Chapter 161: The Exchange Evening Party

"What kind of bloody hero? I reckon it's just a publicity stunt they manufactured to create an internet celebrity."

"Exactly. For all we know, even the airline is in on it."

"Who on earth could be that monstrously talented? Especially that medical skill—it completely defies the laws of science. To think so many people actually choose to believe it; it's utterly ridiculous."

However, opposing voices quickly emerged.

"To the person above, you can't just talk nonsense like that. Eastern civilization is much older than ours and has endured for thousands of years. If their medical system were useless, countless people would have died over these millennia, and they probably would have vanished long ago."

ln "True. Just because you refuse to believe it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

...

Naturally, neither side could convince the other, and the two factions started arguing furiously online, turning the digital world completely upside down.

The scene was even more intense than when Yang Xiaofan used to go back and forth bickering with internet trolls on domestic social media.

Of course, Yang Xiaofan couldn't be bothered to dwell on such matters.

Evening had already fallen, which meant it was time for the cultural exchange event.

Zhao Liufang had arranged for his own trusted men to personally escort Yang Xiaofan to the venue.

They must have spent a considerable amount of time in America, as they were thoroughly familiar with the local routes and reached the destination in no time.

"Hello, do you have your invitations for the evening gala?"

"We don't. However, we are here by invitation."

"I'm sorry, but if you don't have invitations, you cannot enter."

"Really? Take a look at who's sitting in the back of my car."

Without wasting any breath, Zhao Liufang's subordinate simply pointed backward toward the second-row seats of the vehicle.

The security guard didn't even bother to glance.

"Sorry, no matter who is sitting in the back, without an invitation, you are not getting in tonight."

"Really?"

The guard nodded.

"More real than solid gold."

"You're certain?"

"I am completely and utterly certain. It's the truth!"

"Okay! Don't regret this."

With that, he directly lowered the window of the second-row seat.

The guard glanced over casually, and his eyes instantly widened in utter terror.

"Oh my god, it's him! My goodness, he's my idol! I actually ran into him here!"

Yang Xiaofan wore an awkward expression, while the driver smiled and asked:

"So, can we go in now?"

"Of course, of course! Please, go right in."

The guard completely discarded his previous aloof demeanor, instantly becoming amiable and even bowing respectfully to usher Yang Xiaofan inside.

The driver chuckled softly. As he drove the car into the underground parking garage, he said:

"See that? Right now, your identity is more effective than any pass. You're just too huge in America right now—you've exploded in popularity. Even if the President of the United States showed up in person, he might not be as famous as you."

Yang Xiaofan shook his head with a wry smile.

"To be honest with you, I didn't want any of this."

"Sigh! Brother-in-law, you just don't get it. Think about it: you're so wealthy and so famous, why do you always insist on hiding away? Do you know? If you just stood out on the street right now and waved your hand, I bet you could have anywhere from eight thousand to ten thousand women lining up to accompany you. Any kind of beauty you could possibly want would be yours to pick and choose from!"

"And as for money—if you wanted, you could become the richest person in the world in a matter of minutes. Everywhere you go, people would be kneeling before you and flattering you. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

Seeing the driver's naive perspective, Yang Xiaofan sighed with emotion.

"You see, your thinking is just too simple. When you finally reach my level one day, you'll realize that none of this brings the kind of happiness you imagine."

"Well, I certainly won't have a chance at that in this lifetime. Alright, Brother-in-law, you go on up. The cultural exchange gala is on the second floor of this hotel, and I'll keep an eye on the car in the garage."

"Sorry to trouble you."

"Working for my brother-in-law is my honor. How could I ever use the word 'trouble'?"

Yang Xiaofan made his way upstairs by himself.

And sure enough, it was just like back home—he was outrageously famous. Everywhere he went, people were talking about him and discussing his exploits.

However, perhaps because his fame had reached such astronomical heights, when Yang Xiaofan actually arrived, everyone was momentarily too stunned to react.

This left Yang Xiaofan slightly bewildered. Had he lost his popularity? Or did the people here simply not care for celebrities?

Just as that thought crossed his mind, Elder Chen waved to him from not far away.

"Xiaofan, over here."

The moment the words left his mouth, numerous foreigners instantly whipped their heads around to fix their gazes on Yang Xiaofan.

At that very instant, an absolute hush fell over the entire grand hall.

It was as if someone had pressed the pause button on the entire room.

"Yang Xiaofan? Is that the Easterner who flew the plane and saved the entire flight and the captain?"

"That's him! I've seen the footage; it's definitely him."

"Why would he show up in a place like this?"

"Is he here to attend our gala?"

Amid the collective shock of the crowd, Yang Xiaofan hurried over to Elder Chen.

He coughed lightly, looking slightly embarrassed as he said:

"Elder Chen, please don't just shout my name like that. Look at the commotion this causes—how awkward do you think this makes me?"

Elder Chen, however, smiled warmly and replied:

"What's so awkward about that? Your fame was earned entirely through your own true skills, not stolen or robbed from anyone. What's there to be shy about?"

No sooner had he spoken than a famous American artist and celebrity walked over, gesturing to Yang Xiaofan.

"Hello, respected Mr. Yang. I am one of your devoted fans, and I admire you deeply. Could you give me a chance to pursue you?"

Yang Xiaofan decisively refused.

"I'm sorry, pursuing me is out of the question because I already have a girlfriend."

Fearing the other person might continue to pester him, he quickly added:

"The two of us are already engaged, and our wedding is only a few days away."

"Oh! Really? What a pity. You are the first Eastern man I've ever fancied, and to think you're already engaged."

The woman stepped back with a deeply regretful expression. Elder Chen chuckled mischievously and consoled Yang Xiaofan:

"You know what? That woman who just spoke to you is a major American celebrity, extremely famous. Not only that, but her prestige among artists in the United States is exceptionally high. Most importantly, she's apparently never been married, which makes her a true rarity here in America."

Seeing the older man's look of admiration, Yang Xiaofan stared straight at him and said:

"If you like her so much, why don't you go pursue her?"