DASFAM_28

"......"

Facing the sudden interrogation, Fang Yuhua's back stiffened.

Bai Xu noticed something unusual from her expression and chose to remain silent at the right moment, minimizing his presence.

As expected, some guests around began to catch on, "Does the Old Master mean that the Bai couple wasn't on the guest list?"

Someone chimed in, "That must be it. I was wondering, I've never seen the Bai family at similar level banquets before? Did they get in through connections?"

The discussion opened the floodgates, and a mocking voice mixed into the crowd, "Each circle has its own rules. If even the most basic entry threshold can be messed with, it really devalues the whole thing."

"Alright, shh, say no more!"

"......"

Perhaps out of respect for Old Master Shang, the surrounding murmurs quieted down somewhat, but the disdainful glances directed at Bai Rendao grew increasingly intense, almost piercing through him!

Bai Rendao was no longer as composed and calm as before; his face quickly flushed with embarrassment!

Old Master Shang turned his authoritative gaze toward the one who had caused all this and, without showing anger, his presence alone commanded respect, "Second daughter-in-law, I'm asking you a question."

Qian Shuling still wanted to salvage some dignity for herself and her husband, so she quickly interjected, "Old Master, it was the Second Madam who invited us here. After all, our two families are, in a way, related by marriage. We just wanted to come and congratulate you and the Old Madam, and also to visit..."

Bai Rendao hurriedly tried to stop her, "Enough!" 

Wasn't this humiliation bad enough? The more they tried to explain, the more awkward it became! He had never felt so ashamed in his life and wished he could just disappear into a hole in the ground!

The next second, Fang Yuhua spoke up to refute, "Madam Bai, what nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever invite you?"

She glared at Qian Shuling across from her, feeling almost as if she could strangle the woman.

The guest list for this banquet had been drafted by her and then reviewed by Old Master Shang. Initially, the Bai couple had not been on the list. However, due to the business dealings behind the 'marriage alliance', the Bai family had maintained some connection with the second branch.

Upon learning about the high-profile nature of the banquet's guest list, the Bai family wanted an invitation to expand their own network. Consequently, Qian Shuling had privately sent Fang Yuhua many gifts and lavished her with flattery.

During this period, Fang Yuhua had been somewhat carried away by all the adulation.

She thought that as long as these two didn't cause any trouble at the banquet, adding two more names at the end of the list shouldn't be a problem. She might even use the 'small family' status to put some pressure on Bai Xu.

Therefore, with this little scheme in mind, Fang Yuhua didn't report the matter to Old Master Shang, arrogantly assuming she had the authority to open the backdoor.

Unexpectedly, the Bai couple immediately walked into the line of fire upon arrival, dragging her down with them!

Shang Yun observed the Old Master's expression and silently removed his wife's hand from his arm, "Yuhua, what exactly is going on?"

Fang Yuhua, her hand now empty, paused for a moment before defending herself, "They claimed to be relatives of the third branch and shamelessly begged me for invitations for several days! I thought..."

She cast a pleading look towards the Old Madam, trying to portray herself as considerate, "After all, they are related to Bai Xu, so out of courtesy, I agreed to invite them."

Hearing this, Zhang Changning couldn't help but whisper into Bai Xu's ear, "Tsk, now she knows to use you as a shield?"

Bai Xu watched the unfolding drama indifferently; there was no need for him to add to the scene.

After all, such occasions shouldn't become too tense, lest the guests be treated to a spectacle. By maintaining an appropriate silence and not adding to the chaos, he could actually make a better impression.

Old Madam Shang was a sensible person, "All who come are guests."

She looked at the silent Bai Xu and the stiff Bai couple, stepping in to smooth things over, "Bai Xu is a part of our Shang family. As the Second daughter-in-law said, out of respect for him, we should have invited Mr. and Mrs. Bai."

Old Madam Shang's vision and emotional intelligence were high; even a casual remark showed her level. The implication was that the Bai couple's presence at the banquet was entirely due to the Shang family's regard for Bai Xu.

She turned to the visibly embarrassed Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling, "It's our Shang family's oversight in hospitality. We ask for your understanding regarding any oversights."

"No, no, how could we dare accept such a thing?"

"My wife and I just came to deliver a congratulatory gift to the elders. We'll leave right after."

Bai Rendao couldn't bear to stay any longer and quickly took the opportunity to exit, "Old Master Shang, we'll visit you again another time when the opportunity arises."

Old Master Shang nodded slightly, offering no polite words of retention.

If the Bai family were still under the leadership of the Patriarch Bai, he would indeed have given them some face. But now, with Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling at the helm, he truly couldn't bring himself to regard them highly.

Bai Rendao and Qian Shuling hurried away under the watchful eyes of the crowd, their retreating figures somewhat disheveled and embarrassed.

Bai Xu withdrew his gaze, a subtle curve forming at the corner of his mouth:

Coveting what does not belong to oneself will ultimately result in lifting a stone only to drop it on one's own feet. The Bai family has truly lost face this time! From today onwards, the gossip in the Imperial Capital's social circles will have one more topic to discuss!

"......"

Old Master Shang cast a deep glance at Bai Xu and took control of the conversation, "Has everyone arrived yet?"

Shang Yun, aware that his wife had displeased the Old Master, stepped forward to answer, "Dad, all the guests have arrived, it's just that some of our own family members are still missing."

In front of everyone, he specifically mentioned the other branches of the family, "Elder sister just called, saying she's temporarily stuck in traffic and won't be able to make it for a while, and younger sister is still abroad."

Old Master Shang thought of his daughter who refused to marry and only wanted to have fun, and snorted, "Never mind her."

Old Madam Shang smiled and chimed in, "Your younger sister just had a video call with us. By the way, where is Xiao Yan?"

This question was directed at Bai Xu.

Bai Xu did not deliberately mention Shang Queyan's rehabilitation, "Old Madam, the Fourth Young Master will also be here soon."

Old Master Shang had been feeling uneasy since early morning, and now he couldn't help but feel a bit irritable, "None of them are taking this seriously!"

Don't they see what an important day today is?

It's already time, and more than half of the family members are still missing!

Old Madam Shang patted his wrist to soothe him, softening her tone, "Alright, it's good enough that the children can come back. What does it matter if they're early or late? Let's get everyone seated quickly. At such an age, let's not make a scene."

Old Master Shang took the advice and calmed his breathing, adopting the demeanor of a host, "Everyone, sorry for the spectacle, please take your seats!"

Old Madam Shang also added, "Thank you all for being here today."

"Old Madam, you're too kind."

"In the Imperial Capital's social circles, who doesn't know that you and the Old Master are a loving couple? Today, we all have the chance to come and envy you a bit."

"That's right."

Amidst the sincere and flattering responses, everyone found their seats and settled down.

Bai Xu was seated next to the two Zhang brothers.

Zhang Changning leaned over to ask him, "Bai Xu, how is Queyan's rehabilitation going? I've been asking him on WeChat recently, and he only ever replies with 'it's okay'."

Bai Xu smiled, "It should be pretty good. Why don't you see for yourself when you meet him later?"

"Okay."

The banquet hall doors were suddenly pushed open from the outside, followed by a slight commotion from the crowd at the back.

Bai Xu turned his head to look, but the backlight from the overhead lights blurred his vision. Zhang Changning, who had craned his neck, also couldn't see clearly, "Who is it, making such an entrance?"

Zhang Changxu, sitting on the same side, spoke up to alert them, "It seems to be Shang Qishun and his family."

"......"

The first branch?

Bai Xu's expression changed slightly, and he soon got a clear view of the legendary 'Shang family's first branch'.

The leading middle-aged woman was dressed in a black suit dress, with a model-standard figure. Her hair was all tied up at the back, and the arrogance between her eyebrows was somewhat similar to that of Old Master Shang.

The middle-aged man following her, although dressed in a high-end custom suit, was at most 1.75 meters tall and showed signs of middle-aged weight gain, looking quite ordinary.

Zhang Changning leaned closer to Bai Xu to gossip, "Bai Xu, this must be your first time meeting the first branch, right? Look, the one walking in front is the Old Master's eldest daughter."

When Shang Keyi graduated from university, the Shang company was at a critical stage of going public, and she helped Old Master Shang solve many thorny problems.

Shang Keyi was famously outstanding and beautiful in the Imperial Capital's social circles at that time, with countless suitors.

"Her husband is called Wu Wei, and he's a live-in son-in-law."

"I heard that he initially applied to be Shang Keyi's administrative secretary, and then somehow they ended up together. Grandfather Shang was furious about it."

Zhang Changxu stared at his chattering younger brother, "Where did you hear all this from? Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm not talking nonsense, Grandfather told me all this before he passed away," Zhang Changning shrugged his nose and continued to chatter to his friend, "The relationship between father and daughter became very strained because of this, and the Old Master even suspended her position for a long time."

But Shang Keyi was too stubborn to break up, and in the end, the man willingly became a live-in son-in-law, which barely made Old Master Shang nod in agreement.

"They only had one son after marriage, who took the Shang surname and is nominally the Old Master's first grandson, Shang Qishun."

As they spoke, Shang Qishun, who was following behind, came into Bai Xu's view.

The man was dressed in a dark champagne-colored suit, his superior height clearly inherited from his mother. He wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and from a distance, he really had the air of a cultured scoundrel.

As they got closer, Bai Xu understood the reason for the earlier surprise from the back rows—

Shang Qishun was accompanied by a young girl with a striking appearance, and the two were intimately holding hands.

Only then did Zhang Changning notice this, "Wow, brother, has Shang Qishun got a girlfriend? When did this happen?"

Zhang Changxu, not familiar with Shang Qishun, replied, "I don't know."

Bai Xu did not join the brothers' discussion, his gaze firmly locked on Shang Qishun with a hint of scrutiny.

Suddenly, Shang Qishun's gaze swept over as he walked, briefly but distinctly pausing on Bai Xu's face for a second before hurriedly moving on.

"......"

The first impression between people is very important.

In the original story, there was a rival who was as outstanding as Shang Yanxiao and caused many troubles for Shang Queyan. Now, seeing him in person, Bai Xu felt an indescribable sense of awkward hostility.

In the silence, the first branch of the family walked straight to the front of the main table, greeting the Shang couple.

"Dad, Mom."

"Grandfather, Grandmother, we're back."

Old Master Shang was as steady as Mount Tai, "It's good that you're back."

Old Madam Shang, noticing the young girl beside her eldest grandson, was both surprised and delighted, "Qishun, who is this?"

Shang Qishun had anticipated this unavoidable question and tightened his grip on the hand of the person beside him, "Grandfather, Grandmother, let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Bai Hui."

Bai Hui showed a proper smile, "Old Master Shang, Old Madam Shang, hello, it's our first meeting. I wish you both good health."

Some guests began to gossip curiously, "The Bai family? Which Bai family?"

"Why does this girl look somewhat familiar to me?"

Shang Keyi took the opportunity to introduce, "Dad, Mom, Bai Hui's father is the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Commerce for Foreign Affairs. The cross-sea bridge project that our Shang family has undertaken was personally led by Deputy Minister Bai. Xiao Hui and Qishun met through work."

She looked at the two young people beside her and raised her voice slightly, "The two have not been dating for long, but they get along very well in all aspects. If nothing unexpected happens, both parties plan to get engaged in the second half of the year."

Shang Keyi's seemingly simple introduction actually contained a huge implication—

Bai Hui is the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Commerce? And Shang Qishun is going to be engaged to her in the second half of the year?

If the Shang family has this connection, wouldn't it add another layer of security and covert assistance for the approval and construction of large overseas projects in the future?

Many guests reacted and offered their congratulations on the surface, "Oh, the first branch hasn't returned to the country for more than three months, and they come back with a big surprise! Congratulations to the Old Master and the Old Madam, you're going to have such a beautiful granddaughter-in-law!"

Some guests sitting in the back rows also whispered, "Look at the way they 'deliver surprises'. Not to mention the second branch, even if the third branch were here, they couldn't compare, right?"

"Hey, if I remember correctly, wasn't that cross-sea project originally managed by Shang Yanxiao? What a pity, the almost finalized project was handed over to the first branch."

"Isn't this fate too? Compared to the family background of the young lady from the Bai family, Miss Bai is worlds apart."

"Just looking at Miss Bai and Shang Yanxiao, they actually seem quite a match."

"Don't talk nonsense, didn't they just say they're getting engaged to Shang Qishun? What does it have to do with the third branch?"

Zhang Changning, hearing the obviously excessive comments from the table behind, muttered in annoyance, "Why do these people have so much to say even while eating?"

He cautiously looked at the person beside him, "Bai Xu, don't take it to heart."

A flicker of interest passed through Bai Xu's downcast eyes. If he remembered correctly—

In the original story, Shang Qishun did have a 'prospective fiancée' from a good family, but the two had a falling out on the day of the engagement banquet and did not end up together.

"Bai Xu? What are you thinking about?"

"Ah?"

Bai Xu snapped back to reality, with a tone of watching a good show, "The one who should be concerned now isn't me. The first branch is stealing the spotlight, and someone is feeling upset about it."

Zhang Changning didn't catch on, "Who?"

Bai Xu gestured with his eyes towards the direction of the second branch, "There."

At this moment, Shang Yun and Fang Yuhua were sitting diagonally in front, the couple watching the first branch's family, their fake smiling expressions almost identical and stiff.

Fang Yuhua picked up a glass of warm water beside her, gritting her teeth as she swallowed down the sourness:

This family, talking about being late due to traffic? It was clearly deliberate, planning to make a grand entrance to steal the show!

"......"

The first branch of the family, having received Old Master Shang's permission, took their seats at the vacant spots.

Shang Keyi met Fang Yuhua's envious gaze, her words laced with hidden barbs, "Second sister-in-law, you've been working hard recently, I've heard all about it. You've been bustling around making arrangements for this banquet."

The scene was as if the Shang family was already under the control of the second branch.

How could Shang Yun not detect the pointed remarks? He spoke up for his wife, "Elder Sister, Yuhua is the daughter-in-law of the Shang family, it's only right for her to put in some effort. What's most important is that Mom and Dad are happy."

Fang Yuhua, bolstered by her husband's support, quickly regained some of her fighting spirit, "Yes, Elder sister, Brother-in-law, your family arrived fashionably late, I wonder what surprises you've prepared for Mom and Dad?"

A guest who sided with the first branch spoke up, "The Eldest Young Master of the Shang family and Miss Bai are getting engaged in the second half of the year, and next year they'll give the old Shang couple a great-grandchild, four generations under one roof, how wonderful."

The latter part of the sentence was emphasized particularly clearly.

Bai Hui, upon hearing this, showed a faint trace of aversion but did not act out due to the occasion.

Shang Qishun took over the conversation, "Xiao Hui and I are in no rush. The second phase of the cross-sea bridge is about to commence. I presume Grandfather has already heard the news?"

Old Master Shang nodded in satisfaction, "Yes, well done, but let's not talk about work today. We'll discuss it another day."

"Yes, Grandfather."

Shang Qishun then turned the question back, "Seeing the way Second Aunt is, it seems she has prepared a nice gift for Grandfather and Grandmother? By the way, why haven't I seen Songming and Le'er?"

Fang Yuhua replied, "It's kind of you to care about your younger siblings. Our second branch has naturally prepared gifts."

"......"

The guests present watched the back-and-forth between the two parties, enjoying the spectacle without saying a word.

Bai Xu, estimating that the atmosphere for 'gift-giving' was about right, quickly sent out a message on his phone.

The moment the WeChat message was sent, Shang Songming, who had been absent all along, walked in with two attendants.

The latter two were carrying a large solid wood frame, but the central image was completely obscured, shrouded in mystery.

"Grandfather, Grandma, I'm late."

Shang Songming, feeling the surrounding gazes focusing on him, contained a hint of excitement, "I just retrieved the gift I wanted to give you two."

Old Madam Shang knew that these younger generations were trying in various ways to please the couple, and she played along, "So big? What have you sent us?"

Fang Yuhua, following her husband's cue, stood up and helped the Old Madam Shang, "Mom, why don't you uncover it yourself and see?"

Some guests also spoke up for the second branch, "Yes, Old Madam, it's so thoughtful of the second branch. Uncover it now, and let us have a look too."

Unable to resist everyone's enthusiasm, Old Madam Shang walked closer and tugged at a corner of the thin paper. The covering paper fixed on the frame slid off smoothly, revealing the true masterpiece hidden within—

It was a large double-sided Su embroidery, depicting the Shang couple walking hand in hand, with the front and back showing their faces and backs respectively.

Old Madam Shang, who had always loved classical culture, genuinely showed delight in her eyes, "The embroidery is truly exquisite."

Fang Yuhua knew that the gift had found the right recipient, "Mom, this was the idea of Songming and Le'er, the two siblings. To ensure this embroidery piece was completed on time, Songming carefully selected and hired ten embroiderers and personally supervised the process for nearly a month to achieve this final product."

Such a large embroidery piece, completed in such a short timeframe, yet refined to this level of detail, is indeed rare.

Among the guests, there were compliments, admiration, and, of course, no shortage of flattery.

Fang Yuhua had already discreetly taken measurements earlier and seized the moment to suggest, "Mom, I think the size would be perfect for hanging in the resting area of your third-floor master bedroom!"

Bai Xu, observing from a distance, couldn't help but marvel at the second branch's clever strategy—

Hanging it in the master bedroom?

In this way, whenever the elders see this embroidery, they will inevitably think of the second branch of the family, subtly deepening their impression.

Old Madam Shang did not immediately agree but instead looked to Old Master Shang for a silent inquiry.

Old Master Shang sat steadily in his seat, his expression calm yet not dismissive, "The children have put their hearts into this. You can place it wherever you like."

"Then we'll decide after the banquet," Old Madam Shang did not make a decision on the spot but patted Fang Yuhua's hand, "The second branch has worked hard, and the banquet has been well organized."

Fang Yuhua, receiving this acknowledgment, immediately felt that she had regained her dignity, "Mom, it's our duty."

Earlier, the first branch, Shang Qishun, brought along his current girlfriend and the good news of the project's commencement, and now Shang Songming, representing the second branch, presented a giant Su embroidery. The two families were engaged in a subtle competition, neither willing to be outdone.

In essence, they were going to great lengths to please the elder Shangs.

Some guests, eager to stir the pot, deliberately let slip a few probing remarks—

"The first and second branches have both presented gifts, so why hasn't the third branch made a move?"

"Third Young Master is still unconscious, and Fourth Young Master hasn't shown up. That leaves Bai Xu, who probably can't take charge, right?"

"Definitely, he doesn't manage the company's projects, and the family's finances are likely out of his reach. What could he possibly offer that's noteworthy?"

"It seems Bai Xu hasn't made much of an impact since joining the third branch."

"Well, it looks like after today, the third branch is completely out of the running."

"......"

Bai Xu always had his own rhythm in mind. He let these comments go in one ear and out the other, even finding the leisure to sip his champagne a couple more times.

Buzz, buzz.

The phone hidden in his pocket vibrated.

At the same time, Shang Songming's malicious question was thrown his way, "Bai Xu, it's one thing for Yanxiao to be unconscious, but why hasn't Queyan shown up yet? Is this how the third branch celebrates for Grandparents?"

He was still holding onto the anger from the last time Bai Xu mocked him for losing face, eager to get even.

Old Master Shang secretly glanced at his trouble-making grandson, the faint smile on his lips fading:

Opening his mouth only to reveal his pettiness!

How old is he? What kind of example is he setting by being so petty?

Bai Xu slowly set down his wine glass, his gaze steady and unwavering, "Second Young Master, how can you be so sure that our third branch has prepared nothing?"

The more important the role, the later they should make their entrance.

His gentle voice carried no strong offensive, yet it effortlessly captured everyone's attention.

The guests, as if on cue, shifted their focus to Bai Xu, who calmly walked to the front of the main table and politely addressed the elder Shangs, "Grandfather, Grandmother, I have brought someone back with me."

Madam Shang inquired, "Oh? Brought someone back?"

"Yes, but I didn't have an extra invitation, so I didn't dare to let them enter the banquet hall without permission."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance at Fang Yuhua, subtly throwing shade without missing a beat.

"......"

Fang Yuhua, realizing the implication, was visibly annoyed.

Bai Xu didn't linger his gaze on her and continued to seek Old Master Shang's approval, "If you both don't mind, may I have someone bring him in?"

Old Master Shang, noticing Bai Xu's composed and respectful demeanor, felt a rare stir of curiosity, "Alright."

He was eager to see what Bai Xu was up to.

Having received the consent, Bai Xu made a call in front of everyone, "It's settled, please bring the guest in."

–

TL: Muji

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