Chapter Sixty-Five: The Bracelet Worth Ten Million

The Li family of Qingyang hosted a banquet, naturally inviting only Qingyang’s titans of commerce and those wielding considerable power. Due to Li Jiangcheng’s health, he hadn’t appeared at formal occasions for quite some time; this gathering was his way of greeting old friends. The man once known as a superhuman had returned!

At the entrance to the Li family manor, the vast parking lot brimmed with luxury cars, each vying for attention. Many influential figures, smiling graciously, were led by attendants toward the manor.

When Su Zheng and his party of four arrived by car, they found a crowd already gathered at the entrance. Though the Li family’s banquet was meant to be an intimate affair, their extensive network meant that, even after repeated trimming, many still made the guest list.

“Su Zheng, are you sure we can really get in?” asked Chen Muxue, parking the car, her face tinged with hesitation.

She had been dragged along by Su Zheng. If not for her blind faith in him, she would never have believed her family qualified to attend the Li family’s banquet.

Chen Jianguo and his wife were even more doubtful. They had grumbled at home that Chen Muxue was too indulgent of Su Zheng’s whims, apparently forgetting their own status. Why insist on coming here just to seek embarrassment?

However, when Su Zheng produced a specially crafted invitation, the couple wavered. After all, the invitation was inlaid with pure gold—hardly something counterfeit.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine,” Su Zheng replied with a relaxed smile.

“Hmph! You’d better be sure. If we’re stopped at the door, that’ll be humiliating!” Lü Hongmei retorted irritably.

Seeing all the luxury cars and distinguished guests made Lü Hongmei inexplicably anxious. She glanced at Chen Jianguo, then gave him another annoyed look.

Chen Jianguo had dressed formally for the occasion, fussing over his attire at home. He wore the suit purchased for him when Chen Muxue married, but it was now a bit tight. He sat rigidly in the car, fearful that the buttons might pop off.

“Alright, let’s get out and go in,” Su Zheng urged, noticing the others had no intention of leaving the car.

Chen Muxue’s fair, delicate hand tightened, as if to steel herself, before she finally opened the door and stepped out.

She wore a deep violet gown, her hair elegantly piled high. Her crystalline, tender skin was accentuated by the dress, radiating nobility and grace. Combined with her naturally cool demeanor, she instantly became the center of attention, drawing many curious glances.

“Su Zheng, I’m a little nervous,” Chen Muxue whispered, instinctively clutching his arm.

“Heh… You’ll get used to it. Trust me, you’ll attend events like this often in the future. For now, think of it as practice. Come, let’s go inside,” Su Zheng said, feeling quite pleased—his wife’s beauty made him swell with pride.

“May I ask your surname, miss? Mine is Ye, given name Lang. To encounter such a captivating lady here is truly a stroke of fortune. I’ve not come in vain, haha… Would you care to be friends?”

At that moment, a young man stepped forward with a confident smile, greeting Chen Muxue.

“Sorry, not interested,” she replied coolly, deliberately linking arms with Su Zheng as she moved ahead.

“Interesting…” The young man, Ye Lang, showed no anger, only a more self-assured smile as he watched Chen Muxue’s retreating figure.

“Master Ye, the banquet is about to begin. This way, please,” a Li family attendant said respectfully nearby.

To be personally welcomed by the Li family indicated Ye Lang’s extraordinary status.

“Thank you. Lead the way,” Ye Lang nodded with impeccable manners, radiating an air of noble detachment. He followed the attendant through a special entrance to the manor. Even as other distinguished guests passed nearby, Ye Lang remained singular, exuding his unique aura, and glanced back at Chen Muxue with a confident smile before entering.

Su Zheng and Chen Muxue had only walked a few steps when they encountered Chen Xiong and his companions.

Chen Xiong, rarely attending such high-level banquets, was determined to maximize his opportunities. He brought along Chen Peng and another family member, arriving early but not rushing inside—he had his own plans.

With so many of Qingyang’s dignitaries and business leaders present—people usually seen only on television—he wanted to seize every chance to strike up conversation. If he could forge a connection, it would be a monumental gain.

Thus, the three spent their time trying to mingle, but their efforts yielded little. Each time Chen Xiong announced his name, he was politely rebuffed.

After a fruitless morning and growing frustrated, Chen Xiong turned and spotted Su Zheng, Chen Muxue, and the Chen Jianguo couple.

“Well, what are you doing here? Do you even know where you are? Is this a place for you?” Chen Xiong sneered, his tone full of contempt and disgust.

He and Chen Wenli had spent the previous day searching for Chen Peng and ended up getting detained, so he knew nothing of what had transpired at the ancestral home.

To him, Su Zheng’s family had no right to be here. Even though Chen Muxue’s company had secured millions in orders, it was mere drizzle compared to the titans present—it wouldn’t attract any notice.

Even the Chen family needed Chen Wenli’s connection to Feng Qingyuan to secure three invitations; otherwise, they wouldn’t have qualified.

“Go cool off somewhere else!” Su Zheng retorted coldly, giving Chen Xiong no courtesy.

He was already aware of what had happened at the ancestral home—Ah Biao had told him everything, including the hundred million hush money he’d acquired from Chen Xiong and handed over to Su Zheng.

Of course, Su Zheng didn’t yet know that the old lady had lapsed into unconsciousness and been hospitalized; Ah Biao had said she’d merely fainted and would recover soon.

“You—what’s your attitude!” Chen Xiong’s face flushed with rage as he felt the eyes of those around them, and he shouted loudly.

He felt emboldened, believing that even if he berated Su Zheng here, the Li family would not interfere for Su Zheng’s sake; they might even help drive him out.

“I’ll have you know, the old lady couldn’t leave because she’s occupied, or she would’ve expelled your family yesterday. But rest assured, as soon as I finish with the banquet, I’ll announce it as acting head of the family. Hmph!” Chen Xiong said loudly, intentionally emphasizing his status as acting head, as if that granted him prestige.

His words drew attention, slowing the steps of many nearby, who frowned, wondering why there was a dispute at the Li family’s door.

“Idiot,” Su Zheng muttered, giving Chen Xiong a sidelong glance, then took Chen Muxue’s hand and moved forward.

“Hey, don’t walk away—what did you just say? You think a nobody like you belongs at such an important event? If you can get through this door today, I’ll admit defeat!”