Chapter 266: Adding to the Stakes

Chapter 266: Chapter 266: Adding to the Stakes

Normally, Su Qingci could have raised her leg to block him.

But today of all days, she was wearing a short formal dress, and for a moment, she had no idea how to break free from Jiang Fan’s grasp.

"Jiang Fan, you bastard! Get away from me! Don’t you dare come any closer!"

"And what if I don’t? Since you’re so determined to be your brother’s wingman, you might as well go all the way. I’m going to make you feel what it’s like to be forced."

As he spoke, Jiang Fan lunged forward and pulled Su Qingci into a tight embrace.

"Well? How does it feel?"

"Jiang Fan, don’t do this!"

SNAP!

Suddenly, with a loud click, the lights in the courtyard outside the banquet hall flicked on.

Jiang Fan was caught completely off guard. A bright spotlight landed right on him and Su Qingci. The sight of them locked in an embrace immediately drew the gazes of everyone in the courtyard.

The two of them instantly became the center of attention, and the guests began to whisper among themselves.

"What in the world are those two doing?"

"Why are they embracing in public like that?"

"Exactly! And in a dark corner, no less!"

"Have they no shame?"

Jiang Fan instinctively shoved Su Qingci away, his own face burning hot.

Su Qingci’s face was flushed crimson. She glared at Jiang Fan, her eyes like daggers, as if she wanted to devour him whole.

In the crowd, Jiang Fan was stunned to see Yin Ruxue and Su Qingchu. ’Hadn’t they already gone upstairs? I saw them go with my own eyes!’

"The dance is about to start. Qingci, what are you two doing?" Su Qingchu asked, looking at his sister.

Only then did Jiang Fan notice the rows of flashing lights overhead. The corner they were in was apparently a dance floor. That was why, when the spotlights switched on, they had instantly become the center of attention.

"Um... Brother, I’m not used to these high heels. I almost fell just now, and Mr. Jiang just happened to be passing by and caught me!"

Su Qingci’s words weren’t just for Su Qingchu, but for everyone else present as well.

And just as she intended, the people who had been whispering earlier averted their gazes.

At that moment, Yin Ruxue quickly walked over and took Jiang Fan’s arm. "I was wondering where you’d gone. The dance is about to start. Well? Are you interested?"

Jiang Fan could feel Yin Ruxue squeezing his arm with all her might. He gave an awkward laugh and said, "I was just being a good Samaritan, that’s all."

With that, he hurriedly left the dance floor.

The guests paid the minor incident no mind. A crowd was already flooding onto the dance floor as the music began to play.

"And this is...?" Su Qingchu asked, surprised to see Yin Ruxue holding Jiang Fan’s arm.

Yin Ruxue stated coolly, "This is my boyfriend, Jiang Fan. What, didn’t Qingci tell you?"

"Boyfriend? Since when do you have a boyfriend? How come I never knew?"

Su Qingchu’s expression soured. He glanced at Su Qingci, as if seeking confirmation.

A faint blush crept onto Su Qingci’s cheeks.

"They must have just gotten together. I only just heard Xue’Er mention it myself."

"Hello, Mr. Su!" Jiang Fan said, not to be outdone, taking the initiative to greet him.

"Mr.... Mr. Jiang, hello! You look familiar, Mr. Jiang. If I’m not mistaken, I think I saw you on TV yesterday during the opening ceremony for Hidden Dragon Academy."

"You have a sharp eye, Mr. Su. I’m the one who founded Hidden Dragon Academy. Would you be interested in investing, Mr. Su? Make a contribution for the kids at the orphanage?"

Jiang Fan’s words left Su Qingchu speechless.

Just then, a booming voice echoed from inside the banquet hall.

"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Dong Family’s banquet tonight..."

Jiang Fan saw an old man in a Zhongshan suit inside the banquet hall, beaming at the guests. Many people were already heading inside.

Su Qingchu grabbed Su Qingci and hurried toward the banquet hall as well.

Jiang Fan watched them go, shaking his head with a wry smile. ’It was just a suggestion to donate some money. I was only kidding. What’s he so flustered about?’

Yin Ruxue, still holding his arm, said coolly, "I can’t be bothered to deal with you about that little scene just now. Elder Dong has arrived. Let’s go over and see what’s happening."

Jiang Fan understood her meaning but didn’t say anything more, simply following her into the banquet hall.

The banquet hall was already packed with people.

Elder Dong began to speak. "My son, Dong Shaojie, has recently returned after completing his studies abroad. I had only intended to hold a small family dinner, but I’m honored that so many of you have graced us with your presence. Since we’re all here, I’d like to take this opportunity to make an announcement: From this day forward, I will be handing over the Dong family business to my son, Dong Shaojie. He will have full authority. I hope you will all give him your full support!"

"That’s the Dong Family’s Patriarch, Dong Kaixiong," Yin Ruxue whispered to Jiang Fan. "Their family is in the traditional Chinese medicine business. That son of his, Dong Shaojie, went abroad to study and picked up Western medicine. Right now, Dong Pharmaceutical is at the height of its power in Yang City. There are even rumors they want to get into real estate."

She paused before continuing, "Although traditional and Western medicine, as well as real estate, have nothing to do with us at Xuerong International, the Dong Family is one of Yang City’s Eight Great Clans. Their influence is immense, and they’ve attracted many business leaders. It’s even said they have political backing..."

Yin Ruxue trailed off, saying no more.

But Jiang Fan understood. Xuerong International was a publicly traded company in Yang City, and Yin Ruxue was holding it all together by herself. To maintain their footing in the city, she needed to build connections with more business titans.

The moment Dong Kaixiong finished speaking, a buzz of discussion erupted from the crowd.

"Elder Dong is really handing the entire family business over to Young Master Dong! He must have learned a great deal while he was abroad!"

"Young Master Dong is so young and accomplished. You can tell he has an extraordinary air about him just by looking!"

"Exactly! It’s been a long time since Yang City has seen such an outstanding young talent!"

Jiang Fan found the sycophantic praise hard to stomach.

’The moment I first laid eyes on Dong Shaojie, I felt a sense of unease. The guy is clearly a sanctimonious hypocrite; otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to put me down in front of Yin Ruxue.’

Amid the chorus of "praise," Dong Shaojie slowly walked to Dong Kaixiong’s side.

"Everyone, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our Dong Family banquet. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality. On another note... the dance is about to begin, and for tonight’s ball, I’ve prepared a little surprise for all of you!"

As Dong Shaojie finished, Dong Kaixiong chuckled. "This boy of mine came back from abroad having learned all sorts of Western customs. I’m too old for it, so I’ll just let him have his fun. Think of it as a good opportunity for everyone to mingle and strengthen your connections!"

"Everyone, to make tonight’s ball a little more exciting, I’ve prepared a prize for the occasion!"