Chapter 17: The Celebration Banquet

As the hour hand pointed to six, the Su Group’s banquet officially began.

Wine glasses clinked throughout the hall, and every company president wore a false smile as they showered Su Dashan and Su Qingcheng with flattery. The big names at the main table were at ease, their strength evident, and partnerships always up for discussion; the heads of the middling enterprises seated farther away, however, were in a sorry state. Each put on a long face, clutching wine glasses filled nearly to the brim with strong liquor, and approached the main table where Su Dashan and Su Qingcheng sat. They forced cheerful expressions, offered their compliments, and spoke with extreme caution, all in hopes of securing a chance for collaboration.

Everyone present was well aware of what was happening. Especially Su Dashan, whose heart was already soaring with pride—he now felt he had become the unrivaled figure in Shanghai’s business world.

At that moment, as if to echo Su Dashan’s inner triumph, the master of ceremonies in charge of welcoming guests suddenly spoke, causing the entire hall to fall silent in an instant.

“Mr. Liu Chuanfeng, CEO and Vice Chairman of Liu Group, has arrived.” This emcee had a keen sense for timing and social cues, making the announcement just as the banquet’s atmosphere, fueled by the assembled business leaders, reached its peak.

Sure enough, seeing the entire hall quiet down at once, the emcee felt a surge of triumph, knowing he had played his hand perfectly.

The mention of “Liu Group” unsettled everyone present, even the tycoons at the main table, who all changed expressions. Wasn’t Liu Group the conglomerate with a powerful cash flow? Rumor had it that their current CEO was once romantically involved with Su Qingcheng. What message was his arrival meant to send? A rekindled romance? A business alliance?

“The storm may rage, but the fisherman sits steady”—there could be no better way to describe Liu Group. With assets nearing a hundred billion, the group’s holdings and cash flow had remained stable for years. Through its largest property management company, Liu Group collected hundreds of millions in rent annually—not just from shopping centers, but also from ports and industrial warehouses. Coupled with prudent investment strategies from its leadership, Liu Group’s stock price had held steady at a high for many years.

“They’re here; what about us? Is there any profit left for us?” Faces tensed all around. One side had the project, the other the capital—if the two giants joined forces, others would be left with nothing but scraps.

After a round of meaningful glances, the crowd surged forward, hoping to make themselves known, reasoning that it was better to show initiative.

But their hopes were quickly dashed. Liu Chuanfeng was already making his way toward Su Dashan and Su Qingcheng. No one dared to interrupt. If Liu Chuanfeng’s steps were halted because of them, their own business prospects would come to an abrupt end.

Under the gaze of the entire hall, Liu Chuanfeng strode forward with confidence, a faint smile playing at his lips, and approached the main table where Su Dashan and Su Qingcheng sat.

“Grandfather. Qingcheng.” Liu Chuanfeng greeted them with a smile.

“Ah, Chuanfeng, come, come, sit beside Qingcheng. You young people should have a good chat,” Su Dashan replied with a smile, pointing to the empty seat next to Su Qingcheng. At his level, such seats were always reserved.

“Grandfather, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? Moran…” Su Qingcheng’s delight was mixed with a sudden pang of guilt. She might have little regard for Moran, but they were still legally married. A private conversation in a box was one thing, but here, in front of so many people—if this were noticed by someone with an agenda, it could have consequences.

“You two are just discussing business cooperation; what does it matter if Moran comes? Look, so many people here can vouch for you.” Su Dashan waved his hand dismissively, gesturing to those around them, his words carrying an unmistakable hint. Clearly, he was sending a signal.

Upon hearing this, the others immediately chimed in, each patting their chest and swearing to testify for Chairman Su. Liu Chuanfeng’s eyes lit up, and he glanced at Su Dashan with meaning—this was a reminder that the two families could work together again.

“Yes, Grandfather. Today, Qingcheng secured such a major government project—truly impressive. If you encounter any difficulties with the project, feel free to come to me. The Liu Group has some expertise in port construction and infrastructure planning,” Liu Chuanfeng said, his gaze sweeping the circle, his tone light and pleasant.

At these words, the assembled business leaders frowned. “Expertise in port construction and infrastructure planning”—wasn’t that a not-so-subtle statement that the Liu family had much to offer, and was open to collaboration?

“Grandfather…” Su Qingcheng looked at her grandfather in surprise, unable to fathom his behavior today. Wasn’t he always extolling the virtues of a good son-in-law? What was he planning now?

“Qingcheng, you two chat; I’ll just watch from behind,” Su Dashan said calmly, as if he fully understood her thoughts.

“Thank you, Grandfather.” Liu Chuanfeng replied with a smile. With just a few words, the elder and the young man had reached a preliminary agreement for cooperation.

Elsewhere, Moran, who had just brought Su Qingxue back from school, sat idly in the living room, watching television. Given the Su family’s recent shift in attitude towards him, even the maids in the villa no longer dared to slight him. Each tried to curry favor, fearful of inciting his displeasure, and naturally, no one disturbed him as he watched TV.

Just then, his phone buzzed on the coffee table. Picking it up, Moran saw a message from Xiao Xiao: “Moran, within five days, my father will arrange a surprise inspection.”

“‘Four No’s and Two Straights’?” Moran thought of the popular saying circulating online, and replied with a text. But Xiao Xiao did not respond.

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law! Dad sent me a video from the banquet. It’s so lively!” At that moment, Su Qingxue came down from upstairs after finishing her reading, grumbling as she walked.

“What’s so great about those events? Everyone’s pretending to be some film king or queen—the hypocrisy is unbearable,” Moran said, assuming she was just looking for fun, and sought to comfort her. “You’re about to take your college entrance exams. Maybe rein in your playful side for now. When your exams are over, your sister will be sure to throw you a grand coming-of-age celebration.”

“How about this, brother-in-law? Since you’re free, why don’t you take me to the banquet? I promise I won’t cause any trouble. We’ll just take a look and come right back, okay?” To his surprise, Su Qingxue’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she suddenly came up with the idea.

“Take you there? Impossible. Your sister told me to stay home and keep an eye on you,” Moran refused gently.

“Fine, then take me to the company tomorrow. I haven’t been there in ages,” Su Qingxue insisted.

“Don’t you have class tomorrow? Why go to the company?” Moran was at a loss—his innocent and lively sister-in-law was truly impossible to refuse.

“I have an exam tomorrow. It’ll be over by three in the afternoon,” Su Qingxue said, scratching her head as if something was weighing on her mind.

“Oh? Anything else?” As the only person in this family who had ever treated him kindly, Moran naturally paid her extra attention. He smiled warmly and asked.