Two days later.
The Sun family's banquet was held at the Jinling Grand Hotel.
The Sun family, known for their wealth and influence, had reserved the entire venue of the renowned restaurant in Haicheng. They also provided each guest with a private rest room on the second floor, where guests could touch up their makeup, refresh, or change clothes in an independent space.
They didn't go for the extravagant Western-style banquet; instead, they set up a hundred large tables, each costing ninety-nine thousand per table, with drinks charged separately.
The white wine and red wine were all limited editions, appearing quite expensive.
The large redwood tables, heavy, luxurious chairs, were neatly arranged, creating an impressive atmosphere!
Mr. Sun and his wife were dressed in red with gold accents, radiating celebration.
They welcomed guests in waves. The male guests gathered around Sun Weimeng, hoping to use his connections to meet Qiao Xi.
"Sun Shao, how many times a night? I saw the club's publicity, it's a bit exaggerated, right?"
"Are you really better now? How long did you take medicine to recover?"
"Give me your WeChat, we're good brothers! That National Doctor's apprentice is close to you, tell him to speak some good words for me."
Any man would be interested in enhancing that aspect.
Even those without problems wanted to improve further.
Sun Weimeng arrogantly surveyed the room: "We'll talk about this later, today is my dad's 50th birthday."
He said that, and then confidently marched towards the restaurant entrance.
Looking around, he asked, "Why hasn't Mr. Huo arrived yet?"
"You should call him Mr. Huo!"
Mr. Sun, with his round belly and amiable smile, patted him on the shoulder.
Sun Weimeng said with feigned seriousness, "I'm good friends with Huo Xingzhou, no need for formalities."
"Listen to this," Mr. Sun pretended to be angry, saying to his wife, "Your son is getting too proud!"
Mrs. Sun proudly said, "Our son has a keen eye for talent. Back then, many people looked down on Huo Xingzhou, but my son spoke up for him. The guests here today all praise our Sun family's vision and wisdom!"
Her tail was lifted high in pride.
Mr. Sun laughed heartily, "You two, the foolish have their blessings!"
His career had also soared, and the projects he recently cooperated with Huo Xingzhou were all profitable.
The Sun family was riding the winds of fortune.
"Look at you," Mrs. Sun playfully chided, her gaze shifting to the two cars that stopped at the door. She nudged Mr. Sun's arm, reminding him, "Old Sun, the Su family and the Huo family arrived at the same time."
It was a case of rivals crossing paths.
"The Su family really came," Mrs. Sun frowned. She had only sent an invitation out of courtesy.
If Su Heng had any pride, he wouldn't have come.
"All guests are welcome," Mr. Sun said, raising his lips and heading out to greet them.
At the entrance of the Jinling Grand Hotel.
A Rolls Royce and a Porsche Cayenne stopped in front.
Su Weiwei was elegantly dressed in a silver-gray lace dress. The back and shoulders were sheer lace, and the skirt flared out to reveal her long, fair legs. She had on a delicate, seductive makeup, looking like a sensual goddess.
Su Heng was dressed in a suit, standing beside her.
It was a father-daughter appearance, and Zhao Yanzhen didn't attend.
On the other side, Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi were dressed more modestly—one in a suit and the other in a soft pink low-cut cheongsam.
When Su Weiwei saw Huo Xingzhou, a look of obsession flashed in her eyes. Her gaze was full of infatuation. But when her eyes landed on Qiao Xi, her heart boiled with resentment.
It was this village girl who had taken her place.
No matter how skilled she was as a National Doctor's apprentice, she couldn't change her origins! The Su family didn't need to seek medical help!
She, Su Weiwei, should be the one standing beside Huo Xingzhou!
"Mr. Huo, long time no see."
Su Heng shamelessly walked forward to greet him, behaving like a businessman who could take things lightly.
"Mr. Su, your complexion is rosy, indeed a great joy to have a son at this age." Huo Xingzhou said with a faint smile.
Su Heng, feeling teased, smiled less: "Not really."
Qiao Xi looked at him curiously.
If he had a son at his age, it certainly wasn't Zhao Yanzhen's. It must be another illegitimate child.
She wondered how Zhao Yanzhen felt about this.
After all her hard work to obtain the health formula, Su Heng had a child with the mistress.
"Mr. Huo! Mr. Su!"
Mr. Sun jogged over, "You two are rare guests, please come in."
His arrival broke the tense atmosphere.
"Please!"
Su Heng, ever adaptable, let Huo Xingzhou go ahead.
"Mr. Su, please."
Huo Xingzhou politely said, his arm still around Qiao Xi's wrist, both of them walking ahead together.
Su Weiwei followed behind them, her eyes lingering seductively on Huo Xingzhou's back. This man would be hers tonight.
The group entered the grand banquet hall.
"Mr. Huo!"
"Mr. Huo, welcome!"
"Miss Qiao Xi, you rarely appear at such occasions. As an apprentice of the National Doctor, you are so humble."
As soon as Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi entered, they were surrounded.
One was the president of Tianyuan Group, and the other was the hottest apprentice of the National Doctor. These people had to seize the opportunity to flatter them.
Qiao Xi had never experienced such treatment, and hearing the exaggerated compliments, she was overwhelmed.
Her cheeks flushed.
Seeing this, Huo Xingzhou pulled her closer, seemingly protective.
"Please give way, she's a bit shy."
Huo Xingzhou almost embraced half of her body, and the others quickly stepped aside.
Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi were seated at the main table, which signified the Sun family's high regard for them.
Meanwhile, Su Heng and Su Weiwei sat at another table, with Su Weiwei's eyes almost burning a hole into Qiao Xi's back.
"Calm down!" Su Heng whispered, "This is not the time or place."
"I…"
Su Weiwei coldly snorted, unwilling.
She was jealous of Qiao Xi's luck.
Su Heng reminded her, "I've found some suitable candidates for you tonight. Their families are interested too. You'll have a chance to chat and build a connection. When the time comes, see who you get along with, and settle down."
Su Heng couldn't wait to get Su Weiwei married off quickly.
He hadn't been idle these past two days, even going to the Huo family to break off the engagement. The old man agreed immediately, but Wang Fengxian was relentless, saying many harsh words.
Huo Beiting had been drinking heavily, now nothing more than a useless man.
"Oh."
Su Weiwei replied perfunctorily, but inwardly she was disdainful.
Who at this banquet could compare to Huo Xingzhou?
"Dad, I'm going to the bathroom."
Su Weiwei stood up, acting coy.
"Mm."
Su Heng, busy networking with other business leaders at the table, didn't pay much attention. The Su family had suffered greatly in this internal struggle with the Huo family. Su Heng had to lower his pride and curry favor with those he once looked down on.
Su Weiwei took her small bag and walked toward the garden outside. The sky had darkened, and the streetlights cast a dim glow.
She walked along the garden path and soon saw a young man dressed in a tailcoat, his posture upright.
"It's you, right?"
She approached and asked.
"Miss Su,"
The man greeted her respectfully.
Su Weiwei gave him an up-and-down look and snickered.