Return of the Celestial King

Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Fake Ginseng

Hearing Xu Chao’s threatening words, Chen Man Ni’s stubborn streak flared up.

She shot Xu Chao a fierce glare.

"Xu Chao, other people might be afraid of you, but I’m not. I don’t care how powerful you are, I still don’t like you."

Unwilling to give up, Xu Chao continued to pester her.

"Chen Man Ni, go on, tell me. In all of Ming City, which man is more outstanding than me, more worthy of you?"

Chen Man Ni retorted sarcastically,

"He might not have your esteemed status, but in my eyes, he’s the best. A truly one-of-a-kind man!"

Seeing the hint of tenderness in Chen Man Ni’s eyes as she spoke, a wave of jealousy washed over Xu Chao.

Humiliated and enraged, he couldn’t stop himself from reaching out and forcefully grabbing Chen Man Ni’s wrist.

"Chen Man Ni, today you’re coming with me whether you like it or not!"

As Xu Chao suddenly resorted to force, Chen Man Ni screamed, the color draining from her face in terror.

Seeing this, Qin Tuo quickly strode over.

"What do you think you’re doing, buddy? Don’t you know you should be gentle with a lady?"

Qin Tuo said casually, then reached out and knocked Xu Chao’s hand aside.

Xu Chao’s eyes narrowed as he stared coldly at Qin Tuo.

"Kid, you dare lay a hand on me? Do you have any idea who I am?"

But Qin Tuo replied nonchalantly,

"I don’t care who you are. Lay a hand on my girlfriend, and I won’t be so polite."

"Oh, so you’re the boyfriend Chen Man Ni was talking about?"

Xu Chao finally understood. Qin Tuo was actually Chen Man Ni’s real boyfriend.

In an instant, the flames of jealousy raged within him, and his eyes turned bloodshot.

"Kid, stay away from Chen Man Ni. Otherwise, I’ll make you pay a price you can’t even imagine!"

Xu Chao threatened coldly, but Qin Tuo just laughed in disdain.

"There aren’t many people in this world who can make me pay a price, and you’re clearly not one of them."

Qin Tuo’s words hung lightly in the air. He then took Chen Man Ni by the hand and, without a second glance at Xu Chao, walked inside.

Xu Chao watched them enter the villa, a venomous light flaring in his eyes.

’You little brat! How dare you compete with me for a woman? I’d like to see what gives you the nerve to go against me, Xu Chao!’

He seethed internally, gritting his teeth.

At that moment, Chen Man Ni, still shaken from the scare, felt the warmth of Qin Tuo’s palm and finally began to feel at ease.

"Qin Tuo, thank goodness you came when you did. Otherwise, I’m afraid I would have been stuck dealing with that Xu Chao!"

Chen Man Ni said, a hint of fear still lingering in her voice.

Qin Tuo couldn’t help but ask.

"Manni, why is that kid pestering you so relentlessly? Can’t you just have your dad chase him off?"

But Chen Man Ni replied in frustration,

"You don’t understand, Qin Tuo. Xu Chao is the son of Ming City’s top official. Even my dad doesn’t dare to provoke him easily. Plus, we were university classmates, so he comes to bother me every few days. I’m so sick of him it’s disgusting!"

Only then did Qin Tuo realize what kind of person he had just offended.

But he wasn’t the least bit intimidated. No matter who it was or what their status, if they dared to make a move on his girlfriend, Qin Tuo would meet the challenge head-on without hesitation.

"Sigh, what can I do? My woman is just so outstanding she’s always attracting unwanted attention!"

Qin Tuo pretended to muse aloud.

Instantly, Chen Man Ni rolled her eyes at him in exasperation.

"Qin Tuo, when did you become such a smooth-talker?"

After the two of them walked in, Chen Wenxiong came out to greet them.

"Mr. Qin, you’ve arrived?"

Chen Wenxiong was extremely respectful and courteous toward Qin Tuo.

Even though everyone could see that Qin Tuo would soon be his son-in-law, Chen Wenxiong didn’t dare put on any airs in front of him.

After exchanging greetings, Qin Tuo and Chen Man Ni sat down side-by-side.

Just then, Xu Chao followed them inside, his face dark and gloomy.

"Oh? Is this annoying fly really shameless enough to follow us in?"

Qin Tuo sounded genuinely puzzled.

Hearing this, Xu Chao almost exploded with rage again.

Of course, Chen Wenxiong didn’t dare to slight Xu Chao. He quickly stood up, invited him to sit, and then instructed a servant to bring tea.

"Young Master Xu, what brings you to my humble home today?"

Chen Wenxiong said with a chuckle.

Xu Chao glanced impassively at Qin Tuo, then announced proudly,

"Mr. Chen, I recently acquired something special that I’ve brought just for you. I hope you’ll accept it."

"Oh, something special? What might it be?"

Chen Wenxiong’s eyes lit up. He figured that with Xu Chao’s status, anything he acquired would be no ordinary item.

Beside him, Chen Man Ni also found herself curious, wondering what it was and why he was specifically giving it to her father.

Seeing everyone’s anticipation, Xu Chao instantly realized this was a perfect opportunity to show off.

He gave a deliberate cough and said with an air of mystery,

"To be honest, Mr. Chen, it’s a Thousand-year-old Ginseng. I spent over a million to get it from a highly experienced purveyor, and it wasn’t easy."

"What! A Thousand-year-old Ginseng?"

Instantly, a look of utter astonishment filled Chen Wenxiong’s face.

He knew, of course, that a ginseng of that age would have exceptionally precious effects.

An item like this couldn’t be bought for a mere million; usually, it couldn’t be bought for any amount of money.

Only someone like Xu Chao, with his connections, could possibly acquire such a top-tier ginseng!

Seeing the astounded expressions on the faces of Chen Wenxiong and his daughter, Xu Chao felt immensely pleased with himself.

However, when he glanced at Qin Tuo, who showed no surprise at all and looked completely unfazed, Xu Chao felt a new wave of irritation.

"Young Master Xu, where might this Thousand-year-old Ginseng be?"

Chen Wenxiong could feel his own heart begin to race.

Xu Chao chuckled and mysteriously produced a red brocade box.

When he opened the box, a ginseng root was revealed inside. Its roots were gnarled and intricate, covered in dense rings, and a rich fragrance wafted out.

"Look at these rings! It really does look like a Thousand-year-old Ginseng. What a treasure!"

Chen Wenxiong examined it closely, unable to contain his amazement.

Even with all his experience, he had almost never seen a ginseng of such exceptional age.

"Mr. Chen, is this Thousand-year-old Ginseng to your liking?"

Xu Chao smiled smugly. He would now use this ginseng as a bargaining chip to state his demands.

Chen Wenxiong nodded in satisfaction, an unwavering smile on his face.

"Of course, of course, Young Master Xu. This ginseng is a priceless treasure!"

"Excellent!"

Xu Chao was very pleased with Chen Wenxiong’s attitude.

Just as he was about to state his next demand, Qin Tuo suddenly interjected.

"Mr. Chen, you’ve been deceived. This ginseng is a fake!"