Chapter 182: A Night at the New Place

Chapter 182: A Night at the New Place

As soon as the clown photo was posted, it caught the attention of many. The comments section went wild with refreshes, garnering tens of thousands of comments in just a matter of seconds.

This post quickly climbed the trending list, rapidly rising to the third spot.

Countless people rushed to join the spectacle.

Ji Xinghuo watched as the number of followers on his account skyrocketed. He expected to surpass 100 million by the end of the day. Almost everyone who followed him commented on his two posts separated by six years, eager to engage. However, those who commented later seemed to be reveling in the misfortune of the clowns in the photo.

One comment stood out among the rest, pinned to the most visible spot.

"The clown is none other than myself."

Accompanying this comment was a red-nosed clown emoji, making the whole thing look rather comical and self-deprecating.

Numerous influential bloggers, celebrities, and competition freaks joined in on the fun, leaving their own comments, mostly expressing shock. Even some companies, clubs, universities, and government agencies' official accounts joined the crowd, reposting the clown photo.

For a while, mocking the clowns turned into a festive online event.

The phrase "clown" also started trending.

Of course, not all the comments were harmonious. Some who had previously mocked the freaks were now jumping up and down in anger, spewing curses in the comments after their defenses had been shattered.

Ji Xinghuo looked on with a smile, finding the whole situation amusing.

The more vicious their curses, the more these people lost their composure. Other freaks would simply respond with a clown emoji, leaving them speechless.

A tiny minority went as far as to curse violently and maliciously.

Ji Xinghuo wasted no time in reporting, collecting evidence, and suing them, ensuring they'd spend a few days behind bars.

Most people, however, expressed their blessings, envy, and even jealous hatred!

Especially Zhao Manying's male fans, who left cryptic and sarcastic comments. Some were sour enough for their teeth to fall out, others were envious to the point of madness, and many posted knife-wielding emojis threatening violence. Yet, these were mostly just emotional outbursts without any real malicious intent.

Ji Xinghuo simply laughed them off.

The female fans, on the other hand, had more peculiar thoughts. They were curious about his appearance and urged him to post a photo so they could judge if he was worthy of Zhao Manying.

"Only a fool would post a photo," Ji Xinghuo muttered.

He had experienced the troubles of fame over the past few days while out with Zhao Manying. She always had to disguise herself, even if it was just wearing sunglasses to hide her face, which was quite inconvenient.

"The Portrait Protection Law is indeed a wonderful piece of legislation!"

Ji Xinghuo was grateful for this law, which protected his privacy online and allowed him to live a peaceful life without interference.

He was determined not to authorize anyone or accept any interviews.

Things were just fine as they were.

Initially, Zhao Manying's decision to go public with their relationship would have created immense public pressure on him. Many of her fans could have turned neutral or even hostile.

However, after this wave of "clown" revelry, the public's attention had been diverted, and the negative impact of their exposed identities was diluted by the laughter and cheer.

Ji Xinghuo continued to scroll through his phone, browsing the latest trends.

As he saw his name everywhere online, a strange feeling washed over him. He realized that whatever he posted, no matter how trivial, could sway the emotions of countless people and steer the direction of online public opinion.

This kind of influence was a form of power.

It gave one the feeling of being able to command the winds and the rain, of being above everyone else. It was easy to become addicted to this power, and one's mentality could unknowingly drift towards arrogance.

Even Ji Xinghuo, who had always been calm and collected, rarely letting external factors influence his emotions, found himself affected by the storm of public opinion, especially as he was at its very center.

"I can't keep looking at this."

"I'll do what I want, and I won't let others influence me!"

Ji Xinghuo exited the social media platform and put away his phone.

He closed his eyes, remaining still for a few seconds before opening them again. The calm had returned to his eyes, as if the outside world had nothing to do with him.

"Xinghuo."

Zhao Manying entered the parking lot, now changed into casual attire, her strikingly long legs drawing attention as she walked briskly towards him. "The opening ceremony had a lot of unexpected events, so the club had to rearrange the competition, which took some time. Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"It's fine," Ji Xinghuo said with a smile.

"I hope you're not angry that I revealed our relationship," Zhao Manying said anxiously, as she had not discussed it with him beforehand. She explained, "During the meeting, the club's management asked me directly, and I figured it was pointless to keep it a secret anymore."

"Why would I be angry? I'm happy," Ji Xinghuo laughed, taking out his phone and showing her the clown photo.

"Hahaha..."

Zhao Manying couldn't help but join in the laughter. She had seen it earlier.

"Those clowns!"

As the two were about to enjoy reading the comments together, Ji Xinghuo's smile faded as he sensed through electromagnetic induction that multiple individuals had entered the parking lot. They possessed formidable strength, and he recognized a few of them as members of the Emperor Star Club's management and competition freaks.

This maglev flyer was a well-known brand worldwide and the most top-tier automobile. It could reach a maximum speed of 600 kilometers per hour on superconducting highways.

Moreover, it had a low-altitude flight function and could exceed 1000 kilometers per hour in speed!

Its market price was over 50 million Asya.

Ji Xinghuo sat in the car, which could only accommodate two people, and the space was quite spacious. The seat under his bottom gave a sense of wrap-around comfort.

He turned to observe the interior of the flyer and smiled, "This is my first time riding in a flyer. It's indeed very high-end."

"It's just a means of transportation," Zhao Manying said nonchalantly from the driver's seat. "If you like it, I'll give you one."

"Then I'll pass."

Ji Xinghuo shook his head quickly. His favorite mode of transportation, and the ability he had dreamed of since childhood, was flight.

Being able to fly was better than any vehicle.

"I'm not really interested in cars. If I need one, I can always borrow yours."

"Sure!"

Zhao Manying readily agreed and activated the autonomous driving system. The flyer slowly started and headed toward the exit of the parking lot.

Just then, the sound of an engine roared behind them, and another maglev flyer quickly caught up. As it was about to overtake, it slowed down, and the driver rolled down the window. It was Shi Renzhong, who sat in the driver's seat.

He turned his head, and his eyes penetrated the glass window as he nodded politely to Zhao Manying and then to Ji Xinghuo, who sat in the passenger seat.

Shi Renzhong's face bore a friendly smile.

Ji Xinghuo nodded back.

With a loud boom, Shi Renzhong's flyer suddenly accelerated and sped away.

Neither of the two in the car spoke. It wasn't until the maglev flyer exited the Tian Qin Stadium and drove onto the superconducting highway that Zhao Manying said, "Don't be fooled by his politeness. He's already plotting how to target you. You must be extra careful."

"I hope he doesn't disappoint me," Ji Xinghuo laughed, then asked curiously, "Did he do the same to others who got close to you?"

"Probably," Zhao Manying replied, a cold glint in her eyes. "When I became a Martial Arts Master at the age of 18, he invited me to join the club. I knew he wasn't a good person from our first meeting, so I didn't agree immediately. It wasn't until two years later, when my strength was sufficient, that I dared to join the team."

"He has been aggressively pursuing me, but I've rejected him every time."

"But he never gave up. He controls the club, and many of his informants are around me, even within my personal team."

"Sometimes, I'm grateful to him for saving me a lot of trouble."

Zhao Manying's face turned complex as she continued, "Shi Renzhong is eager to prove his capabilities to his father, so he focuses all his attention on managing the club and building a team around me. He provides me with unconditional support and has hired the best coaching team. I have him to thank for a part of my success and strength today."

"Hehe..." Ji Xinghuo laughed, "The more resources and effort he invests in you, the more he'll hate me."

Zhao Manying shot him a glance, "Who told you to pluck the peach?"

"I've barely taken a bite of the peach skin, and I don't know when I'll get to eat the peach," Ji Xinghuo said, looking wronged. Earlier, she had told others that they were already living together, but in reality, he had barely reached second base.

"Haste makes waste," Zhao Manying said, her face turning red.

Ji Xinghuo appraised her voluptuous figure and teased, "But I feel like the peach is already ripe and ready to fall to the ground if we wait any longer."

"Nonsense!"

Zhao Manying's ears turned crimson.

Ji Xinghuo couldn't help but lean in to tease her further, but his phone suddenly rang, causing his expression to stiffen. Zhao Manying took the opportunity to regain her composure and sat back in her seat.

"Damn it..."

Ji Xinghuo pulled out his phone and saw that the call was from Lu Yunhai.

After answering, Lu Yunhai's face appeared on the screen, and he was in a very excited state. He shouted, "Damn! Xinghuo, I just got out of archery class, and there's so much explosive news! You're dating the Sword Saint, and you didn't even tell me..."

He rambled on incoherently, not noticing the displeased look on Ji Xinghuo's face.

"In the car? Where are you going so late? Hey, you still haven't told me how you met the Sword Saint, and what it's like to date the world's goddess?" Lu Yunhai's curiosity was insatiable.

Before Ji Xinghuo could answer, Lu Yunhai slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "I just remembered, during our junior year, a few of us were having dinner together, and someone asked who we'd choose as our girlfriend if we could pick anyone. We all jokingly said the Sword Saint. Little did I know you'd actually make it happen! Those guys must be dying to interrogate you now..."

Ji Xinghuo couldn't help but feel embarrassed by his friend's outburst.

To prevent Lu Yunhai from revealing more embarrassing stories, he turned the screen towards the driver's seat.

Zhao Manying appeared on the screen and greeted Lu Yunhai with a smile. "Hello, Yunhai."

Ji Xinghuo had told her about Lu Yunhai being his best friend.

"Ah?"

Lu Yunhai froze for a few seconds, his face turning red as he managed to say, "H-hello! Sword Saint, my girlfriend and I are huge fans of yours. I won't disturb you two any longer. Xinghuo, let's meet up next time, and I'll treat you both to dinner. Goodbye."

And with that, he hastily hung up the call.

Ji Xinghuo was left speechless, but Zhao Manying just smiled at Lu Yunhai's antics. "Your friend is quite interesting."

"That's just his personality," Ji Xinghuo said with a smile. "He's very passionate and values his friends. He's definitely worth getting to know better."

Zhao Manying nodded slightly. "Then I'd like to meet him sometime."

A few minutes later, the maglev flyer arrived at its destination—the Tianwu Center in Qin City. Although Ji Xinghuo had rented an apartment here, he hadn't stayed there since, opting to stay at the Qishan District apartment to lure out potential enemies.

Now that the immediate danger of assassination attempts seemed to have passed, and with their new rental being unknown to others, its information secure, and its location conveniently in the city center, close to Zhao Manying's home, it was finally time to move in.

The flyer parked in the underground garage.

Ji Xinghuo extended an invitation: "Would you like to come up and take a look? After all, it's rented under your name, and I'm just borrowing it."

"What are you scheming?" Zhao Manying looked at him with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'm a gentleman," Ji Xinghuo replied earnestly. "It's you who's thinking naughty things."

"Pfft..."

Zhao Manying blushed as she recalled his earlier comment about the ripe peach, but she also felt a hint of anticipation. She composed herself and nodded, saying, "Alright, I'll take a quick look before leaving."

This was the first time either of them had been to the new place. Zhao Manying donned a pair of sunglasses and a simple disguise, linking arms with Ji Xinghuo as they stepped into the elevator.

Fortunately, it was late, and they had the elevator to themselves.

When Zhao Manying had signed the rental contract, she had also reset the elevator password and entry permissions for this floor, granting access to Ji Xinghuo as well. Both of them now had equal rights to the apartment. Ji Xinghuo verified his fingerprint and entered the password in the elevator, and they soon ascended to the 137th floor.

The elevator opened directly into a spacious foyer, and Ji Xinghuo stepped forward to open the door.

"Please come in," he said, gesturing invitingly.

As they entered, a vast living room of over a hundred square meters greeted them. Facing the entrance was a massive rectangular one-way floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the night skyline, nearly a kilometer above ground, overlooking most of the sprawling city of Chang'an. It felt as if they were amidst the clouds.

In the distance, several skyscrapers sparkled with dazzling neon lights.

One of them was the Weiyang Building.

"Wow, this is amazing!"

Zhao Manying explored the living room, then checked out the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, gym, cultivation room, and study, totaling nearly 300 square meters. The apartment was exquisitely decorated, elegant in style, and fully furnished with high-quality items. It was truly a move-in ready home.

Ji Xinghuo was also pleased with the place.

Two years ago, he wouldn't have dared to imagine living in such a luxurious apartment, but now, at a monthly rent of 100,000 Asya, it felt well worth it.

Ji Xinghuo turned to Zhao Manying and suddenly said, "It's quite late. Why don't we stay here for the night?"

"There's only one bedroom here," Zhao Manying pointed out, giving him a sideways glance.

"I'll sleep on the sofa," he offered, patting the spacious and plush sofa that could easily accommodate five or six people. Seeing her hesitation, he added seriously, "Don't worry! I promise I won't do anything. You can lock the bedroom door, and I won't go in."

After a few seconds, Zhao Manying nodded gently and softly replied, "Alright."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end