A demonstration of authority? Ling Feng couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. It seems Rick truly doesn't take him seriously. Indeed, he carries himself with enough arrogance!

As the Clan Leader of the Johnson Family, and as Jenny's father, Ling Feng wouldn't believe for a second that Rick is unaware of his background! Let's not forget—even Jenny knows his true identity, so how could the leader of the Johnson Family remain in the dark?

Though Rick ignored Ling Feng entirely, Ling Feng was indifferent to it. Instead, he nonchalantly plopped himself down beside Jenny and remarked, "Da Hong Pao, eh? Now this—this is a real treasure. If it comes from those ancient trees, it's practically priceless!"

As he spoke, Ling Feng rather casually reached for a teacup nearby, poured himself a cup, and began to sip at it leisurely.

The tea's aroma gently diffused, its taste rich and full. Ling Feng inhaled deeply, visibly comforted, and murmured a quiet word of praise.

Jenny stared at Ling Feng, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and disbelief. This was the first time she'd ever seen someone of her own age dare to act so brazenly and overconfidently in front of her father!

She was even starting to worry. If Ling Feng irritated her father, he might have someone eliminate him! Even though Ling Feng was reputed to be one of the Eight War Gods, a remarkable young warrior, when compared to the deep-rooted legacy of the Johnson Family, individual strength meant little.

Fortunately, Rick Johnson's expression showed no trace of displeasure—almost as if Ling Feng's actions had simply not registered at all. To put it plainly, Ling Feng's recent conduct hadn't disrupted Rick Johnson's enjoyment of his tea in the slightest.

Thus, the three of them sat around the little stone table, quietly sipping tea and soaking in the warm afternoon sunshine within the estate.

"Jenny, step out for a moment. I have some things I'd like to discuss with your friend here." Rick Johnson set down his teacup and spoke in a calm yet commanding voice, one imbued with undeniable authority.

Jenny's lips parted slightly, but in the end, she offered a small bow. "Understood, Father!"

With that, Jenny shot Ling Feng a meaningful look, but Ling Feng kept his gaze averted, paying her no mind whatsoever. This irked Jenny greatly—what an arrogant man!

Once Jenny left the courtyard, only Rick Johnson and Ling Feng remained.

"As expected from the leader of the Johnson Family—your courage is extraordinary indeed!" Ling Feng remarked with a tinge of admiration. "I had thought surely you'd have many powerful bodyguards by your side, but... I'm surprised to find none at all. Truly unexpected!"

"The art of tea lies in an artistic conception—one of balance, harmony, and unity between humans and nature. If unnecessary individuals were present, wouldn't it disturb that artistic conception?" Rick Johnson replied evenly.

Ling Feng praised him, "Uncle Johnson, your love for refinement is truly impressive."

Rick Johnson's brow twitched slightly hearing Ling Feng's form of address. "Ling Feng, there are no outsiders here now. I believe we can speak openly about certain matters."

"Please, Uncle Johnson, go ahead. I'm all ears." Ling Feng replied impassively.

Rick Johnson's lips tightened for a moment before he began speaking. "Ling Feng, truthfully, when you came in alongside Jenny earlier, I was quite taken aback. Over the last five years, you're the first man Jenny's willingly approached!"

"Jenny's heart has been scarred—a wound borne from love. It's that heartbreak that has led to her current state." Rick Johnson sighed heavily. "I've tried countless ways to help her, but none have worked. Since Jenny is willing to be close to you, I hope you can help her!"

Ling Feng fell silent. Meeting Rick Johnson's earnest gaze, he eventually responded, "Jenny is my friend. Naturally, I'm willing to help her. But… I don't know how I could. Heartbreak is a sickness of the soul—a wound only healed by remedies of the heart. If she herself can't let go, I can't do much to assist her."

Rick Johnson replied gravely, "The fact that Jenny is willing to approach you indicates she holds some affection for you. I hope you'll reciprocate that affection!"

Ling Feng's eyes widened. "Chief Rick, what are you saying? Are you suggesting…"

Rick nodded. "Though I hate to admit it, yes—I hope you can become Jenny's boyfriend. I want Jenny to return to her former self; only then can she be a qualified heir. And, of course, it's also my hope as her father!"

Ling Feng hadn't expected Rick Johnson's forthrightness. His bluntness left Ling Feng feeling discomfited.

"I'm sorry, Chief Rick!" Ling Feng refused without hesitation. "I assume you know I already have a girlfriend."

Rick Johnson gave a faint smile. "That's hardly an issue. As a strong man, having multiple women is nothing problematic in my eyes."

"It's still impossible!" Ling Feng rejected him firmly.

"Why?!" Rick Johnson's expression darkened. "Are you telling me that my daughter—the Johnson Family's first heir—is unworthy of someone like the Blood-Handed Asura?"

Rick's imposing presence didn't faze Ling Feng in the slightest. "Chief Rick, I believe you've misunderstood. Whom I love has nothing to do with her status, beauty, or any external factor. Between Jenny and me, there's only friendship—not romantic feelings! As such, I cannot accept your request!"

Rick cut straight to the chase. "Name your terms. So long as you agree to my proposal, the Johnson Family will become your most formidable ally. As someone from the Underworld, I assume you recognize our power and influence."

Ling Feng's expression hardened. He had already declined Rick Johnson's request outright, yet Rick continued to press on. Did he see Ling Feng as nothing more than a tool to be bargained with?

Rick's words heightened Ling Feng's sense of disdain and insult.

"I understand how powerful the Johnson Family is—but so what?" Ling Feng retorted coolly. "What does that have to do with me? All my life, Ling Feng has acted according to his own values, untouched by external temptations. Chief Rick, you've found the wrong man! If you genuinely cared for Miss Jenny, you should've refrained from saying these things. Moreover, I trust Miss Jenny wouldn't agree with such behavior either!"

"How dare you!" Rick slammed his palm onto the table. "Ling Feng, don't let your reputation as one of the Eight War Gods delude you into thinking you can act arrogant before me! In the face of the Johnson Family, your individual strength is insignificant. Even the Divine Gate you serve is no more than an ant before us! I need a simple answer—will you agree or not? If you refuse, don't blame me for what's to come!"

Ling Feng drained his teacup, then gently placed it on the table and offered Rick Johnson a faint smile. "Thank you for the tea, Chief Rick. Tea is the gentleman of water; I suggest you drink more of it. Farewell!"

With that, Ling Feng rose to his feet, turned, and left without a moment's hesitation.

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