DASFAM

April 01, 2025

DASFAM_34

The car drove into the venue of the banquet—

The Fulida Five-Star Hotel, the tallest landmark building in the area.

Xie Qi took advantage of the slow-moving vehicle to turn slightly toward Shang Yanxiao, "Third Young Master, are you sure you want to go in with Mr. Xiao Bai?"

Although they had successfully left the country, that didn’t mean no one would recognize them.

After all, the Shang family was too prominent. If someone at tonight’s banquet recognized Shang Yanxiao, wouldn’t all their previous efforts to stay under the radar be in vain?

"I know what I'm doing."

Shang Yanxiao responded almost imperceptibly, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Find a place nearby to wait. I’ll contact you if anything comes up."

Xie Qi and Chen Yufei exchanged a glance before replying in unison, "Understood."

Bai Xu watched as Shang Yanxiao once again concealed himself completely and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Shang Yanxiao turned his head, "What’s so funny?"

Bai Xu shook his head with a hint of amusement, "Nothing, just thinking that the bodyguard I brought is a little too handsome, your 'vest' might not hold for long."

Shang Yanxiao sighed in resignation but remained unbothered, "If it really can’t be hidden, so be it. I’m not in the country right now anyway. Those people will probably only speed up their 'moves' once they find out."

As soon as he finished speaking, the car came to a stop in front of the hotel.

Shang Yanxiao subtly steadied his breathing and was the first to step out.

At the same time, a greeter approached. Xie Qi rolled down the window and handed over the prepared invitation, "Zhouye Investments, Mr. Bai."

The invitation had been secured through connections at the last minute. Bai Xu’s identity for the evening was simple, he was playing the part of the young master of the Bai family from China, though publicly, he was presenting himself as the founder of an independent investment firm.

Of course, the true capital behind the company was Shang Yanxiao.

Faced with an unfamiliar guest, the attendant took the invitation with visible skepticism, "Apologies, one moment."

He spent an unusually long time cross-checking the details on his phone. Though thorough, his manner carried an undertone of dismissive mistrust.

Bai Xu rolled down his window, "Are we done here?"

His side-parted bangs fully revealed his delicate features—naturally soft and warm, yet upon closer inspection, there was a faint trace of impatience in his gaze.

With just one slightly raised brow, an air of innate, effortless arrogance radiated from him.

The attendant promptly confirmed his identity and, sensing the impatience in his gaze, quickly stepped forward, "Young Master Bai, my apologies for the delay. Please allow me—"

He reached out to assist Bai Xu out of the car, but before his fingers could even brush the fabric of his sleeve, his wrist was seized in an iron grip.

"Our young master doesn’t like being touched by strangers. I’ll handle it."

"......"

The attendant froze, feeling the unyielding pressure on his wrist. He looked up.

The man before him wore an ordinary bodyguard’s uniform, but his towering height was overwhelming. Beneath the brim of his cap, his eyes were cold and penetrating, so much so that the attendant didn’t dare hold his gaze for long.

Shang Yanxiao held him in place for a solid two seconds before releasing him. The attendant swallowed nervously, "My apologies."

With that, he quickly retreated to make space.

Shang Yanxiao leaned toward the car door and extended his hand, "Young Master, let’s go."

Bai Xu understood Shang Yanxiao’s preemptive move and smirked, smoothly taking his hand.

The warmth of his palm enveloped Bai Xu’s fingers securely, guiding him out of the car with steady assurance.

Bai Xu swiftly schooled his expression back to indifference and glanced at the now-deferential attendant, "Are we cleared? May I enter now?"

The attendant, no longer dismissive of the unfamiliar name, hurriedly replied, "Of course, right this way."

Only after watching Bai Xu and Shang Yanxiao step into the private elevator did he finally exhale in relief.

A fellow attendant, taking advantage of the lull, sidled up curiously, "Devin, who were those two just now? You looked so tense, and I don’t think I’ve seen them before."

Having worked as greeters at this five-star hotel for quite some time, they had—if not all—at least seen and recognized most of the elite families and rising business tycoons in half of Singapura.

The attendant named 'Devin' exhaled, still feeling the cold sweat on his back, "They’re from China, the young master of the Bai family. Though I suppose we should be calling him ‘Mr. Bai’ now?"

"Oh~"

His colleague responded with intrigue, whispering, "He’s quite good-looking, isn’t he? Sweet and delicate, probably has a nice personality?"

At the very least, he didn’t seem like one of those spoiled rich heirs who threw their weight around.

"......"

Sweet?

Devin disagreed with a scoff, "You should’ve been the one to greet him. Get a close-up of that ‘young master’s’ aura, trust me, he’s not someone to mess with."

"Oh, and did you see the bodyguard next to him?"

His colleague nodded, "Now that you mention it, after seeing so many CEOs, their wives, and the entourages of young masters and heiresses… that guy just now stood out from a distance."

"‘Stood out’ is an understatement."

Devin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself but not daring to speak openly—

That reaction just now, gripping his hand to stop him from touching Young Master Bai, how could that possibly resemble a bodyguard protecting their charge? It was more like someone guarding their own lover!

...

The elevator was rapidly ascending to the top floor.

Bai Xu glanced at Shang Yanxiao, who stood silently behind him, and remarked, "That move of yours just now must have scared the waiter."

Shang Yanxiao replied in a low voice, "That wasn’t scaring. They just needed a clear understanding of who you are. Waiters at this level serve countless elites and business magnates, they have their own private information networks."

"Often, people’s perception of you comes from their words."

Bai Xu understood the stakes, "Then guess, what kind of person do you think they’re describing me as now?"

Shang Yanxiao let him continue, "Hm?"

Bai Xu teased, "They'll definitely say that the new young master named Bai Xu has a very cold bodyguard following him around~"

Hearing his playful tone, the corner of Shang Yanxiao’s mouth curved slightly beneath his mask, "Nervous? Once we step inside, it’ll be up to you."

"Not nervous."

Bai Xu met Shang Yanxiao’s gaze in the elevator’s reflective door, masking his confidence beneath a calm exterior, "If anything goes wrong, won’t you have my back? The real question is, has Zhang Songyang, the man we’re here to outplay, arrived yet?"

Shang Yanxiao answered, "We’ll find out once we’re inside."

Ding!

The elevator chimed with a mechanical voice, "Dear passenger, you have arrived at the 59th floor. Please watch your step when exiting."

The doors slid open, and the unmistakable aura of an elite soirée swept over them—

A blend of fine wines, fresh floral arrangements, and countless perfumes lingered in the air. Small sculptures, fountains, and ornate wall paintings adorned the space, while the grand crystal chandelier overhead shimmered with dazzling brilliance.

Everything about it was designed to enchant and overwhelm the senses.

Bai Xu took in the sprawling banquet area before him, "Looks like they’ve merged most of the floor into one space? Impressive."

Shang Yanxiao caught his underlying meaning and cut straight to the point, "Let’s ask someone."

"Okay."

Bai Xu casually picked up a flute of champagne from the nearest tower of glasses and signaled a waiter, "Excuse me."

The attendant approached with practiced politeness, "Good evening, sir. How may I assist you?"

Bai Xu got straight to business, "Could you check if Mr. Zhang Songyang, Chairman of Juesheng Medical, has arrived yet?"

At high-profile business banquets like this, all invited guests are registered in the system as soon as they enter the hotel, this ensures smooth logistics and prevents any oversights.

The waiter didn’t refuse Bai Xu’s request, "One moment, sir."

He pulled out the handheld system device he carried and checked before replying, "Sir, the banquet has only just begun an hour ago. Chairman Zhang hasn’t arrived yet, but he is on the guest list. Would you like to enter and wait inside?"

"Thanks."

Bai Xu strode into the venue, with Shang Yanxiao following silently behind him.

"Let’s find a seat and stay put instead of wandering around?"

Their objective tonight was clear: locate Zhang Songyang of Juesheng Medical and establish initial contact, setting the stage for a separate, more substantive discussion later.

Given the crowded, high-profile nature of the event, and Shang Yanxiao’s current circumstances, keeping a low profile was the priority.

"Alright."

...

The two walked over to the exclusive lounge area and took the two most secluded seats in the corner.

Bai Xu swirled the champagne in his hand, just about to take a satisfying sip, when Shang Yanxiao stopped him with pinpoint accuracy, "Try to avoid drinking tonight if you can."

Bai Xu grumbled, "Not even one glass?"

Shang Yanxiao coaxed, "Your allergy just cleared up less than a week ago, better to be careful outside. Also, I heard from Changxu that your alcohol tolerance is about the same as Changning's? Neither of you can hold your liquor well?"

"......"

Bai Xu knew Shang Yanxiao meant well, but he couldn't help muttering after hearing the latter part, "Bodyguard, I suggest you watch your wording."

Shang Yanxiao, unusually slow to catch on this time, asked, "What?"

Bai Xu declared emphatically, "I’m capable. In every aspect."

Only then did Shang Yanxiao grasp his meaning, and his eyes instantly softened with amusement, "En."

Bai Xu narrowed his eyes, "That ‘en’ sounded way too perfunctory."

"It wasn’t."

Shang Yanxiao denied it and shifted the topic to business matters, "You've reviewed all the background information on Zhang Songyang and Juesheng Medical, right?"

"Of course."

Xie Qi had sent him all the due diligence materials by Tuesday morning—

Zhang Songyang's parents immigrated from China to the new city in Singapore early in their lives. He studied at the medical academy and, after graduating with a master's degree, he went to work at the hospital affiliated with the school.

It is said that he was one of the youngest surgeons at the Singapore Academy of Medical Sciences back then, with a bright future ahead.

Ten years ago, Zhang Songyang was forced to suspend his duties due to a medical dispute incident, which also left his hand injured. Disheartened, he ultimately chose to resign from the hospital after the medical malpractice case was settled.

Three years later, he co-founded Juesheng Medical with a friend, returning to the medical field in a new role and capacity.

In later media interviews, Zhang Songyang expressed immense gratitude toward his mentor, Academician Chen Zhen, stating that without the elder's guidance and support during his darkest times, he would never have found the strength to rise again.

In recent years, under the leadership of Zhang Songyang, Juesheng Medical has rapidly developed and surged to the forefront of Singapore's medical equipment industry.

If they can successfully acquire AW and comprehensively roll out its newly developed AI-powered medical electronic instruments, Juesheng Medical is poised to reach even greater heights in Singapore!

Bai Xu briefly reviewed Zhang Songyang's background check and remarked casually, "Speaking of which, Chairman Zhang is already in his forties."

Shang Yanxiao nodded, "Forty-seven or forty-eight. Why?"

Bai Xu lowered his voice, revealing, "Business opponents and friends from different age groups require different approaches, negotiation tactics vary too."

"A businessman like Zhang Songyang, who comes from a medical background, probably values time cost above all else. It's like finding the precise incision point, one decisive cut is better than repeatedly hesitating with the scalpel in midair."

Saving lives in critical situations follows a similar logic to securing investments for the right projects.

Understanding the underlying implication in Bai Xu's words, Shang Yanxiao didn't argue, "Seems like the young master is quite versed in business negotiations?"

"Not bad," Bai Xu hummed vaguely, standing up, "Since Chairman Zhang hasn’t arrived yet, I’ll make a quick trip to the restroom first."

Shang Yanxiao’s gaze followed him, but Bai Xu seemed to catch on and stopped him in time, "Ah, just stay here and keep an eye out for when Zhang Songyang shows up."

"......"

"We agreed. Tonight, you follow my lead~"

Bai Xu asserted his dominance, lightly tapping his lapel pin and ear with a meaningful glance. If something comes up, he can step in then.

Shang Yanxiao had no choice but to relent, "Okay."

...

The restroom and separate lounge area were arranged on the other side of the elevator.

After finishing up, Bai Xu strolled leisurely back. He had just tossed the used hand wipe into the hallway trash bin when, upon turning the corner, he was abruptly slammed into by someone.

"......"

Bai Xu took two steps back, barely steadying himself.

An overly sweet perfume invaded his nostrils, making him frown slightly in discomfort. He lowered his gaze—

A young woman with delicate features was now slumped against his chest, her condition clearly not right.

Their eyes met, and she seemed to latch onto him like a lifeline, gripping him desperately, "Sir, please... save me!"

"......"

Had she been drugged?

Out of instinctive wariness toward strangers, Bai Xu wanted to push the unfamiliar girl away before dealing with the situation.

But before he could act, a greasy-looking young man rushed around the corner of the hallway. Spotting Bai Xu—an unfamiliar face—the man’s expression stiffened slightly.

Hearing the commotion, the girl turned her head. The moment she saw the sleazy man, her panic skyrocketed, and she clung to Bai Xu even more desperately, "I, I didn’t want this, I was tricked into coming here… P, please, save me."

Bai Xu maintained his composure, "Miss, let go first."

The greasy man, sensing Bai Xu’s reluctance to interfere, suddenly grew bolder, "Qiao Xin, let me tell you, it’s your damn luck that Mr. Chu even took a liking to you!"

"Stop pretending to be some innocent little saint. How many actresses like you aren’t selling themselves?"

"......"

Hearing such vulgar insults, a flicker of disgust crossed Bai Xu’s brow.

The young actress had clearly been drugged with something illicit. She had only managed to hold onto Bai Xu for a moment before collapsing weakly to the floor, tears streaming down her face in despair.

Even knowing the odds were against her, she still seemed to be trying to crawl away, as if struggling to save herself.

The greasy man, confident that his prey couldn’t escape, let out a smug chuckle and even tried to drag Bai Xu onto his side, "Am I right, sir? What woman doesn’t—"

Bai Xu had heard enough, "Shut your filthy mouth."

Honestly, as an outsider, he really shouldn’t interfere in these shady, underhanded dealings, but this man’s words were downright nauseating.

Bai Xu never considered himself some do-gooder who jumped at every chance to help, but there were still basic morals and principles a person had to uphold.

"Too disgusting. I don’t want my ears polluted."

He subtly stepped around the fallen actress, seemingly distancing himself but actually positioning himself between her and the greasy man.

The man’s expression darkened at Bai Xu’s sarcasm, "Listen, buddy, I suggest you mind your own business! Some things, even if you see them, are better ignored."

Bai Xu responded with deliberate nonsense, feigning ignorance, "What are you talking about? What business am I minding?"

"......"

"This hallway doesn’t have your name on it. The banquet hall was too noisy, so I’m just standing here to rest, got a problem with that?"

Even as he spoke, Bai Xu adjusted his stance again, blocking the greasy man as he tried to push past, "Hey, move aside. Don’t block my way."

"Who’s blocking who?!"

The man, now furious, jabbed a finger near Bai Xu’s forehead in warning, "Where the hell did you even come from, pretty boy? You dare interfere with someone Mr. Chu wants? I’m warning you..."

Before he could finish his threat, the hand he’d used to point at Bai Xu was violently twisted back.

"Ah!"

A pained shriek echoed through the hallway.

Shang Yanxiao forcefully shoved the greasy man toward the trash bin.

Bai Xu caught sight of the approaching figure, and the icy glint in his eyes instantly melted away, "That’s more like it. Trash belongs in the trash."

Shang Yanxiao immediately turned back, scanning Bai Xu from head to toe, "You okay?"

His voice was muffled behind the mask, but the concern was unmistakable.

Bai Xu shook his head, "Fine. Since you’re here, I don’t have to get my hands dirty. But just so we’re clear—"

He left the rest unsaid, giving Shang Yanxiao a helpless look that said: Not my fault. Trouble found me.

Shang Yanxiao took in the sight of the young woman on the floor and, combined with what he’d heard through the transmitter, immediately understood the situation.

He didn’t blame Bai Xu for intervening—if anything, his tone was reassuring, "I know. You did well."

The words, spoken as if praising a child, sent a faint, inexplicable flutter through Bai Xu’s chest. But before he could dwell on the feeling, the greasy man scrambled up from the floor, sputtering, "Y, you..."

Shang Yanxiao turned his head just enough to cast him a cold glance, not even dignifying him with a response.

"Scram."

"......"

The sheer authority in that single word instantly cowed the man.

The throbbing pain in his wrist—a stark reminder of the difference in strength—lingered. After a few seconds of hesitant glaring, the man finally accepted that he was outmatched, "You’ll regret this! Messing with Mr. Chu’s business? You’re gonna pay for it!"

The threat was hollow. He turned and bolted.

"......"

The young actress, witnessing this, finally let the tension in her chest ease. She dragged herself weakly against the wall, gasping for breath, "Th, thank you."

Bai Xu noticed her disheveled and utterly exhausted state and, out of kindness, suggested, "You're in no condition to handle this. Should I ask the hotel to send a female staff member to assist you? As for what comes after, you'll have to figure it out yourself?"

A chance encounter, helping to this extent was already more than enough.

"En, I-I can manage. Thank you."

Five minutes later, the young woman was safely escorted away by the hotel manager.

Only then did Bai Xu withdraw his gaze and turn to Shang Yanxiao, who had been waiting nearby the whole time, "Let's go."

"Wait, your tie is crooked." Shang Yanxiao glanced down, his tone casual as he asked, "Did she throw herself into your arms earlier?"

Bai Xu checked his collar out of the corner of his eye and adjusted it absently, "That wasn’t really 'throwing herself', she just bumped into me while running away. Wait, how did you know?"

By the time Shang Yanxiao had arrived to intervene, Bai Xu had already put distance between himself and the woman.

Shang Yanxiao replied, "The perfume on you now is too cloying. Disgusting."

The last word was uttered softly, but the distaste was unmistakable.

Bai Xu lowered his head uncertainly to check, "It’s not that strong, is it? Do you have a nose like a dog’s? You can still smell it through your mask?"

Shang Yanxiao saw that he had completely missed the underlying meaning of his words and gritted his teeth imperceptibly, "Let’s go. Don’t forget the real purpose of today."

"En."

As soon as the two returned to the main area of the banquet, the familiar waiter immediately approached, "Sir, I was just looking for you. Chairman Zhang of Juesheng Medical has arrived."

Bai Xu perked up, "He’s here?"

The waiter subtly gestured in a direction, "Over there, the one in the dark blue vest."

"Thank you."

Having identified his target, Bai Xu turned his head and exchanged a knowing glance with Shang Yanxiao, "I’ll head over first."

At this business banquet, which was primarily for networking, even if bodyguards and assistants were allowed inside, the latter couldn’t stick close the entire time.

Shang Yanxiao gave a slight nod, "I’ll wait for you in the lounge area. Take your time, just make the introduction for now."

"En."

Bai Xu adjusted his expression, casually picked up a glass of champagne, and strode over steadily.

As he drew closer, Zhang Songyang noticed his approach.

Their gazes met briefly, and Bai Xu confidently stepped forward without hesitation, "Chairman Zhang, I’ve long admired your reputation. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"Hello."

Zhang Songyang was slightly taken aback by the greeting from this unfamiliar face, but he chose to respond politely, "And you are…?"

He had a refined and scholarly appearance, completely devoid of the typical 'money-grubbing' aura of businessmen, making him seem very approachable.

Bai Xu’s gaze shifted slightly, and only then did he notice the unusually long scar on Zhang Songyang’s right hand, stretching from between his fingers all the way up his arm. It was likely a remnant from that infamous medical dispute incident years ago.

Bai Xu didn’t linger on his observation and quickly returned his attention, "Chairman Zhang, it’s our first meeting, so it’s only natural you wouldn’t recognize me. I’m Bai Xu from Zhouye Investments."

He handed over his business card, one that Xie Qi had specially prepared for him before he left.

Zhang Songyang took it and skimmed the details, his tone a mix of surprise and approval, "Young Master Bai, you don’t look very old. To have already founded an asset management company at such a young age?"

Bai Xu responded modestly, "Thanks to my family's support, my venture is just getting started. That's why I'm here to learn and explore some stable projects, and who better to look up to than you, Chairman Zhang?"

Zhang Songyang picked up on the underlying message and chuckled in acknowledgment, "Young Master Bai, which sector do you primarily focus on?"

The older ginger was spicier*, he cut straight to the point with his question.

*It means that experience trumps youth.

Bai Xu preferred dealing with straightforward people, so he answered with equal candor, testing the waters while laying his cards on the table, "AI-assisted medical devices. What do you think, Chairman Zhang?"

"......"

Zhang Songyang immediately grasped Bai Xu's intent, "Young Master Bai, you're quite ambitious for your age."

Bai Xu raised his champagne glass in a lighthearted gesture, "Well, young people tend to be bold. I’ve long heard that Juesheng Medical, under your leadership, is an industry leader. If there’s a suitable project, why not let me in on the game?"

"I have a strong appetite, and the capacity to handle it."

The last words carried an effortless sense of control.

Zhang Songyang studied Bai Xu more intently, "Is that so?"

Without missing a beat, Bai Xu extended a direct invitation, "Of course. If you're willing to give me the opportunity, perhaps we could schedule a separate meeting to discuss in detail?"

The straightforward invitation from the person before him far surpassed all those roundabout tactics.

Though it was their first meeting, Zhang Songyang didn’t have a bad impression of Bai Xu. A flicker of interest lit his eyes when suddenly, a voice chimed in from the side—

"Chairman Zhang, when did you arrive? Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?"

The tone was polite and deferential, yet beneath it lurked the arrogance of someone used to power.

Zhang Songyang recognized the speaker immediately, "Mr. Chu."

"......"

"Mr. Chu?"

Upon hearing the title again, Bai Xu's thoughts froze.

At the same time, Shang Yanxiao, who had been waiting in the lounge area, seemed to realize something.

Despite the distance between them, the two men acted with an almost innate synchronicity, locking their gazes onto this 'Mr. Chu' at the exact same moment.