Approaching, Xu Shengqing stood before Chen Fan, looking down at him, but remained silent.
"Chen Fan," Yuan Liangping said, "could I trouble you to switch tables?"
His voice was calm, betraying no emotion.
However, given his status and position, speaking such words under everyone's watchful eyes carried an unyielding authority. He had let Chen Fan off the hook earlier, assuming Chen Fan would grant him this courtesy.
To his surprise, Chen Fan replied indifferently, "I only have the habit of offering my seat to the old, the young, the infirm, and the disabled. Young Master Yuan, which category do you fall into?"
Yuan Liangping froze for a moment, then his heart seethed with rage. He never expected Chen Fan to be so audacious, not only refusing to yield but also mocking him in front of everyone. He believed he had been exceedingly gracious to Chen Fan, considering the owner of the villa behind him. Yet, Chen Fan had repeatedly pushed his boundaries, which was simply unforgivable.
However, his composure was still sufficient. This time, he forced himself to suppress his anger and did not erupt. The reason was simple: the auction was about to begin, and the crème de la crème of Hangzhou were gathered here. He had to exercise restraint. If he were to ruin the banquet, he would be the one losing face.
But in his heart, a killing intent had ignited. He resolved to disregard the owner of the villa, to no longer spare Chen Fan. Right after the auction, he would make an example of this man to establish his authority! Even if the owner of that villa was backing him, he wouldn't care anymore. Who knew that villa owner never showed up?
"Mr. Chen, do you know what you are doing?" He, known as the foremost young master of Jiangbei, indeed possessed extraordinary qualities. Taking a deep breath, he forcibly suppressed his emotions and said coldly.
"Young Master Yuan, I recall you sent me an invitation. Are you not welcome?" Chen Fan said with a half-smile. "If you don't welcome me, why would you hypocritically send an invitation?"
Yuan Liangping's complexion twitched slightly. He said in a deep voice, "I did not invite you, but the owner of Villa Number One in Xiangshan Tantu."
Chen Fan chuckled, "You don't think I am?"
"You?" Yuan Liangping scoffed contemptuously through his nostrils. "Mr. Chen, do not misjudge yourself. This table is reserved for Young Master Xu."
"So what?"
Chen Fan said indifferently, "Is Young Master Xu that important? If he sits at this table, others cannot?"
"You cannot sit!"
Yuan Liangping's face turned completely grim.
Just then, Xu Shengqing, who had been scrutinizing Chen Fan for a long time, finally spoke. He said calmly, "My name is Xu Shengqing, from the Chen family in the capital. Chen Fan, is it? Will you give me some face?"
Chen Fan smiled and shook his head. "Young Master Xu, your face isn't worth much to me."
Xu Shengqing's eyebrows shot up. He stared intently at Chen Fan and said, "Do you know the consequences of offending me? With a single word from me, I can ensure you don't leave this venue tonight."
Chen Fan grinned. "Want to try?"
"You..."
Xu Shengqing was enraged. He had never encountered someone so arrogant. Even in the capital, few dared to disrespect him so openly. Where did this person come from to be so presumptuous?
Yet, Chen Fan simply looked at him calmly, as if waiting for him to make a move.
One second!
Two seconds!
Three seconds!
The more Xu Shengqing looked, the deeper Chen Fan's eyes seemed, like a star-filled sky, completely unfathomable. After a full four or five seconds, he subconsciously shifted his gaze.
"Fine!"
Xu Shengqing's expression turned icy. He turned and said, "Let's find another place!"
With that, he walked towards an adjacent table. He had, after all, retreated. He wasn't a superficial rich second-generation like Liu Ruilong; he possessed a certain level of restraint. Of course, his intentions were not much different from Yuan Liangping's.
Yuan Liangping had already made up his mind to kill, so he didn't utter any harsh words and followed them to the next table. However, the other young masters and talents who followed cast angry glances at Chen Fan.
"You really think you're someone important. Do you know how to write the word 'death'?"
"What is this guy? Stealing Young Master Xu's seat? You'll regret coming into this world very soon!"
"Truly an ignorant fool. It's only because Young Master Xu is magnanimous that he's not bothering with you, otherwise, I'd kill you right now!"
...
Chen Fan paid them no mind. His gaze met one person's, and he sneered inwardly. Peng Tianrong, the eldest young master of the Peng family, had a somber expression and said nothing, but his eyes held a chilling glint.
The guests at the adjacent table rose, making space for Xu Shengqing and his entourage. Yuan Liangping naturally did not neglect them, arranging for them to be seated at various tables in the front rows. After settling them, he walked onto the auction stage.
"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence at the banquet and auction I've organized!" Yuan Liangping, on stage, exuded grace and charm. Speaking into the microphone, he smiled and said, "I express my gratitude to all the guests for their support. Liangping would first like to thank Young Master Xu Shengqing from the capital."
Thunderous applause erupted in the hall. Many guests looked on with fervent gazes. Although there were so many people, it was impossible for Xu Shengqing to remember them all, but leaving an impression was beneficial. Xu Shengqing rose and gave a slight nod, his expression composed.
Chen Fan turned and saw several young men approach and sit at his table. As their eyes met Chen Fan's, these individuals smirked dismissively.
"Most of you should be aware of Young Master Xu's identity. But I believe there are always some who are like frogs in a well, unable to see the full picture of the world." Yuan Liangping said this while staring at Chen Fan.
Someone let out a burst of laughter, especially the few youths seated with Chen Fan, whose laughter was particularly exaggerated.
"Young Master Xu is from the Chen family in the capital, the maternal grandson of Elder Chen. And Elder Chen, perhaps everyone knows, is a national treasure-level elder. The many contributions he has made command immense respect!"
Applause rang out again.
"I am here to express my sincere gratitude for Young Master Xu's support. Without him, perhaps not everyone would give me this much face!" Laughter echoed from below the stage. Yuan Liangping was good-looking and possessed excellent bearing and eloquence, not inferior to a professional host.
"Next, I wish to continue thanking my friends from Hangzhou for their support."
"President of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, Ye Zirong!" A person in the front row stood up and greeted everyone. Applause resumed, and many gasped in admiration.
"Patriarch of the Peng family, Mr. Peng Sihai!" Amidst the applause, there were many exclamations of surprise. The Peng family, in Hangzhou, boasted unparalleled heritage and strength. Many had not expected the Patriarch of the Peng family, Peng Sihai himself, to attend.
"Mr. Lin Shuzheng of the Lin family!" Amazement and applause sounded again. The Lin family was also a top-tier affluent family, no less than the Peng family. Moreover, Lin Shuzheng was older, and his personal presence was a great show of respect.
"Mr. Wen Hankun of the Wen family!"
"Mr. Luo Minglie of the Luo family!"
...