CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 161: ALL MEN GATHER (1)_1

The venue for this banquet was the five-star Lido Hotel, an establishment dedicated to government departments, boasting first-class facilities, services, cuisine, and bodyguards. Coupled with cooperation from the police department, the hotel was as secure as a fortified wall.

Shangguan You was among the earliest to arrive. Typically, the first batch of attendees consisted of high-ranking officials from various government sectors. The second batch included well-known wealthy families from Beijing, followed by mid-level officials from the city. They arrived in waves, with the most senior figures usually making their appearance last.

Two rows of hostesses stood at the entrance. Behind them were rows of bodyguards, diligently stationed at every corner of the hotel to ensure the safety of all attendees.

As soon as they entered, the hostesses politely led Shangguan You and Shangguan Qing inside, escorting them to a spot in a corner. The two exchanged glances but didn’t seem displeased with their seating arrangement.

"Brother Qing, it’s still early. Why don’t we look around? It’s my first time here," Shangguan You said, taking Shangguan Qing’s arm and pulling him out of the banquet hall.

Observing the waiters in white uniforms and the bodyguards in black, Shangguan You didn’t relax; instead, she became even more vigilant. Are these hotel security personnel or police officers? Their uniforms are identical. If someone were to sneak a bomb in, who would know? How could it be detected? Recalling the bloody scene she had witnessed the previous night, Shangguan You felt a chill. The bomb isn’t in the banquet hall, but on the dance floor.

"Brother Qing, let’s go take a look at the dance floor. It’s my first time at such a banquet, so let’s check it out in advance," she suggested.

"Silly girl, it’s all the same. What’s so strange about it?" Shangguan Qing said. He was about to ruffle Shangguan You’s hair when he noticed her elaborate, wavy hairstyle and stopped himself. His silly girl was the most beautiful tonight; he couldn’t ruin her hair.

"Please, Brother Qing? Let’s go take a look," Shangguan You urged, pulling Shangguan Qing as they slowly made their way to the dance floor upstairs. Since the banquet hadn’t started yet, the dance floor was virtually empty except for waiters. Rows of fine liquor and various pastries were already set out.

No sooner had they arrived than two waiters walked out, carrying replaced light bulbs. Shangguan You’s eyes grew cold as she watched the two men pass in front of her.

"Silly girl, it’s the same as any other place; there’s nothing special here." They had just entered when the combination of a handsome man and a beautiful woman caught the attention of the waiters. Even the person inside, directing security, couldn’t help but turn around to look at them.

"Brother Qing, what are they doing over there?" Shangguan You’s eyes flashed as she walked towards the group of men in white waiter uniforms. The tall figure among them seemed familiar. Where have I seen him before? she wondered, racking her brain.

"Silly girl, that’s Officer Luo. He’s checking the security here. Let’s go over and say hello," Shangguan Qing said with a faint smile, heading towards the man in the middle who was giving directions.

"Luo Wu, long time no see," Shangguan Qing said, approaching and greeting the men. Beijing was a place neither too big nor too small, and people within these circles often knew each other.

"Ah, it’s Young Master Shangguan," the tall figure greeted Shangguan Qing politely in return. The two men shook hands and nodded to each other.

"Shangguan Qing, you’re doing well for yourself, bringing such a beauty to the banquet! You’re quite lucky with the ladies, but aren’t you afraid your family will break your legs?" another young man joked with a smile, playfully punching Shangguan Qing on the arm.

"Luo Tong, you’re back from B City?" Shangguan Qing’s voice rose slightly. He was genuinely surprised to see Luo Tong, as he had heard Luo was working at the B City Police Department and figured he must have returned for the New Year.

"Of course, I had to come back for the New Year. My elder brothers have assignments, so I came to lend a hand," Luo Tong said, slinging an arm around Shangguan Qing’s shoulder, indicating their close relationship.

Shangguan You looked at the familiar faces before her. I remember now! This police officer is none other than Luo Tong, the one Long Hua completely fooled during that investigation, she recalled.

A slight smile touched Shangguan You’s lips. It truly is a small world. From B City to Beijing, and I still run into them.

"How are things over there? Is work going smoothly?" Shangguan Qing asked with a smile, inquiring about Luo Tong’s current situation.

"Let’s not get into that. Tonight, we’re here to enjoy the banquet, not discuss official business. And who might this young lady be?" Luo Tong’s expression stiffened for a moment before he quickly changed the subject.

"This is my younger sister, Shangguan You."

"Silly girl, this is Luo Tong and Luo Wu. You probably don’t remember them; you were so little back then," Shangguan Qing explained, his voice tinged with a smile as it reached her ear.

"So, it’s the Princess of the Shangguan Family," Luo Tong remarked. "Her aura truly is different."

"Indeed," Luo Wu agreed. "The little sister Young Master Shangguan doted on has grown into such a beauty." The Luo brothers observed Shangguan You. She was holding Shangguan Qing’s arm, a faint smile on her lips, her clear eyes calmly looking at them. She wasn’t like other women who looked at them as if they wanted to devour them, and this made them feel an inexplicable fondness for her.

"The Luo brothers are too kind. How could I be considered a beauty? You two are the handsome ones," Shangguan You replied with a smile.

"Our silly girl is shy," Shangguan Qing said. "She mentioned she’d never been here and kept pestering me to bring her for a look. I really didn’t expect to run into you two." He raised his hand, intending to stroke her hair again, but then remembered it was styled and reluctantly pulled his hand back.

"Brothers Luo, what are you inspecting here?" Shangguan You asked, genuinely curious as she noticed many people carefully checking every corner of the area.

"Silly girl, we’re naturally inspecting for safety. Not a single corner can be missed," Luo Wu explained with a light laugh, seeing her curious, wide-eyed look. "This ensures everyone’s safety so you can all enjoy yourselves without worry."