Chapter 84: Rewards—A Beauty and a Luxury Car

After finishing her words, Xiangxue’s gaze suddenly shifted to Li Chao, a provocative smile playing at the corners of her lips.

“Aren’t you always calling me ‘sister’ so affectionately? Well, let’s see—do you have what it takes to buy your beloved sister a diamond ring?”

Before Li Chao could utter a word, Huang Xiaofan drew Xiangxue into his arms, casting a scornful look at Li Chao as he sneered with undisguised contempt,

“Oh, come off it. Him? He’s just a country doctor from some backwater village. His monthly salary can’t even scrape together two thousand yuan; he can barely afford to eat, and you expect him to buy a diamond ring? Even if you sold him off, you wouldn’t get a halfway decent ring in exchange!”

Having lived in the provincial capital for years, Huang Xiaofan knew little of the changes in his hometown. He still saw Li Chao through the old lens, as a poor, backward villager.

But his words stirred something deep within Li Chao. Unexpectedly, instead of anger, a smile broke across Li Chao’s face—a smile that held both calm acceptance of the present and unshakable confidence in the future.

He glanced around, his gaze finally settling on a lavishly decorated jewelry store in the distance. A meaningful smile curved his lips.

“Such a tiny diamond is hardly worth showing off,” he said coolly, a trace of disdain and certainty in his tone. “Just wait and see—don’t be blinded when the real thing appears.”

These words were not only a response to Xiangxue’s provocation, but also an affirmation of his own capabilities. Li Chao was not one to flaunt himself, but at this moment, he was willing to let his actions speak, to prove that true strength needs no boasting.

With that, he strode confidently toward the jewelry store, his posture tall and resolute.

Huang Xiaofan shook his head and laughed derisively, his eyes brimming with contempt. “Look at him, never set foot in a place like that. He probably doesn’t even know which way the door opens.”

He muttered this to Xiangxue, his voice dripping with ridicule.

She echoed him, her resentment toward Li Chao growing. She could hardly wait to see him make a fool of himself inside, only to slink out humiliated.

But as their eyes returned to the store’s entrance, they saw something that left them both stunned: Li Chao had already emerged, hands empty, as if nothing had happened.

For a moment, both Huang Xiaofan and Xiangxue were taken aback. Had Li Chao been frightened away by the prices?

Convinced that he was only putting on a front, they began mocking him openly, their laughter and scorn echoing with self-assurance and disdain.

Yet what happened next left them utterly speechless.

Suddenly, the jewelry store burst into activity. Six or seven employees rushed outside, as if preparing a grand welcome for a distinguished guest. A red carpet was rolled out, confetti and ceremonial cannons readied—the entire scene exuded solemnity and grandeur.

All of this was for the procession trailing behind Li Chao.

The last to emerge was a hostess, carrying a delicate red box with reverent steps. Her eyes brimmed with awe for the treasure inside.

As she stopped beside Liu Dan and gently opened the box, a dazzlingly large diamond ring flashed in the sunlight, so brilliant it was almost blinding.

The diamond was more than five times the size of the one on Yan Zi’s finger, its brilliance stunning all who saw it.

People stopped to stare, exclamations of disbelief rising from the crowd. Huang Xiaofan and Xiangxue stood dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what had transpired.

With a burst of fireworks, the entire square was enveloped in joy and excitement.

Li Chao smiled at Liu Dan, his eyes filled with tenderness and love. In this moment, his actions spoke louder than words, silencing those who had mocked him.

“What… what is going on?” Xiangxue could not help but ask, her voice trembling with disbelief and shock.

Li Chao did not answer her directly. Instead, he took Liu Dan’s hand and gently slipped the radiant ring onto her finger.

Words were superfluous; only the brilliance of the diamond and the joy on Liu Dan’s face could do justice to this moment.

As fireworks and confetti erupted around them, the entire scene was bathed in romance and luxury, drawing the gaze of everyone present.

Huang Xiaofan and Xiangxue stood frozen, their faces etched with disbelief, overwhelmed by the splendor unfolding before them.

The hostess carefully placed the ring in Liu Dan’s hand, her gentle words like a spring breeze, offering the couple her sincerest blessing:

“Miss, this is a limited edition Cartier diamond ring selected by Mr. Li for you! On behalf of all our staff, we wish you a love as steadfast as stone, and happiness everlasting!”

This ring was the most precious and expensive in the entire store, every stone selected with utmost care, every detail perfected.

Li Chao chose it not only for its value, but as a symbol of his deep love and commitment to Liu Dan.

Originally, he had intended simply to take the ring, but the store manager insisted on a grand handover ceremony. To the manager, Li Chao was not only an honored guest, but a true gentleman who cherished love and was willing to give his all for his beloved.

Thus, the ceremony was not merely a display of luxury, but a witness to their love and promise.

The women watching cast envious glances at the ring in Liu Dan’s hand.

Its brilliance, exquisite design, and immense value drew longing from every heart—many wishing they could be the one standing beside Li Chao.

Yet they also knew such love and commitment could never be measured by money.

The story between Li Chao and Liu Dan was what made this diamond ring truly priceless.

At that moment, Liu Dan’s face radiated happiness as she clung tightly to Li Chao’s hand, the world seeming to stand still for her.

To her, the ring was not merely an expensive gift, but a symbol of Li Chao’s deep affection.

Xiangxue’s expression grew complex, her earlier pride shattered by the brilliance of the ring in Liu Dan’s hand. Her own ring now seemed dull and insignificant.

She lowered her head to look at it, a bittersweet ache rising in her heart.

Liu Dan was flustered by the sudden attention, looking to Li Chao for comfort. He remained calm, as if all this had been foreseen, gently patting her hand in silent encouragement and support.

The jewelry store staff, having completed the handover, offered Liu Dan their congratulations before quietly dispersing.

Now, all eyes were on Liu Dan, as if she were the center of the world.

But this glory brought no joy to Huang Xiaofan; his face only darkened further.

Glaring at the label on the ring box, he clung to a stubborn confidence, convinced that Li Chao was merely putting on a show.

He scoffed, turning to Li Chao with renewed mockery:

“You’re just a village doctor—how could you possibly afford a ring like that? It must be borrowed for show, and you’ll have to return it soon enough, right?”

Li Chao’s lips curved into a faint smile. He did not refute Huang Xiaofan directly, but replied with composed assurance:

“Some things cannot be measured by money. My feelings for Liu Dan are beyond the reach of anything material.”

Huang Xiaofan’s taunts found no echo among the onlookers. Instead, Li Chao’s humility and modesty earned their respect.

They began to realize that true love is not about flaunting or comparing, but about genuine devotion and mutual understanding.

From Li Chao’s perspective, his reading of Huang Xiaofan’s motives was not far off.

Xiangxue, regaining her earlier composure and arrogance, chimed in,

“Exactly! That must be what he’s thinking. Besides, it’s just a ring—nothing to boast about. If he really has what it takes, why not follow Brother Fan’s example and buy a luxury car to show his status?”

Mention of cars ignited Huang Xiaofan’s confidence. He pulled out a BMW key, swinging it ostentatiously before declaring,

“Look here! This is a BMW, you see? Come, Yan Zi, let’s take a drive and find somewhere to celebrate!”

Since his divorce, Huang Xiaofan had grown brazen and unrestrained, his every move betraying arrogant bravado.

Li Chao shook his head in disdain. “How like a parvenu—driving an old BMW and thinking he’s joined high society!”

In the past, Li Chao truly had little—no money, no power. But times had changed. With his recovery, his horizons and ambitions had soared beyond the reach of ordinary men.

Even figures like Zhou Jiacheng or Liu Lele had never dared show arrogance before Li Chao; how much less this self-important Huang Xiaofan.

Li Chao’s gaze was serene, treating all things with equal indifference, as if worldly displays were nothing but fleeting illusions.

Huang Xiaofan, eager to parade his triumph and leave, was suddenly checked by Li Chao’s offhand remark. It struck him like a stone cast into a still pond, rippling with angry waves.

He spun around, brandishing his BMW key under Li Chao’s nose, his voice trembling with rage,

“You! Do you even know cars? This is worth over half a million! How dare a country doctor like you call it a junker?”

To him, the BMW was not just transportation, but the symbol of his status, the hard-won peak of his life.

Now, to see his glory so easily trampled—how could he not burn with fury?

The crowd began to murmur, some marveling at the BMW’s value, others scoffing at Li Chao’s ignorance. Some even doubted Li Chao’s means, speculating the diamond ring was borrowed.

Such gossip cut like knives, but Li Chao seemed immune, his expression untroubled.

“A car is only a means of transport—why place so much importance on it?” Li Chao smiled gently, his voice calm yet firm. “True worth lies not in what you possess, but in who you are, and how you live.”

His words washed away the noise and vanity swirling around them like a cool, clear stream.

People began to reassess this seemingly ordinary country doctor. In his eyes and bearing, they sensed a quiet nobility and composure.

Li Chao’s slight frown and gentle shake of the head reflected not indifference, but the tranquility of his own mind.

He was not incapable, only unwilling to become entangled in such shallow pursuits. In this world, there were things far more meaningful than luxury cars and diamonds.

His thoughts drifted between millions in spending power and the steady dividends of Jiangnan Spring, like a man afloat in a sea of wealth, yet ever clear-headed.

For him, money was only useful if it enriched life; otherwise, it was but a game of numbers.

Diamonds were easily acquired, but cars required discernment—for their price, yes, but more for the taste and character they revealed.

He knew every decision should be weighed carefully, especially when it came to major purchases, never made on impulse.

Just then, the sudden ring of his phone broke the silence.

An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen, tinged with mystery.

Li Chao arched an eyebrow, curiosity stirring, though he remained unflustered. He calmly answered the call.

“Brother Chao, where are you now?”

The voice on the other end was warm and affectionate, as if they were old friends reunited.

Li Chao was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected familiarity, searching his memory for a face to match the voice.

“Sorry, may I ask who’s speaking?” he asked politely, his tone gentle and even, betraying no impatience.

“It’s Zhou Shaofeng,” came the reply.

The name cut through the haze of Li Chao’s memory like a flash of lightning. His lips twitched involuntarily before settling into composure, marveling at the serendipity of the world.

Zhou Shaofeng’s enthusiasm surprised Li Chao, but he felt more gratitude than anything else.

He hadn’t expected that, because of a single casual conversation yesterday, Zhou Shaofeng would go to the city overnight to look at cars on his behalf.

Li Chao felt a surge of warmth.

“Brother Chao, shall I bring the car to you? Just give me an address.”

“Alright! I’m by the county civil affairs bureau—come over,” Li Chao replied simply, ending the call without further explanation or show, for he knew that true worth requires no words.

From a distance, Huang Xiaofan watched, face full of scorn.

He thought Li Chao was calling a friend to borrow a car to keep up appearances, convinced more than ever that Li Chao was nothing but a poser with no money.

He scoffed, “Calling a friend to borrow a car just to save face? What’s the point? If you don’t have money, no amount of pretending will help!”

Li Chao paid him no heed.

He stood there, straight-backed and serene, as if untouched by the commotion around him, quietly awaiting Zhou Shaofeng’s arrival, anticipation blooming within.

As the deep, powerful roar of an engine drew near, the atmosphere was instantly electrified.

A silver-gray Porsche glided into view, elegant as a nobleman, its graceful lines and captivating color radiating unmatched prestige.

Every detail of its crest whispered of luxury and distinction, inspiring awe in all who beheld it.

The men in the crowd cast envious glances, some even gasping aloud, showering the luxury car with praise.

Few among them could ever hope to own such a vehicle, but in this moment they could savor its majesty up close.

Standing among the crowd, Xiangxue could not hide the longing and admiration in her eyes. She knew that in a small place like Kaiyuan County, anyone able to drive such a car must be among the elite.

She couldn’t help but imagine how fortunate it would be to know such a successful man.

Even the ever-proud Huang Xiaofan, seeing the Porsche, felt a pang of inferiority. He quietly slipped his BMW key into his pocket, privately comparing the two.

He had to admit: beside the Porsche, his BMW was nothing more than a pitiful accessory.

Yet amid the throng, only Li Chao remained composed and unruffled.