The streets of Hong Kong were quite narrow, but that didn't stop them from finding a place to hold the banquet. They could use the rooftops. There wasn't enough space on the street, but there was plenty of room on the rooftops. Many of these buildings had them.
“That's a great idea, Zheng Sheng. Everyone can come up to the roof to eat.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea, A Cheng.”
These Tang buildings were all connected, and everyone had access to each other’s buildings. The master chef had already started preparing the continuous banquet. It would start at noon and people would come to eat throughout the day. The neighbors were very happy.
“Neighbors, for safety reasons, we need to limit the number of people at a time. If too many people are up there and they fall off the Tang building, that wouldn't be good. And, if there are too many people, these Tang buildings can't handle it. What if they collapse?”
“Yes, that's true.”
“A Cheng is really thoughtful.”
“One person out, one person in, it's so convenient.”
…
The continuous banquet started at ten o'clock and lasted for three days. During those three days, Hao Ming Qiang really stole the show. Everyone who came was very flattering to him. After all, he had adopted a good son, not only talented but also wealthy. It could be said that he had reached the pinnacle of life.
Zheng Bai Cheng only appeared on the first day. He wouldn't be there for the rest of the time, wanting to give his old man the main stage. He would let him make a big show of himself in front of everyone.
Times had changed, Hao Ming Qiang's status had changed drastically. To ensure his safety, he hired four bodyguards to stay by his side to make sure nothing happened to him.
This continuous banquet also let these neighbors see how Hao Ming Qiang's status had changed. Even the very fierce Inspector Lu brought his people to show their support on the first day. This made the neighbors realize that Zheng Bai Cheng's title as a world-class novelist was really useful. After Inspector Lu and his people left, a few officials came over. After they left, a few foreigners also came.
These foreigners were chatting and laughing with Zheng Bai Cheng and even took out some novels to have him sign. This let many people know that these foreigners were actually some officials from the area. They had come specifically to get his autograph.
“Hao Ming Qiang is really blessed!”
Their words were filled with envy. Earlier, Chen’s Convenience Store had a three-day 20% discount. They had sold three months’ worth of goods, making the suppliers marvel.
“So, their little boss’s reputation is really so useful!”
Not only was this true for Chen’s Convenience Store in Kowloon, Lin’s Convenience Store on the island was also selling like crazy. After Lin Xiao Hua told her parents about Chen’s Convenience Store's tactics, they immediately followed suit.
“My son-in-law, Zheng Bai Cheng, is renowned overseas and celebrated around the world. Starting today, there will be a three-day 20% discount on all goods.”
Many people didn’t believe it at first. Zheng Bai Cheng had no choice but to show up on the first day. That day, reporters also came, making it very lively. Zheng Bai Cheng even signed books at the event. He sold 1,000 copies in one day, making him feel overwhelmed. That night, his hand was swollen.
Not only that, Lin Xiao Hua's younger brother had a change in his social standing at school. Some people had looked down on him because he was from the countryside. They suddenly found out that this country boy's brother-in-law was actually a world-class novelist, and his whole school life changed.
“Is your brother-in-law really Zheng Bai Cheng?” The teacher found Lin Xiao Long and asked directly. It was pointless trying to be subtle with a kid like that, he wouldn’t understand anyway.
Lin Xiao Long felt a little embarrassed and said softly, “Well, not yet, they’re just engaged.” Children are so pure, their words are more believable.
The teacher knew right away that the rumors were true. There were all kinds of rumors going around in Hong Kong’s streets, saying that the Lin family had a keen eye and had gotten their daughter married to Zheng Bai Cheng early on, just like how the Lu family saw the potential in Liu Bang, who was just a rogue at the time.
There were also rumors that they had made a private agreement and the Lin family didn't object. And… there were many other rumors. But the core message was that the Lin family was having a good run, and they were all benefiting from one person’s success. It was like… well, it was a very good thing for them.
Everyone in Hong Kong was envious of the Lin family, and even more envious of Hao Ming Qiang. Now, Hao Ming Qiang lived in a villa, drove a Mercedes, and was surrounded by people.
“Xiao Long, can you talk to your brother-in-law? Can he come to our school to give a speech sometime?” The teacher’s attitude softened, and she made a request in a good voice.
Lin Xiao Long didn’t understand, but he was still somewhat sensible. He said, “I’ll ask my sister when I go home.”
“Okay, go back to class first.”
The teacher thought for a moment and said, “You're sitting in the back right now, right? I'll change your seat.” She took Lin Xiao Long to the classroom.
Lin Xiao Long was short, and he was arranged to sit in the last row. This was normal, as the front rows were reserved for people with power, influence, or money. But things were different now. Would someone's connections be more influential than his brother-in-law, Zheng Bai Cheng? He was a world-class novelist.
“You can sit in the third row today. Study hard from now on.”
When the teacher left, the students started to gossip. A student sitting in front of him turned around. It turned out that Lin Xiao Long's classmate was someone from the powerful Ma family, and he was sitting in the second row, blocking the view for many people. No one dared to say anything.
“Hey, loser, why are you sitting in the third row?”
Lin Xiao Long was still afraid of him, but he said, “My brother-in-law… my brother-in-law is Zheng Bai Cheng.” He had learned a new trick.
The tall guy in front didn't know Zheng Bai Cheng, but he didn't lash out. He was going to ask his family who Zheng Bai Cheng was when he got home. It wasn't just him, the other students also remembered the name and planned to ask their families.
That night, two things happened at the homes of the students at St. Paul's College. One was that Lin Xiao Long went home and asked his parents, “Dad, can I ask my sister if my brother-in-law can give a speech at our school?”
“You little brat, your brother-in-law is so busy, how can he have time to go give a speech at your school?” But Lin’s father thought for a moment and said, “It’s good to ask. People will look up to you at school.”
Meanwhile, his classmates also went home to ask what Zheng Bai Cheng did. In particular, the tall guy, whose family was a member of the school board, asked his father when he got home. His father wasn’t out drinking and having a good time that day.
“Dad, do you know Zheng Bai Cheng?”
When his father heard the name, he said, “Of course I know him. He’s a Hong Kong celebrity now, famous all over the world.” After saying that, he glared at him and said, “Did you get into trouble with him? Go apologize now. Don’t cause trouble for the family.”
“No, no…”