133 Mystery of the end times
The banquet was arranged on the outskirts of the residential area where the Jiujian Prefecture was stationed. It used to be a sales center with a large exhibition hall, which was now transformed into the banquet hall.
Upon arrival, they realized that guests arrived in various ways. There were carriages, dog-drawn carriages, large birds, electric cars, and regular automobiles. However, their group was the only one arriving on a giant cat. As a result, they attracted the attention of everyone present.
Their nearly eight-meter-high Abu had become their iconic mount, and many recognized them upon seeing Abu. Since it was their first public appearance, everyone's focus was heightened, eager to see what this team of individuals possessing natural force evolution, brain domain evolution, and special abilities looked like.
As they landed, they noticed Liu Yan standing at the entrance, dressed sharply in formal attire, welcoming the guests. Liu Yan also saw them and walked over.
Just as they were about to approach, a competent and beautiful woman rushed over, holding a recording pen and microphone, followed closely by someone carrying a camera. The microphone was suddenly presented in front of Cheng Tianbi, "Are you Mr. Cheng Tianbi? I'm a reporter from Xinhua News Agency. Can I interview you?"
Cheng Tianbi frowned slightly and leaned back slightly.
Convinced, Cong Xia said, "Oh... There are reporters too?"
Liu Yan approached, put his arm around Qiao Shan's shoulders, and politely pushed her aside, saying, "Miss Qiao, please follow our team inside first." Then he looked at Cong Xia and smiled, "Mr. Cong, thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Cong Xia nodded with a smile and glanced at Qiao Shan's figure as she walked away. "Mr. Liu, are there still reporters at a time like this?"
"There is only Xinhua News Agency left, and they still distribute weekly newspapers. They are entirely free, with each community receiving a copy, and the military provides the funding. They mainly report on the latest research results of the Academy of Sciences and some movements within the military, ensuring that ordinary people do not lose confidence in the future. Of course, significant events in the capital are also reported. Qiao Shan is the daughter of a regimental commander in the 14th Group Army and one of the candidates to marry Xu Ying. She's quite daring when reporting news, so be careful when talking to her, and it's best not to say anything."
"Marry Xu Ying... a candidate?" Liu Fengyu sneered, "Does she think she's participating in an emperor's selection show?"
Liu Yan smiled, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "It's similar to an emperor's selection show, actually. Xu Ying's only son is an ordinary person. He originally had a fiancée, but after the apocalypse, she mutated and lost her ability to bear children. Xu Ying firmly broke them up and found several ordinary women of the right age within his group army. Whoever gives birth to a child first will become his legal wife."
Cong Xia frowned, "Isn't that too unfair to the women?"
Liu Yan shook his head, "It's all voluntary. Being a mistress to Xu Ying's son ensures the safety and well-being of the entire family, even if they can't bear children. If they do have a child, they become the legitimate wife. Who wouldn't want the support of the 14th Group Army?"
Cong Xia couldn't help but glance at Cheng Tianbi. He remembered that Cao Zhixian also mentioned the issue of carrying on the family line to Cheng Tianbi. Unfortunately, now all the mutated individuals were unable to bear children; otherwise, he and Cheng Tianbi might also face some awkward choices.
Cheng Tianbi also looked at him, "What's on your mind?"
Cong Xia smiled, "It's nothing."
Liu Yan gestured to them, "Please come this way."
Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia followed behind. Cheng Tianbi said, "I know what you're thinking. Even before, I never planned to have children."
Cong Xia knew this was related to his father. Although he wanted to ask, it wasn't the right time, and he hoped Cheng Tianbi would tell him personally one day. He smiled, "That's true. We can't have children, so you don't have to worry about that burden anymore."
Cheng Tianbi said, "But you might not be the case."
"Huh?" Cong Xia blinked and suddenly realized. That was right; his uncle only mentioned that mutated individuals lost their ability to have children, but he wasn't a conventional mutated person. Maybe he...
Cheng Tianbi secretly squeezed his hand, "However, you indeed have no chance to have children."
Cong Xia was slightly taken aback, then lightly bumped his shoulder, saying, "I don't need that chance."
Cheng Tianbi lowered his head and whispered, "You look beautiful in this outfit."
Cong Xia smiled, "So do you."
The two walked side by side into the banquet hall. When their group of six appeared, the originally noisy hall fell silent almost instantly, and all eyes turned to the entrance.
The attention from the entire hall made them feel uneasy, especially Cong Xia and Tang Yanqiu. Even Deng Xiao was nervous. On the other hand, Cheng Tianbi and Zhuang Yao were composed, showing no signs of anxiety.
Only Liu Fengyu seemed like a dragon swimming in the sea, thoroughly enjoying the attention. He walked ahead with his head held high, a charming and confident smile on his face, displaying no trace of stage fright.
"Cong Xia." A pleasant male voice came from not far away.
They turned their heads, and Yao Qianjiang walked over in a white suit. His hair was slightly shorter than a few days ago, and his complexion had returned to a healthy color. His eyes were bright, making him look even more handsome and composed, with no trace of his previous illness.
Cong Xia nodded, "Prefecture Lord."
Yao Qianjiang walked up to him and smiled, reaching out his hand. "I knew you'd come."
Cong Xia shook his hand, and Yao Qianjiang applied a bit more force, holding Cong Xia's hand while his gaze moved from top to bottom, examining Cong Xia's delicate skin, his slender waist, and long legs covered by the fitted suit.
His gaze seemed slightly audacious, without any disguise.
Cheng Tianbi squinted his eyes, detecting something unusual.
Cong Xia also felt that something was off in the atmosphere. He was about to retract his hand when Yao Qianjiang let go and looked at the people behind him. "Cong Xia, introduce your friends."
Cong Xia introduced everyone one by one, and Yao Qianjiang's gaze followed him, eventually settling on Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi... Yao Qianjiang remembered what Cong Xia said that day, "As a natural force evolver, how can Cheng Tianbi be beneath you?" Is this the natural force-evolving person with a wind attribute?
Their gazes met in the air, a strong confrontation, and the surrounding atmosphere was filled with provocation.
Politely greeting everyone, Yao Qianjiang naturally put his hand on Cong Xia's back, smiling. "Come, let me take you inside." As Liu Fengyu passed by Cheng Tianbi, he laughed softly, "Our Xia is in high demand; keep an eye on him, brother."
Cheng Tianbi's expression darkened.
Following Yao Qianjiang, they walked to the center of the banquet hall. Liu Yan handed Yao Qianjiang a microphone, and he cleared his throat, speaking loudly, "Dear friends, thank you all for coming to celebrate my mother's birthday on this occasion. Due to her mobility issues, she is sitting at the main table in front and won't be moving. On behalf of her, I express my gratitude to you all."
Applause rang out in the hall.
Yao Qianjiang glanced at Cong Xia and said, "I believe everyone is curious about my friends beside me and must have heard of them. Two months ago, they were the protagonists of a reward order issued for a person with special healing abilities who came from Yunnan."
Yao Qianjiang smiled, "At that time, I was eager for talents. Looking back now, that approach was indeed inappropriate, but fortunately, Mr. Cong here didn't hold grudges and healed me. If it weren't for him, I might not be standing in front of you all again. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Cong here."
Cong Xia felt uneasy standing beside him, feeling the piercing gazes from the surrounding people, which made him quite uncomfortable, and he could only awkwardly smile.
Yao Qianjiang patted Cong Xia's back and spoke loudly, "I also want to take this opportunity to solemnly declare that Mr. Cong Xia will forever be a distinguished guest of Jiujian Prefecture. Whenever Mr. Cong Xia needs anything from Jiujian Prefecture, I, Yao Qianjiang, will be obliged to help."
Yao Qianjiang repeatedly emphasized Cong Xia but didn't mention the other few people. His intentions were clear to everyone present. Yao Qianjiang wanted to recruit Cong Xia, and it seemed that he wanted only Cong Xia. After all, no one would believe that a natural force-evolving person like Cheng Tinabi would work under Yao Qianjiang, especially considering that Cheng Tianbi was Commander Cao's son.
Cong Xia forced a smile, "Prefecture Lord, you're too kind."
Yao Qianjiang put down the microphone and smiled at Cong Xia, "Come, let me take you to meet my mother." He reached out to hold Cong Xia's arm and prepared to leave.
Cheng Tianbi immediately grabbed Cong Xia's arm. Yao Qianjiang turned around, looking at Cheng Tianbi with a sharp gaze.
Cheng Tianbi stared back, his eyes determined.
Yao Qianjiang raised an eyebrow slightly but eventually let go of Cong Xia's arm. Cheng Tianbi said, "Since it's a birthday celebration, let's go together." He patted Cong Xia's back and led him toward the main table.
With a sly smile, Liu Fengyu took out the prepared birthday gift from his pocket.
Yao Qianjiang looked at their departing figures, a hint of surprise flickering across his face, but then his expression turned serious.
The group arrived at the main table and saw an elderly woman with salt-and-pepper hair. Although she seemed a bit absent-minded, she didn't appear senile and smiled warmly at everyone.
Yao Qianjiang gently touched his mother's back and said, "Mom, people have come to celebrate your birthday."
The elderly lady kept repeating "good" with a smile.
With elegance, Liu Fengyu presented the gift box containing a priceless cat's eye gem.
Before the banquet officially began, most people were chatting in small groups. Yao Qianjiang wanted to have a private conversation with Cong Xia but was unceremoniously stopped by Cheng Tianbi.
Yao Qianjiang didn't expect anyone to disregard his face so blatantly, and his expression changed immediately. Cheng Tianbi glanced at him, his eyes cold and filled with warning.
At that moment, Liu Yan approached Yao Qianjiang and whispered, "Zhuang Yu and Zhou Fenglan have arrived."
Zhuang Yao's expression darkened.
Yao Qianjiang nodded and said, "Let's chat later. Eat something casually; I'll come over later to attend to everyone."
After Yao Qianjiang left, Cong Xia finally relaxed, and Cheng Tianbi shot several icy glares at Yao Qianjiang's back before calmly accepting the drink the server offered.
Deng Xiao said nervously, "Why do these people keep staring at us? It's so annoying."
Liu Fengyu chuckled, "They must be admiring our handsome looks. Have some dignity; why get nervous?"
Tang Yanqiu's face turned pale, "I'll go to the restroom for a moment."
Liu Fengyu asked, "What's wrong?"
"There are too many people... I'm not used to it." Tang Yanqiu never liked crowded places, and being scrutinized by so many people in such a setting made him extremely uncomfortable.
Liu Fengyu frowned, "You're really intolerable. Fine, I'll accompany you."
The two followed the directions and headed to the restroom.
Zhuang Yao had been observing the people around him. Suddenly, he said, "I saw Xu Ying."
The others followed his gaze and looked up. Xu Ying and several others were standing on the second floor balcony, looking down on them with cold eyes.
Cong Xia asked Cheng Tianbi, "Do you know him?"
"Met him before." Cheng Tianbi took just one glance and then looked away.
"He does seem imposing." Unlike Cao Zhixian's tall and sturdy appearance, Xu Ying looked relatively short. However, his gaze was sharp as a hawk's, making him appear to be a formidable figure.
After a while, Liu Fengyu and Tang Yanqiu returned. Tang Yanqiu's complexion had improved slightly, but he still seemed uneasy.
At that moment, Yao Qianjiang appeared with two people: Zhuang Yu, whom they had met once before, and the leader of the Fenglan Society, Zhou Fenglan, whom they had seen in photos.
Zhou Fenglan was more arrogant in person than he appeared in the pictures. He walked with his head held high and had a somewhat rogue-like demeanor. On the other hand, Zhuang Yu wore a faint smile, appearing refined and elegant.
The three approached them. Even before Yao Qianjiang could introduce them, Zhou Fenglan audaciously scanned them and sneered, "I've heard of you all for a long time, and today, I finally get to see you in person."
Cheng Tianbi shot him a cold glance.
Zhou Fenglan glared at them and said, "I heard you had a great time in Luoyang. I hope my men treated you well."
Zhuang Yao showed a sneering smile, "The hospitality was terrible, so we had to teach your men a lesson."
Zhou Fenglan's eyes flashed with hostility, and Zhuang Yu quickly grabbed his arm, whispering, "Fenglan, don't be impulsive."
Zhou Fenglan snorted and turned his face away.
Zhuang Yu smiled and looked at Zhuang Yao, "Have you been doing well in Zone Three these days?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "Very well."
"I heard you are now buying mutant cotton fabric from all over. Do you need my help?"
"Sure, I'll buy it at twice the market price. As much as you have."
Zhuang Yu chuckled lightly, "Now that you put it that way, I don't feel like giving it to you."
Zhuang Yao sneered, "I never expected anything from you."
Zhuang Yu sighed, "I used to be very unlikeable since I was young."
Zhuang Yao retorted, "You haven't changed much as you've grown up."
Zhuang Yu smiled, "Little Zhuang Yao, I'm actually willing to help you. After all, we are..." He paused with a smirk, "But if you keep being arrogant and blindly believe in Cong Zhenzhong's cowardly theories, you won't grow up before you get destroyed."
Deng Xiao stood behind Zhuang Yao, with one hand on his shoulder and the other slowly gesturing a middle finger towards Zhuang Yu, provocatively staring at him.
Zhou Fenglan clenched his fists, and the sound of thunder resounded around him. He spoke fiercely, "Kid, how dare you disrespect Dr. Zhuang..."
Cheng Tianbi stepped in front of Deng Xiao and Zhuang Yao, coldly stating, "If you want to fight, take it outside."
Tension filled the air once again, and all eyes in the venue were focused on them.
"Yao Qianjiang, did you call me here just to see this?" A deep, cold male voice sounded from behind the crowd.
They turned around, and a tall, composed man walked towards them.
It was Li Dao'ai, the leader of Liudao Huangquan!
Zhuang Yu pressed Zhou Fenglan's arm again, signaling him not to act rashly.
Yao Qianjiang chuckled lightly, "Officer Li, we are old acquaintances after all. You have rejected my invitations multiple times, which is a bit cold-hearted."
Li Dao'ai was not polite, "We only had contact due to professional reasons; we're not friends. I'm here today to celebrate the old lady's birthday. If you have any issues, let's discuss them outside." Although he didn't directly look at the confrontation between Cheng Tianbi and Zhou Fenglan, his message was clear – he was ready to fight if needed.
Yao Qianjiang seemed used to Li Dao'ai's attitude and didn't seem offended. He maintained his mysterious smile.
Zhou Fenglan sneered, "Li Dao'ai, you act like a big shot wherever you go. Don't you ever get tired of it?"
Li Dao'ai paid no attention to his provocation. Instead, he calmly swept his gaze over Cheng Tianbi's group and nodded slightly. Although he didn't show much emotion, his gesture conveyed a clear message – he acknowledged their presence.
Yao Qianjiang remarked, "It seems we're just missing Shen Changze."
Liu Yan responded, "Shen Changze and Al Moray are already here."
Yao Qianjiang smiled playfully and stated, "Invite them over; I believe Miss Qiao Shan has been eager to take a picture of all of us."
Indeed, not long after, Shen Changze and Al Moray arrived, dressed in formal attire. Al Moray's bright golden hair made him particularly eye-catching.
Al Moray greeted them with a cheerful tone, "Hey, friends, what are you all standing around for?"
Yao Qianjiang waved his hand, and the waiters served everyone a glass of wine. He raised his glass towards Qiao Shan and said, "This is Miss Qiao Shan, a journalist from Xinhua News Agency. She's a special guest at this banquet and has been looking forward to taking a picture of all of us. Let's not disappoint her; smile for the camera."
Everyone turned to look at Qiao Shan, who held her microphone and had her camera ready. She swiftly captured several pictures of them, catching some of them off guard.
One of those pictures would become the headline news in the upcoming weekly report.
133 Mystery of the end times
The banquet was arranged on the outskirts of the residential area where the Jiujian Prefecture was stationed. It used to be a sales center with a large exhibition hall, which was now transformed into the banquet hall.
Upon arrival, they realized that guests arrived in various ways. There were carriages, dog-drawn carriages, large birds, electric cars, and regular automobiles. However, their group was the only one arriving on a giant cat. As a result, they attracted the attention of everyone present.
Their nearly eight-meter-high Abu had become their iconic mount, and many recognized them upon seeing Abu. Since it was their first public appearance, everyone's focus was heightened, eager to see what this team of individuals possessing natural force evolution, brain domain evolution, and special abilities looked like.
As they landed, they noticed Liu Yan standing at the entrance, dressed sharply in formal attire, welcoming the guests. Liu Yan also saw them and walked over.
Just as they were about to approach, a competent and beautiful woman rushed over, holding a recording pen and microphone, followed closely by someone carrying a camera. The microphone was suddenly presented in front of Cheng Tianbi, "Are you Mr. Cheng Tianbi? I'm a reporter from Xinhua News Agency. Can I interview you?"
Cheng Tianbi frowned slightly and leaned back slightly.
Convinced, Cong Xia said, "Oh... There are reporters too?"
Liu Yan approached, put his arm around Qiao Shan's shoulders, and politely pushed her aside, saying, "Miss Qiao, please follow our team inside first." Then he looked at Cong Xia and smiled, "Mr. Cong, thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Cong Xia nodded with a smile and glanced at Qiao Shan's figure as she walked away. "Mr. Liu, are there still reporters at a time like this?"
"There is only Xinhua News Agency left, and they still distribute weekly newspapers. They are entirely free, with each community receiving a copy, and the military provides the funding. They mainly report on the latest research results of the Academy of Sciences and some movements within the military, ensuring that ordinary people do not lose confidence in the future. Of course, significant events in the capital are also reported. Qiao Shan is the daughter of a regimental commander in the 14th Group Army and one of the candidates to marry Xu Ying. She's quite daring when reporting news, so be careful when talking to her, and it's best not to say anything."
"Marry Xu Ying... a candidate?" Liu Fengyu sneered, "Does she think she's participating in an emperor's selection show?"
Liu Yan smiled, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "It's similar to an emperor's selection show, actually. Xu Ying's only son is an ordinary person. He originally had a fiancée, but after the apocalypse, she mutated and lost her ability to bear children. Xu Ying firmly broke them up and found several ordinary women of the right age within his group army. Whoever gives birth to a child first will become his legal wife."
Cong Xia frowned, "Isn't that too unfair to the women?"
Liu Yan shook his head, "It's all voluntary. Being a mistress to Xu Ying's son ensures the safety and well-being of the entire family, even if they can't bear children. If they do have a child, they become the legitimate wife. Who wouldn't want the support of the 14th Group Army?"
Cong Xia couldn't help but glance at Cheng Tianbi. He remembered that Cao Zhixian also mentioned the issue of carrying on the family line to Cheng Tianbi. Unfortunately, now all the mutated individuals were unable to bear children; otherwise, he and Cheng Tianbi might also face some awkward choices.
Cheng Tianbi also looked at him, "What's on your mind?"
Cong Xia smiled, "It's nothing."
Liu Yan gestured to them, "Please come this way."
Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia followed behind. Cheng Tianbi said, "I know what you're thinking. Even before, I never planned to have children."
Cong Xia knew this was related to his father. Although he wanted to ask, it wasn't the right time, and he hoped Cheng Tianbi would tell him personally one day. He smiled, "That's true. We can't have children, so you don't have to worry about that burden anymore."
Cheng Tianbi said, "But you might not be the case."
"Huh?" Cong Xia blinked and suddenly realized. That was right; his uncle only mentioned that mutated individuals lost their ability to have children, but he wasn't a conventional mutated person. Maybe he...
Cheng Tianbi secretly squeezed his hand, "However, you indeed have no chance to have children."
Cong Xia was slightly taken aback, then lightly bumped his shoulder, saying, "I don't need that chance."
Cheng Tianbi lowered his head and whispered, "You look beautiful in this outfit."
Cong Xia smiled, "So do you."
The two walked side by side into the banquet hall. When their group of six appeared, the originally noisy hall fell silent almost instantly, and all eyes turned to the entrance.
The attention from the entire hall made them feel uneasy, especially Cong Xia and Tang Yanqiu. Even Deng Xiao was nervous. On the other hand, Cheng Tianbi and Zhuang Yao were composed, showing no signs of anxiety.
Only Liu Fengyu seemed like a dragon swimming in the sea, thoroughly enjoying the attention. He walked ahead with his head held high, a charming and confident smile on his face, displaying no trace of stage fright.
"Cong Xia." A pleasant male voice came from not far away.
They turned their heads, and Yao Qianjiang walked over in a white suit. His hair was slightly shorter than a few days ago, and his complexion had returned to a healthy color. His eyes were bright, making him look even more handsome and composed, with no trace of his previous illness.
Cong Xia nodded, "Prefecture Lord."
Yao Qianjiang walked up to him and smiled, reaching out his hand. "I knew you'd come."
Cong Xia shook his hand, and Yao Qianjiang applied a bit more force, holding Cong Xia's hand while his gaze moved from top to bottom, examining Cong Xia's delicate skin, his slender waist, and long legs covered by the fitted suit.
His gaze seemed slightly audacious, without any disguise.
Cheng Tianbi squinted his eyes, detecting something unusual.
Cong Xia also felt that something was off in the atmosphere. He was about to retract his hand when Yao Qianjiang let go and looked at the people behind him. "Cong Xia, introduce your friends."
Cong Xia introduced everyone one by one, and Yao Qianjiang's gaze followed him, eventually settling on Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi... Yao Qianjiang remembered what Cong Xia said that day, "As a natural force evolver, how can Cheng Tianbi be beneath you?" Is this the natural force-evolving person with a wind attribute?
Their gazes met in the air, a strong confrontation, and the surrounding atmosphere was filled with provocation.
Politely greeting everyone, Yao Qianjiang naturally put his hand on Cong Xia's back, smiling. "Come, let me take you inside." As Liu Fengyu passed by Cheng Tianbi, he laughed softly, "Our Xia is in high demand; keep an eye on him, brother."
Cheng Tianbi's expression darkened.
Following Yao Qianjiang, they walked to the center of the banquet hall. Liu Yan handed Yao Qianjiang a microphone, and he cleared his throat, speaking loudly, "Dear friends, thank you all for coming to celebrate my mother's birthday on this occasion. Due to her mobility issues, she is sitting at the main table in front and won't be moving. On behalf of her, I express my gratitude to you all."
Applause rang out in the hall.
Yao Qianjiang glanced at Cong Xia and said, "I believe everyone is curious about my friends beside me and must have heard of them. Two months ago, they were the protagonists of a reward order issued for a person with special healing abilities who came from Yunnan."
Yao Qianjiang smiled, "At that time, I was eager for talents. Looking back now, that approach was indeed inappropriate, but fortunately, Mr. Cong here didn't hold grudges and healed me. If it weren't for him, I might not be standing in front of you all again. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Cong here."
Cong Xia felt uneasy standing beside him, feeling the piercing gazes from the surrounding people, which made him quite uncomfortable, and he could only awkwardly smile.
Yao Qianjiang patted Cong Xia's back and spoke loudly, "I also want to take this opportunity to solemnly declare that Mr. Cong Xia will forever be a distinguished guest of Jiujian Prefecture. Whenever Mr. Cong Xia needs anything from Jiujian Prefecture, I, Yao Qianjiang, will be obliged to help."
Yao Qianjiang repeatedly emphasized Cong Xia but didn't mention the other few people. His intentions were clear to everyone present. Yao Qianjiang wanted to recruit Cong Xia, and it seemed that he wanted only Cong Xia. After all, no one would believe that a natural force-evolving person like Cheng Tinabi would work under Yao Qianjiang, especially considering that Cheng Tianbi was Commander Cao's son.
Cong Xia forced a smile, "Prefecture Lord, you're too kind."
Yao Qianjiang put down the microphone and smiled at Cong Xia, "Come, let me take you to meet my mother." He reached out to hold Cong Xia's arm and prepared to leave.
Cheng Tianbi immediately grabbed Cong Xia's arm. Yao Qianjiang turned around, looking at Cheng Tianbi with a sharp gaze.
Cheng Tianbi stared back, his eyes determined.
Yao Qianjiang raised an eyebrow slightly but eventually let go of Cong Xia's arm. Cheng Tianbi said, "Since it's a birthday celebration, let's go together." He patted Cong Xia's back and led him toward the main table.
With a sly smile, Liu Fengyu took out the prepared birthday gift from his pocket.
Yao Qianjiang looked at their departing figures, a hint of surprise flickering across his face, but then his expression turned serious.
The group arrived at the main table and saw an elderly woman with salt-and-pepper hair. Although she seemed a bit absent-minded, she didn't appear senile and smiled warmly at everyone.
Yao Qianjiang gently touched his mother's back and said, "Mom, people have come to celebrate your birthday."
The elderly lady kept repeating "good" with a smile.
With elegance, Liu Fengyu presented the gift box containing a priceless cat's eye gem.
Before the banquet officially began, most people were chatting in small groups. Yao Qianjiang wanted to have a private conversation with Cong Xia but was unceremoniously stopped by Cheng Tianbi.
Yao Qianjiang didn't expect anyone to disregard his face so blatantly, and his expression changed immediately. Cheng Tianbi glanced at him, his eyes cold and filled with warning.
At that moment, Liu Yan approached Yao Qianjiang and whispered, "Zhuang Yu and Zhou Fenglan have arrived."
Zhuang Yao's expression darkened.
Yao Qianjiang nodded and said, "Let's chat later. Eat something casually; I'll come over later to attend to everyone."
After Yao Qianjiang left, Cong Xia finally relaxed, and Cheng Tianbi shot several icy glares at Yao Qianjiang's back before calmly accepting the drink the server offered.
Deng Xiao said nervously, "Why do these people keep staring at us? It's so annoying."
Liu Fengyu chuckled, "They must be admiring our handsome looks. Have some dignity; why get nervous?"
Tang Yanqiu's face turned pale, "I'll go to the restroom for a moment."
Liu Fengyu asked, "What's wrong?"
"There are too many people... I'm not used to it." Tang Yanqiu never liked crowded places, and being scrutinized by so many people in such a setting made him extremely uncomfortable.
Liu Fengyu frowned, "You're really intolerable. Fine, I'll accompany you."
The two followed the directions and headed to the restroom.
Zhuang Yao had been observing the people around him. Suddenly, he said, "I saw Xu Ying."
The others followed his gaze and looked up. Xu Ying and several others were standing on the second floor balcony, looking down on them with cold eyes.
Cong Xia asked Cheng Tianbi, "Do you know him?"
"Met him before." Cheng Tianbi took just one glance and then looked away.
"He does seem imposing." Unlike Cao Zhixian's tall and sturdy appearance, Xu Ying looked relatively short. However, his gaze was sharp as a hawk's, making him appear to be a formidable figure.
After a while, Liu Fengyu and Tang Yanqiu returned. Tang Yanqiu's complexion had improved slightly, but he still seemed uneasy.
At that moment, Yao Qianjiang appeared with two people: Zhuang Yu, whom they had met once before, and the leader of the Fenglan Society, Zhou Fenglan, whom they had seen in photos.
Zhou Fenglan was more arrogant in person than he appeared in the pictures. He walked with his head held high and had a somewhat rogue-like demeanor. On the other hand, Zhuang Yu wore a faint smile, appearing refined and elegant.
The three approached them. Even before Yao Qianjiang could introduce them, Zhou Fenglan audaciously scanned them and sneered, "I've heard of you all for a long time, and today, I finally get to see you in person."
Cheng Tianbi shot him a cold glance.
Zhou Fenglan glared at them and said, "I heard you had a great time in Luoyang. I hope my men treated you well."
Zhuang Yao showed a sneering smile, "The hospitality was terrible, so we had to teach your men a lesson."
Zhou Fenglan's eyes flashed with hostility, and Zhuang Yu quickly grabbed his arm, whispering, "Fenglan, don't be impulsive."
Zhou Fenglan snorted and turned his face away.
Zhuang Yu smiled and looked at Zhuang Yao, "Have you been doing well in Zone Three these days?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "Very well."
"I heard you are now buying mutant cotton fabric from all over. Do you need my help?"
"Sure, I'll buy it at twice the market price. As much as you have."
Zhuang Yu chuckled lightly, "Now that you put it that way, I don't feel like giving it to you."
Zhuang Yao sneered, "I never expected anything from you."
Zhuang Yu sighed, "I used to be very unlikeable since I was young."
Zhuang Yao retorted, "You haven't changed much as you've grown up."
Zhuang Yu smiled, "Little Zhuang Yao, I'm actually willing to help you. After all, we are..." He paused with a smirk, "But if you keep being arrogant and blindly believe in Cong Zhenzhong's cowardly theories, you won't grow up before you get destroyed."
Deng Xiao stood behind Zhuang Yao, with one hand on his shoulder and the other slowly gesturing a middle finger towards Zhuang Yu, provocatively staring at him.
Zhou Fenglan clenched his fists, and the sound of thunder resounded around him. He spoke fiercely, "Kid, how dare you disrespect Dr. Zhuang..."
Cheng Tianbi stepped in front of Deng Xiao and Zhuang Yao, coldly stating, "If you want to fight, take it outside."
Tension filled the air once again, and all eyes in the venue were focused on them.
"Yao Qianjiang, did you call me here just to see this?" A deep, cold male voice sounded from behind the crowd.
They turned around, and a tall, composed man walked towards them.
It was Li Dao'ai, the leader of Liudao Huangquan!
Zhuang Yu pressed Zhou Fenglan's arm again, signaling him not to act rashly.
Yao Qianjiang chuckled lightly, "Officer Li, we are old acquaintances after all. You have rejected my invitations multiple times, which is a bit cold-hearted."
Li Dao'ai was not polite, "We only had contact due to professional reasons; we're not friends. I'm here today to celebrate the old lady's birthday. If you have any issues, let's discuss them outside." Although he didn't directly look at the confrontation between Cheng Tianbi and Zhou Fenglan, his message was clear – he was ready to fight if needed.
Yao Qianjiang seemed used to Li Dao'ai's attitude and didn't seem offended. He maintained his mysterious smile.
Zhou Fenglan sneered, "Li Dao'ai, you act like a big shot wherever you go. Don't you ever get tired of it?"
Li Dao'ai paid no attention to his provocation. Instead, he calmly swept his gaze over Cheng Tianbi's group and nodded slightly. Although he didn't show much emotion, his gesture conveyed a clear message – he acknowledged their presence.
Yao Qianjiang remarked, "It seems we're just missing Shen Changze."
Liu Yan responded, "Shen Changze and Al Moray are already here."
Yao Qianjiang smiled playfully and stated, "Invite them over; I believe Miss Qiao Shan has been eager to take a picture of all of us."
Indeed, not long after, Shen Changze and Al Moray arrived, dressed in formal attire. Al Moray's bright golden hair made him particularly eye-catching.
Al Moray greeted them with a cheerful tone, "Hey, friends, what are you all standing around for?"
Yao Qianjiang waved his hand, and the waiters served everyone a glass of wine. He raised his glass towards Qiao Shan and said, "This is Miss Qiao Shan, a journalist from Xinhua News Agency. She's a special guest at this banquet and has been looking forward to taking a picture of all of us. Let's not disappoint her; smile for the camera."
Everyone turned to look at Qiao Shan, who held her microphone and had her camera ready. She swiftly captured several pictures of them, catching some of them off guard.
One of those pictures would become the headline news in the upcoming weekly report.
