Old Master Fu huffed, "Why shouldn’t I be able to eat my meal?"
Su Ran’s smile deepened with meaning, but Old Master Fu eerily understood the expression on her face, and choked again.
This sly and cunning little girl!
At the dining table, silence reigned.
After a while, Old Master Fu suddenly asked, "Are you going back today?"
At his words, Su Ran and Fu Qixiu exchanged a glance inadvertently.
Old Master Fu had tried every tactic to prevent Qi Yuan from returning.
Now that he was suddenly bringing it up, did he have another plan in mind?
Qi Yuan remained calm and indifferent, replying lightly, "Mhm."
Old Master Fu pondered for a moment and finally nodded, "That’s fine, you’ve been away for two or three days; it’s indeed time to go back."
Upon hearing this, Su Ran cast a casual glance at Old Master Fu, but a stealthy gleam flashed through the depths of her eyes.
"What are your plans for that piece of land in Nan City?"
Qi Yuan looked up at Old Master Fu but didn’t answer.
It seemed that Old Master Fu didn’t need his response, he gave Su Ran a barely noticeable glance before saying:
"I heard that Young Master Yan has been quite close to Xiyao these past days. He has liked her since they were young; I’m afraid that the land... Anyway, you handle it as you see fit!"
Fu Qixiu, sitting nearby, couldn’t help rolling his eyes.
"Grandfather, the Fu family doesn’t have to have that land, and besides, you know the current situation of the Yan family," he said.
Old Master Fu glared at him irritably, "It’s true that the Fu family doesn’t necessarily have to have that land, but it wouldn’t be good for the Fu family if it falls into the hands of others!"
Fu Qixiu, noting that Old Master Fu’s expression was not looking good, shrugged his shoulders and said no more.
As for Qi Yuan, he still appeared serene and composed, and it was unclear whether he was listening or not.
After the meal, the three headed straight to the gathering spot arranged by Chu Xiyao.
The group from the Chu family had already arrived ahead of time.
"Yo, this place is nice!" Mo Shangjie said casually.
The Chu and Fu families were prominent clans, and since Mo Shangjie and a few others were Qi Yuan’s brothers, and everyone was in the same social circle, they naturally knew Xiyao.
Today, Chu Xiyao wore a tight-fitting black T-shirt, a pair of black utility pants, and Martin boots, looking exceptionally valiant and spirited.
"A friend recommended it. Shall we have a match later?" she said with raised eyebrows, smiling at Shangjie.
"Sure, but I remember that Young Master Yan is an expert in this area. In his presence, it seems like we’re playing the lute to a cow," Shangjie replied.
A man followed behind Chu Xiyao, and upon hearing Mo Shangjie’s words, the amorous look in his eyes shifted away from her, becoming more frivolous.
"Expert would be saying too much, I’m just a bit knowledgeable, but I’m far from matching Xiyao," he said.
Yan Shuming’s gaze fell on Chu Xiyao’s flawless face, his momentary frivolity giving way to warmth in his eyes.
The others, hearing Yan Shuming’s words, also chimed in.
"Yeah, Xiyao is a goddess of all trades, I wonder if there’s anything she can’t do."
"Not only does she come from a good family and background, but she’s also beautiful, making it impossible to even be jealous of her."
"By the way, Xiyao, I remember you and Eldest Young Master Fu have been childhood sweethearts. Will he be coming to the gathering today?"
Chu Xiyao’s expression slightly stiffened, but she replied anyway:
"He will. He and Qi Xiu should be on their way here."
"Really? Eldest Young Master Fu will really come? Does that mean we’ll get to see him in person today?"
"Second Young Master will also be here? Oh my! I never thought I’d get to see both of them at the same time."
"Only Xiyao has the clout to invite these two. Ordinary people couldn’t possibly manage it!"
Following Chu Xiyao’s remarks, about a dozen people behind her began to buzz with conversation.
Seeing that Xiyao looked somewhat troubled, Yan Shuming pulled her aside, asking with concern:
"Xiyao, what’s wrong? Did something happen between you and... Qi Yuan?"
Chu Xiyao gave a wry smile and shook her head, "Nothing. What could possibly happen between him and me."
"Let’s drop it, Shuming. Qi Yuan... he’s not alone anymore. He’s coming today with his girlfriend."
Yan Shuming’s eyes widened, "What? Girlfriend?"
He had not attended the Fu family’s banquet, so he was unaware that Qi Yuan had a girlfriend.
"What are you talking about, Xiyao? Qi Yuan has a girlfriend now? How is that possible?"