Chapter Fifteen: Spending Money Like Water

"I'm starving! Why does it take so long just to get a license plate?" In the vehicle administration office, Wang Ling rubbed her stomach and complained.

"Miss Wang, you’ve had a hard day. Don’t worry, I’ll treat you to a feast afterwards," Lan Tian said, trying to soothe her. It was his first time buying a car, and he hadn’t expected the wait for a license plate to be so long.

"I can't stand this. I’m calling someone I know to speed things up, and maybe get you a better plate too," Wang Ling said as she noticed many staff members had already left for the day, yet they were still waiting in line. The staff still present looked visibly impatient, so she took out her phone, ready to make a call.

Lan Tian quickly stopped her. "No need. The plate doesn’t matter. The car is already flashy enough; I don’t need something like 888 to make it even more ostentatious."

"Oh, so now you know how to keep a low profile? With a car like this?" Wang Ling laughed.

"It’s not the same. I bought the car because I like it, not because I want to show off. Do I seem flashy to you?" Lan Tian defended.

"You really don’t. If you hadn’t surprised me today, I’d never have guessed you were so wealthy!" Wang Ling nodded, then eyed him curiously. "Are you really not going to tell me what your family does?"

"My family? My parents run a small business. Their savings don’t even exceed five hundred thousand," Lan Tian said calmly.

"As if I’d believe that! Forget it, I don’t want to know anymore!" Wang Ling playfully punched his shoulder.

"If you don’t believe me, so be it. Honestly, these days, no one believes the truth," Lan Tian said with a wry smile. He couldn’t blame her for doubting him; if he hadn’t experienced it himself, he wouldn’t believe it either.

What small business owner could buy a four-million car? And do it without batting an eye?

Thinking of this, Lan Tian felt even more grateful to Bai.

And thinking of Bai reminded him of her instructions last night: he needed to find a secluded place for tonight. The process of cultivation would be too conspicuous if the neighbors saw it.

Since that was the case, he might as well buy a villa. In his own villa, he wouldn’t have to worry about being seen.

Lan Tian realized he had more to do that afternoon, so he let Wang Ling make her call to get the licensing done quickly.

His guess was right; this girl must have some connections in Ning City. Otherwise, how could she be running her own law firm?

Sure enough, after her call, a middle-aged man, clearly a staff member, hurried over and ushered them into the lounge.

"Miss Wang, what sort of license plate would you like? I can take care of it for you," the man said respectfully. He didn’t know Wang Ling’s background, but with the increased regulations, it was surprising that his director had personally called, instructing him to fulfill all her requests.

He knew right away she was no ordinary person.

Wang Ling didn’t speak, but Lan Tian interjected, "Any plate will do. Just please process it as quickly as possible."

"Of course, that’s no problem," the staff member replied, glancing at Wang Ling to confirm she had no objections, then nodding respectfully.

With connections, everything was easier. Five minutes later, the Aston Martin, now with its new plates, drew envious stares and a chorus of admiration as it roared out of the bureau's gates, accompanied by Wang Ling’s BMW Z4.

Along the way, it took Lan Tian quite some time to get used to the car, said to be the world’s fastest four-door sports car. The accelerator was so sensitive that even the slightest pressure sent the car surging forward, the rush so exhilarating it sent his adrenaline soaring.

Still, he kept his speed in check. Tonight, he would begin cultivating the miraculous technique left by the God of Battle—he couldn’t afford to have an accident before that.

"This place is pretty good, isn’t it? Our old boss used to bring us here, though it’s pricey. Last month, I even saved up half my salary just to bring my ex-girlfriend for a nice meal," Lan Tian said as he led Wang Ling into a famous Sichuan restaurant, knowing she enjoyed spicy food.

"You saved half a month’s salary..." Wang Ling bit into a slice of twice-cooked pork and immediately teared up from the heat.

Lan Tian smiled, handed her a napkin, and said nothing.

"I’m planning to buy a villa this afternoon. Do you have any recommendations for good locations?"

"Poof!" Wang Ling was sipping soup to soothe her tongue, still tingling from the spice, when Lan Tian’s question made her choke and spray soup everywhere. Though Lan Tian reacted quickly and dodged most of it, a few drops still landed on him.

"Heavens! You’ve already spent over four million today, and now you want to buy a villa?!" Wang Ling exclaimed as she hastily wiped him off, her surprise so great that several diners nearby turned to stare.

"Tsk, tsk. Young people these days—such shameless braggarts, always seeking attention," muttered a nearby middle-aged man in business attire, his face full of disdain.

Wang Ling forced an awkward smile. She couldn’t blame anyone for doubting; if she hadn’t witnessed everything herself, she wouldn’t have believed it either.

"If you’re serious about buying, I’d recommend Xuanxin Garden. The name may sound plain, but it’s Ning City’s most exclusive villa community. Many wealthy businessmen and top officials live there. It’s very quiet, though the only downside is that it’s a bit far from the city center," Wang Ling suggested after thinking it over.

"That works. We can go check it out after we eat." The distance didn’t bother Lan Tian; he had a car, and what mattered was the tranquility—perfect for his cultivation without fear of being discovered.

"Er... Are you really serious? The villas there aren’t cheap. The lowest is twenty or thirty million, and the most expensive are nearly a hundred million," Wang Ling whispered, fearing more derision from those around them.

"Of course I’m serious. Don’t worry about the money. As long as the house is right, that’s all that matters," Lan Tian replied with a cheeky grin.

As he said don’t worry about the money, his expression turned a bit odd. He’d always found people who said that to be insufferable show-offs, but now, as he said it himself, he understood—those people really were showing off. And honestly, it felt good.

"Fine, forget what I just said. As long as you’re happy..." Wang Ling feigned exasperation, pretending to be wounded. "As it happens, I have a case involving the developer of Xuanxin Garden. I’ll contact her for you in a bit."