Qian Xiaojiao hadn't expected Ye Kunlun to dare speak to her and Qian Rourou in such a tone, and she felt a surge of anger.
"Rourou, did you hear that? With this kind of character, we Qian family members should stay far away!"
Qian Xiaojiao displayed a hint of disdain and, taking Qian Rourou's hand, prepared to leave.
Qian Rourou was almost exploding with frustration at her aunt.
She had witnessed Ye Kunlun's capabilities firsthand. Putting aside the fact that the true owner behind the Pearl was Ye Kunlun, just possessing the Four Seas Money House's four prestigious cards was enough for her father to show him utmost respect. Such a powerful figure was being openly ridiculed by her aunt.
As Qian Rourou was about to apologize again, she saw an elegant and handsome man approaching with a wine glass.
"Rourou, it's been such a long time."
Zhao An looked at Qian Rourou with a smile, "If Aunt Qian hadn't told me you were returning for the banquet tonight, I might not have seen you."
Upon seeing Zhao An, a hint of joy appeared in Qian Xiaojiao's eyes. "Xiao An, you've finally arrived. Quickly take Rourou to meet the distinguished guests attending the banquet tonight."
With that, Qian Xiaojiao nudged Qian Rourou and gave her a meaningful look.
When Qian Rourou saw Zhao An, she understood why her aunt had insisted on bringing her to the banquet.
Zhao An's father was a business partner of her father, an old associate of over ten years. Both the Zhao and Qian families intended to matchmake Qian Rourou and Zhao An.
However, Qian Rourou had no interest in Zhao An whatsoever and always found excuses to avoid him. She hadn't expected to encounter him at the banquet tonight.
"Rourou, I'll take you to meet some new friends," Zhao An said to Qian Xiaojiao with a smile. "It should be helpful for the Qian family's business."
Qian Rourou frowned slightly and shook her head. "No need. I've met someone I know, so I won't trouble you tonight."
Hearing Qian Rourou's somewhat cold tone, a hint of displeasure flickered in Zhao An's eyes, and he glanced at Ye Kunlun, who was sitting nearby.
"How did a beggar get into an event of this caliber tonight?"
Zhao An looked coldly at Ye Kunlun and directly began to mock him. In his eyes, Ye Kunlun was dressed too simply and plainly, not at all like a wealthy person.
"Security, hurry up and throw this person out!"
Qian Rourou's delicate eyebrows shot up, and she glared at Zhao An. "Zhao An, I expect you to speak to this gentleman more respectfully!"
"Gentleman?" Zhao An acted as if he had heard a joke. "Rourou, I must say, you're too naive. Have you been deceived by someone?"
Zhao An couldn't see any signs of great ability in Ye Kunlun, yet Qian Rourou addressed him as "gentleman" repeatedly. This only filled him with jealousy and dissatisfaction, making him immediately view Ye Kunlun as a thorn in his side.
"You're right. For a banquet of this caliber, how can there be stray dogs barking?"
Ye Kunlun looked indifferently at Zhao An, who was putting on a pretentious act in front of him. A wisp of spiritual energy shot directly into Zhao An's knee.
Zhao An hadn't expected Ye Kunlun to dare call him a stray dog. Just as he was about to speak, a sharp pain shot through his legs.
With a thud.
Zhao An knelt stiffly before Ye Kunlun, the red wine in his hand spilling all over him, making him appear utterly pathetic.
"Ah!!"
Zhao An cried out in pain. He tried to get up from the ground, only to find that his legs below the knees had lost all sensation, leaving him kneeling before Ye Kunlun.
Ye Kunlun let out a chuckle. "Oh, I'm not your grandfather, why are you paying such a grand courtesy to me?"
Qian Rourou's beautiful eyes sparkled with delight. She had witnessed Ye Kunlun's abilities and knew he must have secretly done something to Zhao An. A hidden smile appeared in her beautiful eyes.
"Xiao An, are you alright?"
Qian Xiaojiao snapped back to attention and hurried forward to try and help Zhao An up.
"Aunt Qian, my legs seem to have lost all feeling," Zhao An said, his face contorted in pain. He could no longer bother with Ye Kunlun.
"Ah? How could this happen? I'll call an ambulance!"
Saying this, Qian Xiaojiao took out her phone and dialed emergency services.
Meanwhile, Zhao An's cries of pain had alerted others in the banquet hall, and many people were gathering to watch. Zhao An glared fiercely at Ye Kunlun, and with Qian Xiaojiao's help, he struggled to move towards a nearby chair. However, the leg of the chair seemed to have given way, causing him to fall head over heels.
"Ah!!"
Zhao An cried out again in pain.
"Xiao An, Aunt Qian didn't mean to."
Qian Xiaojiao hadn't expected the chair to be broken.
Zhao An felt utterly humiliated, especially recalling Ye Kunlun's mocking words earlier and the fact that he had knelt before Ye Kunlun. He directed all his dissatisfaction towards Ye Kunlun.
"Security, where is security? Quickly throw him out!"
Zhao An yelled in an emotional outburst.
"Well, isn't this our young master Zhao? What's wrong?"
A sarcastic voice chimed in, and a man of similar age to Zhao An walked over, a look of schadenfreude on his face.
Seeing the newcomer, Zhao An's expression turned unpleasant, and he said coldly, "Zhuge Chu, this has nothing to do with you!"
"I think I heard someone calling you a stray dog just now!"
Zhuge Chu, with a scoundrel-like demeanor, gave Ye Kunlun a thumbs-up. "Brother, our heroes think alike. Zhao An is a stray dog in my eyes."
"Zhuge Chu, do you want to die?!"
Zhao An's face darkened. He hadn't expected his nemesis, Zhuge Chu, to kick him while he was down at this moment! Zhuge Chu completely ignored Zhao An's anger and continued to chuckle.
Just then, security arrived. Zhao An quickly said to the guards, "I suspect some disreputable people have infiltrated the banquet. Please check them immediately!"
Many eyes fell on Ye Kunlun. Upon hearing Zhao An's words, they started pointing fingers at him. However, Zhuge Chu stepped forward at this moment. "This is my friend, Zhuge Chu. See if you dare lay a finger on him?"
The security guards immediately hesitated. None of the people here were individuals they could afford to offend!
Seeing Zhuge Chu defending Ye Kunlun, a sharp look appeared in Zhao An's eyes. "Zhuge Chu, do you know who is hosting the banquet today? If someone inappropriate gets in and causes trouble, can you afford to be responsible?"
Hearing this, Zhuge Chu's playful expression faded, and he said solemnly to Zhao An, "You, Zhao An, fear the Japanese. I, Zhuge Chu, do not. This is the capital of China. Whoever I, Zhuge Chu, consider a friend, no one can touch!"
"Mr. Ye is also my friend!"
Qian Rourou quickly stepped forward. No matter what, she would stand firmly by Ye Kunlun's side.
"Rourou, what nonsense are you talking!"
Qian Xiaojiao pulled Qian Rourou, showing her displeasure.
"Heh, Young Master Zhuge certainly has a true temperament. Are we Japanese really like ferocious beasts?"
A laugh echoed, and the crowd parted. Shenmu Yuta, with a smiling and amiable expression, walked towards them.