The news of Zhou Tao hosting the 80th anniversary of his family's establishment stirred considerable ripples in Chang'an.
The Zhou family enjoyed considerable prestige in Chang'an and, like the Xia family, was considered a scholarly lineage. Many people preferred to associate with such families, finding them less calculating, or at least less calculating than merchants.
For the 80th anniversary, Zhou Tao had invited a large number of guests, including prominent figures from business, politics, and the arts. Essentially, all influential and prestigious individuals were invited, and the Xia family was, of course, among them.
Many were aware of the events that had transpired at the Hua Gallery not long before. Upon learning from Zhou Tao that the Xia family had also sent an invitation, a personal one at that, attendees were filled with curiosity.
"Old Master Xia probably won't come, will he? After all, they had an unpleasant encounter. I, for one, think Old Master Xia won't show up. If it were me, I'd be hoping the Zhou family's business goes under today."
"Who's to say? But they are a scholarly family, so their way of thinking must be different. Besides, scholars have their integrity. If he doesn't come, people will likely say Old Master Xia is too petty. Whether he comes or not, it's not a good situation."
"Hmph, I think you all are worrying for nothing. What does it matter to us whether Old Master Xia comes or not? We're just here to watch the show. You shouldn't be so focused on them. If you want to focus on people, you should look towards the art circle."
Indeed, the art circle members were the principal figures involved, while others were merely spectators.
At several tables in the art section, discussions about the conflict between Old Master Xia and Zhou Tao had already begun. Of course, others couldn't join these conversations, as the scale of their dispute was too significant.
After they had left that day, vehicles from the Mayor's office had arrived, and the Mayor himself had appeared at the scene. Many remained silent about the day's events, unwilling to say much.
Many turned their gaze towards the entrance of the Zhou family mansion, eager to see Old Master Xia.
As expected, about ten minutes later, Old Master Xia appeared!
His arrival immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
The old master was quite composed. After placing his gift down, he walked to the seats occupied by the art circle members and sat down calmly, paying no heed to the gazes directed at him.
"Hahaha, Old Xia, Old Xia, you've still come. It proves our relationship is quite good!"
Zhou Tao, who had been conversing with a few people nearby, saw Xia Mingzhong and immediately approached, laughing heartily.
Xia Mingzhong glanced back at him. "My coming here has nothing to do with you. As you said, I've now fallen to the point where I have to sell calligraphy and paintings to make a living. Today, you're offering free food and drink; why wouldn't I come?"
Zhou Tao's smile froze for a moment, then he continued along the same line. "Hahaha, then eat your fill. I also want to see how much you can eat. Whatever you can eat, I'll add more!"
Xia Mingzhong clapped his hands, as if giving a signal.
The next moment, a group of people swarmed in from outside, and the entire venue fell silent.
Xia Shijie, Xia Qingxie, Xia Ling, Xia Mo, Ye Longlin, Mu Hanqi, Lin Tian'ai, Mu Ye, Tang Zihan, Xuan Niao... and more than ten others appeared, instantly silencing the crowd. Zhou Tao's expression turned grim; it seemed he hadn't expected such a lack of decorum.
"Today is the Zhou family's 80th anniversary. No need to pay. Everyone eat and drink well. If it's not enough, just ask the Zhou patriarch to add more. He himself said so."
Zhou Tao's mouth twitched. For a moment, he was speechless, only able to watch as the group surged in and quickly occupied a table.
However, today was the Zhou family's 80th anniversary, and he couldn't openly express his anger. He could only stifle his frustration and walk over to offer some perfunctory words.
"Everyone, today is the Zhou family's 80th anniversary. Representatives from various parties are here. I hope you will all just enjoy the meal and refrain from embarrassing me. I believe you all understand what I mean, correct?"
Zhou Tao said, his face twitching and his expression far from pleasant. With his back to the crowd, the smile was gone from his face.
However, the Xia family group completely ignored him. To put it crudely, they paid him no mind, didn't consider him important. And yet, this was happening in his own home!
"Since you are not speaking, I will assume you agree."
Zhou Tao waited for two minutes. When no one spoke, he turned and left.
"I never understood why Zhou Tao invited Dad. Isn't this just asking for embarrassment? Moreover, there's been no news from Zhou Tao lately. His sudden appearance and sudden hosting of the Zhou family's 80th anniversary makes me feel like something is off."
"Think about it. Usually, such events are advertised in advance. Zhou Tao released the news yesterday and is holding the 80th anniversary today. Clearly, the progress of this matter is too fast, unlike a normal pace. So, I feel the Zhou family is not this kind-hearted."
Xia Shijie spoke slowly, voicing his opinion and seeing how the others felt.
Ye Longlin shrugged, distributed cigarettes, lit one, and then slowly delivered a bombshell piece of news.
"There is a well-trained army surrounding the Zhou family. It can be confirmed that these are armed individuals who have entered the country; they are definitely not from the Great Xia forces."
Thump—
Upon hearing Ye Longlin's words, the few of them felt their hearts leap into their throats. Disbelief flickered in their eyes, as no one wanted to believe it!
"Can you be sure?"
Xia Shijie took out his phone, already preparing to dial.
Seeing this, Ye Longlin stopped him and said, "Second Uncle, look at your phone. Do you still have signal? Unless it's through the Wi-Fi here."
Indeed, the phone had no signal but showed it was connected to the Zhou family's wireless network.
Ye Longlin chuckled. "This is to prevent you from suspecting anything, so they've already implemented directional signal jamming here, and the wireless network here can go offline at any time."
Xia Qingxie said with some worry, "Then should we leave now?"
If they left now, they should be fine, right? After all, they hadn't started eating yet.
Ye Longlin shook his head. "Anyone can leave, but we cannot. This incident today is clearly aimed at us, and it's also evident that there's someone behind Zhou Tao. I also want to know who it is."