Chapter 118: Three's Company

Master paused, then said, "Mid-Autumn Festival gala? What on earth is that, and where is it being held?"

"Uh, it seems to be at the Haoting Hotel," I replied.

"Haoting Hotel?" Master asked again.

I nodded, and Master continued, "We'll see. Mid-Autumn galas are usually for the big shots; it's better for small fry like us to think twice."

I was taken aback, though I could only assume Master was being modest or perhaps putting on an act. After all, with such a massive fortune, how could he be inferior to those wealthy business tycoons? Master ate his food expressionlessly. Li Muyang, listening to our conversation, suddenly interjected, "Master, stop putting on an act. You’ve got this house right here, yet you call yourself a small fry?"

Li Muyang didn't look up, just kept shoveling rice into his mouth. I couldn't help but chuckle; he had voiced exactly what I was thinking. Master tapped Li Muyang on the head and said, "Can’t even stop your mouth while eating? This is called being low-key."

Li Muyang gave a cheeky grin. Master added, "Alright, finish your meal and clean up. Time really flies; it’s already the Mid-Autumn Festival."

I nodded and said, "I'll go buy some mooncakes tomorrow. I love them the most."

Master agreed. After we finished eating and tidied up, Master sat on the sofa, chewing on a toothpick while watching Li Muyang and me wash the dishes. Once finished, we played some cards out of boredom. Just like before, whoever lost had to wear a paper strip. Since Li Muyang was the newcomer, Master and I didn't go easy on him, and the poor kid ended up with his entire face covered in them. Time passed quickly, and after a while, we went to bed. The next day, I bought several bags of mooncakes as planned. Master complained from the sidelines, claiming that eating too many was bad for the teeth, but I could only listen without arguing.

Over the next few days, we took Li Muyang around to see the sights, covering almost every tourist spot in Dashan City. As time ticked by, the Mid-Autumn gala that Zhong Ming had mentioned began to gain popularity, with every television station reporting on it. That afternoon, as I sat at home picking my teeth, the phone on the table rang. I picked it up and saw it was Zhong Ming. I answered, "Hello, Uncle Zhong!"

Zhong Ming laughed and said, "Xiao Xuan, how about that thing I mentioned to you before?"

I was momentarily stunned, only then remembering the gala. I looked at Master, who was sitting nearby, and said with a wry smile while pointing at the phone, "The Mid-Autumn gala."

Master paused. "Zhong Ming on the phone?"

I nodded. Master took the phone from me and said, "Hello, Zhong Ming."

"Oh, Brother Tan, how have you been lately?"

Master nodded, "Not bad. Quite bored recently. You mentioned some gala, right? Who’s attending?"

Master put it on speakerphone, and Zhong Ming’s voice came through: "Yes, the Mid-Autumn gala hosted by President Zhou. It’s mainly for all the prominent figures to get to know each other and facilitate future business dealings. There will be a few hundred people, counting family members."

Master nodded and said, "I haven't received an invitation to your gala. Showing up just like that would be a bit presumptuous. I think I’d rather stay home and watch television."

Zhong Ming was taken aback and hurriedly said, "Oh, Brother Tan, don't say that! It’s not being presumptuous at all. Your stature is enough to carry the room; not everyone can drive a Rolls-Royce, right?"

Hearing this, I smiled. It was obvious Zhong Ming was trying to curry favor with Master, hence why he was so keen for him to attend. I figured it was twofold: first, he wanted to brag about knowing someone so formidable, and second, he wanted to build a connection with Master for future help. After all, I knew Master’s network was truly impressive—from our trip to the capital, he was acquainted with hotel managers, "Godly Diviner" masters, and even the internal affairs of the Qi family and other old veterans. You could say his connections were vast.

Master smiled faintly. "Alright then, what time?"

Hearing Master’s consent, Zhong Ming laughed, "Tonight at seven, at the Haoting Hotel."

Master thought for a moment and nodded. "Fine, see you tonight."

Zhong Ming replied with a cheerful "Great!" and Master hung up, tossing the phone to me. "Are you two coming?"

"Of course, why wouldn't we?" I immediately chimed in.

Li Muyang nodded as well. "There should be a lot of big shots there. I want to see what these people look like."

Master smiled again. "Like people. What else? They just have one extra thing."

Li Muyang and I looked at each other, puzzled. "What extra thing?"

Master stood up, brushed off his pants, and said, "Money!"

Having said that, Master walked back into his room, leaving us wondering what he was up to. Li Muyang and I exchanged glances, looking at the luxurious decor of the hall, and said in unison, "Indeed."

We burst into laughter, not sure what exactly had struck our funny bone. Soon, it was six o'clock. We showered, changed, and gathered downstairs. I wore my usual Chinese-style attire, while Master wore casual clothes. Li Muyang’s outfit was even more outrageous—he was wearing shorts and sneakers with a long stretch of his socks visible. He looked like a complete fool. Master and I pointed at him and laughed until we were breathless. Li Muyang looked at himself and asked, "What? Doesn't it look good?"

I was crying from laughter and wiped my eyes. "Li Muyang, what is this? Shorts with sneakers? Are you going for a run? Haha!"

Master also chuckled, "Kid, aren't you cold dressed like that?"

Li Muyang shook his head in confusion. "Not cold. It’s much warmer here than where I came from."

Master smiled and nodded. I wiped the tears from my eyes, caught my breath, and said, "Well, you're quite something."

Li Muyang awkwardly scratched the back of his head. After the laughter subsided, Master cleared his throat and said, "Let's go, lest we be late."

I nodded and got into the Rolls-Royce with Li Muyang. Master kept the car in pristine condition, and it still looked brand new. During the drive, I couldn't stop laughing whenever I thought of Li Muyang’s outfit. I tried to hold it in, but I couldn't help but chuckle. Master glanced at me in the passenger seat as if looking at a simpleton. Li Muyang became annoyed. "Lin Xuan, is it that funny? I didn't offend you."

I burst into laughter again and turned to him. "This outfit of yours is the best I've ever seen. Keep it up, haha!"

Li Muyang rolled his eyes and looked out the window. To stop myself from laughing the whole way, I turned on the car’s music. Suddenly, the interior was filled with a beat that made Master want to floor the gas pedal. I started moving along with the music. Master glanced at me and sighed, muttering to himself, "Why did I choose to take you as an apprentice? Like a fool, laughing at others."

My ears were sharp, and I caught his murmur. I turned to him in confusion. "What did you say?"

Master paused, gave me a sheepish smile, and said, "Nothing. I said your rhythm is good—you’re keeping time perfectly. Keep it up!"

I gave a silly grin and nodded, switching to some quieter music. We sped along and soon arrived at the entrance of the Haoting Hotel. The parking lot was already packed. Master parked the car to the side, and the three of us walked toward the entrance.