Breaking up a couple.
This plot is somewhat cliché, but it is also the coldest reality.
As the sole heir to the Lan Group, Lan Mengchen has always been regarded as a favored daughter of heaven in the eyes of the world.
To be with her, one must meet countless conditions.
Matching family backgrounds are just the most basic requirement.
After all, this is real life, which can never be as perfect as a fairy tale.
Even Chen Xiaobei himself couldn't deny this.
"I just checked, Mr. Chen. You're an excellent young man—capable, bold, and not lacking in financial resources. Even if you don't cling to Mengchen, your future is bright, isn't it?"
Lan Zhengguo asked in a deep voice.
"In your eyes, am I just someone clinging to Mengchen for the sake of my future?" Chen Xiaobei retorted.
Lan Zhengguo didn't answer, which was tantamount to a tacit approval. He had seen too many people like this.
Chen Xiaobei fell silent.
After all, he was not strong enough.
Capability, courage, wealth!
If he had the same profound foundation as Lan Zhengguo, the result would definitely not be like this.
"Actually, you can rest assured. Mengchen and I are not in a relationship yet," Chen Xiaobei said calmly.
"Not now doesn't mean not in the future," Lan Zhengguo replied. "I know my daughter. Her attitude towards you is very different! I hope you let go early to avoid hurting her later!"
"I can't promise you anything about the future," Chen Xiaobei said.
"You must promise! Or, name your price. How much will it take to buy your promise?" Lan Zhengguo said sternly.
"Sorry, even if you give me the entire Lan Group, you can't buy such a promise!" Chen Xiaobei's tone was calm, but his gaze was as firm as a rock.
"Young man, don't be too arrogant. It won't do you any good!" Lan Zhengguo frowned, anger seeping into his voice.
Across the entire Qingteng City, who dared to snub him like this?
Chen Xiaobei was absolutely the first one ever!
"Is this even considered arrogant?"
Chen Xiaobei let out a cold laugh, stood up, and said, "There's no need to continue this conversation today. Let's talk again when we're on equal footing."
With that, he left the room.
Lan Zhengguo froze in place, unable to recover for a full minute.
The sentence "Is this even considered arrogant?" echoed in his mind, lingering and refusing to fade.
A mere small farmer dared to claim he would stand on equal footing with him, Lan Zhengguo?
This was more than just arrogance.
It was like being kicked in the head by a donkey! Like taking the wrong medicine! Like an international joke!
"Master, do you need this old servant to take action?" At this moment, a gloomy voice sounded, but no one appeared.
Lan Zhengguo composed himself and shook his head: "Not for now. Uncle Feng, please continue keeping an eye on this kid for me."
"But what about Longdu?" Uncle Feng's voice came again, trailing off hesitantly.
Lan Zhengguo said in a deep voice: "After all, that kid cured my mother. I can't repay kindness with enmity unless it's a last resort. As long as he and Mengchen haven't established a relationship, I won't touch him."
"Your order, master." Uncle Feng accepted the command and left—or rather, he had never appeared at all.
Later.
Chen Xiaobei said goodbye to Lan Mengchen and the old lady, then left Nanhu Manor alone.
Lan Mengchen was as sharp as ice and snow. From Chen Xiaobei's attitude, she had roughly guessed why her father had asked to see him.
But she wasn't sure—did she just have a good impression of Chen Xiaobei, or did she truly like him?
So she didn't try to keep him, to avoid deepening the misunderstanding.
Chen Xiaobei was also quite depressed. He drove aimlessly through the streets, unknowingly arriving in West City.
Let's have some drinks.
A thought struck Chen Xiaobei. He found a place to park, then headed straight to Huoji's bar.
"Master Chen! What wind brought you here! Why didn't you bring a beauty today? Want me to introduce some for you?"
As soon as Huoji saw Chen Xiaobei, he perked up like he'd been injected with chicken blood, brimming with excitement.
Chen Xiaobei gave him a sideways glance and said unhappily: "Cut the crap. I just want to drink tonight—strong liquor!"
"Then go to the bar! Tell the bartender whatever you want, and he'll mix it for you!" Huoji immediately led Chen Xiaobei to the bar counter.
"Brother Huoji! Brother Huoji…"
The bartender and some nearby waiters quickly nodded and bowed to Huoji.
Huoji looked indifferent, though, and ordered: "This is my big brother. Take good care of him tonight, and put all the drinks on my tab."
"Yes, yes, yes… We'll definitely take good care of big brother!" Everyone nodded repeatedly, stealing extra glances at Chen Xiaobei.
How could such a young kid become Huoji's big brother? It was unbelievable.
"Big brother, enjoy your drink. I'll go patrol outside. It's not peaceful at night, so I have to keep an eye on things personally," Huoji said with a big smile.
"Go on, don't worry about me."
Chen Xiaobei waved him off, and Huoji left first.
"Big brother, what would you like to drink?" The bartender asked attentively.
"Strong liquor—the stronger, the better," Chen Xiaobei said calmly.
The bartender's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a hint of mockery flickering in his eyes.
He'd been in this business for years, and at a glance, he could tell Chen Xiaobei was a rookie who couldn't hold his liquor.
Wanting strong liquor? He wouldn't even know how he'd end up drunk!
The bartender thought it over and decided to mix Chen Xiaobei a mild cocktail first.
He didn't want Chen Xiaobei to make a fool of himself after getting too drunk—Huoji would definitely blame him then.
With that thought, the bartender got to work.
He first poured several types of alcohol into a shaker, shook it noisily for a while, then showed off some fancy bartending moves. The whole process was dazzling, drawing cheers from the surrounding drinkers.
After about half a minute, a pale blue liquid was poured into a cocktail glass.
He stuck a slice of lemon on the rim, and the bartender smiled: "Big brother, here's your 'Sea of Dreams'."
"Oh."
Chen Xiaobei took the glass absent-mindedly and, like Zhu Bajie eating ginseng fruit, gulped it down in two swallows!
"This…"
The bartender wore a pained expression. His carefully crafted artwork—ruined just like that? Couldn't you at least savor it a little…
"How does it taste, big brother?" The bartender asked, forcing a smile.
"Not much. Bring something stronger," Chen Xiaobei pouted,looking dissatisfied.
"Uh… just a moment…"
The bartender was confused.
Had he misjudged? Underestimated this kid's alcohol tolerance?
If that was the case, no need to hold back!
The bartender steeled himself, grabbed various strong liquors, and started mixing.
"First round: Depth Charge!"
The bartender took a large glass, poured in several types of liquor,then dropped a small glass of yellow liquid into it.
Anyone who frequented nightclubs would recognize this drink.
Those who could finish a whole glass without getting drunk were all heroes!
The surrounding drinkers couldn't help but turn their attention this way, waiting to see the show!