Chapter Eleven: This Thing Is Fake

“President Liu of Hongda Machinery Company has come to offer congratulations on your new home and presents a pair of Ming dynasty antique vases.”

“President He of Orchid Women’s Wear has come to celebrate your move, gifting a pair of limited edition Rolex gold watches!”

“President Qi of Jiangzhou Furong Company presents a jade Ruyi scepter…”

“President Chen presents…”

“Miss Fang Jing of Jiangzhou Jewelry has come to extend her congratulations…”

“Chairman Ma Zheng of Jiangzhou Media has arrived to offer his felicitations…”

When these last two names were announced, everyone present was momentarily stunned— even the master of ceremonies hesitated, stammering, unable to call their names aloud. How could these two actually be here? It was simply astonishing!

“Husband, what’s going on? What’s your connection with Miss Fang Jing and Chairman Ma? Why would they come?” Chu Huangfei looked at her husband, Ling Zheng, her face full of astonishment.

As the main character of today’s event, Chu Huangfei had deliberately dressed up, wearing an off-the-shoulder gown that revealed her exquisite collarbones adorned with a gemstone necklace worth a million, complemented by costly earrings on her delicate earlobes. Her natural beauty was further enhanced, making her appear even more graceful and alluring.

“This, this, this, I…”

Ling Zheng was dumbfounded. He didn’t know Chairman Ma at all— not only Ma Zheng, but also Fang Jing, who had just gifted the gemstone necklace. He had never met either of them.

But he had certainly heard of them, as had everyone present. Jiangzhou’s five halls, three associations, and four great families: the Prosperity Chamber, Jewelry Chamber, and Media Chamber— Fang Jing and Ma Zheng were the heads of the last two.

Though Ling Zheng’s family owned a listed company, their assets amounted to merely five or six hundred million, nowhere near such titans whose wealth reached tens of billions. There was no way he could have contact with people like them.

As Ling Zheng stood there bewildered, a man and a woman stepped out from the crowd. The man was portly, around fifty or sixty, with slicked-back hair. The woman wore a beige Chanel striped dress that hugged her curves, radiating femininity.

Fang Jing, about thirty, was the first to approach Ling Zheng and Chu Huangfei.

“Excuse me, are you Mr. Ling Feng?” Fang Jing, usually bold and assertive, was now exceptionally cautious and respectful, not daring to make the slightest misstep.

She had no choice— Jiang Qin had warned her that any mistake would see her shipped off to the Southeast region the next day.

“Ah, yes, I am Ling Zheng…”

No introduction was needed; nearly everyone here had seen this legendary, invincible, domineering female CEO, Fang Jing, on television. Her arrival elicited a chorus of gasps.

“Chu’s son-in-law is truly impressive.”

“Even the people from the five halls and three associations have come to deliver gifts to the Chu family— this is such an honor.”

“That’s why women must marry well— just look at her.”

“Not all Chu family sons-in-law are good, though. Look at that one over there, such a cowardly parasite, haha.”

The Chu family were all delighted, especially Chu Tian’s branch; they straightened their backs, never expecting their soon-to-be son-in-law to be so formidable, to have ties with the three great chambers, and to be treated with such respect. Their family would now be able to walk tall in Jiangzhou.

Immediately, those who had previously offended Chu Tian’s family grew nervous, even Lin Fang unconsciously threw Liu Xiangyun a sycophantic smile.

Liu Xiangyun ignored her completely.

By contrast, Chu Yang’s branch was utterly bereft; due to Ling Feng, they were subjected to countless contemptuous glances, each of them too embarrassed to raise their heads.

Even the usually honest and meek Chu Yang couldn’t help but glare fiercely at Ling Feng.

---

“Then this must be Ms. Chu?” Ma Zheng asked with a smile from the side.

“Yes, I am Chu Huangfei.”

“Then there’s no mistake.” Fang Jing quickly clapped her hands, took a large jewelry box from her assistant, and, with great respect, presented a necklace: “By order of Old Master Jiang Qin, I offer Ms. Chu the first gift: the Peerless Beauty gemstone necklace, valued at three million US dollars. Please accept it.”

“Jiang Qin? Which Jiang Qin? Could it be the legendary Old Master Jiang of Jiangzhou?”

“What kind of person is the Chu family’s son-in-law that even Old Master Jiang Qin would send gifts?”

“Old Master Jiang, known as Jiangzhou’s emperor— anyone connected to him is akin to royalty… This is remarkable.”

“Looks like even Master Sun won’t dare touch the Chu family from now on!”

Holding the jewelry box worth three million dollars and feeling the envious gazes from all around, Chu Huangfei’s heart nearly leapt from her chest. At that moment, Ma Zheng suddenly gave her a deep bow: “By order of Old Master Jiang, I present Ms. Chu the second gift.”

He held out a set of keys: “A Maybach 62s, valued at ten million RMB. Please accept it.”

“Old Master Jiang also said, in future, he hopes Ms. Chu will take good care of him!”

At these words, another round of astonished murmurs rose from the crowd:

“What, does Old Master Jiang now need the Chu family’s care?”

“Look at that son-in-law— his honor reaches the heavens.”

“Gulp, gulp.”

Chu Huangfei’s throat made two odd sounds; she suddenly embraced Ling Zheng and kissed him on the lips: “Husband, thank you. I feel so honored. Thank you for giving me all this.” She even turned back to cast a glance at the blushing Chu Biyue, snorting lightly.

See, we’re both daughters of the Chu family— how can you compare to me?

What did I ever give you?

Ling Zheng was utterly confused. What on earth was happening? Where did these people come from, and why would Jiang Qin send him such lavish gifts?

“Look at you, my dear in-law, you’re far too generous— how could we possibly accept?” At this moment, Liu Xiangyun suddenly realized what was happening. It was obvious— Old Master Jiang must be a friend of Ling Zheng’s father.

They knew Ling Zheng’s family was wealthy, but hadn’t imagined they were wealthy to this extent— even Old Master Jiang of Jiangzhou would send such extravagant gifts.

This was truly an honor.

My father— my father, Ling Zhengming?

Ling Zheng wondered, when had his father become so rich? He had never known— perhaps his father had hidden his fortune from him!

Yes, it was possible; such things often happened in internet novels— maybe his father was secretly the richest man in Dubai.

With this thought, Ling Zheng’s posture relaxed, and his confidence soared: “You’re both too kind. Since you’re so sincere, I’ll thank you on my father’s behalf. You’ve done well; I’ll let my father know.”

“Your father…” Ma Zheng was puzzled. When Old Master Jiang instructed them to come, he hadn’t mentioned Ling’s father; he had only said Mr. Ling Feng was someone he greatly respected. What was going on here?

Fang Jing was equally perplexed.

---

But then, realization dawned. So that’s why Old Master Jiang wanted them to deliver the gifts personally— this Mr. Ling must be his illegitimate son.

They exchanged a meaningful glance and smiled knowingly.

With this, the atmosphere in the room grew even more jubilant. Relatives and friends who had always flattered those in power now showered Liu Xiangyun with praise.

Knowing she and the second branch were usually at odds, they deliberately slighted Lin Fang, making her face turn dark with anger.

Ling Feng paid no attention; Chu Biyue had instructed him to keep his distance and speak little, and he didn’t want to cause her trouble. After wandering the lawn, he now squatted by the fountain, eating cake in a quiet spot.

He had no idea about the gift-giving in the villa hall, nor did it concern him at all— except for the villa itself…

Just then, a group of people approached. Among them was a woman with the bearing of a model, striking a pose by the fountain, for reasons unknown.

After some time, Ling Feng realized that Chu Huangfei, wanting to show off the necklace Fang Jing had gifted her, had specially hired a model to display it for everyone.

Seeing the crowd gathered around the model, marveling and praising, Ling Feng grew curious and went over for a look.

But the necklace looked increasingly odd to him.

“Wow, Peerless Beauty! The legendary final work of French jewelry designer Vandini— it’s said she spent a decade crafting it to perfection.”

“Not only that— Vandini produced many works, but this was her favorite. They say she drew inspiration from her undying love.”

“How meaningful! Cousin Huangfei is so lucky, with such an exceptional husband. I’m so envious!”

Two women surrounded the model, snapping photos and chattering excitedly, drawing more and more attention and discussion.

A young man in a black suit chimed in gravely, “The ladies are right. Since Vandini’s death, the value of this piece has skyrocketed— it’s likely worth far more than three million dollars now.”

“In my opinion, it’s worth no more than thirty thousand. It’s a fake.” Ling Feng, still eating cake, remarked casually. He regretted it instantly— Chu Biyue had told him not to speak.

But the words were out; there was no taking them back.

The man in the black suit turned to look— seeing a poorly dressed young man, his eyes immediately filled with contempt.

“Jealous, are you? What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Hey, you look familiar… I remember now,” one of the girls who’d been taking pictures said, “Aren’t you the worthless son-in-law from Cousin Biyue’s family?”

At that, everyone’s gaze toward Ling Feng grew even more disdainful.

They had thought he was some promising youth— but he was just a live-in son-in-law, a freeloader.

“Second brother-in-law, I know today’s been tough for you, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?” Ling Zheng’s voice suddenly came from behind.

Somehow, the entire Chu family had been summoned, along with Ma Zheng and Fang Jing.

Ling Feng turned to find everyone glaring angrily at him.

“Second aunt, your family may not be doing well, but no one here looks down on you. What’s the point of sending this loser to stir up trouble?” Liu Xiangyun snapped, making clear that everyone now knew what had happened.