Chapter Twenty-Six: Schemes at the Banquet

The head of the Yang family, Yang Tiancheng, was fifty years old, but due to a life of comfort and privilege, his face showed little sign of his age. Zhao Fan stood quietly in a corner, unaffected by the curious glances around him, his gaze calm as he watched Yang Tiancheng speak.

It was this very man who, disregarding his daughter's wishes, insisted on forcing her into marriage with someone she clearly disliked—truly... Shaking his head, Zhao Fan dismissed the thought; the affairs of the Yang family had nothing to do with him, so long as they didn’t drag him into their troubles.

Before long, Yang Yuqing appeared, accompanied by Bai Yu. One wore a flowing white dress, the other a crisp white suit. Setting aside all other considerations, the pair looked strikingly well-matched as they stood together.

Indeed, Zhao Fan could hear the whispered discussions nearby.

"Miss Yang and Young Master Bai truly look perfect together."

"Don’t they? Not only in appearance, but their backgrounds are well-suited, too."

"Yes, it’s a good match—equal in power. If the Yang and Bai families really come together, it’ll be a great boon for both their businesses."

...

Zhao Fan glanced to the side. At that moment, a sudden slap echoed from the dais.

The crowd, all people of standing and reputation, was startled—what was happening? Why would Yang Tiancheng strike his own daughter before everyone?

"Uncle, Yuqing just needs some time to think things through. Please, don’t be angry. Let’s take it slowly."

Breaking free from Bai Yu’s grasp, tears welled in Yang Yuqing’s eyes. "It’s not that I haven’t thought it through, Father. I simply don’t like Bai Yu. Why should I be forced to—"

"Take Miss away!"

Yang Tiancheng gave her no chance to finish. At his command, servants came and led Yang Yuqing away.

The guests on the floor watched, all pretending not to notice, their faces wreathed in polite smiles as they offered congratulations.

Zhao Fan watched, secretly clicking his tongue in amazement. Truly, people in business were masters at feigning ignorance.

Soon after, Mu Tianrong found Zhao Fan.

"Mr. Zhao, I heard you had a run-in with Young Master Bai earlier. Wasn’t that a bit too—"

"Too what?" Zhao Fan interrupted, eyeing him with a half-smile.

Mu Tianrong chuckled. "Nothing. Have you made any useful acquaintances tonight, Mr. Zhao?"

"A few, though I doubt they’ll be of much help to me," Zhao Fan thought to himself. At least, not for now.

His business was in supermarkets; the only people who could assist him now were those involved in groceries and provisions. Anyone else was unlikely to be of use.

But there was no need to tell Mu Tianrong all this; Zhao Fan brushed past the topic.

Mu Tianrong, sensing Zhao Fan’s reluctance, tactfully changed the subject. Still, he occasionally circled back, probing for hints about Zhao Fan’s business plans.

After being questioned several times, Zhao Fan grew impatient and finally revealed a little.

"It’s nothing major—just selling goods, opening a general store, that’s all."

Mu Tianrong’s lips twitched. Just a general store? Judging by Zhao Fan’s efforts to register a company and acquire a large market space, he found that hard to believe. Besides, what kind of general store required over three hundred square meters?

"Mr. Zhao, we’re acquaintances—surely you can share a little more?"

"Acquaintances indeed, Director Mu, but—"

Before Zhao Fan could finish, someone approached.

"Director Mu, why are you standing here alone?"

Zhao Fan: ...

So, he was invisible now?

Mu Tianrong cleared his throat. "Director Hong, I was discussing business with Mr. Zhao."

"Business?" Director Hong looked at Zhao Fan. "May I ask what kind of business you two are discussing?"

Without missing a beat, Zhao Fan replied, "A general store."

General store...

Director Hong glanced around, suspecting Zhao Fan was toying with him.

"Young man, if you don’t want to say, just don’t. No need to make fun of me."

Zhao Fan sighed. "I assure you, Director Hong, I’m not joking."

Wait—Director Hong?

Zhao Fan straightened. "May I ask, what does your factory produce, Director Hong?"

"Nothing special, just some food processing."

"Food processing?"

Zhao Fan repeated, his eyes brightening. This was help delivered right to his door!

"Director Hong, would you be interested in collaborating?"

Director Hong stiffened. "C-collaborate?"

"Yes, a large-scale supply partnership. The store I plan to open will require significant inventory," Zhao Fan emphasized. "And a stable source, at that."

A stable source.

Director Hong’s eyes lit up. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely. Director Mu can vouch for my intentions. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him."

Mu Tianrong caught Director Hong’s eye and nodded. "He’s already secured a location."

"Then let’s find somewhere private to discuss this in detail."

"Certainly."

Just as Zhao Fan was about to leave with Director Hong, Bai Yu appeared with a group, blocking their path.

"Well, are you planning to leave already?" Bai Yu’s voice was laced with sarcasm. "Not staying a bit longer to cozy up to a few more big shots?"

Zhao Fan smiled calmly. "Since when is normal conversation considered currying favor? Young Master Bai, you should be careful with your words—being too blunt can offend people."

"Heh! Without family backing, what else can you do but try to curry favor? Honestly, with your status, a mere crumb from between my fingers would be enough to feed you for a lifetime."

"Is that so?" Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. "If that’s the case, I wouldn’t dare refuse. Why don’t you show me, Young Master Bai—how exactly do you plan to let a little slip through your fingers for me?"

Bai Yu glared. "You—"

"What about me?" Zhao Fan replied with an innocent look.

Sensing the tension, Mu Tianrong stepped in. "Young Master Bai, I’m Mu Tianrong, the manager of Summer Bank in Yangcheng. Pleased to meet you."

He extended his hand, only for Bai Yu to slap it away.

"Manager, you say? Anyone can claim to be one after leaving a bank. Zhao Fan, you country bumpkin, no wonder you’re standing with a fake manager like him."

Zhao Fan nearly laughed. Was Bai Yu pretending to be stupid, or was he genuinely so?

Mu Tianrong was truly the manager of Summer Bank in Yangcheng. Bai Yu’s ignorance in calling him a fraud was almost amusing.

Mu Tianrong, too, was taken aback. He wasn’t accustomed to being flattered, but he’d never before been accused publicly of being an impostor. Anyone with a bit of sense wouldn’t utter such words in front of a crowd.

Time ticked by. Zhao Fan sighed. "Young Master Bai, you really can’t deny being a fool. The genuine manager of Summer Bank in Yangcheng, and in your mouth he’s a fake. Does your family know how little you understand?"

Bai Yu gritted his teeth. "Zhao Fan, if you have the guts, say that again."

Zhao Fan obliged, repeating himself word for word, then added, "It’s the first time I’ve seen someone ask to be called a fool twice in a row. Young Master Bai, you truly live up to your name."

By now, several people nearby had noticed, and some couldn’t help but laugh aloud.