Next morning, Su Jingxuan was awakened early. The Song family’s birthday banquet was scheduled for that evening, and preparations needed to be made in advance. This included choosing and changing outfits, understanding and memorizing various taboos of the Song family, and ensuring a proper appearance at the event.
The Song family was not just a formidable force for the Yan family but also a giant in the entire upper-class society. It could no longer be described as an affluent family; it was a complex and deeply rooted aristocratic family. The Song family had its influence in business, politics, and the military. Inherited from the Qing Dynasty to the present, it was a true aristocratic family.
The Song family’s banquet was an event that countless upper-class individuals sought to attend, but not everyone received an invitation. For the Yan family, who used to consider such an event beyond their reach, receiving an invitation was an exhilarating experience. Yan Guoan, filled with excitement, canceled all his other plans for the day and returned home to prepare.
Accompanying Yan Guoan was a middle-aged man who bore some resemblance to him. With a smiling and amiable appearance, but deep and penetrating eyes, he had the demeanor of a smiling Buddha. This was Yan Guorun, Yan Guoan’s ambitious second uncle.
Upon seeing Uncle Yan, Yan Junfeng’s facial expression changed slightly, but he quickly concealed it, restoring his usual warmth and greeting Uncle Yan.
Currently, Uncle Yan wielded considerable influence within the company, making it impossible for Yan Junfeng to deal with him directly. He needed to prepare and plan carefully, biding his time before making any moves. Therefore, before tearing off the facade, he felt it was crucial not to let Uncle Yan detect any changes.
Uncle Yan, being a skilled actor, would never reveal any doubts on the surface, no matter how deep the calculations ran in his mind. Therefore, Yan Guoan trusted him greatly. Bringing Uncle Yan to this banquet indicated that it was an essential opportunity for networking.
Yan Junfeng, having crossed paths with Uncle Yan before, knew his cunning intentions. He smirked inwardly, acknowledging Uncle Yan’s ambitious nature. However, he couldn’t afford to provide Uncle Yan with opportunities to expand his network and influence.
Showing a troubled and hesitant expression towards Yan Guoan, Yan Junfeng spoke, “Dad, is Uncle also attending? I mean, the invitation list from the Song family.”
Although the sentence was left unfinished, the implied meaning was clear.
Yan Guoan was well aware of this issue, but Uncle Yan was his younger brother. Besides, Yan Guoan’s social skills were not strong, and Uncle Yan played a significant role in expanding the company’s connections. Bringing him along would make things much more convenient.
Uncle Yan hadn’t expected that Yan Junfeng would suddenly raise this question to obstruct him. A slight stiffness appeared on his plump face, and he looked at Yan Junfeng with a subtle hint of inquiry.
Yan Junfeng had always respected his second uncle, and now suddenly opposing him made Uncle Yan wonder if Yan Junfeng had discovered something impossible. After all, this young man had just joined the company, and it was unlikely he had discerned Uncle Yan’s intentions.
With countless thoughts swirling in his mind, Uncle Yan could only think that Yan Junfeng might be eyeing the position of the company’s chairman. He decided to act as if Yan Junfeng had aspirations for the position and not to let Uncle Yan discover any changes until they tore off the facade.
Uncle Yan, in any case, saw Yan Junfeng as someone with ambitions for the chairman’s position. Believing that Yan Junfeng couldn’t have discovered anything significant in such a short time, Uncle Yan decided to maintain his amiable facade and let things play out.
“Big brother, Junfeng’s words make sense. Actually, I also find it inappropriate. How about I don’t go? Although Junfeng’s nephew is young and just joined the company, I believe he can help you handle things, big brother.”
Suppressing his thoughts, Uncle Yan looked at Yan Guoan, his loyal and amiable appearance showing no hint of a flaw.
While verbally expressing his intention not to attend, Uncle Yan was, in fact, forcing Yan Guoan to make a decision.
Yan Guoan lacked social skills, and Yan Junfeng, being young and inexperienced, wouldn’t be sufficient without Uncle Yan. Bringing Uncle Yan along was an excellent opportunity for the company to expand its network.
Standing beside Yang Cailian, Su Jingxuan observed the subtle exchanges among them. When the atmosphere became tense, he smiled and spoke.
“Uncle Yan, it’s okay. Bring Uncle Yan along. I’ll talk to Brother Song, and he won’t mind.”
This banquet was only possible because of Su Jingxuan’s relationship with the Song family. During his time in the hospital, Song Mochen visited him frequently, and even Song Laoshi had become familiar with him. As long as Su Jingxuan spoke, bringing an extra person wouldn’t be an issue.
“Alright, alright, it’s good that Xiao Chen is capable. You can indeed help Uncle.”
With the issue resolved, Yan Guoan’s face lit up with a smile, and he became even fonder of Su Jingxuan. This child was not raised in vain. He appeared mischievous but was, in fact, sensible.
Uncle Yan’s eyes flashed as he stared at Su Jingxuan, a glint of understanding passing through. He knew very well that Su Jingxuan’s efforts had played a crucial role in the Yan family being invited to the Song family’s event.
“Thank you, Uncle Yan. I’ve wanted this limited edition Transformer for a long time.”
Su Jingxuan accepted the gift without hesitation, expressing his gratitude. He smiled warmly and approached Uncle Yan, who was still observing him. Su Jingxuan’s smile seemed brilliant and intimate.
Yan Junfeng watched this scene, emotions surging within him. He clenched his fists silently, feeling a dull pain in his heart.
Su Jingxuan had been paying attention to Yan Junfeng’s expressions, but he continued to smile and ignored him. He happily received the new toy, not acting as usual by sitting with him in the car. Instead, he joined Yang Cailian in another car.
Once in the car, Su Jingxuan took out his phone, pretending to use it, and sent a text message to Yan Junfeng.
“Brother Yan, I don’t like Uncle Yan. Whatever I do, please believe me. Don’t ask why.”
After sending the message, Su Jingxuan immediately deleted the record, placing the matter aside temporarily. He eagerly anticipated meeting his beloved soon.
On the other hand, Yan Junfeng, after receiving the message, stared at his phone for a while before deleting it. He lowered his eyelids, lost in thought.
Regardless of Yan Junfeng’s possible assumptions after receiving the text, Su Jingxuan put all his worries aside after putting down his phone. He urged the driver to speed up, eager to meet his lover.
Yang Cailian felt helpless, wondering how she and her ex-husband, both of mild temperament, could have a child so mischievous, lively, and somewhat foolish.
Yan Guoan, on the other hand, was quite fond of his son’s personality. The eldest son was serious and reserved, not good at socializing. In contrast, the stepson, with his lively and mischievous nature, allowed Yan Guoan to experience the joys of fatherhood. He treated him just like his biological son.
Uncle Yan, still being a part of the family, used the excuse of discussing matters with Yan Guoan to share the same car. He fixed his gaze on Yan Guoan, displaying an enthusiastic participation in the upcoming banquet.
Especially when he received a call from Song Mochen midway through the event, Uncle Yan’s fingers on his leg trembled slightly, and his smile became even more affectionate. Su Jingxuan played with his toy, smiling sweetly at Uncle Yan and calling him “Second Uncle” very smoothly.
At seven o’clock in the evening, the Yan family’s cars arrived promptly at the venue of the Song family’s banquet.
The Song family held considerable influence, and today was Song Laoshi’s seventieth birthday. Many people attended the banquet, not only the Song family members but also prominent figures from the upper echelons of society.
For families like the Yan’s, who had some face in certain circles, the atmosphere changed when they entered this kind of place. Most people took a glance at them and withdrew their gazes.
However, there were a few merchants who had previously cooperated with the Yan family, somehow managing to secure an invitation to the event. Seeing the Yan family members, they were surprised and came over to greet them. They hadn’t expected the Yan family to attend the Song family’s banquet, let alone bring several people. It seemed the nouveau riche Yan family had hidden their capabilities quite well.
Su Jingxuan paid no attention to the subtle probing and Tai Chi moves between these people. After giving a smiling glance to Yan Junfeng, who was scrutinizing him with an unclear expression, Su Jingxuan entered the banquet hall and looked around to find his lover.
He wanted to make a call, but due to the special status of many attendees from the Song family, all communication devices were left outside and not allowed inside. He had to rely on his eyes to find his lover.
Although there were many people at the banquet, it wasn’t difficult to find someone since most people were looking in one direction.
The theme of the banquet today was Song Laoshi’s seventieth birthday, and the Song family descendants naturally presented birthday gifts to make the old man happy and increase their status within the family.
Song Laoshi, dressed in a well-fitting traditional Chinese outfit, sat in the main seat. The Song family members surrounded him, followed by close friends from distinguished families, cooperative forces, and ordinary guests. The crowd arranged themselves in order of their social status and stood in designated areas voluntarily.
Su Jingxuan, with his keen eyes, quickly spotted his lover standing beside Song Laoshi.
Song Mochen also sensed his presence, looked towards him, and his cold and stern face softened. He then lowered his head to instruct the person beside him to bring Su Jingxuan inside.
However, Su Jingxuan couldn’t wait. He broke free from Yang Cailian’s hand, much to the astonishment of Yan Guoan and the others, and ran to the front, holding a wooden box.
“Grandpa Song, Brother Song!”
The young boy’s small head suddenly emerged from the crowd, and his crisp voice instantly attracted everyone’s attention.
No one recognized the unfamiliar and youthful face, and the attire didn’t resemble that of the Song family’s younger generation. It was evident that this young boy was a guest brought in. People began to wonder who invited this audacious junior to the event.
Hence, the guests simultaneously expressed their curiosity.
The hosts from the Song family also furrowed their brows, looking at each other, trying to figure out which unruly junior had been brought in.
However, in the next moment, Song Mochen, standing beside Song Laoshi, raised his hand to stop them. And the previously stern-faced Song Laoshi, seeing the youth, suddenly brightened.
“The little one finally arrived. Why are you so late? Old Big said you also prepared a birthday gift. Come here quickly; let me see what good thing you brought.”
Seated on the chair, Song Laoshi waved at him, excited to the point that his old face turned red and his eyes sparkled. Gone was the solemnity of the eldest member of the Song family; he looked like a mischievous old man.
