Xiao Xun accepted the invitation and nodded, saying, "Understood."
In autumn, the sun sets early. Before long, the streetlights on both sides of the road flickered on in unison.
With his car window down, Xiao Xun looked straight ahead, his heart a jumble of emotions.
Before long, the car exited the city and arrived at the location indicated on the invitation – a small estate.
Security here was extremely tight. From a distance, he could see a car blocking the road at the intersection.
Xiao Xun parked his car there. Two security guards in tactical uniforms, holding walkie-talkies, approached. "Hello," they said.
They said only two words and then looked at Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun remembered the words on the card: "Guests of renown, of the highest caliber."
The security guards nodded and spoke into their walkie-talkies, "The Saint Roman's car has arrived. Please make arrangements."
Then another security guard said to Xiao Xun, "Hello, please drive forward. Someone will guide you to a designated parking spot at the next intersection."
Xiao Xun nodded. The car blocking the road moved aside, leaving just enough space for one car to pass. After Xiao Xun drove through, the car moved back to block the small road again.
Xiao Xun observed security personnel positioned every few meters and thought to himself, "What kind of private gathering is this, making it so mysterious?"
As he drove forward, a security guard holding a stop sign appeared five meters in front of his car. The sign flashed a red light and displayed the word "STOP."
Xiao Xun stopped as directed. The security guard walked to the driver's side window and, without speaking, looked at Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun repeated the password from earlier. The security guard, with a smile, said, "Please exit your vehicle and wait over there for a moment. Someone will bring you your car keys shortly."
Xiao Xun obediently opened the car door and stepped out. The guard holding the stop sign said to another nearby security guard, "Go park this gentleman's car."
Then, he said to Xiao Xun, "Sir, please hand over your mobile phone and any other communication devices to the security personnel here. They will return them to you in perfect condition after the banquet."
Xiao Xun reluctantly handed his phone to someone holding a tray. The person then took out a detector and scanned Xiao Xun from head to toe. After that, they labeled the phones on the tray with numbers and walked away.
Another person led Xiao Xun into the estate. The estate was incredibly luxurious, with lush greenery and a fountain in the center. From either side of the fountain, bright red carpets stretched out, unmarked by any footprints.
A helicopter flew overhead and landed on the roof. Xiao Xun did not see who disembarked from the aircraft.
Upon entering the venue, Xiao Xun realized it was not just a business reception, but also an auction.
"Xiao Xun, I didn't expect to see you here."
Xiao Xun looked up and saw Zhao Yuman, the CEO of Millennium Group.
She was wearing a blue evening gown that accentuated her fair skin, making her look very elegant.
Xiao Xun smiled and said, "I'm here on behalf of our CEO, Mu."
Just then, a voice called from behind, "Zhao Yuman, long time no see! Has your Millennium Group not gone bankrupt yet?"
Xiao Xun turned around and saw a rather pretty young woman.
Zhao Yuman frowned slightly. "Chen Xingting, it's been a few years, but you've become more and more like your brother Chen Xingsheng. Both of you are so annoying."
"You..."
Zhao Yuman stood up and said to Xiao Xun, "I'll go get us something to drink. Please wait for me." With that, she walked away, ignoring Chen Xingting.
Chen Xingting, speechless from Xiao Xun's retort, looked furious and was on the verge of exploding.
She pointed at Zhao Yuman's retreating back and said, "You wait, I'll get my brother to deal with you."
From Chen Xingting's words, Xiao Xun gathered that Zhao Yuman's Millennium Group was facing financial difficulties, which was likely the main reason she had approached him that day.
Chen Xingting, lifting her skirt, angrily prepared to leave. However, as she passed Xiao Xun, she paused and then lunged towards him.
Before Xiao Xun could react, Chen Xingting was already on top of him. Caught off guard, he was knocked to the ground.
"You beast!"
Chen Xingting, now on top of Xiao Xun, didn't get up first but raised her hand to slap him.
Xiao Xun, who had intended to help Chen Xingting up, instinctively raised his hand and blocked the blow. Seeing her unruliness, he pushed her, trying to get her off him.
Whether it was too much force or intentional on her part, Chen Xingting fell onto the ground, successfully drawing the attention of many onlookers.
Chen Xingting began to cry, "Brother, someone is bullying me."
"You country bumpkin, how dare you insult my sister? I'll beat you to death."
With that, Chen Xingsheng walked over. Upon seeing Xiao Xun, his face instantly turned cold. "So, it's you again..."
He then turned to look at the crowd, raising his voice. "With so many people watching, you just took advantage of my sister. This debt must be settled, no matter what."
"Where did this person come from? How can they attend a banquet dressed so shabbily?"
"They must have snuck in. How could the Guo family invite someone like this?"
"They're taking advantage of others, quickly get someone to throw them out."
"Taking advantage of me, do you think there's no law?"
"This young lady is quite amusing. She falls herself and then blames someone else."
A lazy voice echoed from behind.
Everyone turned to see a beautiful woman with exquisite features, dressed in a red gown, walking towards them with poise. The people around her parted to make way for her.
Xiao Xun found the voice familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before. Turning around, he saw his old classmate, Qu Xiaoran.
"Madam Guo, this person, he insulted my sister."
"Oh, it's Miss Chen, no wonder you do such unseemly things. It seems to be a matter of upbringing." Qu Xiaoran flicked her hair, exuding an air of grace and unattainability, a stark contrast to how she was at the class reunion that day.
Xiao Xun's face flushed. She was truly humble, while he was just good at pretending.
He never would have imagined that the woman who used to be so unattractive not only became beautiful but was also now the renowned young mistress of the Guo family.
The crowd was confused by Qu Xiaoran's words. Wasn't she clearly insulting their upbringing? And shouldn't her target be the young man who took advantage of her sister? Why was she now antagonizing the Chen family?
"What does Madam Guo mean? I was insulted at your banquet, shouldn't you give me an explanation?"
Qu Xiaoran didn't indulge her. "Insulted? Chen Xingting, some things are better left unsaid. Why must you make everyone understand and embarrass yourself?"
Chen Xingting insisted, "I was insulted in broad daylight. As the host of this banquet, does the Guo family allow scum like Xiao Xun to run rampant? Who would dare to come in the future?"
"I've given you a chance, and you chose to be shameless. So don't blame me for not warning you."
Chen Xingting, disregarding the consequences, blurted out, "As the esteemed Madam Guo of the Guo family, your words are so vulgar and indecent, unfitting for polite society..."
Her brother was so startled that he quickly rushed over and covered her mouth.
"My dear little ancestor, please stop talking."