit.
"Mom, he's gone, but I'm afraid some people might be disloyal and secretly pass information."
Zheng Qiong said, flicking her gaze towards Zheng Yue.
Zheng Yue didn't react much, but Li Yurou's reaction was significant. Her face turned pale. She was the one who had recommended him. Even if Zheng Qiong wasn't referring to her, she found the remark particularly piercing.
"Uncle Zheng, my brother and I will take our leave to avoid unnecessary gossip."
Li Yurou stepped forward and said.
Li Yusheng stood up with her, "Uncle, my sister is right. It would be best for us to withdraw."
Zheng Xingchao waved his hand, "Yusheng, Yurou, your master and I are old friends. How could I not trust you? Please don't be like this."
Zeng Shu glared at her daughter reprovingly, communicating with her eyes, "The Li siblings are not to be trifled with. Why would you provoke them for no reason?
Zheng Qiong felt incredibly wronged.
When did I say anything about them?
I was clearly referring to that illegitimate son, Zheng Yue!
Who knew they would step forward on their own accord.
The siblings declined Zheng Xingchao's kind invitation and headed straight out.
"Dad, I brought him here, and I'll excuse myself as well."
Zheng Yue lowered his head and also left.
"Hmm."
Zheng Xingchao was vexed. He turned to the mother and daughter and said coldly, "What are you two still standing here for? You came up with the idea, so hurry and go hide the item!"
Zeng Shu, holding her daughter's hand, chided her in a low voice as they walked towards the back chambers.