Others would not see Wang Xiaoniu as having been a country bumpkin before. Those who didn't know would surely think Wang Xiaoniu was from a prestigious family. That kind of demeanor seemed to have been cultivated for many years, but in reality, it was all the result of Wang Xiaoniu's efforts.
"I really admire you."
"Brother Ye, isn't this because you set a good example? You came from humble beginnings and became so powerful. If it weren't for your example, I wouldn't have had such great confidence in succeeding."
Looking at Wang Xiaoniu before him, dressed in a black outfit, her wavy hair exuding elegance, Ye Tiancheng couldn't help but nod in admiration.
"It's right for us to appreciate each other. Otherwise, how could we work together? We are the same kind of people, never content with mediocrity, which is why we ended up together. I believe we will have deeper cooperation in the future. Let's go, Selena."
"This name sounds even better when you say it than when others do."
While the two were exchanging pleasantries, the media invited by Ye Tiancheng were talking over there. Ye Tiancheng had already given them instructions, and soon the media came over to take pictures.
"Selena, look at the camera."
Ye Tiancheng deliberately put his hand on Wang Xiaoniu's shoulder, and then the two raised their glasses, pretending to be photographed inadvertently. They waved to the media friends.
Hou Mingzhu was so angry when she saw the photo that she almost exploded. She quickly took it to show her father.
"Dad, look. No wonder he didn't give me a gift yesterday. Ye Tiancheng already has another woman by his side. How can this woman wear such little clothing, and she's so beautiful."
"Mingzhu, don't rush. How can any other woman be called beautiful in front of you? No one can compare to my daughter."
Ignoring what her father was saying, Hou Mingzhu cried anxiously. Ye Tiancheng's move was too effective. Of course, this move was also suggested by Little Fatty. Little Fatty was no ordinary person now; he had become the Pig Head Strategist, full of wicked ideas, and had saved Ye Tiancheng a lot of money.
Hou Mingzhu's father had no choice but to send someone to inquire about Ye Tiancheng's situation. Ye Tiancheng quickly received the news.
The bait had been cast for a long enough time. Since the fishing rod had moved, it was time to reel in the net.
Ye Tiancheng immediately paid a visit. Hou Mingzhu was so excited that Ye Tiancheng had arrived, but only Hou Mingzhu's father was putting on airs.
"He comes when he wants, and if he doesn't want to, he'll be glorious with other women. This Ye Tiancheng is really something. Let's just not let him in."
"Dad, how can you say that? If you don't let Brother Ye in, then I don't want to live."
It was truly a case of a daughter not staying home. Hou Mingzhu's father saw that he had no choice and could only agree to his daughter's request.
Upon seeing Ye Tiancheng, Hou Mingzhu ran over and jumped onto Ye Tiancheng like a koala.
"Brother Ye, you finally came. I thought you had found a girlfriend outside and wouldn't come to see me anymore."
"I haven't found a girlfriend. If you see a photo of me with someone, it's about work. The photo was taken at a celebration party, and she's my colleague."
Hearing Ye Tiancheng's explanation, Hou Mingzhu was relieved. She got down from Ye Tiancheng but held tightly onto his arm, as if Ye Tiancheng would sprout wings and fly away the next second if she didn't.
Hou Mingzhu's father couldn't bear to watch, but his daughter was willing, and he really had no choice. He coughed twice and turned back into the house.
"Brother Ye, I received all the gifts you gave me. I love them so much that I haven't dared to use them. They're all packed in gift boxes."
"It's okay, use them if you like them. Don't be afraid. Once you use them, they'll be gone, and I'll buy you more."
"Thank you, Brother Ye."
Hou Mingzhu's father sighed continuously in the room. This marriage had to be settled. If they didn't get engaged, his daughter would become like this now, and she might cause a scene, leading to a mutual destruction.
"Sir, what should we do?"
"There's no other way. Prepare for the engagement. Try to maintain appearances. I don't care what that brat Ye Tiancheng is like, but my daughter must have her dignity."
There was no ceremony before because the Hou family had looked down on Ye Tiancheng and thought he was not presentable. But now it was different. Hou Mingzhu was like this, and there were already many rumors outside. The best way to silence everyone was to have a formal engagement ceremony, so people wouldn't think they were secretly together and that it was not presentable.
"Yes, Sir. What should I do now?"
The news of Ye Tiancheng and Hou Mingzhu's engagement spread quickly. After all, both of them had unusual statuses now, and this was considered big news.
Su Muxian, who had disappeared for a while, couldn't help but go to find Ye Tiancheng. They had agreed to calm down for a while, but Su Muxian didn't wait for Ye Tiancheng to turn back; instead, she heard the news of his engagement.
"Have you really decided to get engaged to Hou Mingzhu?"
"Of course, it's decided and won't change. The thing I want to do most at this stage is to get engaged to Hou Mingzhu."
"No, this is not the ending I want. We were so close to being together. You can't be with someone else. Brother Ye, do you have any difficulties?"
Ye Tiancheng could not tell anyone about the fragments of the Fuxi Qin. Telling them would only cause trouble, and the more people involved, the less beneficial it would be.
"Even if I have a plan, I can't tell you. Anyway, don't hinder me. Although your hindrance won't be of much use."
"I knew it. You must have some difficulties. I've been with you for so long, and I know how you feel about Hou Mingzhu."
Su Muxian finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Ye Tiancheng didn't have Hou Mingzhu in his heart. She had clearly overthought things. After getting Ye Tiancheng's definite answer, Hou Mingzhu felt much more at ease.
"Alright, Su Muxian, if you feel uncomfortable, it's best not to come to the engagement banquet tomorrow. Just think of me as a scumbag."
Even though she knew Ye Tiancheng had difficulties, Su Muxian couldn't help but feel very sad. It took her half a day for her emotions to calm down a bit, and her eyes were still red.
"I won't go. I can't bear to see you acting affectionately with another woman. I'd better go out and clear my head. I can't shut myself off, or I'll never get out of this gloom."
After speaking, Su Muxian left. After she left, the Nuwa Stone jumped out.
"Ye Tiancheng, you've hurt another woman. I'm not saying this to you, but you've increased your karma. A woman's heart should not be hurt."
"I don't want to be a scumbag, but to get the fragments of the Fuxi Qin, this is a step I must take. Whatever happens, maybe I can make up for it by doing good deeds when I find an opportunity."
After speaking, Ye Tiancheng went to bed early. He had to attend the engagement banquet tomorrow. For Ye Tiancheng, this was not a big deal, just a formality. However, he had to deal with many people, and he couldn't afford to be short of energy.
The next day, the engagement banquet was held outdoors. It was clear that Hou Mingzhu's father had spent a lot of money. The entire venue was themed with purple flowers, various flowers that Hou Mingzhu liked, such as lavender and wisteria. These were all prepared by Hou Mingzhu's father. Ye Tiancheng hadn't put much thought into it.
There were many guests at the scene. As one of the four major families, the Hou family had many acquaintances.
Ye Tiancheng's prediction was correct. There were indeed many people to socialize with. Many people came out of respect for the Hou family, but upon seeing Ye Tiancheng, they couldn't help but come to curry favor with him. Business people were like this; they could see benefits from people who were on the rise. Thinking that they might cooperate in the future, they were all eager to curry favor with Ye Tiancheng.
However, this was not a bad thing for Hou Mingzhu's father. At least his son-in-law was not like a farmer before, someone who was completely unpresentable and he didn't know how to introduce him. Now, Hou Mingzhu's father also felt proud.
At the engagement ceremony, Hou Mingzhu was stunning. Her purple dress elevated her elegance to a certain level. Everyone was envious that Hou Mingzhu and Ye Tiancheng could mend their relationship and prepare to walk into the hall of marriage again.
"This is bad. It seems a large group of people have arrived, and they have weapons."
The engagement ceremony could not afford any mistakes. It must be someone who disliked him and was causing trouble behind his back.
Ye Tiancheng had quite a few enemies. Upon hearing this news, he quickly used his highest privilege as a Golden Core stage cultivator, which was to temporarily stop time.
Ye Tiancheng ran quickly to the scene of the incident and saw a group of people, all wearing black suits, but they were all frozen. Only the leader, because of his higher cultivation level, was not frozen by Ye Tiancheng.
"Brother, you shouldn't come to my wedding to cause trouble."
"I'm just doing a job for money. I never thought I'd see a top-tier Golden Core cultivator in my lifetime. I probably can't beat you, but I have no regrets even if I die."
The man was dressed in white, out of place with his subordinates. He had long hair and a beard, and looked quite old. He had an air of an immortal.
"Who are you?"
"I am the White Robe Emissary of the Black Gate."
The Black Gate had previously sent people to deal with him. Now he had encountered an old friend again. Ye Tiancheng felt a sense of familiarity.
"I've dealt with quite a few of you from the Black Gate. How dare you come back? Do you think you haven't lost enough people?"
"I cannot disobey my master's orders. I just didn't expect, Mr. Ye, that you have cultivated to the highest level of the Golden Core stage and are about to break through. Do you have a high chance of becoming an immortal? We are no match for you."
"Stop flattering me. This is the first time I've seen a killer like you who doesn't kill or do anything but praises the target crazily. Is this your strategy?"
"I can't beat you, so I can't do anything. I can only praise you."
Ye Tiancheng really didn't want to increase his karma. It seemed this person was quite self-aware. It was best not to fight.
"Since you know you can't beat me, and I don't want to kill, you should leave quickly and not ruin my happy occasion."
"If we go back now, it's considered a defeat without a fight. The people of the Black Gate will not let us go. So, you should just hit us. Preferably, leave us with our lives."
There were still people like this in the world, begging to be hit. But Ye Tiancheng would not fall for the trick. Once he made a move, his karma would increase. He would not be so foolish as to increase his troubles to help others.
"I won't make a move. You should leave quickly. If I make a move, I'm afraid your abilities are weak and you can't withstand it. What if I kill you? I don't want to bear such a heavy sin."
"But if we hit ourselves, it will be seen through. Please help us, Mr. Ye. You are compassionate and merciful. I heard you like doing charity work and have built many school buildings for poor students. I personally admire you very much."