Chapter 40 You Seem to Have Changed Recently

“I think this one is nice too,” Hua Wu said from the side. “Let’s take this set. The shirt needs to be for someone who’s one meter seventy-six, and the pants…”

“I think it’s size twenty-six,” Chu Tianfeng said, bracing himself.

Hua Wu smiled softly. “And the tie…”

“No need for the tie, I don’t wear ties,” Chu Tianfeng’s face paled in fear.

Just then, a young couple stepped out from behind a nearby display rack. The woman was youthful and attractive, with an oval face and bright eyes, heavily made up, her lips painted a vivid red, carrying a small handbag.

The man appeared to be a wealthy heir, with a square face, hair slicked back, a flashy shirt on top and green pants below. He looked handsome, with a hint of flamboyance.

Moreover, the square-faced young man emanated a surge of inner energy. Chu Tianfeng swept him with his spiritual sense and discovered he was at the early stage of hidden strength cultivation.

“Wow, honey, you’d look so handsome in this set!” the young woman exclaimed as if discovering a new continent.

“Sorry, we’ve already decided on this set,” Hua Wu frowned slightly, looking at the young woman.

“Hmph, it’s not like there’s only one set. Why so tense?” the young woman sneered, her blood-red lips curling.

“This style is quite popular. There are two pairs of pants left, but only one shirt—unless you want the one on the mannequin,” Lin Qian said with a smile.

“Are you kidding? Do I look like someone who wears second-hand clothes?” The square-faced young man looked displeased.

“How about we let them have it?” Chu Tianfeng had never intended to buy it, so he was happy to let them take it.

“Yes, yes, if you let us have it, I’ll give you one hundred—no, two hundred. Is that okay?” the young woman quickly chimed in.

Hua Wu’s face turned icy as she glared at the young woman.

Chu Tianfeng was about to let them have it, but the young woman’s words annoyed him. He said coldly, “Please step aside. I’ve changed my mind.”

“Hold on—” The square-faced young man stretched out his arm.

Chu Tianfeng ignored him and walked straight past. A wave of true energy surged from his body, pushing the square-faced young man aside.

“Look at you, so shabby,” the young woman muttered, unaware, “Your whole outfit doesn’t even add up to a hundred. Can you afford it? Who are you trying to impress?”

“Hmph!” Chu Tianfeng didn’t want to argue with her and turned to follow Lin Qian to the cashier.

“Honey…” As soon as Chu Tianfeng left, the young woman started to act spoiled.

“We’ll talk about it later.” The square-faced young man shook his slightly numb arm.

He knew the other’s cultivation was definitely higher than his and didn’t dare make trouble.

In fact, Chu Tianfeng was even more cautious, worried this young man was following him, so he kept himself restrained.

Chu Tianfeng took his wallet from his bag, slowly counted out five thousand three hundred, and handed it to the cashier behind the counter.

But his spiritual sense remained locked on the square-faced young man.

The young man also glanced at Chu Tianfeng from time to time, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

After paying, they waited another ten minutes before the pair left the store with their clothes.

“Let it go,” Hua Wu put on her sunglasses and spoke softly. “Don’t stoop to her level.”

Chu Tianfeng shrugged, noncommittal.

“Her name is Zhang Xiaoyu. She’s an actress, but…” Hua Wu opened the car door.

Chu Tianfeng did the same and got in.

“She usually plays supporting roles, has a bit of fame. I heard recently she’s dating a rich and influential heir,” Hua Wu said, closing the door.

“That guy?” Chu Tianfeng frowned, looking out the window.

“Not sure, but I’d guess so,” Hua Wu started the car, lightly pressing the accelerator.

“By the way,” Chu Tianfeng slowly put on his sunglasses, “Did anyone follow you when you left home this morning?”

“Yes,” Hua Wu laughed. “Lately, someone’s been tailing me every day, like paparazzi. I’ve gotten used to it.”

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“Have you seen that white car behind us?” Chu Tianfeng asked again.

Hua Wu glanced casually at the rearview mirror. “You mean the Xunda?”

Chu Tianfeng nodded.

“That car’s a regular around my place, always hanging around our neighborhood lately.”

Chu Tianfeng pondered for a moment, then said apologetically, “I’m afraid I can’t go to your house. Let’s eat somewhere else.”

“They’ll still follow us wherever we go.”

“It’s different. If I go to your house for dinner, they’ll definitely track me afterwards and investigate me thoroughly. If we dine out, it appears we’re just acquaintances or business partners, so they won’t care as much.”

“That makes sense,” Hua Wu eased the car toward the curb and took out her phone. “I’ll let my dad know.”

The call was quickly finished. Hua Wu snapped her fingers. “All set.”

“Thank you.”

Hua Wu gave him a curious look and pressed the gas. “You seem different lately.”

“Oh?” Chu Tianfeng tensed inwardly.

He certainly didn’t want Hua Wu to discover he was reborn through soul possession.

“You’re sweeter now.”

“Courtesy never hurts,” Chu Tianfeng breathed a bit easier.

“And more pragmatic.”

“People grow up,” Chu Tianfeng shrugged.

“You’re bolder too. You used to act like a mouse in front of a cat around me, always careful with your words.”

“…” Chu Tianfeng cast an aggrieved look at Hua Wu.

“There’s also something else I can’t quite put my finger on.”

“…”

Half an hour later, they arrived at a well-known local restaurant, Gingko Pavilion.

Hua Wu ordered seven or eight dishes and a bottle of red wine.

With every dish Hua Wu ordered, Chu Tianfeng mentally calculated the price.

When she finally ordered the wine, Chu Tianfeng relaxed.

Two thousand one hundred and thirty! He had thirty-three left—enough for a cab fare.

Not bad. Hua Wu had shown mercy.

Another half hour later, Hua Zhengjun hurried into the private room.

Hua Zhengjun was a retired soldier, medium build, with a square face and matching haircut, giving him a sharp, energetic look.

“You are…” He clearly didn’t recognize Chu Tianfeng and shook his hand in confusion.

“Uncle, it’s Tianfeng. I’m wearing a mask,” Chu Tianfeng admitted.

“What?” Hua Zhengjun stepped back, looked carefully, then embraced him. “You scared me!”

“Uncle, I’m sorry for worrying you,” Chu Tianfeng apologized quickly.

“All right, no need for formalities. As long as you’re safe,” Hua Zhengjun said, then turned to Hua Wu. “Xiao Wu, have them serve the food.”

“Dad, are you busy?” Hua Wu poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.

“Mm,” Hua Zhengjun took a sip. “The crew came back to reshoot some scenes. The venue’s tight, so we have to squeeze filming in wherever possible. I’ll have to rush back after eating.”

“The crew?” Chu Tianfeng’s eyes lit up.

“Yes, why?” Hua Zhengjun asked.

“Is Liu Zhijian here too?” Chu Tianfeng pressed.

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“Of course. He’s the assistant director in charge of actor scheduling. How could he not be here?” Hua Zhengjun replied.

“Great,” Chu Tianfeng said, seeing their bewildered expressions. He explained, “He still owes me a little money.”

“You can find him easily. The senior staff and main creators are all staying at the Kaidi Hotel downtown,” Hua Zhengjun said.

Soon, the food and wine were served. Chu Tianfeng opened the bottle, poured three glasses, and prepared to hand the first glass to Hua Zhengjun.

“My dad’s health hasn’t been great lately. He can’t drink,” Hua Wu snatched the glass from Chu Tianfeng’s hand.

“Oh?” Chu Tianfeng swept Hua Zhengjun with his spiritual sense.

“It’s nothing serious, probably just lack of rest. Lately I’ve felt chest tightness and shortness of breath, a bit hard to breathe.”

Chu Tianfeng slowly withdrew his spiritual sense. “Uncle, I’ve learned some massage techniques. If you trust me, I can help.”

Chu Tianfeng had already noticed Hua Zhengjun was overheated, with mild bronchial inflammation narrowing his airways, making breathing difficult. His lung airways were also slightly inflamed, but only mildly.

Such ailments were trivial for Chu Tianfeng now.

“Nonsense, when did you learn massage?” Hua Wu was skeptical.

“Really?” Hua Zhengjun was unsure but curious.

Chu Tianfeng extended his hand. “Uncle, please stand up.”

Hua Zhengjun stood as asked, while Hua Wu stared in surprise. “You…”

Hua Zhengjun waved to stop her. “I trust Tianfeng.”

“Uncle, please remove your shirt,” Chu Tianfeng said, knowing Hua Zhengjun was still doubtful but didn’t bother explaining further.

Hua Zhengjun quickly took off his shirt and hung it on the chair behind him.

Chu Tianfeng stepped behind him and placed his palms—one on Hua Zhengjun’s lower abdomen, the other on his back.

Hua Zhengjun immediately felt a warm current from Chu Tianfeng’s palm enter his lower abdomen, then flow to his chest and into his airways.

It felt like a baby’s hand caressing, or a small insect gently nibbling, with occasional pinpricks.

In truth, Chu Tianfeng’s true energy was circulating from the lower abdomen to the chest meridian, then into the airways, carefully repairing the damaged parts of his bronchi and lung airways.

Sweat formed on Chu Tianfeng’s brow.

After a while, Hua Zhengjun felt his airways clear, and he took a deep breath.

Hm? Could this be real?

Hua Zhengjun looked at Chu Tianfeng in confusion.

Chu Tianfeng withdrew his hands and smiled. “How do you feel, Uncle?”

“I feel completely fine,” Hua Zhengjun was astonished and delighted. “When did you learn medicine?”

Hua Wu still looked skeptical, as if Chu Tianfeng and Hua Zhengjun were acting.

“I learned from a temp actor. I was worried it wouldn’t work, so I never tried it before,” Chu Tianfeng said offhandedly.

“Oh, impressive!” Hua Zhengjun believed him wholeheartedly. “It’s true what they say: hidden masters among the people. That temp actor must be a miracle doctor.”

“I’m not sure about that,” Chu Tianfeng smiled.

“Which temp actor?” Hua Wu asked suddenly.

“Uh…” Chu Tianfeng hadn’t expected her to press, so he waved his hand. “You don’t know him; I didn’t know him well either.”

Hua Wu wanted to ask more but Hua Zhengjun waved her off. “Enough, Xiao Wu, let’s eat first.”

So Hua Wu sat down, reluctantly.

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