Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Disdain at the Gathering
Qin Fei glanced at Team Leader Zhang and replied, "I'm fine; just need a little rest."
Team Leader Zhang advised, "In the future, when faced with such situations, don't act so impulsively. Fortunately, the river calmed suddenly yesterday, or else..."
"Cough, cough, well, Team Leader Zhang, let's head inside," Qin Fei quickly interrupted, fearing he might reveal too much.
As they entered the hall, Su Yu, after much hesitation, couldn't help but ask, "What were you two doing yesterday?"
"Nothing much," Qin Fei replied casually. "We just went down to the river to fish and accidentally slipped into the water."
Upon hearing this, Su Yu didn't immediately express her feelings but kept staring intently at Qin Fei's face.
She had a nagging suspicion that Qin Fei was lying to her.
"Could they be referring to yesterday's rescue incident?" Su Yu thought to herself, then quickly shook her head, "Impossible, he doesn't have that kind of courage."
Upon entering the main hall, they found a crowd had already gathered.
Not recognizing anyone, Qin Fei stood there in silence, unsure of how to initiate a conversation.
"What's the matter? Just staring blankly at home? Can't even greet people when you come out?" A middle-aged man approached and scolded him.
Qin Fei looked at him blankly, unsure of how to respond.
"Uncle, he's been feeling unwell lately," Su Yu frowned, defending him.
Regardless of the situation, Qin Fei was her husband, and any embarrassment he faced reflected on her.
The uncle snorted and said, "Still lazing around at home? Why haven't you gone out to find a job?"
Qin Fei scratched his head and replied, "I'm looking for one."
"What a useless waste," the uncle couldn't help but curse. "You should just get a divorce."
"Dad, what are you saying?" Just then, a cheerful young man approached.
This young man was Su Zhengzhen, Su Yu's brother, a genuine returnee from overseas.
After finishing his studies abroad, he founded a company and was considered the most outstanding member of the younger Su family generation.
Upon seeing Su Zhengzhen, Su Yu's brows instantly furrowed.
"Su Yu, although Qin Fei seems completely incompetent, at least he is obedient. How about this: my company needs a security guard. He can work there, and I'll pay him five thousand a month. What do you think?" Su Zhengzhen suggested with a smile.
"Forget it, look at Qin Fei's demeanor—he could never handle being a security guard! If something happens, he'd probably be too scared to do anything!"
At this, everyone burst into laughter.
Qin Fei felt a twinge of displeasure; they were family, and while they might not be close, such blatant ridicule was disheartening.
"My company also needs a cleaner. He might not excel at anything else, but surely he can manage cleaning?" someone else mocked.
"Enough!" Su Yu seemed unable to tolerate it any longer. "We're here to celebrate Grandpa's birthday, not to compete with one another. Is this amusing to you?"
"Birthday? Seeing this useless waste will probably infuriate Grandpa!" Su Zhengzhen sneered.
Knowing she couldn't win an argument, Su Yu pulled Qin Fei away in haste.
They found a corner to sit down, and Su Yu's expression was particularly grim, her fingers gripping tightly enough that her knuckles turned pale.
"Are you very angry?" Qin Fei asked.
Su Yu shot him a fierce glare and said, "What do you think? I truly don't understand what I was thinking marrying such a loser! The worst part of these past two years has been family gatherings!"
Qin Fei smiled and replied, "I'm sorry for the grievances you've endured over the years. I'll make it up to you."
"Make it up? With what? By doing laundry and cooking?" Su Yu nearly laughed out of frustration.
Remembering how Qin Fei had stood there silently, her anger flared anew.
The very thing she feared seemed to be coming true.
The younger generation had been seated at the same table, which happened to be where Qin Fei and Su Yu were sitting.
"Have you been waiting here to eat?" Su Zhengzhen said with a grin. "Qin Fei, what gift did you bring for Grandpa's birthday this time?"
Qin Fei smiled and pulled out a ginseng root from his pocket, placing it on the table.
"Oh wow, you're giving Grandpa a root vegetable for his birthday? How generous!" Su Zhengzhen burst into laughter.
Being the most successful among the younger generation, the other Su family members joined in the ridicule.
"This isn't a root vegetable; it's a thousand-year-old ginseng," Qin Fei clarified.
Upon hearing this, Su Zhengzhen laughed so hard he nearly cried, pointing at Qin Fei and saying, "You've changed! You were so honest last year, and now you've picked up the bad habit of boasting!"
"Quickly put away your worthless ginseng!" Su Yu pinched Qin Fei's calf sharply.
Qin Fei winced in pain and couldn't help but cry out.
This only added to Su Yu's embarrassment as she angrily remarked, "Was that so painful? Can't you just endure it?"
Qin Fei internally lamented; he was still recovering from his exertions, and the spiritual energy he had summoned yesterday had left him sore all over.
Even a light touch felt painfully intense.
"By the way, did you hear about what happened yesterday?" Su Zhengzhen suddenly asked.
"I heard about it; a young man jumped into Longmen River to save someone!"
"Ah, many have drowned in Longmen River; I heard that a police officer jumped in once and never resurfaced."
"Hmph, just a fool; what's there to brag about?" Su Zhengzhen scoffed. "If it weren't for luck, he would have died in vain. How can such a fool be hailed as a hero?"
Su Yu frowned at this and said, "Su Zhengzhen, don't equate others with yourself. This person acted bravely and successfully saved someone. Could you have done the same?"
"If that person isn't a hero, then who is? You? A coward sitting here talking big?"
With each word, Su Zhengzhen's face reddened, leaving him at a loss for a comeback.
"Even if I am timid, I'm still far better than your useless husband!" With no retort available, Su Zhengzhen directed his ire at Qin Fei.
"You!" Su Yu was instantly furious; any mention of Qin Fei left her speechless.
At that moment, a loud voice rang out from outside.
"Li Jia Li Hang has arrived to celebrate!" The announcement drew many gazes.
Everyone knew that the Li family was a top-tier family in Jiang City, while the Su family was insignificant in comparison.
"Wow, Young Master Li actually came?" The table erupted into excited chatter.
"Our Su family has never had any dealings with the Li family, right?"
"If we could establish a connection with the Li family, we'd surely soar to great heights!"
Su Zhengzhen was puzzled as well; his company had just released a new product and was hoping for investment from the Li family. He had sent over the proposal a few days ago but hadn't received any reply.
"Could it be that the Li family is here for me?" Su Zhengzhen thought to himself. "My product is indeed quite good, and as a businessman, Li Hang would naturally be interested in potential profits. Perhaps he truly sees my value!"
With this thought, Su Zhengzhen couldn't help but smile.
He rapped the table lightly, smiling, "Let me tell you the truth; my company is currently negotiating a partnership with the Li family."
"Really, Zhengzhen, don't joke around! Your company is doing well, but it seems to be lacking when compared to the Li family," a young member of the family questioned skeptically.
Su Zhengzhen shot him a glance and snorted, "Joking? Fine, let me show you some pictures."
He then pulled out his phone to display several product images and a video of negotiations with the Li family's product manager.
"See it clearly?" Su Zhengzhen smirked.
"Wow, Zhengzhen, please let me ride your coattails!"
"Zhengzhen, you must take care of us in the future!"
Su Zhengzhen smiled lightly and said, "Don't worry; we're all family. Supporting each other is the right thing to do. To everyone here, except for Qin Fei, come work at my company!"
At this point, Su Zhengzhen added, "Qin Fei, don't misunderstand; I'm not targeting you. It's just that you're completely useless, and I want to help you, but I can't."
As soon as the words left his mouth, laughter erupted around the table.
Qin Fei smiled without responding, quietly observing them.
"Young Master Li, your presence graces our humble Su family!" Su Zhengzhen's father, Su Zichang, hurriedly began flattering.
Li Hang scanned the room, frowning as he asked, "Is Mr. Qin not here?"
"Mr. Qin? Which Mr. Qin?" Su Zichang scratched his head, momentarily unable to recall anyone with the surname Qin.
Li Hang ignored him and, upon spotting Qin Fei, made his way toward the table.