Mi Xue picked up her chopsticks and murmured softly; the feast spread before her made her own appetite soar.

Hu Xin and the others exchanged glances before fiercely throwing themselves into battle with the table of delicacies. Food filled their mouths while plates piled high; the scene instantly became intensely spirited.

Qu Meilan, seeing Hu Xin and the rest eat for the first time, gaped, watching them in stunned silence.

These people looked like hungry men who hadn't eaten for days; otherwise, why would they devour their food so urgently?

The competition was fierce, and the meal concluded quickly. In just over half an hour, Hu Xin was clutching his stomach, already reclining in his chair, his belly looking perfectly round.

Gu Cheng and Xiao Bin weren't faring much better. Gu Cheng mumbled that this one meal would last him three days, vowing not to eat again until then, savoring the deliciousness with every memory.

Xiao Dai and Nannan were slightly better off, yet they too wore expressions of deep satisfaction.

Both had consumed a considerable amount, but Mi Xue and Zhang Yang had also eaten their fill, their stomachs now pleasantly distended.

The spread—over a dozen dishes meant to satisfy more than a dozen people—was completely wiped out by their small group.

"Young Master Long, are these... the Young Master's friends?"

Qu Meilan, unable to hold her curiosity any longer, approached Long Feng and asked in a low voice.

Long Feng had not joined them at the table. Zhang Yang had invited him, but he declined, respecting that this was a warm moment for Zhang Yang and his old classmates.

"If you follow Zhang Yang, you must understand everything about him. In time, you will realize just how exceptional the man you have chosen is!"

Long Feng smiled faintly, then retreated to his room, leaving Qu Meilan standing there, completely bewildered.

She hadn't understood a single word Long Feng said. She knew Zhang Yang was outstanding—a third-level Neijin master at such a young age—excellence didn't even begin to describe it. But what did Long Feng mean by emphasizing it so deliberately?

Satiated with food and drink, the group moved to the living room and began chatting.

"Zhang Yang, I also want to get into business. Can you take a look and see if there's anything suitable for me to do?"

Gathering his courage, Xiao Bin approached Zhang Yang directly and voiced his aspirations.

Hu Xin and Xiao Dai had thoroughly spurred him on. He didn't want his classmates to pull too far ahead of him; he wanted to strive to catch up, but without direction or goals, he could only seek Zhang Yang's help now.

Zhang Yang looked at him, shook his head with a smile, and said softly, "Xiao Bin, honestly, your situation is different from theirs. Your family is well-off; you haven't suffered much since childhood, nor have you faced real setbacks. If you truly go into business, you might not succeed!"

Zhang Yang had already perceived Xiao Bin's intentions earlier. Even if Xiao Bin hadn't approached him, Zhang Yang intended to speak with him.

Zhang Yang's words caused a shadow to pass over Xiao Bin’s eyes.

"Stay at the university with peace of mind. Your student union life is your capital. Work hard, and there's a chance you could stay on as faculty someday. If an opportunity arises, I will help you too!"

Zhang Yang smiled again. He helped his friends in every way he could, naturally not excluding Xiao Bin.

He wouldn't chart a course for Xiao Bin; everything would proceed according to Xiao Bin's own wishes. In his heart, Xiao Bin was very much inclined toward remaining at the university and working there.

Furthermore, Zhang Yang was right: Xiao Bin came from a good family; both parents were cadres who held steady jobs. He had never known hardship, and throwing him abruptly into the cutthroat commercial arena, he might not adapt.

This difference was what set him apart from the others.

Hu Xin and Gu Cheng both hailed from impoverished backgrounds; they were willing to endure hardship, capable of it, and initially, they certainly suffered greatly. Coupled with their ambition and diligent work, Zhang Yang eventually helped them expand their ventures, allowing them to forge their own paths.

Even Xiao Dai and Nannan started as waiters before finally accepting Zhang Yang's assistance and becoming business owners.

Simply put, Zhang Yang never offered help blindly; they always had to contribute themselves. What Zhang Yang provided was purely financial assistance.

This method of support simply wasn't applicable to Xiao Bin.

"I understand. I will work hard. I'll give it my all for even a sliver of hope to stay at the university. Then we can all live in the same city!"

Xiao Bin nodded slowly. He had only brought up starting a business partly out of envy for Hu Xin and the others. After Zhang Yang’s counsel, he abandoned the idea.

The student union was currently very busy anyway; he didn't have time for a business venture right now.

Zhang Yang encouraged him a few more times, finally restoring his vitality. Everyone had different goals for their struggles; he didn't need to compare himself to Hu Xin.

For Xiao Bin, securing a job at the university was his greatest wish—that was the life he longed for.

Right up until they left, Zhang Yang never mentioned that he had already secured the qualification for Xiao Bin to stay at the university from Zhou Yichen.

He wanted Xiao Bin to strive first. Only after putting in the effort would he truly understand how precious that position was. If he ultimately failed to obtain it, it wouldn't be too late for Zhang Yang to step in.

This kind of help was the genuine article.

After a lively session with Hu Xin and the others, everyone eventually departed. Mi Xue needed to return for classes, and Hu Xin and Gu Cheng had businesses to attend to; they had all rushed over in their spare time.

However, being with them had greatly improved Zhang Yang’s mood.

These were the first people he had met in this world, his original friends, and Zhang Yang hoped that every one of them would live well.

In the afternoon, Li Ya called again, informing him that the new company's renovations were nearly complete and asking when they could hold a shareholders' meeting to set the opening date.

Li Ya's investment firm hadn't officially opened, but business had already begun, and Li Ya had made a considerable profit over the past few months.

This only bolstered everyone's confidence; Li Ya’s reputation as a financial genius was well-earned.

After considering it, Zhang Yang told him he would skip the shareholders' meeting, allowing Li Ya to act as the sole representative. He mentioned he might have to travel soon, so just notify him of the opening date.

Knowing Zhang Yang had upcoming travel plans, Li Ya didn't press the matter.

This shareholders' meeting was essentially among insiders: Zhang Yang, Su Zhantao, and Wang Chen were shareholders, and Long Cheng, Chang Feng, Huang Hai, and Wu Zhiguo had also invested small stakes.

These people knew Li Ya inside and out; investing with him guaranteed no losses.

Not long after Li Ya hung up, Cai Zheleng called.

Cai Zheleng invited Zhang Yang to dinner that evening. Qi Zhenguo wanted to express his personal thanks for the treatment.

Although it was only a single acupuncture session, Elder Qi felt noticeably better today than before. Regardless of whether it was psychological, Elder Qi now held Zhang Yang in high regard and had decided to stay in Changjing for a while.

Qi Zhenguo couldn't remain in Changjing indefinitely, as he had work in the capital. Thus, he specifically wanted to meet Zhang Yang—first to express thanks, and second to deepen their relationship.

Zhang Yang ultimately declined Cai Zheleng’s invitation.

He truly had no time these past couple of days; he had already asked Long Feng to book his flight, departing for Antian tomorrow afternoon. It was best not to go out now.

As for meeting, he would administer another needle treatment tomorrow, so they would see each other then.

As soon as he hung up on Cai Zheleng, before Zhang Yang could put his phone down, another call came in.

Zhang Yang felt slightly annoyed; calls either didn't come at all or they arrived in a sudden swarm.

"Zhang Yang, who were you just on the phone with? Your line was busy?"

As soon as the call connected, Gu Fang's voice sounded. This time, the call was from Gu Fang in Shanghai.

"Nothing, just a quick chat with a friend. Why are you so free today?"

Zhang Yang chuckled lightly, deliberately avoiding mentioning Cai Zheleng's name, knowing Gu Fang and Cai Zheleng didn't get along, and mentioning him might spark unwanted gossip.

"I'm not just free today; I'll be free for the next few days. My uncle asked me to specifically convey his thanks and bring you some gifts. I'm just off the Changjing toll gate now. Where is your place?"

Gu Fang chuckled mischievously, and Zhang Yang froze, startled to realize Gu Fang was already in Changjing.

"Hurry up and say it! You're not going to make us wander aimlessly around Changjing while you, the local host, stay put, are you?" Seeing Zhang Yang remain silent, Gu Fang called out again.

"You guys... who else is with you?" Zhang Yang asked helplessly.

Gu Fang mentioning Changjing had to be true; even if he were joking, he wouldn't drag his uncle into it.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yang was leaving tomorrow, so even if Gu Fang came, he couldn't host them for long. However, since they had made the trip specifically to see him, Zhang Yang couldn't appear too aloof; he would have to go pick them up soon.

"It's just my cousin, Li Wei, whom you’ve met—just the two of us!"

Gu Fang spoke into the phone, then turned to glance at Li Wei, who was driving.

Li Wei smiled at him, genuinely anticipating reuniting with Zhang Yang; after all, Zhang Yang was a powerhouse few people understood.

It was indeed an assignment from their uncle, Qiao Guanhai: bring a batch of gifts to Zhang Yang and express their gratitude again.

They had already paid the consultation fee—twenty million was certainly not a small amount—and Gu Fang had even gifted an extra car that he dearly loved. They owed Zhang Yang nothing.

However, Qiao Guanhai learned that Elder Qi and Qi Zhenguo were both in Changjing. Unwilling to break ties with Zhang Yang, he specifically dispatched his two nephews. Cultivating a good relationship with a divine physician like Zhang Yang was beneficial in every way and could save lives in critical moments.

"Alright, tell me where you are, and I'll come to pick you up immediately!"

Hearing it was just the two of them, Zhang Yang let out a slight sigh of relief. Fewer people meant less fuss. It was fortunate he hadn't accepted Cai Zheleng’s invitation tonight, leaving him free to host them and then prepare for the trip to Antian tomorrow.

The journey to Antian was set, and Zhang Yang figured Gu Fang and the others would understand.

Gu Fang gave him an address, and Zhang Yang told him to wait there while he immediately drove out.

He went alone to pick them up this time, not taking Long Feng along.

Zhang Yang drove the Bugatti—the very car Gu Fang had gifted him. This car was guaranteed to draw maximum attention on the road, even more than beautiful women.

Those who didn't understand cars would only perceive it as a very fine, expensive vehicle.

But those who knew cars would appreciate its rarity—a model that had never officially entered the domestic market, making its acquisition far more complicated than just a matter of money… Second update (To be continued) RQ