Jiang Zhenlin was stunned by these words, his eyes glaring maliciously at Chen Xiao.
Was this kid ever going to stop?
However, knowing he was in the wrong, and out of respect for Elder Xu, he forced a smile and said:
"Heh, that was just a joke. Mr. Chen, please don't take it to heart. Jiangxin Pavilion is open for business, how could we have such rules!"
Before Chen Xiao could react, Song Anran spoke first.
"A joke? That's not what you said just now. Jiang Zhenlin, you made a mistake, you have to admit it. You owe Chen Xiao an apology!"
Jiang Zhenlin's pupils contracted sharply, and he gritted his teeth, "You want me to apologize to him?"
He was Jiang Zhenlin, the eldest grandson of the prestigious Jiang family. In his life, he had never apologized to anyone.
Let alone to a nobody like Chen Xiao, who came from humble beginnings!
Qi Tianhu let out a cold snort, "Chen Xiao is a distinguished guest of mine and Elder Xu. Isn't that enough for you to say a simple 'sorry'?"
Although Elder Xu didn't speak, his gaze towards Jiang Zhenlin was clearly filled with amusement.
Jiang Zhenlin's expression shifted repeatedly.
He thought to himself, who exactly was this kid?
To simultaneously gain the support of Qi Tianhu and Elder Xu, it seemed he had underestimated him!
Qi Tianhu and Elder Xu, plus Song Anran.
Under the triple pressure, Jiang Zhenlin broke out in a cold sweat and had no choice but to bow his head.
He cupped his hands in a bow, "Miss Song is right. I indeed owe Mr. Chen an apology. I'm sorry, Mr. Chen, please forgive me!"
With Jiang Zhenlin's apology, Chen Xiao found himself unable to press the matter further.
"Let's go inside."
Chen Xiao ignored Jiang Zhenlin, spoke, and walked towards the entrance.
He left Jiang Zhenlin standing there, effectively slapping him in the face in front of everyone.
As the crowd gradually moved away, Jiang Zhenlin's expression grew increasingly ferocious.
Wei Ranqiu and Ye Gucheng walked over.
"Old Jiang, you actually apologized to that trash in front of so many people?"
Wei Ranqiu was furious, as if he were the one most wronged.
Jiang Zhenlin sneered,
"It's just an apology, it won't change anything. Tonight, everything is secondary to the bigger picture. Anyway, that kid is from Jiang City. After tonight, we'll deal with him slowly!"
Wei Ranqiu was confused, "What bigger picture? Old Jiang, can you stop being mysterious? You're killing me with anticipation!"
Jiang Zhenlin smiled mysteriously, "You don't need to ask me. You'll know soon enough!"
...
Inside the hall, many people had already arrived.
They gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing.
For this kind of banquet, eating and drinking were secondary.
The main purpose was for social networking, expanding connections, and exchanging resources.
When Qi Tianhu and his entourage entered, they immediately drew everyone's attention.
Qi Tianhu, needless to say, was Master Hu, the overlord of Jiang City's underworld.
Wherever he went, everyone bowed and greeted him as 'Master Hu'!
However, the one who attracted the most gazes was Chen Xiao.
This was because Song Anran and Qi Qingfei stood on either side of him.
Sandwiched between these two dazzling beauties, he was like the moon surrounded by stars.
People whispered amongst themselves, all speculating who this young man was and why they had never seen him before.
The conclusion they reached was that he must be the son of some wealthy family from out of town.
"Chen Xiao, I have a few old friends over there. I'll take Qingfei to say hello and come back to find you later."
Qi Tianhu left with his entourage and Qi Qingfei, while Elder Xu had separated from them as soon as he entered the hall.
Chen Xiao and Song Anran were left alone again, but Chen Xiao's attention was not on Song Anran.
His gaze swept around, as if he were looking for someone.
Song Anran asked him, "Who are you looking for?"
Chen Xiao snapped back to reality and stammered, "No, I wasn't looking for anyone."
He was looking for Li Ziqing, so he naturally wouldn't tell Song Anran.
However, he searched the entire hall but couldn't find Li Ziqing.
He couldn't help but mutter in his heart, "Could she have stood me up?"
Just then, Wei Ranqiu approached Song Anran again.
"Anran, you don't need to lie to me anymore. I already know. This kid is just a lowly orderly, with no power or influence. I don't believe you would actually be with someone like this!"
"Even if you want to reject my affections, there's no need to use trash like him as a shield to disgust me!"
Wei Ranqiu stared blankly at Song Anran, as if he were possessed.
Song Anran let out a helpless laugh.
"You're truly relentless. A shield? To disgust you?"
"Who do you think you are? Do I need to do that for you?"
"Let me tell you, Chen Xiao is my boyfriend. If you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you!"
Wei Ranqiu was stunned, not knowing what Song Anran meant by 'prove it to you.'
However, he soon found out.
Song Anran turned Chen Xiao's head and then kissed him.
Let alone Wei Ranqiu, even Chen Xiao was dumbfounded!
What was this?!
Qi Qingfei, who was not far away, was equally stunned. Her heart ached violently, as if it were tearing apart.
Wei Ranqiu was completely broken. He stood there in a daze, his fists clenched and then released, released and then clenched again.
He didn't even notice when Song Anran pulled Chen Xiao away.
Song Anran held Chen Xiao's hand and whispered, "Thanks."
Chen Xiao wiped his lips, as if a lingering fragrance remained.
He chuckled, "I don't mind if you thank me a few more times."
Song Anran rolled her eyes at him, "Dream on."
Jiang Zhenlin pulled Wei Ranqiu aside.
Seeing his dejected state, Jiang Zhenlin couldn't help but chuckle.
Wei Ranqiu frowned, "What's wrong, Old Jiang? I'm like this, and you can still laugh?"
Jiang Zhenlin grinned, "I told you long ago not to pine after that slut. Now you're completely heartbroken, aren't you?"
Wei Ranqiu remained silent, but the anger in his eyes said it all.
A fierce glint appeared in Jiang Zhenlin's eyes, "I'll give you some good news in advance. That guy named Chen, he's going to die tonight!"
Wei Ranqiu's spirits lifted, "Are you serious? You're going to help me get rid of that kid?"
Jiang Zhenlin smiled mysteriously, "I won't get rid of him for you, but someone else will take his life!"
Just as Wei Ranqiu was about to ask more, a dark shadow appeared behind Jiang Zhenlin out of nowhere, causing his expression to turn cold and the words to retreat into his throat.
Jiang Zhenlin guessed something from Wei Ranqiu's reaction. He turned his head and saw Elder Xu standing before him.
"Elder Xu! You saw everything just now, right?"
Jiang Zhenlin's face was filled with respect and fawning.
Elder Xu's expression was grim, and he nodded slightly.
"The Young Master will arrive in ten minutes. You should go and prepare. The Young Master will decide on other matters himself!"