The banquet hall entrance was crowded with people.
Holding champagne glasses, they watched the spectacle with amusement, surprised by Qiao Chuchu’s presence. “Is the eighth daughter of the Pei Family really Weisheng Yucan’s savior?”
“Did she wait around just to save Weisheng Yucan? Otherwise, how could such good fortune fall into her lap?”
A noblewoman holding a champagne glass scoffed, “They say small fame comes from promotion, but great fame comes from destiny. In my opinion, connections work the same way. Qiao Chuchu is just the daughter of a painter. Her mother, Qiao Qiao, befriended Miss Pei of the Pei Family. After her mother passed away, Qiao Chuchu was left as an orphan, but Miss Pei took her in without hesitation. Even though formal adoption procedures couldn’t be completed, Miss Pei doted on Qiao Chuchu unconditionally. Over a decade ago, when Miss Pei passed away, her seven sons took over, and now they’ve even allied with the Weisheng Clan. How lucky!”
A woman standing nearby with her arms crossed glanced haughtily at the speaker and lowered her voice. “You don’t understand. When Miss Pei was young, her family neglected her, even refusing to pay for her education. It was Qiao Chuchu’s mother who sold her paintings to fund Miss Pei’s schooling. Qiao’s mother also had a tragic background. These two sisters, left to fend for themselves since their teens, were as close as real sisters. Without Qiao Chuchu’s mother, Miss Pei wouldn’t have risen to prominence. Naturally, her sons owe Qiao Chuchu a debt of gratitude. It’s only right.”
Another woman concluded, “In any case, we should all be cautious. Qiao Chuchu is clearly about to rise with the wind. We mustn’t offend her like some families have.”
The woman with the champagne glass smirked, covering her lips. “Isn’t it the Dragon Family who offended Qiao Chuchu? The old patriarch even calls himself the Dragon King. Let’s see if their fate is as tough as their name.”
Someone chuckled softly, “I think they’re just turtles.”
The guests burst into laughter. “Hahahahahahahahahahaha!”
The Dragon King’s face turned red with anger as he glared at Qiao Chuchu, his eyes filled with hatred and resentment.
The other members of the Dragon Family stared at their toes, unsure whether to apologize.
A little boy, sniffling, clung to his mother and whimpered, “Mom, do we have to apologize?”
He pointed at Lou Yuejue. “This big brother pushed me first. Why should we apologize?”
Lou Yuejue slapped his hand away. “You were the one trying to bite people! Just because you’ve taken human form doesn’t mean you can throw a tantrum! The human world has rules!”
The boy’s eyes widened, and he burst into tears again!
The sharp, ear-piercing cries made the guests frown in discomfort.
Weisheng Biehe wrinkled his brow in disgust and glared at the woman. “Who allowed you to bring a child in?”
The woman, trying to soothe her son, apologized to Weisheng Biehe. “It’s this child who provoked my son. My son is usually very well-behaved. This isn’t his fault.”
Weisheng Biehe coldly glanced at the butler.
The butler understood immediately and forced a polite smile. “Whether he’s crying or not isn’t the issue, madam. The invitation clearly stated that children under ten are not allowed. Did you not read the requirements before attending our Wei Sheng Clan’s party? If so, we may not extend future invitations to you.”
The woman’s face paled as she turned to the Dragon King. “Father, I didn’t see the invitation.”
The old man, hands clasped behind his back, looked grim. “I only checked the date and location. I didn’t notice the rules.”
The butler promptly stepped aside to usher them out. “Then I’m afraid the child must leave. Our young master doesn’t want crying children at his birthday celebration.”
The Dragon King’s eyebrows shot up in defiance. “Since when has the Wei Sheng Clan become so high and mighty? Back when I used to have tea with your grandfather, there were no such rules! And now you’re making us apologize to some little girl in front of everyone!”
Weisheng Biehe’s expression darkened. “You refuse to apologize?”
The old man raised his chin stubbornly. “What if I do? I’m your grandfather’s old friend! Do you dare throw me out??”
Weisheng Biehe sneered. “My grandfather passed away ten years ago. Your influence expired long ago.”
The Dragon King’s head spun, and he clutched his chest as if having a heart attack. “You—”
Weisheng Biehe signaled the bodyguards with a glance. “Throw him out. Just make sure he doesn’t die on our doorstep.”
The bodyguards swarmed in!
Weisheng Yucan squeezed through the crowd and called out to the Dragon King. “Old Dragon King, if you must die, please do so further away from our house. Our freshly paved asphalt driveway is new, and I’d rather not have it tainted by your death. Otherwise, I’d have to repave it and perform some exorcism rituals. What a hassle!”
The Dragon King’s face turned green as he was carried away. “You—you—”
The Dragon Family stood helplessly, while the little boy wailed in terror.
Weisheng Lin appeared like a ghost in front of the boy. “Stop crying, kid.”
The boy: “?”
Weisheng Lin raised a fruit knife expressionlessly. “Cry again, and I’ll give you a shot.”
The boy: “?”
Is that a shot?!
His mother, terrified, scooped him up and fled.
Xia Xuechun, witnessing the Dragon Family’s humiliation, couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up. “This is too much! You’re abusing your power!”
Weisheng Yucan noticed her and smiled brightly. “Oh, right. You can leave too. Your friend Qi Xiaojia can stay, but you have to go.”
Xia Xuechun was baffled. “? I don’t understand, ma’am. You’re a woman too. How can you be so cruel, bullying an entire family like this? They came specifically to wish your brother a happy birthday!”
“Birthday wishes?” Yucan blinked and looked around. “Where are these wishes?”
Xia Xuechun faltered.
Yucan smirked at her. “All I see is them bullying my savior. I don’t see any birthday wishes for my brother.”
Xia Xuechun pointed angrily at Qiao Chuchu. “But Qiao Chuchu spilled champagne on me first! I’m the Dragon Family’s savior. Isn’t it natural for them to side with me?”
“Then isn’t it natural for me to side with Qiao Chuchu?” Yucan fluttered her beautiful eyes, her tone teasing, like a haughty serpent queen. “When we all want to protect those we care about, it comes down to the strength of the protectors. Unfortunately, the people protecting you are nothing but insects in my eyes.”
Weisheng Yucan leaned down, smiling at the stubborn Xia Xuechun. “Have you ever killed an insect, Miss Xia?”
She lowered her voice. “Did you care about the insect’s feelings when you killed it?”
Xia Xuechun: “?”
Weisheng Yucan’s smile hid a knife. “If you didn’t care then, why should I care now?”
Xia Xuechun’s face turned pale, her throat clogged as if glued shut. She couldn’t utter a word.
Weisheng Yucan took Qiao Chuchu’s hand. “Sorry for the delay, everyone. Let the banquet begin!”
She tilted her head at Qiao Chuchu. “Come on, Chuchu. You’re the guest of honor tonight. Sit with our family, okay?”
Qiao Chuchu, flattered, nodded. “Okay.”
The guests applauded and cheered as if nothing had happened. “Happy birthday, Weisheng Biehe!”
“Happy birthday, Weisheng Biehe!~”
Weisheng Biehe quickly stepped to Qiao Chuchu’s side.
Qiao Chuchu looked at him in surprise.
He stood calmly beside her, as if he were her escort, receiving the guests’ admiring glances.
Qiao Chuchu found herself sandwiched between two powerful figures.
One was the host of the birthday party.
The other was the current head of the Wei Sheng Clan.
She felt like a prized pet, pressed tightly between them, basking in the attention of many who sought to curry favor.
[...So nervous. Is this what it feels like to be valued by the elite?!]
Her frustration eased slightly: [Why does this feel so satisfying? Hahahahahaha!]