In Weicheng, the Zhou family ranked among the top-tier affluent families, possessing vast industries that spanned countless fields.
The Zhou family's decades-long standing in Weicheng was a testament to their extensive network of connections, which needed no further elaboration.
Moreover, in his youth, Zhou Zhishan had been the boss of Weicheng's water and land terminals, commanding influence in both legitimate and illicit circles.
It was thus predictable that this evening's birthday banquet would be packed with distinguished guests.
To be invited to Old Master Zhou's birthday banquet was, in itself, a mark of one's social standing, which was why the commercial magnates and powerful figures alike flocked to it.
To ensure no guest was left unattended, the Zhou family had booked the entire Tianbao Peninsula Hotel.
The Tianbao Peninsula Hotel was Weicheng's most renowned establishment, situated by the sea, boasting a long history and rich heritage.
Legend had it that it was once the official residence of a powerful warlord during the Republic of China era. However, after the warlord's defeat, the residence changed hands several times before finally being converted into Weicheng's most luxurious hotel.
This establishment was not only built by the sea but also occupied a vast area. While called a hotel, it was more akin to a mountain villa.
As dusk settled, Chen Xiao and the other two arrived at the hotel.
Chen Xiao and Li Ziqing alighted first, while Zhou Yuanyuan went to park the car.
After getting out of the car, Chen Xiao couldn't help but ask, "Ziqing, why don't I see your uncle? Isn't he attending an occasion like this?"
Li Ziqing pouted, "What uncle? My aunt has always been single and has never married."
"Huh?"
Chen Xiao's face registered disbelief. "Why? Auntie is beautiful and cooks so well, how could she not find a husband?"
"Who said she couldn't find a husband? Auntie just doesn't want to marry!"
Li Ziqing shot Chen Xiao a glance and continued, "Actually, when Auntie was young, she had a lover. However, that man's family background was too ordinary, so my maternal grandfather interfered with their marriage. He wanted to force Auntie to marry someone she didn't love, to achieve a family alliance."
"Auntie naturally refused. Later, she even threatened to die to dissuade my maternal grandfather."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao was astonished. He hadn't expected his aunt, who appeared so gentle and delicate, to possess such a strong will.
"Auntie is quite brave," Chen Xiao commented admiringly.
Li Ziqing snorted, "Auntie is indeed brave, but the reason this matter was settled in the end was because someone felt guilty. Auntie's former lover was killed by him!"
Who this 'him' was, was self-evident.
"In that case, he is truly excessive!" Chen Xiao thought. No wonder Li Ziqing had such a poor relationship with her grandfather. How could anyone have a good relationship with such a scoundrel?
"Just excessive? Your evaluation of him is too lenient."
Li Ziqing's voice suddenly turned bitter. "Even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs... He is worse than an animal!"
Chen Xiao was taken aback. Li Ziqing's demeanor clearly indicated there was more to the story.
Could it be that Li Ziqing's parents' deaths were related to Old Master Zhou?
With this thought, Chen Xiao clenched his fists. If that were true, it would be absolutely unforgivable.
"What are you two chatting about? Why haven't you gone in yet?"
Just then, Zhou Yuanyuan finished parking and walked over.
Li Ziqing immediately suppressed her anger and put on a smiling face. "We weren't discussing anything important. We were just waiting for you to go in together!"
The three walked towards the hotel entrance. Soon, a smile appeared on Chen Xiao's lips as he said, "Ziqing, look, who is over there."
Li Ziqing followed Chen Xiao's gaze and saw Zhou Xingguo and his son Zhou Tai standing at the entrance, greeting guests.
"Hiring those two simpletons to greet guests, it seems the Zhou family is truly short of capable people." Li Ziqing snorted, her eyes filled with disdain.
Zhou Yuanyuan turned back and cautioned, "Ziqing, today is your grandfather's birthday. Remember what I told you, endure what you can..."
"I know, Auntie," Li Ziqing mumbled, clearly not taking the advice to heart.
Then, Zhou Yuanyuan changed her tone and added, "Of course, if some people push their luck too far, then there's no need to endure any longer! If anything happens, Auntie will cover for you!"
Hearing this, Chen Xiao and Li Ziqing were stunned.
Auntie had really stepped up, how domineering!
Just then, a laugh came from beside the three. "Oh, isn't this the harbinger of bad luck? When did you return to Weicheng?"
Following the sound, they saw a scantily clad woman approaching.
She wore heavy makeup, but the high-end cosmetics on her aged face looked like mere putty, unable to conceal the marks left by time.
And the sexy evening gown, clearly a masterpiece, was utterly wasted on her.
She had little to no cleavage, but her waist was laden with excess flesh.
It could be said that all her flaws were exposed, while any positive attributes... were nowhere to be found!
The woman's eyes were fixed on Li Ziqing as she spoke. The term 'harbinger of bad luck' was clearly directed at her.
Chen Xiao's expression immediately darkened.
The phrase 'harbinger of bad luck' might not have much impact on an ordinary person.
But when directed at Li Ziqing, it was extremely insulting.
Chen Xiao's fists clenched instantly. Li Ziqing noticed and quickly grabbed his arm, shaking her head gently.
"Ziqing, who is she?" Chen Xiao asked.
"She's my eldest uncle's daughter, Zhou Fan," Li Ziqing replied indifferently.
Earlier, on the way to Weicheng, Li Ziqing had introduced her maternal grandfather's family to Chen Xiao. He had four children: two sons and two daughters.
Besides Li Ziqing's mother and aunt, there were the eldest son, Zhou Weiguo, and the second son, Zhou Xingguo.
This Zhou Fan was Zhou Weiguo's daughter.
Zhou Xingguo had only one son, Zhou Tai. Zhou Weiguo, besides his daughter Zhou Fan, also had a son named Zhou Wen.
The third generation of the Zhou family was dwindling in numbers. Zhou Wen was being groomed by Old Master Zhou to be the future patriarch of the Zhou family. He was cunning and deeply calculating.
His sister, Zhou Fan, besides her mediocre looks, was also an absolute idiot.
At this moment, seeing that Li Ziqing was ignoring her, Zhou Fan raised her voice again. "Hey, harbinger of bad luck Li Ziqing, didn't you hear me calling you?"
Li Ziqing seemed to notice her then, glancing at her and asking dismissively, "Who are you calling the harbinger of bad luck?"
Without thinking, Zhou Fan blurted out, "I'm calling you the harbinger of bad luck!"
Li Ziqing shrugged, "So you're the harbinger of bad luck then..."
A burst of laughter erupted around them. Zhou Fan only then realized what had happened and became furious. "Alright Li Ziqing, you wretched woman, how dare you insult me? See if I don't tear your mouth apart today!"