The moment Ah Qian spoke, the room fell silent.
The Lin Family members all turned to look at Xu Tao, completely incredulous. They had previously thought Xu Tao was being arrogant and boastful, but they never expected that no sooner had the words left his mouth, Ah Qian himself would arrive in person to deliver the invitation. What an incredible show of respect!
Lin Fei looked at her fiancé, her eyes filled with admiration.
At that moment, Xu Tao snapped out of his daze. He smiled and jogged up, putting an arm around Ah Qian's shoulder. "Brother Qian, you really didn't have to. Why didn't you give me a heads-up before coming?"
Ah Qian's gaze was fixed on Luo Xiu, who was still seated. He recalled how Luo Xiu had beaten him up at Yue Huang, and feelings of resentment and frustration rose in his heart. Hearing Xu Tao's voice, he turned and glanced at him. "And you are?"
Xu Tao was taken aback for a second, then plastered a smile on his face. "Me? I'm Xiao Tao, the one who had drinks with you last time."
In truth, Ah Qian didn't really know Xu Tao; they had only met once while drinking at a KTV. The Sun Family had sent him to deliver the invitation to the Lin Family, and it was naturally because of Luo Xiu. As for someone like Xu Tao, he didn't even deem him worthy of a second glance.
But considering the guy might have some connection to Luo Xiu, he forced a smile out of courtesy, patted Xu Tao's shoulder, and feigned friendliness. "Let's grab a drink together when you're free next time."
"Definitely!" Xu Tao chuckled. He felt as if he was about to float away.He truly hadn't expected that even someone like Ah Qian would show him so much respect. In fact, he had been quite nervous when Ah Qian first arrived.
He scanned the other Lin Family members, who were too afraid to speak, and his face filled with pride.
"Brother Qian, why not sit down and have a drink?"
"No thanks, I've got other things to do. The invitation is delivered, so I need to get back and report to my master."
With that, Ah Qian glanced at Luo Xiu again. Noticing that Luo Xiu was still ignoring him and just eating without a care, he decided not to seek further embarrassment. He handed the invitation to Xu Tao, turned, and promptly left.
Once Ah Qian was gone, the living room erupted.
Everyone crowded around Xu Tao.
"Xiao Tao, I can't believe you're really so close with Ah Qian! I thought you were bluffing!"
"Our Lin Family is truly fortunate to have you!"
"Ah Tao, is this… is this really the invitation to Grand Elder Sun's birthday banquet?" Lin Daqi asked excitedly.
"Of course! Brother Qian personally delivered it to me. How could it be fake?" Xu Tao replied, patting the gilt invitation in his hand with a proud expression. He then sighed dramatically. "It's all Brother Qian's fault for being too hasty. I was actually planning to give you a surprise, Grandpa."
Lin Daqi stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "You rascal, you really have your ways!"
Just then, the sound of Luo Xiu burping echoed from the side.
Everyone turned to look at him with scorn.
Luo Xiu, however, was oblivious to them all. He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his belly with a satisfied look. He had always had an impressive appetite.
Xu Tao's expression darkened. He strode over to Luo Xiu and said coldly, "Luo Xiu, watch your manners from now on!"
Lin Fei curled her lip in disgust. "That country bumpkin has no class. When Brother Qian was here, he just kept eating like a pig. Does he have any shame? He's a disgrace to the Lin Family!"
"Didn't you see? Brother Qian glared at him several times! The look in his eyes was so fierce, it was like he wanted to kill him!"
"Exactly!" another Lin Family member added. "We're lucky Young Master Sun didn't mind."
Xu Tao laughed. "It's not that Brother Qian didn't mind; it's that he doesn't even see him as a person. Brother Qian is on a different level. Why would he bother with someone like Luo Xiu?"
At that moment, Luo Xiu slowly stood up, stretched lazily, and said to Xu Tao, "For Xi Yue's sake, I won't bother with an idiot like you."
Luo Xiu couldn't even be bothered to lift a finger against someone like Xu Tao.
"Hah, so arrogant for a country bumpkin," Lin Fei sneered, then turned to Lin Daqi. "Grandfather, when we attend Grand Elder Sun's birthday banquet, we absolutely cannot bring this country bumpkin with us!"
The rest of the Lin Family members immediately voiced their agreement. These people, who normally harbored ulterior motives and devious thoughts, were now surprisingly unanimous. They all felt that bringing such a country bumpkin to that kind of event would be a disgrace. A disgrace to the entire Lin Family!
Lin Xiyue shook her head helplessly and said to Luo Xiu, "I'll give you the day off. You can just stay home and rest."
She didn't want Luo Xiu to go either, but her reason wasn't fear of him embarrassing the Lin Family. Rather, she was worried he would run into trouble. After all, quite a few wealthy heirs coveted her, the number one beauty of Sea City. Luo Xiu's presence would most likely provoke them into making things difficult for him.
Luo Xiu just shrugged indifferently and turned to go upstairs. "Don't worry about me. I wasn't interested in going anyway."
Watching his retreating figure, everyone ground their teeth in frustration.
"That country bumpkin! What an attitude!"
「Time flowed like water. In the blink of an eye, it was Sun Gaozhi's eightieth birthday.」
Early that morning, after dressing up meticulously, the Lin Family set off for Sea City's largest hotel—the Haitian Hotel.
With their invitation, the group was ushered to the VIP seats. Feeling the envious and astonished gazes from those around them, the Lin Family members beamed with pride. Whenever they spotted a big shot they usually only saw on TV or in the newspapers, they would immediately go over to greet them and try to curry favor.
While working with the Sun Family directly seemed unrealistic, attending such an event offered other opportunities. Just as Xu Tao had said, networking with prominent figures and becoming familiar faces would greatly benefit the Lin Family.
"Brother Lin, long time no see."
Smiling broadly and looking full of energy, Sun Gaozhi approached Lin Daqi, accompanied by A Gui and Su Shenyun.
Lin Daqi was flattered that Sun Gaozhi had come over to greet him personally. The entire Lin Family table hastily stood up. They were all anxious and awestruck, the moment feeling completely surreal.
"Congratulations, Elder Brother Sun, on your full recovery."
Sun Gaozhi waved his hand dismissively and laughed. "It is I who should be congratulating you. You've found yourself a fine grandson-in-law!" He patted Lin Daqi's shoulder. "By the way, where is that grandson-in-law of yours? Why don't I see him?"
It was only then that he realized Luo Xiu wasn't there.
Hearing this, Xu Tao hurried over to introduce himself. "Old Master Sun, hello. I'm Xu Tao. You can just call me Xiao Tao."
He was certain that the "fine grandson-in-law" Sun Gaozhi mentioned was him. After all, he had recently been named one of the top ten outstanding youths of Sea City. He presumed Sun Gaozhi had taken notice of his potential.
Lin Fei also stepped forward. Elegantly and politely, she extended her hand to Sun Gaozhi. "Grandpa Sun, hello. I am Ah Tao's fiancée. We're getting married next year. You must come to our wedding!"
Sun Gaozhi and his companions were left speechless.