Chapter Twenty-Five: Banquet Discord

That evening, Zhao Fan was picked up by Mu Tianrong and brought to the hotel. Gazing at the extravagant splendor ahead, Zhao Fan’s eyes flickered slightly. In his previous life, he could only have lingered outside such a place; in this life, he crossed its threshold. Yet, even so, it wasn’t enough—after all, he had only entered because Mu Tianrong had brought him.

What Zhao Fan truly wanted was to be personally invited by the host of the banquet.

Mu Tianrong said, “This banquet is hosted by the Yang family, for their youngest daughter’s birthday. All the prominent figures of Yang City are here. Since you intend to do business, Mr. Zhao, this is a good chance to meet some people.”

“Thank you, Manager Mu,” Zhao Fan replied with a slight smile. Did Mu Tianrong think he couldn’t see through his calculations? It was nothing more than an attempt to make amends for what had happened at the marketplace earlier.

But it didn’t matter. So long as he benefited, he was content.

In business, taking a loss now and then was nothing, as long as he could earn it back.

Mu Tianrong introduced Zhao Fan to a few acquaintances, who handed him their business cards and then moved on. Surrounded by chattering crowds, Zhao Fan simply made his way to a corner where there was a small sofa, just large enough for one to sit without attracting too much attention.

Not long after, a figure flashed by.

“Zhao Fan?”

The sudden question startled him. Was there a woman here who knew him?

He looked up and saw Yang Yuqing.

“Yang—”

“It really is you, Zhao Fan. It’s been a while. How have you been lately?” Yang Yuqing seemed genuinely curious. She was surprised to see Zhao Fan at the Yang family’s banquet, but she didn’t ask why—she knew such questions could be hurtful.

“I’m well,” Zhao Fan answered, his thoughts turning. In a low voice, he asked, “This banquet—is it your birthday celebration?”

He knew Yang Yuqing was the youngest daughter of the Yang family, but wasn’t sure of her exact place in the family.

Yang Yuqing’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “Yes, it’s my birthday banquet. What do you think of it?”

Looking around, Zhao Fan asked, “Do you want the truth or a polite answer?”

“The truth, of course.”

“The banquet is a sham.”

In the silence that followed, Yang Yuqing gave a bitter smile. “It is, indeed.”

Most of those attending her birthday were the Yang family’s business partners; the rest were here to forge connections. If Yang Yuqing could choose, she would rather have a simple family meal than endure this hollow scene.

“Let’s not talk about this,” she said. “You’re here to make connections too, aren’t you? Need my help?”

The idea of the birthday girl helping to make introductions? Zhao Fan’s lips twitched. “No, thanks. If I really left with you, I’m afraid it would be misunderstood.”

“Misunderstood?” For a moment, Yang Yuqing’s expression dimmed. “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”

Something seemed off about her reaction. The thought flitted through Zhao Fan’s mind, and he hurried to explain, “Miss Yang, don’t take it to heart. I was just joking. Anyway—”

“It’s all right, you—” She began, but was abruptly interrupted.

“Yuqing, why are you here alone? Hurry, Uncle is about to speak. Go change, and we’ll go up together,” came a voice.

Bai Yu, dressed in a white suit, strode up and tried to pull Yang Yuqing away.

“Can’t you see she doesn’t want to go with you?”

Zhao Fan reached out, grabbing Bai Yu’s arm. He could see clearly that Yang Yuqing was unwilling—how could he let Bai Yu drag her off?

Still holding Bai Yu, Zhao Fan watched as Bai Yu turned his head, as if seeing him for the first time, and suddenly smiled.

“Well, look who it is—the sucker himself. So, did you manage to sell that Song Dynasty vase?”

“Whether I sell it or not is my business, and none of yours. By the way, Young Master Bai, have you paid for your bracelet?”

At the mention of the bracelet, Bai Yu’s face darkened at once.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he said, shoving at Zhao Fan.

But Zhao Fan was quicker. With a deft step, he dodged Bai Yu’s hand. Bai Yu, having used too much force, stumbled forward, and Zhao Fan lifted his leg and kicked him squarely, sending him crashing into the small sofa in the corner.

With a loud bang, the noise in the banquet hall died away instantly, and the commotion in the corner became the center of attention.

As all eyes turned their way, Zhao Fan feigned surprise and leaned toward Bai Yu. “Oh my, Young Master Bai, can’t even stand straight? Here, let me help you up.”

He had barely reached out when Bai Yu slapped his hand away. Not only that, Bai Yu tried to strike Zhao Fan again.

Being the one under attack, Zhao Fan played along perfectly. As Bai Yu’s fist swung towards him, Zhao Fan leaned into it, so that from any other angle it looked as if Bai Yu had landed a heavy punch on him.

Wiping the corner of his mouth, Zhao Fan said, “Young Master Bai, was that really necessary? I was just trying to help you up.”

The Bai family’s young master was truly overbearing—he even hit those who offered him help, without the least sense of propriety. Without Zhao Fan having to say more, Bai Yu’s own actions had already lowered many people’s opinion of him.

Bai Yu glared furiously. “Help me? You know exactly why I fell! Zhao Fan, you bastard, using women’s tricks against me—have you no shame?”

He could feel the disapproving stares all around. Remembering what had led up to this, Bai Yu’s glare at Zhao Fan was murderous.

Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. “Women’s tricks? Young Master Bai, I’m a grown man—when have I ever used women’s tricks on you? Oh, don’t tell me you think I helped you up on purpose?”

Their voices weren’t at all lowered, so everyone nearby heard the exchange clearly, and the more they listened, the worse their impression of Bai Yu became.

He was turning the tables, showing not an ounce of gratitude.

Some observers also noticed that the person standing nearby was none other than Yang Yuqing, the birthday girl. Seeing Bai Yu still glaring at Zhao Fan, they all shook their heads.

This Bai family heir really had no sense of occasion.

Just as the quarrel threatened to escalate, the head of the Yang family appeared. The host of the banquet stepped out and, with only a few words, drew everyone’s attention away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending my daughter’s birthday banquet tonight. Your presence brings such honor to our humble home…”

With these words, the focus shifted away from Bai Yu and the others.

Zhao Fan smiled faintly, stepped back a few paces, and as he passed Yang Yuqing, he lowered his voice and said, “If you don’t want to do something, just say so. No need to thank me this time.”

Why was Bai Yu at Yang Yuqing’s birthday banquet?

Recalling Bai Yu’s actions at the auction, Zhao Fan understood the reason—most likely, the two families wanted to arrange a marriage.

But Yang Yuqing’s unwillingness was plain to see. Zhao Fan had no ulterior motive; after all, they had been classmates. Lending a hand was no trouble.

Yang Yuqing’s gaze sharpened, her lowered hand suddenly clenching tight.

Say no if you don’t want to? But as the daughter of the Yang family, having enjoyed all its privileges, how could she say no?

Bai Yu seemed ready to chase after Zhao Fan, but was stopped by a Bai family bodyguard who hurried over.

“Young Master, Sir wants to see you immediately.”

“Immediately?”

Bai Yu’s pupils shrank; whatever he had been thinking vanished. Without another glance at Yang Yuqing, he turned and left.

Zhao Fan, noticing this, found himself looking down on Bai Yu all the more.