As Li Yuanbo's car drove far into the distance, Zhou Qin finally came back to her senses and slowly walked back.

By this time, most of the patrons, both upstairs and downstairs at Di San Xian, had already departed. Li Yundong saw that the classmates who had come to show support had left one after another. Now, only the members of the Fox Zen Sect remained, along with Ziyuan and the others, plus Feng Na, Cheng Cheng, Cao Kefei, Liu Feier, and Yin Mengfan, who was lingering, totaling about a dozen people.

Although the number wasn't small, compared to the packed house upstairs and downstairs moments ago, the atmosphere was now considerably quieter.

Li Yundong glanced around. After everyone left, the ground was littered with uneaten fruit peels and shells, and the tea tables were messy with scattered cups—a complete wreck.

Li Yundong clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention, laughing, "Alright, this opening celebration is finally over. Clean up in a bit, maybe more guests will arrive later."

As soon as he spoke, Ziyuan took the lead in clearing the teacups from the table. Following her movement, Ruan Hongling also busied herself behind her, and Su Chan eagerly trotted along. Immediately after, the entire Fox Zen Sect mobilized.

Feng Na and Cheng Cheng laughed, "We'll help too!"

This left only Cao Kefei, Yin Mengfan, and Liu Feier as the idle ones sitting at the table, with nothing to do. Cao Kefei said somewhat awkwardly, "Maybe I should help too."

Li Yundong chuckled, "Forget it, CEO Cao. Please, sit comfortably. You are our guest; it’s not right for you to be running around."

Cao Kefei smiled and stopped insisting. Beside her, Liu Feier had been curiously scrutinizing Li Yundong’s stomach. Finally unable to contain herself, she asked, "Immortal Li, may I ask you a question?"

Li Yundong laughed, "Sure, but if you’re going to ask me where I hid that vat of water, you’d better keep it to yourself."

Liu Feier’s secret was exposed, and she immediately pouted, "How annoying! How did you know what I was going to ask?"

Li Yundong roared with laughter, "You’ve been staring directly at my belly this whole time; if I didn’t figure that out, I’d be a complete idiot! Besides, you’ve already called me an Immortal, so I must maintain a bit of immortal bearing!"

No matter where Liu Feier went, she was usually flattered and fawned over, and even the most outstanding and proud men treated her with courtesy. But this Li Yundong treated her with indifference, not taking her seriously, and dared to joke with her so casually!

If an uncle can bear it, an aunt cannot bear it!

Liu Feier replied, her annoyance mixed with indignation, "Do you really know everything?"

Li Yundong, elated from defeating Zhang Ling and the unprecedented success of the opening celebration, shook his head with a wide grin, saying pompously, "Not at all, not at all. But this old man knows the astronomy above and the English below; I know the origin of civilization five thousand years ago, and I know about 2012 two years from now!"

His statement made Feng Na and the others burst into laughter. Liu Feier also let out a giggle but quickly put on a straight face again, pointing at Cao Yi and the others, saying, "Then they’ve been staring at Sister Cao the whole time—do you understand anything about that?"

Li Yundong’s gaze swept swiftly over Cao Yi and the others. Seeing this, Cao Yi and the others instantly changed expression, quickly turning away with somewhat unnatural looks on their faces after Liu Feier’s remark.

He inwardly felt a strange curiosity but asked with a continued grin, "Martial Uncle Cao Yi, do you all find CEO Cao familiar?"

Cao Yi laughed, "The Sect Master is right. When I first saw CEO Cao, I thought she looked a lot like someone."

Zhuang Yating beside her also chimed in with a smile, "Me too. That’s why I kept staring at her. I apologize, CEO Cao, please don’t take offense."

Cao Kefei smiled, "I look like one of your friends?"

Liu Yuehong then spoke up, "I actually feel a sense of déjà vu looking at CEO Cao."

At this point, Su Chan also chimed in, "Yes, yes, the first time I met CEO Cao, I felt that way too."

The little foxes of the Fox Zen Sect chorused in agreement, "We did too."

Cao Kefei straightened up, unconsciously touching her face, and laughed, "Really? Who do I look like?"

Su Chan shook her head, "I don't know who, but it just feels very familiar."

Li Yundong then chuckled, "Martial Uncle Cao Yi, you and CEO Cao are both surnamed Cao—surely you aren't related, are you?"

Cao Yi chuckled, "If we go back a thousand years, we probably were." With that, they all laughed together.

Liu Feier looped her arm through Cao Kefei’s, winked, and teased, "Well, Sister Cao, I’ve found you a relative, shouldn't you thank me properly?"

Cao Kefei laughed, "How should I thank you? How about taking you on a ten-day trip to Sanya, Hainan?"

Liu Feier’s face immediately fell, "You want to throw me back to the film set? Hmph, no way! No matter where you go, I’m following! Don't even think about leaving me behind! If we die, we die together!"

Cao Kefei mock-scolded her, "Pah, pah! It’s a grand opening; what kind of words are those?"

Liu Feier realized her words were inappropriate. She lightly tapped her own mouth, then grinned at Li Yundong, "Immortal Li, I’ll punish myself with three cups!"

Saying this, she picked up the small teacup in front of her and drank three cups in quick succession.

Li Yundong gave her a thumbs-up and laughed, "What a capacity!"

Liu Feier giggled, striking a pose of daring spirit, and cupped her hands, "High praise, high praise!"

The two laughed heartily, and the previous awkwardness between them vanished like smoke.

After sitting down, Liu Feier whispered to Cao Kefei, "Sister Cao, this guy is quite interesting—capable and spirited. He’s much more amusing than those guys in our circle!"

Cao Kefei glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, a half-smile playing on her lips, "What, are you smitten?"

Liu Feier scoffed, "No way. He has so many beauties around him; it’s hardly my turn. Look at Ziyuan over there, walking up to Li Yundong," she said, pointing, "She’s like the Seventh Fairy descending to earth—such great temperament, so beautiful, and so virtuous! Is this Li Yundong perhaps Dong Yong reincarnated?"

Cao Kefei also looked at Ziyuan with a hint of jealousy. She remained silent for a long moment, then let out a soft sigh after a while.

Just then, Ziyuan leaned close to Li Yundong and spoke in a voice audible only to the two of them, "Li Yundong, did you notice anything peculiar?"

Li Yundong’s smiling expression didn't change, but his reply was low, "I noticed a little, but I’m not sure if it’s the same thing you noticed."

Ziyuan whispered, "Did you notice that Cao Yi and Zhuang Yating said Cao Kefei looks very much like someone they know? But Liu Yuehong and Su Chan said she feels familiar but can’t place who she resembles. Don't you find that odd?"

Li Yundong murmured, "It is a bit strange, but it doesn't necessarily prove anything. What I find strange is why Cao Yi and Zhuang Yating are in complete agreement."

Ziyuan pondered for a moment and said, "I don't know. We'll just have to keep paying attention."

Li Yundong replied, "Mhm, I’ll keep an eye out. But for now, the most important thing is to get Di San Xian established properly—the Fa Cai Lü Di Qi [Wealth, Companions, Location, Artifacts]. Once the revenue stream is settled, we can address other matters."

Ziyuan smiled faintly, "Today was a great start; I believe the business at Di San Xian won't be a problem."

Li Yundong nodded, "I'm confident too."

They whispered for a short while. In this brief time, Feng Na, Cheng Cheng, and the entire Fox Zen Sect had cleaned both upstairs and downstairs spotless.

Seeing Li Yundong standing aside talking to Ziyuan, Feng Na laughed, "Li Yundong, are you really an Immortal? A loafing Immortal—in short, a slacker!"

Li Yundong finally noticed they were done working. He laughed loudly and said, "All set? Good, we’ll prepare to open for business soon!"

With that, Li Yundong walked to the center of the first floor of the teahouse, one hand on his hip, the other sweeping grandly, gesturing over the land like a commander surveying his domain, declaring, "Comrades! Today's opening celebration for Di San Xian was grand, successful, complete, and victorious! On behalf of the Chairman and all employees of Di San Xian International Corporation, I extend my heartfelt regards for your hard work!"

As he spoke these words, continuous light laughter rippled through the group. Su Chan, seeing how successful and lively the opening of Li Yundong's teahouse had been, beamed with joy and was the first to start applauding.

The little foxes immediately joined in the commotion, and Feng Na and Cheng Cheng also laughed loudly, shouting, "We aren't tired, the leadership is working hard!"

Li Yundong was secretly amused. He, too, put on airs of leadership, extending his hand downwards and pressing it gently, saying, "Mhm, the leadership may be tired, but the comrades are even more so!"

Seeing Li Yundong play along so well, everyone burst into uproarious laughter together.

Cao Kefei watched Liu Feier resting her chin in her hand, looking at Su Chan and the others with admiration. She whispered quietly, "Envious?"

Liu Feier murmured softly, "Yeah. This guy is too much fun. I’m so envious of them; they must live very happily every day, unlike me, running around constantly, struggling for fame and fortune. Sigh, this life looks glamorous to others, but it’s actually incredibly dull."

Li Yundong, unaware of Cao Kefei and Liu Feier’s conversation nearby, continued his mock-serious tone, "Given everyone’s excellent performance today, I’ve decided that after we close, I’m going to treat everyone handsomely!"

The moment his words fell, the little foxes simultaneously raised their hands and cheered loudly, "Long live the Sect Master, long live!"

Su Chan’s eyes lit up as she pressed him, "Are we going out for fine food and drink?"

The little foxes chimed in eagerly, "Are we going shopping for new clothes?"

"Can we buy new bags?"

"I want to buy a new pair of shoes..."

Li Yundong bristled at this, quickly spreading his hands out in mock anger, "Nonsense! We haven't earned a single penny, and you’re already thinking about how to squander it! How can this be allowed!"

Ruan Hongling also joined the teasing, "Li Yundong, you just said you’d treat us, and now you’re going back on your word—that’s not very honorable!"

The little foxes chanted in unison, "Exactly, not very honorable at all!"

Their clear, bright shouts drew the attention of passersby outside the shop, who peered in with looks of envy and jealousy.

Li Yundong felt overwhelmed. He turned to Ziyuan and glared, "Hey, you’re a major shareholder too; say something at least!"

Ziyuan smiled sweetly and said, "What major shareholder? Saying that in front of CEO Cao and CEO Yin will just make us look ridiculous. Besides, those were your own words just now; stop looking at me."

Li Yundong put on an exaggerated expression, "You’re actually turning against me at the critical moment! Are you serious?"

Su Chan and the others laughed out loud. Just then, Zhou Qin returned. The moment Li Yundong saw her, he immediately exclaimed, "Zhou Qin, you’ve come at the perfect time. Tell me, we haven't made a dime, and these spendthrift girls are already thinking about fine food and drink and buying clothes and bags. Don't you think that’s excessive?"

Zhou Qin was instantly amused, and she laughed, "Excessive, extremely excessive. How can they be thinking about eating, drinking, and dressing up when we haven't made a cent?"

Li Yundong was thrilled and proudly declared to the little foxes, "Did you hear that? That's the wisdom of a seasoned statesman!"

Zhou Qin’s eyes darted, and she continued with a smile, "However, once we earn money today, then we can go eat, drink, and dress up! For food, we must go to Shangri-La; for clothes, we must go to Chanel and LV; for accessories, we must go to Cartier and Tiffany!"

Li Yundong gasped, "Whoa! Those are all world-class brands. Are you intentionally trying to bankrupt me?" Saying this, he walked over to Cao Kefei’s table, extended his hand, and said, "CEO Cao, may I borrow your eyebrow pencil?"

Cao Kefei, who had been stifling her laughter, saw Li Yundong ask for her brow pencil. She picked up her small purse, rummaged through her makeup bag, and produced a pencil, laughing, "What do you need this for?"

Li Yundong said irritably, "Just give it to me quickly." After taking the brow pencil, he faced the group and drew the locations of the five major organs on his clothes in the air. With a thoroughly rogue expression, he said, "However much you think I can sell this for, spend that much. Consider it me fulfilling your wishes and contributing to the development of the nation's GDP. How about that?"

Seeing Li Yundong act like a mischievous rogue, completely lacking the dignified air of an Immortal just moments before, they all burst into roaring laughter.

Ziyuan playfully chided him, "Look at you! What difference is there between you and a street thug?"

Li Yundong stopped joking around, let out a chuckle, and tossed the brow pencil back to Cao Kefei, who was bent over the table laughing. He said, "Alright, no more jokes. Everyone, get to work! If business is good today, I’ll treat everyone to the finest food and drink!"

Su Chan and the little foxes immediately cheered in unison, "Long live! Eating fine food and drink!"

Zhou Qin whispered to the side, "Master, don't you know their appetites? Aren't you afraid of eating yourself poor?"

Li Yundong declared with a roguish look, "We'll go to a buffet. I’m happy today; I’ll throw my reputation to the wind!"

Zhou Qin immediately snorted with laughter, "You don't care about your reputation, but I do! I’m not going!"

Li Yundong mock-scolded her, "You wicked girl! I can’t believe you’re my disciple—not only do you criticize, but you actually lead the opposition! Fine, go get busy. If no customers show up later, let's see if you’re still happy!"

Zhou Qin spat, "Pah, pah! Jinx! We’ll have customers flooding in later!"

Li Yundong laughed heartily, "I’ll take your good omen!"

After a session of verbal sparring and getting their fill of the opening celebration excitement, everyone finally settled down to prepare for business.

But Li Yundong and the others waited inside the shop for a while. They saw crowds bustling outside, and many people looked into Di San Xian, but not a single one stepped inside for tea.

What puzzled Li Yundong even more was that by afternoon, not a single customer had entered Di San Xian. A few people who seemed ready to come in for tea took one look inside, then immediately turned and hurried away, as if the entire place was filled with demons.

The Zhao Family Teahouse across the street, however, saw a few patrons enter, which brought the distraught Zhao Yougen momentarily back to life.

Li Yundong was utterly perplexed and wondered aloud, "Is this salted fish going to turn over? Why isn't anyone coming into our shop?"

Ziyuan frowned slightly, pondering in silence. Su Chan and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Why were no customers entering their shop while Zhao Yougen's place across the street was getting business?

What was the logic behind this?

=========================================== Fellow readers, it’s New Year's Eve! Happy New Year! Tangtang bows to wish every book friend a happy spring festival, a prosperous new year, and may all your wishes come true, haha! D