He had served Zhang Yang for three years as a bodyguard—the result of a lost bet. Long Feng believed in honoring his word. He wasn't a saint, nor perhaps a good person, but he was certainly a man of his word.

Everyone had their own code of conduct, and Long Feng was no exception.

The payment for three years of bodyguard service was one Spirit Herb. However, he had already consumed one previously and received another, and now he had two more, making a total of four.

Among these four, one could actually help break through to the Saintess Pill realm—a prospect that completely exceeded Long Feng’s imagination.

Most importantly, Zhang Yang had just mentioned that if he needed anything in the future, he could come find him again, which implied that more Spirit Herbs would be given out later.

Even his own family could not supply him with Spirit Herbs at this rate.

“Isn’t this too much? I already received two before!”

Long Feng said calmly, and the smile on Zhang Yang’s face grew wider.

The ** of a Spirit Herb was far greater than the ** of money to an ordinary person. It was like suddenly having fifty million cash laid out in front of you, offered as a gift.

A wealthy person might not care, but they would still be moved.

But if the person was poor, their eyes would likely glaze over, and only the money would remain in their mind, nothing else.

“Before was before, now is now. This is what you deserve. Take them first; we are heading out immediately!”

Zhang Yang smiled, stood up, and placed the jade vial right there.

It had taken nearly a full day to prepare the medicinal draughts, and now it was almost evening. Zhang Yang needed to leave to meet Mi Xue and the others at the restaurant.

Yesterday, Hu Xin had hosted at Triumph Tower; today, Mi Xue and the others were hosting a welcoming feast for Zhang Yang at their own establishment. This was a gesture from Mi Xue, one that Zhang Yang did not wish to refuse, nor would he refuse.

Driving the Mercedes, Zhang Yang and Long Feng set out.

The Hummer was excellent, but too conspicuous. Zhang Yang still preferred the Mercedes; while eye-catching, it was much less ostentatious than the Hummer.

Yang Xue Grand Hotel—the new name for Mi Xue’s restaurant.

Mi Xue disliked the previous name, and Xiao Dai and Nan Nan would become saddened every time they saw it. They changed it, and the suggestion for the new name came from both Xiao Dai and Nan Nan.

Yang Xue—it was obvious that it was a combination of Zhang Yang's and Mi Xue's names. The name was quite common, perhaps a bit tacky. However, Zhang Yang couldn't help but smile every time he saw it.

Though it sounded common, it felt pleasant and held a special meaning.

“Good evening, Sir. Do you have a reservation?”

At the entrance stood two young women who immediately stepped forward and bowed when they saw Zhang Yang and Long Feng enter. These greeters were new and didn't recognize them, as Zhang Yang and Long Feng hadn't visited often.

However, the lobby manager busy inside spotted them and hurried over.

“Mr. Zhang, you’ve arrived! General Manager Mi is in her office; I’ll take you there!”

This lobby manager was the same one from before; she had been the only person who defended Xiao Dai and Nan Nan back then, though her efforts were limited and she could only offer kind words.

After Mi Xue and the others took over the restaurant, the manager was retained and given a significant raise. The manager position was crucial, requiring someone they knew and trusted.

“Good, you carry on. I know the way; I can manage on my own!”

Zhang Yang nodded with a smile. He had visited the office area once before and knew where it was, so he didn't want to disturb them further.

Since Zhang Yang declined an escort, the manager had no choice but to stop at the elevator bay.

Watching Zhang Yang enter the elevator, the manager’s eyes held an involuntary trace of envy and respect.

“Manager Yao, who is that person?”

A new server who was busy nearby couldn't help but ask. This person was new and unaware of the previous incidents.

“Don’t pry into things that don’t concern you!”

The manager shot her a look. The young woman stuck out her tongue and quickly moved aside to continue her work.

Who this person was, not even the manager truly knew much, only that he was Mi Xue’s boyfriend.

It was this man who had severely punished Manager Liang for bullying Xiao Dai and Nan Nan that day. The manager was present and had genuinely worried for Zhang Yang, knowing Manager Liang’s background and the potential fallout from crossing him in this city.

Yet, events unfolded far beyond her expectations. When the police arrived, this young man seemed to have considerable sway with them.

Later, when District Chief Liang appeared at the police station, she worried again for this young man and for Xiao Dai and Nan Nan, who were still students. She was acutely aware of how formidable District Chief Liang was.

But the outcome shocked her again. District Chief Liang personally arrived and tried to suppress the police, yet this young man barely reacted. Then, several of the young man’s friends arrived—clearly not ordinary people.

These individuals managed to force District Chief Liang to leave.

When she heard that District Chief Liang was placed under investigation, her jaw dropped. A district chief, a "big shot" she considered far above her station, was finished just like that.

The transfer of the restaurant ownership and Xiao Dai and Nan Nan later becoming the bosses didn't surprise her much. With someone as capable as Zhang Yang, someone who could take down a district chief, taking over a restaurant would surely be easy.

That incident made her realize that this young man possessed immense influence and background. That was why she agreed to stay when Nan Nan and the others asked her to.

Zhang Yang having a background meant their restaurant had one too—she understood that very clearly.

Mi Xue and the others' office was on the fourth floor, in a separate section that also housed a large storeroom.

This space was shared by Mi Xue and Xiao Dai; it was less an office and more a resting place for them.

Arriving there, Zhang Yang saw the door was unlocked and walked straight toward it.

“Mi Xue, if you’re anxious, just give him a call. Stop staring at your phone like you’ve lost your soul!”

Just as he reached the door, he heard Xiao Dai’s voice teasing Mi Xue from inside.

“No, he must be busy with something important. Calling now would only disturb him!”

Mi Xue’s voice drifted out, and Zhang Yang paused slightly, instantly understanding the situation.

Mi Xue was waiting for his call, anxious but afraid to interrupt his business. Her simple devotion warmed Zhang Yang’s heart.

“If you won’t call, I will!”

Xiao Dai’s voice came again. A moment later, the phone in Zhang Yang’s canvas bag began to ring. The phone slowly rose, held by Wuying, whose little face looked decidedly displeased.

She had been sound asleep and was rudely awakened by the noise; it was hard to be happy about that.

Hearing the ring, the three girls inside froze and all looked toward the door. Zhang Yang appeared at the threshold, phone in hand, wearing a gentle smile.

“Zhang Yang, when did you get here? Why didn’t you call ahead?”

Seeing Zhang Yang, joy was evident on Mi Xue’s face as she hurried over. Xiao Dai hastily hung up Mi Xue’s phone and set it aside.

“I just arrived. Since I knew the way, I didn’t think to call and notify you; that was my oversight!”

Zhang Yang gently embraced Mi Xue. Xiao Dai and Nan Nan immediately turned away—one fiddling with her fingers, the other tidying things on the table.

They didn't want to disturb this moment of tenderness.

Not long after Zhang Yang arrived, Hu Xin and Gu Cheng also showed up. Although they weren't as exhausted as before, they were even busier now, constantly dealing with business matters.

Hu Xin was still on the phone when he entered.

Xiao Dai had already arranged everything with the head chef; they were preparing a lavish banquet for them. The best thing about dining at their own place was that the ingredients were absolutely top-tier and clean.

The restaurant’s chefs were very skilled, and the food was delicious. These were the remaining chefs from before; the previous owner, though personally disagreeable, had good taste in hiring capable staff.

Xiao Dai and Nan Nan had interacted with these chefs when they worked as servers, understanding what they needed and desired. After they took over the restaurant, they made a few adjustments and quickly secured the loyalty of these chefs, allowing them to continue working with peace of mind.

Dinner was delightful, no less impressive than the meal at Triumph Tower. Midway through, Su Zhantao called. Hearing they were there, he immediately drove over with Yang Ling.

The young man looked somewhat troubled when he saw Zhang Yang, and Yang Ling’s expression wasn't much better.

After Zhang Yang inquired, he understood why Su Zhantao was distressed.

His relationship with Yang Ling could no longer be hidden from his family, and they had finally issued a notice: he needed to bring Yang Ling home to meet them.

Su Zhantao was an important member of the Su family, and his personal affairs concerned every member.

The person who requested to meet Yang Ling this time was Su Shaohua.

Su Shaohua, Su Zhantao’s uncle, was the one who raised him. He had the standing to meet the future niece-in-law first.

If he could pass this hurdle, then Su Zhantao’s parents’ approval could be sought, as Su Zhantao’s father held a somewhat special position.

Meeting the parents—perhaps this was the most daunting prospect for any couple in love. Upon receiving Su Shaohua’s call, Su Zhantao lost his direction.

He was still too young and inexperienced in these matters. He didn't realize that his anxiety was secretly wounding Yang Ling.

Yang Ling didn't object to meeting the family; since she chose to be with Su Zhantao, this day would come eventually—otherwise, she wouldn't have taken Su Zhantao to her own home last time. For her, it was only a matter of when, not if, but Su Zhantao seemed hesitant to bring her, worrying about making her unhappy.

Su Zhantao noticed none of this; he only thought of Zhang Yang. Whenever he had worries or difficulties, Zhang Yang was the first person he thought of.

After calling Zhang Yang, he brought Yang Ling straight here.

“Zhang Yang, Second Uncle wants us to come tomorrow. You have to come with me!”

Su Zhantao downed a large glass of white liquor before looking pitifully at Zhang Yang. Yang Ling beside him lowered her head again, her eyes slightly red.

“I can’t go!”

Glancing at Yang Ling, Zhang Yang immediately shook his head. This kid Su Zhantao was even greener than him in matters of love; Zhang Yang inwardly chuckled, though his expression remained unchanged.

………………

The eyes still ached somewhat, but it was better than last night. It was retinal fatigue requiring eye drops, but Xiao Yu hated eye drops the most.

This is the second update; everyone can rest assured, the promised six updates will absolutely not change!