Just as Zeng Hua uttered his harsh words and prepared to leave, Qian Fuhua arrived.
He had noticed the commotion earlier but had refrained from intervening due to Zhou Yu's prior instructions. Seeing Zeng Hua about to threaten Su Yuyan and then depart, Qian Fuhua felt compelled to step forward.
Qian Fuhua knew that Su Yuyan was the legitimate wife of "Little Boss." If Su Yuyan were to be mistreated at the auction, and Zhou Yu later discovered that Qian Fuhua was the host, the consequences would be severe.
Qian Fuhua's appearance instantly drew countless eyes. Zeng Hua also halted his departure.
"Young Master Zeng, how has your experience been?" Qian Fuhua asked with a smile, the flesh on his face obscuring his eyes, making him resemble a Maitreya Buddha.
Zeng Hua felt flattered by Qian Fuhua's amiable demeanor. Despite the Zeng family's current prominence, there was still a significant gap between them and Qian Fuhua, the richest man in Yunhai City. He was surprised that Qian Fuhua, as the host, was being so courteous to him.
"All good, all good. Apart from a minor hiccup, it's been quite enjoyable," Zeng Hua replied politely.
"That's good, that's good," Qian Fuhua said with a smile.
Seeing Qian Fuhua's attitude, Zeng Hua's confidence swelled. Even the richest man in Yunhai City was being polite to him. What was the Su family, then, to dare to push their luck?
Thus, Zeng Hua changed the subject. "Richest man Qian, I have a suggestion for you."
"Oh? I'm all ears," Qian Fuhua feigned attentiveness, though inwardly he was rolling his eyes. This Zeng Hua was truly emboldened by a little kindness.
"This auction is primarily for the interaction among our prominent families. Only families like ours have the strength to acquire the auction items. As for the rest of the riff-raff, it's best to keep them outside if possible!" Zeng Hua declared confidently, his gaze drifting between Zhu Ling'er and Su Yuyan. By "prominent families," he meant himself.
Qian Fuhua maintained his smile and said to Zeng Hua, "Young Master Zeng, are you perhaps overstepping your bounds?" Before Zeng Hua could respond, Qian Fuhua continued with a smile, "You may be happy, but you're upsetting my distinguished guests!" "It seems my auction house is too small to accommodate a dignitary like yourself, Young Master Zeng!"
With that, Qian Fuhua immediately signaled for his men to escort Zeng Hua away.
Zeng Hua was stunned. It took him a while to process what had happened. Qian Fuhua had maintained a cordial smile throughout their conversation. If Zeng Hua hadn't been sure he heard correctly, he wouldn't have believed that Qian Fuhua intended to expel him from the auction.
"Richest man Qian, what is the meaning of this?" Zeng Hua asked with a dark expression.
Qian Fuhua picked at his ear. "It means nothing. It's my fault for making Young Master Zeng unhappy. Guards, escort Young Master Zeng out for some fresh air and a change of scenery!"
Zeng Hua was instantly seized by two security guards from the auction. He was dragged away without a second thought. The Zeng family was merely a third-rate clan, and Zeng Hua himself was a wastrel. He was certainly not a martial artist. He had no chance to struggle against these guards.
Zeng Hua's lackeys, seeing the situation turn sour, had mixed reactions. Some fled, while others rushed to find Zeng Hua's father, the head of the Zeng family.
At this moment, the head of the Zeng family was engaged in business negotiations. Given the Zeng family's current strength, some established second-rate families were willing to cooperate with them.
Just as the parties were about to sign a contract, Zeng Hua's lackey burst in, stumbling. With a thud, the lackey, unable to stop himself, performed a slide tackle in front of the head of the Zeng family and the other guests.
"In public, what behavior is this!" the head of the Zeng family berated him, recognizing him as one of his son's frequent companions.
The lackey, unable to defend himself, hastily reported to the head of the Zeng family, "Master, this is bad! Young Master Zeng is about to be expelled from the auction!"
Upon hearing this, the head of the Zeng family slammed the table and stood up! "Preposterous! With the Zeng family's current standing, someone dares to challenge us?" Fury blazed in the head of the Zeng family's eyes! The two partners preparing to sign the contract exchanged glances and advised the head of the Zeng family to calm down.
"Head of the Zeng family, perhaps there's been a misunderstanding? It's not too late to investigate!"
Looking at them, the head of the Zeng family conceived a plan. Although the Zeng family's overall strength had improved, their reputation in Yunhai City was not yet prominent. This was an opportunity to display their might and impress his partners.
With this in mind, the head of the Zeng family summoned two of his honored elders and declared, "They've already bullied my son, so there's no misunderstanding. I'll see who dares to be so audacious!"
As he finished speaking, the head of the Zeng family, accompanied by the two elders, strode confidently towards the buffet restaurant. The lackey, sweating profusely, could barely keep up, let alone warn the head of the Zeng family. The two partners also exchanged a look and followed.
By the time the head of the Zeng family arrived at the buffet restaurant, Zeng Hua was already being dragged to the entrance by security guards. If he had been any later, he wouldn't have seen his son at all. Seeing Zeng Hua being dragged like a rag doll by two guards, the head of the Zeng family's fury erupted.
"What are you doing! Do you know who you're dragging?" he bellowed. The two guards, momentarily stunned, stopped and looked at Qian Fuhua. The head of the Zeng family followed the guards' gaze, eager to see who had the gall to lay hands on his son. However, the moment he saw Qian Fuhua, his mind went blank.
If he recalled correctly, Qian Fuhua was the host of this auction. Why was he here? Then, observing the expressions of the guards dragging Zeng Hua, the head of the Zeng family broke out in a cold sweat.
"Ah, the head of the Zeng family has arrived. You're quite prompt," Qian Fuhua said with a smile as he approached. Despite the smile, the head of the Zeng family felt immense pressure. However, with his son about to be expelled in front of everyone, and having just boasted so boldly, backing down now would reflect poorly on the Zeng family. Thus, he braced himself and inquired, "May I ask what offense my son has committed to warrant expulsion?" "Zeng Hua is young and foolish. Richest man Qian, please grant the Zeng family some face and let him go."