"Villa Number One has been renovated and restored as much as possible to its original state. I'm here to give Mr. Chen the keys," Tang Qingying said, handing the keys to Chen Fan. "The house is newly decorated. It will be lively again if you move back in."
Chen Fan took the keys and pondered for a moment. "How about this? I'll host a private banquet at Villa Number One tomorrow night to celebrate."
He didn't feel there was much to celebrate, but the Tang family and Li Xiangbei had indeed contributed significantly during this series of events. Besides, he would be leaving Hangjiang soon, so it was only fitting to treat his friends and family to a meal.
"Great, great, shall I arrange it then?" Tang Qingying asked, surprised and delighted.
"You are the guests. I'll arrange it myself," Chen Fan said with a smile. "It's a purely private banquet, and I'll be cooking myself!"
"Mr. Chen, you can cook?"
Tang Qingying was astonished. Chen Fan was speechless. Having been a live-in son-in-law for the Su family for three years, he had essentially cooked every meal. Cooking himself was also a way to prepare a meal for Su Yingxue with his own hands. He had been freeloading for so long; it was time to show some appreciation.
The next afternoon, at Villa Number One.
"My King, your cooking is comparable to a Michelin five-star chef!" Mei Ji, without any pretense of politeness, was pilfering food from the kitchen, calling it helping with the preparations. "I truly envy Xue. If she married you, she would be the happiest woman in the world!"
Chen Fan ignored her. Just then, there was a knock on the door. The main door opened, and Tang Qingying and Yan Rong entered, carrying gifts.
"Mr. Chen..." Tang Qingying’s expression changed to surprise when she saw Mei Ji. She had met Mei Ji once that night and wasn't too surprised, but she couldn't help but wonder about the relationship between Mei Ji and Chen Fan.
"Sit down. I'm busy, so make yourselves at home!" Chen Fan called out from the kitchen.
"We came to see if there's anything we can help with." Tang Qingying then turned to Mei Ji and said, "Hello, my name is Tang Qingying!"
"Mei Ji, we've met. You are truly beautiful," Mei Ji said, hugging Tang Qingying. "Welcome, welcome."
"Thank you, you're even more beautiful... This is my friend Yan Rong!"
"Girlfriends, hee hee, Ying, I recommend you try the fruit salad Chen made first. It's really amazing."
"Oh, can I?"
"Of course, you're a guest, he won't mind." Mei Ji whispered, "You don't know, he's very stingy. He rarely hosts parties." Tang Qingying didn't think so. It wasn't that Chen Fan was stingy, but rather that there were too few people truly worth his hosting. The three women chatted and quickly hit it off. Chen Fan didn't mind and continued his work.
A while later, Su Yingxue, who had left work early, arrived with her family. Su Yingxue came to help Chen Fan, and they cooperated seamlessly. The not-so-numerous guests also started arriving.
By six o'clock in the evening, all the dishes were ready, and the banquet began. The dishes weren't particularly high-end, mostly home-style cooking, but with extra steak, foie gras, and salad.
Chen Fan remained seated, and everyone refrained from touching their chopsticks. Raising his glass, Chen Fan said, "Thank you, everyone. This is a private banquet, and I thank you all for your help and support."
"Mr. Chen, you are too kind!" Old Tang said.
"It is our honor to be invited to Mr. Chen's private banquet!" Li Xiangbei said excitedly.
Jiang Tiansheng remarked, "It is my fortune to have met Mr. Chen!"
"Xiao Fan, we are family!" Li Xiuying said with satisfaction. Su Yingxue, sitting beside Chen Fan, had a happy smile on her face. Chen Fan smiled and finished the red wine in his glass in one gulp.
After everyone had taken a sip, he signaled Mei Ji to bring out the items. "Everyone here is my friend, or rather, my family. Today, let everyone bear witness."
Mei Ji opened an exquisite box and then let out an exaggerated scream, "Wow, what a beautiful necklace! My heart is breaking!" Chen Fan glanced at Mei Ji helplessly, then took out the diamond necklace in front of everyone. As the necklace dangled, the brilliance of the diamonds shone dazzlingly.
"Moonlight Goddess?" Yan Rong exclaimed. Tang Qingying also knew about this diamond necklace and widened her eyes in shock.
Chen Fan turned to Su Yingxue and said, "Axue, this is my gift. I actually prepared it long ago, but I was always afraid you would refuse." Looking at the exquisitely beautiful necklace, Su Yingxue covered her mouth in surprise. "Big Brother Chen, this must be very expensive, right?"
"Whether it's expensive or not is irrelevant. What matters is my feelings for you!" Chen Fan said tenderly. "I, Chen Fan, will marry no one but you in this life. Once I finish some necessary tasks, I will surely make you the happiest woman in the world!"
Su Yingxue's cheeks flushed, and she felt incredibly shy. But she still lowered her head slightly, allowing Chen Fan to put the necklace on her. The Moonlight Goddess, valued at over three hundred million US dollars, was lightly placed on Su Yingxue's fair neck. Dressed up for the occasion, she looked breathtakingly beautiful under the radiance of the Moonlight Goddess.
"I'm truly jealous..." Mei Ji murmured. The Magician chuckled softly behind her, "Mei Ji, you should know your place. Our Queen has already been chosen!" Mei Ji rolled her eyes at the Magician and returned her gaze to Chen Fan.
Clap, clap, clap, applause erupted. Both Old Tang and Li Xiangbei, of course, clapped to show their blessings. As for Jiang Tiansheng, there was no need to even mention it. Li Xiuying's eyes were filled with relief, and she quietly wiped away a tear. What she most wanted was for her daughter to have a good home and live a happy life forever. Now, she had witnessed it! Wang Tingting scratched her head, feeling that everything seemed to be happening naturally, yet something felt a little off. Amidst the applause, Su Yingxue's face was shy, and she was more beautiful than any flower.
"Kiss her, kiss her!" A childlike voice suddenly rang out. Xiao Nannan, with a happy smile, clapped her hands and shouted in a clear voice. Everyone else was stunned for a moment, then they also shouted with smiles. Children speak without reservation, and besides Xiao Nannan, no one else dared to instigate such a thing.
"Nannan?" Su Yingxue was so embarrassed she playfully glared at Xiao Nannan.
"Aunt Xue, you clearly like Uncle so much, why are you still shy?" Xiao Nannan said righteously. Su Yingxue's face turned bright red. Chen Fan smiled, leaned in, and kissed Su Yingxue on the forehead.
"Alright, everyone, please start eating. It's a private banquet, so there's no need for formalities. Just relax and enjoy," Chen Fan said. The guests began to eat with laughter and conversation. Su Yingxue, no longer feeling so shy, sat beside Chen Fan, occasionally turning her head, her eyes as gentle as flowing water.
"It's rare for the King to cook himself, so I must eat a lot," the Magician muttered softly. Mei Ji rolled her eyes and said, "Magician, that's all you're good for." She had forgotten that she herself was eating the most under the guise of helping. The dinner was naturally harmonious, and everyone enjoyed themselves.
After dinner, Chen Fan personally brewed tea in the lounge for Old Tang and Li Xiangbei. The "Red Yan" series of cosmetics had become a bestseller, and they planned to launch new series to capture the market. With the strength of the three companies, they could even compete with international luxury cosmetic brands. The group chatted about various topics and made some plans for business cooperation.
It was getting late, so Old Tang and Li Xiangbei finally took their leave with satisfaction. When Jiang Tiansheng was left alone, Chen Fan said, "Tomorrow morning, accompany me to Jinling again!"
Jiang Tiansheng nodded, "Is it about the Zhong family?"
"Not entirely because of the Zhong family. There are also other matters. Bring a few people with you; it will be convenient for handling affairs." Jiang Tiansheng was naturally happy to accompany Chen Fan to Jinling again and readily agreed before leaving Villa Number One.
Chen Fan walked out of the lounge and beckoned to Mei Ji, who was lingering behind. "You should leave Great China."
Mei Ji looked indignant and huffed, "King, in your Great China terms, you're crossing the river and dismantling the bridge. I absolutely will not leave." The Magician also said, "King, we think it's very good to stay here."
"I will be leaving Hangjiang before long," Chen Fan said. "You have already revealed your presence and are being watched by the Great China Security Department, making things inconvenient for your actions."
"I still want to stay," Mei Ji said after thinking for a moment. "You know, I have no interest in the underworld. Great China is very good, the people are very hospitable, I like it here! However, I do need to go back to Europe to handle some matters!"
The Magician said helplessly, "It seems I have to leave this ancient Eastern country." The two of them left together.
Tang Qingying had almost restored Villa Number One to its original state. As it was getting late, Chen Fan and the others stayed there for the night. The next morning, Jiang Tiansheng arrived with three cars. After instructing Wang Dongdong to pick up Su Yingxue and Nannan, Chen Fan got into the car with Jiang Tiansheng and headed to Jinling.