A Wealthy Fool

"Is that man performing a shamanic dance?" Zhou Yuxin pointed at Li Baisui, teasing.

Li Baisui had dark skin, an average build, and wasn't particularly handsome, but he looked very energetic. He was jumping up and down, even more enthusiastic than the lion dance troupe, indeed looking like a professional shaman.

Jiang Hanyan laughed. "He's probably conducting, right?"

"Does a lion dance even need a conductor?" Zhou Yuxin was extremely puzzled.

Jiang Hanyan shrugged. Who knew?

"I wonder what important figure they're welcoming with such immense sincerity!" Zhou Yuxin smiled.

"Probably a business client. Let's go, Tian Xinxin's parents are over there." Jiang Hanyan waved to Mrs. Tian. The crowd was thick, and though the distance wasn't far, navigating through took time. Passengers were crowding around to watch the lion dance instead of leaving.

Li Baisui checked his watch. The time was about right; Master Jiang should be coming out soon, right? Ji Wenchang had told him there was no need to pick her up at the airport, but how could he show his sincerity without doing so? Li Baisui had even prepared a surprise.

"One, two, three, shout with me: Welcome, Master Jiang!" Li Baisui acted like an orchestra conductor, waving his hands vigorously as he shouted. The lion dance troupe and musicians all joined in, and the two lions leaped onto the platform, shaking their heads and releasing two red banners from their mouths like couplets.

"Welcome, Master Jiang!"
"May the guest feel at home!"

With such a massive commotion, it was impossible for Jiang Hanyan not to notice. Other passengers were also speculating about what kind of sacred figure this "Master Jiang" was. Surely it must be an old man with a white beard.

Li Baisui shouted while scanning the crowd, focusing entirely on elderly men, including elderly women. Ji Wenchang hadn't specified whether Jiang Hanyan was male or female, nor had he mentioned her age, only saying she was extremely capable. Li Baisui had naturally assumed she was an immortal-like figure with a transcendent air.

"Welcome, Master Jiang!" Li Baisui shouted with all his might. Even though Jiang Hanyan was standing right in front of him, he didn't spare her a single glance. He had no interest in beautiful women; those types only targeted his money. He only wanted to live a long life, and if he could cultivate immortality, that would be even better. Then he would find a like-minded Dao companion to cultivate together and bear an heir to carry on the Li family line.

"Li Baisui?" Jiang Hanyan asked loudly. She had guessed the identity of this eccentric. Except for Li Baisui, who had too much time and money on his hands, no one else would do such a thing.

"Go, go, go, step aside. I have no interest in you. I've seen plenty of women like you. Let me tell you, I won't live long, and my health is poor. Even if I die, you won't get any of my inheritance." Li Baisui didn't even look, knowing from her voice she was a beauty. He assumed she was another wild flower trying to throw herself at him, looking extremely impatient. Seeing Jiang Hanyan still standing there, he said politely, "Could you please make way? I have important business today!"

Jiang Hanyan didn't budge. Li Baisui sighed helplessly, pointing at Zhou Yuxin beside her. "How about I treat your friend to coffee later? You two make way first."

Compared to Jiang Hanyan's glamorous and soft beauty, Li Baisui preferred Zhou Yuxin's elegant and cool demeanor, as he always felt overly beautiful women were dangerous, while someone like Zhou Yuxin was safer. Of course, he had no intention of dating Zhou Yuxin either; he was just teasing to make the beautiful girl give up. He did it on purpose—inviting the more ordinary-looking Zhou Yuxin for coffee instead of the beautiful one would surely make her angry, and she wouldn't bother him again. Li Baisui was incredibly smug; only a smart person like him could think of such a brilliant plan.

Jiang Hanyan's lips twitched. He was indeed a wealthy fool. "Tell your people to stop shouting. Did Ji Wenchang tell you to come?"

Li Baisui froze, and after a long while, he reacted. Looking at Jiang Hanyan's young and beautiful face, he stammered, "Ma... Master Jiang? The one Ji Wenchang mentioned?"

"Ji Wenchang told me to find you here. The Master Jiang you're looking for is likely me." Jiang Hanyan suppressed her laughter. This guy was too foolish; could he really protect such a massive fortune? Presumably, Li Baisui's parents were extremely capable. Usually, overly strong parents raised somewhat weak children.

Li Baisui finally regained his senses, quickly forcing a warm smile, and said loudly, "Welcome, welcome, Master Jiang! I was rude just now, please don't take it to heart."

His speech carried a bit of literary flair. Jiang Hanyan didn't know that Li Baisui had actually been a professional researcher of ancient Chinese at Fudan University for several years.

"I am Jiang Hanyan, this is Lu Chen, and this is Miss Zhou Yuxin." Jiang Hanyan emphasized Zhou Yuxin. Li Baisui's face remained unchanged as he smiled and said, "Welcome, Mr. Lu, welcome, Miss Zhou! Now that you're here, treat it like your own home. Let's go!"

Li Baisui enthusiastically offered to carry their luggage, but the three of them only had three bags, all of which were on Lu Chen.

"We already have someone picking us up, and our hotel is booked. We'll ask for your help when there's business." Jiang Hanyan tactfully declined his enthusiasm. Tian Xinxin's parents were still waiting nearby.

"Since you've come to my territory, how could I let you stay at a hotel? That would be too discourteous. I am the host, so I must entertain you properly. Don't worry, my humble abode is very big, plenty of room for everyone to stay." Li Baisui's Mandarin was very good, but his words were a bit confusing. "Humble abode" (bồng tất) was part of the idiom "humble abode graced by your presence" (bồng tất sinh huy), but he had only learned half of it. Jiang Hanyan didn't react immediately, but Zhou Yuxin burst out laughing, realizing his mistake.

Unable to withstand Li Baisui's overwhelming enthusiasm—looking as if he would cry on the spot if they didn't stay—Jiang Hanyan had to agree, preparing to explain the situation to Tian Xinxin's parents.

"Everyone come stay! My humble abode is very big, it can fit everyone. Master Jiang's friends are my friends. I am delighted to have friends coming from afar." Li Baisui occasionally inserted ancient phrases. Tian Xinxin's parents listened in confusion; neither had finished primary school, so they truly couldn't understand.

Li Baisui gave the lion dance troupe a massive red envelope. The members left happily, the leader constantly shaking his hand in thanks. "Boss Li, if you have any happy events in the future, just find us. We'll definitely give you a twenty percent discount."

"What discount? I hate discounts the most. I only like paying the full ten percent." Li Baisui was displeased. With his financial strength, did he need a discount?

"My mistake! Ten percent, perfect and complete!" The leader immediately changed his tune, offering many auspicious words before leading his team away happily. Meeting a wealthy patron like Li Baisui, just a few gigs a year was enough to feed them.

Li Baisui led the way, carrying a small bag of Jiang Hanyan's. Because he had insisted on helping, she had given him a small bag just for show.

"My car is outside. Master Jiang, please don't look down on its small size." Li Baisui was humble as he walked, fully embodying the traditional Chinese virtue of humility. Especially when she saw the luxurious stretched limousine parked outside, Jiang Hanyan felt his humility was a bit asking for a beating.