Chapter 267: Centennial Ganoderma

Chapter 267: Chapter 267: Centennial Ganoderma

As soon as Dong Shaojie finished speaking, a man in a suit at his side presented an exquisite gift box.

The box opened to reveal a top-quality Ganoderma.

The moment he saw the Ganoderma, Jiang Fan’s eyes lit up. Its shape was perfect, its color vibrant, its texture distinct, and its cap perfectly rounded—clearly a top-quality specimen.

"This is a Centennial Ganoderma that our Dong Family has treasured for many years. As you can all see, its appearance is superb and its quality is superior. It’s a priceless treasure that you can’t find on the market. As a Noble Family of traditional medicine, how about my Dong Family offers this Centennial Ganoderma as the prize for tonight’s ball?"

As Dong Shaojie finished, the crowd gasped in amazement, exclaiming, "That Ganoderma’s quality is absolutely superb!"

A middle-aged man in his forties stepped forward, studying the Ganoderma closely. "A Ganoderma of this quality," he said, overcome with emotion, "its value is immeasurable!"

Someone else in the crowd called out, "A Ganoderma like that is a once-in-a-lifetime find."

Jiang Fan, of course, recognized the Ganoderma’s value. Consuming a specimen of this quality would be immensely beneficial. ’It might even help my cultivation break through to the next level.’

However, Jiang Fan knew that a guy like Dong Shaojie would never give away a peerless Ganoderma this easily. ’He must be scheming something.’

As expected, amid the chorus of praise, Dong Shaojie spoke again. "The dance floor is ready for everyone. You may all choose your partners. Tonight, this Ganoderma will belong to the brightest star of the evening!"

After he spoke, Dong Shaojie’s gaze naturally fell upon Yin Ruxue. His intention couldn’t have been clearer, and Jiang Fan understood it perfectly.

"Yin Ruxue, just how many romantic debts have you racked up?"

"Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?"

"Hey, don’t spread rumors! I’m innocent. But that Dong Shaojie... the way he’s looking at you, he’s practically undressing you with his eyes."

"Jiang Fan!"

"No wonder you insisted on dragging me to this ball. You just wanted me to be your human shield."

Yin Ruxue was momentarily speechless. What Jiang Fan said wasn’t wrong. She hadn’t been interested in this banquet at all, but she couldn’t go against Yin Mountain’s wishes. Besides, it was an opportunity to network with business elites, which is why she’d decided to attend.

However, Dong Shaojie had relentlessly pestered her even before he went abroad. After returning to the country, he’d started sending her a barrage of harassing texts. Utterly fed up, Yin Ruxue had sought out Jiang Fan, hoping to finally get Dong Shaojie to back off.

As Dong Shaojie finished speaking, the courtyard outside burst into life. Neon lights flickered above the dance floor as an elegant melody filled the air.

The guests in the banquet hall began to pair off.

"Come on, let’s go check it out!" Yin Ruxue said to Jiang Fan, her interest piqued.

The two of them went out into the courtyard. On the magnificent dance floor, some couples were already swaying gracefully to the melodious tune.

"Xue’er, are you interested in that Ganoderma? If you want it, I can help you win it!"

Just then, a man approached them from a short distance away. It was Su Qingchu.

Su Qingchu spoke, but his gaze was fixed on Jiang Fan.

Yin Ruxue stiffened.

"How will you help me?"

"Xue’er, if you’re willing, I can be your partner for a dance on stage!"

"Ah?"

Hearing this, Jiang Fan, who was standing to the side, let out a laugh.

Yin Ruxue felt a little awkward. She wasn’t particularly interested in the Ganoderma, but she didn’t want to publicly reject Su Qingchu.

But as she hesitated, another voice called out from afar.

"Xue’er, care for a dance? I remember how your skills on the floor used to capture the hearts of all the young talents in Yang City. Would you grant me the honor of competing for that little prize with me?"

The speaker was none other than Dong Shaojie, who was already walking over as he spoke.

Instantly, Su Qingchu’s expression turned grim.

However, upon seeing it was Dong Shaojie, he forced a smile and said, "Since Young Master Dong is also interested, I won’t stand in your way."

Clearly, Su Qingchu was choosing to back out.

Jiang Fan scoffed. His opinion of Su Qingchu dropped even lower.

With Dong Shaojie’s arrival, all eyes turned to Yin Ruxue.

"Isn’t that President Yin Ruxue of Xuerong International?"

"Whoa, Young Master Dong invited her personally. Is there even any question who will win now?"

"A talented man and a beautiful woman—a perfect match. Yin Ruxue is Yang City’s famously aloof beauty. Only a brilliant young man like Young Master Dong could possibly be worthy of her."

With all eyes fixed on them, Yin Ruxue could feel her face burning.

She hadn’t expected Dong Shaojie to organize a ball during his own banquet. Now, with everyone’s commentary, she was trapped in an awkward position.

She instinctively glanced at Jiang Fan, but he remained where he was, showing no reaction.

Yin Ruxue sighed inwardly.

’Then again,’ she thought, ’I did just drag him here to be a human shield. It’s not like you can learn to dance in a day.’

’Dong Shaojie’s move really was a clever one.’

"Is there a problem, Xue’er?"

As she hesitated, Dong Shaojie gallantly extended a hand.

Yin Ruxue was hesitant, but she knew that refusing him now would be a public slap in the face to Young Master Dong.

With that, she gritted her teeth, ready to accept. ’It’s just one dance,’ she thought. ’What’s the big deal?’

"Young Master Dong, I don’t think so. After all, Xue’er is with me. If she’s going to dance, it should be with me, right?"

At this moment, Jiang Fan suddenly spoke up.

In an instant, the expressions on everyone’s faces changed. They all stared dumbly at Jiang Fan. Dong Shaojie’s face became glacial, his features twisting into an ugly sneer.

"You can dance?" Yin Ruxue looked at Jiang Fan in surprise, her eyes lighting up.

Dong Shaojie coolly adjusted his glasses and said in a cold voice, "Do you even know what a waltz is? Xue’er is an exceptional dancer. Don’t drag her on stage to be humiliated with you!"

"It’s just ballroom dancing, isn’t it? Back in college, my class was short on guys, so I had to fill in a few times. It didn’t seem that difficult."

"’Fill in?’" Hearing this, Dong Shaojie roared with laughter.

"Did you all hear that? President Yin is one of the most stunning CEOs in Yang City, and I have no idea where she found this fool who actually thinks he can waltz!"

As Dong Shaojie finished speaking, many in the crowd began to roar with laughter.

"Jiang Fan, this is no time for games!"

Yin Ruxue whispered. More than her own embarrassment, she dreaded the public humiliation that was sure to follow.