Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Banquet

“Zhang Wei, Hong Wen, today is the grand opening of the restaurant. All the guests here are people I've invited. Please, you two, don't quarrel,” Murong Xuan said, seeing Lin Hongwen so angry he could barely catch his breath, and hurried to mediate between them.

“Don't worry, Xuan Xuan. I'll take care of Mr. Lin. You should go greet the other guests,” Zhang Wei said, smiling at Lin Hongwen.

“Alright, see you later,” Murong Xuan gave Zhang Wei a grateful look. She was eager to escape Lin Hongwen, so she naturally went along with Zhang Wei's suggestion.

“Mr. Lin, please,” Murong Xuan walked into the restaurant first, and Zhang Wei gestured for Lin Hongwen to enter as well.

“Zhang Wei, as long as Xuan Xuan isn't married, I won't give up pursuing her. Don't get too happy too soon; the real winner is the one who lasts till the end,” Lin Hongwen said, unwilling to admit defeat.

“From the sound of it, you act as if you want to devour me. Is it really necessary?” Zhang Wei sneered.

“Of course it is. I will compete with you fairly, using sincerity, honesty, and love to move Xuan Xuan, and show her that I'm the one who can protect her for life,” Lin Hongwen declared solemnly, pounding his chest as if reciting an oath.

“Well said, but you seem to have misdirected your words,” Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow without much reaction, then turned and walked into the restaurant.

“Hmph, those words weren't meant for you anyway,” Lin Hongwen, having just proclaimed his heartfelt vow, felt his confidence surge, ready to debate with Zhang Wei about who was more suited to be Murong Xuan’s boyfriend. Yet Zhang Wei gave him no opportunity, leaving him with the sense of striking with great force only to hit a feather and feel powerless.

Seeing Zhang Wei enter the restaurant, Lin Hongwen worried he might have a chance alone with Murong Xuan, so he followed, neither walking side by side nor lagging too far behind—keeping four or five steps’ distance behind Zhang Wei.

“Lin Hongwen, what are you doing here? Are you here to bother Xuan Xuan again?” As soon as Lin Hongwen stepped into the lobby, a clear, resonant voice called his name.

Zhang Wei turned and saw a youth of seventeen or eighteen, dressed in white casual attire. He was tall, his hair slightly long, his skin fair, and his features handsome—truly a charming young man.

“Li Mengfei, what are you doing in the capital?” Lin Hongwen asked in astonishment upon seeing the youth.

“Why shouldn’t I be here? I’m a bona fide native of the capital,” Li Mengfei answered confidently, walking up to Lin Hongwen with a smile.

“You haven’t answered my question. Hurry up and say it!” Li Mengfei glared at him, his voice cold.

“Xuan Xuan is my friend. I came for her opening ceremony; I don’t need to report to you,” Lin Hongwen replied with a hint of displeasure.

“Lin Hongwen, you’re getting bold after a few days apart!” Li Mengfei’s fair, handsome face darkened, and he said maliciously, “The name Xuan Xuan isn’t for you to call.”

“Li Mengfei, don’t be ridiculous,” Lin Hongwen threatened, “If you cause trouble, I’ll complain to your sister and make sure you regret it!”

Lin Hongwen wasn’t truly afraid of Li Mengfei, but Li Mengfei was still a minor—reckless and unconcerned—so if things got out of hand, Lin Hongwen would be the one embarrassed, and he had no desire to compete for affection with someone underage.

“Look at you, always threatening to complain to my sister. She’s in Hong Kong now—go ahead!” Li Mengfei retorted, unimpressed.

“You’re just a kid. I won’t stoop to your level,” Lin Hongwen waved him off.

“You’re the kid! Your whole family are kids!” Li Mengfei, hearing Lin Hongwen call him a child, reacted like a hen whose nest had been disturbed.

“You… I won’t argue with you,” Lin Hongwen noticed the crowd glancing their way, gave an awkward smile, and suppressed his anger.

“I won’t argue with you either!” Li Mengfei snorted, raised his chin, and turned away.

“Murong Xuan already has such a ‘dominant’ guardian. Why does she still come looking for me?” Zhang Wei muttered to himself, watching the exchange between Lin Hongwen and Li Mengfei.

Lin Hongwen, trembling with rage, saw Zhang Wei’s gaze and, wanting to vent his anger, snorted coldly at Zhang Wei before turning to join the crowd.

“Why am I getting this hostility? If you have the guts, go quarrel with that young man—what’s the point of showing off to me?” Zhang Wei mused.

But Zhang Wei didn’t forget his true purpose—to find potential buyers for his properties. Just as he was about to mingle, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Murong Xuan standing behind him.

“Do you need something?” Zhang Wei asked without a crease in his brow.

“When the banquet begins, and the first dance starts, invite me to dance,” Murong Xuan whispered in his ear.

“Dance?” Zhang Wei was surprised by her request.

“Don’t you know how?” Murong Xuan asked.

“I do, but…” Zhang Wei began, but Murong Xuan interrupted him forcefully.

“That’s good enough. Just remember what I said,” she said, not caring whether he agreed, and strode toward the stage.

As Murong Xuan reached the stage, Liu Li handed her a microphone. Murong Xuan blew lightly into it, and the crowd immediately quieted. She laughed softly and said, “Welcome to Serenity Pavilion. Today marks our grand opening. Everyone here is a friend or elder. Thank you for your support and help!”

With her poise and eloquence, Murong Xuan’s few words captivated many men present. She then invited everyone to enjoy drinks and conversation freely. Music began to play in the hall, and many men cast longing glances her way, clearly hoping to invite her for a dance.

Murong Xuan was both the most beautiful woman at the banquet and its hostess, making her the center of attention. Any man who could invite her to dance would surely earn the envy and jealousy of the other guests.

Many male guests were eager, especially Lin Hongwen and Li Mengfei, whose eyes sparkled. Zhang Wei, however, remained calm. He didn’t mind the idea of dancing with Murong Xuan—it was a good way to promote himself and connect with the guests.

Yet the more valuable something is, the less people dare to pursue it openly. So, though many wanted to invite Murong Xuan to dance, they all watched each other, unwilling to be the first to step forward.

Seeing this, Zhang Wei knew it was his moment to act.