Chapter 110: Chapter 10: Dispersal and a Sky-High Background

"Tch, seems like it didn’t do much good, Dai Yanfeng. After all your boasting, you ended up handing him an advantage."

The man named Dai Yanfeng remained expressionless. "It was just a convenient move. Win or lose, I suffer no loss. That Zhang Yan probably doesn’t even know I was targeting him."

Chu Chengxi looked disdainful but couldn’t refute him. Dai Yanfeng’s method was indeed more brilliant, but it was a pivot based on Chu Chengxi having already acted as the guinea pig. This slight feeling of being used was the true source of his displeasure.

He didn’t want to waste any more breath on him and turned to Si Mingxin instead. "Brother Xin, that younger brother of yours..."

"Yes, I know exactly who he’s been in contact with. He’s just on his last legs, making a futile struggle."

"As long as you know, Brother Xin."

With an air of having everything completely under control, Si Mingxin stood up gracefully and extended a hand to his female companion. "Darling, care for a dance?"

Influenced by his confidence, everyone in their camp felt a bit more reassured and began inviting their respective partners to the dance floor.

Several spotlights went out, and the venue’s lighting was adjusted once more as the background music transitioned into a tango.

Zhang Yan obviously wasn’t going to win anyone over with a single dance, but undeniably, his performance had still scored him some points, earning a bit more approval from those who had previously been on the fence.

"Senior Sister Xia, thanks! I’ll properly thank you later!" Seeing a few friends gathering around, Zhang Yan prepared to deal with the pleasantries first.

People dancing, groups chatting, guests lingering by the snacks... the entire banquet entered a relatively free and relaxing period.

"See that young man over there? If he ever speaks ill to you in the future, I hope you’ll do me a favor and not make things too miserable for him."

Zhang Yan followed Si Mingcheng’s gaze and saw someone standing on the periphery of Si Mingxin’s circle. "Your lover? Didn’t expect you to be into that!"

"Fuck off! He... used to be my biggest supporter. When my company was on the verge of bankruptcy, his family was nearly ruined along with it. In the end, it was Si Mingxin who pulled him out of the fire."

"Alright, I’ll keep that in mind."

"Then I won’t bother thanking you. I’ll treat you to barbecue some other day."

Even now, Si Mingcheng hadn’t quite figured out the depths of his longtime friend. He could only be certain that Zhang Yan’s core remained the same person he knew so well, though his outward presence had undergone an earth-shattering transformation. Bringing Zhang Yan into this circle was partly out of selfishness, hoping Zhang Yan could help him get revenge on his older brother. But at the same time, it was to help Zhang Yan fill in what he lacked the most right now: connections and insight.

This world ran on relationships. In many situations, money wasn’t everything. You might not be able to give a gift to the right person, or you might not have the right connections to get things done... and so on. But once money was combined with favors and connections, it became practically omnipotent.

Their relationship was mutually beneficial, and Si Mingcheng sincerely hoped this junior of his would live an increasingly better life.

Seeing Si Mingcheng’s expression—like an old father watching his son succeed—made Zhang Yan feel thoroughly grossed out. "By the way, Brother Cheng, those little stunts today were all pulled by Si Mingxin’s people, right? Can you find out exactly who did what?"

"I kept an eye out for you. Besides Chu Chengxi, who stepped in directly and got shut down by you, picking you to taste the wine on stage was an order passed down by Si Mingxin, and adding the dance segment at the end was Dai Yanfeng’s doing."

"Got it. I’ve noted it down."

Afraid he might do something impulsive, Si Mingcheng quickly offered a word of advice. "They have the upper hand right now. If things get ugly, you’ll be the one to suffer. Since we’re working with my sister now, there will eventually be a time for you to vent your anger."

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."

Zhang Yan verbally agreed easily enough, but in reality, he was already drawing up a plan for revenge in his mind.

Chu Chengxi’s family business was mostly in investments and banking, making them rather difficult to deal with. Besides, he didn’t look particularly bright, so there was no rush to handle him. Dai Yanfeng’s family, on the other hand, was involved in entertainment and media. As long as one entered the same industry and was willing to throw money around, it would be very easy to target him. Zhang Yan loathed venomous snakes who liked to hide behind the scenes.

He thought, "Speaking of which, Brother Ren happens to have an entertainment company he wants to sell. It just requires twenty million, and I don’t have enough financial strength for it yet. Looks like I need to complete my mission as soon as possible."

All good things must come to an end. This banquet, which had gathered the vast majority of Meng City’s second-generation heirs, was finally drawing to a close. Whether satisfied or not, everyone had gained something of their own.

Although it was officially over, most small cliques still had their own after-parties. In fact, there was one final event left: the unspoken competition of rides in the underground parking garage upon departure. Under the unspoken rules, those whose cars weren’t quite up to par would leave about five minutes early, but those who stayed until the end would inevitably size up each other’s vehicles.

Si Mingcheng had also mentioned this to Zhang Yan. Zhang Yan felt his ride was presentable enough, so he didn’t mind. Although it might not stand out in terms of absolute monetary value, he was confident that its appearance and performance wouldn’t lose to the others. In terms of rarity, it was definitely one of the top models in the entire country.

Xia Xiqing had already changed out of her floor-length gown. She met up with Zhang Yan, and they exited together with the crowd.

Coincidentally, Liu Shi and Cheng Lu’s engagement party on the other side of the venue ended at the exact same time. Over there, Liu Shi stood at the door with Cheng Lu, seemingly seeing off their guests, but in reality, focusing his attention on every single person leaving the main banquet hall.

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