Chapter 38: The Wealthiest Merchant of the Deep Sea

“Ha ha, sorry about that. He’s always like this, with everyone,” Shu Manyun explained awkwardly. She felt a sense of helplessness towards Ye Fei, but didn’t blame him; truthfully, she didn’t much like Zheng Chao either. Yet, because of the ties between their families, she had no choice but to maintain a cordial façade.

“It’s fine, he’s got quite the personality,” Zheng Chao replied with a forced magnanimity, though he was rather annoyed. He cast a deep glance at Ye Fei’s retreating figure.

Shu Manyun had just arrived in Deepsea City to take over Tianxiang. Though capable, she was still unfamiliar with the city’s elite circles. Tonight, she was busy making acquaintances, hoping to establish connections for future business. Zheng Chao, seeing this, had no choice but to leave under the guise of generosity.

“President Shu, I’ll go check on Ye Fei,” Su Xue said.

“Su Xue, forget it. Stay with me. I’ll introduce you to these people; you’ll soon become my most trusted aide in the company. The more people you know, the easier it will be to conduct business. You’re even more familiar with our company’s affairs than I am, so just act as my assistant for tonight—introduce our business to anyone interested,” Shu Manyun said, glancing at Ye Fei, who was eating nearby.

“No need to worry about Ye Fei; he can look after himself. If you go over, you’ll only trouble him. Understand?” Shu Manyun smiled.

Su Xue looked at her in surprise, then glanced at Ye Fei and smiled. “I understand, President Shu. You mean Ye Fei’s image—no one here would lower themselves to approach him. If we went over, it might attract people with ulterior motives, which could lead to conflict between them and Ye Fei.”

“Exactly. You, as a beautiful woman, would surely draw attention and attract suitors. Ye Fei’s personality is straightforward, impulsive, and stubborn. If anyone says something he doesn’t like, there’s bound to be an argument. Better to avoid it,” Shu Manyun nodded.

“President Shu, you’re always so considerate. Let’s leave him to eat alone. He’s so capable, nothing will happen to him,” Su Xue laughed softly.

As the party reached its peak, more and more of Deepsea City’s tycoons arrived. Ye Fei paid no mind to any of it, except for casting a glance when a dazzling star—the hottest female celebrity in China—made her entrance.

Otherwise, Ye Fei wandered around the buffet, eating anything he fancied. With his country bumpkin demeanor, ravenous as if he hadn’t eaten in days, the guests—holding themselves in high regard—would never associate with someone like him. Ye Fei enjoyed the solitude.

“Ugh—time to digest,” Ye Fei burped, wiped his mouth, and quietly retreated to a deserted corner, sprawling lazily.

“Mr. Ye, it really is you!” A middle-aged man approached Ye Fei, scrutinizing him before exclaiming in delight.

Ye Fei glanced up, a sharp light flickering in his eyes, then lowered them and replied coolly, “So it’s Mr. Zhang.”

“Mr. Ye, I didn’t expect to see you here. May I sit and chat for a while?” Zhang Linsheng asked politely.

“Sit. Don’t be so stiff. You see, people are staring at us oddly,” Ye Fei said calmly, gesturing for Zhang Linsheng to act naturally.

Zhang Linsheng looked around; indeed, some people were watching them with uncertainty. He cleared his throat and relaxed, greeting Ye Fei as if he were an old friend.

“Mr. Zhang, I’m no longer with that organization. I’m independent now. Let me be clear: I’m a native of Deepsea, and I’ve returned to live quietly. I hope you’ll keep my presence here a secret,” Ye Fei said, his gaze steady.

Zhang Linsheng hurried to assure him, “Please rest easy, Mr. Ye. My life was saved by you; I would never reveal your whereabouts.”

Ye Fei nodded, “You paid for your own life—you don’t owe me gratitude. From now on, I’ll call you Chairman Zhang. Just call me Ye Fei, so ‘Mr. Ye’ doesn’t attract unnecessary attention.”

“All right, just as you say,” Zhang Linsheng agreed without fuss, having weathered many storms.

“Mr. Ye…” Zhang Linsheng began.

Ye Fei shot him a look, prompting Zhang Linsheng to quickly correct himself, “Ye Fei, what are you doing in Deepsea now? If you’re not employed, I’d like to invite you to my company.”

He remembered Ye Fei used to earn hefty commissions for each mission, and laughed at himself, “Ha, Ye Fei, I forgot you’re a wealthy man. Even if you never worked again, you’d have enough to live comfortably for a lifetime.”

Ye Fei smiled, “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m penniless now, working as a security guard at someone else’s company, haven’t even received a paycheck. I rely on others for food and shelter.”

Zhang Linsheng’s eyes lit up, “Ye Fei, I trust your abilities. If you’re willing, I’d like you to join my company—not as a security guard. The salary will certainly satisfy you.”

“No need. I just want a peaceful life,” Ye Fei refused.

Zhang Linsheng privately lamented the missed opportunity, but dared not press him.

Their conversation grew lively, astonishing those who were quietly observing. Zhang Linsheng was the richest man in Deepsea City, worth billions; his company’s daily cash flow ran into hundreds of millions. Everyone present wanted to forge ties or collaborate with him.

“Ye Fei, so this is where you’re chatting with Chairman Zhang,” Shu Manyun and her group approached, smiling.

“I’m not hiding here; I’m sitting here openly. Just resting after a good meal. You’re back already?” Ye Fei responded lazily.

“Did you come here just to eat?” Shu Manyun retorted, then smiled at Zhang Linsheng, “Chairman Zhang, I didn’t know you knew Ye Fei.”

Zhang Linsheng glanced at Ye Fei, saw no sign of objection, and—uncertain about their relationship—quickly responded politely, “You must be the new President of Tianxiang. I didn’t expect President Shu to be such a young and beautiful lady—so impressive to manage such a large company at your age.”

“Chairman Zhang, you’re a senior; I have much to learn from you. I hope you’ll visit Tianxiang sometime to offer guidance,” Shu Manyun seized the opportunity to invite him.

“You’re too modest, President Shu. With someone as capable as Ye Fei in your company, I’ll definitely come by to learn a thing or two,” Zhang Linsheng laughed.

Shu Manyun’s smile was radiant. “If you come, Chairman Zhang, I’ll have Ye Fei accompany you for a tour.”

Zhang Linsheng was delighted, as was Shu Manyun. She hadn’t expected that, after losing cooperation with Sunrise Group during her trip to Fragrant Island, bringing Ye Fei to this party would lead her to meet Deepsea’s richest man, Zhang Linsheng.

If she could gain Zhang Linsheng’s support and collaborate with him, Tianxiang’s Deepsea branch would surely attract headquarters’ attention. Then, her parents would have more leverage in the family.

At that moment, others nearby saw Shu Manyun successfully inviting Zhang Linsheng, and sensing a potential collaboration, became restless; some had already started to approach.

Zheng Chao, too, walked over with a glass of red wine, hoping to connect with Zhang Linsheng’s group.

“Manyun—” Zheng Chao greeted with a suave smile.

Zhang Linsheng, seasoned by decades in business, immediately saw through Zheng Chao’s little scheme. The young man fancied Shu Manyun and wanted to use her to meet Zhang Linsheng to seek cooperation.

“Ha ha—” Zhang Linsheng glanced at Ye Fei, who seemed displeased by the crowd.

“President Shu, you continue your conversation; I’ll go mingle and look for some old friends,” Zhang Linsheng said, then, accompanied by two bodyguards, cut through the crowd.

Ye Fei nearly laughed aloud.

“Old Zhang, where’d you run off to just now?”

“Linsheng, who was that young man? I saw you heading over to him yourself.”

As Zhang Linsheng returned, a few old friends questioned him. These men were the pinnacle of Deepsea’s business circle—people many longed to impress, though few could. Yet here was Zhang Linsheng, proactively conversing with a young man dressed in ordinary clothes.