After hanging up, Zhang Yang carried Mi Xue back to the room. Their lodging presented another immediate problem concerning Zhui Feng, which was finally resolved through Long Cheng's intervention.
Most hotels prohibit pets, especially one as large as Zhui Feng, and only after Long Cheng pulled some strings were they allowed entry. This slightly soured Zhang Yang's mood; the chain hotel in Pengcheng where he held a significant stake didn't have a branch there, which would have eliminated all this hassle.
If it were his own establishment, none of this trouble would have arisen. Carrying Mi Xue back, the sky had completely darkened.
Mi Xue wouldn't wake up for a while yet; Zhang Yang had already released the pressure points, but she was still absorbing the medicinal power left by Wuying. They had booked the Presidential Suite, but it was rather small, offering only two bedrooms.
Long Feng and Long Cheng booked separate rooms, leaving the master bedroom for Zhang Yang and Mi Xue, and the other for Qu Meilan. "Ring, ring, ring!" Just as twilight settled, Mi Xue’s phone rang again.
Seeing the number, Zhang Yang managed a wry smile, shaking his head helplessly. It was the same number as before—a mobile number.
It seemed Mi Xue’s impatient cousin had already tracked them down. "Zhang Yang, is my phone ringing?" Mi Xue sat up groggily from the bed, looking quite lost.
Her last memory was being in the car; how had she suddenly ended up in a hotel, lying in bed? "It’s yours, your cousin.
She’s probably at the hotel!" Zhang Yang handed over the phone with a chuckle, and Mi Xue quickly answered. The call was indeed from Mi Xue's cousin.
She was currently in the hotel parking lot, urging Mi Xue and Zhang Yang to come down quickly because dinner was ready at home, waiting for them. Mi Xue's cousin was truly impatient.
The call ended as soon as it began, before Mi Xue could properly respond, and she hung up, making Mi Xue shake her head in resignation. "Zhang Yang, I can't believe I slept so soundly!" Looking at Zhang Yang, Mi Xue felt a flush of embarrassment.
She lowered her head, thinking it shameful that she had fallen asleep like that. "Ah!" As soon as she lowered her head, Mi Xue let out a small scream, and her face instantly turned crimson.
She saw the revealing, tight outfit she was wearing. She knew perfectly well how that outfit came to be on her body, and she recalled the wild things they had done earlier.
This made her blush even harder, unable to meet Zhang Yang's gaze. She chastised herself internally for being so reckless today—wearing such attire out, and engaging in street racing.
All of it seemed unbelievable to her. The previous her could never have done such things.
"You go out first, I need to change!" After blushing for a moment, Mi Xue could stand it no longer and pushed Zhang Yang out of the bedroom, leaving him somewhat bewildered. They were practically an established couple; what was the big deal about changing clothes?
He didn't realize Mi Xue needed a moment of privacy due to her intense shyness. While changing, Mi Xue’s face turned scarlet again.
She had seen this provocative outfit a few days ago while window-shopping at a daring boutique. She had been intrigued then, thinking of buying it to wear privately for Zhang Yang.
After all, this black leather ensemble that only covered the crucial parts while exposing her midriff was too much; Mi Xue wasn't that liberated yet. She never imagined she would be bold enough to actually wear it out.
With her face still red, Mi Xue finished changing and rushed out, grabbing Zhang Yang's arm as they headed for the door. While she was changing, her cousin had called four more times, demanding they hurry.
If Mi Xue hadn't told her the room number, the cousin would have likely stormed up herself. Even so, she had been stopped from inquiring at the front desk by the person accompanying her.
After exchanging brief words with Qu Meilan and Long Feng, Zhang Yang headed out. Since they were visiting Mi Xue’s relatives today, it wasn't appropriate for the others to tag along.
The hotel had a restaurant, and the others could dine there later. After all, none of them lacked funds; even Qu Meilan possessed a card with several hundred thousand yuan on it—money given to her by Wu Zhiguo's brother during a past engagement, which she had never needed to use.
"Sis, I'm over here!" As soon as they stepped out of the hotel lobby, someone across the way waved enthusiastically at them. Standing there were two young people, a man and a woman.
The girl was about one meter sixty-eight tall, similar in height to Mi Xue, looking delicate and very pretty—she was the one waving excitedly. Beside her stood a young man in his early twenties, slightly taller than Zhang Yang, lean and appearing quite energetic.
Mi Xue linked arms with Zhang Yang and walked over. "Sis, why were you so slow?
Mom is practically pacing at home!" The girl immediately took Mi Xue’s hand, speaking excitedly. After looking at Mi Xue for a moment, she said with envy, "Sis, what makeup have you been using recently?
Tell me the brand! You look so much prettier than before!" The young man beside her also studied Mi Xue for a moment, a flash of stunning admiration crossing his eyes.
It was fleeting, unnoticed by anyone, and then his expression normalized. "I haven't used any makeup.
I just fell asleep, which took up all that time. Since you're anxious, let's head back quickly!" Mi Xue shook her head.
She truly hadn't used any cosmetics, only basic products. Her transformation was entirely due to consuming the Youth Preserving Elixir, spiritual herbs, and cultivating internal energy.
As a cultivator, Mi Xue naturally possessed an aura that ordinary people lacked. This aura enhanced her beauty significantly.
Mi Xue pulled the girl close and smiled, "Xiao Jing, let me introduce you. This is my fiancé, Zhang Yang..." "I've heard all about you!
We just spoke on the phone, right, Brother-in-law?" Mi Xue hadn't finished speaking before the girl burst out laughing, winking playfully at Zhang Yang—a very endearing gesture. Mi Xue had long been aware of her cousin’s personality and could only smile helplessly.
"Hello, Brother-in-law. My name is Zhang Jing.
Technically, we're family now, but don't think that means I won't stand up for myself. If you dare bully my sister, I won't let you off, hmph!" The girl playfully raised a small fist toward Zhang Yang in a mock threat.
Unfortunately, her appearance wasn't inherently fierce, so the threat lacked any menace, instead lending an additional charm to her playful demeanor. "Sis, Brother-in-law, this is my boyfriend, Da Fei.
He’s one year ahead of me in school; he's already graduated and now works at the Municipal Government!" Mi Xue's cousin, Zhang Jing, pulled the boy beside her forward, announcing him with pride. As she spoke, she looped her arm through his, beaming with happiness.
It was clear Zhang Jing was deeply fond of her boyfriend, Da Fei. "Excuse me, my name is Liu Fei.
Xiao Jing likes to call me Da Fei because I'm older than her, and she's Xiao Jing—so I’m Da Fei!" Da Fei stepped forward quickly, speaking in a soft voice, his face slightly flushed. His timid manner instantly gave Mi Xue a favorable impression, though she worried if such a shy boy could handle Zhang Jing, whose personality was often more assertive than a boy's.
"Enough talking, everyone! I’m hungry, and Mom and Dad are waiting at home!" Zhang Jing tugged on Liu Fei's hand, and Liu Fei immediately nodded, heading to the nearby parking lot to get the car.
Zhang Yang didn't mention driving; since they had a car, they might as well use it. The few cars Zhang Yang had brought were rather ostentatious, and he preferred to avoid any misunderstandings.
A moment later, a black Audi sedan pulled up. This Audi was impressive and large, looking quite imposing.
Zhang Yang recognized the model; it cost nearly a million on the market—a true luxury car. Neither he nor Mi Xue expected the seemingly meek Liu Fei to drive such a vehicle.
"Sis, Brother-in-law, this isn't his car. He's just a driver; how could he afford something this nice?
He only drove the unit's car over because you're visiting today, so we could indulge in a little corruption once!" Zhang Jing said with a laugh from the passenger seat, right as the Audi pulled up, and she turned to slide into the front passenger seat. Zhang Yang couldn't help but smile.
Mi Xue's cousin certainly had an endearing personality. Using a government car for personal errands might technically be corruption, but that was common practice in many places, so Zhang Yang couldn't fault her.
While the car was indeed official, there was one detail Zhang Jing omitted. The car had been donated to the Municipal Government by Liu Fei's father, who had used considerable influence to get Liu Fei a driver position there.
Of course, his academic qualifications were also a major factor. Both Liu Fei and Zhang Jing graduated from Jincheng Kainan University, a top domestic institution.
With good education and family backing, Liu Fei easily secured his position in the city government. Even Zhang Jing's mobile phone was a birthday gift from Liu Fei.
Zhang Jing’s home wasn't far. Pengcheng wasn't as sprawling then as it is now.
Ten minutes later, the car pulled into a standard residential compound, finally stopping in front of one of the apartment blocks. Mi Xue's aunt and uncle both worked for the same institution: the bank.
A job in the banking system was highly desirable. Even though her parents weren't high-ranking officials, it was enough to ensure Zhang Jing lived comfortably, raised like a little princess.
Zhang Jing differed from Mi Xue in one way: she was an only child, unlike Mi Xue who had a younger brother. This might be a contributing factor to her demanding nature—her family spoiled her excessively.
Zhang Jing’s apartment was on the third floor, a three-bedroom, two-living-room unit—quite spacious. The size of the dwelling indicated her parents were above average employees, Zhang Yang noted with a slight nod.
A table laden with food had already been prepared. As the door opened, Mi Xue’s aunt rushed forward, holding Mi Xue’s hands and looking at her with great excitement.
She had married into Pengcheng and didn't return to her hometown often, so seeing her kin in this city brought her immense joy. Mi Xue’s uncle welcomed Zhang Yang inside.
Liu Fei acted completely at ease, suggesting that Zhang Jing’s family treated him like one of their own.