The Fan family’s men were thrown off by Bai Jinghong’s words, the corners of their mouths twitching uncontrollably.
Bai Jinghong’s appearance had drawn all eyes onto him.
This, instead, made Shen Yaoyao feel somewhat uneasy.
As a professional assassin within the Hell Organization, she spent most of her time operating from the shadows.
Even her public actions were always under a disguise. She truly had very little experience with these kinds of social occasions.
The two walked side-by-side, one youthful and beautiful, the other handsome and dashing.
As they walked inside, murmurs filled the air.
“Young Master Bai is so handsome. If only I were the one standing beside him!”
“That woman with Young Master Bai, I’ve never seen her before. Which family’s daughter is she? Tsk tsk… Her looks… calling her devastatingly beautiful wouldn’t be an exaggeration!”
“No need to guess, she’s definitely Young Master Bai’s woman. They’re so well-matched!”
The Fan family members were naturally present. Hearing those comments, their expressions turned somewhat unsightly.
Especially Fan Xiangming, the protagonist of the day.
It wasn’t that he felt upstaged, but rather the sudden appearance of a woman beside Bai Jinghong!
Originally, hearing from Fan Ning’er that Bai Jinghong would come, Fan Xiangming was truly overjoyed.
It meant there was still room to talk, that there was still a chance between his daughter and Young Master Bai.
During the banquet, if he helped things along, perhaps they could reconcile as before, and all problems would be easily solved.
Now, all bets were off. Bai Jinghong had brought a woman with him, and she was so beautiful.
They looked like a match made in heaven. Did his daughter even have a chance to squeeze in?
Fan Xiangming, as the host, was the first to step forward and greet them.
“Jinghong, ah, you came to your uncle’s birthday banquet. I’m truly delighted. This brings radiance to my humble home!”
Fan Xiangming was a man who had navigated the world for half his life. How could he not see that this lively scene was entirely due to Bai Jinghong’s arrival?
If Bai Jinghong hadn’t come, how many people would have shown up today?
After Fan Xiangming’s enthusiastic greeting, Bai Jinghong merely nodded symbolically, then took out a box and tossed it to Fan Xiangming.
“A small gift, just a token!”
The act of presenting the gift was incredibly casual, but no one was surprised.
Fan Xiangming was overjoyed. The fact that Bai Jinghong had this consideration made him grin from ear to ear.
“Jinghong, you’re too kind! Uncle thanks you for your thoughtfulness!”
Fan Xiangming deliberately raised his voice, making sure everyone around them noticed that Bai Jinghong was giving him a gift.
Let them speculate about their subtle actions and relationship!
“Jinghong, Ning’er has been talking about you constantly. She’s right over there. Let me take you to her. You young people have so many topics to talk about. Have a good chat.”
Fan Xiangming immediately couldn’t contain the little schemes in his heart.
He originally thought Bai Jinghong would be very willing.
Contrary to expectation, Bai Jinghong acted as if he hadn’t heard a word, turning directly to chat with Shen Yaoyao beside him.
“Uh…”
“Brother Jinghong, is this your wife? Tsk tsk tsk… So beautiful!”
“Brother Jinghong is so lucky!”
Just then, a rich young lady approached Bai Jinghong, her praise blurting out.
“Dammit…” Fan Xiangming’s face fell instantly. He desperately wanted to say, “Shut up, you!”
This stupid woman was truly tactless, even shouting “Sister-in-law” so loudly.
Where did that leave Fan Ning’er?
It truly felt like rubbing salt in the wound.
Shen Yaoyao’s face turned red.
In this setting, as long as Bai Jinghong didn’t deny it, she couldn’t explain, or it would be slapping Bai Jinghong’s face.
Enraging Bai Jinghong might get her kicked out. Then, any hope of getting close to him would be gone.
Don’t think that just because Bai Jinghong treated her well usually, he would trust her completely. That was human instinct; some wariness was inevitable.
Bai Jinghong didn’t respond, merely smiling.
Fan Xiangming also wanted that young lady to shut up immediately.
Given how much Bai Jinghong used to like his daughter, there were definitely still feelings involved.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have shown up.
But if that young lady said a few more words, the chance might really be lost.
So he said, “Please, come in, come in. The banquet will start shortly.”
As they walked in, they were greeted by Bai Jinghong practically the whole way.
Shen Yaoyao couldn’t help but ask: “It seems they all respect you very much.”
“Respect?” Bai Jinghong couldn’t help but sneer. “What they respect is the Bai family’s connections, power, status, and wealth!”
“What am I, Bai Jinghong, worth in their eyes? Just a wastrel Prodigal Son who relies on a family background!”
Shen Yaoyao was truly surprised now. She hadn’t expected Bai Jinghong to be so blunt.
If Bai Jinghong had acted arrogantly proud just now, Shen Yaoyao would have felt utter contempt.
But Bai Jinghong’s answer surprised her and made her think more highly of him.
This guy was definitely not the gilded exterior and useless profligate the files described. Of course, his lust was real.
Bai Jinghong took Shen Yaoyao’s slender hand and said slowly: “Don’t look at these people, calling me Young Master Bai with fawning faces. Most of them actually look down on me!”
“One day, if the Bai family hits a rough patch, the ones stepping on my head will definitely be these fawning individuals. Do you believe that?”
Shen Yaoyao nodded: “I believe you. Rats flee a sinking ship, and everyone pushes a falling wall.”
“Mm. There are many, many people who want to see the Bai family fall. And it’s for these very reasons that I have a reason to ensure I stand firm.”
At this moment, Shen Yaoyao couldn’t help but look at Bai Jinghong.
A faint light flickered in her beautiful eyes, and her hand, held by Bai Jinghong, unconsciously tightened a little.
Upon arriving at the banquet hall, they saw many people gathered in small groups, chatting.
Bai Jinghong’s arrival once again drew all eyes in the room onto him.
Fan Ning’er and her best friend, Zhang Xiaoya, were no exception.
“Young Master Bai, you’re here!”
“Young Master Bai~!”
Another continuous stream of greetings poured in.
On Fan Ning’er’s side, Zhang Xiaoya couldn’t help but tug at the dazed Fan Ning’er: “Ning’er, Young Master Bai is here. Go say hello!”
Fan Ning’er seemed not to hear. Her eyes were fixed on Shen Yaoyao.
She really hadn’t imagined Bai Jinghong would bring Shen Yaoyao. This was a blatant slap in her face!
Today, she had specially hired the best makeup artist and stylist just to dress herself up beautifully.
And in fact, she was indeed the most beautiful, most captivating woman at the party.
Compared to Shen Yaoyao, they were equally matched, but with her meticulous grooming, she could even claim a slight edge.
Yet even so, Bai Jinghong hadn’t spared her a single glance since entering.
“Ning’er, are you still thinking about running away at a time like this?”
“Opportunities are seized! You know better than anyone how much Young Master Bai used to love you. Are you going to back down just because of some woman?”
“Have you ever considered that if you were a little more proactive, a little closer, Young Master Bai might come back to you!”
Although Zhang Xiaoya also secretly admired Bai Jinghong, in this matter, she needed a united front.
Bai Jinghong would never lack women by his side. Only if she and Fan Ning’er formed an alliance could they drive away the other flitting warblers and swallows.
Even if Fan Ning’er was the main wife and she was the concubine, that would be fine, leading to endless riches and honor.
“He… he treated me that way before, even blocked me. If I take the initiative now, what does that make me?”
Fan Ning’er was flustered, blurting out those words.
What was once within easy reach now seemed to slip further away the more she reached out. That was Fan Ning’er’s true state of mind.
But in her pride, she was unwilling to lower her head now.
“If you won’t go, then I’ll go for you!” Zhang Xiaoya gritted her teeth and proactively went over to greet Bai Jinghong.
