During these two days, he concocted another furnace of spirit medicine and two furnaces of high-grade pills. This time, the process made him realize that his efficiency in concocting medicine had significantly improved after reaching the fourth layer, and he found his mood remarkably stable while working.

At the doorway, Mi Xue was still tending to the flowers and plants; she had grown accustomed to this chore over the recent period.

Qu Meilan remained nearby, but this time she dared not speak carelessly. Having been caught red-handed last time when she spoke ill of Zhang Yang behind his back, she had worried incessantly.

Fortunately, Zhang Yang hadn't held it against her. Seeing that there was no repercussion after her anxiety, she finally felt relieved.

"Mi Xue!"

As Zhang Yang stepped out, he suddenly glanced to the side. A moment later, Zhui Feng, who had been idly wandering in the courtyard, also lifted its head as a black Volkswagen sedan pulled up.

"Boss, you're back and didn't even say anything! You should have let us welcome you properly!"

Hu Xin was driving. Before the car even fully stopped, he rolled down the window and shouted at Zhang Yang. Beside him sat Gu Cheng, and in the back were Xiao Dai and Nannan.

"I was only gone for just over a month; what's there to welcome? When did you switch cars?"

Zhang Yang smiled slightly. Hu Xin was no longer driving their old second-hand Santana but a very new Passat, which was far superior and more comfortable than the Santana.

"It's not us who switched; the company already had it. After Old Wang stepped away from management, this car was left for us to use!"

Hu Xin grinned widely. The fact that he could drive this car was, in a way, thanks to Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang had purchased Boss Wang's shares, but since he himself couldn't manage the operations, he handed everything over to Hu Xin and Gu Cheng.

Their small company was merged into this large logistics corporation. They exchanged their company for shares, and Zhang Yang granted each of them a 12% stake, totaling 24% between them.

Their little company couldn't possibly be worth that much; frankly, twenty of their small companies wouldn't equal this single large logistics corporation, which boasted dedicated routes spanning the entire nation.

Because of this, both men initially wanted to refuse, but Zhang Yang stopped them before they could insist further.

Zhang Yang's reasoning was simple: they were responsible for the management, meaning they were earning money on his behalf. More shares were appropriate, and they both understood that Zhang Yang was helping them again, which is ultimately why they accepted.

Their status had changed, their rank elevated. They were quite different now compared to before.

There was actually another BMW sedan within the company. However, both men felt the BMW was too flashy; they preferred the more understated feel of the two Passats. They usually drove these when heading out, leaving the BMW for Boss Wang.

Boss Wang had relinquished operational control but still retained 49% of the shares, which would remain secure as long as he didn't cause trouble.

"Zhang Yang, we came prepared this time! Look what we brought!"

Xiao Dai got out of the car, saying to Zhang Yang with a smile. Hu Xin immediately opened the trunk and began pulling out item after item.

A massive slab of red beef, along with red wine and ingredients for making Western cuisine. Hu Xin unceremoniously carried the goods inside the house.

"Zhang Yang, the steak you make is incredible—better than what we get at those high-end Western restaurants. We've decided: tonight, we're only eating steak, and it has to be yours!"

Xiao Dai chuckled, implying that these friends had come not just to visit, but to commandeer Zhang Yang into being the kitchen slave for a delicious feast.

This left Zhang Yang feeling both amused and exasperated. What kind of welcome party was this?

Before he could say anything, he looked up again, and another vehicle appeared.

It was a familiar BMW, which took the corner at considerable speed before pulling up right behind Hu Xin's car.

"Zhang Yang, you're being unfair! If I hadn't run into Brother Cheng, I wouldn't have even known you were back!"

Su Zhantao stepped out of the car and immediately complained. Yang Ling, smiling, walked out from the passenger seat and joined Mi Xue and Xiao Dai.

Xiao Dai and Nannan were already acquainted with Yang Ling. Now that Xiao Dai and Nannan were business people, the women quickly found plenty of common ground.

Just as Su Zhantao finished speaking, two more cars arrived.

The fully recovered Wang Chen, and Li Ya, who was now running the new company, had both shown up. Huang Hai and Wu Zhiguo were with them; Chang Feng was away on official business and couldn't make it.

"Zhang Yang, you ran off too fast last time! I finally caught you this time. Tell me, how are we going to settle this score!"

Wang Chen shouted fiercely, and Li Ya adopted an equally accusatory stance. Huang Hai and Wu Zhiguo merely shrugged, indicating they wouldn't participate.

"How do you want to settle it? One-on-one challenge or a group brawl? You choose?"

Zhang Yang chuckled, flexing his fingers so they audibly clicked.

At his words, the aggression of the two immediately deflated. One-on-one meant Zhang Yang against both of them, and a group brawl meant the two of them against Zhang Yang, but no matter which they chose, neither stood a chance against him.

They had witnessed Zhang Yang’s prowess firsthand.

Su Zhantao covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. These two had tried to recruit him on the way over to gang up on Zhang Yang, but he had wisely refused.

"We are civilized people; you can't fight like that! A gentleman settles things with words, not fists!"

Wang Chen quickly waved his hands, and Li Ya nodded vigorously. Watching their demeanor, Huang Hai and Wu Zhiguo burst into laughter.

"Since you’re here, let’s all eat together. I'll treat you to steak!"

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. Hu Xin and the others had brought a massive slab of beef, enough for everyone present, but making steak for so many wouldn't be easy; he anticipated a strenuous effort this time.

Hearing about the delicious food, the crowd stopped messing around and all entered the house.

They were already familiar with Hu Xin and Gu Cheng, though previously, they hadn't paid them much mind. Now that the two managed Changjing's largest logistics company, they could barely be considered local celebrities.

Of course, they were only nearly celebrities; this circle wasn't just about having money—it required a certain depth of foundation.

What Hu Xin and Gu Cheng currently lacked was that very foundation.

The steaks were cooked quickly. Zhang Yang kept serving portions as he finished them, but no matter how much he produced, it wasn't enough to satisfy the pack of wolves outside; even Huang Hai abandoned all pretense of table manners and snatched his share.

Su Zhantao and the others had never tasted steak cooked by Zhang Yang before, making this their first experience. Upon tasting it, everyone's eyes lit up—Zhang Yang's steak truly surpassed what the Western restaurants served.

Zhang Yang's steak technique was genuinely learned from a master in France. However, that was a memory from a past life.

After Zhang Yang used his inner energy to speed up the cooking process, he finally managed to keep pace with the group's ravenous consumption speed, ultimately devouring the entire several tens of pounds of beef.

Full and satisfied, Wang Chen and the others lay back, groaning contentedly while clutching their stomachs.

They even joked about never leaving, planning to stay at Zhang Yang’s place to eat his steak every day. Li Ya even suggested that if Zhang Yang opened a Western restaurant, he could certainly crush all those so-called high-end establishments.

With their boisterous energy, the house felt much livelier.

After dinner, Wang Chen went outside and stared intently at Zhui Feng, causing Long Feng upstairs, who was watching the courtyard, to worry slightly. If Wang Chen annoyed Zhui Feng with his gaze, the creature could easily send him flying, which would spell disaster for Wang Chen.

Zhui Feng’s appearance captivated not just Wang Chen, but also Huang Hai and the others. A horse so pure white, without any trace of another color, was exceedingly rare. Zhui Feng wasn't a tall warhorse but appeared delicate and lovely; even Yang Ling was charmed by it.

The group peppered Zhang Yang with questions about the beautiful horse's origin.

Upon learning that Zhang Yang had encountered it unexpectedly on the grasslands, Wang Chen and the others shouted that they too needed to visit the grasslands, hoping to find an equally magnificent horse. They became quite envious of Zhang Yang's luck.

Their words caused Long Feng to shake his head almost imperceptibly. If these people went to the grasslands and actually encountered a Spirit Beast horse like Zhui Feng, it wouldn't be their luck, but their downfall. The power of Spirit Beasts was undeniable; they dreamed of capturing a horse, but they'd be lucky if the horse didn't capture them first.

Looking at Zhui Feng, Wu Zhiguo invited Zhang Yang to visit Hangzhou sometime.

Hangzhou had an Equestrian Association, the largest in the southeastern region. It housed many horses, including some rare, noble purebreds, and regularly hosted competitions.

Wu Zhiguo was taken with Zhui Feng, not necessarily wanting it to race, but its stunning appearance alone would cause a sensation there. Even the best horses in that circuit were not as beautiful or as inherently noble as Zhui Feng.

As soon as this was suggested, Zhui Feng bared its teeth and let out a sharp whinny.

Zhang Yang quickly walked over and gently soothed it for a moment before it settled down. Spirit Beasts were immensely proud; suggesting it associate with ordinary horses—it had already been gracious by not throwing a fit on the spot.

Shandian and Wuying were also secretly chuckling, looking rather gleeful at the misfortune.

Zhang Yang naturally declined Wu Zhiguo's suggestion. Many equestrian associations were simply games for wealthy young masters bored with life; Zhang Yang had seen such things in his past life and had no interest now.

Seeing Zhang Yang refuse, Wu Zhiguo looked somewhat regretful but said nothing. It was only a suggestion; whether Zhang Yang accepted or not was irrelevant. He had simply seen such a beautiful horse and instinctively thought of showing it off.

Everyone stayed for the afternoon, and they shared another meal that evening.

However, the evening meal was held at a hotel; Zhang Yang had no intention of waiting on this group of wolves in his own home.

When heading to the hotel, Zhang Yang brought along a jar of Monkey Wine. For ordinary people, Monkey Wine had properties that strengthened the body. He currently possessed ten jars gifted by the Li family, a generous supply, so sharing one jar was fine.

The deliciousness of the Monkey Wine indeed captivated everyone, but alas, there was only one jar, and it vanished before a few of them had their fill.

Su Zhantao and Huang Hai asked where they could buy such wine. When they learned it was a gift from people in the mountains and not available commercially, they all expressed regret. Wang Chen even proposed that they should travel into the mountains to see if they could purchase a batch of that wine.

His suggestion prompted Long Feng to shake his head secretly once more. Even if these men managed to enter the mountains, they wouldn't find the Li family's home. And even if they did, trying to buy Monkey Wine from the Li family was simply dreaming. The Li family's annual yield was limited. They had made such a large concession to Zhang Yang only because they had previously offended him and were eager to make amends; otherwise, Zhang Yang wouldn't have received so much Monkey Wine. (To be continued)RQ