“Oh, you want me?” Fu Xiaotang, catching on, playfully hit his shoulder, her girlish charm on full display. “Hey,” Ji Shan caught her hand, leaned in, and whispered, “Don’t make a scene, look over there, those two are glaring at me like they want to eat me alive.” “What? Where?” Fu Xiaotang, still a bit confused, followed his gaze and indeed saw two menacing shadows. She felt a chill but then got annoyed, muttering coldly, “What does it have to do with them? They’re so annoying.” Ji Shan looked her over, “Impressive, the little rabbit that used to get bullied has turned into a little leopard with claws and teeth.” Fu Xiaotang shot him a glance, made a claw gesture, and bared her teeth at him. Ji Shan couldn’t help but smile. Then he added, “But Tangtang, often, a rebellious little wildcat can stir a man’s desire to conquer more than a pitiful little rabbit, especially when you shine so brightly now. You should be careful.” Fu Xiaotang, amused by his use of “wild boar” as a term, didn’t fully grasp what he meant. Suddenly, a light gasp went through the crowd as the star of the show, Liu Yi, the pearl of Hengqing Real Estate, finally made her grand entrance. She was dressed in a water-red long gown, similar in style to Fu Xiaotang’s, with a wide white ribbon in her hair, her smooth, flowing hair cascading down her back. She looked both refreshing and charming, slightly slimmer but radiant with vitality. Amidst a crisscross of flashing camera lights, she stood on the stage with grace and confidence, smiling at the crowd, “Thank you all for taking the time to come here. I, Yi Yi, first apologize to everyone. I indeed plan to hold a fashion show, but it’s scheduled for two months from now. We are currently in the midst of intense preparations.” As soon as these words were spoken, there were boos from the audience below. Business people value integrity the most, and Liu Yi’s actions seemed like a mockery. However, Liu Yi smiled calmly, sweet and charming, unhurriedly saying, “However, today I invited everyone here for something even more important than the fashion show.” Here, she paused intentionally, drawing everyone’s attention before slowly and clearly announcing, “From today, my Hengqing Real Estate will form a business alliance with the Fangrong Group, and my fashion show will be fully funded by the Fangrong Group.” The mention of “Fangrong” caused a stir, especially in Fang Junjie’s heart, where many things suddenly became clear. The Fangrong Group was a titan in T city, known by all, involved in heavy industry, pharmaceuticals, daily goods, electronic technology, and media publishing. If Fangrong wanted a company to fail, it could happen within half a day. And the chairman of Fangrong was none other than the famous “Tenth Brother of the Zhang Family,” Zhang Rong. Fang Junjie suddenly understood. Without the protection of “Tenth Brother,” who else could make it so that even a thorough search by Master Fang couldn’t find anyone? And who else could issue a “protection order” to both the underworld and the legitimate world without revealing their true face? But why? Why would someone as astute as Tenth Brother be involved with Liu Yi? While Fang Junjie was pondering this, Liu Yi continued, “Also, I’ve hit it off with Uncle Zhang at first sight. Unable to refuse his kind offer, I will formally acknowledge him as my godfather tonight.” This statement caused an uproar. Liu Yi exuded pride and arrogance from every pore, surveying the room like a queen, and then smiled brilliantly amidst the clamor, “Today, many of my close friends are here. There will be a small banquet later, where Uncle Zhang, my godfather, will also attend.” Unfortunately, “Third Sister” Zhang Yindi was not in the country; otherwise, she would have given some hint, and Fang Junjie wouldn’t have been so caught off guard! Song Li and Cheng Yu exchanged glances. They had known Liu Yi for over a decade and had never heard her mention Zhang Rong, nor did they know of any dealings between Hengqing and Fangrong. As the banquet began, everyone moved to the most luxurious golden revolving hall. A giant round table was set up, filled with an array of dishes. Skilled waiters were ushering people to their seats. Song Li, Cheng Yu, Ji Shan, and others were invited to the main table. Liu Yi appeared like a bride in a light green dress. After greeting each table symbolically, she gracefully approached Song Li and Cheng Yu. Song Li was seated to Liu Yi’s left, with the seat on her right presumably for Zhang Rong. Liu Yi ignored Cheng Yu, warmly taking Song Li’s arm, smiling broadly, “Li, it’s been a while. Are you happy for me today?” Song Li’s expression was faint, as if smiling, but he said nothing. Liu Yi, very excited, looked around and exclaimed, “Where are Young Master Fang and Xiaofu? I want to introduce my godfather to them; I hope they haven’t left!” Ji Shan, who was nearby, quietly replied, “Miss Yi, don’t worry, they haven’t left; they should be here soon.” Liu Yi shifted her gaze to Ji Shan, half-smiling for a moment before playfully saying, “My designs are always hard to impress Senior Shan! I’ll need your guidance and support for this show.” Ji Shan adjusted his glasses and humbly responded, “I wouldn’t dare to guide you. Miss Yi’s style has always been beyond my critique, and as for support, with Fangrong backing you, even without this show, it wouldn’t matter!” His words were blunt and somewhat rude. Liu Yi’s face stiffened, ready to retort when Zhang Rong arrived at their table. A slightly short and thin old man, yet his presence was overwhelmingly powerful, causing everyone to stand up in respect.
Chapter 70: No Good Banquet (Part 1)
