Xiao Wei was startled by her words and glanced at Chen Fan, then snorted, "What female companion or not? I'll introduce you to a young master from a super-rich family. You have to seize the opportunity. Whether we can save the Xiao family depends on your performance."
"I don't want to go!" Xiao Xuan said with a pained expression. Da Feng Fiction Network
Xiao Wei's expression turned stern, "Whether you want to or not, you have to go."
"I'm really Mr. Chen's female companion. We agreed that I'd make him look good at the banquet, so please don't force me, sister!" Xiao Xuan blinked her beautiful big eyes, pleading, "Besides, I'm not good at socializing. Why not let second sister go?"
"You have to go whether you want to or not!" Xiao Wei said angrily, "This Mr. Chen probably sneaked in like us. Have you been fooled?"
Listening to the sisters argue, the waiters cast strange glances.
Chen Fan felt a little helpless and said, "Miss Xiao Wei, your sister already said she is my female companion tonight. It's a bit rude to take her away so directly!"
"Mr. Chen, this has nothing to do with you!"
Xiao Wei said unhappily.
Chen Fan's expression darkened slightly, and he stood up, saying, "The auction has started, Xiao Xuan, let's go!"
"Oh, okay!"
Xiao Xuan broke free from her sister and followed.
"You..."
Xiao Wei was furious when she saw her sister disobeying. She wanted to scold her loudly but dared not.
The banquet was too high-class, and anyone present was someone they couldn't afford to offend.
Therefore, she dared not act rashly and had to let it go. She stomped her foot in frustration and turned to leave.
The auction hall was set up in another banquet hall next door.
The banquet hall was very lively, with nearly a hundred tables already almost full, leaving only a few empty seats at the front tables.
Those seats were the focal point of all guests' attention. Those who dared to sit there, whether in terms of status or wealth, were extraordinary, undoubtedly the top figures of the two provinces.
It was considered the VIP section, agreed upon by all guests, and almost no one dared to sit there.
Chen Fan swept his gaze across the room, then led Xiao Xuan directly to an empty table at the front.
He casually sat down, immediately attracting countless gazes and instantly becoming the center of attention.
Xiao Xuan had been a bit nervous when she walked with Chen Fan. Now, being stared at by so many people, she felt even more uneasy and whispered, "Chen Fan, is it okay for us to sit here?"
Chen Fan casually glanced around, looking indifferent, and said, "It doesn't say anyone's name here, so what's not okay?"
Even if there were names, he would still sit there if he wanted to.
Xiao Xuan felt the surrounding gazes become even more intense, and she became a bit flustered. She said sheepishly, "This is the only table with no one, and it seems to be reserved?"
"Why bother with so much?" Chen Fan said indifferently, "Sit down. Even if we're just watching the show, shouldn't we get a closer look?"
Xiao Xuan was still very uneasy, but turning to leave now seemed inappropriate, so she could only brace herself and sit down, feeling as if she were sitting on pins and needles.
"Wasn't that table reserved for Young Master Xu from the capital? Why is someone sitting there?"
"Could it be Young Master Xu's friend? They don't look like it."
"Eh, isn't that Mr. Chen who caused trouble just now, the son-in-law expelled by the Su family?"
"Really? A son-in-law daring to sit at that table, is he asking for trouble?"
...
In the banquet hall, most of the guests didn't know Chen Fan or Xiao Xuan and were speculating about their identities.
Those who knew Chen Fan's background and the recent conflict couldn't help but gossip, spreading the news to others.
Thus, more people were astonished and waiting to see a spectacle.
Just then, a figure suddenly rose from a neighboring table and slowly walked over.
It was Tang Qingying.
She smiled elegantly at Chen Fan and asked, "Mr. Chen, may I sit here?"
Chen Fan nodded, "Suit yourself."
This action immediately surprised many who knew Tang Qingying's identity, and they couldn't help but feel envious and jealous.
She was the granddaughter of the richest man in Hangjiang, Elder Tang, and his most favored junior.
To some extent, she represented Elder Tang's attitude and the Tang family's stance.
Things were getting more interesting!
"Mr. Chen, who is this?"
Tang Qingying looked at Xiao Xuan and asked with a smile.
"My female companion for tonight," Chen Fan said casually.
Tang Qingying's expression slightly tensed, but she still maintained a proper and warm smile, and asked Xiao Xuan, "That's truly enviable. May I know your name?"
"I... I'm Xiao Xuan," Xiao Xuan said, feeling a little nervous.
She didn't know Tang Qingying's exact identity, but anyone who could command respect from Yuan Liangping, and who was so radiant and elegant, naturally made her nervous.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Tang Qingying."
Tang Qingying took the initiative to extend her hand and shook Xiao Xuan's hand generously.
Xiao Xuan felt flattered and humbled, rising and bowing slightly before daring to shake her hand.
Glancing at Chen Fan, Tang Qingying held Xiao Xuan's hand and asked in a low voice, "Xiao Xuan, you and Mr. Chen are friends, right?"
"I... I just met him..." Xiao Xuan replied nervously, revealing everything about herself: "I was eating in the catering area, chatting with him, and then I became his temporary female companion."
Tang Qingying was surprised, even astonished.
This Mr. Chen hadn't brought a female companion at all. If she had known, perhaps she would have had a chance...
She couldn't help but feel a little regretful.
Of course, it wasn't that she had any feelings for Chen Fan, but rather that she was full of curiosity about him and wanted to learn more.
However, she was a person of broadmindedness, and her regret only lasted for a moment.
She started chatting with Xiao Xuan.
Of course, she asked most of the questions, and Xiao Xuan answered whatever she could.
While they were chatting, a group of seven or eight people walked over from the side.
The venue immediately became agitated.
Chen Fan turned his head and his gaze fell on the person in front.
That person was accompanied by Yuan Liangping, walking with ease. He wore a custom-made white suit that was exceptionally eye-catching and flamboyant.
However, his expression was cold and distant, and his gaze did not waver.
With just one glance, Chen Fan recognized his distant cousin, Xu Shengqing. A faint smile played on his lips.
He wondered if his distant cousin would act recklessly outside, relying on the influence of their Chen family.
Yuan Liangping saw that the most central table was occupied and didn't pay much attention at first. But as they approached, he frowned.
He said a few words to Xu Shengqing, who then looked at Chen Fan, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp.
On some of the tables behind them, people had already stood up, either to watch the show or to catch a glimpse of the esteemed Young Master Xu from the capital.