Chapter 53:New Teammate

In the dining room, Tang Feng’s words plunged the family into silence.

His eight-year-old younger brother glanced at their parents with bright, curious eyes and timidly asked, “Big Bro, what kind of showing off needs 150,000 yuan?”

“Eat more vegetables,” Tang Feng replied cheerfully, using serving chopsticks to place two cabbage leaves on his brother’s plate.

“I don’t like cabbage,” the younger brother protested, dissatisfied.

“No veggies, only fists.” Tang Feng stared directly at him.

“…!”

The younger brother lowered his head silently, miserably eating the cabbage. He wasn’t sure if other people’s big brothers kept their word, but his definitely did—if he said he’d hit you, he’d hit you.

“No. I won’t lend it to you,” their refined father said, his expression sour as he flatly rejected his son’s loan request.

For a moment, the family atmosphere felt heavy.

The Tang family was native to the Capital. While they weren’t a top-tier elite family or a major financial group, they were part of the upper class. Tang Feng’s grandfather had been an official and had enthusiastically responded to government policies by having five children. Tang Feng’s father was the third child, with an older brother and sister above him and a younger brother and sister below.

The five Tang siblings were all doing well for themselves, working in either the finance or entertainment industries. They were especially close-knit—if any of them hit a rough patch, the others would always lend a hand.

Years ago, Tang Feng’s father had been highly successful, standing out among his siblings. He had made several lucrative investments in the film and short drama industries, reaping substantial returns.  

But success often leads to complacency, and with age catching up to him, he had made several reckless decisions in recent years. These led to a significant shrinkage of his assets, with long-term investments in stocks remaining perpetually in the red. He was now in a personal and financial slump.

As for Tang Feng’s role as a Vigil Keeper, the family was unaware, as the position wasn’t public knowledge. On the surface, he worked as a clerk at a trading company, though he had been suspended last October for psychological issues.

At the dining table, Tang Feng looked puzzled. “Why won’t you lend it to me? I’m your son.”

“When you applied for a job, you asked me for 100,000 yuan to give as a gift before you even started working. Then, for a job paying 5,000 yuan a month, I had to subsidize you two or three thousand yuan every month. With this kind of treatment, I can be your son instead,” his father replied seriously, setting down his soup bowl.

“Why don’t you have any self-respect? You can’t just crack such jokes.” Tang Feng appeared highly traditional, casting a sidelong glance at his father. “Besides, I will pay the money back. I will… I will!”

“Try payday loans, instant loans, or, if all else fails, student loans. With so many financial products available, there’s bound to be one for you,” his father retorted sarcastically, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

At this moment, his mother—still elegant and beautiful—finally spoke up. “What kind of conversation is this between a father and son? If people heard about this, they’d laugh. Little Feng hasn’t worked in a while; just lend him the money. It’s true that expenses are high among young people these days. Having no money can make one feel inferior.”

“Inferior? Did you not hear what he said? He said he wants the money to show off,” his father snapped, growing agitated as he looked at his wife. “If you’re so lenient with him, then you lend it to him.”

“I don’t have any money,” the mother replied honestly, abandoning her attempt to mediate.

“I have a gathering later to discuss a new project. I might play cards at Old Liu’s place tonight,” the father said dismissively, standing and heading for the door.

At the table, Tang Feng stared intently at his father’s back. “Dad, are you sure you’re not going to lend it to me?”

“?!”

His father paused, slowly turning back to look at him. “You’re not planning to rob me, are you, big shot?”

“Heh. Fine,” Tang Feng said with a slightly manic laugh.

“Clang!”  

The door opened, and his father left.

At the table, his mother glanced at her eldest son. “I’ll give you 30,000 yuan later. Make it last—we’re going through a rough patch.”

“No need. I won’t accept charity,” Tang Feng replied, stretching as he stood up.

“?!”

His mother froze for a moment. “Son, have you been seeing your psychologist lately? Your… emotional state…?”

“I’m perfectly fine!!!” Tang Feng snapped, as if someone had stepped on his tail. He sounded annoyed. “I’m a normal person. Stop implying that I’m not.”

“…Alright, alright, then act normal and sit down.”

“No need. I’m heading out to meet a colleague and talk about getting my job back.” Tang Feng left those words behind as he hurried out of the house.

Nearby, his younger brother sniffled and said, “Mom, just give me the 30,000 yuan instead. Big Bro’s account is ruined. You should fully invest in me from now on. I can handle it.”

“You really need a beating,” their mother glared at him.

…

In Shanghai, past 9 PM.  

Huang Wei was driving Ren Ye towards Qingfu District.  

“Are you sure this Tang Feng guy is reliable?!” Ren Ye asked for what felt like the 108th time.

“…How should I put it? A standard teammate ensures the bottom line, but Tang Feng determines the ceiling,” Huang Wei replied with a grin. “You’ll understand eventually why I made this choice.”

Ren Ye hesitated for a moment before asking, “What’s Tang Feng’s supernatural ability?”

Huang Wei smiled mysteriously. “That’s classified for now.”

“Tch, how strong can a lunatic even be?” Ren Ye sneered. “A psychologist? Just hearing that title at this stage… doesn’t sound impressive at all.”

Huang Wei ignored the jab and instead asked softly, “Where are you headed? Coming back to the unit with me?”

“No, I’ll stay home tonight.” Ren Ye shook his head. “Oh, right. Tomorrow, come to my place for dinner. Bring Xu Peng and Gu Nian… My dad invited you all.”

“Sure,” Huang Wei agreed immediately. “Let me drop you off at home then.”

…

In the Capital, inside an exclusive private club.

A group of middle-aged men in their forties and fifties was gathered in a private room.  

At the center of the crowd, Tang Feng’s father puffed on a cigarette, his lively presence commanding the room. “They’ve got immersive role-playing and scenario acting here. All the girls are trained in performance art, offering genuinely touching acts. Gentlemen, tonight everyone must invest 200 million—play big and play well.”  

“Old Tang, things haven’t been great for you these past two years. I can’t spare much,” a chubby man in his fifties said simply while munching on a fruit platter. “Count me in for a 10% share of your project. I’ll invest.”  

“Ah, we’re just relaxing tonight—no business talk.” Tang Feng’s father waved it off with a smile but couldn’t help sneaking in, “Alright, I’ll have Xiao Zhang from the company send you the project details tomorrow.”  

“No need. I’m investing in our decades of friendship, not the project.” The chubby man raised his glass and winked at Tang Feng’s father.  

The other friends said little, either raising their glasses in acknowledgment or nodding toward him.  

With a few casual words, the deal was settled, and Tang Feng’s father began instructing the staff to serve the main dishes.  

Before long, a group of stunning women—each uniquely captivating—walked into the room with grace and charm.  

But as soon as they sat down, Tang Feng’s father noticed something unusual: among the group was a “familiar face.” This person casually took a seat beside the chubby man, greeted him warmly, and said, “Uncle Liu, I’ll keep you company!”  

Yes, it was Tang Feng himself.  

Tang Feng’s father was so stunned he couldn’t process what was happening. He had just eaten dinner with this very person.  

“Tang Feng, what are you doing here?” Uncle Liu, who had just placed his hand on a woman’s leg, instantly recoiled as if shocked, staring at Tang Feng in horror.  

“Oh, nothing much. Haven’t seen you guys in a while, so I came to check on everyone,” Tang Feng said with a broad smile, acting perfectly normal as he sat down next to Uncle Liu. “Didn’t you bring your son, Xiao Han? I wanted to catch up with him too… you know, it’s been ages.”  

The moment he finished speaking, the room went silent. Over twenty pairs of eyes turned toward Tang Feng’s father with puzzled expressions.  

Tang Feng’s father was utterly dumbfounded, overwhelmed by the sheer awkwardness of the situation. His toes could practically dig a trench into the ground.  

“Heh, Old Tang, do you often bring… Little Feng along for these kinds of gatherings?” Uncle Liu’s face turned red as he looked uncomfortably at his old friend.  

The other men in the room, all long-time acquaintances of Tang Feng’s father, had gathered for some casual fun. But now, an unexpected “observer” had appeared—a young man they had all watched grow up.

What on earth was this?! Uncle-nephew bonding? A united front?

“Uncle Dong, how’s Auntie doing? She and I were texting last month—she even invited me over for dinner.” Tang Feng greeted another thin man warmly, then turned to a nearby hostess and instructed, “Why are you just standing there? Pour some wine for my Uncle Dong, shake those dice, and put on the fox outfit!”

“Oh, oh, oh!”  

Realizing the group’s relationships, the hostess was so shocked she fumbled nervously while pouring the wine.

“You!”  

At this moment, Tang Feng’s father shot up from his seat, veins bulging on his forehead. But in the end, he forced himself to speak gently: “You’re here for a business dinner too? Come out for a bit. I need to talk to you.”

“I just want to have a drink with my uncles first; it’d be rude otherwise.” Tang Feng declined.

“…You can drink later. Come here now!” Tang’s father ground the words out between clenched teeth.

“Fine then. Gentlemen, you all stay seated. I’ll step out for a moment to check on something, and maybe come back later to continue drinking.” Tang Feng gave a polite smile and excused himself before following his father out of the room.

…

One minute later.

In the hallway, Tang’s father seethed through gritted teeth, speaking in a low voice: “What are you trying to do?! Are you trying to kill me with anger?”

“…Lend me 150,000 yuan.”

“I’ll lend you 150 slaps!”

“Forget it, then. I’ll just go back and drink.” Tang Feng’s logic was flawlessly straightforward.

“Wait!!!” Tang Feng’s father nearly shouted, fists clenched.

Tang Feng turned around. “Are you lending it or not?”

“I’ll lend it. Now get out of here!” Tang’s father pointed toward the exit. “Do me a favor and don’t show up for the rest of the year!”

“Transfer it now,” Tang Feng demanded cautiously. “Use the old loan account.”

“…!”

Grinding his teeth, Tang Feng’s father pulled out his phone, expertly opened a financial app, located an account labeled ‘Debts from a Past Life,’ and promptly transferred 150,000 yuan.

Ding!

The funds arrived.

Tang Feng smiled at his father. “Alright, enjoy yourself. I’ll be going now.”

Swish!

Ignoring him, Tang Feng’s father stormed back toward the private room.

“Hey, Dad!”  

At the sound of Tang Feng’s voice, his father stopped in the brightly lit hallway, visibly irritated. “What now?!”

“If I really disappeared, never to return, would you miss me?” Tang Feng grinned, baring his teeth.

“…Just spend less. Stocks are worse than cabbage right now; I’m not what I used to be.” Tang Feng’s father paused, his tone softening slightly.

“Got it.” Tang Feng nodded.

The father-son exchange ended there.  

Tang’s father returned to the private room, picking up his phone excitedly. “Yes, yes, the premium Mustang Girl—get her in here, quickly. I can’t wait any longer.”

Meanwhile, at the stairwell, Tang Feng murmured to himself, “So old already, heart’s not great, yet still indulging like this. Sigh… I’ll help you out!”  

With that, he raised his arm and snapped his fingers.

Inside the room.  

Swish!  

Tang Feng’s father who was previously excited and eager, suddenly felt his head spinning and broke out in a cold sweat.  

In an instant, the overwhelming, almost uncontrollable desire he had just felt completely vanished, as if it had been drained away.  

Huh?

Tang’s father held his head, scanning the room full of beautiful women. But instead of feeling attraction, he now felt a wave of rejection and even disgust.

Back in the hallway, Tang Feng smiled. He took the elevator downstairs and called a contact. “Hello, is this Yan Duoduo?”

“Who are you?”

“Me? An unemployed Vigil Keeper in the Capital, the first psychological doctor, the mastermind behind the Stellar Essence Vault heist…”

“If you’re talking to me, you’d better not be acting crazy,” Yan Duoduo interrupted helplessly. “By tomorrow, no later than 10 AM, you need to be in my office.”

“Please tell my new teammate this time…I’ll carry him!” Tang Feng replied with utmost seriousness.