Chi Han ate this meal somewhat tastelessly.
There were many private rooms on the top floor, and he didn’t know which one Rong Xu had gone to.
After hastily filling his stomach, Chi Han stood at the elevator door for a long time, but he still didn’t see Rong Xu come out.
It seemed that it was unlikely to meet him again.
He was somewhat disappointed and went downstairs. On his way back home, his mother called and said that tonight, the Rong family’s patriarch was celebrating his 70th birthday, and there would be a car to pick him up to the “Peach Blossom Paradise” club.
“Find someone to cover your red hair for me,” His mother’s cold voice came through the phone, with hidden anger in her tone, completely lacking the warmth of a mother. “I’ll have someone pick you up later. Your clothes have been prepared by Butler Wu. Don’t embarrass the Chi family at that time.”
Upon hearing this, Chi Han’s first reaction was to refuse. But he remembered from the novel that Rong Xu had attended the Rong family patriarch’s 70th birthday celebration.
Thinking of this, Chi Han couldn’t bring himself to refuse any longer. He simply said, “Okay,” and then hung up the phone.
Chi Han: “…”
It seemed that the original host’s personality had its reasons.
It’s really unfortunate that he has parents like this.
When he returned home, Butler Wu had indeed prepared the clothes, a black matte-finish suit with a few subtle patterns on the chest and some valuable diamonds embedded.
Chi Han raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Chi Han’s parents were truly taking tonight’s banquet seriously.
Looking at the material and craftsmanship of this suit, they had spared no expense.
Since Chi Han returned home, Butler Wu had been in a trance and couldn’t help but keep his gaze on him.
Is this clean-cut young man really their young master?!
Butler Wu couldn’t remember how long it had been since he had seen Chi Han with black hair.
“Uncle Wu, do I look strange today?”
After Butler Wu’s gaze had fallen on Chi Han’s head countless times, he finally couldn’t help but speak.
Butler Wu’s expression was complex. “No, no… I was just thinking that the Madame should be very pleased to see the young master tonight.”
Chi Han didn’t care at all about what those two would think when they saw him. He dyed his hair purely because he didn’t like that hair color.
However, as Butler Wu had predicted, after picking up Chi Han, his mother did indeed seem stunned for a long time.
After a while, she averted her gaze, and her tone was finally not as harsh:
“Very good, it seems you’ve finally learned to listen to me. This outfit suits you well.”
Chi Han: “…”
No, I don’t want to know your thoughts.
Throughout the journey, his mother held her phone, as if there was something important to deal with.
But that was fine with Chi Han. At least he had no interest in conversing with her.
The car quickly arrived in silence.
The Peach Blossom Paradise club seemed to be truly built according to Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring.” The perfect concealment made those entering the hall feel a sense of sudden openness.
The classical bridges, flowing water, and the exquisite formalwear of the people were not in conflict, but rather, they added an elegant veil to this world of fame and fortune.
When Chi Han and his mother, Yin Bei, entered, Chi Han’s father had been chatting with someone for quite a while.
“Mr. Rong hasn’t arrived yet. Come with me to meet some people.”
Chi Han’s father just gave a brief nod when he saw the two of them enter. In his eyes, Chi Han’s role seemed to be primarily for socializing with others.
Chi Han’s mother, Yin Bei, had the same cold demeanor.
But Chi Han currently had no interest in pandering to them. From the moment he entered, his gaze had been scanning the hall, trying to locate the person in the wheelchair.
He remembered that the novel had described tonight’s banquet in great detail because it marked the point where the antagonist’s career would start to shine.
However, Chi Han had skimmed through it at the time and had long forgotten the specific details, only recalling a few important characters.
One of them was Rong Xu.
Rong Xu’s role tonight was to serve as a foil for Fang Jingluo’s excellence in front of the others.
The higher Fang Jingluo was elevated, the more ruthlessly Rong Xu was trampled, which explains Rong Xu’s deep resentment towards Fang Jingluo in the future.
This part of the story was from the beginning of the novel. At that time, Chi Han hadn’t yet developed a liking for this character. He had just felt that this supporting character was somewhat pitiable, inexplicably used for ridicule and sarcasm. It seemed that the protagonist wasn’t a good person either.
Until now, having basically finished reading the entire book, plus the encounter this morning, Chi Han couldn’t face this situation with the same mindset as before.
Because in his heart, Rong Xu was no longer an icy, paper-thin character; he was a flesh-and-blood person who could feel pain and sadness.
He was a living person.
So, Chi Han would absolutely not allow the humiliation of Rong Xu to happen again.
Everyone at the banquet held their wine glasses, chatting and laughing. Chi Han’s mother was warmly engaging with the guests, a stark contrast to her attitude toward their son, which was much colder.
“Is this Chi Han? Truly a remarkable young man, just like your father,” a Mediterranean man with a smile on his face, holding a wine glass in one hand and his other hand in his pocket, said. “How old are you? Seventeen… you should still be in high school now, right? My daughter just started high school this year. Which school are you from? Maybe you’re in the same school!”
Chi Han didn’t know how the conversation suddenly ended up focusing on him. Right now, all he could think about was how to rescue Rong Xu. In response, he diverted a fraction of his attention to recall the name of the school from the original host’s memory.
… It was something like “Seventh High” or “Tenth High,” he remembered.
It seemed that the original host was a real genius when it came to forgetting things. Even after a year of school, he couldn’t remember the name of it.
Chi Han sighed inwardly and touched the tip of his nose. He was about to say, “I go to Tenth…”
“Which school is your child attending? Haha… I attended your daughter’s birthday party last time, and she has such beautiful eyes, just like your wife. It’s uncanny!”
Chi Han’s father hastily interrupted Chi Han’s words, his face filled with a probing smile.
In this kind of gathering, everything could be used to measure one’s worth. In situations like these, it was better to first elicit the other person’s response and then answer accordingly.
Realizing this, Chi Han’s father subtly shot a disapproving glance at Chi Han.
No situational awareness at all!
The Mediterranean man’s proudest achievement was marrying a beautiful wife. Chi Han’s father’s words made him feel quite pleased. He responded somewhat self-satisfied:
“Oh, her grades aren’t that great, to be honest. I was already surprised she could get into S City’s First High School. Her ranking this time is probably just in the top ten of her grade!”
Chi Han’s father: “…”
Chi Han’s father forced a smile and nodded, saying, “Being in the top ten of your grade is already impressive! Especially in a top-tier high school like First High in S City, your daughter is truly outstanding!”
The Mediterranean man waved his hand, looking quite pleased. He asked with a smile, “Not bad, not bad. Young Master Chi here looks like the type of student who excels academically as well. Are you also attending First High? Did you study abroad? That’s impressive…”
Chi Han’s father hastily interrupted him, speaking with a lack of confidence, “Uh, yes, he also attends First High.”
Chi Han could barely stand watching this. He had never seen someone so vain and hypocritical in his life. The level of disgust was almost on par with Fang Jingluo.
Yin Bei, on the other hand, stood by, maintaining a dignified smile and speaking only occasionally, trying her best to play the role of a good wife.
Compared to this, Chi Han, who stood on the side with a perpetually expressionless face, seemed entirely out of place.
The Mediterranean man frowned inwardly, sneering a few times in disdain.
Clearly not from a prestigious family, full of small-minded, domestic air, definitely not fit for high society.
It wasn’t until Chi Han stood there feeling somewhat numb in the legs that a slender figure finally appeared at the entrance.
Chi Han’s somewhat slow gaze instantly lit up.
It was Rong Xu!
He almost wanted to rush over immediately, but this thought was quickly dispelled.
Regardless of whether Rong Xu was willing to go with him, the fake married couple accompanying him now would likely make it difficult for Chi Han to approach him so easily.
Chi Han pursed his lips and looked at the wine glass in his hand, a mischievous glint suddenly appearing in his eyes.
He had an idea!
—
Rong Xingwen pushed Rong Xu into the hall, boiling with anger inside. He should have arrived an hour ago, but it was all because of his careless son. His injuries were impossible to hide. What would the others at the banquet think when they saw them?
Were they abusing their son?!
The wound on his leg was manageable, but the extensive abrasions on the back of his hand made people cringe just looking at them. In the end, they had to find a glove to cover them.
All these back-and-forths had made him late and caused him to miss so many networking opportunities!
Rong Xu continued to have his head down, appearing lifeless. Rong Xingwen maintained a stern expression as he pushed forward, not slowing down even over uneven terrain, causing the wheelchair and Rong Xu to jolt.
Chi Han, who was walking briskly, happened to see Rong Xu’s hand clenching the blanket on his lap, clearly in pain from the bump.
Chi Han’s heart clenched instantly.
Just a few hours ago, Rong Xu had fallen on his knees, and now, with this sudden stimulus, it must be excruciating!
“Hello, Mr. Rong.”
Seeing the young man who had intercepted him for the second time, Rong Xingwen’s expression darkened as soon as he recognized him. “It’s you again?”
Chi Han’s father and mother came over from behind Chi Han, wearing smiles on their faces. Chi Han had just informed them that the Rong family had arrived, and they wanted to offer a drink to get acquainted.
Chi Han’s father nodded somewhat arrogantly, thinking that his son wasn’t entirely foolish; he knew it was time to pave the way for his future.
After all, the Rong family was the center of attention tonight, so Chi Han’s father agreed to the proposal.
To his surprise, Chi Han abandoned them and walked over, his urgency making it seem like those were his own family members.
Chi Han’s father: “…”
For the first time in his life, he felt like scolding someone for being shallow and opportunistic.
“Do you know Xiao Han? That’s great…” As soon as Chi Han’s father arrived, he heard Rong Xingwen’s words and looked at Chi Han with some surprise. When did his son establish a connection with the Rong family? No wonder he rushed over to offer a drink.
After figuring out the situation, Chi Han’s father forgave Chi Han’s earlier impolite behavior to some extent.
After all, if they could gain some benefits from the Rong family, their status in the business world could skyrocket!
“Do we know each other?” When Rong Xingwen noticed that Chi Han’s parents were not from a prominent family in S City, he began to speak with a somewhat sarcastic tone. “It’s more than just knowing each other. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing your young master’s temperament. He truly comes from a strict upbringing.”
Ever since Chi Han guessed the identity of this old man, he expected to be teased by him. But as long as he could get Rong Xu out of this situation, he didn’t care what the man said.
“You’re too kind, Uncle Rong. Compared to your way of teaching Rong Xu, our family’s upbringing doesn’t amount to much,” Chi Han replied with composure. However, his gaze kept drifting toward Rong Xu.
Rong Xingwen: “…”
Even if Chi Han’s father was naive, he could tell that Chi Han’s words weren’t complimentary. He quickly pulled Chi Han aside and offered a pleasing smile. “Mr. Rong, don’t pay attention to what the child says. What does he understand? Everyone in S City knows how strict and virtuous the Rong family’s upbringing is, right?”
Rong Xu, who had been bowing his head all this time, lifted it slightly when Chi Han was pulled away. He stared coldly at the hand that had grasped Chi Han.
Chi Han carelessly rubbed his ear and discreetly moved closer to Rong Xu’s side, whispering, “Rong Xu, would you like to go outside for a while?”
When he said this, he was feeling rather anxious because, given Rong Xu’s personality, the likelihood of him agreeing to go with Chi Han was close to zero.
However, Chi Han really didn’t want to watch Rong Xu being humiliated. While he was pondering how to persuade Rong Xu to leave, Rong Xu suddenly glanced at him with those ink-like eyes but quickly lowered his head again.
What did that mean? Was he willing to go or not?
Chi Han scratched his ear, recalling that earlier in the morning, when he had covered Rong Xu with a blanket, Rong Xu had also remained silent.
Was this… a silent agreement?
Chi Han tentatively pushed Rong Xu’s wheelchair, and as expected, Rong Xu remained silent. He lifted a corner of his lips slightly and said, “If you don’t speak, I’ll take it as a yes!”
Rong Xu lowered his head slightly, his fingers trembling gently, but no sound came out.
Rong Xingwen didn’t originally intend to take Rong Xu outside, but he needed to do so to prove that he was also a part of the Rong family. He had spent his whole life being questioned. When Rong Xu’s mother was alive, he would often tell people, “I am Rong Jinxiu’s husband, I am a part of the Rong family.” But after Jinxiu passed away, his identity seemed to have become vague once again, and he had to seek a new affiliation.
That’s why he always brought Rong Xu to events – to let everyone know, “I am Rong Xu’s father, I am a member of the Rong family.”
However, when everyone praised him, Rong Xu’s presence became a burden to him.
So even though he despised Chi Han, the temptation of having someone take care of Rong Xu was strong.
Rong Xingwen pretended to care and said, “Xiao Xu’s leg is not well, and he can’t go to far places. You must take good care of him!”
Chi Han, suppressing his nausea, nodded faintly and quickly led Rong Xu out through a nearby corridor.
Rong Xu lowered his gaze, hiding the mockery in his eyes.
Not going too far was simply because Rong Guanyu would be coming soon. How could he miss an opportunity to perform the loving father-son act?
Rong Xingwen had failed to see just how much Rong Guanyu despised Rong Xu for being a cripple all these years. What a complete fool he was.
Chi Han’s father watched the two of them leave with hidden delight. Even if he was an unloved cripple, what did it matter? As long as he was a member of the Rong family, he could make him useful.
