Qin Jiran sat beside Old Master Su, his back ramrod straight, listening more than talking and diligently pouring water. As he listened, shock swelled within him, beyond description.
Who exactly were these people coming to Old Master Su’s birthday celebration? Why did their conversation span such a broad range that it made him feel as though they were from a different world?
Private jets, private islands, luxury yachts—it seemed normal, given the Su family’s wealth which could rival countries.
Smuggling, arms trade, drugs—these too weren’t surprising, he already knew the Su family’s business wasn’t all aboveboard.
But why were there discussions on intelligence from other countries, mercenaries, and wars? He knew that many countries were embroiled in conflict, but what did that have to do with the Su family?
What left Qin Jiran speechless was that most of the aforementioned topics involved gifts these guests had brought for Old Master Su’s birthday. That honestly left him at a loss for words.
"Old Master Su, my father has been closely monitored by the International Police Force lately, which is why he couldn’t come to wish you himself. Please don’t mind that. Here is the gift my father asked me to bring, hoping you won’t find it lacking." The speaker was a Chinese-American mix, rumored to be the heir to an underground auction. He presented Old Master Su with a box.
"Corey, I’ve watched your father grow up; there’s no need for formalities. Tell him to be careful. If there’s business he can’t do, then don’t do it. As long as he has enough money to spend, that’s good." Old Master Su signaled Qin Jiran to open the box, which contained a document and a golden card.
Qin Jiran glanced at it; the document was about a small oil tanker, likely Old Master Su’s birthday gift. But he didn’t know what the golden card was for.
"Yes, I’ll tell my father. He often says the same, it’s just that some things take time to transition." Corey obviously agreed with Old Master Su, nodding vigorously, his demeanor unusually stiff and formal compared to many mixed-race individuals raised abroad.
"It’s good that you understand. I’ll accept the gift, haha. Your father is a considerate man, sending gifts under the guise of my name for the younger generation. Jiran, take this oil tanker and have fun. You and Yanyi shouldn’t always be busy with work; you should also know how to relax and entertain yourselves. Corey, you’re of the same generation; you should get together more often when you have time," said Old Master Su, handing the document to Qin Jiran and examining the card, "Keep this invitation card. I’m old, and these entertaining spectacles are for you young people to enjoy."
It was then that Qin Jiran realized the golden card was an invitation, although he didn’t know to what kind of event. But taking cue from Old Master Su’s words, he had no room to refuse and dutifully accepted everything.
Corey’s gaze landed on Qin Jiran, sharp and scrutinizing.
Qin Jiran, unfazed, met the gaze with a cold expression. He was all too familiar with such looks and felt nothing.
After a while, Corey’s gaze softened, returning to his restrained demeanor, and he respectfully said to Elder Master Su, "Sister Yanyi always has good taste. It’s just a pity that I couldn’t attend their wedding."
"Hahaha, when they have children, let them invite you to the baby’s full-moon celebration. Then you can come along with your father and mother," Old Master Su said, looking at Qin Jiran as if to say, hurry up and try to have a great-grandson for him to play with.
"Of course, I’ll remember that," Corey replied earnestly, even glancing at his assistant, who immediately noted the event in the schedule, an action so prompt as to be speechless.
Qin Jiran saw this and his ears reddened slightly. Children were something he had yet to consider. After all, he was still in the pursuit stage; how could he think that far ahead? It seemed he had to make a greater effort.
Su Yanyi, who was also witnessing this scene from a distance, couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Children weren’t even on the horizon yet, and here Corey was having his assistant make a note. Such a stuffy character was really unappealing!
In fact, Elder Master Su had also called Su Yanyi to sit with them, but seeing as she had no interest in these matters, she left Qin Jiran alone to eavesdrop and enjoyed her own freedom.
Father Su, Mother Su, and Brother Su, on the other hand, were all hosting their own friends and partners. Their conversations touched on a vast array of topics, which explained Grandfather Su’s comment about the Su family members being busy, tasking Qin Jiran with helping out. After a day of such interactions, Qin Jiran truly understood the vast extent of the Su family’s influence.
...