Farming boy with a magic ring

A beautiful ringtone interrupted Ethan Yang's train of thought. He glanced at his phone — it was Zoe Night.

"Hello, Ethan, help me! The damzel needs you!" Zoe's urgent voice came through as soon as the call connected.

Ethan blinked. "What's so urgent?"

"What else could it be? Marriage — a huge deal! Today's my grandfather's 80th birthday, and all my dad's business partners are coming to celebrate, including Leo Yu and his parents."

She sighed. "You probably don't know this, but the Yu family is my dad's biggest client. He really wants me to marry Leo to keep the business ties strong."

Ethan frowned. "Wait… what?"

"I overheard my mom say that Mr. Yu has already spoken to my dad. They're planning to announce the engagement at tonight's banquet!" Zoe's voice grew more anxious. "You know I'd rather swallow a spoonful of sand than marry Leo Yu. So… can you help me out? Just be my temporary boyfriend tonight. Block him for me. Don't worry, Leo won't dare do anything at the banquet."

Ethan sighed internally. Leo Yu had already sent two groups of thugs after him. If only Zoe knew the danger she was asking him to step into… but then again, what choice did she have? The least he could do was make Leo's night as miserable as possible.

"Alright, where's the banquet? I'll call a car."

"No need! Zara's picking you up." Zoe let out a breath of relief.

Not long after, a luxury car pulled up in front of Ethan's house. The arrow-shaped scissor doors slid upward, and Zara Night, Zoe's cousin, leaned out. "Wood! Get in, you're my plus-one tonight!"

Ethan chuckled as he climbed into the passenger seat. "You know, Zara, for someone who claims to be a lady, you sure know how to yell."

"Tch, there are too many guys chasing after me. They'll survive." She side-eyed him. "Wait a minute… are you seriously planning to wear that?" Zara gestured dramatically at his simple jeans and T-shirt.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" Ethan looked down. "I'm not the real boyfriend. Why dress to impress?"

Zara rolled her eyes and focused on the road. "Well, at least try not to embarrass Zoe."

After a moment of silence, Ethan asked, "What kind of business is Zoe's family in, anyway? Why are they so scared of the Yu family? Can't they just find other partners?"

Zara sighed. "It's complicated. Mr. Yu owns a chain of thirty pharmacies. Zoe's dad is in the herbal medicine business, and the Yu family is his biggest customer. If they cut ties, it's like losing thirty stores overnight — it would be a fatal blow."

"Still, forcing your daughter into marriage just for business?" Ethan scoffed. "That's messed up."

Zara nodded. "You're not wrong. But Zoe's dad doesn't see a problem with Leo. Sure, he knows the guy's a womanizer, but how many men aren't these days?" She rolled her eyes. "Besides, Leo's made a name for himself in business. After getting some start-up money from his dad, he pulled off a few successful projects. Her dad thinks Leo's the perfect son-in-law. Zoe, of course, hates his guts — especially after what happened the other night."

The car pulled up to a grand luxury hotel. The parking lot was packed with high-end vehicles, and the building glimmered under the evening lights. Ethan felt a twinge of awkwardness. This wasn't his world.

Inside, the banquet hall was already bustling with over a hundred guests. Lavish chandeliers cast a golden glow over the polished marble floors. Waiters glided between guests with silver trays, and the hum of polite conversation filled the air.

"Zoe, I brought your boyfriend!" Zara's voice cut through the room like a knife.

The hall fell silent. Every pair of eyes turned toward Ethan.

The guests stared in disbelief. Ethan stood tall, neither arrogant nor timid, his broad shoulders and sharp gaze giving him a quiet confidence. Yet his simple attire stuck out like a sore thumb among the tailored suits and designer dresses. Whispers filled the air — they all pegged him as some low-life gigolo clinging to Zoe for a shot at luxury.

Across the room, Leo Yu's face darkened. His fists clenched at the sight of Ethan beside Zoe. You again?! Leo seethed. He'd already tried — and failed — to get rid of this pest twice. Yet here he was, parading around like a prince.

"Ethan!" A bubbly voice called out, and Lily Tang bounced over, grabbing his arm excitedly. "Come sit with us! Zoe saved this seat just for you." She giggled.

Leo's face twisted with rage. He shoved his glasses up his nose, sneering, "Well, well… if it isn't the vegetable seller." He clapped mockingly. "Did you come to check out the fancy food? Or are you here to beg for scraps from Zoe?"

Ethan locked eyes with him, unmoved. "I'm here because Zoe invited me."

Leo scoffed. "Invited you? As what? Her servant?" He turned to Zoe, voice dripping with venom. "Seriously, Zoe? This is the best you could do?"

Zoe's eyes narrowed. She linked her arm with Ethan's, pulling him close. "For your information, Leo, Ethan is my boyfriend."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Leo's face turned red with fury. Ethan smirked. "Yeah, Leo. I'm her boyfriend. Got a problem with that?"

Leo gritted his teeth, barely holding back his anger. "We'll see how long that lasts."

As the banquet continued, Ethan kept his guard up. Leo wouldn't dare try anything here… but Ethan knew this wasn't over.