C110 The Competition!?
Hee Jiahua composed himself and laughed heartily, "My apologies. I actually had a top-tier suite reserved at the Hongtai Hotel for today."
"Unfortunately, Hongtai Hotel is undergoing renovations, so we had to make a last-minute switch to the Green Hotel."
His words oozed wealth!
The crowd around him lit up with interest.
Many people chimed in, eagerly playing along with him.
Zhang Chen, however, was taken aback.
Was the Hongtai Hotel really superior to the Green Hotel?
He had been looking into it all of yesterday and hadn't heard a whisper about anyone booking a top-tier suite.
Hee Jiahua was fabricating the truth!
Zhang Chen couldn't help but roll his eyes.
But this gesture set Hee Jiahua off!
How could this insignificant son-in-law dare to be so bold in his presence?
Soon after, Hee Jiahua asked cheerfully, "You must be Zhang Chen, right? Where do you work?"
Zhang Chen was at a loss for words. He responded resignedly, "I manage a hotel."
Hotel?
At his words, everyone's eyes bulged with surprise!
Even Lin Zhiqing was taken aback.
Hee Jiahua let out a cold laugh and pressed on, "Which hotel? Maybe I can help you out with your business in the future."
Laughter broke out among the crowd at Hee Jiahua's words.
They were thinking of a mere hotel!
Zhang Chen was unfazed. He flashed a grin and said, "The Hongtai Hotel."
The laughter around him abruptly ceased. Their eyes were now filled with astonishment!
Wasn't Hongtai the very hotel Hee Jiahua had just mentioned?
Lin Zhiqing's eyes widened as she stared at Zhang Chen in disbelief!
She couldn't fathom why Zhang Chen would make such a boast. Was it to make her look good?
But Lin Zhiqing's reaction didn't go unnoticed.
Hee Jiahua quickly caught on. He realized Zhang Chen was just puffing himself up!
No sooner had Hee Jiahua mentioned the Hongtai Hotel than Zhang Chen claimed it as his own!
Zhang Xue's eyes gleamed with insight. She chimed in with a smile, "However, I've heard that the Hongtai Hotel is actually owned by Ningzhou's wealthiest man, Chen Dafu."
Her words carried a hint of confrontation!
As she spoke, mocking grins spread across the faces of those around her. They all caught on.
Lin Zhiqing furrowed her brow slightly.
The Lin family's reputation was at stake.
The problem was, Zhang Chen's remarks would only bring more shame to the Lin family.
Yet, Zhang Chen seemed utterly unconcerned. With a wide smile, he declared, "Chen Dafu is my underling."
Everyone was stunned!
The next moment, all eyes were on Zhang Chen, filled with disbelief!
They had encountered shameless individuals before, but never someone this brazen!
Lin Zhiqing hung her head low, mortified by the situation.
Zhang Chen's words were meant to bolster her, yet she found herself speechless!
Zhang Xue inhaled sharply, her mouth agape, but words failed her completely!
Shamelessness is truly an invincible force!
Zhang Chen shook his head in resignation.
He was speaking the truth; why did no one believe him?
An uncomfortable silence enveloped the private room. Everyone knew Zhang Chen was bluffing, but no one knew how to call his bluff!
Eventually, Hee Jiahua deftly steered the conversation elsewhere.
"What hobbies does everyone enjoy? We can all go out and have some fun after dinner."
Hee Jiahua's casual remark still carried an air of affluence.
The suggestion sparked interest among many.
Zhang Xue's eyes gleamed as she chimed in obsequiously, "I've heard that Young Master Hee has been dedicated to Taekwondo since his college days. Why don't we have him give us a demonstration after we eat?"
Hee Jiahua's eyebrows lifted in a gesture of approval toward Zhang Xue.
Another voice piped up in support, "No need to go anywhere. Young Master Hee can just show us right here!"
He then gave a conspiratorial wink to his neighbor.
The person next to him quickly caught on.
They all had their reservations about Zhang Chen, and now was the perfect chance to put him in his place.
Without hesitation, the consensus was reached.
Lin Zhiqing clenched her jaw. Wasn't it obvious what was happening?
Riding the wave of the moment, Hee Jiahua smiled and said, "Well, if that's what everyone wants, I suppose I'll have to oblige. But who will volunteer to assist me in the demonstration?"
After finishing his statement, he began to survey the crowd slowly.
Yet, his gaze skipped right over Zhang Chen!
Zhang Xue chimed in hastily, "We're no match for Young Master Hee's fists. I've heard Zhang Chen hails from a valley, doesn't he? He must be quite strong. How about we let him step in?"
The mention of the valley ignited a fresh surge of anger in Zhang Chen's heart!
Why did they look down on those from the valley?
The others held back their chuckles, feigning earnest agreement.
Lin Zhiqing tried to interject a refusal, but she couldn't find an opening.
Soon after, Hee Jiahua said cheerfully, "Zhang Chen, it looks like everyone's aware of your robust health. How about you spar with me for the crowd's benefit?"
"You are Zhiqing's husband, after all. Surely you've got the guts for it."
A mix of intimidation and temptation!
Lin Zhiqing clenched her jaw, her eyes brimming with worry.
All eyes, filled with disdain, turned to Zhang Chen.
Whether Zhang Chen accepted or not, he was bound to be humiliated today!
But Zhang Chen appeared unfazed. He grinned and replied, "Sure."
Having trained at home for so long, he was eager to gauge his true capabilities.
Even if he were to lose, he wouldn't go down without a fight.
Besides, they had backed him into a corner; he had no other option but to agree.
The crowd's faces registered shock.
Was he not fearing for his life?
The shock on their faces soon morphed into sneers.
Lin Zhiqing tugged at Zhang Chen discreetly, her heart racing with panic.
No matter how fit Zhang Chen was, how could he possibly stand a chance against a seasoned Taekwondo expert?
Yet, he had already spoken.
Lin Zhiqing shot him a reproachful glance, unable to voice her concerns.
"Hahaha! Excellent! I like your spirit!" Hee Jiahua bellowed with laughter as he rose to his feet and assumed a combat stance.
The onlookers gasped in anticipation.
Zhang Xue barely suppressed her mirth as she cautioned, "Zhang Chen, be careful. Young Master Hee has reached the ninth level in Taekwondo! Even some professional coaches haven't achieved that rank!"
Others echoed the sentiment, urging Hee Jiahua to show some mercy.
Zhang Chen offered a faint smile.
Amidst the scornful stares of those around him, he rose to his feet.