Chapter Twenty-Two: The Toad Covets the Swan

While speaking, he even put on the air of a host, inviting Wang Bo into the private room without so much as a glance at Qin Feng. Wang Bo frowned, about to say something, but was stopped by Qin Feng.

“Since he’s so insistent, let’s go in and take a look,” Qin Feng said lightly.

“Oh?” Du Ping sneered, his eyes darkening as he looked at Qin Feng. He hadn’t expected Qin Feng to challenge him so openly, right in front of everyone.

“Well, well, Qin Feng, you’re bolder than I thought,” Du Ping mocked, reaching out to throw an arm around his shoulders.

Qin Feng only shrugged, meeting his gaze without a trace of fear.

“What are you doing, Du Ping? Let him go!” Wang Bo frowned, his voice tense.

“Oh, is Young Master Wang angry now?” Du Ping snorted, shooting Qin Feng a look full of disdain. “What’s your deal?” Qin Feng asked, frowning.

“My deal?” Du Ping’s face twisted with derision. “I’m saying you’re just a toad lusting after a swan. Let me tell you, Su Xue would never look at someone like you!”

Hearing this, Qin Feng suddenly felt there was little point in staying with these people. He was about to leave when someone tapped him on the shoulder.

“Mr. Qin, how come you didn’t tell me you were coming?” a familiar voice said.

Qin Feng recognized the voice instantly. Turning, he saw Lin Wanting standing there.

The group, who had been ready to mock Qin Feng further, fell silent at the sight of her.

Who was Lin Wanting? She was a renowned businesswoman, famous throughout Jianghai.

“Miss Lin, what brings you here?” Qin Feng asked, puzzled.

Lin Wanting smiled gracefully. “I’m hosting a banquet here tonight. Didn’t I send you an invitation? Why didn’t you let me know when you arrived?”

“I was just saying hello to some old classmates,” Qin Feng replied, unconcerned.

It was only then Lin Wanting noticed Wang Bo beside Qin Feng. Her delicate brows arched in curiosity. She had actually spotted Qin Feng outside earlier, but since tonight’s banquet was hosted at Jade Pavilion, she hadn’t approached him. Just as she was about to do so, she overheard someone ridiculing him.

“And this is?” she asked, looking at the stunned Wang Bo, finding his reaction rather amusing.

Wang Bo was at a loss. Of course, he hoped his friend was doing well, but to be standing before someone like Lin Wanting—a perfect beauty of wealth and status—was daunting. There’s an old saying: you worry your brothers will have it rough, but you worry even more when they’re doing too well.

“I’m Wang Bo, Feng’s childhood friend!” he blurted, not waiting for Qin Feng to introduce him.

“Wang Bo…” Lin Wanting echoed, searching her memory. Suddenly, realization lit her eyes. “You wouldn’t happen to be the ‘Diamond Bachelor’ everyone talks about?”

Wang Bo gave an awkward laugh. “Well, I suppose that’s me.”

Though clearly embarrassed, he kept his smile.

“So you’re Feng’s old classmate. If you’re interested, why not join us upstairs?” Lin Wanting said with a gentle smile.

Wang Bo quickly waved his hands, modestly declining, “Miss Lin, you’re too kind.”

Lin Wanting simply smiled, saying nothing more.

The three of them made no move to linger. They had no interest in attending this sort of competitive classmate gathering.

Qin Feng and Lin Wanting walked into the hotel’s grand hall together. Whether by intention or not, Lin Wanting slipped her arm through his.

“Qin Feng, what exactly is going on with you these days?” Lin Wanting suddenly asked in a low voice.

“Me?” Qin Feng was momentarily caught off guard, not understanding her meaning.

She leaned in, her breath close to his ear. “I heard you gifted Master Yan a landscape scroll—is that true?”

“It’s true. That was my gift to my teacher. Why would I fake something like that?” Qin Feng replied with a bright smile.

Trailing behind them, Wang Bo watched the two laughing and chatting. To say he wasn’t envious would have been a lie. After all, this was Lin Wanting—the “Ice Queen” of Jianghai. Who wouldn’t be dazzled by her?

Once seated, Wang Bo couldn’t wait any longer and leaned in.

“Feng! Be honest—what are you really up to these days?” It had only been a little over a month since they last met, yet his friend seemed transformed. Wang Bo couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—fate truly does play tricks on people.

Seeing Wang Bo’s anxious expression, Qin Feng smiled faintly, not intending to hide anything. “Honestly, I’ve just been playing with jade gambling stones, and made a small fortune.”

“Yeah right. How much money can you really make with gambling stones?” Wang Bo scoffed. That game was a bottomless pit; he liked investing, but never touched anything akin to gambling.

Qin Feng replied lazily, “At least it’s more reliable than just muddling through life.”

“Tch!” Wang Bo brushed him off, unwilling to discuss it further.

Qin Feng could tell Wang Bo didn’t believe a word, but said no more. Some things, after all, had to be experienced to be understood.

He patted Wang Bo’s shoulder, smiling. “Bo, the world is a lot bigger than you think. Don’t trap yourself in a tiny circle. If you’re interested, I’ll show you the true world of jade gambling someday.”

As his words faded, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed. A single spotlight fell on the center stage, where an elegantly dressed hostess took the stage to declare the banquet officially open.

With Lin Wanting still holding his arm, Qin Feng was led to the main table.

On their way, many guests cast curious and admiring glances their way. After all, Lin Wanting’s status in Jianghai’s business world was extraordinary, and her walking arm in arm with Qin Feng naturally set tongues wagging.

“Miss Lin, may I ask who this gentleman is?” A middle-aged man inquired with thinly veiled curiosity.

Lin Wanting smiled gently and replied, “This is Qin Feng, a friend of mine—and a truly talented young man.”

Her endorsement made the surrounding guests look at Qin Feng with newfound respect.

He greeted them with polite nods, knowing that keeping a low profile mattered most here. He didn’t flaunt his abilities, blending into the upper-class gathering with calm confidence.

Midway through the banquet, Lin Wanting suggested, “Qin Feng, don’t you have a unique insight into jade? Jade Pavilion has prepared several raw stones tonight for viewing and discussion. Why don’t we join in the fun?”

Qin Feng’s eyes lit with interest. An invitation like this was exactly what he wanted.

Together, they made their way through the crowd to the exhibition area, where several raw stones of various shapes and vivid hues were artfully arranged on display stands, each accompanied by a professional appraisal and price estimate.