The young man in white robes looked up at him and smiled, saying, “May I ask how I should address you?”

The academy student straightened his chest proudly and said, “My surname is Ethan, my given name is Ethan, and I come from the Baixiang Academy!”

A slight commotion rippled through the crowd.

Baixiang Academy was an institution that trained Qi cultivators for the Daxia Immortal Palace. Anyone who graduated from there was at least someone versed in divine arts and mysterious methods, possessing great powers—far beyond what money could measure. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare provoke such a figure.

But unexpectedly, the young man in white robes only smiled broadly upon hearing this.

He bowed deeply and said politely, “So you’re a senior from Baixiang Academy—my apologies, my apologies!”

Ethan Foster instinctively puffed out his chest, his expression somewhat proud.

Yet he faintly sensed something was off. Although this young man in white robes, like everyone else, bowed upon hearing his identity, he was merely being polite—he didn’t show the slightest sign of fear or timidity. This made Ethan Foster feel a bit unsettled.

He cleared his throat slightly, preparing to lecture the other party a bit more.

But just then, someone beside him tugged at Ethan Foster’s robe and whispered quietly in his ear.

He vaguely caught the words “Liuhu Fang family.”

Ethan Foster’s expression immediately turned a bit ugly. He stood there, unable to decide whether to stand or sit, or even what to say. His face shifted through various expressions before he finally spoke in a heavy tone, “So it’s Carter FosterSecond Young Master Foster. I was rude and presumptuous—please don’t take offense, young master…”

“Whoosh…”

The entire great hall fell silent at the mention of Carter FosterYoung Master Foster’s name.

Whether they had been ready to watch a joke, to scold, to stir up trouble, or to flaunt their wealth, everyone instantly quieted down.

It turned out the guest was the second young master of the Liuhu Fang family—what more was there to say?

Everyone knew that while the city governor of Liuhu City bore the surname Bai, the entire city truly belonged to the Fang family!

These wealthy gentry and scions of noble families could only throw their weight around within Liuhu City.

But the The Foster Family’s Young Master could go to Chao Ge and still act with impunity…

This The Foster Family’s Second Young Master had grown up so wealthy that even using silver to wipe his bottom was too rough—he needed gold. When he bought buns, he’d buy three baskets: one to taste himself, one to play at hitting dogs, and one to give to the poor. Across the land, not just in this little Liuhu City, but even among the noble sons and Daoist prodigies of the great Qingjiang region, few could compare to him…

So what was the point of competing with him?

Let alone being a mere academy student—even if the academy’s old master or the city governor himself came, upon seeing this The Foster Family’s Second Young Master, they’d probably have to step aside and yield the lovely young lady…

There was no helping it—after all, his family had produced a remarkable Qi cultivator.

Fortunately, Ethan Foster was not reprimanded by Second Young Master Foster; instead, the other party smiled warmly.

He returned the bow according to etiquette and said repeatedly, “No worries!”

Then he stepped into the hall, smiling as he looked up toward the second floor.

At that moment, a golden hairpin was suddenly tossed down from above, landing right at Second Young Master Foster’s feet, gleaming brilliantly.

The handsome young man in white robes picked up the golden hairpin, smiling as he looked up.

To give someone a golden hairpin meant that Miss Grace had shown her interest.

……

……

“Congratulations, Second Young Master Foster…”

“Best wishes, Second Young Master Foster…”

Everyone in the hall, seeing this scene, immediately understood and began to cheer loudly.

Just moments ago, they had been full of competitive fire, but now it all seemed perfectly natural, and everyone joined in the raucous applause.

“Haha, you’re too kind, thank you all for your support and giving me face…”

Second Young Master Foster brought the hairpin to his nose for a gentle sniff, drawing a round of cheers from the crowd. Beaming with joy, he tucked the hairpin into his lapel, cupped his hands to the guests in the hall, and called out, “Old madam, bring another jar of fine wine to every table upstairs for our friends! Since fate has brought us together today, put everyone’s tab on my Second Foster account!”

“Aye…”

The old madam on the balcony grinned, showing her yellow teeth, and said in a coy voice, “As you wish…”

Down in the hall, countless cheers erupted, nearly lifting the roof off the little building.

……

……

“Hmm, they all say that Miss Grace is the most outstanding girl in the city these past few years. Now that I’ve seen her…”

In the exquisite rear courtyard, with the river behind and gardens in front, fine wine and rare fruits were set on the table. Before him sat a beautiful woman, shyly plucking a zither, her slender fingers moving gracefully. Second Young Master Foster was lounging at the table, chin in hand, gazing at the lovely and slightly naive Miss Grace before him, her eyes bright, waist slender, and a hint of snowy white at her chest. He smiled gently and spoke slowly.

“So, tell me—now that you’ve seen me, what do you think?”

Miss Grace stopped playing the zither and crawled gently across the floor to his side.

Second Young Master Foster laughed, “Nothing special. In my previous life, you’d be a third- or fourth-tier…”

“You really are something—making fun of me the moment we meet…”

Miss Grace blushed with annoyance, lightly hitting him as she pouted.