At ten o'clock the next morning, Zhang Bin drove to the Longyin Martial Arts Hall.

He had barely parked the car when Tian Bingbing rushed over, trailing an intoxicating fragrance, and welcomed him inside.

Her face was flushed a shy crimson. She lowered her voice and said cautiously, "My dad might get angry later, Senior Brother. Please don't talk back to him."

Zhang Bin, who was carrying a gift, was stunned. "I came to give him a belated New Year's greeting. Why would he get angry?"

"Why? You ask why?" Tian Guangjin's voice boomed from the main hall. His face was a mask of fury, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Brother Tian, what's gotten you so worked up?" Zhang Bin shoved the gift into Tian Bingbing's hands and strode into the hall.

"There's an old saying about New Year's visits," Tian Guangjin said coldly. "The second day of the festival is when a son-in-law should visit his wife's family. You went to Liu Ruolan's house on the second, so I thought you would come here on the third. Who knew you wouldn't show up? Not on the fourth, either. I waited and waited, and you finally show up today. Good heavens, the Spring Festival ended over a month ago, and you're only just now coming to pay your respects. Tell me, do you have any respect for me as your father-in-law?"

Clearly, he had no idea that Zhang Bin had altered his appearance to attend the World King of Gamblers competition in America and claimed the title. Nor was he aware that Zhang Bin and Zhao Dawei had raided an underground base in America and dropped the bombshell about the Genetically Enhanced Humans. It made sense that he didn't know, as Zhang Bin had instructed all the villagers to keep his identity as the King of Gamblers a secret. It was perfectly normal that Tian Bingbing and Tian Guangjin were in the dark.

Father-in-law? Zhang Bin was completely flabbergasted. When did this guy become my father-in-law? I really like Tian Bingbing, but I haven't even won her over yet! We've only hugged; I haven't even kissed her.

BANG!

Seeing Zhang Bin's reaction, Tian Guangjin was overcome with fury. He slammed his palm on the table, blasting a hole straight through it. He shot to his feet and roared, "Zhang Bin, my daughter has been your companion for months! Are you telling me you plan to eat your fill, wipe your mouth clean, and deny everything?"

Because the martial arts hall had remained peaceful and was running well, Tian Guangjin had not returned from his military post. It was only when he came back for the New Year that he discovered, to his amazement, that Tian Bingbing's cultivation level had advanced by leaps and bounds. She had already opened sixteen meridians, making her much stronger than even him, her father.

He was so shocked he was dumbfounded. After questioning her thoroughly, Tian Bingbing joyfully shared that she had become a disciple of the Taiqing Sect and that she had also become Zhang Bin's companion.

Tian Guangjin was both overjoyed and distressed. He was delighted that Tian Bingbing had joined a powerful True Cultivation Sect comparable to the Kunlun Sect, meaning she could cultivate to a very high level and enjoy a long life. Yet he was distressed that Zhang Bin, who already had two girlfriends, had now managed to trick his daughter.

After much consideration, he had no choice but to accept the reality. In fact, a part of him was secretly pleased. Liu Ruolan and Xiao Fang were ordinary people who couldn't pursue cultivation, having not started at a young age, so they could only accompany Zhang Bin for a few decades. In that case, Bingbing was truly the most important person in Zhang Bin's life and could rightfully be called his companion.

Therefore, he had fully expected Zhang Bin to visit on the second or third day of the New Year. Who could have known he would only show up today? As her father-in-law, how could he not be furious?

Standing to the side, Tian Bingbing was mortified. A lump inexplicably formed in her throat, and she nearly burst into tears. In truth, she had felt bewildered these past few months, knowing only that she should focus on her cultivation. She didn't dare to think too much about her relationship with Zhang Bin. All she knew was that she was his companion now. When Zhang Bin visited, he liked to rest his head on her long legs, and she was happy to let him. If this was what it meant to be companions, she thought it was quite wonderful.

Unfortunately, her father didn't see things the same way. Today was a day of reckoning, and she had no idea what the outcome would be. At worst, the close, intimate relationship she had with Zhang Bin would be shattered.

When did I ever 'eat' Tian Bingbing? Zhang Bin was stunned but secretly thrilled. Isn't this the exact scenario I've been hoping for? Tian Bingbing is so beautiful! I never dared to make a move because I was worried she wouldn't be able to accept it and would just slap me—that would have been a huge problem. But judging by the situation now... is Tian Bingbing willing to be my woman? Has Tian Guangjin actually agreed? This is like winning the lottery!

Therefore, he immediately thumped his chest and declared, "Father-in-law, rest assured! I will absolutely take full responsibility. I'll be responsible for Bingbing for the rest of her life."

"Take responsibility? Is this how you take responsibility? Only showing up today to give New Year's greetings? Do you even care about her? Do you have any respect for me?" Tian Guangjin demanded, still fuming.

Tian Bingbing, however, was blushing so fiercely she wished a hole would open in the ground so she could hide in it for a while.

"My respected father-in-law, I was afraid you wouldn't agree! That's why I didn't dare to tell you. I especially didn't dare to come visit on the second day of the New Year. But now, I'm relieved," Zhang Bin said, his thick skin and quick mind instantly producing a plausible excuse.

"So that's how it was." A faint smile touched Tian Guangjin's lips. "Alright, I forgive you. I also approve of you two. You acted first and reported later, boarded the train before buying a ticket, and cooked the rice before it was washed. As her father, what else can I do? I can only agree."

What acting first and reporting later, boarding a train without a ticket, and cooking unwashed rice? That's just a bunch of nonsense. He's a crude martial artist, through and through, Zhang Bin muttered inwardly. A strange expression crossed his face, but a smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth.

He had never dreamed he would win the affection of Tian Bingbing, the beauty he had coveted for so long, just like this. Now, he could openly and honorably take things to the next level. At the thought, his heart began to pound, and he desperately wished he could pull her into his arms for a fervent, passionate embrace right then and there.

"Bingbing, you entertain Xiao Bin. I'll go prepare some food and drinks. Tonight, we're drinking until we drop!" Tian Guangjin was also elated. With those words, he strode out enthusiastically.

"Senior Brother, please, have a seat," Tian Bingbing said, her face shy.

"How about we go sit in your room?" Zhang Bin suggested with a mischievous smile, taking her hand and pulling her toward her room.

"No, don't..."

Tian Bingbing knew exactly what was on his mind. She was so shy that her face turned crimson, her body grew weak, and her feet felt rooted to the spot. To her complete bewilderment, Zhang Bin, ever audacious and now impatient with her slow pace, simply scooped her up by the waist and strode quickly toward her room.

"Senior Brother, what are you doing?" Tian Bingbing asked feebly.

"Turning the uncooked rice into a cooked meal, of course," Zhang Bin said with a sly grin as he burst into her room and firmly shut the door behind them.

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