Xiang Xueyuan’s smile remained unchanged on his face. He chuckled and looked at Xifu, saying, “I’ve told you, I don’t wish to meddle in the affairs of you young people. It’s all up to fate. If Qingyu doesn't like Tarik, or if Tarik prefers you, then I will bless your marriage.”
“Really?” Xifu’s eyes lit up at his words. “Father, are you telling the truth?”
“When have I ever lied to you?” Xiang Xueyuan gazed into Xifu’s eyes with gentle affection. “Go try on the evening gown I prepared for you.”
“Mm.” Xifu immediately agreed and skipped out joyfully.
“Xifu.” Xiang Xueyuan called out to her. His tone seemed casual, yet carried a hint of unyielding authority. “Playing is fine, but know your limits.”
Xifu’s gaze shifted slightly. She understood the meaning behind Xiang Xueyuan’s words. Turning back to him, she flashed a brilliant smile. “Father, I’ve always wanted a sister. Qingyu… she’s very nice.”
Looking into Xifu’s eyes, Xiang Xueyuan smiled, his amusement not reaching his eyes. “Go.”
Only then did Xifu turn and continue on her way. The smile on her face gradually faded, and her eyes, the most innocent in the world, were filled with darkness.
After Xifu left, Xiang Xueyuan continued to adjust his tie in front of the mirror, the smile on his lips deepening. He murmured to himself, “If young people lack ambition, how can they succeed… Heh heh…”
This was his first test for Xia Qingyu.
He hoped the child wouldn’t disappoint him.
…
The banquet tonight was grand, the entire estate brilliantly lit, and the guests filled the hall.
By the time the Xia family arrived by car, it was nearing the official start of the banquet.
Xia Honglang seemed somewhat shocked by the scale of the event.
He had initially felt it was a bit exaggerated to specially order a night suit for a classmate’s birthday party. The suit he had brought along was also quite decent.
But upon arriving, he realized that suit was indeed lacking a certain flair.
“Aunt Liu, are you alright?” Xia Qingtian asked softly, looking at Aunt Liu, whose complexion was not good.
“I’m fine.” Aunt Liu shook her head slightly.
Having come this far, she had no retreat.
Even for the sake of her family, for everything she wanted to protect, she had to grit her teeth and persevere today.
She absolutely could not be looked down upon, nor let Xiang Xueyuan continue to control her thoughts and become her nightmare.
“What? Are you feeling unwell?” Xia Honglang turned to look at Aunt Liu.
“It’s nothing. Perhaps I’m just not used to the temperature difference between day and night,” Aunt Liu smiled faintly at Xia Honglang and shook her head. “Don’t worry about me.”
“Here.” Xia Honglang raised his arm. “Take my arm, I’ll accompany you.”
Aunt Liu’s gaze flickered as she looked at Xia Honglang’s outstretched arm. The smile on her lips deepened with a hint of tenderness in her eyes. She gently took his arm. “Okay.”
“If you really feel unwell, just tell me quietly,” Xia Honglang said as he walked with Aunt Liu. “I’ll take you back to rest then.”
“Mm.” Aunt Liu leaned against Xia Honglang, her body angled towards him. She no longer felt as flustered as before.
Watching their retreating figures, Xia Qingyu looked at Gu Yaoyang beside her. They exchanged a knowing smile, and Xia Qingyu naturally linked her arm with Gu Yaoyang’s. “If I feel unwell, I’ll tell you quietly too.”
“You don’t need to tell me,” Gu Yaoyang pursed his lips and smiled faintly. “Just give me a kiss, and I’ll take you away.”
Xia Qingyu playfully glared at him, “You’re so improper.”
Watching Xia Qingyu and Gu Yaoyang walk away, Xia Qingyu’s gaze deepened.
Bai Yuqi and Miao Tong were also being playful, slinging their arms around each other and imitating the couple.
Shi Xingwu looked like a country bumpkin in the city, looking around with novelty.
Li Xiaozhong had to keep an eye on him, preventing Shi Xingwu from disappearing as he walked.
As soon as the group entered the estate, Xiang Xueyuan received the news.
“Understood.” Xiang Xueyuan then left his room and walked down the stairs.
He had invited many people to today’s banquet. On one hand, it was to showcase his strength as Xia Qingyu’s biological father.
If Xia Qingyu was a smart person, she should understand the principle of a good bird choosing its tree.
On the other hand, it was to reassure Liu Nuoran.
This was not a Hongmen banquet, and he would not do anything to harm her.
In his memory, Liu Nuoran was still the gentle and radiant girl she used to be.
For many years, he had never forgotten her.
The only time he had fallen in love was for her.
The only time he had lost his composure was when he eloped with her.
The only time he had thought of giving up was when she harmed his child.
The only time he had softened his heart was also for her.
…
So many years had passed.
He had grown old, yet she remained as beautiful as before.
The brief encounter at Vincent’s private club last time had unsettled more than just Liu Nuoran.
If he had known back then how intelligent their daughter was, perhaps… he would have taken them all with him.
…
Memories surged like a tide, then gradually receded.
Xiang Xueyuan walked to the front courtyard and saw everyone raising their glasses to him. He returned their gestures with a gentle smile.
Beside him, Xifu, dressed in a flowing white evening gown, held two glasses of champagne. She walked over and handed one to him.
Tarik, dressed in a white suit, also approached with a glass of wine, a light smile on his face.
After accepting Xifu’s glass, Xiang Xueyuan raised his own to the crowd. His gaze swept across the assembly, immediately finding Liu Nuoran. Just as the corners of his lips curved upwards, ready to deliver the toast he had long conceived, he saw the man Liu Nuoran was holding onto.
The smile on his lips froze. Xiang Xueyuan’s eyes twitched, his ears rang, and he felt as though his vision was momentarily blurred by the lights. The surrounding sounds seemed to recede as if through a vast ocean for a moment.
Then, in the next instant, Xiang Xueyuan suppressed these discomforts entirely. With a natural expression, he delivered the toast in Finnish, earning cheers and applause from everyone.
Xiang Xueyuan smiled and took a sip of the wine in his glass. Everyone followed suit, and the banquet continued.
As he handed his glass to an assistant nearby, the smile on Xiang Xueyuan’s face finally disappeared completely. “Why wasn’t I told he was here?”
The assistant knew who Xiang Xueyuan was referring to. Her gaze shifted, and she replied with her head lowered, “The crystal energy fluctuations were intense. You said not to disturb you unless the sky was falling.”
Xiang Xueyuan gave her a deep look, said nothing further, but turned and descended the steps to mingle and chat with guests.
Tarik and Xifu were also surrounded by guests, maintaining gentle and polite smiles.
Looking from afar, Xia Honglang smiled and remarked, “Qingyu, your classmate’s family is quite good-looking.”
He had met Nie Qingkong before, so he had some impression.
As for Xiang Xueyuan and Xifu, Xia Honglang thought they both looked good.
Xia Qingyu and Xia Qingtian offered no reply, merely exchanging glances and smiling somewhat awkwardly.