Chapter 7: Who Will Enter Hell If Not Me

In front of the Tatham Hotel, Jonathan strode out of the hotel with his chest puffed up, confidently holding Evelyn's shoulder. As soon as they were outside, Evelyn couldn't help but say, "Now that we're out, don't you think it's time to let go of my shoulder?" Hearing this, Jonathan reluctantly withdrew his hand. Wow, her skin is so smooth and soft—he almost didn't want to let go. At this moment, William smiled warmly and said, "Dr. Cornell, when do you plan to get engaged to Evelyn? We should pick an auspicious day for such an important event; it can't be delayed." "Grandpa!" Evelyn's cheeks flushed bright red. She hadn't expected William to still be thinking about this. Jonathan awkwardly scratched his head, "This is a big decision... let's talk about it later." Without Mia's approval, he couldn't make such a choice on his own. His words left Evelyn fuming. What does this guy mean? Was he implying that she was not good enough for him? "Haha, I must have been too forward. Dr. Cornell, where are you staying? Let me take you there," William offered. "Uh... I don't have a place to stay yet," Jonathan admitted. He had come down the mountain to get married, expecting to live with the Tatham family afterward. But with the engagement called off, his previous residence, the White Cloud Temple, destroyed, and no sign of Mia, he had nowhere to go. "In that case, if you don't mind, I have a villa in the Skyward Villa Area that I can offer to you," William said, pulling out a key. A villa! On TV, those are the places where the rich live. Jonathan's eyes lit up, but after a moment, he hesitated and tried to be polite. "That... might not be appropriate... I can't accept something I haven't earned." Hearing this, William's respect for Jonathan instantly grew. As expected of Dr. Cornell, he isn't swayed by worldly wealth. Evelyn, however, was surprised, "Are you sure? That villa is in Silver Snow Mountain and costs over five million." Five million! Jonathan shuddered. Damn, this old man is loaded. Wait a minute, didn't the old man just say he wanted to marry his granddaughter to me? Maybe... I should just agree! Money is the root of all evil, the gateway to hell... If I don't take on this burden, who will? As Jonathan was on the verge of regretting his decision, William put the key away and said, "I apologize for my rashness. It was never my intention to insult you, Dr. Cornell. Since you're not interested in material things, how about I arrange a hotel for you instead?" A hotel? Isn't that just a fancy inn? The drop in standards was noticeable. Didn't this old man realize I was just being polite? Jonathan was filled with regret, wishing he could slap himself. Why did I try to show off? Now five million just slipped through my fingers—can't you insult me one more time? "Alright, as long as I have a place to stay," Jonathan replied, trying to appear nonchalant though his heart was bleeding inside. Don't try to show off—it'll only backfire! Before long, Evelyn drove them to the Goldkeep Hotel. The hotel was lavishly decorated, on par with the Tatham Hotel. William led Jonathan and Evelyn straight to the top floor's presidential suite. When the door opened, Jonathan was stunned. The room was luxuriously furnished and spotless, especially the bathroom, which even had a bathtub. "Dr. Cornell, I hope you won't find it too inconvenient to stay here temporarily. Here's a bank card with one million inside as your consultation fee," William said, handing over a card. "No inconvenience at all, no inconvenience at all..." Jonathan quickly took the card, smiling from ear to ear. What's inconvenient about this? I could live here for the rest of my life. William smiled and added, "If you need anything, you can contact Evelyn. I've already informed the hotel that all your expenses will be covered by the Ford family. Just mention your name to the manager." Jonathan's heart raced with excitement. Wow, this is basically a long-term meal ticket! William is such a good guy! After William and Evelyn left, Jonathan was completely thrilled. He explored the presidential suite, then soaked in the bathtub filled with rose petals. He remembered Mia always doing this, saying it was great for beauty and health. Now, it was his turn to enjoy. Feeling the warm water, Jonathan couldn't help but sigh in contentment. "So this is what life in the big city is like. The rich really know how to live." "No, I can't just indulge myself. Madam Mia said that when I reach the seventh level of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, I can see them again. I can't slack off in my cultivation." With that in mind, Jonathan dried himself off, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to cultivate. As Jonathan cultivated, it seemed as if a wave of energy emanated from his body, with power flowing through his meridians. Under his control, the energy flowed to all his limbs before returning to his meridian. Several hours passed, and night had fallen before Jonathan finally opened his eyes. Feeling his body's state, Jonathan couldn't help but smile bitterly, "Why hasn't there been any change? Why is it so difficult to reach the seventh level?" Mia had told him that achieving the seventh level of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon was extremely challenging. Jonathan had been stuck at the sixth level for two years with no progress. He was deeply frustrated, unsure of when he would finally reach the seventh level and see his beautiful godmothers again. Just then, his stomach growled. He realized he had been so focused on cultivating that he was now starving. Didn't the old man say that all my expenses here are covered by him? Why not treat myself? Taking the elevator downstairs, Jonathan arrived at the hotel restaurant. It was clearly a high-end establishment with soft music and elegant decor. Everyone inside was dressed impeccably. As soon as Jonathan appeared, he immediately caught the attention of those around him. "Who is this guy showing up dressed like that? How embarrassing!" "He looks so out of place. Maybe he's a migrant worker from the countryside who wandered in by mistake." "Mistake? Do you think the security at the door is just for show? Maybe this bumpkin snuck in." People whispered among themselves as they glanced over their meals. Jonathan's hearing was sharp, and despite their hushed tones, he heard every word clearly, his face darkening. I'm dashing, elegant, and handsome—a model in the world of good looks, leading the trend among attractive men—yet these idiots dare to call me a bumpkin! Well, you're the bumpkin! Your whole family is full of bumpkins! As Jonathan cursed inwardly, he found a table and sat down. "Sir, would you like to order?" a waiter approached, but his expression changed when he noticed Jonathan's attire. "If I weren't planning to eat, would I be here wandering around? Bring me the menu," Jonathan demanded. The waiter forced a polite smile, "Sir, our prices here are quite high. Are you sure you want to order?" Jonathan frowned, "What are you trying to say? You think I can't afford it?" "I'm just saying that the food here might be beyond your means. You should leave while you can." The waiter didn't even bother pretending anymore and started to usher Jonathan out. This was a five-star hotel where the guests were either rich or powerful. This guy clearly didn't fit in and likely couldn't pay. "Use your goddamn ears and listen carefully—I'm here to eat, so bring me the most expensive dishes you have!" Jonathan's voice was firm. Just as he finished speaking, a voice full of disdain echoed behind him. "He's right, bumpkin, you can't afford the food here. Now hurry up and get lost!" Jonathan turned around to see a group of men and women standing not far away, led by none other than Andrew, with Luna by his side.