"Great! It's a deal!" Cody's spirits soared.The Ostrower family was a prominent family in the medical field. They weren't as influential as the Welch family. Still, they were a significant presence in South City. With a little effort, it shouldn't be hard for them to get three top-quality medicinal herbs. "It's getting late. How about we all have a meal together? It will be a perfect opportunity to welcome Dustin," Brooke suddenly suggested. "No problem! I'll play the host today. Dustin, let me treat you to a meal at Regal Court!" Cody declared grandly."Regal Court?" Everyone at Harmony Healers grew excited at the declaration. Regal Court was the most prestigious restaurant in South City. It typically catered to senior officials and VIPs. Ordinary citizens could only dream of entering such a place. Dining there required not only wealth but also social status and influence, making it a highly exclusive establishment. Regal Court also had a widely circulated story asso
"What? Dined with the Emperor?" Harper was stunned before bursting out into mocking laughter."Hey, bumpkin, are you alright in the head? You? Dined with the Emperor? Are you even worthy? Even Cody is not qualified to dine with the Emperor. What makes you think you can?"A plainly dressed bumpkin like him dared claim acquaintance with the Emperor? How outrageous! "If you don't believe me, suit yourself." Dustin shrugged, not bothering to argue. It was pointless to argue with someone so condescending. "Hmph! I first thought you were ignorant and lacked manners. I didn't expect you to be so boastful too. I don't understand why grandpa values you," Harper sneered as she crossed her arms. As an Oakvale native, she felt a sense of superiority when dealing with country bumpkins. "We've arrived, this is it!" Cody suddenly stopped and pointed toward a piece of linen paper suspended in the air.The linen paper was of considerable size. Encased in a gold-rimmed glass frame, it was pr
"I can't believe this is Logan's calligraphy. It's no wonder he's qualified to transcribe the Emperor's verses." "The Emperor's verses and the Kirin's penmanship. It would be unbelievable if Regal Court still couldn't succeed!" "As expected of the Kirin. His calligraphy, penned in his teens, is comparable to esteemed calligraphy masters. What a treasure!" The students stared at the poem in amazement. They finally realized why Regal Court had such strict entry requirements. With such an invaluable treasure on display, it seemed perfectly justified. "I heard that the Kirin is not only exceptionally gifted but also incredibly handsome. He's also well-versed in both classical and contemporary literature. "If only I was lucky enough to meet him!" Harper sighed dreamily, her eyes brimming with admiration.Even though Cody was outstanding in his own right, Logan remained in a league of his own.Whether it was his family background, personal abilities, or physical attractiveness,
"It's been a long time since I've written anything, and I feel a little out of practice. I think I'll pass." Dustin shook his head.His handwriting could easily be recognized by those knowledgeable in the field.He wasn't exactly afraid of having his identity exposed now. But it would be a headache if certain people found out."Out of practice? Hmph! Just admit you can't!" Harper scoffed. "You clearly lack the skill, yet you insist on showing off. It's truly nauseating!""Alright. Calm down, both of you. Many people are watching. We don't want to turn into a joke." Brooke tried to diffuse the situation.While Dustin was undoubtedly skilled, criticizing the Kirin's calligraphy was a bit presumptuous."Hmph! If anyone's embarrassing themselves, it's this guy! How dare he insult the Kirin's work? Does he think us fans are a bunch of pushovers?" Harper glared at Dustin. "Alright, enough of this. It's just a piece of calligraphy. There's no need to bring down the mood for it," Cody
Even though Harper was talented, it didn't mean she could outshine everyone. After all, Oakvale was a place where elites gathered. It was a city with an abundance of talent. "Grandpa, I was renowned as a prodigy back in school. That title belongs to me, and no one can dispute it. I'm better off dead if I can't even win today's literary event," Harper said confidently."Why would you even say that?" Brooke frowned slightly."Master Busch, Harper is exceptionally talented and highly skilled in this regard. I believe she will do well," Cody said with a smile."Did you hear that? Even Cody thinks so. I'm going to be the standout performer today!" Harper added, her confidence reaching new heights. Brooke shook his head in resignation. Harper's arrogance would get her into trouble sooner or later. "It's almost time. Let's head upstairs," Cody said, leading the group to the second floor. Compared to the extravagance on the first floor, the second floor exuded an air of elegance an
"Ms. Camron, that's a bit too much," Cody finally spoke up. "Harper is my junior. It's not exactly appropriate for you to make that comment with me here, don't you think?" "Oh? Mr. Ostrower is here as well? My apologies." Lana feigned astonishment.She then continued with a sly smile, "It's no wonder Harper was able to get in. It turns out you were the one backing her. "I'm just curious, as the scion of a noble and respected family, how come you have such bad taste? You're actually attracted to this bland woman?""Hey! Who are you calling bland?" Harper was enraged at her words. She was about to act out but was quickly held back by those around her. The Camron family's influence was slightly stronger than the Ostrower family's. If Harper were to lay her hand on Lana, not even Cody would be able to get her out of trouble. "If you reacted, I guess I must be talking about you then. What about it? Do you have an issue with it?" Lana smirked, her gaze provocative. She thorou
Harmony Healers didn't earn much. They either treated the poor for free or only charged them the cost price of the medications. Despite their reputation, they struggled financially. One billion was an amount Harmony Healers would never earn in a lifetime. That was why Harper thought there was no harm in betting on it. It could change their fortune dramatically. "There are no absolutes in life. I will never allow you to risk Harmony Healers like that!" Brooke refused to give in. "Grandpa, why won't you trust me?" Harper was getting frustrated. "When those thugs were causing trouble, didn't you stake Harmony Healers too? You even did it on behalf of Dustin! Why are you willing to trust an outsider but not me? Why?" Harper was practically yelling by the end of it. "Kid, I had no choice back then. But you're just being willful now. You need to understand the difference," Brooke explained with a frown. "I don't care!" Harper wasn't listening to reason and was getting agitated.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." As the literary event commenced, a fair, stout, middle-aged man went up on stage. Flashing a welcoming smile, he greeted the audience respectfully. "My name is Keanu Jankow, and I'm the manager at Regal Court. Thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight." Keanu continued with a smile, "It is once again the night of our quarterly literary exchange. Regal Court has selected a precious treasure from Treasure Pavilion to serve as the highlight of our evening and liven the crowd. "Of course, our primary goal is for everyone to engage in friendly literature discussions, not competition." "Mr. Jankow, what marvelous treasure has Regal Court prepared for us? Could you grant us a glimpse?" a man asked loudly."Yeah, we came here for the treasure. I hope it's worth it," many others echoed the sentiment. "Dear guests, please, be patient. I'll have it brought forth shortly for all to admire."Keanu nodded and signaled to the two men stand