Liu Fushang found himself in an awkward predicament.
Truly awkward.
It was the first time in many years that he had experienced such a moment of embarrassment.
He was caught between staying and leaving, his hands restlessly rubbing his trouser legs, hoping to somehow dispel the awkwardness.
Long Aotian was too disloyal, inviting him for a drink and then abandoning him.
Couldn't he have glanced back?
Just a glance, didn't he see someone standing behind him?
"Young Master Xia, allow me to introduce you. The gentleman at the entrance is Liu Fushang from Han Province, and he's an old acquaintance of mine," Jiang Quanshui said, observing Liu Fushang standing awkwardly by the door.
Upon hearing Jiang Quanshui's introduction, Long Aotian finally came to his senses. He had been too excited and had forgotten about his comrade.
"Master, this is an old comrade of mine, currently serving in Han Province," Long Aotian quickly added.
Liu Fushang was so touched that he finally felt remembered.
"Then come and sit with us for dinner," Xia Feng beckoned him over.
"Thank you, Young Master Xia," Liu Fushang, not understanding Xia Feng's status, could only address him as "Young Master" like everyone else.
Someone whom even Long Aotian knelt before and called Master had to be an incredibly powerful figure.
"You, Secretary Wang, go and serve by the door," Liu Fushang turned and instructed his secretary.
Secretary Wang was not qualified to be present at such a banquet.
Secretary Wang nodded upon hearing this, slowly retreated, and gently closed the door.
"Duke Peter, long time no see," Long Aotian greeted Dula Peter.
"Duke Peter?"
Liu Fushang was taken aback. Duke Peter of Great Britain?
No wonder he looked somewhat familiar. So this foreigner was also a big shot. Recalling Duke Peter's respectful attitude as he poured tea for Xia Feng, Liu Fushang was stunned for a moment.
What kind of divine figures were these? He suddenly realized he was just a minor figure here, not even daring to speak.
"Team Leader Long, I trust you are well," Dula Peter smiled.
Jack Ma and the other two looked at Long Aotian with confusion. Judging by Dula Peter's greeting, the Long Team Leader present was undoubtedly a top figure in some field in China.
"Young Master Xia is truly amazing, 666."
"Such awesome figures are eagerly seeking to curry favor with him. This move is too brilliant."
Jiang Quanshui felt a secret sense of pride. Fortunately, he had quietly taken a photo; such a magnificent moment was now recorded by him.
"Master, why is this old fellow here in China?" Long Aotian respectfully asked Xia Feng.
"Ask him yourself," Xia Feng smiled.
"Don't just claim me as your master, I haven't officially recognized you yet," Dula Peter looked at Long Aotian triumphantly. His words implied that Xia Feng was his master, and Long Aotian shouldn't presume a relationship.
"Master, when did you take on a junior disciple like me?" Long Aotian began to employ his shameless tactics.
"That's why there are no such things as cold, aloof male gods or high-and-mighty goddesses. It's all pretense of being deep and cool."
"In front of you, they are goddesses, but behind your back, you don't know what scandalous things they might be doing."
"Once you truly let go of your pretense, everyone is the same; thick skin is all you need."
This was exactly Long Aotian's situation now. He, who had been speechless moments ago, was now eloquently speaking.
Liu Fushang looked at Long Aotian, utterly incredulous. Could a person's personality be switched at will?
"Who are you calling my junior disciple? *You* are the junior disciple!" Dula Peter retorted loudly.
"Stop arguing. If you want to argue, go outside. We're eating now," Xia Feng scolded them both.
The two immediately lowered their heads like naughty children who had made a mistake.
They secretly glared at each other, neither willing to concede.
Liu Fushang felt as if he was sweating profusely throughout the meal. Everyone at the table was trying to get close to Xia Feng, and he was merely an outsider, not daring to ask or say anything.
After the meal, he finally had a chance to pull Long Aotian aside to inquire about the situation. To his surprise, Long Aotian, acting like a subservient junior, rushed to press the elevator button.
He now admired Long Aotian, thinking that shamelessness was a skill easily learned.
Truly good, truly enviable.
After Xia Feng went to his room, Long Aotian also took a room there. Seeing his chance, Liu Fushang followed Long Aotian into his room and hurriedly closed the door.
The two were acting sneakily, like a couple in the early stages of a relationship, impatient.
"Long Aotian, tell me what's going on," Liu Fushang, in his urgency, directly called him by name.
At this moment, Long Aotian resumed his cold demeanor and looked at Liu Fushang, asking, "What do you want to know?"
"Who exactly is Young Master Xia?" Liu Fushang asked.
"Hmph, don't ask what you shouldn't," Long Aotian tossed this sentence out and turned to walk towards the sofa.
"Stop pretending to be aloof, where did that smiling face go? That fawning attitude?" Liu Fushang quickly followed and asked.
"Hmph," Long Aotian snorted coldly again and began to make tea for himself.
"Don't be like that, tell me. I promise I won't tell anyone," Liu Fushang remained filled with curiosity.
He had received too much stimulation today and couldn't digest it all at once.
He was determined to get to the bottom of it now.
Long Aotian glanced at his old comrade and said seriously, "You absolutely must not say a word."
"Mmm-hmm, I promise I won't," Liu Fushang nodded immediately. Besides, no one would believe him if he did.
"He is a man like a god."
Long Aotian raised his head, gazing at the ceiling with a look of longing, his eyes filled with adoration.
Liu Fushang: ...
What was the difference between this and saying nothing?
"Be serious," Liu Fushang reminded him.
"Even Old Huang has to be respectful to him," Long Aotian whispered to Liu Fushang, leaning in.
Hiss...
Liu Fushang was stunned, frozen in place.
...
Jack Ma, Penguin Ma, and Jiang Quanshui gathered in a room, all speculating about Long Aotian's identity.
"President Jiang, you have a good relationship with him, don't you know anything?" Penguin Ma asked.
"How would I know? But judging by his demeanor, he must be someone very powerful."
Jiang Quanshui was quite pleased with his own analysis.
"Aren't you stating the obvious? Anyone can see that. Just the way he spoke to Duke Peter, and moreover, there was even a Liu Fushang accompanying him," Jack Ma, adept at analyzing problems, offered his opinion.
The three of them, like gossiping village aunties, huddled together, each contributing their guess.
"Heh heh... do you really want to know?" Jiang Quanshui suddenly smiled, a look of mystery on his face.
"Of course, hurry up and tell us if you know something," Penguin Ma cursed, urging him on.
"Come and look," Jiang Quanshui, with a knowing grin, took out his phone.
Jack Ma and Penguin Ma quickly leaned in, eager to see.
"Damn, isn't this the photo of him kneeling when he first arrived?" Jack Ma and Penguin Ma exclaimed in unison, even letting out a curse.
"Is he kidding us?"
"Don't worry, I'll let you know soon."
Jiang Quanshui, appearing to have everything figured out, began his revelation.