Chen Fan turned his head to look, and saw two young men.
Their eyes held a hint of admiration for Shang Wushuang, and naturally, a full measure of ill will towards Chen Fan.
Chen Fan couldn't be bothered by this and turned to Shang Wushuang, asking, "Why don't I see Fang Da?"
He had seen Fang Da's profile and would recognize him if he saw him, but he wasn't here.
It wasn't right; Fang Baiyan was celebrating his sixtieth birthday, and as his son, Fang Da should have been present.
"I don't know. I'll ask Xiao Jie later."
The two of them spoke in hushed tones, fueling the jealousy of the two young men.
In the main hall, Fang Baiyan continued to exchange pleasantries with the many guests, discussing trivial matters of the martial world.
Just then, a shout came from outside the gate, "Patriarch of the Zhao family in Jinmen, Zhao Baihe, arrives with his brother to offer birthday greetings!"
The identity and status of the new arrival were clearly not low, and Fang Baiyan quickly got up to greet him outside the main gate.
The other guests also dared not be negligent and rose together to go and welcome him.
Soon, an elder of similar age to Fang Baiyan, tall and slender, with a dignified and imposing presence, entered accompanied by Fang Baiyan, presenting a piece of white jade as a birthday gift.
A round of pleasantries ensued, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Within a few minutes, another greeter announced, "Feng Ya, the eldest disciple of the Ji Bei Sect, has come to offer birthday wishes!"
This time, Fang Baiyan did not go out to meet him, clearly indicating that Feng Ya's status was not sufficient.
The two young men walked in, and Fang Baiyan then rose, accepted the birthday wishes, received the gift, and invited the guest to be seated.
Feng Ya's gaze shifted, greeting everyone in turn, and soon landed on Shang Wushuang.
A hint of fervor flashed in Feng Ya's eyes as he came to Shang Wushuang's side and asked, "Junior Sister Wushuang, it's been some time since we last met. How have you been lately?"
"I'm very well, thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Feng. Let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend, Chen Zhuo!"
Upon hearing this, a flicker of displeasure crossed Feng Ya's eyes as he looked at Chen Fan, his gaze sharp and piercing.
"It's actually only been about a year since we last met, and I didn't expect Junior Sister Wushuang to already have someone she fancies," Feng Ya said. "May I ask, Mr. Chen, which sect or school is your esteemed disciple from?"
"Chen Zhuo is not from the martial world," Shang Wushuang said with a smile.
Although she was using Chen Fan as a shield, she didn't actually want to cause too much trouble for Chen Fan. By saying that Chen Fan was not from the martial world, young talents like Feng Ya in the martial arts community would naturally find it difficult to trouble Chen Fan.
Hearing Shang Wushuang's words, Feng Ya's expression grew even more somber. "Junior Sister Wushuang, you come from a martial arts family. If you find this pretty boy, I'm afraid Uncle Shang might not agree."
"Senior Brother Feng, you are mistaken. Times have changed," Shang Wushuang said with a smile. "In this era of technological advancement, background is no longer the deciding factor. Whether my father agrees is another matter; what matters is that I like him."
As she spoke, she winked at Chen Fan and said, "My dear, don't you think so?"
Chen Fan helplessly nodded. "Yes."
Shang Wushuang chuckled.
Feng Ya's face became even more grim, and he said coldly, "Mr. Chen, you probably don't realize the seriousness of the situation. Uncle Shang's martial arts cultivation is profound and transcends the mundane; you wouldn't catch his eye. If you persist, Uncle Shang could kill you with a single slap, and you'd have nowhere to reason with him. Given your 'pretty boy' physique, not only Uncle Shang, but even I could defeat you with one finger."
Chen Fan shrugged, too lazy to bother.
Shang Wushuang said indifferently, "Senior Brother Feng doesn't need to worry about these matters."
While the three were talking, more guests continued to arrive.
The Fang family's large three-courtyard mansion indeed corresponded to the status of the guests.
The vast majority of guests were received by Fang family disciples in the first courtyard, where they were seated for the banquet.
Those with slightly more special status were in the second courtyard.
As for the rear courtyard, only those with sufficient status could personally offer birthday wishes to Fang Baiyan and then be seated.
Feng Ya's face was gloomy, but ultimately, he was helpless. In such an occasion, he couldn't truly cause trouble for Chen Fan, as it would be disrespectful to the host.
"Master, it's almost time!" Seeing that guests were increasing and there were not enough seats, Feng Ya's eldest disciple took the opportunity to step forward and said, "Please, uncles, elders, and all guests, take your seats!"
"Good, good!" Fang Baiyan nodded and stood up. "I am grateful for everyone's kindness and for giving me, Fang, some face. My humble abode is simple, please do not mind." He added, "A modest banquet has been prepared. Please, everyone, take your seats."
"Good, good!" The crowd naturally responded, and they all got up, walked out of the main hall, and took their seats.
Fang Baiyan's disciples were busy directing everyone to their respective seats.
No seats were set up in the main hall, but the seats were arranged according to status, with the two closest to the main hall being the most important.
Disciples outside were also attending to matters. Having been involved in martial arts education for decades, Fang Baiyan certainly didn't lack personnel.
After everyone was seated, Fang Baiyan's eldest disciple leaped onto the stage. He first offered birthday wishes to Fang Baiyan and spoke auspicious words, then said, "To add some excitement to my master's birthday gift, your humble disciple will perform a segment to entertain everyone!"
This stage was precisely for performances, one to make the birthday banquet more lively, and the other to showcase the demeanor of Fang Baiyan's disciples.
At this moment, the person on stage began to spar, full of vigor, like a dragon soaring and a tiger leaping, earning nods of approval from the guests. Cheers could also be heard from the outer courtyards, indicating that other disciples were also performing on stage. Those who were able to perform at the birthday banquet had naturally learned some of Fang Baiyan's true skills.
"Xiao Jie, why don't I see Xiao Da?" Fang Jie came to attend to Shang Wushuang again, and Shang Wushuang seized the opportunity to ask.
Upon hearing this, Fang Jie's expression became even more displeased. "Don't mention him. My father is having his birthday, and he's still out fooling around. He's truly useless." She continued, "He's been unreachable since this morning. He's an absolute scoundrel! Just wait until he gets back, and I'll deal with him!"
Hearing Fang Jie's words, Chen Fan's brow furrowed slightly. He sensed something unusual. The kidnapping of Chen Xiaozhu two days ago, in which Fang Da was implicated, was already strange. Today, on Fang Baiyan's birthday, with the banquet about to begin, he was still missing?
"Alas, don't be angry. We'll teach him a good lesson after the banquet," Shang Wushuang advised.
"Yes, that's all we can do for now. You two, enjoy yourselves. After the banquet, I'll have a good chat with you. These past few days have been quite busy, but luckily, my senior brothers are very capable, so I haven't had to worry much." Shang Wushuang then said, "Alright, Xiao Jie, you should go and attend to other matters."
Fang Jie nodded and turned to greet others.
"By the way, why were you looking for Fang Da?" Shang Wushuang asked Chen Fan.
"I had something to ask him. It seems it's not a good time," Chen Fan said.
As the two chatted casually, at that moment, the disciples performing a synchronized dance on stage finished, eliciting thunderous applause.
A figure then gracefully leaped onto the stage, bowed in all directions, and said, "Having just witnessed the performances of my various Fang family junior brothers, I, Feng, am filled with enthusiasm and wish to try my hand, so that the elders may offer some guidance!" He continued, "I once again wish Patriarch Fang a long life like the East Sea, and even greater achievements in martial arts. I, Feng, will first perform a set of boxing to liven up Patriarch Fang's birthday banquet!"
"Excellent!"
"Young nephew Feng, please proceed! We have long heard of the powerful and unyielding Northern Fist of the Ji Bei Sect, and today we shall have the opportunity to witness it!"
"If young nephew Feng has this intention, I, Fang, am naturally delighted. Please proceed, young nephew Feng!"
The Feng Ya on stage began to perform his boxing, his movements indeed powerful and sharp. He intended to show off, unleashing hidden energy that made the air crackle with imposing power.
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