"Mr. Ji," Shi Renzhong said with a smile before Ji Xinghuo could even speak, "Now you’re going to be famous for sure."
Ji Xinghuo’s gaze flashed, "The Martial King knows me?"
"The title ’Martial King’ is just an affectionate nickname the fans have given me; I can’t really live up to it in private. I’d prefer my friends to just call me Ren Zhong," Shi Renzhong hurriedly shook his head, explaining, "I had the club check with the stadium’s ticket office and found out your name, please forgive me."
"I see," Ji Xinghuo nodded in realization.
In fact, he had already guessed as much.
Because the competition tickets required real-name registration, it wouldn’t be difficult for someone who was determined to find his information through the ticketing channel; he couldn’t keep it hidden for long.
However, as the Chi Xiao Knight, his appearance was certainly not going to circulate online, so it wouldn’t have much impact on his life.
Ji Xinghuo introduced himself and, looking at Shi Renzhong and Yu Meiling, he said earnestly, "Thank you both for your assistance today, I owe you a favor."
"You’re too polite, Xinghuo," Shi Renzhong said seriously, "We are all citizens of our country. When someone commits a crime in public, whether it’s out of the responsibility of a public figure or personal morality, I would definitely not stand by and would do my best to stop the assailant."
"It’s what should be done," Yu Meiling said indifferently.
Ji Xinghuo gave her a glance. This mutant woman, who was once known alongside Zhao Manying as the "Peerless Twin Beauties," had top-tier looks and figure.
Her hair was dyed bright red, and she had a stunning and lively temperament. Standing close to five feet seven inches tall, her curvaceous and graceful figure was enhanced by her powerful spiritual energy, truly a rare beauty. Coupled with her strength and fame, she would normally be the absolute center of attention anywhere she went.
Yet, comparisons could make anyone apprehensive.
There was another woman in the private room who outshone her in every aspect, whether it was looks, figure, or strength.
Because Zhao Manying was present, Yu Meiling inadvertently became just part of the backdrop.
The two women were seated at opposite ends of the private room, with everyone else standing between them, whether intentionally or not.
Ji Xinghuo’s gaze fell on Zhao Manying, and their eyes met for a moment.
He read concern for him in Zhao Manying’s eyes, but in front of others, she couldn’t show it, so she moved her gaze away subtly.
"In any case, thank you both," Ji Xinghuo said as he took out his mobile phone, "This is my contact information."
Shi Renzhong added him without hesitation.
Yu Meiling, however, showed no interest and declined directly, "I’d rather not."
Ji Xinghuo was taken aback for a moment and then noticed her expression, which kept a clear distance from him. Apparently, she thought he wanted to use this opportunity to enter the circle of competitive mutants, to get to know the famous Martial King, or even to pursue her.
As for why she had helped earlier, it was not out of justice or responsibility, but out of necessity.
At that time, inside the shield, only two people could have helped him.
One was Shi Renzhong and the other was her.
Facing countless spectators, Shi Renzhong rushed forward at any cost to stop the bizarre talent, whereas if she had stayed back and not acted, even though it wasn’t her duty, she would definitely have been criticized later from a moral high ground, which would have been highly detrimental to her public image.
The competing mutants in the private room could see through Yu Meiling’s thoughts, but they weren’t surprised. They were familiar with her character and knew that was just how she was.
Anyone else might have felt awkward.
But Ji Xinghuo didn’t think it was a big deal. Whatever Yu Meiling’s thoughts were, she had actually helped him in practice, so he judged the deed, not the motive.
"Ladies and gentlemen, excuse me," he put away his phone and turned to leave.
Ji Xinghuo, with his back to the people in the private room, showed a look of helplessness and inwardly sighed. Zhao Manying was, after all, a woman.
He turned around and inquired, "Man Ying?"
A few competing mutants immediately sensed something amiss. They were already surprised when Zhao Manying called out to Ji Xinghuo, and now that he addressed her so intimately, did they know each other?
"When can you get home? Should I wait for you?" Zhao Manying asked softly.
All those present changed their expressions.
That sentence was laden with meaning!
"Captain, are you..." A member of the Emperor Star Team, Qi Feng, was taken aback, his gaze shifting back and forth between Zhao Manying and Ji Xinghuo as if he had uncovered some big secret, somewhat in disbelief.
The others were also staring hard at Ji Xinghuo.
Yu Meiling couldn’t help but examine Ji Xinghuo from top to bottom, as if trying to see through him completely, and with a forced smile, she said, "Zhao Manying, so he’s your boyfriend?"
Zhao Manying stepped forward and took Ji Xinghuo’s arm, "What, are you jealous?"
"You’re living together?" Yu Meiling asked again.
"What’s it to you?" Zhao Manying huffed, apparently confirming it.
The room fell silent.
Yu Meiling pursed her lips but couldn’t help scrutinizing Ji Xinghuo, her eyes flickering, as if pondering something.
And the expressions of the men were quite something to behold.
They had all liked Ji Xinghuo initially, admiring his ability to kill a Legendary, but now their feelings were a mix of envy and jealousy, and even a bit of hostility.
Shi Renzhong kept smiling, though not as naturally as before, and said somewhat forcedly, "Mr. Ji is the luckiest man in the world, making us all very envious."
"Thank you," Ji Xinghuo nodded.
"I found it!" A competing mutant from the Skywalker Team suddenly flashed his phone, exclaiming, "I knew I had heard the name Ji Xinghuo before; sure enough, I found it right away. He made it to the ladder a few months ago, but as the very last place."