Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Press Conference
Watching Zhang Yaqingâs enchanting figure disappear, Chen Xiao sighed helplessly. He squeezed the small, still-warm gift in his hand for a moment before tossing it aside. Though promiscuous by nature, he didnât like to force others. As for the two prescriptions, he would just consider them a gift to Zhang Yaqing and leave the rest to fate.
He pulled the covers over his head and tried to sleep, but he tossed and turned, unable to rest. In the end, his gaze fell upon what Zhang Yaqing had left for him...
---
The next morning, Chen Xiao woke up and stretched his lower back. "No wonder Master was so strict with me," he muttered. "Turns out this stuff really takes a toll on your body. No wonder the ancients stressed the harmony of yin and yang..."
After a simple meal, he went outside to practice a few sets of forms to loosen up. Xu Yanran came over, ostensibly to ask him about martial arts, but in reality, she was indirectly fishing for Chen Yanzuâs contact information.
Seeing Xu Yanran so fixated on Chen Yanzu, Chen Xiao was rather speechless. "Iâve already told you, Chen Yanzu is me. Why wonât you believe it?"
"Youâre not worthy! Donât you dare compare yourself to my Yanzu!" Xu Yanran said with utter disdain.
Chen Xiao replied earnestly, "Itâs not out of the question for you to pretend Iâm him. Weâre good brothers. Just turn off the lights, bury your face in your arm, close your eyes... itâs all the same. Who knows, I might even be bigger."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Xu Yanran cried out, her face etched with disgust.
However, upon reflection, she realized that over the past few days, she had been discovering more and more of Chen Xiaoâs good qualities. The image of Chen Yanzu in her mind was even starting to blur...
This realization sent a wave of panic through her. How can this guy possibly compare to Yanzu? I must be losing my mind!
She gritted her teeth, reminding herself to stay rational.
But as Chen Xiao stood beside her offering guidance, the faint masculine scent wafting from him made her even more flustered. Her cheeks grew hot, and her mind began to wander. She didnât snap back to reality until Chen Xiao slapped her on the bottom.
Chen Xiao pouted. "Iâm over here teaching you diligently. What are you getting distracted for?"
Indignant at being taken advantage of, Xu Yanran instinctively threw an elbow at Chen Xiao, who was standing behind her.
This guy is so infuriating! He always ruins things right when Iâm starting to see him in a better light!
Chen Xiao effortlessly dodged her attack.
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!
A rapid succession of slaps followed, sending Xu Yanran stumbling forward. A fiery pain stung her bottom. Shame and anger welled up inside her, yet a strange, tingling sensation also spread through her body, making her instinctively clench her thigh muscles...
"Donât ask me to coach you in martial arts again. I donât teach students who arenât serious," Chen Xiaoâs voice came from behind her. When she turned around, the guy had already run off.
"Whoâs your student? Youâre so shameless..." Xu Yanran seethed through gritted teeth.
"Aunt Xu, are you alright?" Li Biyun asked with concern as she ran over.
"Iâm fine," Xu Yanran said, her pretty face flushing with embarrassment. "I just worked up a sweat. Iâm going to head back and change."
With that, she did her best to appear normal as she walked away.
Getting slapped a few times by that guy and reacting like that... Itâs just too humiliating.
---
As evening approached, Luo Qingli drove to pick up Chen Xiao for the new product launch event.
On the way, Luo Qingli said, "Tonightâs product launch is a very grand affair. Many prominent figures will be there. And the Jiang brothers will be making an appearance as well."
"Zhang Yi must have successfully infiltrated them by now, right?" Chen Xiao asked casually.
"Yes, he already reported to me. Heâs personally in charge of the slide presentation for the conference."
"Tsk, tsk..." Chen Xiao chuckled. "I can already imagine how exciting this banquet is going to be."
When they arrived at the event, many of Yuncheng Cityâs elite had already gathered, all of them chattering excitedly.
"I heard that Genesis Pharmaceuticals, spearheaded by the two young masters of the Jiang Family, has developed an extraordinary beauty product that outshines everything else on the market!"
"Is it really that amazing?"
"Itâs true. I have a friend who managed to become a high-ranking executive at Genesis Pharmaceuticals. According to him, the productâs effects are even more incredible than anyone can imagine!"
"It looks like Genesis Pharmaceuticals is about to become a dark horse and sweep the entire beauty industry."
"That may be, but have you heard the gossip? They say that formula was stolen from the Luo..." Before the man could finish, someone clamped a hand over his mouth.
"You canât say that! Are you trying to get us all killed?"
"Discussing that here? You must be tired of living!"
The others quickly distanced themselves from the reckless fool, not wanting to get too close.
"Luo Qingli is here!"
"She looks calm, but if the rumors are true, she must be furious, right?"
"What can she do? She canât outplay them. The business world is a battlefield; it takes brains, not just strength!"
After all, Yuncheng City was a small place. The slightest rumor could spread like wildfire, so it was no surprise that news of the Luo Groupâs stolen beauty formula had leaked. It seemed to be Luo Qingliâs misfortune; she had done all the hard work just for someone else to reap the benefits.
The guests looked at Luo Qingli with a mixture of pity, mockery, and schadenfreude. Faced with their stares, Luo Qingli remained unfazed. As for Chen Xiao, as soon as he took his seat, he started eating and drinking as if he were at home. In his view, these kinds of banquets were incredibly boring. Only the food and wine held any interest for him.
Now... all there is to do is wait for the show to begin!
Suddenly, everyone in the room rose to their feet, their eyes fixed respectfully on the entrance. Jiang Tianquan and Jiang Tianyi led the way, flanked by Qin Zihao and Su Yingxue, as well as Xiao Han and Luo Linlin. Zhang Yi trailed behind them.
Compliments and flattery followed them wherever they went. Every one of them wore a smug, triumphant smile.