The crowd turned their heads to see Su Yang's parents and grandfather arriving.
Su Yang blinked, "Why are they here too?"
Behind Zhang Ning were members of her maiden family, the Zhangs.
Among them were Zhang Yiyi and Zhang Tingting.
"Cousin, long time no see, how are you?"
Zhang Yiyi greeted softly, memories flooding her mind.
At that time, she thought she had found a rich boyfriend and that Su Yang was still a poor student.
After that banquet, she realized she had been the clown.
"I'm alright. Since you're here, let's get something to eat. Dinner isn't ready yet."
Su Yang gestured towards Jiang Hei and the others, indicating for Zhang Yiyi and Zhang Tingting to go have some barbecue.
"Cousin, can we talk to you alone for a moment?"
Meng Lianxin nudged Su Yang, "Go on, they're all guests. Don't let them say we didn't host them properly and lost our manners."
As a descendant of Mencius, Meng Lianxin had strict upbringing and valued etiquette above all else.
Su Yang was helpless. Although it was a bit of a dampener, he still led Zhang Yiyi and her sister into the villa to talk.
"Speak, what is it you want to discuss?"
His cold voice held a hint of ruthlessness, causing Zhang Yiyi and Zhang Tingting to tremble.
"Cousin, I want to get into Songhai Qingbei University, but my score is a little short. Can you help me?" Zhang Yiyi was even younger than Su Yang, just starting her freshman year.
However, she didn't get into Qingbei University and had to rely on connections.
Thus, the sisters shamelessly asked their mother to find Zhang Ning and attend the banquet.
"It's not impossible for you to get into Qingbei University, it depends on your performance."
Su Yang remembered that the director still owed him a favor.
It was because he had rescued Teacher Anna when she was kidnapped last time that the school wasn't investigated or punished.
"Cousin, I will definitely work hard and never disappoint you."
"Cousin, me too. I want to get into the finance department so I can help you manage the company's small affairs."
Seeing that Su Yang didn't object, Zhang Tingting became bolder.
"If you want to get into the same school as me, it's just a matter of my word. But I don't want anyone using my name to deceive others or bully them."
"Simply put, I dislike people who are like foxes borrowing the tiger's might. I hope you understand, even though we are relatives."
Su Yang gave them a heads-up to prevent the sisters from using his reputation after they got into Qingbei University.
"Cousin, we will definitely be law-abiding and study hard."
Zhang Yiyi and her sister vowed.
"That's good. You two go and have something to eat first. I still have a lot to do."
"Okay, we'll go help out first."
The two sisters left happily.
Su Yang took out his phone and dialed the director's number.
"Director Huang, Happy New Year!"
"Oh, it's student Su Yang. Same to you!"
Director Huang was also taken aback, not expecting Su Yang to call him.
"It's like this, my cousin and cousin's daughter just missed the score for Qingbei University, but they really want to study at the same school as me. Can you make arrangements?"
Su Yang got straight to the point, not beating around the bush.
Director Huang pondered for a few minutes, then nodded and said, "This is not a big problem. I'll speak to the principal and say that you recommended them. I believe the principal will give you face."
After all, Su Yang was the deputy director of the Songhai Security Bureau and a student at Qingbei University, which the school found very prestigious.
"That's good. I'll trouble you with this. I'll personally visit in a few days to present a generous gift."
"Student Su Yang, you're too kind. It's a small matter, a small matter, hahaha..."
The director was already laughing heartily upon hearing this. If Su Yang were to give a gift, it would certainly not be a light one.
...
"Finally done."
Hosting relatives was a troublesome affair.
Su Yang sighed and slowly walked outside.
Zhang Ning's sister, Su Yang's aunt.
"Xiao Yang, I heard you agreed to let Yiyi and Tingting enter Qingbei University. Auntie thanks you for this."
This time, his aunt was not trembling but bowed to Su Yang.
"Auntie, you're too kind. This is what I should do."
Zhang Ning gave Su Yang a thumbs up, "Son, you've grown up."
"Of course, who do you think I am your son for?"
Su Dingguo laughed heartily. His son was a well-known figure at the school and a deputy director of the Security Bureau, possessing both talent and virtue.
These days, he praised his good son to everyone he met.
Even distant relatives occasionally visited, saying they wanted to reconnect.
In short, he received all sorts of gifts and visitors every day.
Thanks to his son, Wanbaozhai's business was also booming.
Su Dingguo had roughly calculated that the daily profit was around one million, amounting to several billion a year.
"Like father, like son. Brother-in-law, you're not bad either," Su Yang's aunt chimed in, clapping her hands.
"Alright, stop your chattering here. You're disturbing the young people," Su Yang's grandfather shouted, signaling the elders to go inside the villa for tea.
He left the time and space for the younger generation.
Yang Mange said softly, "Grandpa's temper towards me is straightforward and he always considers others."
"Pah, you shameless girl, always flattering yourself," Meng Lianxin couldn't help but retort, making the people around them laugh heartily.
...
About half an hour later.
More and more guests arrived.
Zhang Suqin, Liu Xu, and the Duan sisters all came.
Of course, Duan Yujiao did not come along.
Duan Linglong sighed, "Fourth sister is afraid you'll be angry, so she chose to live alone at home."
"It's better if she doesn't come, so no one will be unhappy."
Su Yang had no good feelings towards Duan Yujiao. It was better she didn't come than for everyone to be awkward.
"Is there anything we sisters can help with?"
"No need. You are guests, just eat and drink whatever you like."
Su Yang pointed to the distance, where Jiang Hei and the other rough fellows were still diligently barbecuing.
After several attempts, Jiang Hei and the others had become quite skilled at grilling abalone, lobster, and barley.
"You guys go eat something first. I have something to discuss with Su Yang privately."
"Okay, Big Sister. We'll go ahead."
Duan Linglong pulled Su Yang aside and spoke when she saw no one around.
"The person I placed by Shangguan Yi's side reported that his father, Shangguan Zhongtang, is preparing to make a move against Shi Wuzun and Zong Ze."
"Do you know about this? And how should we handle it?"
Su Yang was shocked, "There's such a thing? I'll call them immediately."
With that, Su Yang called Shi Wuzun.
"Dudududu..."
The phone rang for a long time, but no one answered.
"That's strange. They called me yesterday, why isn't anyone answering now? Are they busy? Or have they encountered misfortune?"
Duan Linglong frowned, "Try calling Zong Ze. If that doesn't work, contact the garrison with the secret signal."
"Okay, wait for me."
Su Yang was also anxious. He didn't care about Shi Wuzun and Zong Ze's identities; he considered them his good brothers.