Chapter 197. Arrival in Venice
After that, they didn't linger in Egypt and headed straight to their final destination.
Upon arriving in Venice, this city built on water possesses a spirituality unmatched by any other city in the world. The medieval bell towers, churches, and painted buildings that can be seen everywhere instantly transport you to the history of Europe, as if you have traveled through time.
Venice has no cars, not even bicycles; the only means of transportation are boats and a type of gondola, a black water animal.
The gondola is very Venetian in appearance. Its spine is concave, and there are sharp bones pointing upwards at the buttocks and head. When it lies completely on the water with half of its body submerged in the sea, it perfectly cosplays a crescent-shaped boat, which can accommodate four or five people.
These gondolas can be considered Venice's taxis. They are specially trained and "driven" by dedicated personnel, and can take tourists and locals anywhere in Venice, even for sea excursions, without any problems.
Upon arriving in Venice, Mo Fan and Zhao Manyan headed straight for his family's property.
While ostensibly inquiring about lightning-type soul seeds, Mo Fan was actually heading towards Asha's Ruya.
Well, he's already spent all his money, so it's impossible for him to spend any more.
Therefore, the only option is to seize the black stone ahead of time and have Asha'ruya lead her to find the Tyrant Huang Lei.
The Tyrant Mountains were so vast that Mo Fan naturally couldn't go looking for them on his own. Although the demons there were much more subdued when Su Lu hunted the dragon, that was only because the high-ranking members of the Magic Association had all gone there.
He's just a high-level mage, he doesn't have that kind of intimidating power.
Once ashore, St. Mark's Square comes into view, and the magnificent St. Mark's World Auction House is also visible, with two winged lions guarding the entrance to the cathedral, looking solemn and majestic!
"Zhao Manyan!"
Just as he stepped into the main hall, he heard a handsome man wearing beach shorts and sunglasses walking towards Zhao Manyan.
Beach shorts and flip-flops—this simple and stylish outfit seemed somewhat out of place in this solemn setting, though the high-end sunglasses added a touch of sophistication.
"Big brother, you're so busy, yet you still made a special trip to pick me up..." Zhao Manyan said excitedly as he looked at the man in sunglasses.
However, before Zhao Manyan could finish speaking, the man in sunglasses raised an eyebrow and said, "What are you doing here, kid??"
"I told you I would come, don't you ever check my messages?" Zhao Manyan was speechless.
"Oh, I didn't really care. Speaking of which, weren't you sent by your father to another country for training? What are you doing here? Let me tell you, it's no use hiding here from me if you've done something shameful. I'm busy, I don't have time to care about you. Do you understand how hundreds of millions are at stake?" The man in sunglasses spoke rapidly.
Zhao Manyan's face darkened, and he spat out the words through gritted teeth: "I'm here to participate in the World University Competition, can't you at least pay attention to my affairs?"
"Oh, oh, I think I heard someone say that it wasted a lot of the family's money," the man in sunglasses muttered.
Mo Fan watched the conversation between the two brothers but didn't interrupt.
Even an upright official finds it difficult to settle family disputes, so even though Zhao Manyan knew that Zhao Youqian was no good, he still felt that Zhao Youqian was a good older brother.
At this point, anything you say, even a well-intentioned reminder, would be inappropriate.
To put it bluntly, Zhao Manyan won't die. With Baxia protecting him, there aren't many people who can kill him.
At least some members of the Assassin's Guild are not qualified.
After the two brothers finished their conversation, Zhao Manyan angrily led Mo Fan into the Saint Mark World Auction Hall.
Those who hold shares in the San Marco World Auction Hall are truly world-class billionaires. One of the most important reasons why the Zhao family is considered the wealthiest family in China is that they hold a significant share in the San Marco World Auction Hall. In fact, they have a presence in auctions all over the world.
"Your brother is quite interesting." Seeing Zhao Manyan's hesitant expression, Mo Fan casually remarked.
Zhao Manyan said helplessly, "It's been like this since I was a child. I'm invisible to him. To be honest, I was a little surprised that he could recognize me from so far away. This guy only has money in his eyes. If I say even half a word to him, he will feel that I am delaying his money-making. He is a guy who is not interested in women, food, magic, or sentimentality. His only pleasure and pursuit in life is to make money. He is exactly the same as my father in this respect."
"So you're like someone picked up off the street in your house?" Mo Fan said.
"I suppose so. If I hadn't been quite good at the path of magic, and hadn't been able to somewhat make up for the fact that our Zhao family doesn't produce many powerful magicians, I probably wouldn't have even bothered to ask about my disappearance," Zhao Manyan said.
"How can you make it sound so tragic? Do you know how many people envy someone like you who has money as much as an idiot and has no family background to restrain him?" Mo Fan couldn't help but curse.
"hey-hey."
Zhao Manyan also laughed.
He does not deny this.
The two chatted idly as they entered the Zhao family's most luxurious guest room. This room was as grand as a palace, exuding an opulence that money couldn't buy. Even Mo Fan couldn't help but sigh; his poverty had indeed limited his imagination!
Inside the palace's guest room, the receptionists, all dressed in flowing blue dresses with ripple-like patterns, were top-tier beauties. Whether it was their ample bosom or their shapely buttocks, they were all incredibly eye-catching.
Fortunately, he had been wrapped up by Mu Ningxue and Mu Nujiao every day, so he wasn't as clueless as if he'd never seen a woman before.
"Sir, we only accept guests with reservations. Please move to the guest room next door." As they approached, a woman in a rippled blue dress quickly came over and said with a smile.
"I am Zhao Youqian's younger brother," Zhao Manyan revealed his identity.
"I'm sorry, Chairman Zhao instructed that this place must be reserved for that distinguished guest. I'll take you to the next room to rest. If you need anything, someone there will make arrangements for you," said the woman in the blue dress.
The woman was of mixed race, possessing the striking features of a Westerner as well as the gentle elegance of an Easterner. Her polite yet resolute attitude left Zhao Manyan momentarily stunned.
Mo Fan didn't have any objections; he really didn't care about the pomp and circumstance. But Zhao Manyan's face darkened.
Normally, Mo Fan's strength is off the charts, and Zhao Manyan is almost no match for him. Now that they've finally come to compare their net worth and wealth, they've been repeatedly thwarted, and the embarrassment has made Zhao Manyan somewhat annoyed.
He couldn't afford to offend Zhao Youqian, so naturally he wouldn't indulge a young woman.
"Hmph, although Zhao Youqian is in charge of everything here, please make it clear that I am not without any control. I want this place today. If there are any problems, let Zhao Youqian come and tell me himself. What kind of distinguished guest is more important than me!" Zhao Manyan sat down on the sofa that looked like it was made of velvet, his face full of the pride and stubbornness of a spoiled brat.
This scene stunned the woman in the blue dress, leaving her momentarily speechless.