Chapter Sixty-Nine: Guidance and Instruction

Su Zheng’s expression remained calm and composed, his gaze cold as he watched the two security guards rushing toward him. The others at the table were stunned with fear; after all, no one seated in this corner was of great importance—merely guests barely on the invitation list, none daring to say anything at this moment.

Chen Muxue’s body trembled slightly, yet at that instant, she found unexpected courage and stood up before anyone else. “Stop! You cannot harm Su Zheng!” Though somewhat anxious, her eyes fixed resolutely on the two guards as she rebuked them.

Su Zheng was deeply moved. He reached out and gently took Chen Muxue’s delicate hand. “Sit down, let me handle this.” He spoke softly, and as the two guards drew near, Su Zheng took out from his pocket a gold-trimmed invitation.

“Uh… this is... the Li family’s Golden Token!”
“How could he have the Golden Token?!”

The two guards froze instantly, their faces displaying shock and awe. Earlier, while chatting with Li Yanze, Su Zheng had learned that the invitation he was given was not an invitation at all, but rather the Li family's Golden Token. Much like Qiao Lan’s Vermilion Bird Card, anyone qualified to possess the Li family’s Golden Token was a close confidant, the most honored guest of the Li family.

“You... you are...” The guards were dumbfounded, realizing they had nearly offended the Li family’s most esteemed guest. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads as their bodies quivered. They dreaded to imagine the consequences if they had truly affronted Su Zheng.

“Sir, please forgive us—we deserve punishment! We beg you, since we didn’t know, please don’t hold it against us, we implore you!” The two guards dropped to their knees, bowing and pleading for mercy.

“Get up, this isn’t your concern anymore.” Su Zheng waved his hand dismissively, as though shooing away flies, sending the guards off.

Everyone at the table was frozen with shock, their faces marked by awe. Even those at neighboring tables sensed something had happened, though they couldn’t see clearly, as Su Zheng had already sent the guards away.

Feng Qingyuan narrowed his eyes, his face dark with displeasure. What he had thought would be easily resolved had turned complicated with Su Zheng’s display of the Li family’s Golden Token. Frustration and caution mingled in his heart, and he dared not act rashly against Su Zheng now.

“Heh... As far as I know, only a few Golden Tokens have ever been given out by the Li family. Those who qualify to receive them are all wealthy and influential figures in Qingyang. You—a useless member of the Chen family—where did you get it?” Feng Qingyuan’s smile turned sinister as he eyed Su Zheng suspiciously.

“Could it be stolen?” His tone was full of accusation.

“Do I need to explain myself to you? You’re not welcome here. Leave.” Su Zheng replied coldly, his voice commanding.

“You... Hmph! I’ll report this to my grandfather. If it turns out you stole the Li family’s Golden Token and are using it to deceive, your entire family will pay for it with you!” Feng Qingyuan threatened, his expression fierce.

His words made Chen Jianguo and Lü Hongmei uneasy once again.

“Su Zheng, tell me honestly, where did you get that token?” Chen Muxue, sensing the gravity of the situation, asked Su Zheng in a low, serious voice.

“It was truly a gift from the Li family. You must trust me. Let him say whatever he wishes—nothing will happen to us.” Su Zheng reassured her, his face bearing a confident, gentle smile, signaling her not to worry.

“Qingyuan, sitting at a table with a thief makes me worry that some people might just snatch away our belongings.” Chen Wenli deliberately glanced sideways at Su Zheng as she spoke to Feng Qingyuan.

After finishing, she purposefully held out her hand, showing off the ring on her finger with a look of pride. Now that Su Zheng possessed the Golden Token, seeking the Li family’s help to deal with him was impossible. Unwilling to leave defeated, Chen Wenli decided to humiliate Su Zheng’s family in another way.

“Oh, this is a ring from Dragon-Phoenix Jewels—must be worth a great deal!”
“Dragon-Phoenix Jewels is Qingyang’s most famous gold jewelry store. Their products are known for superior materials and exquisite craftsmanship!”
“I’ve heard they recently attended an international jewelry exhibition and won the award for Best Craftsmanship. The winning piece was supposedly a ring.”
“Mrs. Feng, could your ring be the award-winning one? Haha...”
“...”

There were quite a few women at the table. Although the recent events had frightened them, now that things had settled, their moods began to ease. Chen Wenli’s display of her ring drew a chorus of comments.

The title “Mrs. Feng” delighted Chen Wenli, her face brimming with pride and satisfaction.

“Please, don’t tease me. The ring that won the award abroad is called Starshine, I hear. The gemstones alone are worth a fortune. Qingyuan does have some money, but we’re not quite at that level yet.”

As she finished, many present shook their heads, showering Feng Qingyuan and his family with praise. After all, compared to the Feng family, the guests in this corner were of lesser status and did not hesitate to offer compliments.

“Haha... This ring was just bought for me by Qingyuan—worth six hundred seventy thousand. It’s decent, comfortable to wear. Look, does it suit me?” Chen Wenli, pleased with the flattery, extended her hand for everyone to admire, but exaggeratedly withdrew it when she reached Chen Muxue’s side.

“Oh, I nearly forgot—some people here are so poor they can barely afford food. How could I show off and upset them? Haha...”

Several people at the table couldn’t help but snicker, their gaze at Chen Muxue’s family akin to looking at beggars—pity mingled with contempt.

A look of self-doubt appeared on Chen Muxue’s face, her pale hand clenched tightly beneath the table, knuckles turning white. Beside her, Chen Jianguo and his wife sighed, even glaring resentfully at Su Zheng.

In their eyes, had their daughter not married Su Zheng, anyone else would have provided a better life. Even someone like Chen Wenli had managed to become engaged to the Feng family’s heir and received a ring, nearly at the stage of marriage. Their own daughter, beautiful and clever, had been dragged down by Su Zheng, whom they considered utterly worthless.

“Useless thing!” Chen Jianguo glared at Su Zheng, muttering a reprimand.

Chen Wenli was delighted by the scene, smiling smugly as she continued, “Muxue, has Su Zheng ever given you jewelry?”

Chen Muxue lowered her head, unsure how to respond—Su Zheng had never given her any jewelry. In fact, not even other gifts.

“Muxue, forgive me—I should have brought out the gift I prepared for you sooner.” At that moment, Su Zheng spoke, and took out a ring from his pocket.