After leaving Tianbao Group, Wu Tian returned directly to Taohua Village.
The next morning, Zhong Shan indeed sent a car to pick him up.
This time, Zhong Shan pulled out all the stops, sending five cars. Four Rolls-Royces formed an escort around a stretched Lincoln, resembling a fleet of escort frigates surrounding a grand flagship.
Such a spectacle caused a stir in the local area. Everyone assumed a high-ranking official had arrived, and even the town mayor rushed over in a panic.
Wu Tian found this situation somewhat exasperating. He preferred to keep a low profile, but others wouldn't allow him the opportunity.
The motorcade drove directly into the Zhong family's estate. The Zhong mansion was less a house and more a palace. It was hard to imagine such a structure being built in the city; if its owner weren't the Zhong Corporation, it would likely have been demolished before it was even completed.
Wu Tian was escorted by several people into the mansion. As soon as he entered, he saw Zhong Shan and Zhong Shi waiting in the hall.
Zhong Shan hurried forward and said to Wu Tian, "Wu Tian, you've finally arrived! Welcome, welcome!"
At this moment, Wu Tian truly understood Bai Ruoqi's deeper intentions. If he had merely saved Zhong Shan's life, Zhong Shan would likely not have welcomed him with such fanfare. It was Bai Ruoqi's influence that had spared the Zhong Corporation, which was why Zhong Shan was being so enthusiastic.
However, Wu Tian found these matters insignificant. He simply smiled faintly and said, "Mr. Zhong, you are too kind. I can hardly bear such hospitality!"
Zhong Shan chuckled repeatedly, "Wu Tian, what are you saying? You are my savior. Isn't this what I should be doing?"
"Don't be so formal with me. Consider this your own home. You are welcome to visit anytime!"
With that, Zhong Shan waved his hand, and two graceful women immediately approached, affectionately linking their arms with Wu Tian's. These women were exquisite, exceptionally beautiful, with perfect curves and scantily clad attire that exuded allure.
Wu Tian knew these women were there to attend to him at Zhong Shan's behest. To put it bluntly, he could do whatever he pleased with them, even take them home. However, Wu Tian had no interest. Could these beautiful women compare to Zhou Qian and Tang Qi? After tasting a feast, why would one be swayed by mere delicacies?
Thus, Wu Tian allowed the two women to link arms with him, making no move to take advantage. Seeing this, Zhong Shan couldn't help but feel impressed. After all, the saying goes that heroes are vulnerable to beauty. Yet, Wu Tian remained composed in the face of such exquisite women, which truly earned his admiration.
He quickly led Wu Tian to the living room and ordered a cup of premium tea to be served. The women stood behind Wu Tian, attending to him.
Wu Tian surveyed the living room's decor and couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Zhong, your house is beautifully decorated."
"The lives of the wealthy are truly enviable!"
Zhong Shan shook his head and smiled, "Wu Tian, what are you talking about? It's just a casual renovation, nothing worth boasting about."
"If you like it, Wu Tian, I can gift you a set. It's a small matter."
Wu Tian smiled and replied, "No need for a gift, it would make me feel like a robber. I have my own place to live."
Zhong Shan smiled, "Wu Tian, don't be so polite with me. We are like brothers, aren't we?"
"How about I become sworn brothers with you? From now on, what's mine is yours. What do you think?"
Wu Tian hadn't expected Zhong Shan to propose this. However, he saw no harm in it. After all, he had already planned to build his own influence, and this could be the first step.
So, Wu Tian smiled and nodded, "That would be wonderful. I have no other talent than making friends."
"Then, from today onwards, we are brothers!"
Zhong Shan and Zhong Shi exchanged glances, then both called out to Wu Tian, "Brother!"
"Ah?" The actions of the two brothers stunned Wu Tian. He quickly said, "No, you two are over a hundred years old combined. Why are you calling me brother?"
Zhong Shan replied, "This matter is not about age, but about capability."
"Brother, your medical skills are superb, and you are friends with President Bai. You are absolutely worthy of being called brother!"
Zhong Shi also chimed in, "Yes, brother. We are convinced by you, so please be our elder brother!"
Observing their attitude, Wu Tian immediately guessed their true intentions. These two were not as straightforward as they appeared. Their talk of admiration was mere pretense; the key was his relationship with Bai Ruoqi. If they acknowledged him as their elder brother, it would mean they had a connection with Bai Ruoqi. This would be a great opportunity to align themselves with the powerful Tianbao Group. Ultimately, it was a matter of mutual benefit.
However, this was an unspoken understanding, and Wu Tian saw no need to voice it. The world worked this way; people utilized each other, and as long as the outward relationship was harmonious, there were no issues.
So, he smiled and said, "Since you are both so courteous, I shall gratefully accept."
Zhong Shan and Zhong Shi were overjoyed. They were businessmen, and business was about profit. Other matters were, in truth, not as important.
After a period of pleasantries and laughter, a voice suddenly called out.
"Dad, who is visiting today? Why have you even dispatched our family's motorcade?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Wu Tian turned his head and saw that it was indeed Zhong Lintian.
Zhong Shan immediately stood up and said, "Son, you're here! Come quickly and see who has arrived."
Zhong Lintian looked at Wu Tian and was instantly stunned, as if he had seen something unbelievable. His brow furrowed as he said, "Wu Tian? Why is he here?"
Wu Tian smiled at Zhong Lintian and said, "Young Master Zhong, we meet again. I hope you are well?"
Zhong Lintian harbored a deep hatred for Wu Tian! He immediately questioned angrily, "What the hell are you doing in our house? Who invited you!"
Zhong Shan knew that Zhong Lintian and Wu Tian had a past conflict. To avoid any misunderstanding, he quickly said, "Son, don't get agitated. Wu Tian was invited by me."
"You invited him?" Zhong Lintian was taken aback. "No, Dad, why did you bring him to our house?"