The tone was unintentionally raised; it was never Zhang Yang’s intention, but the surge of negative emotion simply could not be contained, causing his voice to rise involuntarily.

Zhang Yang suddenly reached out, pulling Mi Xue into his embrace, and whispered, “Mi Xue, I’m sorry. Promise me, okay? Don't bring him up now. I have a way to resolve this!”

Mi Xue’s eyes welled up with unshed tears, but she still nodded, “I promise you. And I believe you can definitely solve it!”

After comforting Mi Xue, Zhang Yang went off alone to rest for a while.

Since meeting Zhang Keqin, the emotional reaction had become far more intense than before. It had thoroughly alerted Zhang Yang to the issue. Previously, hearing Zhang Keqin’s name only brought about displeasure or disgust; never had he experienced the last two days, where he completely lost control, even affecting his internal energy cultivation.

This had become an imminent problem Zhang Yang needed to address, lest he be destroyed by these emotions sooner or later.

For a moment, Zhang Yang felt annoyed—why did he agree to see Zhang Keqin? If he hadn't gone, at least things wouldn't have reached this state today.

However, it was only annoyance, not regret. This matter had to be resolved sooner or later; dragging it out would only make the resolution more troublesome.

Zhang Yang went to rest, while Mi Xue felt a tinge of regret.

She hadn't managed to convey Zhang Keqin’s invitation just now. Mi Xue had actually been looking forward to the day their parents would meet, but she understood perfectly that this was absolutely not the right time.

The night passed without incident.

Zhang Yang woke up early the next morning, and Long Feng rose at the same time.

Long Feng had watched over Zhang Yang for a full day and night. He was only slightly tired and faced no issues; he immediately returned to his cultivation.

In recent days, Long Feng’s cultivation had become noticeably more diligent than before. With the end of the year drawing nearer and encouraged by Zhang Yang, he was focused on achieving another breakthrough before the deadline.

Another breakthrough would mean reaching the third layer of internal energy, making him the first in the Long family in hundreds of years to advance to that level.

The morning cultivation was slightly faster than usual. Only after finishing their morning exercises did the two return together for breakfast.

This villa was nestled beside a mountain. Although the mountain had been developed and was no longer pristine wilderness, the area was much quieter and the environment far superior to their previous residence. Cultivating here, even neutralizing toxins, was slightly faster than at their old place.

Feeling the surging internal energy throughout his body, Zhang Yang was satisfied.

His current progress was much faster than in his previous life. Zhang Yang had long realized that this current body was much more suited for cultivating internal energy; his constitution was extraordinarily good.

His previous cultivation speed was already doubled, and now, after being tempered by the spiritual medicine, his rate of progress had increased even more significantly. Given this body’s potential, reaching the fourth layer of internal energy was only a matter of time.

After breakfast, Zhang Yang arranged for Qu Meilan to accompany Mi Xue to school, while he drove out himself.

Zhang Yang first sought out Su Zhantao. Young Master Su had friends in the media, and Zhang Yang asked him to help gather more news regarding Yasuda Shinkawa, primarily concerning that wolf disaster and the military exercise.

While there, Zhang Yang performed another session of acupuncture on Su Shaohua.

Su Shaohua’s condition had almost returned to normal, and his spirits had been much better recently. He was also exceedingly cooperative with the people sent by the Third Hospital to monitor him, agreeing to all examinations.

Su Shaohua’s cooperation allowed the research team to quickly acquire a vast amount of data, astonishing every member of the group.

What could be seen could truly be felt. Every piece of data confirmed that Su Shaohua’s body was indeed recovering, and the hallmarks of his illness were diminishing. Complete recovery was absolutely not an empty promise.

Leaving the Su residence, Zhang Yang made another trip to Old Master Zhao’s place.

The results of Old Master Zhao’s recuperative treatment were also quite evident. This time, Zhang Yang brought him another batch of pills he had personally formulated, which would further aid his recovery.

Now, Old Master Zhao could walk slowly without a cane, and could even dress and feed himself. Seeing him like this, Director Zhao was beaming every day, and his gratitude toward Zhang Yang deepened intensely.

After finishing these errands, Zhang Yang finally returned to the villa.

Returning was to make preparations. A trip to Yasuda was necessary; only by being there could Zhang Yang find the answer, find the source of those abnormal circumstances.

But before departing, he needed to be fully prepared.

Zhang Yang himself had not expected to be leaving on a long journey so soon after his return. It seemed that starting from the next semester, he would only have one quiet month; the rest of the time would be spent traveling here or flying there, leaving him no time to relax.

He was halfway through his afternoon preparations when his phone rang. A call was convenient, but it also meant he could be easily found.

Zhang Yang picked up the phone, checked the number, and then pressed the answer button.

“Brother Cheng, you have time today?”

The call was from Long Cheng. Usually, Long Cheng rarely called him. Though they all joked around together, everyone actually had their own matters to attend to.

The time they could spend together was generally reserved for evenings or weekends, or when they deliberately cleared their schedules for a joint outing.

Long Cheng laughed heartily and said, “Zhang Yang, Old Cai is here. The brothers are planning a welcome dinner for him; are you coming?”

Zhang Yang blinked slightly, “Old Cai? Which Old Cai?”

Long Cheng replied, “Cai Zheli from Shanghai! You must come if you aren’t busy; he specifically asked to see you. He also said he needs to thank you, but none of us could get him to say why!” Hearing Long Cheng’s words, Zhang Yang was slightly surprised, but he nodded anyway, “Tonight is fine. Where are you guys arranging it?”

“At Sister-in-Law’s place. Six o’clock tonight. Sister-in-Law’s signature dishes are excellent. Old Cai isn’t an outsider, so naturally, we’ll host him among our own people!”

Long Cheng chuckled, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then hung up.

Zhang Yang looked at his phone and smiled wryly.

Putting the phone away, he continued packing his belongings.

He couldn't miss Cai Zheli’s arrival. After all, Cai Zheli had hosted them well the last time they were in Shanghai; it would be inappropriate not to show up now that he was in Changjing.

Fortunately, he hadn't planned to leave today anyway. Such a long trip required at least two days of planning. Moreover, this time he intended to take Mi Xue with him.

This trip was only to investigate the cause of his mother's illness, or rather, the reason for her death. It wasn't particularly dangerous, so taking Mi Xue along would also serve as a change of scenery for her.

Before six o’clock that evening, Zhang Yang arrived at the entrance of Mi Xue’s restaurant in his Bugatti.

When he was with them, Zhang Yang didn't need to deliberately hide things. The Bugatti was excellent, comfortable to drive, and couldn't stay locked in the garage all the time.

When Zhang Yang arrived, Mi Xue, Nannan, and Xiao Dai were already waiting at the entrance.

The three of them were dressed in perfectly fitted professional attire. They were all very young, presenting a unique charm.

Especially Mi Xue—tall and beautiful—wearing this outfit drew the most attention. Passersby who hadn't even intended to dine there would stop to look.

And Xiao Dai, her hair tied up, exuded a mature beauty. The glittering diamond necklace around her neck further accentuated an air of nobility.

As for Nannan, although in professional attire, it couldn't erase her gentle, refined nature; standing there, she evoked a sense of endearing vulnerability.

Three women, three different feelings. Some people looking for a place to eat were drawn into the restaurant by them, simply wanting another look at them.

“Quite a change. That necklace is nice!”

Zhang Yang walked up and smiled at Xiao Dai. His comment made Xiao Dai’s face instantly flush red.

Zhang Yang’s eye for detail was naturally sharp. He wasn't a jewelry appraiser, but he could tell that the necklace Xiao Dai was wearing was far from cheap, worth at least five or six hundred thousand.

“This necklace is rented. Sister Hong said we are the face of the establishment, so we need to look presentable. We have important guests coming today, so I… I specifically rented it for the day!”

Xiao Dai explained nervously.

The value of that necklace alone was equivalent to her shares. In truth, she felt like she was walking on thin ice wearing it, but women inherently enjoy showing others their most beautiful side, especially since they hadn't seen Zhang Yang in many days.

Plus, with Zhang Yang’s friends coming this time, they had specially rented a necklace to enhance the storefront’s appeal.

“It’s fine. If the restaurant business improves, you can each buy one!”

Zhang Yang laughed heartily. He had indeed been slightly startled when he first saw Xiao Dai wearing such an expensive necklace.

He didn't oppose girls buying luxury goods, but their business was just starting out, still in the development and entrepreneurial phase; pursuing a luxurious lifestyle at this juncture wasn't ideal.

Renting it was inconsequential. Zhang Yang knew Sister Hong—she was the lobby manager who had looked after Xiao Dai and Nannan before. It was normal to dress up when important guests arrived; indeed, Long Cheng and the others were all honored guests.

Each of them brought substantial business to the restaurant. Long Cheng’s group, Huang Hai’s company, Wang Chen’s family enterprise—any time they had business dealings involving this area, they would designate this restaurant as their spot. The volume of their business alone could sustain this establishment.

“Screech!”

A Ferrari sped quickly towards the entrance, not slowing down until it reached the front, finally executing a drift before screeching to a halt in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Just by the flashy demeanor of the Ferrari, Zhang Yang knew who had arrived.

Sure enough, Li Ya stepped out of the car, adjusting his hair with a cool, arrogant air.

Admittedly, his demeanor did attract the attention of some of the waitresses in the restaurant; now, these girls looked at him differently, their eyes full of starry admiration.

A second person emerged from the passenger seat, this one leaning on a cane.

He was also dressed fashionably, but the cane utterly ruined his image. He was muttering something under his breath.

Others might hear his complaints, but Zhang Yang clearly heard the man griping at Li Ya, saying his driving skills were subpar, that his drift hadn't been executed correctly, and that he should have handled the stop differently.

There was no doubt that the mumbling man was Wang Chen.

Unfortunately, his complaints were cut short as Li Ya strode quickly toward the restaurant entrance, having already spotted Zhang Yang waiting there.

Wang Chen could only follow behind, angrily cursing Li Ya for being disloyal, leaning heavily on his cane as he caught up.

First update. I bought a house, and the hassle took up some time; buying a house isn't a small matter.

There will still be six updates today, expected to continue until tomorrow. I ask for my friends’ understanding regarding the update schedule again! (To be continued)