Zhao Kun’s expression darkened.

Because of what had happened with Zhao Rou in the past, the relationship between the Zhao family and the Zheng family was terrible. Although the Zheng family had claimed they wouldn’t hold a grudge, the Zhaos knew things could never be that good between them.

Zhao Kun knew Zheng Yi wouldn’t be impressed with him for coming this time, but he had no choice.

They had to treat any action involving a Cultivator with the utmost importance.

"A Seven-Colored Orchid?"

Watching Zheng Yi and his group approach, a thought struck Li Yang. ’A Cultivator?’

The crowd was clearly centered on the young man, and Li Yang could think of no other explanation—he had to be a Cultivator.

’Has this Cultivator discovered this orchid’s special properties?’ Li Yang’s heart sank. Still, now that it was in his hands, there was no way he was giving it up.

Li Yang shook his head. "I’m sorry, I have no intention of selling."

Hearing Li Yang’s words, the smile on Zheng Yi’s face froze. With so many people of high status gathered here, he had expected Li Yang to sell it to him immediately—or even gift it to him. After all, such things had happened countless times before.

Cultivators and ordinary people lived in completely different worlds.

And yet, Li Yang had actually refused him?

Though slightly displeased, Zheng Yi maintained his smile. "I’m quite fond of this orchid. I’m willing to pay a high price for it. Name your price. Is ten million enough?"

He had glanced at the other orchids at the stall, which were priced in the hundreds of thousands. Assuming Li Yang had paid a similar price, he had just offered twenty times that amount!

At his words, Li Yang simply shook his head again. "I’m sorry, I’m really not planning to sell."

"Did Li Yang just refuse?"

"Is he an idiot? Can’t he recognize Young Master Zheng Yi?"

Hearing Li Yang’s words, the surrounding crowd looked on in astonishment.

With so many of them fawning over Zheng Yi, anyone could tell his status was extraordinary.

Zhao Kun was no exception. As he looked at Li Yang, he felt that ever since they first met, he had been completely unable to figure him out.

Just then, someone in the crowd said with a laugh, "Zhao Kun, Li Yang is your nephew. Now that Young Master Zheng Yi wants the orchid he’s holding, why don’t you help persuade him?"

Hearing this, Zhao Kun’s expression changed. He glanced over and saw that the speaker was a member of the Zhang family.

The Zhang family was also a top-tier wealthy family and a rival of the Zhao family in the business world. The two families had never been on good terms.

Many people present knew about the incident at the Xuan City auction. For him to bring this up now, his intentions were venomous.

"Oh? This young man is your nephew, Zhao Kun?"

Zheng Yi heard this, and his gaze shifted to Zhao Kun. Of course he knew who Zhao Kun was. He also knew that his own father had almost ended up with Zhao Kun’s younger sister.

However, Cultivators were forbidden from acting against ordinary people. This was a rule that not even his grandfather, who had broken through to King Level, dared to violate. That was why they had never done anything to the Zhao family. Still, he had never had a good impression of them.

As for Li Yang’s identity, he was unaware of it... He didn’t know how many younger sisters Zhao Kun had, nor was he interested. For now, he hadn’t made the connection between Li Yang and Zhao Rou.

Hearing Zheng Yi’s question, Zhao Kun had no choice but to brace himself and step forward. "Yes, Young Master Zheng Yi. Li Yang is my nephew."

At that, Zheng Yi smiled. "Then have a word with your nephew. Tell him to sell me this orchid. He can name his price."

Seeing Zheng Yi put him on the spot, Zhao Kun cursed the person who had spoken up.

’Would Li Yang listen to me? If he was going to, I would’ve spoken up already.’

’Considering Li Yang’s attitude at the Xuan City auction, wouldn’t I just be asking for an earful? I’ve run the Zhao Group for many years; I’m no fool.’

But since Young Master Zheng Yi had spoken, he had to brace himself again. "Li Yang, this is Young Master Zheng Yi. You should sell this orchid to him."

He used a respectful title for Zheng Yi to emphasize his status. If Li Yang was smart, he would know what to do.

However, Li Yang showed him no respect whatsoever, not even bothering to give him the time of day.

When Li Yang ignored him, anger flared within Zhao Kun. His voice dropped. "Li Yang, I’m talking to you."

With so many people around, it felt like they were all watching him become a joke.

Li Yang shot him a glance and said coolly, "Zhao Kun, have you forgotten what I said before? Who do you think you are to order me around?"

His face held a faint trace of mockery. When it came to the Zhao family, with the exception of his second uncle, Zhao Hao, whom his mother had spoken of, he loathed everyone else—especially Zhao Qianxing and this Zhao Kun.

Hearing Li Yang’s words, Zhao Kun exploded with rage, even though he had been prepared for it.

"Li Yang! Do you know what you’re saying?"

’What is my status? Li Yang’s father, Li Guohai, used to do nothing but grovel and beg before me. Yet this kid provokes me again and again, treating me like I’m nothing!’

"It’s just like everyone said. This nephew, Li Yang, doesn’t give a damn about Zhao Kun."

"Interesting. The Zhao family scandals just keep coming one after another! A real masterclass in filial piety, right before our eyes."

At this moment, the surrounding crowd all looked as if they were watching a good show.

Zhao Kun was furious, but with Zheng Yi right there, he could only suppress his anger. Instead, he said in a low voice, "Even my Zhao family can’t afford to offend Young Master Zheng Yi. Li Yang, you should know what choice to make."

"Sir, your room has been arranged."

Just then, a staff member hurried over from a short distance away and spoke to Li Yang.

The staff member looked at the large crowd, a bit dumbfounded and unsure of what was happening.

Li Yang completely ignored Zhao Kun and said to the staff member, "Take me there."

"Of course, sir. Please follow me," the staff member nodded.

"You!!!"

Seeing Li Yang ignore him, the fury in Zhao Kun’s heart surged again, but he suppressed it and turned to look at Zheng Yi.

At that moment, Zheng Yi was staring at Li Yang’s retreating back, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Young Master, should we..." the middle-aged man beside Zheng Yi asked, his meaning obvious.

Zheng Yi thought for a moment, then said, "Go investigate this Li Yang. I need a detailed file on him!"

Zheng Yi was clearly no fool. Zhao Kun and so many others were present, and his identity had been announced, yet Li Yang paid it no mind.

Such an abnormal reaction meant something was off. He worried that Li Yang was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, holding some unknown trump card.

If that were the case, provoking him would bring them no benefit.

His grandfather and father often taught him to investigate everything thoroughly before acting. If he wasn’t completely confident, it was better to be cautious!

Although there weren’t many people the Zheng family had to be wary of, such people did exist.

Therefore, he decided not to make a move on Li Yang for the time being, preparing to get a complete picture of his situation first.

If Li Yang really had a trump card, then since they hadn’t acted, they wouldn’t have caused any trouble.

But if Li Yang had no trump card, then he was just delaying his move. For him, it was only a short wait.

And it wouldn’t take long.

Zheng Yi quieted down, waiting silently off to the side as the middle-aged man made calls to gather information. As for the others in the crowd, they just looked at each other in bewilderment.