Chapter 2046

Wang Yu's words were like a thunderclap, slicing through the originally noisy and chaotic scene.

In an instant, the whole space seemed to have been muted, falling utterly silent.

Those present all turned their gazes toward Wang Yu, their eyes filled with contempt and disdain.

This guy wasn't speaking so confidently before; back when the Wang family just suffered a theft, he kept shouting that he would tear the thieves apart to vent his hatred.

But now, upon learning that those from the Thieves' Sect were actually elders of Ye Zhangqing's family, he flipped his attitude a full 180 degrees like a chameleon.

Such shameless, principle-less conduct is truly despicable.

Everyone silently cursed, wondering if he still had any shame; with such conduct, how could he be qualified to be head of the Wang family? Better to get lost and let someone else take over—perhaps anyone would be stronger than him.

However, this silence did not last long.

After giving Wang Yu a look of contempt, everyone quickly shifted their attention to Ye Zhangqing.

After all, just moments ago Ye Zhangqing personally promised they could enjoy the food for free, without queuing, and even order whatever they liked.

Especially those who had followed Ye Zhangqing for seven or eight years found the words almost unbelievable.

They had never enjoyed such generous treatment before—not in real life, nor even in their dreams had they dared hope for such a blessing to fall upon them.

In the past, wanting to taste even a bite of the delicious dishes Ye Zhangqing cooked himself was truly no easy feat.

The waiting time in line was at least one Shíchén.

Yet tonight, this unexpected thing actually happened—could it really be so easy to ascend in one step, enjoying food without a long wait?

At that moment, the crowd could no longer contain their inner anxiety and unease, and they all spoke up impatiently.

One person, beaming, said to Ye Zhangqing:

"Young Master Ye, you must not listen to Wang Yu's nonsense; his mouth has never been trustworthy, and what he says is utterly unreliable. The rare items stored in my family's treasury were originally prepared specially to present to all of you venerable elders."

Before his words even faded, Wang Yu jumped out to retort.

"Cut the crap, who says my mouth isn't trustworthy?"

Immediately afterward, someone else came up, fawning, to curry favor with Ye Zhangqing.

"Young Master Ye, I don't know if the treasures our Sect sent are convenient for you elders to use; if you find them unsatisfactory or unfamiliar, I will immediately arrange for a better batch to be sent."

Hearing this, the people around exchanged glances, secretly murmuring.

Huh? These precious treasures can actually be swapped for another batch at will?

Everyone gradually came to their senses, realizing that since the treasures were lost, demanding them back now would be a loss and might well provoke Ye Zhangqing, this big shot.

By then, forget about enjoying that mouth‑watering meal; you might not even get a sip of soup.

Rather than that, it would be better to simply give up demanding compensation and explanation, after all maintaining a good relationship with Ye Zhangqing is more important.

Furthermore, if you think about it carefully, Yun Xiantai's move this time was still quite measured.

Although it caused each faction to lose some wealth, it did not touch their foundations, merely making everyone feel a pang of regret.

But who wouldn't feel the pain? After all, no matter which household encounters this—oh wait, can't say they were robbed; must say they were visited by 'elders'—who wouldn't ache? After all, those are treasures painstakingly accumulated.

But now that things have come to this, what's done is done; no amount of regret will help.

At this point, the wisest course of action is to go along with the scheme, to turn error into advantage.

Simply treat this precious treasure as a generous gift, offered in congratulations to the newly established Dao One Immortal Sect.

This would not only defuse the current awkward situation, but might also earn a long‑term free‑meal ticket from Ye Zhangqing—how wonderful!

Everyone chattered away, you speaking then I, the scene buzzing with discussion.

As for this outcome, Ye Zhangqing was not overly surprised.

He knew deep down that he would likely have to work twice as hard from now on.

Although we usually get along well and have good relations, once it comes to mealtime, everything changes completely.

These folks only think about how to fill their stomachs, with no regard for whether others are tired or hard‑working.

Even if he felt somewhat helpless inside, Ye Zhangqing had no recourse.

After all, the disaster caused by Yun Xiantai ultimately must be cleaned up by him.

After all, they are the close elders of his own Sect—how could he stay angry at them?

After everyone's emotions had gradually calmed, Ye Zhangqing finally seized the moment, cleared his throat, and spoke.

"Thank you, elders, for your understanding; I, the junior, have nothing to repay you with. As I just said, if you elders ever want something to eat, come find me and I will arrange it."

This promise from Ye Zhangqing is exactly what everyone present had been hoping to hear—the most satisfactory explanation.

Yet in the crowd, someone still put on airs, speaking pretentiously generous.

"Young Master Ye, what are you saying? We're not doing this for that meal; we're doing this because......................"

"Shut up."

However, before he could finish speaking, the person beside him clapped a hand over his mouth, stopping him outright.

What era is this, still putting on airs? If you really mess up the meal, you'll be a sinner for the ages.

The speaker was none other than Wang Yu, whom everyone had just despised.

This time, as Wang Yu spoke halfway, he again drew everyone's gaze—but now it was not contempt, but anger.

Why are you everywhere, you wretched thing—would you die if you didn't speak?

And if you're going to speak, then speak properly; don't come out with nonsense.

What time is this, still pulling that act? Is now the time to be polite?

Since they were holding Wang Yu down to keep him silent, yet this guy still tried to struggle, whereupon several people joined forces and pressed him straight to the ground.

At this critical juncture, we absolutely cannot let him spout nonsense any further.

What, are you not after this, not after that—what are you after? Are you after the Wang family head being ugly?

If you can't speak properly, then say less—especially in such an important occasion, just go along with the crowd, won't you?

Everyone simultaneously thought, we almost had this wretched thing ruin the big affair.