He had indeed inherited the fortune and become wealthy, and precisely because of this, his development within the system was smoother; a man with such means had absolutely no need to worry about corruption or making major mistakes.
Though young, Chang Feng was already favored by the higher-ups, holding a bureau-chief level position before thirty, with remarkable potential for future advancement.
Huang Hai dropped the subject of Chang Feng, instead turning to introduce the slightly portly gentleman to Zhang Yang.
“This is Wu Zhiguo, the eldest young master of the Wu Corporation!”
“Mr. Zhang, your reputation precedes you. A pleasure, truly a pleasure!”
Wu Zhiguo extended his chubby hand, smiling as he shook Zhang Yang’s. As they clasped hands, Zhang Yang took a careful measure of him.
Wu Zhiguo was not tall, barely reaching 1.7 meters, but his weight surely exceeded 180 catties, perhaps even more.
Due to his bulk, his face appeared plump and round; when he smiled, his eyes narrowed to mere slits, lending him a genuinely honest look.
Of course, Zhang Yang was not one to judge by appearances. What captured Zhang Yang’s attention was his overall physical bearing.
After observing for a moment, Zhang Yang smiled lightly and shook his head. “Please, no need for such formalities. I am hardly famous, Mr. Wu. You carry a good fortune, sir—do you happen to enjoy meat often?”
“Hahaha, Zhang Yang, you hit the nail on the head! Old Wu lives for meat; every single meal must include it!”
Before Wu Zhiguo could reply, Huang Hai chuckled first, and Li Ya and Chang Feng beside him nodded in agreement.
These men had known each other for a long time and were very familiar with the others.
When they were meant to go to Shanghai for the Auto Show previously, Chang Feng and Wu Zhiguo were set to attend together, but Chang Feng was pulled away for an urgent assignment, while Wu Zhiguo had crucial family business; both trips were postponed.
As it stood, Wu Zhiguo’s Wu Corporation held considerable renown throughout the nation and commanded substantial assets, ranking among the major families even within Jiangdong Province itself.
“What’s so wrong with eating meat? None of you abstain!”
Feeling slightly embarrassed by their laughter, Wu Zhiguo couldn’t help but retort.
Zhang Yang smiled slightly and spoke softly, “Please don’t be offended by what I say, Mr. Wu, but while it’s fine for others to eat meat, it is genuinely not good for you. All your vital signs are slightly over the limit, your digestive system isn't strong, and you have high blood pressure. You really ought to cut back on the meat from now on!”
“How did you know I have high blood pressure?”
Wu Zhiguo turned his head, looking at Zhang Yang with surprise.
“Are you truly that dense, or just pretending? Didn’t we just say it? Zhang Yang is a Divine Doctor! Do you know what a Divine Doctor is? Someone who can tell if you’re sick or not with just a single glance!”
Huang Hai shook his head slightly. They were truly in awe of Zhang Yang’s medical skill.
Never mind the previous instance where Zhang Yang managed to save Wang Chen from a severe car accident—that alone proved everything.
Only then did Zhang Yang realize that before he arrived, these men had been discussing him, most frequently mentioning Su Zhantao, who had recounted Zhang Yang’s feats in futures trading in Jiaoyi and his several successful rescues.
“I was muddled, I completely forgot!”
Wu Zhiguo hurriedly patted his forehead. He knew Zhang Yang was skilled, but having only heard others mention it before, he hadn’t truly paid much attention.
These were all young men accustomed to looking down on others; they wouldn't easily believe something until they witnessed it firsthand.
Sighing, Wu Zhiguo continued, “My doctor also told me to eat less meat and opt for lighter fare, but this mouth just won’t quit. If there’s no meat at a meal, I can’t eat, and if I go hungry, I feel wretched. I honestly don’t know what to do!”
As Wu Zhiguo spoke, his face took on a look of profound unhappiness.
What he said was utterly sincere. For a man under thirty to already have high blood pressure made him deeply uncomfortable, not to mention becoming so overweight—nobody liked being fat.
He knew that eating more vegetables benefited his health, but it felt like an addiction; if meat wasn't present in the dishes, he simply couldn't swallow, and the doctors had no solution for this particular habit.
This dependency had led to his current situation: progressively heavier and increasingly poor health.
“I understand. Gluttony is no cardinal sin. I will write you a prescription later. Take the medicine according to the prescription, and within a month, I guarantee you will have control over your appetite!”
Zhang (Shu Shu Wu)
“Really?”
Wu Zhiguo started slightly, asking hastily.
No one wanted to remain fat indefinitely. When fat people stood among others, a sense of inferiority always surfaced, and no amount of wealth could erase that for Wu Zhiguo.
He genuinely desired to change his current state, especially with his deteriorating health. He had consumed countless diet pills, and his home even featured a private gym, but nothing worked. The moment he ate meat, the weight would immediately return.
“Really!” Zhang Yang smiled again.
“Old Wu, stop worrying. If Zhang Yang says he can do it, he absolutely can. Cut back a little on the meat, slim down, and you can be a handsome guy like me!”
Li Ya chuckled slyly, not missing the chance to tease Wu Zhiguo.
However, Wu Zhiguo was clearly not in the mood for jokes this time. He urged Zhang Yang to write the prescription; he was desperate to eliminate this burden of fat and the problem of high blood pressure.
The doctor had warned him that if he continued like this, he faced a high risk of stroke before forty, and no amount of money would bring back his health then.
“Brother Hai, who is this brother?”
Chang Feng, noticing Long Feng who hadn't spoken a word, couldn't help but ask.
“Long Feng, Zhang Yang’s bodyguard!”
Before Huang Hai could reply, Long Feng spoke up himself. Huang Hai, Li Ya, and the others glanced at him in surprise.
Even Zhang Yang turned his head, looking at Long Feng in astonishment. This quiet, taciturn man, who hadn't uttered a word for ages, was unexpectedly introducing himself voluntarily.
“Long surname, same as Brother Cheng’s!”
Chang Feng didn't sense anything unusual and nodded with a smile.
Only Zhang Yang knew the relationship between Long Feng and Long Cheng; the others were unaware, so his remark did not draw attention. The group continued their banter until the last member finally arrived.
About ten minutes later, Long Cheng caught up; he had been delayed by a sudden matter.
Flash even let out a squeak, a small sound of complaint that he was late.
Chang Feng and Wu Zhiguo looked at Flash and Shadow with curiosity; such adorable little pets charmed everyone, and even they felt a pang of fondness.
Once Long Cheng arrived, the entire company was assembled and ready to depart.
The group took six large SUVs, all parked outside the vehicle rental agency.
Each car was loaded with a substantial amount of supplies; entering the mountains required considerable preparation.
Zhang Yang carried the most, entirely focused on equipment, having prepared no food or drink items. Even so, his Mercedes was packed to the gills, with the back seat stuffed full upon arrival.
With everything organized and prepared, the six vehicles set off.
Long Cheng led the convoy in his Land Rover, followed by his Hummer, driven by Long Feng. Zhang Yang took the front passenger seat.
Zhang Yang had offered to drive, but Long Feng insisted, leaving him no choice.
Since both were capable drivers, fatigue wasn't a major issue, and they could trade off on the road. Everyone going on this trip either knew how to drive or enjoyed it.
They drove forward for an hour before exiting the highway; the road ahead led into Lieshan County, Mi Xue’s hometown.
The destination, Savage Mountain, required passing through Lieshan.
Just past noon, the group drove directly into Lieshan County, following the original plan to either eat lunch there or in a nearby county, as a rest stop was necessary regardless.
Zhang Yang was no stranger to Lieshan; he had lived there for several days, and Mi Xue had shown him many places.
He was already thinking that after lunch, he should perhaps visit Mi Xue’s parents; after all, he was the future son-in-law, and it wouldn't be right to be so close to their home without paying a call.
Under Wu Zhiguo’s guidance, they first found a place to park the cars, then walked to a moderately sized restaurant nearby for lunch. Wu Zhiguo claimed this establishment had a specialty: their roast chicken was renowned far and wide. He never missed the chance to eat it whenever he passed through Lieshan, often taking a few chickens back with him.
Though a rich young master, Wu Zhiguo traveled frequently and had endured his share of hardships. Not all wealthy young men were as dissolute as portrayed on television; many possessed genuine capabilities due to their different educations.
Take Wu Zhiguo, for instance; he was destined to inherit the family business and had received specialized training since childhood.
The restaurant was indeed small, just a three-story building. When they arrived, it wasn't yet half past twelve, yet the first-floor hall and all the private rooms were full.
Fortunately, Wu Zhiguo had visited several times and was well-acquainted with the owner, who immediately provided them with a reserved, empty room—a room typically held for emergencies and not usually offered during early hours.
“Huodian Roast Chicken. I’ve heard of it in other places, but I never knew it was right here in Lieshan!” Huang Hai remarked upon entering the room and spotting the advertisement for the signature dish on a nearby wall.
“Huodian Roast Chicken is famous locally in Lieshan County and the surrounding areas, but people from Changjing wouldn't know. Gentlemen, try it once, and I guarantee you won't regret it!” Wu Zhiguo said with a soft smile. He loved eating, especially meat, and when traveling for business, finding local delicacies was his first priority. Huodian Roast Chicken was his favorite in Lieshan and its vicinity.
“I’ve heard of it too, but never tasted it. Today is the perfect chance!” Zhang Yang added. On his first day at Mi Xue’s house, Mi Xue’s mother had specifically bought a Huodian Roast Chicken to take back, but regrettably, Zhang Yang hadn't had the appetite or the inclination to eat it then.
“The roast chicken is here!” a waiter called from outside. A server carried in a large tray bearing two large plates, each holding a plump, golden-brown roast chicken. The chickens were pre-prepared; the other dishes hadn't arrived yet, so the chicken could be served first.
“We’re driving, so we should drink less wine, but this roast chicken is superb—I won't be polite, I’ll take a piece first!”
Wu Zhiguo opened a bottle of Feitian Maotai; the liquor was brought by them, intended for drinking when they hunted wild game on the mountain or while traveling. Anything they brought would certainly be genuine liquor.