The last time they were at the bar, Jiang Cheng had his arm around Qiu Yihe.
So, what was the situation now?
Seeing Zhou Yi's hand seemingly resting on her shoulder, rubbing it slightly,
The smile playing on Jiang Cheng's lips deepened slightly.
"It's the Lunar New Year, yet you're out having tea in uniform? So dedicated to your post?" Jiang Cheng chuckled, his tone casual, yet every word was barbed.
Qiu Yihe pursed her lips to suppress a laugh and secretly winked at Jiang Cheng.
She had long found Zhou Yi eyesore.
This man, banking on his recent promotion, wished he could carve the words "I'm amazing" on his forehead.
Before, she only thought Jiang Cheng was low-key.
Whether it was in terms of money or his family's status.
Now, with Zhou Yi as a foil, Qiu Yihe felt even more that Jiang Cheng was truly low-key.
Zhou Yi snorted coldly, straightened his back, and deliberately adjusted his shoulder straps.
He knew Jiang Cheng's words were actually a subtle mockery of him specifically wearing this uniform.
It was true; the second day of the New Year was indeed a holiday.
According to the rules, he actually shouldn't be wearing this outfit.
But before the year ended, he had just received a promotion—and a double-level jump at that.
At his age, people who could be promoted so rapidly were rare.
Because of this, when he went out to pay New Year visits today, he had specifically chosen to wear this military uniform.
He wanted everyone to see his achievements, to let them know his hard work and strength.
Jiang Cheng's words, instead of hurting him in the slightest, made him feel that Jiang Cheng was jealous of him.
After all, when people his age saw him promoted so quickly,
Most would feel envious, or even turn green with envy.
The smile on Zhou Yi's lips became more pronounced as he responded in a slightly provocative tone.
"I have no choice; duty calls, I'm on standby at all times. Not like some children of wealthy merchants who idle about all day, doing nothing but spending money and chasing girls."
The temperature in the private room seemed to plummet.
Fu Yang turned pale, Lü Chengwen gripped his tea towel tightly, and Shen An looked at Jiang Cheng nervously.
If it were any other Second-generation rich,
Faced with such a provocation, the few of them would have likely been unable to contain the fury in their hearts.
They would have lashed back on the spot.
However, this was no ordinary place; the slightest slip-up could lead to big trouble.
Normally, people drinking tea in these private rooms minded their own business and didn't interfere with each other.
Unless there was something special, no one would take the initiative to bother others.
They all knew very well that the reason this Zhou Yi was being so arrogant was that he was targeting Jiang Cheng because of Qiu Yihe.
After speaking, Zhou Yi deliberately adjusted his shoulder straps again.
His eyes swept over Shen An and the others.
"Our Special Warfare Brigade killed twelve smugglers at the border last year, and the goods we seized..." His gaze swept over the Patek Philippe on Jiang Cheng's wrist, "quite a few were provided by merchants like you."
Seeing Jiang Cheng's expression darken, Qiu Yihe's mouth also immediately compressed into a straight line.
Just now, she had completely ignored Zhou Yi's showing off, not because she was weak and easily bullied,
But because it wasn't necessary.
She even found it a bit amusing.
With Jiang Cheng's status, would he be jealous of him?
But Zhou Yi's words were clearly no longer just showing off.
He was looking for trouble.
Qiu Yihe spoke up before Jiang Cheng could.
"Zhou Yi, since you look down on merchants so much, why did you follow us in? Besides, Jiang Cheng and the others are much better than someone like you who loves to show off. Let me tell you this: they are much more formidable than you."
As soon as Qiu Yihe lashed back, the eyes of Shen An and the other two instantly lit up.
They resisted the urge to give her a thumbs up.
After the three of them exchanged glances, they began to look at Jiang Cheng with great interest again.
Their expressions were as if they were saying,
"Sister-in-law is amazing."
Seeing Qiu Yihe speak up, Jiang Cheng also entered spectator mode.
He watched with interest as Zhou Yi's expression darkened.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what you heard... Weren't you just giving me a lesson on the famous families and nobles of Kyoto?..."
Before she could finish, the sound of rhythmic footsteps suddenly came from downstairs.
Eight waiters entered in single file, lining up on both sides of the stairs.
Such a grand display caused everyone's eyes to gather toward the top of the stairs.
"The guest for the Heaven-Grade First Room has arrived," the waiter's lowered voice drifted up with the draft.
Hearing the waiters' words, Zhou Yi's eyes immediately looked toward the stairs.
It must be someone of relatively high status arriving.
When he clearly saw the face of the person coming,
A flash of disbelief first crossed Zhou Yi's eyes, followed quickly by fear and awe.
He quickly pushed aside the door curtain and stepped out.
His back instantly snapped straight, and he raised his hand in a stiff, hurried salute: "Director Wang, Happy New Year."
Wang Houliang saw Zhou Yi suddenly step out and salute him. His face showed no expression.
He gave a cold nod of acknowledgment.
Qiu Yihe, inside the private room, saw Wang Houliang walk out as well.
"Elder Wang, Happy New Year."
Wang Houliang's footsteps paused when he heard Qiu Yihe's voice.
He turned his head, his gaze becoming much gentler compared to a moment ago.
Wang Houliang replied with a smile: "Xiao He, you're here too. Happy New Year."
Seeing Wang Houliang's gentle attitude toward Qiu Yihe,
Although Zhou Yi felt some doubt in his heart,
When he remembered that Qiu Yihe was with him, he even felt a sense of shared glory on his face.
He automatically ignored the scene where Qiu Yihe had just lashed out at him for Jiang Cheng's sake.
He inwardly sighed, thinking that the Qiu Family was no longer what it used to be.
Although their official rank was higher than his Zhou Family,
They didn't even have a male heir to carry on the legacy.
On the contrary, although his Zhou Family's positions weren't as high,
Both men and women held stable positions.
He favored the Qiu Family because of their high status; if they were to marry later,
By virtue of being the Qiu Family's son-in-law, many opportunities would surely be given to him.
Unfortunately, Zhou Yi didn't know that Wang Houliang was only so polite to Qiu Yihe because of Jiang Cheng.
Otherwise, he might have been just as cold as he was toward him.
Zhou Yi immediately took the opportunity to say to Wang Houliang: "Director Wang, Yihe and I happen to be having tea here, our room is right there. Why don't you come in for a drink?"
Faced with Zhou Yi's warm invitation, Wang Houliang only smiled slightly and then looked at Qiu Yihe.
"No, thank you. I have an appointment today, and they should be arriving soon."
Although his tone was polite, it clearly revealed a sense of distance.
He didn't seem to want to have much contact with Zhou Yi.
After speaking, Wang Houliang turned his gaze to Qiu Yihe and asked with a smile: "Xiao He, you're in this room?"
Seeing this, Zhou Yi interjected: "Director Wang, Xiao He came with me."