CHAPTER 164: CHAPTER 164: ALL MEN GATHER (4)_1

"What’s there to be ashamed of? The mistress’s daughter got in; we entered fair and square. Feng Shaomei, why don’t you speak up?" Shen Jia spoke resentfully.

"Shen Jia is right. She’s just a mistress’s child who shouldn’t be seen in public."

"Shaomei, say less. We’re here to attend the banquet," Feng Shao’an pulled Feng Shaomei back, forbidding her to speak. Meanwhile, Deputy Director Feng also glanced at Feng Shaomei. Having secured his position, he was adept at reading situations. Since someone else was taking the lead, they merely needed to watch the show.

"I understand, Daddy," Feng Shaomei bowed her head and spoke no more.

Old Master Qi stroked his beard, his eyes shifting between the indifferent Shangguan You and the furious Shangguan Qing, and he couldn’t help but shake his head.

"Sister You, Brother Qing, did you come by yourselves?" Qi Zhuochen’s crisp voice rang out. He held a special fondness for Shangguan You, who had saved his life.

"Yes. Zhuochen, are you feeling any better?" Shangguan Qing looked at Qi Zhuochen’s adorable face and couldn’t help but chuckle. He had wanted to get angry just moments before, but Youyou had said there was no need to bother with these insignificant people; they didn’t have to stoop to their level.

"I’m feeling very well. I must thank Sister You for saving my life that day."

"Miss Shangguan, the promise from that day is still valid," Old Master Qi said, nodding with a smile toward the two as he brought up the past promise once again.

"Of course. I will certainly look for Old Master Qi when the time comes," Shangguan You replied with a smile, not taking it to heart. A physiognomist, someone with Yin Yang Eyes... besides, I haven’t encountered anything I need their help with.

"It’s Young Master Han and Young Master Lan!" Feng Shaomei’s voice rose as the icy Han Yachu and the smiling Lan Xuan entered, walking behind Han Xiao and Lan Guohua.

"Ah, it really is them!" Shen Jia’s face flushed. She had thought that by leaving B City, she would never see them again, but here they were, just before the New Year, walking towards them.

Shen Jia glanced at the four empty seats, her eyes brimming with joy. Feng Shao’an even stood up and walked towards Lan Xuan and his party.

"Young Master Lan, Young Master Han, over here!"

"Mayor Lan, Principal Han, so you’ve come too! If we’d known, we would have come together. Now that we’ve met, let’s all sit together," Deputy Director Feng said, his face beaming like a flower as he enthusiastically greeted Lan Guohua and Han Xiao.

The group exchanged pleasantries and sat down. Shangguan You sneered inwardly. So, everyone she knew had gathered at one table.

Shen Cheng, Wanqian, and Shen Jia—a family of three—were there, along with the three members of the Feng family, and the Qi family’s grandfather and grandson. Now, with the addition of the four from the Han and Lan families, plus Shangguan You and her companion, their table had sixteen people. It was just four short of being full.

"Shangguan You, I didn’t expect to meet you here," Lan Xuan said, glancing at Shangguan You. A flicker of admiration showed in his eyes before he greeted her casually.

Han Yachu swept a cold glance at Shangguan You before sitting down beside Lan Han.

"I didn’t expect to meet you all here either," Shangguan You replied, briefly scanning the group.

"Hello, Principal Han."

"Miss Shangguan You, does your family also reside in Beijing?" Han Xiao asked with a nod. Shangguan You had made a strong impression on him, and he was surprised to see her here, which made him curious about her background.

"Yes," Shangguan You affirmed.

"And who is this by your side?" Han Yachu asked, his gaze fixed on Shangguan Qing.

"You must be Youyou’s schoolmates, correct? I must thank you all for looking after her while she was in B City," Shangguan Qing said with a gentle smile, standing up. Despite his youth, having navigated these circles for so long, he knew how to handle anyone, be it a mayor or a principal.

"Shangguan You is a diligent student; it’s not a matter of looking after her. At First Middle School, she is one of our students," Han Xiao replied, nodding and shaking hands lightly with Shangguan Qing.

"Lan Xuan."

"Han Yachu."

"Shangguan Qing."

The three men introduced themselves and shook hands amicably. Shangguan Qing then sat down again beside Shangguan You. Such banquets were all about networking. Those of lower status aimed to connect with those of higher status, while the wealthy sought to know officials. Beautiful women hoped to meet third-generation officials, and rich young men wanted to meet the children of high-ranking officials.

Everyone had their own agenda, their own targets.

"You guys are so early! Why didn’t you call us to join you?" Gui Jun’s voice rang out. Immediately, he and two others ran over and sat down next to Shangguan Qing. Where Gui Jun went, Gui Mo and Gui Luo naturally followed.

"Youyou said she wanted to come early to look around, so we came very early," Shangguan Qing replied with a light smile, looking at Gui Jun’s complaining face.

"Youyou, next time, wherever you go, remember to call me," Gui Mo said, nodding at Han Yachu and Lan Xuan in greeting before focusing his attention on Shangguan You.

"Brother Qing, Shangguan You, you made us search so hard for you! Later, Sister Rou said you had come early, so we hurried over," Gui Luo said, glancing at Shangguan Qing. Her cheeks reddened even more when she saw how handsome he looked today.

"Qing Shao, you’re not being fair! Getting a sister and forgetting your brothers—is it all about girls over bros, huh?" Gui Jun exclaimed.

"Brother Jun, I know, I know. From now on, wherever I go, I’ll call you," Shangguan You said with a smile to Gui Jun and the others, finally calming the two complainers.

"Shangguan You, these people are all your friends, aren’t you? Aren’t you going to introduce us? We’re classmates, after all," Lan Xuan said, his brow slightly raised as he eyed Shangguan You, who was surrounded by people. It’s only been a winter break, yet so many men have appeared around her.

"Youyou, do you know all these people?" Gui Luo asked, studying Lan Guohua and the others before returning her gaze to Shangguan You, clearly showing no interest in them.

Gui Mo glanced around and made the introductions. Naturally, he didn’t mention Shen Cheng’s group, the Feng family, or the Shen family, as they were always antagonizing Youyou. Since Youyou ignored them, Gui Mo couldn’t be bothered to bring them up.