When Su Ruo arrived holding Xi Zi, quite a few guests had already arrived.
Xi Yuehui was busy entertaining them—he had already arrived in B City yesterday. To attend his beloved nephew’s full moon banquet, he had worked overtime day and night for several days just to free up some time.
By now, Xi Yuehui had spent enough time in official circles to pick up a bit of the etiquette and social skills required, so Xi Jian’an entrusted him with an important task: hosting and entertaining the guests.
Joining Xi Yuehui in playing the “host” role was Su Heng. It wasn’t surprising that they were chosen—there simply wasn’t anyone more suitable. Could Xi Yuechen handle entertaining the guests?
He had the ability?
Nope! So he just had to show up; nothing more was expected of him.
Xi Jian’an knew his son’s temperament too well. Asking him to host would be pointless—not only would he be unwilling, the guests wouldn’t feel comfortable either. Forget “making them feel at home.”
Aside from Xi Yuechen, the only suitable people left were Xi Yuehui and Su Heng. After all, both had been lively since childhood and knew how to handle social interactions. Most of the attendees were familiar faces; even if a few were strangers, keeping the atmosphere lively was enough.
Moreover, regardless of what Su Heng’s future held, Xi Yuehui’s career in officialdom was all but guaranteed. He would inevitably face situations like this, so this could serve as good experience. Even if some things went slightly wrong, these were all high-ranking, influential people—just smile it off. Who would really care?
No matter how inexperienced Xi Yuehui and Su Heng might be, they were still better than some other descendants, all roughly the same age. What were the others doing? Mostly indulging in drinking, eating, and playing—the typical second-generation heirs.
Thinking of this, Xi Jian’an and Su Feng were quite proud. This was what “having capable successors” looked like!
Xi Yuechen didn’t mind being “sidelined.” It was fine—he wasn’t exactly the social butterfly type.
The moment Su Ruo entered, she was overwhelmed again. So many people… But that wasn’t the main issue. The key was that she spotted a few figures she had only seen in the news…
Who could tell her if she was just seeing things?
Su Ruo had to reassess her son’s value once again. He seemed very noble. A full moon banquet organized on this scale was quite extravagant.
A slightly audacious thought flashed through her mind. He Wen and the others always joked that Xi Zi was like a crown prince. She had never taken it seriously—but seeing this scene, she had to admit, it really did resemble the banquets of aristocratic heirs in ancient times.
Su Ruo didn’t dwell on it too much, though. As soon as they entered, all eyes were on them—more precisely, on Xi Zi, who was nestled in Shen Liang’s arms.
“Ruo Ruo, you finally came! Let me see the little Xi Zi!”
At that moment, He Wen appeared from somewhere, full of excitement. After asking Shen Liang and Zhang Huaqing, she leaned in to see the tightly bundled Xi Zi.
In such a formal setting, she was being unusually uninhibited…
Su Ruo glanced at the He family couple not far off. Sure enough, their faces had turned nearly green.
Could they not? So many people were looking their way. He Wen rushed over so freely and noisily that her father, who always cared about his image, was almost furious. What kind of decorum was this?
Su Wei, following closely, tugged at He Wen to remind her to tone it down and stop being so wild.
“What are you doing? I haven’t even seen Xi Zi yet,” He Wen protested.
“Bow to me, you little tyrant. Right now, you’re the center of attention,” Su Ruo teased with mock severity.
He Wen realized the truth and paled, not daring to even glance at her parents, afraid of their impending wrath.
She forced a laugh and said to Shen Liang and the others, “Aunt Shen, Aunt Zhang, you continue. I’ll just go over there and take a look.”
Then she whisked Su Wei away, finally remembering to maintain some composure, walking with a bit more dignity.
“This child, exactly like when she was little,” Zhang Huaqing shook his head, amused.
Su Ruo smiled too. He Wen’s personality was probably set in stone.
Afterwards, Su Ruo was led around the room. She greeted everyone and was then allowed to move freely. Xi Zi, however, remained in Su Feng’s arms, proudly showing off to those nearby. Even Xi Jian’an stood aside, beaming at Xi Zi with an air of pride.
Su Ruo chuckled quietly at the scene, then slipped into a private room.
Most of the people in the main hall were elders. After greeting them, Su Ruo’s presence was no longer necessary, and Shen Liang asked her to go find He Wen and the others—young people should enjoy themselves together.
Su Ruo happily left the main hall, leaving the primary battlefield to the elders, Xi Yuehui, and Su Heng. What could she do here? Exchange pleasantries? Eat and drink along?
Though everyone smiled pleasantly, there was a word called “commanding respect without anger.” Besides a few people who made Su Ruo nervous, the other unfamiliar guests were likely of similar status. Having seen the grandeur upon arrival, Su Ruo naturally realized this was no ordinary banquet. Only the wealthy and influential had been invited.
So she felt slightly out of place in such a formal, grand setting. She was still, at heart, an ordinary person. Seeing these influential figures made her heart race, and when they smiled at her, her face twitched involuntarily.
Although she followed Shen Liang and the others with calm composure, internally she was terrified. Her perfect behavior had taken immense courage.
With so many watching, she couldn’t show fear. Here, she didn’t just represent herself—she represented the Xi family and the Su family. Every gesture mattered.
Xi Yuechen noticed Su Ruo’s sudden relaxation after entering the private room and felt a rare warmth. He withdrew his gaze only after she was out of sight.
Su Ruo could leave, but Xi Yuechen couldn’t. Even if he wasn’t hosting, he still had to be present to maintain his image.
The banquet celebrated his son’s full month. No matter how aloof he was, he had to stay until the end, to avoid ridicule.
Watching everyone laugh and chat in the hall, Xi Yuechen remained expressionless. He responded politely when elders asked him questions and nothing more.
Fortunately, everyone knew the eldest son of the Xi family was naturally like this—even with his own father. They didn’t mind; what could they do? You can’t scold someone for always having a cold expression.
Xi Yuechen’s skills and temperament were well known. From infancy, he had been aloof and indifferent. Yet, after marveling at his difficult personality, people couldn’t help admiring his talent and achievements.
Everyone here was clever and capable in their own way. Xi Yuechen’s exploits in D Province had leaked in small circles, though everything was settled. This was effectively a military “favor”—after all, future promotions would need verifiable military achievements.
Those unaware were astounded. “Wait, this nationally sensational, high-profile case was handled by Xi Yuechen? What a remarkable achievement!”
Indeed, everyone knew it was a huge accomplishment. Xi Yuechen wasn’t ordinary; he had taken down all the drug lords in D Province. With such military merit, even if he didn’t rise to the top instantly, rapid advancement was guaranteed.
With such skill, even an unlikable personality became impressive. People wondered why they had no such children in their own families. Thinking of their unworthy descendants made them headache-inducing in comparison.
Xi Jian’an smoothly interacted with everyone alongside his two sons. Xi Yuehui, with his eloquence, kept the atmosphere lively. People praised the Xi family for having two capable sons, one literary and one martial.
Meanwhile, Su Feng busied himself, playing the role of host and guiding Su Heng in entertaining guests. Everything was in order.
Shen Liang and Zhang Huaqing entertained the various ladies. Women chatting together had only a few topics, but the atmosphere was lively.
Xi Yuechen watched the harmonious scene with a surprisingly good mood. Normally, he disliked noisy gatherings. For him, people mingling were just a disturbance.
Yet today, he felt no impatience. He was in a good mood—after all, it was his son’s full moon banquet. Joyful events lift spirits; naturally, everything seemed pleasant.
Suddenly, Xi Yuechen’s eyes flicked, and his right hand swiftly moved backward, a sharp motion.
“Tsk tsk, so alert even in this setting, striking so forcefully,” a teasing male voice came from behind.
Xi Yuechen’s move had been defensive—he had noticed the approaching man and struck before the hand could reach him. The man’s skill was impressive; he managed to counter Xi Yuechen’s move.
“Gu Jiawei,” Xi Yuechen said coldly, retracting his hand. The man was indeed Gu Jiawei, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to strike so decisively. No one knew Gu Jiawei’s abilities better than Xi Yuechen.
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